Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya

I hope this little electronic letter of ours finds everyone happy and in
good health. This week I have added Swami Krishnananda's lecture titled
"The Search for Happiness" to our web page. I find this lecture to be
highly inspirational and I am sure it will serve as a great source of
motivation to intensify our Sadhana. The URL is
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/messages/searchappy.htm

I have also included Holy Master's "Resolves for Quick Spiritual
Progress". The URL is
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/teachings/resolves.htm
______________________________________________________________


REAL AUSTERITY:  "The Ashram is not what it was some years ago, Swamiji.
We do no get all the comforts, conveniences and facilities to serve the
visitors as we used to do previously," said a senior disciple of the
Master. He continued, "Sri P., a very good devotee who is staying here for
the past few days, says that he wanted to stay for some time but because
he is not very comfortable and does not get his meals and coffee in time,
he might leave earlier."

"If he wants comforts and conveniences, why did he come here? This is a
place for spiritual practices and austerities. Well, it is our duty to
offer him the utmost in comfort and convenience. Attend on him specially.
Make him quite comfortable."

"This is also difficult nowadays, Swamiji," replied the disciple.

"You cannot expect the Ashram to be in the same condition always. This is
a world of change. The comforts you commanded a few years ago you may not
get now; but you are doing more service to humanity. It is three months
since I asked for a towel; I am using only a torn one. All these passing
changes we must joyously endure. This is austerity. Do you think that
standing on the head for a hundred years, as in Sirshasana, is austerity?
Contentment is the greatest austerity. Peace is the greatest austerity.
Even in such conditions let your spirit of service not flag. You may not
be able to serve the visitors as grandly as you used to do, but do your
best," concluded the Master.

___________________________________________________________________

"Oh Man! With every Sun-rise and every Sun-set one day of your life is
lost. By so much, your span of life has been shortened. In so much less
time you have to do what ever you have to do. Therefore Arise! Awake! Do
not postpone. Be up and doing. Be active upon the spiritual path."
- Swami Chidananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Salutations and prostrations.

This month's discourse, "Spiritual Life Should Be Vital and Alive" by
beloved Gurudev, Swami Chidanandaji, makes us take a good look at our
attitude towards our Sadhana. Gurudev also gives us instructions to steer
it back in the right direction. The URL is
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/discourse/feb97.htm

I have also included Gurudev's talk on "Yoga and Christianity". In this
talk, Gurudev explains how Yoga can be incorporated into any religion. The
URL is
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/religions/yogachristian.htm

Sivananda Day-to-Day is now being archived at
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/4670/daytoday.htm
courtesy of Shree Devi Kumar.

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

___________________________________________________________________

IS REBIRTH TRUE? "Swamiji, what is your conclusive opinion about rebirth?
Do you really believe in rebirth?" asked Sri Asvatthanarayanan.

Surprisingly enough, the Masters first reaction was a bit stern.

"What! Having been born a Hindu and having the blood of great sages
coursing through your veins you still entertain this doubt in your mind?"

Immediately the Master resumed his serene, happy countenance and
continued, "Yes, undoubtedly there is rebirth.

First of all, you have several miraculous instances of young boys and
girls suddenly exhibiting great knowledge. A young girl who has never
studied any book recites the Gita. How do you account for it except by the
fact that she had mastered the Gita in her previous birth and that through
the Grace of the Lord that knowledge has come to the conscious part of her
mind in this birth too.

Further, rebirth is a necessity for the souls evolution. Perfection cannot
be achieved in one birth. Even to develop some cardinal virtues it might
take several births. If you wish to attain Self-realisation you have to
achieve perfection in all virtues. You have to achieve perfect
self-purification. So rebirth is a necessity for the individual souls
evolution."

"Swamiji, please explain to me how the impressions of actions and desires
are transferred from one embodiment to another."

"Have you seen the caterpillar moving from one leaf to another? It will
reach the edge of one leaf and then project itself; it will catch hold of
another leaf and then only will it leave the first one entirely. The soul
also goes about like this. Even before it leaves one body, it has made
another (gross or subtle), according to its Karmas and desires.

Now please go through some of my books. You will get a clear idea. It is
no use merely discussing these things. You should study, understand the
mystery, then practice Sadhana and realise. Do not yield to intellectual
curiosity."

___________________________________________________________________

"Sense of void, sense of want, sense of imperfection, sense of
limitation-all these will not leave man till he attains Self-realisation."
- Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Salutations and prostrations.

In this e-mail, I am relaying beloved Gurudev's message about Swami
Krishnananda's 75th birthday celebrations which appeared in the Jan'97
issue of The Divine Life Journal (with slight edition for e-mail
distribution).

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

_______________________________________________________________

"Beloved friends! I am happy to inform everyone of you that the Divine
Life Society (Hq.) Sivananda Ashram has decided to observe the forthcoming
75th Birth Anniversary of H.H. Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj who has been a
dedicated disciple of worshipful Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj.
Revered Krishnanandaswamiji has been living a life of noble Guru Seva
(service of the Guru) for over more than half a century of his life.

From the time Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj decided to send me abroad
in 1959, revered Krishnanandaswamiji Maharaj took up the functions of the
General Secretary of the Society which onerous duty he has been carrying
on with singular devotion and dedication and with admirable sagacity upto
this time.

His devotees, disciples, students, followers and admirers are all over
India and the world outside. They would be eager to share in the Divine
Life Society's programmes and plans honouring him upon his 75th Birth
Anniversary, a truly landmark occasion in his noble life of renunciation
(Nivritti) and Guru Seva. The Indian tradition calls it "Amrit Mahotsav"
implying an ambrosial celebration of a nectarine festival. This is an
invitation extended to one and all of his admirers as well as to all the
members of this e-mail list and also all the members of the Divine Life
Society to participate in this most auspicious project and gladly share
and contribute towards it. The Swami Krishnananda Amrit Mahotsava
Committee proposes publishing a special SOUVENIER on the occasion,
printing a variety of Books, Booklets, Pamphlets, preparing Audio & Video
Cassettes of Rev. Swamiji and other programmes for this event.

I would welcome you all to readily come forward with your very generous
sharing in this auspicious task. Please write and get in contact with:

Dr. D. Kutty Mataji,
Chairperson of Swami Krishnananda Amrit Mahotsava Committee,
The Divine Life Society,
P.O. Shivanandanagar - 249 192,
Dist. Tehri-Garhwal,
Uttar Pradesh,
Himalayas,
INDIA.

(Contributions can be made payable to: THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY)

As this auspicious birthday is occuring in April (April 25th), just a
couple of months away, the time is somewhat short. Therefore, I advise you
to write at the earliest possible when you have seen this open invitation
to share with making an unprecedented success of this unique event."
- Swami Chidananda
____________________________________________________________________

SEE GOD IN ALL: Some distinguished visitors had come-military officials
and their wives. As the Master came out of the office to give fruits to
the visitors, he found a cow standing near the entrance. The first fruit
was offered to the cow. Next it was the turn of a dog. Finally, the
distinguished visitors were entertained with fruits.

