Inspiring Talks of Swami Sivananda
2nd May, 1948
THE BUTTER OF ATMA
‘I am glad you take so much interest in agriculture and dairy-farming. They are very essential for maintaining the health of every man in India. But there is another, a supreme type of butter, a knowledge of which is essential for every man, especially in India. That butter is that of Atma! Do you know how to churn the Koshas and take the butter of Atma?’ said Siva, when Sri Ramdas (M. Sc. in Agriculture) informed Siva of his forth-coming visit to the U.S.A. for prosecuting his studies in agriculture and dairy-farming.
‘Swamiji, I have not even heard of this churning and how to obtain this butter of Atma. Please let me know the process.’
‘You have to go to the Forest University to obtain a knowledge of this butter.
The five sheaths of the body represent the vessel that holds curd. OM is the churning rod. Practise meditation on OM with Brahma Bhavana. You will soon get the butter of Atma which will make you immortal and ever blissful.’ The scientist said: ‘Thank you very much, Swamiji, you have really opened my eyes now. I shall practise this spiritual churning to eat the butter of Atma and become immortal.’
CLEANSE THE MIND
Sri H. Ram Ram Ram, D.Sc. (Botany) had just returned from America after getting his D.Sc. at an American University. He elaborately described the glories of life in America.
Siva quietly remarked: ‘You must be tired after such a long journey. Throw off your ‘ America’, the suit and your D.Sc., and then take a bath in the Ganga and attend the worship at Viswanath Mandir.’
He was a bit surprised and asked: ‘Swamiji! How to remove America? I can very well remove my suit.’
Siva then explained: ‘Remove American habits and thoughts of America and the D.Sc. Abhiman which is more dangerous. Forget about the glamour of America; give up this D.Sc. Abhiman.’
He laughed heartily and resolved: ‘I shall try to remove these two. But it is rather difficult, for they are ingrained in me for a very long time.’
5 th MAY, 1948
REAL KARMA YOGA
‘In youth itself man should try to lead a simple life, to repeat God’s name, to practise Yoga, to do Vichar, to study Gita and other scriptures, to control the Indriyas. Singing Kirtan and Japa of Nam will bestow perennial joy and supreme inner peace on you; but you can realise this only if you practise.’
‘Yet, youth will not hear! Only when man gets knocks and blows in the daily battle of life will he turn to God. Why not thank God for His mercies and adore him in every form.’
‘Do selfless service …. ’
‘Yes, Swamiji, we are in a way doing this. We earn money, we work and support the family. So, we are all Karma Yogins.’
‘This is a serious mistake. What do people know about the secret and technique of Karma Yoga? They are attached to their families; they waste their lives on earning for the sake of their bellies, and imagine that they are doing Karma Yoga. What do they know of Karma Yoga? Karma Yoga is different. You should give up Abhimana. You should renounce Kartritwa and Bhoktritwa: you should identify yourself with the Atman.’
‘Even a little of this selfless service imperfectly done is good. It will purify you. Combine this with Japa, Kirtan, Dhyana. Then you will realise the Bliss.’
‘Next time come here and stay at least for a week. Then you will have ample opportunities for doing intense Sadhana.’
The above conversation between Siva and an American businessman is revealing.
MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Dr. Sri Pattawardhan, Ph.D. (Chemistry) of Roorkee came to have Swamiji’s Darshan. Swamiji remarked: ‘Dr. Saheb, everybody wants to become a Ph.D. or D.Litt., or I.C.S., or M.B., B.S., or Bar-at-Law: no one wants to know the nature of the Atma! The play of Maya, and the Gunas; what happiness is; what the mind is; what the relation between man and Brahman is; how to get eternal bliss; how to free oneself from bondage. He does not believe in the life everlasting, beyond the senses, in transcendental matters. Everybody wants to have wife, some children, bungalows, gardens, a car and money in the bank. His mental current naturally flows towards objects. He is not able to believe that the repetition of Nam can produce joy and inner peace.’
‘I suppose there is a period of life for such beliefs and practices, Swamiji.’
