Inspiring Talks of Swami Sivananda
SEPTEMBER, 1948
2 ND SEPTEMBER, 1948
COBRAS WITHIN
Siva was returning from the temple. As he was passing near the Yajnashala, Sivadayalji saluted him. Siva in his characteristic way asked: ‘Everything all right Sivadayalji replied: ‘Yes, Swamiji. But there was a serpent in the room. So, everything was upset last night.’
‘You are afraid of this small creature! Look within. Introspect. There are countless cobras— Kama, Krodha, Lobha, etc., —within you. They are biting you every day. Still you take pleasure in feeding them! Mind is the biggest and most venomous cobra. Vrittis are its hoods. Eradicate them.’
3 rd SEPTEMBER, 1948
THAT WHICH IS THERE IS HERE
A few Madrasi disciples of Siva and myself had just returned from Badrikasharam and Kedarnath. Like a fond mother, Siva enquired about our welfare, the comforts and discomforts on the way, etc. The affectionate pair of eyes noticed that some of us had been thinned out.
‘You are much reduced. It will perhaps take a month to pick up your health again.’ After thus comforting us, he asked: Now, where is the next trip to? To Tirupathi? .... Ohji, do not run about here and there. Tirupathi is here only.’
Yes: and I could not help thinking: Himalayan regions are worth seeing—the places where great Rishis did Tapas. Further, the walking exercise, inhaling the pure Himalayan air laden with the healing power of innumerable herbs bestows good health on the pilgrims: but some people develop this into a craze for wandering. All their life is spent in wandering. Then they begin to extol certain places and criticise others. You have now visited one or two important places; other places are also like this only. Now you should stick to this place—there is a lot of work to do!
A TWO-FOLD LOSS
‘ OM Namo Narayanaya! Swamiji!’ Siva greeted a new arrival. But this new Swamiji will not speak!
‘Achcha! You are a Mowni Baba? Dear Swamiji, give up this sort of meaningless Mowna-Sadhana. Mita-Bhashan is Mowna. You should talk a little and talk sweetly. You are not making proper use of a good faculty and thus losing the opportunity of discussing spiritual subjects with others, and thus learning. You have also lost many opportunities of rendering service to His children. A comforting word to some, a consoling message, a good word of greeting—how much joy you can infuse into others. This is a great loss. Give up this Mowna now itself.’
Then turning to us, Siva said: ‘Some of these people do not know why they are observing Mowna. Somebody observed Mowna: and, they also started imitating. They will not talk: but they will waste hours trying to make others understand what they could have conveyed in a couple of minutes. They will not talk with their mouth, but their mind is always talking fruitlessly. Control of speech is Mowna. Mita-Bhashan is Mowna. But this Mowna is merely a whim!’ said Siva with a meaningful smile.
4 th SEPTEMBER 1948
NEELAKANTHA DIXIT’S AVATAR
Swami Satchidanandaji presented to the Ashram library a copy of ‘Ananda Sagara Sthava’ of Sri Neelakantha Dikshita, an illustrious savant of the Appayya Dikshita’s family, and an author of many famous works in Sanskrit.
‘Swamiji,’ said Satchidanandaji, ‘In this work, Sri Neelakantha Dikshitar has often prayed with a melting heart full of devotion and yearning, that he should live in seclusion on the banks of the Ganges. Providence, however, decreed that he should pass away without fulfilling this desire. And, Neelakantha Dikshitar was also very fond of dealing with Siva Lilas. In this regard, I was wonderstruck to find that what he has done in Sanskrit you have done in English, the modern language. Swamiji, I am perfectly certain that Neelakantha has re-incarnated as Sivananda, to fulfil his great desire.’
Sri Lakshminarayana Sastrigal, a descendant of Appayya Dikshita, is also of the same opinion. ‘Swamiji, many people in Pattamadai and Kodahanallur also think that you are Neelakantha’s Avatar.’
Siva’s only reply was a Vedantic smile and he went on with his work. He knows how many souls’ yearnings have found their fulfilment in him.
FOOD SADHANA
The Hanuman Prasad distributor at the conclusion of the evening Satsang provided the occasion: Siva first remarked that it had been nicely prepared and exhorted someone in the Satsang to take a second helping, too. Sivanarayanji was taking some Prasad for some Ashramite who could not attend the Satsang.
‘For whom? For Sridhara Swamiji?’ Siva asked. And, this led him to a nice discourse.
‘You will be wonderstruck,’ he remarked, turning to a visitor. ‘Sridhara Swamiji has developed a baby-stomach. He takes very little food. He cannot digest more. In his case, it is due to ill-health. But, there are some who concentrate all their mind on food-Sadhana. All their life they will be thinking of which food is Satvic, which food Rajasic and so on. Some abhor chillies. They cannot take even mildly pungent things. Their health will be upset. They become faddists. They make their system very sensitive. Even a slight deviation from the routine spoils their health. One should not be like that. I think it is necessary that a Sanyasin should have an Asuric stomach. He should be able to eat whatever he gets without insisting on this or that kind of food. Sometimes the Bhiksha will consist only of sweets: sometimes roti and dhal: sometimes rice and sambhar full of chillies.
‘Too much of food-Sadhana creates egoism also. ‘I have given up sugar: I have given up salt: I eat only neem leaves; I eat only raw vegetables.’ This way he is filled with ideas of what he has left and what he is eating. Food is, after all, a necessary evil. The main thing is God-realisation. They forget that.
‘There are many such whims among Sadhaks. Some will wear only a kowpeen. Swami Pranavanandaji will go about naked through villages. The Avadhoota state is difficult to attain. It is not external nakedness that is needed but mental nakedness.
‘There was an Avadhuta, Swami K. He used to stand in the Ganges in winter and in the hot sands in summer. He would sleep only on grass. Once Pundit Malaviyaji took him to Mussorie. There the Swami began to demand his grass bed. And, it had to be got after much difficulty.
‘These Sadhanas have no real value. No doubt such restrictions are necessary for some time. But extremes are always to be avoided. The goal should not be lost sight of.’
8 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
VEDANTA KESARI
No one expected: and no one noticed.
The Bhajan Hall was packed with Sadhaks and visitors: the morning Sadhana class was in progress—silent Japa and meditation had been done, Krishnanandaji had led the audience in reciting Santi Pattha and Guru Stotras, and Sridharji* was talking on Sadhana. Visibility outside was yet too poor for persons moving about a little away from you to be recognised.
Quietly, Siva slipped in through a side door! And,—I cannot express in words what my own feelings were when I accidentally happened to see this wonder of wonders—he had taken a ‘back-bench’ seat—as one of the members of the audience intently listening to Sridharji’s lecture!
The entire gathering literally sat up and rubbed their eyes when this magnificent personality stood up and roared OM at the conclusion of Sridharji’s talk. There was pin-drop silence. Siva did Kirtan, which gradually turned into a lecture-Kirtan on the lines of ‘God is truth—Govinda’. Then .... better hearken to Siva himself:
‘The srutis declare, ‘Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma, Neha Nanasti Kinchana—All indeed is Brahman: there is no such thing as diversity.’ This is your essential nature. In truth, you are Akhanda Paripoorna Satchidananda. It is described as Amala, Vimala, Achala, Santam, Sivam, Advaitam. Due to Avidya you do not know your essential nature. When Avidya is removed, you shine as the Akhanda
Paripoorna Satchidananda. In reality you are Aparichchinna, undivided, one, the Essence. You falsely imagine that you have hands, feet, eyes, mouth. Remember this: ‘Thou art That’ (Tat Twam Asi). Tat Twam Asi—the Self is identical with Brahman. You are one with the Supreme Truth. When you are suffering from any disease, remember you are the Akhanda Paripoorna Satchidananda. Assert ‘I am not the body, I am not the mind. How powerful is this medicine—Sivoham, Satchidananda Swarupoham. Do not run to doctors. Do not take injections. This is the most potent injection—Satchidananda Swarupoham!
‘Through ignorance you identify yourself with the body. Remove ignorance, through constant practice, renunciation, through this powerful assertion. In whatever condition you may be, you may have no bread to eat—even if you have no clothes to wear—assert Sivoham, Satchidananda Swarupoham and constantly dwell on your identify with Brahman.
‘Thou art That. This is the gist of Vedanta: this is the most powerful remedy for all ills. This is what the sages have taught in the Upanishads.
‘May the blessings of Sankaracharya, Lord Dattatreya and the Brahma Kumaras be upon you all. May you all shine as Jivanmuktas in this very birth.’
Blessed indeed are those who listened to these words of wisdom fall from the lips of Siva—the Vedanta Kesari. Thrice blessed are those who have inscribed his words on the tablet of their heart.
JUST PLAIN SPEAKING
‘Ohji, just a minute’ —Siva stayed the formal opening of the Silver Jubilee Kutirs this morning. Then, facing the gathering:
‘These Kutirs have already been opened three months ago. Sadhaks were coming in large numbers. We were in need of rooms. So, we opened these Kutirs with Kirtan. This is only the formal opening ceremony.
‘You see a silk cloth there. It merely covers a slab on which is written that these are Silver Jubilee Kutirs constructed out of the donation given by Mrs. Liliane Shamash, etc. There is nothing but that. The world is just a veil like this. Brahman is covered over by colourful Maya. When the veil is removed, you see the Reality. Therefore, remove the veil of Maya through Viveka and Vichara.
‘The world is a mere play of colours. Do not be deceived. It is all like the play of children. You simply close your fist—the child is curious to know what is within. Then you open out the fist—there is nothing inside. You have a hearty laugh. Similar is the case with the world.
‘These Kutirs are opened a second time today. There is nothing but repetition in the universe. There have been many Vyasas, many Naradas. Even now people do not know which Vasishta expounded the Vasishta Ramayana. It is all a cycle of births and deaths. It is all the play of Dwandwas. Rise above this play of Dwandwas. Tear the veil. Negate the false colours. Perceive the Reality. In Reality you are all the same Atman. Just a paint, a touch of powder, lip-stick, dupes you. Wake up and realise your essential nature which is Satchidananda.’
Siva then formally declared the Kutirs open.
IN RETROSPECT
Sadhu Murugadasji has arrived.