One of the ladies in the group could not resist giving expression to her
lofty views on a subject as vital as food itself.

"Swamiji, you know that there is food shortage every where in the country
and in the world. Even human beings are unable to get their necessities.
And here you are feeding cows and dogs with things that are considered
luxuries by many human beings."

Another pious member of the party interrupted her sister, "Swamiji has a
large heart."

The Master smiled and said, "All this is Sadhana for the expansion of the
heart. When you feed your children, your guests, animals and birds, try to
feel that the Lord is seated in them, and that He accepts your offerings.
See God in all. Try, try and try again. The old notions will not disappear
in a day. Go on. Gradually your consciousness will expand and you will
attain Cosmic Consciousness or Advaitic realisation."
____________________________________________________________________
"O Man! Goal of life is God-realisation. God-realisation grants Supreme
Joy, Peace and Fearlessness. Most precious is human birth. Utilise this
birth to attain God. Life is short. Time is fleeting. Waste not time.
Engage in noble deeds. Be up and doing upon the path of Divine Life."
- Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Salutations and prostrations.

I only have a site to recommend this time. Those who need daily spiritual
inspiration can visit "The Hindu" online. Under the miscellaneous link,
they have a short article on religion.  Many times they have expounded on
verses from the scriptures, especially The Bhagavad-Gita. Sometimes, they
also run articles co-inciding with spiritual festivals. For example, on
Monday (Feb 10)  they ran an article on the significance of fasting during
the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan. The article on religion runs everyday
except Sundays (it doesn't matter on Sunday for us since the e-mail on
Gurudev's daily action will serve as an inspiration for us). The URL is
http://www.webpage.com/hindu/today/ (follow the Miscellaneous link and you
will find the article under the religions section). They have all their
papers archived, so you can visit previous articles too.

Om Shanti.

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir
__________________________________________________________________

DESIRE FOR NAME AND FAME: To a group of devotees and disciples, the Master
said, "Some are very anxious to acquire name and fame. They make a show of
themselves. They travel in cars, build clock towers and sky-scrapers. They
wear costly dress and employ a number of servants. They pose as great
servants of society. Every moment they try to acquire more fame. But the
slightest criticism upsets them. They cannot bear opposition. They wish
that everyone should respect them. In spite of all this they do not get
fame and hence get upset and restless.

But if a man is really selfless he will not care for name and fame. He
will do his work with great interest but will not expect any reward for
it. Work itself is his reward. He has no desire for fame. He can bear
abuse. Only such a man will enjoy peace. He will get fame also;  it will
be his handmaid. But he will not be attached to it. Such a person alone
can do real service to society.

Give up all desire for fame. Work in a spirit of dedication. You will
enjoy bliss. You will get fame also. Work with single-minded devotion and
dedication."
________________________________________________________________

"Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise. Be good; do good. Be kind;
be compassionate. Practise non-injury, truth and purity. This is the
foundation of Yoga and Vedanta. Adapt, adjust, accommodate. Bear insult;
bear injury. Serve all. Love all. Embrace all in the Oneness of the
Spirit. This is Divine Life." - Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Loving prostrations.

Shree has got a treat for all of us at her web site. She has recorded
beloved and worshipful Holy Master, Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji's lecture
titled "Practical Ways to Self-Realisation" in Real Audio at
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/4670/bhajans.htm

Thus we can have Satsang (association with the wise) with Gurudev whenever
we feel like it. I have listened to this lecture dozens of times and each
time it get to be more inspiring.

I have got the text of the lecture at
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/messages/self.htm
I tried my best to translate the Sanskrit words which Gurudev used.
Please do not hesitate to contact me, if you need further explanantion.

Shree also told me that the column on religion in "The Hindu" can be
directly accessed from http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/THREL.html.

Speaking of Satsangs, Shree has compiled a list of articles from "The
Hindu" on the glory of Satsang at
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/8891/satsangh.htm

Thank you Shree for the service that you have rendered for us.

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir
__________________________________________________________

WORLD IS GOD: A visitor handed to the Master a spiritual book written
by him and humbly said, "This is a book written by a worldly man for
worldly people."
At once the Master replied, "World is God. It is a book written by
a godly man for godly people."
__________________________________________________________

"Enquire "Who am I?" Know thy Self and be free. Thou art not this body,
not this mind. Thou art Immortal Self. Thou art unborn, eternal,
changeless, indestructible, ever-pure, all-perfect Spirit or Atman.
Realise this and be free. This is your foremost duty. Do this through
selflessness and service, devotion and worship, purification,
concentration and meditation. Attain God-realisation. Do it now. Abide in
Bliss, Peace and Perfection for ever." - Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Salutations and Prostrations.

This month's discourse, "Highest Yoga", by beloved Gurudev, Sri Swami
Sivanandaji Maharaj, will show you the quickest way to attain
God-realisation here and now in this very birth. In this discourse,
Gurudev also tells us how our spiritual progrees can be measured. The URL
is:

http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/discourse/mar97.htm

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir
_______________________________________________________

CONTROL OF THE SENSES: Zal Mathaji enquired, "My Lord, how to control
the senses?"

The Master replied, "If the tongue wishes to taste halwa (a sweetmeat),
take only ordinary food. If the eyes wish to see cinema pictures, refrain
from visiting the cinema. See Krishna only everywhere. If the organ of
speech troubles you, observe silence."

"If the mind troubles?" enquired Zal Mathaji.

"If the mind troubles, meditate on the Lord. Do Japa. You can control all
the senses by fixing the mind on the Lord."
________________________________________________________

"The secular aspect of your life cannot be and must not be regarded as a
separate department that has no connection with God and His worship.
Religious life and spiritual life means whole of your living." - Swami
Chidananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Salutations and Prostrations.

Beloved and worshipful Gurudev Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj has asked us
to make tithing a daily habit. Gurudev has made a strong plea that we
support the Sivananda Centenary Charitable Hospital. Gurudev urged us to
put a little money away daily, collect it, and send it to the hospital at
various times throughout the year.

Swami Sivananda Centenary Charitable Hospital,
Kalakkad Road,
Pattamadai - 627-453,
Dist: Nellai Kattabomman,
Tamil Nadu,
South India.

The hospital must rely on donations to continue the free clinics used by
hundreds everyday.

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

____________________________________________________________

KNOWING THE DIVINE WILL: Some members of the Society of Friends, known
popularly as the Quakers, came from Delhi to meet the Master.

At the Satsang, at the command of the Master, Swami Sadanandaji delivered
a long and illuminating lecture, tracing the origin and development of the
Quaker Movement and showing how the same ideals of the Quakers were being
worked out by the Divine Life Society in the implementing of the Master's
precepts-"Serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realise; be good, do good,
be kind, be compassionate, enquire 'Who am I?" know the Self and be free."

The lecture was much appreciated by the Quakers and at the close of the
Satsang they asked Swami Sadanandaji, "How can we know that our will is in
tune with Gods Will or not?"

