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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a report by Swami Yatidharmanandaji on the Diwali
celebrations with Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji:
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/announce/chida6.htm

Pictures of the celebration (includes Guru Maharaj playing with
firecrackers):
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/announce/chida_diwali2.htm

We have also uploaded an article by Sri Swami Venkatesanandaji titled
"The World We Live In" at:
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/discourse/nov2002.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

ETERNAL QUESTIONS: The Rationing Officers of Dehra Dun and Rishikesh
arrived at the Ashram. They were very cordially welcomed and at once
entertained by the Master and his disciples.

They were all very intellectual people, students of philo­sophy and
aspirants also.

One of them asked the Master, "Swamiji Maharaj, what is your idea about
Nirguna Brahman? Does it mean only Shunya? In that case it does not
appeal to us very much. Who would like to meditate on nothingness?"
The Master replied, "Nirguna, blessed devotees, is not nothingness. It
is the fullness of everything that is good.

Nirguna is plenitude. In it you find all auspiciousness, all goodness,
all beauty, all joy, all health, all sweetness, all purity, all peace--
everything developed to perfection. From a distance this fullness
becomes inconceivable and so the sages called it Nirguna. Once you
reach it you get merged in that perfect, inexpressible experience. It
is not nothingness. It is 'everything'-ness, and beyond that also, for
it is inexpressible. Only realise that all that exists is Maya or false
perception. Pain, evil, ugliness, misery, change, birth, decay and
death are not in it. For it is beyond Maya. In Nirguna Brahman there
are no qualities of Maya like colour, etc. This is what is meant by
Nirguna."

"O Mahatmaji, we are grateful to you for this wonderful explanation.
You have convinced us that we should aspire to realise Brahman. Please
tell us what Avyaktam is."

"Avyaktam, blessed children, is a term which is applied both to
Brahman, which is unmanifest, and also to Mula­Prakriti, which also is
unmanifest."

"Why then did the Absolute manifest Itself?"

"That is a question which has never been answered. Many have tried to
answer the question. You will accept the answer only if you have faith.
They have described this 'action' of Brahman as Its nature or play.

"The same question has assumed various forms--why is there evil in the
world? Why does the world exist? Why has the individual soul been
created? When did Karma originate? Why did Karma come into being at
all?

"Do not put the cart before the horse. Annihilate the sense of duality
and go beyond Maya. Then you will know the answers to these eternal
questions. You will not be able to express the answers but you will
know them. Then the problems will have been dissolved."

"Swamiji, you have given a most convincing answer to this unanswerable
question. But please tell us, do you think it is correct to say, as in
the case of Avataras like Sri Krishna, that the Absolute Nirguna
assumed the Saguna aspect? If so, why?"

"This is simple to explain. The devotion of the devotee, the tears of a
devotee's love, the cry of a devotee's heart--all these force the
Nirguna Brahman to assume a Saguna form. The form is there for the
satisfaction of the devotee, to enable him to worship Him. In fact it
is the materialisation of the devotee's devotion."
Another friend in the group began, "Swamiji, with all the philosophical
explanations at our disposal we are still unable to reason out the
inequality that exists in the world. One man is born as the son of a
king, another the son of a beggar. One is born blind, another as a
beautiful baby. Why did the Lord create this inequality?"

"Ask the Lord Himself!" replied the Master.

All roared with laughter!

The Master then said, "The Lord does not create any inequality. He does
not make one man suffer and another rejoice. He is the silent witness
of everything. Man himself is the cause of his own suffering. He reaps
what he has sown in previous births. The relentless working of the law
of cause and effect brings about pain and pleasure, misery and joy.
Misery is only the purgation of past evil deeds. Mother Nature punishes
man in order that he may learn. She is not unkind either. Just think--
would you accuse a mother of cruelty if she beats her own dear child in
order to correct him and mould his character? Similarly, you ought to
be thankful to Mother Nature for enabling you to work out your own
Karma by suffering in this birth. At the same time you should take care
that you add no more to this load of Karma, by awakening the knowledge
latent in you and thus crossing over this ocean of worldliness."

The officers were highly impressed by the lucid explanation of this
difficult question. They bowed to the Master with great veneration and
left after receiving his prasad.

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

"Your strength should not be the strength of the gun or that of your
bank balance. It should be the invincible strength born of
discrimination and wisdom." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded several talks by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji
and Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji Maharaj. These inspiring talks were
delivered after the early morning meditation session at the Sacred
Samadhi Hall of Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, Sivananda
Ashram, Rishikesh.

The talks that we have uploaded are:

By Sri Swami Chidanandaji

Purposefully Direct the Power Potential Within
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/messages/power.htm

By Swami Atmaswarupananda

Affirm the Reality Wherever We Are At!
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/messages/affirm.htm

The Need for Both Dispassion and Practice
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/messages/dispassion.htm

Take Refuge NOW!
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/messages/takerefuge.htm

I am going to be be away in Chile for the next 7-10 days. Please excuse
me if I am unable to respond to e-mails during this period.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

REVERENCE FOR THE GURU: The Master was making enquiries about the
progress of the music class. The music students replied that they were
carrying on.

"You should all greet Sivaswarupji with folded palms and 'Om Namo
Narayanaya'. You should revere the Guru who teaches you the art. Only
then will the learning be fruitful."

"Yes, Swamiji, we are all doing that though we sometimes forget to do
so."