‘This is the best period—youth. What will you do in old age? You will be deaf, how can the sound of Lord’s name enter your ears: how can you enjoy Kirtans or Kathas? You will not be able to see; how can you read holy books like the Gita and other scriptures? You will not be able to sit at a place and do Japa; you will not be able to control the Indriyas; Sadhana will be impossible. You will waste all your life in useless pursuits and turn when it is too late to the proper path.’
The Doctor asked: ‘Swamiji, if all become Sannyasins, what will become of this world?’
Siva replied: ‘This can never be. Why do you bother about this? Your mind tricks and wants to dupe you. The Omnipotent Lord will create another batch of people in a minute. Mind your business! Enquire and remove your ignorance.’
The Doctor became silent. He was convinced.
17 th MAY, 1948
SIVANANDA MEETS SIVANANDA
‘OM Namo Narayanaya, Swamiji Maharaj!’ so saying Siva swept into the room in Ramashram and before those gathered could realise what was happening had stretched himself on the ground at the feet of Swami Sivanandaji of Mukti Dham: Siva not only said but actually meant the OM Namo Narayanaya with tears in his eyes. The two Sivanandas exchanged greetings.
This Swami was an old Sannyasin, aged 82, more than half of this span spent as a monk. When two worldly men meet after a long separation, they start talking of the clubs, theatres and races they used to visit together, and the picnics they had arranged, etc. God help those who witness this scene! They will be bored. Blessed were the souls who were present at the meeting of these two saints.
Siva served the Swami nicely with fruits and Lassi (sweet buttermilk) and all the while both of them exchanged views on Dharma, the necessity for everyone following the tenets of the Sastras, and the value of elders’ blessings in the life of every man. To the eager listener the Swami then described in detail the growth of Rishikesh during the past half a century. By his child-like attitude, and his deep reverence towards this Swami, Siva set an example to all Sadhakas. True meaning of Narayana Bhav was also vividly portrayed in Siva’s behaviour towards the Swami. Siva then gave a hearty send off to the learned Swami Sivananda.
18 th MAY, 1948
A MILLIONAIRE’S DAUGHTER BREAKS STONES WITH SIVA
We have already seen several times how Siva insists on the need for one and all engaging himself in selfless service. Siva has always said that an aspirant should be prepared to be a coolly and a scavenger, as much as to be a king emperor. He himself sets an example to others in this respect. We have seen how he inspired high officials and rich businessmen to carry baskets on their head by his own behaviour.
No one is spared! Young daughter of a Jewish millionaire—Sri Annabella—and her mother—Srimathi Liliane Shamash were strolling along with Siva near the Yagnashala. Without a moment’s premeditation, Siva mingled with the labourers there and started breaking the stones. A broad, winning smile, and a characteristic ‘Hum’! He invited the two ladies to join him in the task. Soft hands began breaking hard stones.
Swish! A small pebble had flown into Srimathi Liliane’s nose. Before she could even realise what had happened, she sneezed and the pebble was out without any injury to the nose. Of course, with Siva nearby, no harm could befall his devotees.
19 th MAY 1948
WELL DONE, SWAMIJI
Swami Satchidanandaji, an old Sannyasin who was staying in the Ashram entered the office, bowed to Siva and sat on the bench contemplating with joy Siva’s countenance full of peace and bliss.
Sri Gopala Iyer entered and exhibited to Siva several clippings from the newspapers containing his contributions on the results of his researches into the sacred epics of the land. Surely, a lifetime’s labour would evoke great enthusiasm and approbation from Siva!
Sri Gopala Iyer, too, sat beside Sri Satchidanandaji having nothing else to do (Siva had by now diverted his attention to his letters) he picked up a conversation with his bench-mate. Polite words, courtesy, arguments, slightly heated debate—the mercury in the ‘egometer’ was rising high! Satchidanandaji was trying in vain to impress on the pundit that Adwaita was not to be trifled with; that those who went mad if milk did not reach them in time for their morning coffee should not poo-pooh Puranas, divinities and saints. This touched the pundit’s delicate chords and he burst out almost calling the Swami names, characterising him as pseudo-Sannyasin, a mere flesh clothed in gerua, a waster of life, etc.