The Master, who overheard the question, at once replied, "By ourselves
becoming God through self-purification. Unless we purify ourselves and
become divine, we cannot know the Divine Will, and all our talk about it
will be mere bazaar talk."
_____________________________________________________________

"Before doing any work, think that you are going to worship God. While
doing work think that you are not doing the work: God is doing everything
through me. I am an instrument only. After completion of work, offer,
offer it at the lotus feet of the Lord as your humble love. Then Karma
will not bind you." - Swami Chidananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Salutations and prostrations.

I have setup a page for the activities of the Divine Life Society of
Maryland at http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/branches/dlsusa.htm
and I have copied it below for the benefit of those without access to the
web.

If you have any questions about the programs, you can contact Samarpana
via e-mail at simado@....

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir
________________________________________________________

MEDITATION AND VIDEO RETREAT
March 28th - 30th
This retreat is set up for listening to specially selected talks by Sri
Swami Chidananda Maharaj combined with long periods of meditation.  An
optional asana class will be available.  The retreat is suitable for
spiritual aspirants and devotees of the Divine Life Society

SPRING WEEKEND RETREAT
May 2nd - 4th.
"Choosing the Spiritual Path"
This retreat is an introduction for newcomers.  Yoga is not just a
physical discipline.  Its aim is the unfolding of our spiritual potential.
It is the practice of reaching towards God and finding the power of the
in-dwelling spirit.  You will be introduced to a range of classical yoga
disciplines.  You will receive guidance to help you choose practices that
suit your temperament and daily schedule.. As you discover which practices
are best for you, you will learn to trust your intuition and affirm your
commitment to your physical and spiritual well being.
Both retreats begin Friday evening with supper and end after lunch on
Sunday.  Suggested contribution $90.00

SUMMER SADHANA RETREAT
Friday, July 18th - Wednesday, July 23rd.
This retreat is patterned after the Sadhana Week of Sivananda Ashram, the
headquarters of the Divine Life Society in India.  The retreat includes an
intense program of meditation, chanting, study of scriptures,spiritual
talks and question and answer periods.  An optional asana class will be
available.
The retreat begins on Friday evening with supper and ends after lunch on
Wednesday.
Suggested contribution $225.00

GURU POORNIMA CELEBRATION
July 20th at 10:30am


SATSANGS
Sunday: April 6th, May 4th, June 1, July 6th, July 20th.
Satsangs begin at 10:30am and are followed by a potluck lunch.


CLASSES taught by Swami Gurudevananda(Sita Frenkel)

YMCA, Frederick, MD, Monday mornings and evening(Beg & Int.)
Tel: (301) 663-5131

YMCA, Hagerstown, MD, Wednesday evenings.(Beg & Int.)
Tel: (301) 739-3990

YMCA, Washington, DC, Thursday evenings. (Beg.)
Tel: (202) 862-9622

OLD MACKIN HIGH SCHOOL, Thursday evenings (Int.)
Tel: (301) 432-4918

MONTGOMERY GENERAL HOSPITAL (Beg. & Int.)
Tel: (301) 774-8882
ask for Health Promotion Services Meditation course

___________________________________________________

REAL DIVINE GRACE: Among the visitors who had Darshan of the Master today
was a young lady who had not yet been able to reconcile herself to the
loss of her husband, which took place some six months ago. After the
demise of her husband, she had given up playing the veena in which she was
said to be proficient.

The Master consoled her and advised, "Be happy. God does everything for
the good of His devotees. There is a story which I shall narrate to you
now. There was a rich man. He was a lakh-path (possessor of lakhs of
rupees). He was very irreligious and haughty. Lord Krishna and Arjuna once
visited him and were rudely received. The Lord blessed him that he might
soon become a crore-pathy (possessor of crores of rupees).

Krishna then visited a poor devotee, who received Him with intense
devotion. The Lord cursed this devotee that his only cow might soon die.
When Arjuna questioned the Lord as to His strange conduct, He said that
the rich man, on becoming richer, will become more arrogant and will
ultimately suffer much. This will turn his mind towards God. The poor man,
on the contrary, was deeply devoted to the Lord, but his only obstacle was
the cow to which he was greatly attached. This being removed, his mind
will go straight to the Lord and enjoy eternal bliss. Thus, God wants to
take His devotees back soon, so He removes all their possessions and
pleasure-centres.

"Absorb yourself in the playing of your veena and attain union with God.
Music is a pure means of attaining God. Do Kirtan. Do Japa. Do Bhajan. If
you sing Bhajan on the banks of the Ganges all your sins and sorrows will
disappear."

In compliance with the Masters command the lady in question sang a Bhajan.

___________________________________________________

"You can best serve your nation, your Lord, your fellow-beings, and
yourself by conscious self-culture, by living for the realisation of the
Self.  A nations prestige depends upon the few such self-cultured sons and
daughters of the land. When time has effaced the memory of all else, it
would be the man-of-God who will ever be remembered. Therefore, become a
man-of-God here and now." - Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Salutations and prostrations.

Shree is working on a Bhajan Collection Project for the benefit of all.
Please help her with this noble project. I have enclosed her request
below.

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Namaskaar,

Currently I am working on collecting all the chanting bhajans as well as
devotional songs. The bhajan collection will be available both in
transliterated form as well as devanaagarii output.

I would like to receive any bhajans that you might have as part of your
temple or group activities. If they are already typed in computer, you
could send them via email to shree@... OR if you would like to send
us paper copies or fax them, please contact me for the address.

I have a site on puja-s and bhajan-s (text and audio files) which you
might like to visit. Please browse the pages when you have some time, It
is at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/8891/
If you have any suggestions for improvement, please let me know.

I plan to finish the collection in about a month's time. The files will
then be available as transliterated text files, devanagarii postscript
files or gif files. We hope the Bhajan collection will be of benefit to
devotees all over the world.

In future, we would like to setup an on-line free utility where people
will be able to prepare handouts of their own choice of bhajan-s and
shloka-s.

I assure you that there is no catch or promotion of any particular sect,
group, or followings in pursuing this collection.

I sincerely hope to receive a reply from you and some help regarding the
bhajan collection.

dhanyavaad !

Yours sincerely,

Shree Devi Kumar
************************************************************************
   E-mail: shree@...
   Web: http://members.tripod.com/~satsangh
************************************************************************
__________________________________________________

SECRET OF ABUNDANCE: Referring to servants, the Master said to some of
his disciples, "Always give the best thing to your servants."
After making this remark, he continued in the same vein, "Do not close the
door and take first-class coffee. As soon as you close the door, you
should feel that God is witnessing your action and that you should not act
selfishly. Give and give. This is the secret of abundance.  The moment
your stock is exhausted by giving to others, fresh supply will come. This
is the unalterable law."

__________________________________________________

"The light of life is Guru's teachings, the strength of life is trust in
God. The wealth of life is virtue. The treasure of life is devotion to
Lord. The basis of life is Dharma" - Swami Chidananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Salutations and prostrations.

Happy Easter to all.