Siva recognised him at once. Murugadasji had previously come to the Ashram long ago with a plain dhoti on, without any money. Murugadasja went to Badrinath. On his return, Siva was enamoured of his sweet Kirtans—Siva’s life-breath—and requested him to stay on for some time. Now, Murugadasji had acquired great renown as an inspiring Kirtanist, and was moving about in ’planes.
Hearing this, Siva humorously remarked: ‘We, too, did not have one anna worth of potato when we came here. Now look at the Ashram.’
Such is the glory of Nivritti Marga and devotion to the lotus feet of the Lord.
THE LADDU THAT GIVES IMMORTALITY
Murugadasji sang a song. It was sweet. As it was in Tamil, Siva started explaining it in English. And, how? —in the form of sweet music.
‘Murugadasji sang a sweet song. It was like sweet Laddu, Jilebi, Rasagulla. What did he say? He wanted you to eat the sweetest Laddu—that sweet Laddu is the Name of your Indweller. The two-lettered name of RAMA is the sweetest Laddu. Muruga, Radheshyam—all the names of God are sweet Laddus. OM is the sweetest Laddu. It is the most ancient Laddu which the sages like Yagnavalkya, Shams Tabriez and others ate. It is this Laddu alone that will make you immortal. Eat this Laddu and you will have no more births and deaths. Who will not eat this sweetest Laddu?’
To Siva all sweetness, all goodness and all auspiciousness are only in God. Worldly objects have no place in his domain.
SIVA’S CREED
The unopened book in Sridharji’s hand attracted Siva’s attention, as we were all coming out of the Silver Jubilee Kutirs after the opening ceremony.
‘You wanted to read something?’
‘Yes, Swamiji, I wanted to read a couple of chapters from this, on Siva’s Creed and Siva’s Philosophy.’
‘Siva’s Creed? What is Siva’s Creed? It is all Mithya, delusion, a play of sounds— mere words!’ Siva gave a hearty laugh and walked away, leaving the gathering to understand this—Siva’s Creed—to the best of their understanding!
ONLY DIFFERENCE IN OUTLOOK
An admirer of Arya Samaj has come; he expressed his dislike for Karma Kanda.
‘Yes: there—in the cities—you have one type of Karma. Here you have another type. It is binding there. Here is Nishkamya, free—a type of Karma which liberates you from the thraldom of Maya. This is the Sannyasi-Karma Kanda’. ‘The difference is one of outlook—but that is in fact an ocean of difference!’
TRUE IMPORT OF DAYANANDA’S TEACHINGS
‘Swamiji, I want some instructions on concentration.’
‘You also do not believe in names and forms? But, that is not easily possible for all. The mind wants something to hang on. In the initial stages, it cannot hang on nothing or an idea. At least you should have the form of OM.
‘This antagonism to names and forms is the creation of some people who have not correctly understood Dayanandaji’s teachings. Dayanandaji himself did not condemn Kirtan of God’s name. He was in a high stage of evolution, and he concerned himself only with the fundamentals of Vedic truths. He did not categorically condemn Nama-Rupa. He only omitted any mention of them. People should take him in the proper light instead of reading their own views into his sublime teachings.
‘You read my book: ‘Concentration and Meditation’. It will clear all your doubts. It contains a solution to every problem that can possibly confront an aspirant in his practice of concentration and meditation. When you have finished reading it, you will find that you have no more doubts. If you still have any, then come to me. I will explain the subject to you.’
A SURPRISE REJOINDER
A visitor was greatly eulogising Siva’s organisation at the Headquarters of the Divine Life Society.
‘But, Swamiji, there should be more Kutirs and rooms for visitors.’
‘Yes: I, too, would like to construct many more rooms,’ came Siva’s ready rejoinder, ‘but, the money is in your pocket.’
THE SUPREME SAVIOUR
Sri Thakur Prasad Singji has arrived—to attend the Sanyas Silver Jubilee Celebrations. He says: ‘No one else has done so much as Swamiji to awaken humanity to the purpose of Life. I would say after Sankaracharya no one else has done so much to uphold Hindu Sanatana Dharma. Swamiji’s message has spread through the world illuminating countless hearts, and turning the deluded souls straying in various directions to the right path.’
PROMISE MUST BE FULFILLED
Sri Thakur Prasad and his family belong to the orthodox type. The entire family insist on having Siva’s Darshan before they take their food. He made this request to Siva. Siva was busily engaged the whole morning: and had gone to his Kutir. At once he remembered of his promise. He should not keep quiet one more minute: nor could he ignore the promise. He at once went out to Sri Thakur Prasadji’s Kutir.
THE MASTER WAITS
There he found that Thakur Prasadji had gone out. Wonder of wonders—the Master waits there till the disciple comes back. He does not consider that a waste of his time nor that it is beneath his dignity to wait. He utilises this period also very usefully. Siva makes the children in the house sing the Lord’s name and teaches them some Kirtan Dhwanis. Then a sweet discourse to these ‘little devotees’.
THE PEACE MAKER
Swami A .... comes there and salutes Siva. Swami A. has had a bit of a quarrel with someone else. Siva found that the best opportunity to patch up the quarrel, and to advise both the parties to be peaceful.
Then Thakur Prasadji and his family had Siva’s Darshan and Siva returned to his Kutir.
SIVA’S LOVE CONQUERS
Last evening the Satsang programme was extended as it was raining and the Ganga Arati was postponed. So, Siva called upon the daughters of Srimathi Liliane to deliver short lectures.
A local resident got a bit offended that his children were not given an opportunity to speak also. He was fond of criticising the Ashram activities, too. But Siva’s patience and love know no limits. He does not even adopt an attitude of indifference towards those who carp and cavil at him or the institution. He extends to them, too, his love!
Next day (today) one of the first items in the programme was lectures by those children. And, Siva presented Rs. 10 to the children as a token of his love.
SIVA-KRISHNA IDENTITY
The procession with the palanquin in which had been placed the pictures of Lord Krishna and Swamiji was in progress. Half the way, Krishna’s picture was in front and the party sang the Maha Mantra.
When the time to turn back arrived, we who were carrying the palanquin just turned the other way ourselves, instead of turning the palanquin round. Automatically, Swamiji’s picture occupied the front. The Kirtan Dhwani was changed to
Guru Maharaj Guru Jai Jai
Sivananda Sat Guru Jai Jai
Siva would not allow this.
We managed to keep Siva’s picture in front: but then Siva insisted that we continue the Maha Mantra.
We were all happy: for, Siva is indeed Lord Sri Krishna.
Sridhar was Swami Chidananda’s pre-Sanyas name.
9 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
OF COURSE, I KNOW YOU
‘What is your name?’ asked Siva, scanning a lady devotee sitting in front of him: she had arrived this afternoon with her husband and children.
‘Sarala Devi.’
The left eye closed with one hand, Siva reflected for a moment. ‘Oh, yes. I remember. You have come here previously. I think your mother also came with you.’
‘Yes, Swamiji, we had your Darshan in the room below.’
‘That is right. That was the old S.P.L. Office. Where do you come from now, from Ambala?’
‘No, Swamiji, we have been transferred to Rohtak now.’
Pointing to the gentleman by her side, ‘He is your husband? You previously said your husband was an Excise Inspector or something.’
‘Yes, Swamiji, you are right. I am an Excise Inspector in Rohtak,’ replied Sri C.L. Nangiah.
To Mrs. Sarala Nangiah again: ‘You were a small girl then: now you have grown into a big lady!’ They had all a hearty laugh. Yet, Siva is able to recognise them!
IMPORTANCE OF DIARY
Sarala DeVji is a very earnest Sadhak: and a pure-hearted Bhakta.
‘Swamiji, kindly tell me some method to control this mind. It seems we will never be able to control it.’ The husband just looks on.
‘Do Japa. Be regular in your Sadhana. Do Kirtan also. Through practise alone will you be able to control the mind. You should maintain the diary. Now you are not doing this.’
‘I do maintain the diary, Swamiji.’ Siva’s face brightens. ‘But, I am ashamed of sending it to you as my Sadhana is very irregular.’
‘Whatever little you do, however irregularly, you should send me the diary. Then only there will be the inducement to be regular in Sadhana and to evolve quickly.’
THE GLORY OF NAME
‘Why, the sky has miraculously cleared’ was the expression on everyone’s lips.
‘Ring the bell,’ said Siva.
Sridhara Swamiji came with a towel on his head—it was still slightly drizzling— after a heavy downpour of rain! ‘It might begin to rain again!’ thought a few.
The party left Ananda Kutir with Maha Mantra Kirtan. Swarg Ashram—the destination—was hung over with heavy clouds. When the bridge was crossed, sky cleared on the Swarg Ashram side and the clouds moved to Ananda Kutir side!
From the opposite bank, Siva sent out an OM roar, as a wireless message to Gauri Prasadji.
Many Sadhus had assembled in Judge Gauri Prasadji’s house. With Maha Mantra Kirtan, Siva’s party walked into his house.
Murugadasji sang. Then Siva got up. The sky was rent with the name of the Lord. Yet, Siva was not satisfied. His keen eyes searched out the ‘silent pockets’ —and quickly he pointed his finger in that direction. Then OM chanting—louder—still louder—till Siva was satisfied.
‘Jis Halme Jis Deshme Jis Veshme Raho
Radha Raman Radha Raman Radha Raman Kaho! ’
The response was not up to Siva’s mark.
Siva burst forth:
‘Lord Jesus says that man cannot live by bread alone. But man can live eternally on the Divine Name of the Lord alone. The name is the source of all strength and power, all joy. Tukaram, Kabir, Tulasidasji, Mira, Gauranga—all of them lived on Name alone. When you are hungry, you take food: but after some time, again you feel hungry. Permanent satisfaction cannot come out of food.’
The name of the Lord is a divine healer, too. Man is deceived by a false notion that his diseases are cured by the doctor’s injections. I have got a divine Prem injection which cures all diseases, and infuses new energy in you. That is the Gopikawallabh-injection. (Siva actually administered the injection—Siva uttered at the top of his voice ‘Gopikawallabh’: the audience responded ‘Radheshyam’.)
The doctors only inject some liquid, a little water. This is the divine injection which will cure you of the disease of birth and death.
‘You do not need any great intellectual power; you need not be a millionaire; you need not perform severe austerities. But, you should have faith—the heart. Do not bring your intellect here. Do not argue. Intellect is a finite instrument and cannot take you far. Reason can take you to the threshold. The heart alone can give you that transcendental experience.