A sudden mellowing, and Satchidanandaji gave a welcome twist to the dissension. ‘Maharaj! My knowledge is very poor. I have not touched the fringe of the ocean of knowledge in which you ever swim. I am as yet a student; you are advanced. I beg your pardon for arguing with you.’ This silenced the pundit who went out with the head held erect, with egoism.
Siva smiled to Satchidanandaji and said: ‘Very good reply!’
Who can doubt that Siva, seeing the heated debators advancing towards each other, sent out his thought-current transforming Satchidanandaji, and used him as his medium to convey his own peculiar message of humble indifference to humbug?
25 th MAY, 1948
MY ONLY SAGE
‘No, Swamiji! I will not take Sannyas from anyone else. I consider that you are the only real sage today by whose initiation alone I will derive great benefit. I do not consider anyone else can even approach your Holiness in greatness.’ Thus said a Bengali gentleman, a candidate for Sannyas. He had already come to the Ashram several times previously and requested Siva to initiate him into Sannyasa. Once he came to the Ashram, changed his mind and went to another Ashram in Rishikesh. The above was in reply to Siva’s humorous suggestion that he might take Sannyas from some other Mahatma!
YOU ARE A MILLIONAIRE
The topic changed. And, before taking leave of Siva, the Bengali gentleman wanted to get some money from Siva. Half-humorously and half-seriously, Siva remarked that there was paucity of funds in the Society; and that it would gratefully accept donations, however small from the visitor himself! Astonished, the visitor revealed: ‘Swamiji, they say in Rishikesh that you are a millionaire!’
Yes: Siva is a millionaire, the king of kings, whose treasury consists of everyone’s purse and Kubera’s wealth! But, that, the visitor did not know.
26 th MAY, 1948
STRANGE BLESSING
Sri Natarajan had come from South India on a fund collection mission on behalf of Akhilandeswari Temple. They had found it difficult to carry on the work—Pancha Prakara Utsavam—which was being done by his father. He had come to Delhi for the purpose of collecting funds. He did not meet with the success he expected to achieve. He requested Siva to bless him for success in the undertaking.
Siva was silent for a while, watching the two, one would have gathered the impression that Siva was unmindful of the visitor’s plea. He was listening all the while, besides doing his own work.
The pen was put away!
‘Do some Anushthan. This sort of running about for money is no good. By sheer Adhyatmic power you must invoke God’s grace and you will get what you need. Money will come to you. You need not run after money. Reduce the food expenses in connection with the function. What money is collected you must try to utilise it for cultural purposes. Food will only create more quarrels and unnecessary crowd.’
‘Start a Sanskrit College. Bring out translations of the Vedas and Upanishads. Then people will be benefited; they will appreciate your work and money will pour in. Study the working of such colleges elsewhere. Take suggestions from Sri S.V. Iyer of Chingleput—he has organised a Sevashram there.’
‘That is the way to work. Then people will come to know of your spirit of service and will themselves come forward to help. No one nowadays will give you charity for the sake of feeding!’
‘Swamiji! Food is also necessary, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, that also. But the main thing is cultural service.’
‘Annadana first and …. ’
‘No. No. Jnana Dana first and Annadana next. You can give a man food—in a few hours he is hungry again. Further, if you don’t satisfy him and feed him according to his likes, he will abuse you.’
Sri Natarajan actually experienced the truth of this saying—he kept still for a long time trying to digest the food-for-thought Siva had given him.
28 th MAY, 1948
THE MONTESSORI-ADVOCATE
Sri Krishnamurthy and Mr. Lilly Felt arrived at Ananda Kutir with a letter of introduction from Sri Swami Nityananda Kaveeshwar and Sister Lalitha of Tapas Ashram. Sri Krishnamurthy and his companion belonged to the Inner Circle of the Theosophical Society at Madras and friends of Sri Henry van Zeyst, a disciple of Siva. They were on their way to Badrinath.