I have updated the religions section of our web page. I have provided
links to the significance of religious festivals in the different
religious traditions. Many of these links are from "The Hindu" archives
(this site is a spiritual treasure house). Of special interest on this
sacred day of Lord Jesus Christ's resurrection would be "What is Easter
Sunday?". You may also want to read the story of "The Little Donkey". This
story is my personal favourite.  Both these articles can be accessed from
the religions link at:
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/religions/religions.htm

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir
_____________________________________________

THE MASTER IN MALAYA (MALAYSIA):  The Master handed over to Sri Pushpa a
letter that he had received from an old friend in Malaya, Sri Arumugam,
and said, "This will tell you my nature thirty years ago. It was the same
as it is now."

In the letter, among other things, Sri Arumugam had mentioned: "I
remember your cheerfulness, kindness, help and encouraging words. I
remember also that I used to knock at your door in the afternoons on my
return from the bank and you seldom missed your kind offer of cakes."

____________________________________________

"Sow the seeds of devotion in the field of the heart.  Water it with
aspiration.  Fence it with Satsanga (association with the wise) to ward
off the animals of passions.  You will reap the rich harvest of peace and
bliss." - Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste (I bow to the Divine in you)

The Messages link has been updated with two new messages. The first is
"Advice to Businessmen" and the second is "The Royal Science of
Brahma-Vidya". In the first article, Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanadaji Maharaj
explains the secrets of running a successful business and in the second
article Gurudev compares and contrasts Yogic science and the physical
sciences. The URL of the messages link is:
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/messages/messages.htm

In this month's discourse, "Path to Self-Realisation", Gurudev Sri Swami
Chidanandaji Maharaj tell us why we should aspire for God-Realisation.
URL: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/discourse/apr97.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannir
____________________________________________________
TRY AGAIN AND AGAIN:  In reply to a visitor's request for instructions
the Master said, "Complain not.  If you do not receive food or tea do not
complain.  If anybody abuses you, remain silent like a block of stone."

The Master questioned another disciple, "Is it impossible to remain silent
when abused?"

He continued, "Fear not, despair not.  Move fearlessly.  March like a
hero.  Detach, attach. D.I.N.-do it now.  T.I.N.-try it now.  K.I.V."

Explaining T.I.N., which was a comparatively new addition to his
aphoristic, abbreviated instructions, the Master said again, "T.I.N.-try
it now."

On hearing it, Sri Zal Mathaji replied, "Even after trying one does not
get satisfaction."

"If there is no satisfaction," said the Master, "try again. Try again and
again. Remember the story of Bruce and the Spider.  I think Bruce failed
nine times.  Even if you fail ninety times, you should try again."
____________________________________________________

"To attain union with God be humble like a blade of grass, simple like a
child, and love the Lord like Gopis." - Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste,
         Anyone who is interested in subscribing to The Divine Life Journal
can send a bank draft or money order for US$10.00 (made payable to "The
Divine Life Society") to

THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY
P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR - 249 192,
Distt. Tehri-Garhwal,
Uttar Pradesh,
Himalayas,
INDIA.

The journal is published monthly by the headquarters. Each issue consists
of 4-5 inspiring articles (the first three articles are by Swami
Sivananda, Swami Chidananda, Swami Krishnananda, and the others are
usually by one of Gurudev's senior disciples), announcements and
instructions by Gurudev Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj and reports on
activities at the headquarters.

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir
________________________________________

GOD'S DARSHAN:  A visitor narrated to the Master a strange phenomenon.
A milkman appeared before him at a time when no milkman could be expected
to be there.  The still stranger thing was that one of the hands of the
milkman was brighter than the other.  The visitor in question had a doubt
whether the man was a form taken by God or just an illusion, since he did
not think he deserved such Grace.

The Master said, "You should know whether it was an illusion or not."

The visitor admitted his inability to know.

Thereupon the Master said, "You should not tell such experiences to
others."

The visitor immediately replied, "You are my Guru. An aspirant should
reveal everything to his Guru."

The Master then closed his eyes for a while and, opening them, said, "It
was not an illusion."

After a few moments pause he added, "God had given you Darshan (vision)."

"Was it real Darshan?" asked the visitor.

"Just to give you encouragement He gave you Darshan."
________________________________________

"God shows His grace to the devotee by manifesting as His Guru." - Swami
Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste,

I am enclosing a little message to members on the ideals of The Divine
Life Society by Holy Master, Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj.

"The Divine Life Society is an all-inclusive campus for self-culture. It
provides you a synthetic scope for building up the body and the mind, to
cultivate and strengthen the spiritual propensities within and to canalize
your faculties for the good of all.

The members of the Society should have neither the self-righteous mission
of perfecting man from a pedestal of superiority or of proclaiming a new
religion, nor should they have any set creed or dogma to impose upon
others. Dissemination of spiritual knowledge is their ideal, but even that
should be done with a broad perspective and persuasive humility, rather
than with a forthright proselytizing bias.

The basic tenets of spiritual life such as truthfulness, non-violence and
purity should, however, be universally applicable, and only those who have
the spirit of dedication to these and a capacity for their application, as
far as possible, can be true members of the Society.

The members of the Society are not self-styled upholders of divinity on
earth. They are the servants of God, servants of man. They are seekers of
truth and propagators of the gospel of truth. Their life is of
self-discipline, enquiry, meditation, selfless service and dissemination
of universal spiritual knowledge.

I wish all members of the Society the most glorious enblossoming of the
spirit within them, through self-effort, discipline, prayer and
purification, and may the fragrance of their holy aspiration continue to
waft around them in an everwidening circle, inspiring, enthusing,
ennobling, healing and enlightening the brotherhood of mankind."


Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

__________________________________________________

HEAR FROM WITHIN: A visitor expressed the wish to listen to instructions
from the Master's own lips.

The Master said, "Hear from within."

Observing that the visitor was not fully satisfied, the Master added, "Go
to the source. Serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realise.  Be good, do
good."

__________________________________________________

"Sow the seed of self-discipline. Water it with love. Fence it with Lord's
Name. The tree will yield you the fruit of immortality." - Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

WORK IS WORSHIP: The Master enquired of Swami Nityananda, "Where is Swami
X. working?"

Swami Nityananda mentioned the name of the department in which Swami X.
was working.

Then the Master said, "Service itself is meditation. Work itself will lead
to knowledge. When the time comes one will attain Self-realisation. When
doing service one will come across various names like Gopal, Krishna,
Govind, and so on.  All these are Gods Names and if you remember this
point your work will become worship."
_________________________________________________

"Whenever the student sincerely meditates upon his teacher, the teacher
also actually feels that a current of prayer or sublime thoughts proceeds
from his student and touches his heart."  -Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste,

This month's discourse, "Are you a spiritual seeker?" is a must read. It
is excellent for self-introspection. This article was written by Sri N.
Ananthanaryanan, a senior disciple of beloved Gurudev, Sri Swami
Sivanandaji Maharaj. The book from which this article was taken is highly
recommended. In this book, Sri. Ananthanarayananji shares with us his
struggle on the spiritual path. I am sure many of us would find the tips
given by him helpful in dealing with our own struggle. The title of the
book is "What The River Has Taught Me".