‘Like Mira, you can dance, too.’
So saying, Siva danced! This was again followed by Om and Ram chanting. Then loud Japa of RAM.
‘If the external thoughts are more numerous, and the mind wanders more, repeat RAM faster.’
With a prayer for Vishwa Kalyan Siva terminated the function.
On our way back Siva and party went to the Tika Rani’s Siva temple. The Maharani was eager to see Siva who at once paid her a visit.
As the party was returning to Ananda Kutir, the moon shone in all her splendour amidst a sprinkling of white clouds which added to the grandeur of the blue sky. The murmuring Ganges reflecting the silvery rays of the moon was a fitting background music to the Kirtan Dhwanis that arose from Siva’s Party.
10 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
FORGOTTEN SO SOON?
I entered the office and prostrated to Siva, in the morning. Siva at once recognised me as one who had missed the previous night’s Divya Nama Kirtan.
‘Divya Nama Kirtan has been held several times: but last night’s Kirtan excelled all others. Murugadasji, Sivaramakrishnier, Venkateshwara Iyer and many other experts participated. It was most wonderful.
‘Even if you felt tired, or even if you were out of sorts, Divya Nama Kirtan would have made you all right. It is the most powerful tonic. And, I had just said so—in my Swarg Ashram talk.’
Shame-facedly, I sought Siva’s feet with my eyes.
ETERNAL STUDENT
‘I am always a student. Some people think: It is the same Divya Nama Kirtan, I have already seen it a number of times. I never feel so. I attend every function and carefully listen to all lectures. What wonderful points Sridharji brings forth! I am all attention to these. I then introspect and find out the subtle defects inside. I am eternally a student and Sadhaka. Some people take Bala Mantra, attain some Mantra Siddhi and then go to sleep. They do not think of the innumerable defects that still lurk inside. That is the most essential thing.’
VEDANTIC COOLNESS
Siva should be watched only during the busy days at Ananda Kutir. The din and bustle of intense and multifarious activity—as is witnessed during the birthday celebrations—is enough to disturb the mental equilibrium of any one. Duties are sometimes neglected, details ignored, workers get tired out, it is then that Siva’s Vedantic coolness comes into full play and his powers of Ashtavadhan find a proper occasion to manifest themselves.
The organiser in Siva wishes to keep the neighbouring institutions friendly: Siva asks someone to take a plateful of fruits, money and flowers to Darshan Mahavidyalaya as an offering of love. Sweets are distributed to the local people, too.
I was a bit surprised when Vishnudevji walked into the office early in the morning with a covered plate in hand and said: ‘Swamiji has asked that this should be kept ready on his table. Murugadasji is leaving today and these fruits and cloth are for him.’ The preparations had started yesterday itself. When Siva casually asked Murugadasji if he wore only Khadi, one could hardly guess what was up Siva’s sleeve. Siva wanted to present Murugadasji cloth to his own liking.
SYNTHETIC PRESENT
Murugadasji comes into the office to take leave of Siva. He gets a ‘synthetic blessing’ from the Prophet of the Yoga of Synthesis.’ Siva’s own silent blessing for Murugadasji’s soul: some books for his ‘head’: and some for his ‘heart’: and cloth for his body: and money for whatever need he may have on his way back to Madras.
Murugadasji is now very well off: yet, Siva’s love cannot be repressed.
Another visitor who intends to leave today is talking to Siva, having his doubts cleared. Sivaramakrishnier is waiting for an interview. In the meantime, Radha is waiting with a message from her father. Piles of letters on his table—visitors and Sadhus all round—all waiting for Siva’s attention. Anyone might get irritated or run away to seclusion, considering all this waste of time and energy. One by one, the Master attends to the Lord’s devotees, his own masters.
What a great faith do these people have. Sivaramakrishnier says: ‘Even amidst the most trying circumstances my wife and I remain absolutely calm. For, we know Swamiji’s protecting hands are ever around us and we feel that Swamiji is God and that everything happens according to his will.’
Sivaramakrishnier needs some legal advice. He represents his difficulties to Siva who at once introduces him to Sastriji. This is one of the unique traits in Siva. He does not hesitate to introduce the devotees to one another to the advantage of all concerned. He introduces a European Sadhaka to one of the advanced Yogic students of Europe: this pen-friendship is a great service.
A recent incident comes to mind. A leprosy patient came from Chingleput. He had been refused admission in the Government hospital. Someone sent him to Siva. From here Siva sent him to Chingleput with a letter of introduction to Dr. Mangalam, asking her to help the patient, if necessary by sending him with a special note to the hospital. Selfless service has found in Siva its very soul.
FOOD SADHAKS
Here is Raman Nambiar who has been living on nuts, fruits, and milk, for a considerable time now. This came to the notice of Siva.
‘Sadhana is grossly misunderstood. What the Lord meant by Satwic food is that man should not take too much of chillies, too much of salt, etc. Chillies are good appetising agents. Salt is necessary for health. A little of chillies and salt are essential. Control consists only in not catering to the vagaries of the palate. The practice of control methods should not weaken the system or make it sensitive.
‘Venkataramier of Namakkal told me once that he had given up salt, chillies and tamarind, for some time: his system had become so very sensitive that even a little of these in food would upset him. Such people then have to live their whole life on such restricted diet. Venkataramier had to resume normal diet with much difficulty.
‘There was another good soul in Swarg Ashram—Sri P.V. Acharyaji. He was a B.A., LL.B. He was a good Bhakta and a very good Sadhak. He used to measure his food in a balance. So much atta is necessary for so many breads: so many ounces of dhal, etc. He was very fond of this sort of Satvic food. But he thought that sweets fell into this category: and he consumed a lot of sweets. In course of time, this produced diabetes in him. Then he came to me and said he was at last disillusioned. Then he began to take normal diet.
GANDHIJI AND C.R.
‘Sastriji once said that even Gandhiji admitted that his dietetic regulations were the price he had to pay for his health. If people accustom themselves to taking goat’s milk once, they will have to carry a goat with them wherever they go. But, C. Rajagopalachariar is of my type: he would take any kind of food, but moderately. That should be the attitude of every one.
‘You should observe these regulations once in a way. Once in fifteen days, observe a complete fast. Give up salt on Sundays. Live on milk and fruits alone for some days. Train yourself like that.
‘In Ayodhya, some people live on chillies alone. That is going to the other extreme. The wise plan is to observe moderation in everything.’
At this time some one offered some guava fruits to Siva. And, Siva offered one to Raman Nambiar.
‘What are the properties of this fruit Swamiji?’
‘Don’t ask me all that: eat it.’
He not only ate the guava fruit without further argument, but started eating a little bread, etc.
THINK TWICE
‘Swamiji, I want your blessings. I think of leaving for Banaras today,’ said Sri Ramachandra Iyer who had a slight misunderstanding with some other workers in the Ashram and had decided to leave.
‘Beloved Ram! Sit down. Do not jump to conclusions. Think twice before you act. Now, tell me—for what purpose have you come here?’
‘I came here to do Sadhana and to realise God, Swamiji.’
‘I have read in your own books, Swamiji, that Sadhana is self-control, Japa, Kirtan, service.’
‘Have you thought over the matter for a moment—is this action of yours in leaving this Ashram and going to Banaras in consonance with your own resolve to do Sadhana and realise God?’
No reply.
‘Sadhana is, as you have rightly said, self-control. Self-control means maintaining mental equilibrium under all circumstances. A little word from someone greatly upsets you. You are not able to bear a harsh word!’
‘But, Swamiji, such things disturb my peace of my mind. I wish to have peace.’
‘You will get that peace in Banaras only? If you do not get peace of mind here, you will not get it anywhere else. Peace is within yourself. Thank again: stay here for, say, another three days more. Then come to me and say if you still feel like going to Banaras.’
Silence ….
‘Can you visualise what you will feel three days later? Beloved Ramachandraji, the whole thing will appear as a dream. You will realise that the offensive words are mere vibrations in the air. Now, you are excited. This excitement blinds your vision. You are not able to reason, to discriminate properly. When your mind is cooled down, you will realise your mistake.’
Again silence. Ramachandra Iyer is immersed in deep thought.
‘Where else will you get such a spiritual atmosphere? There is the temple: you can attend the Puja morning and evening and get hot, hot Kitchadie Prasad also. There is the Bhajan Hall where you can do Akhanda Kirtan for a few hours daily. Even if you sit for a few minutes in the Bhajan hall you will be elevated. Ganges bath, good food, tea, milk and fruits—Oh, it is a blessing to live here. When you go out and suffer, you will realise the difficulties of Samsar.
‘My dear Ramji, so many people are daily writing to me: ‘I cannot live here any more, I want to join your Ashram after resigning my job!’ God Himself is looking after us. The entire place is filled with the peace-vibrations of sages and saints of yore: therefore, we are ever contented and peaceful. This is the best place for Sadhana. Why do you think of running here and there? Ohji, give up this idea.’
Ramachandra Iyer prostrates to Siva. He has decided to stay: he is completely transformed now.
NO MOHA FOR ANY ONE
Not a few hours had elapsed before another ‘case’ came up to Siva.
Swami X., an old disciple of Siva who had taken Sannyas from Siva years ago and who has his own circle of followers, etc., got a little irritated over a trivial incident: and thought of going back. He came to take leave of Siva.
‘Om Namo Narayanaya, Swamiji Maharaj, I want to return today,’ he said and briefly explained what happened.
‘But, what do these little boys know? You are an old Sannyasi. You are a pillar of the Society. The Mission needs veteran Sadhus like yourself. Now, I have got all young boys: there must be some like yourself, aged Mahatmas. Only if you stay here will the institution be respectable.’ And so on—Siva argued with him for a little while …. ‘Achchaji, if you feel like it, you can go.’ and then forgot all about it.
Siva tries his best to persuade everyone to stick to the path and to serve the divine life mission: but Siva has no particular attachment to anyone—even if he is the most important worker.
HELIX HEDEIRA
‘Ohji, third reminder—what about your resolves form?’
‘Swamiji, I will fill it in just now and give it to you before I leave.’ Immediately this visitor left Siva’s presence—he could not stand Siva’s gaze for an instant longer—and, retired into a nearby room for filling in the resolves form.