Siva received them in his own way, with divine cordial greetings. Quickly, he found out that Sri Krishnamurthy was interested in the Montessori system of education. During the evening Satsang Siva initiated a lively discussion on the Montessori system of education during which Sri Krishnamurthy gave a short talk in the system. Incidentally, it is noteworthy how Siva gives everyone his place of importance at Ananda Kutir. There is neither a superiority nor an inferiority complex there. Everyone is received in brotherly love; and anyone who has acquired knowledge in any branch of learning has an opportunity to share it with others. Even if the visitor is shy Siva would insist on his delivering a lecture. And, Siva himself would be the first and foremost student and listener!
BUDDING RAVI VARMA LAUDED
Here comes one of free India’s legislators, Sri Mohanial Saxena, M.L.A. (Central) with his wife and son. They received a hearty welcome and were entertained by Siva himself. Both the couple were pious and devoted. They listened enraptured to Siva’s discourse on Yoga. Young Nanda Kumar, however, found in Siva an object for his pen. Quickly, he sketched Siva’s bust! Siva was all-appreciation of this young boy’s art and awarded him the First Prize for proficiency in drawing. Siva also awarded the title of ‘Chitra Kala Kushala’ on the young artist.
30 th MAY, 1948
SECRET OF KARMA YOGA
‘Prasad distribution is a spiritual Sadhana. He who distributes Prasad should be a good Karma Yogi. There may be some important persons who will go away immediately after the function is over. They will not wait for Prasad distribution. You must serve them first. Others can wait. You should always use the power of discrimination …. You gave so little to Punditji!’ chastised Siva, the Prasad-distributor after the opening ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee Hall extension had concluded.
‘Swamiji, we prepared only very little. We did not expect there will be such a big gathering.’
‘Every function is holy. Even the opening of an office hall is an occasion for all to do Kirtan and have Satsang. All should be invited and served.’
‘Hereafter we shall do so, Swamiji.’
‘And, even if there is only a little Prasad and a big gathering, you should first serve the visitors and we shall share what remains. That is the spirit of Karma Yoga. Have you now understood?’
UPADSEH AT EVERY TURN
‘You want my autograph? Come, why hesitate?’ relieved Siva, Srimathi Kamala Tuli’s embarrassed silence.
Astonished, Srimathi Kamala merely smiled and nodded ‘Yes’.
‘First, I thought that the thing in your hand was a money-bag: but when I noticed your embarrassment, I found out it was an autograph book. Give it to me.’
When the book was handed to him, Siva looked at it this way and that with the admiration of a child. ‘It is so nice. Very good. But there are no autographs in it!’
‘Swamiji, I wanted the book to be opened by you.’
Quietly Siva wrote:
Srimathi Kamala Tuli
Serve. Love. Give. Do Kirtan. Do Japa. Control anger through patience and forgiveness. See God everywhere.
Mediate. Realise God. May you shine like Mira, Radha, Sita! May Lord bless you with health, long life, peace, prosperity, and Kaivalya.
—Sivananda
A full-page Upadesh in answer to a devotee’s prayer for a simple autograph. Anyone else would have often refused so much as a signature. For Siva every opportunity for disseminating spiritual knowledge should be utilised.
31 st MAY, 1948
SIVA’S MIRACLE
‘It is a miracle how they have all been saved. Even a sight of the wreckage is sufficient to turn one mad! The very thought of the accident was enough to kill the passengers. They were saved only through Lord Viswanath’s grace. Instead of meeting with the accident in the middle of a jungle where there would have been little chance of being saved, they were all brought to the feet of Lord Viswanath where they could get immediate treatment, tea, sherbat, and all comforts!’ Siva thus extolled the grace and power of Lord Viswanath, as the victims of a nasty bus accident just adjacent to the Ashram dispensary were being treated zealously by the inmates of the Ashram.
I was wondering within myself to whom this miraculous help should be attributed.
Surely, to Siva whose very life-breath is selfless service and who is the supreme saviour. But, then Siva is SIVA and the two are one.