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

________________________________________

ANTIDOTE FOR WORRY: At the Satsang, the Master sang:

Nothing exists,
Nothing belongs to me,
I am neither mind nor body,
Immortal Self I am.

On a previous occasion the Master sang the above verse and said, "If you
sing this song, if you meditate on it, you will have no worries;  you will
get peace."

________________________________________

"Why do you strive and struggle for the fleeting powers of the world?
Become the monarch of the Universe by attaining Knowledge of the Self." -
Swami Sivananda

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste,
         Today is the most sacred day of Adi Sankaracharya's appearance
day. Sankara appeared in the year 788 AD and reestablished Advaita Vedanta
to its pristine purity during a time when chaos pervaded India in the
matter of religion and philosophy.

The Vedanta expounded by Gurudev is based on Sankara's teachings only.
Sankara is our Vedanta Guru. I have uploaded a lecture by Gurudev, Sri
Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj, summarizing the essential teachings of Sankara
at http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/religions/sankarajay.htm

On this sacred day, please also pray for the peace of the departed souls
and the families of victims of the earthquake in Iran.

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

__________________________________________

RECIPE FOR GOOD HEALTH: A Muslim professor said, "Swamiji, you just now
prayed for the health, peace and prosperity of the whole world. I believe
in the efficacy of prayer, but I think people should also observe certain
rules to ensure good health. I would like to hear from you what are the
rules to be observed for attaining good health."

The Master replied, "Take Sattvic (pure) food. Drink pure water and
breathe fresh air. Have sound sleep. Practice some exercises. Pray to the
Lord and be cheerful. Worry not. Sing. Music also will help you much.
Fast occasionally."

__________________________________________

"He who looks within alone, has an unblurred vision outside." - Swami
Sivananda

Date: Sun, 18 May 1997 17:24:26 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (18)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

REAL RENUNCIATION: A party of devotees had come for the Master's Darshan.
They were intending to go to Benares and other holy places.

The Master asked them, "What will you renounce after going to Benares?"

We will renounce whatever Swamiji asks us to renounce," answered an
elderly woman in the party.

"White gourd?" the Master enquired.

"Anything that Swamiji may command," she replied.

"Then give up anger. Give up egoism and hatred. This is real
renunciation."

The lady agreed to do so.

Then, looking at the other devotees, the Master said, "She has given up
anger."

The Master continued, "Suppose you go everyday and ask a person who has
resolved to give up anger, 'Have you given up anger? Have you given up
anger?' he will immediately get angry!"

_________________________________________

"The Atman or the Self is the same in every living being, from the creator
to the smallest ant. He is really ignorant who sees difference between man
and man." - Swami Sivananda

Date: Sun, 25 May 1997 18:32:43 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (19)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

TIME, A MENTAL CREATION: After the office work the Master was returning to
his cottage accompanied by a few disciples.

On the way he called Sri Pushpa, addressing her as the Vice-Principal and
Mathematics Professor at the Mahadevi Kanya Patashala College, Dehra Dun.

The Master remarked, "Suppose you are in the company of friends, enjoying
fruit salad and other delicious things, then one hour will pass like one
minute. Suppose, on the other hand, you stand in the hot sun, one minute
will appear like one hour."

"This is Einstein's theory," intervened Sri Mohini.

At once the Master replied, "This is also the theory of the Yoga
Vasistha."

After a pause he added, "Time is only a mode of the mind, a mental
creation."

________________________________________

"The crown of spiritual life is the vision of unity." - Swami Sivananda

Date: Sun, 1 Jun 1997 18:52:06 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (20)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste,

	 This month's discourse is an inspiring message to presevere with
our Sadhana by Holy Master, Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. The
title of the discourse is 'A Sermon on Sadhana' and it is at
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/discourse/jun97.htm

	 Sri Swami Krishnanadaji's essay on 'The Search for Truth' has been
updated. In the latest part, Swamiji expounds on 'The Ego' and 'The Theory
of Knowledge'. This essay is at
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/messages/truth.htm

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

_________________________________________

SWEET WORDS: While returning from Satsang the Master enquired of Swami
Nirmalananda, who was in charge of the guest-house in the Ashram, whether
the visitors were properly attended to.

Swami Nirmalananda replied in the affirmative.

"Even if you cannot give milk or curd," said the Master, "at least speak
sweet words. People like sweet words more than milk or curd!"

_________________________________________

"Love rules without a sword and binds without a cord." - Swami Sivananda

Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 14:22:45 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (21)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!


HUMOR, A DIVINE GIFT: While proceeding to attend Satsang, the Master had
occasion to make a humorous remark. Then, commenting on humour itself
generally, he said, "Humour is good, especially if it is educative,
instructive humour. It is a divine gift just as music is a divine gift."

__________________________________________

"There is no greater treasure than contentment. There is no greater virtue
than truthfulness. There is no greater bliss than that of the Soul. There
is no better friend than Atman or the Self." - Swami Sivananda

Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 17:04:12 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (22)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste!

The Divine Life Society, Petaling sub-branch (Swami Sivananda Spiritual
Centre) based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia has launched an
internet homepage at http://www.mol.net.my/sssc/

The web page has among others, information on Swami Sivananda's Centenary
Charitable Hospital at Pattamadai, Tamil Nadu, India. Click on 'Service to
Humanity' to learn more about the hospital and how you can help support
it.

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

______________________________________

TACT AND ADAPTABILITY: A lady devotee of the Master could sing well. The
Master said to her, "Your daughter is intelligent. Why dont you teach her
music?"

"She would not learn anything from me," replied the lady.

Her daughter who was present said, "In the name of teaching she scolds
me."

The Master pacified her, saying, "What harm is there if your mother scolds
you?"

"Whenever I teach her she thinks I am scolding her," said the mother.

Then the Master said, "You must have scolded her once, otherwise why will
she be having the impression that you scold her. You must discover another
method of dealing with her.

We must find out the nature of other people and adapt ourselves to them.
Mere scolding does not produce results. There is a lady here who cannot
appreciate wit. I understand her nature and am careful in avoiding humor
in her presence. Like this we must study the tastes and nature of others
and move among them tactfully."

______________________________________

"The elimination of ego is the sole condition of Self-realisation." -
Swami Sivananda

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 1997 14:09:36 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (23)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste!

This week June 22-28 is the International Days of Prayer for the victims
of Landmines. Please pray for the victims and send an e-mail to
<hi.mines@...> saying that you are doing so. I am sending more
information about the event below. This information was sent to me by the
International Committee for the Peace Council of which beloved and
worshipful Gurudev Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj is a member.