Siva said: ‘This is what the postal authorities used to do. The first reminder was called Helix. The persons to whom it is addressed may sometimes sleep over it also. But, when he receives the Hedeira reminder, he will not take his lunch, too. He will run about here and there, get the reply and send it at once. This was my Hedeira reminder to this man. I told him on the 8 th night that he should fill in the resolves form. I reminded him yesterday morning. And, this morning’s is in the Hedeira reminder. He cannot rest quiet now till he fills in the resolves form.
The visitor re-entered with the resolves form, duly filled in.
‘Nangiahji, it is now your turn: Vishnuji, give him two resolves forms. One for yourself and one for your Sahadharmini. Just take a few mild resolves: I will do two Malas of Japa daily, I will give up eating pedas once a fortnight. You have also learnt Asanas: also Ram, Ram!’
‘Are these vows, Swamiji?’
‘They are not vows: but if you have Sraddha (faith) you can convert them into vows. They are only resolves. Always keep them in your mind and try to stick to them. Pray to God: He will give you strength to stick to them and to progress further.’
They both gave him their resolves forms. Smilingly, Siva received them and said: ‘This is my JABARDASTHI YOGA.’
INITIATION INTO DIVINE LIFE
R.L., the admirer of Arya Samaj, has decided to follow Siva! During the conversation, Siva elicited from him information about his habits and mode of life. The case needs thorough overhauling: but Siva’s handling of it is full of tender love.
‘Try by gradual practice to get up at 4 a.m. Then wash your face. Sit for Japa. Sit erect for some time. Then you can lean against the wall, if you feel difficult otherwise. Repeat OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Meditate on the picture of Lord Krishna—at the same time associate the Mantra with ideas of Purity, Perfection, Wisdom, Infinity, etc. Repeat the Mantra a little aloud if your mind wanders. You can sing the Mantra also. (Siva actually sang the Mantra.) You can write this Mantra neatly in a notebook. This is Likhit Japa, a powerful Sadhana for developing concentration.
‘Observe Mouna for some time during the day. Go to bed early enough to enable you to get up at 4 a.m. Do not take heavy food at night.’
‘Swamiji, I take tea late in the evening: and my night meal also late.’
‘That is it—the food habits need a thorough overhauling. Take your noon meal at about 11 a.m. Give up the late evening tea and finish your evening meal before p.m. Also try to keep it as light as you can. That will give you a sound sleep also.
‘Maintain the spiritual diary and send me a copy every month. What little Sadhana you are able to do, record it there. Also, write to me about your experiences and difficulties. I will answer them and also review your diary.’
Siva then asked Vishnudevji to get a copy of ‘Sangeeta Bhagavat’ and ‘Sadhana’: he then handed them to Sri R.L.
‘This pamphlet ‘Sadhana’ contains sufficient material for you to start with. You see the sample ‘Daily Routine’ there? Kindly frame your daily routine on this model. Once you are successful in changing the old habits, you will cultivate a taste for Sadhana, and progress will be rapid. With the progress in Nama-Japa, God’s Grace will also descend on you and help you onwards.
‘The book ‘Sangeeta Bhagavat’ contains the essence of the 11 th Skandha of Bhagavate. You can sing it nicely. (Siva sang a few lines.) It contains priceless instructions on Vairagya, Japa, Dhyana, renunciation, etc. Kindly keep this for your daily Swadhyaya. Besides, you can get from Gita Press, Gorakhpur, some good edition of the Gita with Hindi translation and go through that also every day.’
Sri R.L. saluted Siva and started to go: Siva blessed him with folded palms!
‘God’s blessings are always with you. Jai ho!’
11 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
SECULAR DUTIES, TOO
Sri P. K. Subramanian wants to give up his studies and join the Ashram.
‘Swamiji, of late I am not able to read class books, for I feel immediately I take up my class books that they are not worth studying since they do not contain the element that would satisfy my hungering soul.’
‘Beloved child! It is too early for you to renounce the world. Besides, you have got your parents. You should serve them nicely. Earn your livelihood by honest means. Work hard. At the same time, adopt the Nimitta Bhav: work as an instrument in His hands. Cultivate this. Carry on your studies also. No doubt, knowledge of this phenomenal world would not confer Moksha on you. Yet, it has got its own uses. Nothing is bad in itself; it is the use to which a particular branch of knowledge is put that matters.’
‘Try to carry on your personal Sadhana also side by side. Practise my Twenty Instructions to the best of your ability. Maintain the spiritual diary and send me a copy every month. I will guide you. Always keep the goal in view. When the time comes God Himself will facilitate your renunciation. OM Namo Narayanaya.’
When the young man had left the place after prostrating with tearful eyes to Siva, Siva added:
‘So many young men are eager to renounce the world!’
‘Yes, Swamiji,’ said a visitor: ‘Your books are so inspiring that those who read them get such a burning desire to pursue the path of Nivritti for attaining their goal, and have no further taste in worldly pursuits or studies.’
‘That may be. But, I do not encourage juvenile enthusiasm. Often this ‘desire to renounce’ is a bubble which bursts after some time and vanishes into an airy nothing! Adwaitanandaji used to tell me the very interesting story of his own brother.
‘This young man suddenly felt himself drawn to Nivritti Marga. He neglected his studies. He used to shut himself up in a room always repeating that the world is false, and other Vedantic ideas. He thought that he had full Vairagya. His family people succeeded in due course in tempting him away from this assumed saintliness: they did this through a woman. This man changed suddenly, married this lady and is now the father of many children.’
Siva generally preaches the glory of the Nivritti Marga and also points out the worthlessness of worldly life. But, if the Sadhaka asks to be initiated into Sanyasa, Siva would quietly advise him to live the divine life in his station in the world and develop Vairagya.
The talk turned to Nivritta Marga. Siva, in ‘serious humour’, said:
‘Oh, Raman. What are you thinking now? Will you resign your job and remain here itself?’
‘Yes, Swamiji, I can do it: and that was what I was thinking of even now.’
‘No, no. Wait for a little while more. Do your work: earn money—you have got your mother. Serve her nicely. Do not marry: if you avoid this, you have already registered your place here! Occasionally come here and practise Sadhan. Then, when the time comes, you can make this your permanent abode.’
What a strange spirit! Not the come-here-work-for-me spirit: but the spirit of doing the right thing for the other man.
IMMEDIATE EFFECT
‘OM Namo Narayanaya, Judge Saheb, Avo-ji,’ greeted Siva.
Judge Gauri Prasadji walked in and with great devotion bowed to Siva. He handed a cheque to Siva.
‘What is this?’ asked Siva, rather surprise to see the cheque for Rs. 2000.
‘Swamiji, it is for the construction of a Kutir in your Ashram. You see: it happened like this. Day before yesterday night after you had come and performed your ecstatic Kirtan in my humble Kutir in Swarg Ashram, myself and house-keeper had both wonderful experiences and visions. I had the vision of Light thrice during the night—an indescribably bright Jyoti. And, my grand-daughter— a young girl graduate who was greatly interested in Sankirtan, and who had passed away just a few days ago—appeared to my house-keeper in her dream and said, distinctly: ‘I want to live with my grand-father. Kindly construct a Kutir for me. I am greatly delighted that you held Swamiji’s Kirtan in your house today. I am very happy now. But I want you to construct a Kutir for me.’ I know she is fond of Kirtan. In your Bhajan Hall the Akhanda Kirtan is going on throughout the day. I want a Kutir to be constructed near the Bhajan Hall so that the girl’s soul may find peace there.’
HUMILITY! NOT I, BUT HE!
After the Judge Saheb had left, Siva told me: ‘See how the cosmic will works out. That day it was even suggested that we should drop the idea of visiting Swarg Ashram, as it was raining. I would also have agreed: but I felt we should go. So, I told Narayanaswamiji that even if it rained, we should carry out our determination! This girl’s soul must have been thirsting for Kirtan. It had to be quenched.’ O, my Siva! Only you knew it: and even Indra shuddered before your vow and withdrew the clouds.
SIVA’S VIRAT NAIVEDYA
To Siva the world is the Virat—everyone is indeed the Lord Himself.
What a delight Siva takes in distributing Prasad. Chimanlal Thakore of Ahmedabad has sent a big parcel of sweetmeats. When this is announced Siva at once jumps out of the office: ‘Bring the Prasad in buckets.’
Padmanabhan is called—for he has been injected by Siva with the same distribution instinct. P. actually is beside himself with joy.
Siva and P. go round the entire Ashram.
‘Chimanlal Thakore and Mrs. Lall only know me in this respect. Every year Mrs. Lall sends a large consignment of mangoes: and Chimanlal these sweetmeats. I cannot give pinches of Prasad to anyone. I must give to MY satisfaction. And, my family is large—so, whoever sends Prasad has to send a lot.’
‘OM Namo Narayanaya, Swamiji, come here, take this Prasad. ‘Patram, Pushpam, Phalam, Thoyam .... ’ Siva greets one by one and gives handfuls (with his large hand) of the Prasad. Hands are full: but Siva does not stop. ‘Take in that towel.’ ‘But, Swamiji, I will fall sick.’ ‘Oh, don’t worry. I will give you medicine.’
My turn comes. Then Siva reveals to me his secret source of joy. ‘I see Lord Narayana in everyone to whom I give the Prasad. When I give, I actually perform Naivedya to the Lord. I repeat ‘OM Namo Narayanaya’ when I meet everyone: that makes for Japa. Thus even this is converted into a potent form of Sadhana. The heart is also developed nicely.’
12 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
JNANA GANGA SNAN
Siva stopped before the Kutir in which Sivaramakrishnier was staying and called him for the morning Satsang.
S. said: ‘Swamiji, I shall take my bath, perform Sandhya and then come.’
But Siva would not brook delays: S. had to accompany him.
When they were returning from the class, Siva smiled and said: ‘Gangasnan is indeed very essential. It destroys your sins. It purifies your body, mind and soul. It invigorates you. You have not lost anything by foregoing your morning bath today. If you had spent your time in bath, etc., you would have missed the morning Satsang.
‘Common meditation and Japa are powerful Sadhanas. Individual Sadhana often means lethargy. A few Malas of Japa and then the pillow invites you. Even while you repeat the Mantra the mind wanders. But, in group meditation, a powerful spiritual current is generated. Everyone is benefited greatly. The mind gets more easily concentrated.’
‘Yes, Swamiji, and the Vedantic Kirtan that you sang was most inspiring.’