In a related issue, there is a bill which has been introduced in the
congress (USA) which seeks to get President Clinton to sign the ban treaty
in December 1997.  I have enclosed a list of senators who support the bill
below. Please send an e-mail to your senator and ask him/her to support
the bill or thank him/her if he/she is already supporting the bill. You
can go to http://vote-smart.org/ and key in your zipcode to find out who
your senator is. I have also enclosed a sample letter below which you can
send to your senator. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any
assistance.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir
_____________________________________

BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU PROMISE: While the Master was leaving the place of
Satsang after it was over, a visitor approached him and requested the
Master to allot some time for an interview.

"Five o'clock tomorrow, but no promise," replied the Master.

Then turning to the people around him, he said, "Do not give any promise.
Even if you are sure of going to a certain place at 10a.m., do not say, 'I
will go'. Say, 'I will try'. This is my method. Otherwise, if you fail to
go, people will say that you promised and did not keep to it."

_____________________________________

"Just as, when we touch a live wire, the electric force infuses itself
into our body, when we deeply meditate on God the power of the whole
universe seeks entry into our personality." - Swami Krishnananda

-------------------------------------

June 22 - 28, 1997

INTERNATIONAL DAYS OF PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF LANDMINES

DAYS OF PRAYER
From June 24 to 27, 1997, diplomats and humanitarian organizations from
many nations will meet in Brussels, Belgium to draft an international
treaty banning landmines. It will be ready for signing in Ottawa, Canada,
in December, 1997.

Persons of all faiths will gather to pray in Brussels and elsewhere
around the world,  June 22-28. They will offer their prayers in support
of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and they will pray for an
end to the suffering of millions of victims.

Please join us in prayer on June 22-28, and ask your faith community to
pray with us for the relief of this suffering.  Now is the time to pray
and to act.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
* Support national policies to ban the production, use, stockpiling, and
export of landmines.
* Urge your government to push for the international treaty outlawing
landmines as inhumane, indiscriminate weapons.
* Tell others; and help any of the hundreds of organizations around the
world that are working to ban and to remove landmines, and to heal
victims.

* Join us in prayer on June 22-28, 1997.
* Please tell us that you are praying with us. Send a fax to the Brussels
office of the Jesuit Refugee Service - Europe (fax +32-2-738-0864) or to
the USA office of the International Committee for the Peace Council  (fax
+1 608 423-4966) or send e-mail to hi.mines@...

HIDDEN KILLERS - LANDMINE FACTS
* Landmines kill or wound over 26,000 people a year, mainly civilians.
* Landmines are weapons of war, but most are left behind after the
soldiers have gone: over 100 million remain hidden: indiscriminate
killers in more than 60 countries, turning fields, woods, paths, and
villages into death traps.
* Tens of millions of people live with the constant horror of suddenly
losing a leg, a life, or a child's life. Every 20 minutes a landmine
explodes somewhere.
* Landmines cost very little to produce - as little as $3 to $30 each -
but it costs from $300 to $1000 to remove one.
* Every year about 5,000,000 landmines are made and 2,500,000 are
deployed, but only about 100,000 are removed.
* The countries most severely afflicted by landmines are Afghanistan,
Angola, Bosnia, Cambodia, Croatia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Mozambique,
Somalia,  and Sudan.
* In Cambodia, for example, there are more than 35,000 amputees: one out
of every 200 Cambodians has lost one or more limbs to a landmine
explosion.
*The only solution is a total ban on the production, use, trade, and
stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines, and an international commitment
to clear existing minefields.

  ----------------------------

June 22 - 28, 1997
INTERNATIONAL DAYS OF PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF LANDMINES

People of all faiths are praying for an end to the horror and suffering
inflicted by landmines. Please join us.

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines, launched in 1992, includes
over 1000 human rights, humanitarian, medical, development, arms control,
and environmental groups in over 40 countries. A ban has been endorsed by
UNICEF, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations General
Assembly, and many nations. The Peace Council supports the campaign to
ban landmines: Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez, former President of Costa Rica
and winner of the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize; Dr. Dalil Boubakeur, rector of
the Islamic Institute at the Paris Mosque; Dr. Elise Boulding, Quaker
peace activist; Swami Chidananda Saraswati, president of the Divine Life
Society, India; Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, Bendictine nun, author, and
activist; Prof. Dr. Chung Hyun Kyung, Professor of Ecumenics at Union
Theological Seminary, New York;  Samdech Preah Maha Ghosananda, supreme
leader of Cambodian Buddhism; H.H. Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, winner
of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize; Rev. Thomas Keating, OCSO, Cistercian monk
and former abbot of St. Joseph's Abbey; Imam W. Deen Mohammed, prominent
U.S. Muslim leader; Ven. Samdhong Rinpoche, Chairman of the Assembly of
Tibetan People's Deputies; Most Rev. Samuel Ruiz Garcma, Roman Catholic
Bishop of San Cristsbal de las Casas (Chiapas), Mexico; H.E. Dr. L.M.
Singhvi, Jain scholar and High Commissioner of India to the United
Kingdom; Most Rev. Desmond Tutu, former Archbishop of Cape Town, South
Africa and winner of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize; and Rabbi Levi
Weiman-Kelman, leader of the Kehilat Kol Haneshama congregation in
Jerusalem.  Many other religious and spiritual leaders publicly support
the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, including H.H. John-Paul II,
Bishop of Rome and Pope of the Roman Catholic Church; Bishop Dr. Klaus
Engelhardt, Chairman of the Council of the Evangelical Church of Germany;
Bishop Dr. Karl Lehmann, chair of the German Conference of Roman Catholic
Bishops; Rev. Dr. Joan Campbell, General Secretary of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; Rev. Rodney Page, Executive
Director, Church World Service; Dr. Kathryn Woolford, Executive Director,
Lutheran World Relief; and many, many others!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
    Handicap International * 104/106 rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris, France *
tel +33 1 43148700; fax +33 1 43148707 * USA tel +1 612 925-9418
    Human Rights Watch / Arms Project * 1522 K St. NW, Washington DC 20005
USA * tel +1 202 371-6592; fax +1 202 371-0124
    International Committee for the Peace Council * W9643 Rucks Rd.,
Cambridge WI 53523 USA * tel +1 608 423-4066; fax +1 608 423-4966
    International Committee of the Red Cross / Red Crescent * 19 Avenue de
la Paix, Geneva 1202, Switzerland * tel +41 22 734-6001; fax +41 22
733-2057
    Jesuit Refugee Service - Europe * rue Maurice Liitart 31/5, B - 1150
Brussels, Belgium * tel +32 2 738-0865; fax +32 2 738-0864
    The Lutheran World Federation * P.O. Box 2100, 1211 Geneva 2,
Switzerland * tel +41 22 791-6428; fax +41 22 791-0528
    Medico International * Obermainanlage 7, D-60314, Frankfurt-am-Main,
Germany * tel +49 69 94 4 380; fax +49 69 43 6 002
    Mines Advisory Group * 54A Main St., Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9LU,
United Kingdom * tel +44 1-900-828580; fax +44 1-900-827088
    Physicians for Human Rights * 100 Boyleston St., Suite 702, Boston MA
02116 USA * tel +1 617 695-0041; fax +1 617 695-0307
    Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation * 2001 "S" St., NW, Suite 740,
Washington DC 20009 USA * tel +1 202 483-9222; fax +1 202 483-9312
    World Council of Churches * P.O. Box 2100, 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland
*
tel +41 22 791-6320; fax +41 22 791-0361

PLEASE COPY AND DISTRIBUTE THIS INFORMATION

International Committee for the Peace Council
W9643 Rucks Road
Cambridge, Wisconsin 53523 USA
tel +1 608 423-4066
fax +1 608 423-4966

Daniel Gomez-Ibanez
Executive Director
International Committee for the Peace Council
W9643 Rucks Road
Cambridge, Wisconsin 53523
USA
telephone +1 608 423-4066
fax +1 608 423-4966

-----------------------------------------
Senators who are supporting the bill:

Mr. LEAHY, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Kerrey, Mr. McCain, Mr.  Cleland, Mr.
Kempthorne, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Lugar, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Levin, Mr. Hatch,
Mr. Lieberman, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Robb, Mr. Chafee,
Mr. Breaux, Mr. Smith of Oregon, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Moynihan, Mr.
Specter, Mr. Bumpers, Ms. Collins, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Reid, Mr.
Dodd, Mr. D'Amato, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Campbell, Mr.  Conrad, Mr. Rockefeller,
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Dorgan, Mr.  Daschle, Ms. Mikulski, Mr.
Torricelli, Mr. Lautenberg, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Reed, Mr. Wellstone, Mr.
Kennedy, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Feingold, Ms. Moseley-Braun, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr.
Kohl, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Harkin, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Ford, Mr. Akaka, Mr.
Baucus, Mr. Biden, and Mr. Wyden, Mr.  Bennett

-----------------------------------------

Sample letter (you must have your name and mailing address in your letter
to the senator):

Dear Senator _________________,

I am disappointed that the US is not participating in the Ottawa process
in December '97 to sign an international treaty to ban the use,
production, stockpiling and transfer of antipersonnel landmines. Landmines
kill or maim 25,000 people per year including an appalling number of
children. Many veterans who have been down in the mud among the mines and
a platoon of retired generals including Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf are
calling for a ban on this weapon.

Please support the Leahy-Hagel landmines bill to ban landmines.  The
sooner we get this indiscriminate weapon banned, the sooner we can start
healing the physical and psychological wounds of victims of this insidious
weapon.

Yours sincerely,


(Name & Address)

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 1997 14:33:17 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (24)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste!

All concerned citizens of the universe who are not physically present in
the USA and who would like to voice your concern about landmines can send
an e-mail to President Bill Clinton at <president@...>.  Those
who are in the USA should also send a message to the President if you
haven't already done so. I have reproduced a sample message below.

Swami Sivananda Spiritual Centre, a sub-branch of the Divine Life Society
in Malaysia has a new web address:  http://www.sssc.org.my/

Yours in service of Gurudev,

Pannir

___________________________________________

THE WANDERING HABIT: When the Master came to know that a certain inmate
was contemplating going away from the Ashram for a change, he remarked,
"Will people leave this place and go elsewhere? This place is a replica of
Brahma Loka. There is the enchanting Ganges and the Himalayan scenery
here. The moment the bell rings, one gets tea and meals. There are all
comforts here. Can one get these things elsewhere?"

The Master then became silent.

On a previous occasion, when another person evinced interest in going to
various places, the Master remarked to him, "If a man wishes to rise on
the spiritual path, he will not leave this place even if he is beaten."

On another occasion, referring to the wandering habit of certain
aspirants, he remarked, "A rolling stone gathers no moss."

___________________________________________

"God reveals Himself only to him who makes a sincere effort to realise
Him." - Swami Sivananda

-------------------------------------------

Dear President Clinton,

I am disappointed that the US is not participating in the Ottawa process
in December '97 to sign an international treaty to ban the use,
production, stockpiling and transfer of antipersonnel landmines. Landmines
kill or maim 25,000 people per year including an appalling number of
children. Many veterans who have been down in the mud among the mines and
a platoon of retired generals including Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf are
calling for a ban on this weapon.

Please support the Leahy-Hagel landmines bill to ban landmines.  The
sooner we get this indiscriminate weapon banned, the sooner we can start
healing the physical and psychological wounds of victims of this insidious
weapon.

Yours sincerely,


(Name & Address)

Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 17:33:15 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (25)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste!

In this month's discourse, Education of the Child, beloved and worshipful
Holy Master Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj gives us advise on how
to raise children to be ideal citizens. The URL of the discourse is
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/discourse/jul97.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannir
_________________________________

SERVICE IS WORSHIP: The Master visited the Eye Relief Camp conducted by
Dr. Adhwaryoo at the Ashram. On seeing the volunteers at work, he said,
"If one serves like this, feeling that every patient is God Himself, where
is the need for meditation? God will be immensely pleased with his service
and will bless him with liberation. Selfless service presupposes devotion
and knowledge."

Before leaving the Camp, the Master conducted Kirtan and Japa of the Maha
Mrityunjaya Mantra for the welfare of the patients who had been operated
on by Dr. Adhwaryoo.

_________________________________

"Man's concept of pleasure is nothing but an outcome of his erroneous
judgment of a present good, his desire is the result of a wrong idea of a
future good, his pain the consequence of a false notion of a present evil
and his fear the corollary of a mistaken evaluation of the nature of a
future evil." - Swami Krishnananda

Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 15:19:04 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (26)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

A REQUEST FOR PRAYER: A devoted gentleman made two requests to the Master.
One was that the Master should pray for the health of a certain ailing
person. The other was that he pray so that his son may pass his
examination in the first division.

To the first request the Master said, "I am doing Japa of the Maha
Mrityunjaya Mantra daily for the health of all persons in the world. I
repeat the prayer, 'Sarvesham Swastirbhavatu' also every day. I shall pray
for the recovery of your friend."

As to the second request the Master said, "I cannot pray that your son
should pass in the first division. If he does not study, how can he pass
in the first division? But I can pray for him generally."

The next day, however, the Master said at Satsang, "Let is do Kirtan for
the recovery of Mr. X. and for the son of Mr. Y., for his success in
passing the examination in the first division."

The Master then did collective Kirtan.
_____________________________________________

"Constant repetition of Lord's Name purifies your heart, removes your
doubts, and bestows immortality." - Swami Sivananda

Date: Sun, 20 Jul 1997 16:44:47 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (27)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste!

I have uploaded Holy Master, Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj's essay
titled "Disciple" at
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/teachings/sishya.htm

In this essay Gurudev clearly explains the duties of a disciple. I am sure
we can all make rapid progress on the spiritual path by adhering to
Gurudev's advice in this essay.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannir
____________________________________________

VARIETIES OF VANITY: Sri Lila Vlachow, while taking her usual massage
class in the morning, explained a certain kind of massage and said that it
was suitable for lumbago.

The Master humorously asked, "Can it cure 'vanity lumbago'?"