‘Even ordinary words have great power. They generate two kinds of Vrittis – the Sakthi Vritti and the Lakshana Vritti. When you utter the word ‘milk’, you think of its qualities—white colour, liquidity, etc., —this is Lakshana Vritti. Then you also think of its uses—it gives health, it is Satvic food, etc., —this is Sakthi Vritti.
‘When such is the case with ordinary words, what must be the power of Vedantic formula. When you repeat OM Antaratma, Nitya, Shuddha, Buddha, Nirakara Kutastha, Vyapak Swayamjyoti Poorna Para Brahma Sakshi Drishta Turiya Santam Sivam Advaitam, the Brahmakara Vritti is raised up in you. You are one day bound to realise the Supreme.
‘This is Jnana Ganga Snan. It is the most powerful purified. It at once cleans the Antahkarana and turns the mind inward. When you listen to discourses on Sadhana, your mind receives new, healthy ideas—new Samskaras are formed— evil Samskaras are eradicated—your thirst for God is intensified—you are prompted to introspect, find out your own defects and to erase them.
‘Ganga Snana is necessary, no doubt. But I only wanted to point out that you should on no account miss a bath in the Jnana Ganga. You can take a bath in the Ganges now. But, if you had missed the morning Satsang, that loss would have been irreparable.’
With a heart full of gratitude, S. prostrated to Siva.
SUBTLE SELFISHNESS
A visitor had failed to attend the morning class. He caught Siva’s eye in the morning: and was offering an explanation.
‘But, it is not your fault .... ’
Swami X entered.
‘X should have called you, awakened you and taken you with him to the Bhajan Hall. Previously I myself used to sing OM outside every Kutir, rouse everyone and take all to the morning class.
‘This visitors will naturally have the Bombay habit of sleeping till 7 a.m. (To X) But you should have awakened them, if necessary by applying water to their eyes, waited till they got up and taken them to the Bhajan Hall.
‘Not only this—you should have prepared the ground the previous night itself. You should have told them about the morning class, about the benefits of common meditation and Japa, about the lectures that they will be able to hear and benefited by—so that they will go to bed with that Sankalpa.
‘Selfishness. That is at the root of all this. You want to go on with your own Sadhana and consider such service as this a waste of your time.’
A thorough inner search and analysis of human nature.
MAYA’S SECRET DOOR
With his characteristic candour Siva listened this morning when our Sastriji was narrating his experiences with other Sanyasins. About one Sanyasin, he was saying:
‘Swamiji, this Sadhu never speaks a word. He has taken the vow of Akhanda Mowna. Not only this—he does not come out of his Kutir at all.’
Siva gave a hearty laugh: ‘Then, how to see him?’
‘People who wish to have his Darshan one by one gather on the verandah of his Kutir. When he is informed that thirty or forty people have thus collected he comes to the window of his room on the side of the verandah. Gracefully, he holds up the blind a little aside, so as to provide for the visitors just a glimpse of his face. He stands in this posture for just a couple of minutes. Then he again gracefully nods his head and drops the blind.’
‘That is all! And, a large number of people go there for this much, taking all the trouble?’
‘Yes, Swamiji, for this Sadhu has been living like this for a considerable time now: and his own disciples have naturally woven many stories around his seclusion, Mowna, etc. and deified him, so that the credulous public feel that his Darshan is enough to confer Mukti on them.’
‘This is all one type of spiritual trade. What is lost if he comes out, talks to people and consoles and inspires them? In a short time, he develops his egoism to a great degree. He cannot respect others: he cannot bow his head before others. He feels that he is a great man. Arrogance, self-conceit, hypocrisy and egoism of the worst sort—all creep into him one by one. He forgets his goal and loses himself in this mad business for acquiring name and fame. I think I can never do this sort of thing.’
‘Never, Swamiji, it is just alien to your nature.’ Sastriji said to me after Siva had gone away from the office: ‘As a matter of fact, Swamiji errs on the other side—he makes himself too freely accessible: he is too outspoken and is able to keep no secrets. He is indeed child-like.’
GOVERNOR-GENERALSHIP Vs. SANYASA
‘Jinnah is reported dead, Swamiji.’ Someone brought the news. Siva was pacing up and down opposite the Diamond Jubilee Hall. Sastriji was near.
‘Now, there will be much competition for his post. This will breed hatred, ill-will, quarrels!’
‘Surely, Swamiji, everywhere there is jealousy and power politics.’
‘It is a nuisance to hold these high posts, I think. Your life is in constant danger. So many others covet the job. They try to instigate goondas against you. Why all this trouble, fear and worry? The best thing is to take to seclusion on the banks of the Ganges: that is my opinion. There we should do Japa and Dhyana. What do you say?’
‘Yes, Swamiji: but how many people have the wisdom to feel so with all their heart?’
POWER OF MAYA
‘It is very difficult. After many lives of Satsang and Japa only such taste comes. Maya is so powerful. Somebody sits on the banks of the Ganges and does Japa. After some time he gets tired of it and thinks that ‘eat, drink and be merry’ is the greatest philosophy. Maya does not allow him to realise that there can be real joy outside the senses. They are afraid of renunciation. They are afraid of Sadhana. And, even when they take to Sadhana, they expect immediate results.
‘Madhusudana Saraswati, who has written an inspiring and inspired commentary on the Gita, was initiated by his Guru in Gayatri and was asked to do Purascharana. He did so: but nothing happened. His Guru asked him to go on with the Purascharana. After 18 Purascharanas he got the Lord’s Darshan. He was learned, saintly, endowed with Deivi Sampath—yet he had to do so much of Japa. Then he realised that the 18 Purascharanas washed away the sins of 18 Brahmahatyas which he had done in his previous births. Then alone was he fit for His Darshan.
‘Such should be every Sadhak’s patience. But nowadays, even a determination to lead a life of renunciation throughout the life is a great thing.’
Siva did Kirtan for the peace of Mr. Jinnah’s soul.
FRANKNESS
Sri A. described during the Satsang the magic influence that Siva’s pen and personality had brought about in his case. He confessed before a large audience that he had tasted wine, that he was a meat-eater and that he had almost succumbed to the wiles of a girl. He changed upon some of Siva’s inspiring words which once for all turned him to the spiritual path. He took blood out of his own hand and offered it in fire with a firm resolve to give up his evil habits. Even that was not enough to put a stop to the deep-rooted evils. He then sat before the picture of his Lord Sivananda—meditated—prayed mentally for strength to conquer the evils. The impossible had been achieved within those few supreme moments of his life: devotion to the lotus feet of the Lord and the Guru had been firmly implanted in his heart.
‘This frankness is a great virtue. It will take a Sadhaka much near to God. What most Sadhakas lack is this sterling quality. Without fear of criticism, without feeling shy to confess one’s own defects in public, …. boldly spoke out his past life. Everyone should cultivate this divine virtue,’ Siva told us when he came into the office after the Satsang.
14 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
NOT ONLY IN NAME
Sri Sankaranarayana Iyer of Nagpur came in and prostrated to Siva.
‘ OM Namo Narayanaya: what has happened now? You want to leave today?’
‘I am leaving tomorrow, Swamiji.’
‘When you go back, you must make a firm resolve to spread the message of divine life. You must become a dynamic worker in the divine field.’
‘With your holy blessings, Swamiji.’
Turning to us, Siva said:
‘He belongs to the family of Appayya Dikshitar. It is not a joke to belong to this great saint’s line. (To Sri S.) You should show by your own actions that you are worthy of this descent. There is no use merely claiming ancestry to a spiritual hero: you should deserve it.’
‘Yes, Swamiji, I shall try my best.’
‘Study Sanskrit—then Gita, Upanishads and Appayya Dikshita’s works also. Then start spreading his message. Be humble and simple. Some people go on tom-toming their ancestry to earn their livelihood. When people see you, they should at once recognise that Appayya Dikshita’s blood runs through your veins. You should possess such exemplary character. Nothing is impossible. If you try, God’s grace will also come and you will shine as a true descendent of Appayya.’
15 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
NO MUKTI FOR ME
‘Sastriji, I think I will never attain Mukti. You see, worldly people are attached to their wife, children, family, property, etc. But, I am attached to service, dissemination of spiritual knowledge. Even if the thought of running away into the forest comes to me, it leaves me the next instant: for, the desire in me to work, work and work, till this body lasts: and to serve the Sadhaks in every way I can—they smother such a desire for seclusion in a trice. What can I do? I think will never get out of this chakra. I will be born again and again in this world, every time to serve the aspirants,’ said Siva to Sastriji, during a conversation on birthdays, their significance, the goal of life, etc. Today is Sastriji’s birthday.
‘But, Swamiji, this thought very rarely comes to even saints. They are concerned only about themselves: and they think that even answering aspirants’ letters, or writing books on spiritual matters based on their own experiences, etc., are against their own salvation. The spirit of service that literally possesses you is rarely found in any one else.’
‘But, what about my Mukti? .... Achchaji, I should be content to wait till I have served you all to my satisfaction and till you have all attained Mukti. Yes, that is right: I do not want to get Mukti myself till everyone leading the divine life gets salvation. Till then I shall take any number of births and join the Divine Life Society.’
PROPAGANDA IN EUROPE
Menon was gazing at the infinite expanse of azure Unknowable: and trying to unravel the mysteries that it contains.
Siva called him: ‘ OM’ Namo Narayanaya, Balan Swamiji.’
‘I am telling Sastriji that I love to do intense work, intense Seva. A little bit of seclusion, meditation and Sadhana is also necessary. See, Lord Jesus did Sadhana in seclusion for thirty years: then he came out and worked intensely for a few years—that was enough to thrill the entire world. In seclusion you gain inner Adhyatmic strength to revolutionize the entire world—and to do the work of a life-time within a couple of years.
‘That is the sort of work that I want you to do in Europe. You should go there and thrill the entire West in a couple of years: a lightning trip to the West. Dr. Atreya has written recently that Europe is more ready for the message of Vedanta than even India, America and England. Europeans are more eager to receive this message and assimilate it. Will you do it?’
‘Swamiji, with your blessing, and inspiration, anything can be done.’
‘The most important thing is to tell the Europeans now to lead the divine life. Most of them nowadays run after occult powers. That is really not Yoga. They imagine that only one who is able to perform miracles is a Yogi. These powers when acquired turn one’s head and magnify one’s egoism—thus taking one away from God.’
‘And, when you exhort them to lead the divine life, the idea should not be to ask them to run away from their avocations in life into the Himalayan jungles, there to sit and pray to God. You should tell them in plain language that God is ever within them and that if they do not find Him there, they are not likely to find Him anywhere else.’
‘Set before them the examples of such illustrious personalities like Dr. T.M.P. Mahadevan. He is a learned philosopher. He is the Head of the Department of Philosophy in the Madras University. Besides, he is working day and night for the spiritual uplift of mankind, along with Swami Rajeswaranandaji and others. The wonderful point about him is that Dr. Mahadevan is still a Brahmachary. That gives him marvellous energy. He is ever immersed in philosophy, Advaita Vedanta. Recently he toured the Andhra districts with some Sanyasins and did wonderful service there. That should be the ideal for Europeans, too.’
‘Marvellous ideas you have given me, Swamiji.’
‘But .... ’ suddenly Siva’s expression turns grave: Balanji anxiously awaits what follows this ‘but’.
‘But, you have to be careful.’
‘Yes, Swamiji, with your blessings …. ’
‘ .... careful lest you should get absorbed in the West. That is what happens in many cases. The Indians try to imitate the Westerners: and Western culture swallows them. Yesterday I received a letter from an American lady who says she was born to a Yogi from India.’
‘But, Swamiji, so long as you are here to inspire us from within, I have no fear.’
‘That is why I always insist that those who do social work should once in a way run away to places like Rishikesh: work and seclusion should go hand in hand. You should not ‘establish’ yourself in Europe. Do intense work for a couple of years: then fly back to India for seclusion and Sadhana. Then again you can go.’
16 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
SEAT OF DISEASES
‘OM Namo Narayanaya,’ Siva greeted Shivadayalji.
Shivadayalji was heavily blanketed and was wearing a woollen cap, too.
‘You are not feeling well?’
‘No, Swamiji, I am not feeling well for the past two days. Today I have a head-ache and pain in the body, etc.’
Quickly Siva interrupted him, and turning to Dr. Miss Kamala Korke, said:
‘Doctorji, this man’s heart has come between his lungs. What to do for him? Kindly prescribe something to cure him.’ (To S.D.) ‘If you are sick, you should approach a doctor.’ The entire party—for, this happened just after the evening Satsang was over—had a hearty laugh.
S.D. was a little non-plussed. Siva relieved him by saying:
‘Beloved Yogiji, throw away that woollen cap first. That is the first medicine. Then the blanket also. These things only produce fever.’
S.D. instantly obeyed: as he was himself a good Sadhaka and a fairly advanced student of Raja Yoga, he at once understood that Siva had gone to the root of the problem and in his own humorous way, pointed out that diseases are rooted in the mind: when the mind is sickly, the body follows suit—and the only way to get rid of disease is to think and feel healthy thoughts.
PENDULANANDA
Brahmachary Jayaramji has come. He was a young and enthusiastic Sadhak who came all the way from a foreign land to get a knowledge of Yoga and Vedanta. After staying for a few days in the Ashram he left for Vasishta Guha to remain in seclusion and meditate. He now feels that for active Sadhaks with a special gift for organisation meditation in seclusion is vegetation. His hands have begun to itch for work: and often he thinks of Siva and his dynamic Ashram.
Today he has come to the Ashram on his way to the Post Office on some work. Whenever he goes to Rishikesh he stays for a little while at the Ashram and looks round his friends in the Ashram and also has Swamiji’s Darshan.
When he bowed to Siva, Siva remarked with a mischievous smile: ‘Pendulananda’ (one who moves to and fro like a pendulum without being able to determine which way to throw his entire weight.)
Then he began to discuss with J. the significance of his dances on the Silver Jubilee day, to enquire about Swami Purushotthamanandaji’s health, etc. When we were about to run off to the kitchen for Bhiksha, Siva asked me: ‘Have you understood?’ referring to that pregnant word into which Siva had condensed a world of meaning.
Dedicate yourself to a noble cause, if you are of the active, serving nature. There, try to introspect, to find out your own defects and to eradicate them. Study Gita and compare your own state of mind with that of the Gita-ideal of a Karma Yogi, and try to perfect yourself while yet serving humanity. How can I afford to miss such a precious word from His lips?
A.1 FOR THE HEART
The now enthusiastic Ramachandra Iyer bowed to Siva, sat at his feet and said: ‘I will now sing the ‘Song of Immanence of Ram’, Swamiji.’
Siva listened to the song. R. has a sweet, musical voice. He sings the Maha Mantra beautifully: especially in Brahmamuhurtha the entire locality will be brought to life to his Maha Mantra Kirtan.
When he finished the song, Siva said: ‘Fair. That is my certificate .... (to us) .... I have got several categories—fair, fairly good, good, very good, marvellous. His recitation is fair. But, Premanandaji has reached the ‘marvellous’ stage.’
I pondered over this riddle: for, Premanandaji cannot claim to have that sweet musical voice—though, strangely enough, when he sings this ‘Song of Immanence of Ram’ as also the ‘Nama Ramayan’, there is a distinct sweetness in his voice.
A look at Gurudev’s smiling face dispelled the perplexity. Siva’s criterion for judging the standard in these cases is the heart. Real sweetness issues from the heart. However good the voice may be, if the song does not proceed from the heart, Siva awards it the fair certificate: when the voice is good and the heart is also there, he takes the greatest delight in that song and admires it as marvellous.
PROPHET OF RENASCENT ISLAM
Sri Duncan Greenlees’ book ‘Gospel of Islam’ has been received by Siva from the Theosophical Publishing House, Madras, for being reviewed in the columns of the ‘Divine Life’. Sri Haridasji, who had prepared the review, had pointed out that the world today badly needed the unifying force of Islam, with its belief in One God, etc.
‘The Prophet’s teachings are as sublime and worthy of our admiration and following as the teachings of any other Seer or saint in any other religion. The Prophet taught love, tolerance, understanding and unity. But, strangely enough, under the very banner of the Prophet the people are killing their brethren.
‘The teachings of all the Seers are misunderstood by the generations which come after them, and join their creed. They twist the teachings to suit their own whims and fancies. Here starts misunderstandings.
‘Truth alone triumphs; not falsehood. Love alone conquers; not hatred. I wish all the followers of the Prophet all over the world re-read the Quaran and understand its true import in the proper light. Any religion that degenerates into the level of the animals, adopts the jungle law, and yields to falsehood, hatred, and Adharma, is bound to crash. A Prophet of Renascent Islam will then come to revive the spirit of the Prophet!’
COUNTER-ATTACK
I had recorded Siva’s remarks about his own Mukti: and there was a mild breeze over it in the office. Some of us were discussing the significance of his mystic utterance.
Quietly, Siva slipped into our midst, and explained:
‘What is there in Mukti? My nature is to serve, serve and to serve forever! I do not long for Mukti. Even great saints and seers who have realised the Supreme and thus liberated themselves from the wheel of birth and death long to come back to the earth-plane—as they often do—to serve the suffering humanity and to assist struggling souls on the path to God. I will insist on taking birth after birth to serve you all: and to help aspirants march forward to the Goal.’
‘Swamiji, even the gods will be jealous of you, then.’
‘That is the point. I will defeat Maya in her own realm. She must cry before Brahma himself that she is undone and that aspirants have started to progress rapidly on the path; and the slumberers have been awakened. Then Brahma out of fright should give me Mukti.’
‘Brilliant idea, Swamiji. Who can understand the glory of service except yourself —the very embodiment of the spirit of service?’
17 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
BATTLEFIELD PRATYAHARA
Sri Raman Nambiar and Rajagopalji proved a good channel for Siva’s wisdom to flow to you and me, this morning.
The Forest University class was over and there was a discussion about Raja Yoga and Karma Yoga. These two Sadhaks were handy.
‘Only those who have not understood properly what Pratyahara means will want to run away to forests and caves. They will live there for some time: and then when they see some people, they will be greatly upset. When they go into some towns, they will feel something strange.’
‘Then, what is Pratyahara, Swamiji?’ ventured Raman Nambiar.
‘You should go on doing service. That is the greatest purifier. At the same time you should be mindful of the purpose of service—the goal of life. Once every hour for a couple of minutes you should close your eyes and mentally repeat His Name and meditate. You should feel that you are Akartha, Abhoktha, Sakshi, Satchidananda Atma. Keep a notebook by your side. Write a few mantras in it: keep a copy of the Gita or other scriptural texts. Read a few lines occasionally. Constantly try to concentrate your mind on the work on hand: and when you meditate withdraw the mind from this work also and direct all its rays on the Ishtam. Practise and go on practising this. You will soon attain success— Ekagrata. You will be able to withdraw the senses completely—Pratyahara. Afterwards even if you are in the middle of a battle-field, you will not be disturbed. That is real Pratyahara.’
The disciples bowed in veneration.
SIVA IS ALL
‘Panchakshara is the greatest Mantra. Oh, what else do you need? When once you have got Upadesh of Panchakshara, you need not run after any other saint or Sadhu for Upadesh.’
‘Swamiji, we only longed to get that assurance from a great Maharshi like you.’
‘Go on repeating that. The Lord will bestow all prosperity on you. All your troubles and difficulties will vanish.’
‘We are greatly blessed to have such an Ashirvad from Swamiji.’
‘Do a lot of Japa of this great Mantra. Do not think that this Mantra or that Mantra is superior to the Panchakshari for the purpose of getting this or that object. For everything the Panchakshari alone will do. It is the panacea for all ills. Mantra Japa is not like curry or soup—brinjal soup is more tasty than ladies-finger curry.’
All of us had a hearty laugh over the humorous remark.
‘Swamiji, we are worshipping Lord Rama also.’
‘That is very good. Worship and pray to Rama, Krishna, Devi, Narayana, or any other God. See oneness everywhere. Siva Himself is all these. And, Panchakshara is the Omnipotent Mantra. Lord Siva is easily propitiated, and He bestows all prosperity on His Bhaktas.’
The three old ladies—relatives of Swami Paramanandaji in his Poorvashram—greatly enlightened, listen on with rapt attention.