He continued, "Granules of vanity sometimes accumulate on the back and
cause 'vanity lumbago'. People with this disease cannot bow before others.
They cannot bend down before the idol in the temple. There are varieties
of lumbago-the professor's lumbago, Chief Minister's lumbago, principal's
lumbago and engineer's lumbago!"

____________________________________________

"It is not by what we know that we attain success in our life, but it is
by what we are, and by what we do with that which we know." - Swami
Chidananda

Date: Sun, 27 Jul 1997 15:14:43 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (28)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanadaya!

Namaste!

I have uploaded an excerpt of a lecture by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji
Maharaj regarding the restraint of the senses which is the fifth limb in
Raja Yoga. Swamiji has clearly explained how the senses operate and how
they deceive us. Note that Swamiji Maharaj has also mentioned that once we
achieve success in this practice, we would have achieved ninety percent
success. The URL of the article is:
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/messages/pratyahara.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannir
__________________________________________________

EVERYTHING IS GOD: The Master asked a visitor who prostrated before an
elderly person in his presence, "What are the benefits of prostration?"

He replied, "It develops the feeling of oneness and leads to the
attainment of the One Being. It develops humility."

The Master said, "Yes, it develops humility. Prostration should be done to
everything, even to excreta, stones and shoes."

"Have you ever done this?" the Master questioned, and then added, "I do it
daily immediately after I get up from bed in the morning.  Everything is
Consciousness only. There is no such thing as inert matter.  A thing may
appear quite inert outside but inside it is all Consciousness.  You should
do prostration to servants and to dogs and donkeys. There is a story of a
Maharashtra saint. A donkey had died and when he prostrated to the dead
animal, it was restored to life on account of the intensity of his
devotion."

__________________________________________________

"The Guru is a very wide dimension of consciousness appearing to be
located to a person. It is like a high voltage current passing through a
copper wire. The copper wire is only the visible thing before you, but it
is charged with something which is far beyond the limitations of a copper
wire. Ten thousand volts, ten thousand volts may be passing through there.
So ten thousand volts of consciousness are passing through his personality
though the volts cannot be seen. You only see the copper wire." - Swami
Krishnananda

Date: Sun, 3 Aug 1997 03:49:21 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (29)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste,

The months discourse is on the ecstasy of God-love by Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji Maharaj. Swamiji talks about both the love of the devotee
for God and the love of God for the devotee. The URL of this discourse is:
http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/discourse/aug97.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannir

_________________________________________________

MEDITATION IN CAVES: To a person who had returned to the Ashram after
leaving it once, with the idea of practising meditation in solitary caves,
the Master said, "If you go to caves for practising meditation, there will
be only two things-sleep and building castles in the air."
__________________________________________________

What is the purpose of religion?
"To help one attain purity of heart and God-realisation; to live
harmoniously with others, to have spiritual culture and to bring about
unity." Swami Sivananda

Date: Thu, 7 Aug 1997 23:10:21 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (30)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!


GOD'S WILL: "Why have you not engaged yourself in the active field of
service of humanity, Swamiji, just as Gandhiji had done? Unlike him, you
have secluded yourself on the bank of the Ganges, without entering the
political field at all," asked Sri Asvatthanarayanan.

The first answer of the Master was a mild one, which was at the same time
pregnant with a deep spiritual import. "God has endowed each man with
certain talents and marked out his field of service for him. Wisdom lies
in finding out those talents and utilising them in selfless service of
humanity, in accordance with His Will. Gandhiji's was a field of political
service; mine is the field of renunciation and Sannyas. For us to exchange
places would be like a cobbler and a tailor exchanging places!"

He continued, "But do not allow the mind to form the impression that only
that man who indulges in politics serves the Lord's children. How did you
come here? How did you know that this Ashram existed and that you can do
Sadhana for Self-realisation here?"

"From your books, Swamiji."

"Then you admit that the books have been of service to you?"

"Certainly, Swamiji."

"The books are the results of the dynamic activities here. In the world
you will not find workers such as you find here. There you will be looking
at the clock. When it strikes five, you will lay down your pen. But here
the Sannyasins convert night into day with their work. Thousands are
benefited. Thousands get a proper knowledge of the goal of life and the
path to it. Millions do Sadhana and evolve towards perfection with the
help of the books. Is that not service?"

"Yes, Swamiji, in fact it is greater service than the oratory of the
political platform."

"I have also toured the country. For a period of ten years, from 1930 to
1940, I frequently visited several places in the Punjab, Kashmir, United
Provinces, Bihar and other Provinces. In 1950 I toured the entire country,
visiting a number of places. Though public lecturing is very good in one
respect, it is a disadvantage to be always touring. You can awaken a few
people by lecturing. You can thrill an audience. But unless you can
immediately give them permanent inspiration in the form of books, they
will soon forget all about the lectures in the din and bustle of their
daily worldly lives.

"If I had been always touring I would not have been able to write these
books. It is in the interest of the service of the Lord's children that I
have secluded myself here. To produce spiritual literature such seclusion
is absolutely necessary. Do you understand now?"

"Yes, Swamiji. In fact I knew of your Holiness' glorious work even before.
But my friends and other people used to very often ask me such questions
and I did not know how to answer them. So I put this question to your
Holiness. I am grateful for the clarification."
__________________________________________________

"Knowledge or wisdom will dawn by itself when you practise Bhakti Yoga.
Bhakti is pleasant, smooth, direct road to God. Bhakti is sweet in the
beginning, in the middle, and in the end. It gives the highest, undecaying
bliss." - Swami Sivananda

Date: Sun, 17 Aug 1997 01:45:02 -0500 (CDT)
From: Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam <pkanagar@...>
To: The Divine Life Family <pkanagar@...>
Subject: Sivananda Day-to-Day (31)

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

REFORMING ONESELF:  X. had scolded Y. violently for over half an hour,
charging him with alleged misbehaviour. It was all in the blissful
presence of the Master, who pacified them both, saying, "Both of you are
right," which meant, "both of you are wrong!"

Referring to the violent volcanic nature of X., the Master later said, "It
will not be possible for him to change his nature. He has been like this
for the last twenty years and has still not made the least attempt to
control this evil trait. He cannot remain without quarelling with someone
or the other even for a few days together.

"Similarly, Swami Y. cannot attend a single public meeting or deliver one
lecture without criticising somebody and without incurring the displeasure
of some persons or parties. He once picked up a bitter quarrel with the
Arya Samajists. They issued pamphlets criticising his speech; he issued
pamphlets criticising their statements. Even today he is the very same
man.

"This X. even today does not feel that it is bad to abuse people and
quarrel with aspirants. He feels that what he does is right and that
others are wrong. Then how can he reform himself? The first step towards
reformation is a sincere awareness of one's short-comings. One should
introspect deeply, find out all the hidden defects and weaknesses and
endeavour to remove them."

__________________________________________________

"Distance has nothing to do between a Master and disciple. It is nearness
of the heart that counts. There must be perfect unity between the Guru and
the Chela (disciple). Then only the disciple will be immensely benefited."
- Swami Sivananda