‘There was an illiterate villager once upon a time,’ continued Siva. ‘He did not know Rudram and Chamakam: but was anxious to repeat them. He found an easy way of doing it: and went on repeating NAMACHAMA and doing Abhisheka— because he found that there were a lot of Namas and Chamas in Rudram and Chamakam respectively. One day, a pundit saw this: scolded him and asked him to repeat Rudram and Chamakam. The Pundit was at once laid up with a fell disease and was unable to rise. Lord Siva appeared in his dream and said: ‘I was greatly pleased with my devotee’s Abhisheki; why have you interfered with it?’ The pundit at once ran to the devotee and prostrated before him: ‘Oh, devotee, kindly go on with your own NAMACHAMA Abhisheka. The Lord is highly pleased with that. I am only an ignorant man: I have now realised that the Lord needs only the heart. I beg your pardon—and went away. The devotee continued as before.’
‘O, Bhagavan, it is a wonderful illustration. We can never forget this story and your invaluable blessings.’
‘I will tell you another story.’ All attention everywhere. ‘Another Tamil devotee, an illiterate non-Brahmin, went on doing Japa of the Panchakshara as ‘Namachivaya’. With the help of this Mantra he would just walk over the waters of a river as if it were hard ground. One Brahmin noticed this, and thought: if this man is able to do this miracle with the repetition of this Mantra wrongly, what could he achieve if he repeats it properly. So, he requested him to repeat Namahsivaya. The illiterate man had great respect for the Brahmin: so, he adopted this pronunciation. Lo, when he wanted to cross the river, he found that he was sinking in the water. He ran back in fright: then thought over the matter: ‘Why is this?; previously I never felt any difficulty.’ The Lord from within prompted him to repeat the Mantra with faith and Bhav in his own way. He did so and crossed the river.
‘The Lord wants only your heart. Give it in toto to Him. You will enjoy worldly prosperity and will eventually get Moksha also.’
They all bowed to Siva and gave him an offering of parched rice, which Siva accepted with profound delight. He sang a Nondichindu song also describing how a Bhakta devoutly offers to the Lord parched rice and fruits.
THE CLUE: MELTING HEART
Dr. Miss .... has come in to take leave of Siva as she is returning today. Siva had a long talk with her on her hospital work, etc. He was all admiration for her skill, service and qualifications. She is an expert in surgery. Suddenly, Siva exclaimed, with a smile: ‘Then, you must have a hard heart! Some people—like our Paramanandaji—can never become surgeons in their life. P. will faint if he sees one drop of blood.’
In this, Oh my Siva, there is the clue to thy renunciation. Like Buddha’s, your heart should have melted at the suffering of the sick. The loving heart of a mother that you have would have paralysed your hand holding the surgeon’s knife. Thy keen vision should have pierced the flesh, the wound, the worn-out body, and perceived the Cause of Suffering: these Sacred Lessons learnt direct from the most holy of scriptures—the Book of Life—should have implanted themselves firmly and deeply in thy heart—have I not seen that even a baby’s wise remark literally seizes you till your own inner self weaves around it the highest wisdom? Manan and Nididhyasan on these lessons has obviously left you in Rishikesh in seclusion, in hard and strenuous Tapasya. Glory to Siva.
When Dr .... was leaving, Siva rose from his seat and with folded palms said: ‘Please come again when you commence your private practice.’
A SILENT SADHAK
When the doctor had left, Siva said: ‘Oh, Sridharaswamiji, this doctor is a very good Sadhak. Very rarely she wrote to me. But, silently she has been doing wonderful Sadhana. She has been very regular in Mantra writing. Look at these volumes of Mantra writing books! And, she has been quietly maintaining the spiritual diary. How humbly she places these diaries on my table! She has a very good heart also. Even during her stay here she has done good work here and has saved Suresh’s life.’ Such are Siva’s disciples.
THE ETERNAL PRESENT
Swami Shanmuganandaji joined Siva even while he was working in the Army: full of dispassion and discrimination, devotion and faith, he was more other-worldly than worldly. He was leading the household life with the constant yearning in the heart to renounce it at the earliest moment. The job, family, everything in the world was like coals of fire to him.
He resigned and joined Siva’s mission. Soon he was initiated into Sanyas: for even in the Army he was considered more as a Pujari and Sadhu than as an Army-clerk.
Someone brought to the notice of Siva that an ordinance had been promulgated which might make it necessary for all ex-Servicemen to rejoin Military Service. Siva remarked:
‘Sanyasins are, of course, exempt. They have renounced the world. They have enrolled themselves for the Supreme Adhyatmic battle. They are determined to rout out the internal enemies, million-fold more formidable than many battalions of the external army—Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, ignorance—with the aid of the Divine Atmic Bomb.’
‘Of course, Sanyasins will be exempted from the operation of the Ordinance, Swamiji.’
‘So, Shanmuganandaji has been saved, I think. He is a pious soul full of devotion to the Lord. So, He saved him .… in time.’
O, Lord Sivananda! It is you who saved him from the unpleasant task of going against his own conscience: for you gave him Sanyas last Skanda Sashti day, even disregarding several objections voiced by others at initiating him so early.
Shanmuganandaji has also told me how he was mysteriously helped by someone even during his army career, and how he would be posted to places and jobs which would allow the fullest scope for the development of his devotion to him. That someone is indeed Sivananda.
WHAT CAN A BEGGAR RENOUNCE?
Rajagopalji was introduced to Siva as an expert in embroidery. The ever-appreciative Siva was listening to the adventures of Rajagopalji who renounced a lucrative military job (he was earning about Rs. 400), renounced his family, property and all for practising Yoga at the lotus feet of Siva.
‘Is that so? Everyone here as been a great Tyagi, I think. Everyone is a Buddha. Renouncing great positions, good pay, vast properties, good family. Oh, marvellous. What do these worldly people know about renunciation? Where else in the world can you find such youngsters with such burning Vairagya and Mumukshutwa, who have renounced worldly good fortunes to lead the life of Nivritti?’
FIT TO BECOME PREMIERS
‘And,’ continued Siva, as we all just looked on wonderstruck, ‘even if some of the youngsters go back to the world, I think they can be given only the job of Prime Ministers or Governors.’
True: and that is the efficiency which the young Sadhaka acquires under Siva’s tutorship. Waste not a second: for that second will never be given back to you. That is Siva’s stern advice to one and all. Put your heart and soul into any work you do: and when you have done it, detach yourself completely and identify yourself with the Atma who is Akarta, Abhokta, Sakshi—that is the golden advice he gives to all Sadhaks. These lessons are worth even the world leaders’ learning.
APARIGRAHA
Sri Atmaramji is accompanying Dr. K. till Hardwar and will come back tomorrow. He came to take leave of Siva.
‘Have you arranged for the tonga?’ began Siva and went through the entire process of verifying that every detail with regard to the arrangements for their safe departure had been attended to.
‘Oh, Padmanabha Swami, kindly give Atmaramji whatever money he wants for his trip to Hardwar.’
‘Swamiji, I have already taken money from the Secretary,’ assured Atmaramji.
‘That is very good. Even if the guest offers your train fare and expenses, you should not take.’
True spirit of a Yoga—Aparigraha in action.
ANY SERVICE?
In the evening R.L. came to the Ashram: he was leaving for Delhi today.
He had previously taken 200 copies of ‘Bhakti Yoga’: today he is taking several sets of ‘Mind, Its Mysteries and Control’, Parts I and II. He was waiting in the office with his big packet of books. Siva came and the leave-taking ceremony was well in hand.
Finally, Sri R.L. asked Siva: ‘Can I be of any service to you in Delhi?’
‘What service? Know thyself and be free. That is the greatest service you can do to me.’
A HUNDREDFOLD, WELL SHAKEN AND PRESSED DOWN
‘Padmanabha Swami, pay for the bread-wallah.’ Siva sat down on his chair after a breathless quarter hour of helping a stray bread-vendor to dispose of his burden. I was myself one of the beneficiaries, and a specially blessed one. Everyone who met Siva’s eyes got his share: several others were served in absentia, too. In all nearly fifty loaves of bread were served to all. I thought Siva’s hands were ‘free’ only when it came to a question of distributing offerings brought by devotees: but, no, even when the ‘Prasad’ (for that is the term used for all that he gives) involves expenditure, his hands do not shrink.
‘Swamiji, that visitor from Ambala has paid off the entire amount of the bill,’ replied Padmanabhan.
‘Who? Dwaraka Singji?’
P. nodded assent: Siva was silent.
This Dwaraka Singji was one of the persons who were blessed by Siva with the bread-Prasad: he was practically the last person to receive it. Immediately after giving a loaf to Dwarakaji, Siva came into the office. Before P. could take the money to the bread-vendor, Dwarakaji had enquired about the amount to be paid, and had sent away the vendor.
I was rather upset at Siva’s silence. What? Not a remark in regard to this remarkable event? And, even when D.ji came in to have Darshan, not a word was exchanged between the two about the incident.
‘The gift of one loaf paid off the cost of fifty loaves, Swamiji,’ I quietly ventured a comment.
‘How?’ was just an impassioned query, with his eyes half looking a me and half at the letters on the table.
‘Swamiji, Dwaraka Singji may be a noble soul, and may have a charitable temperament. But he would not have known that we owe some money to that bread-vendor if Swamiji had not offered a loaf to Dwarakaji, too. Otherwise, he might have simply ignored the bread-vendor sitting on the road. And, Swamiji’s all-giving nature seems to be infectious, too, especially with pure, noble souls. That is what should have prompted him to pay off the bread-vendor immediately and without ostentation.’
Siva merely smiled. I continued:
‘Swamiji, I think that is the secret of Swamiji’s great and unequalled achievement in building up such a huge organisation in so short a time. From the very start Swamiji has gone on giving and giving freely, with a loving heart. Each gift, even of a small pamphlet costing a couple of annas, of almonds and raisins worth half a rupee, has invited a thousandfold return.’
Again Siva smiled. It is all news to him. The sun does not know that he shines, for he has never seen darkness.
‘Perhaps you are right. Yes, yes. See Dwarakaji has taken a good consignment of books today. I gave him on the first day he met me, a couple of books free, as a gift.’
‘We should not give with any motive,’ continued Siva, ‘or with the expectation of a return. I give because I cannot help giving. Everything is His: and He Himself directs the gift from within, to deserving persons and causes. Always glorify Him.’
Yes: I will. When I glorify God, I glorify my own God—Siva.
18 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
PRECEPT THROUGH PRACTICE
Today’s subject for the Forest University class was ‘Practical Sadhana’. Sridharji delivered an inspiring discourse on the subject of ‘Conscience’ with his characteristic eloquence, soul-force, and sparkling wisdom. Inter alia, he had told us that a fully developed conscience which had been guarded against perversion, misuse, disuse, abuse, etc., is the surest guide which an aspirant to Self-realisation could have, as it represents in the court-hall of mind, its (conscience’s) absent royal master (the chosen ideal of the aspirant, viz., Self-realisation through Nivritti Marga), in an ambassadorial capacity, raising his voice of protest whenever anything is said, thought of or done contrary to the interests of his Master.
After Siva’s inspiring Kirtan which invariably concludes the class for the day, we dispersed.
Outside the Bhajan Hall, someone of the gathering raised the topic of wars, and the possibility of a war in which India might be involved—the discussion leading to the topic of conscription, etc. Siva, innocent of politics, exclaimed:
‘Then all the young men will be recruited to the Army?’
Sridharji then explained the implications of conscription in detail.
Siva (with a mixed expression of pity and contempt): ‘It is a great pity. Every young man will become military-minded: and the conduct of such young men, even after the war will be tinged with brutality, arrogance and materialistic ambitions and passions. India’s spiritual heritage will be jeopardised. No, no: India should stick to her spirituality.’
Siva’s conscience or background of thought is established in divine life: and all ideas and ideals are evaluated on this touchstone.
Incidentally, in Sridharji, too, this virtue is highly developed. In fact, I have not seen any other ‘Sadhaka’ who can approach a ‘Siddha’ in the matter of possessing the keenest intellect, coupled with a fully developed vigilant conscience: and in allowing the very experiences of his soul, the strength of conviction gained through careful exercise of the withdrawn-limbs of his mind on the field of introspection, intense Antaranga Sadhana and Tapasya, express themselves through his highly inspiring and impressive discourses.
DIRECT REALISATION OF BRAHMAN
‘True, Swamiji, I have heard that said before. I have read this in the scriptures, too. But I want to have the direct experience. I must actually realise Brahman. Otherwise, how am I to know that what the Upanishads declare is truth?’ replied Sri Satya Sandan, a young Yogi-enthusiast who wished to know the direct road to Moksha. Siva had told him ‘The direct path is Jnana Yoga. Practise it. Read the scriptures. Realise Aham Brahmasmi.’ I have myself never heard Siva reply in this manner to anyone: he usually adopts the step-by-step method, and preaches Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and the Yoga of Synthesis. There is something behind this I thought: and looked up.
‘You will have to sit quiet and meditate. Go on meditating on the true import of the Mahavakya till you actually realise the Truth.’
‘But, Swamiji, I want to guard myself against falling into the snares of hallucinations—and this Aham Brahmasmi assertion might also be a hallucination.’
‘That is the trouble. What the great seers and sages have said cannot be false. But, why does man not realise the Truth easily? The scriptures say that there are three kinds of obstructions to the perception of this Truth. First is Mala (impurities), second is Vikshepa (oscillation of the mind), and the third is Avarana (veil of ignorance). Introspect and find out which of these you have got. If you find you have Mala—Kama, Krodha, Lobha, —you will have to eradicate it through the practice of Karma Yoga, or the Yoga of Selfless Service. If you have only got Vikshepa, you have to practise Upasana to steady the mind. If you have only Avarana, you will have to practise Nididhyasana or constant dwelling on the import of the Mahavakyas, till the Truth flashes within you.’
‘Swamiji, I am not interested in all these. I only want direct realisation of Brahman.’
‘That is like a clerk wanting to become a Commissioner. He has to work hard, get quick promotions, pass stage after stage, examination after examination: and then only can he aspire to become a Commissioner. Can a Matriculate at once become an I.C.S. officer? He has to graduate in the University: then he has to work hard and get through the I.C.S. examination: only then can he become an I.C.S. officer.
‘Similarly, you have first to acquire the Sadhana Chatushtaya Sampath …. ’
‘What is that, Swamiji?’
‘You have not even heard of that! Viveka or discrimination between the Real and the unreal; Vairagya or dispassion towards worldly objects; then Shad Sampath—Sama, Dama, Titiksha, Uparathi and Sraddha and Samadana—and Mumukshutwa or a burning desire for liberation. Then you should approach someone and learn the Truth from him. That is what Lord Krishna has also said in the Gita: ‘Tad Viddhi Pranipatena Pariprasnena Sevaya Upadekshyanti te Jnanam Jnaninah Tatwadarshinah.’
‘Yes, Swamiji, I have read this.’
‘No use merely reading it: you should put into practice what you know. You do not want to develop divine virtues. But, you want direct realisation of Brahman at once .... silence .... this is all no good. Oji! Please approach some good Mahatma, live with him, serve him and learn. Do not try to become Swayam Siddha Mahatma, Swayamprakashananda!’
‘May I stay with you, Swamiji?’
‘As you like. But here all the aspirants are persons who have a clear grasp of the task before them. So, they engage themselves in the practice of the Yoga of Synthesis. They combine nicely work, worship, study, Yoga, etc. If you can also fall in line with them, you can stay. Or, seek some good Mahatma; serve him and learn to meditate.’
20 th SEPTEMBER, 1948
SAMBHAR IN THE HIMALAYAS
Sri Sankaranarayana has returned to the Ashram from a visit to several places of seclusion, away from Rishikesh. Siva asked him, with maternal affection:
‘Are there any shops on the way?’
‘Swamiji, the Sadhu whom we met gave us some roties to take with us: and when we went we had taken some fruits, etc., from here itself.’
‘And, there?’
‘There, Swamiji? We had a sumptuous meal.’
‘What food?’
‘Sambhar, rice, roti, ghee—a pucca Madrassi dinner, Swamiji.’
Everyone present expressed mild surprise.
‘There is a cow also, Swamiji. So, we got good milk.’
‘That is the secret. Wherever you go, there you will find Sambhar, iddaly and coffee. The body of even a Jnani needs certain things. You cannot run away from them. The secret of renunciation is renunciation of attachment. Prakriti has her play: so long as her instruments—the body and mind—are there. The Jnani dissociates himself from the Koshas, identifies himself with the Akarta and Abhokta Atman.
‘That is also the secret of Karma Yoga. We also work here. But we have found out the secret process by which we are able to convert work into worship.’
A spell of silence—the calm before the storm.
WHY RENOUNCE?
‘If we had known this trick before, we need not even have come here.’
Everyone looks at the others: general bewilderment: what a strange thing to say.
THE SOLUTION
Siva at once realised the cause of the consternation.
‘But, if we had not come here, away from the bondage of family and relations, properties and possessions, etc., we could not have found out the secret.’
We all felt a bit relieved.
‘Renunciation is absolutely necessary. Once you recognise Maya and her mischief, and pierce through the veil, find out the inner antidote to Maya’s poisons—then you are able to live under all circumstances, unaffected.’
GOD vs. BHAKTAS
A batch of visitors has arrived.
Siva was asking several Ashramites to attend to the several affairs connected with their lodging, etc.
Someone said that the Sadhak who had the key of a particular room was meditating in his room.
‘What meditation is this? You must first fulfil your duties and then meditate. He should have kept the keys outside and then shut himself up. Look how many people are inconvenienced. How can God be pleased by meditation, when you keep His devotees waiting outside?’
SERVE HUMANITY
Sri Rajagopala Iyer who has come from South India, was narrating to Siva the activities of Sri Ram Ram Ram, an old school-mate of Siva, who is now a retired surgeon: a widely travelled man with a number of foreign degrees and a lot of money.
‘Swamiji, nowadays he has more or less retired.’
‘What is there in retirement now? He has established some hospital or clinic for the sake of the suffering humanity?’
‘No, Swamiji: he has done a lot of service while he was in the Army.’
‘But, none of a permanent value. He must now do something which will make his name immortal. He has earned a lot. He must now invest a portion of that money in charity. The idea of doing something substantially good to humanity never strikes many people.
‘Please ask him on my behalf to construct a ward in the local hospital in his name and provide for a few beds also. This will be a great blessing to humanity.
‘He can himself serve there so long as he wishes: even after his life-time the ward will ever proclaim his name and philanthropy. What is the use of money unless every pie is directed to some good cause?’
Then the talk turned to his personal affairs.
‘He spends a lot of money. But he himself leads a very simple life.’
‘H’m? That is marvellous and unique—that he has kept up Indian simplicity even after his European tours and luxurious life,’ complimented Siva.
‘He has a cook, Swamiji. But in those parts, the cooks hardly stay on, Swamiji.’
Siva’s nature at once sprang forth.
‘He should pay the cook well—and he should give the cook the same food as he takes, if not even better. Then no cook will ever leave him. It all depends upon the treatment; you must make the servants feel they are members of the family.’
That is exactly what Siva has been doing all his life—in Malaya and in the Himalaya.
21 ST SEPTEMBER, 1948
ALL RELIGIONS ARE ONE
Sri Rajagopala Iyer was talking to Siva about the proselytising missions. Siva summed up:
‘What is in this? A Christian comes, gives you a Bible and converts you into Christianity: a Mohamadan gives you a copy of the Quran and changes you into a Mohamadan: a Hindu has his Gita for the same purpose.’
What a fund of wisdom.
‘Truth is one: all the scriptures expound this Truth though in different words. What purpose can ever be served by these proselytisers? They only change man’s external cloak, a few of his habits. Can they ever go near the Atman, the Eternal Sakshi? Only dull-witted people engage themselves in such missions. Wise men will only seek to strengthen the individual’s faith in his own religion.’
THE IDEAL ASHRAM
Two gentlemen from Bihar prostrate to Siva. They have come in search of a young man who had suddenly disappeared from his home. They had been to Hardwar, Rishikesh. And, at both places they had been directed to Sivananda Ashram. They represented their ‘case’ to Siva.
‘No: Maharaj, he has not come here.’
‘Swamiji, we have searched for him in Brindavan, Mathura, Banaras, etc. We do not know what to do.’
‘Maharaj, it is possible to find out a missing boy by searching like this: go home and pray for him. He will knock about here and there and ultimately come back to the house.’
A letter was on Siva’s table from Sri T.A. Rama Row of Madras enquiring about another boy who had also disappeared like this.
When a boy leaves home with a spiritual aspiration at heart, his mind naturally seeks solace. Whether the Vairagya is real or momentary, he