"No, no, you should never forget this. See, I had Swami Vishwanandaji's
company only for a few hours. Still I remember him daily in my Stotras
in the morning. I include Swami Vishnudevanandaji's name also, as it
was he who performed the Vraja Homa for me. It is very necessary. Only
then will the spark of Mumukshutwa burn brightly in us.

The Master then began reminiscing.

"Once I learnt sword-play from an untouchable. It lasted only for a few
days. He was an untouchable, yet I used to greet him with coconut and
betel leaves in hand. Guru is Guru, to whichever caste or creed he
belongs.

"In Malaya there were several Tantrik adepts. It was the time when the
Spanish 'Flu took a heavy toll of life there. I also had an attack but
somehow escaped. A Tantrik knew several Mantras and Yantras. There was
one wonderful Vidya. A special unguent would be applied to the
thumb­nail of the adept who did the requisite number of malas of Japa
of the Mantra. Through this unguent the adept would be able to see and
know about distant happenings. He would tell you what was going on in
such and such a place in Mysore, or what a particular person was doing,
where he was, and so on. Even now I remember the Mantra."

Here the Master repeated the Mantra.

"I had great reverence for the man who taught me the Mantra. I used to
prostrate to him, entertain him nicely and serve him whenever the
occasion arose. Later I gave up the Tantrik practice as I did not like
subjugating Deities and getting things done through them."

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

"Know the Lord to be the only real thing in the midst of things unreal.
Remember God. Take His Name always. Meditate upon Him. Feel His
Presence everywhere. Surrender yourself to Him. He will bless you with
peace, bliss, plenty, prosperity and immortality." - Swami Sivananda


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

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a talk by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji Maharaj. The
title of the talk is "A New Angle of Vision":
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/messages/newangle.htm

The 3rd Global International 24 Hour Non-Stop Japa Yajna of the
Sacred Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for World Peace and Spiritual Upliftment
of all has been announced for the 31st of December. Details about the
yajna as well as information on how to participate has been posted at:
http://www.dlsmd.org/japayajna.htm

I am going to be away again on travel for the next 2-3 weeks. Please
excuse me if I am unable to respond to e-mails during this period.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

GLORY OF A SPIRITUAL LIFE: Sri Hem Kant's brothers had come with the
intention of taking him away. Hem came into the office with one of the
brothers.

"Do you wish to go?" the Master asked Hem.

"Yes, Swamiji, I might go for a few days and then return."

"Then you are at perfect liberty to take him," said the Master to his
brother.

Turning to Hem, the Master said, "If you wish to come and remain here
you should make a thorough self-analysis and find out if your
dispassion is ripe. You should clearly understand the difficulties that
you will have to encounter on the path. Renunciation is not a joke.
Tomorrow if you fall sick and find that you are not as fondly attended
to here as you had been in your own home, you should not regret having
taken the step. You must be prepared to undergo any sort of suffering
for the sake of God-realisation. This is the greatest aim in life. So,
consider deeply before finally making up your mind to stay here."

While both the brothers were leaving the office the Master called Hem's
brother again.

"What made you make the trip all the way from Guahati to Rishikesh?"

"Swamiji, our mother is greatly upset on account of Hem's absence.
Everyone at home is miserable. So I was asked to fetch him back."

"It is a good thing, because you have had a Ganges bath which you might
not have had otherwise. You have done some Japa Sadhana on the Ganges
bank also. But why should the parents be worried? He is not dead. He is
alive and very much so; perhaps only now he is really alive.

Do you call a worldly life of misery life at all? Here he was leading a
spiritual life, a blessed life devoted to God. Why should the parents
be anxious? Has he committed any crime? On the other hand they should
be happy that one of their sons has taken to the spiritual path.

"He is not the only son; he has two brothers. The progeny will be kept
up by them. Why should he also procreate? Here he will do something
which no one has done-he will do Sadhana to have Self-realisation. Is
it inferior to studying for the B.A. and later on rotting in an office
as a clerk? Tell your parents from me that if two sons remain in the
family to look after the parents in their old age and to keep up the
progeny, at least one should lead a life of renunciation and strive to
attain God-realisation. You also can spend your life of retirement
here; so can your parents. What a great blessing it will be!"

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

"God is an able and intelligent shepherd. He guides His sheep when they
go astray." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded an article by Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj
titled "Practice of the Remembrance of God" at:
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/discourse/dec2002.htm

Please remember to sign up for 3rd Global International Japa Yajna
(Dec. 31) in appreciation of all Sages, Seers and Saints at:
http://www.dlsmd.org/japayajna.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

ps. I am still on travel with limited access to the internet.

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

GLORY OF SERVICE: Dr. Behari Lal's letter had not been attended to
promptly. To the Master it was an occasion for imparting a lesson to
his children.

"Even after such long training our inmates have yet to learn more about
the art of service. The organisation is growing daily. Everyone should
work like bees, tirelessly and with intense zeal. Someone who had run
away from the Ashram and fallen into evil ways, it seems, remarked that
I did not teach him any philosophy! Why, what need is there for all of
you to be taught? The very work, if you do it sincerely and with all
your heart and soul, is enough. Just see how I am working day and
night. You yourself will have to watch keenly and learn. The talks and
discourses that you listen to will not impress you as much as an
example would.

"Service, service--this should always be your motto. The moment I get
an address, see how I serve. Immediately I enter it in my register. I
send a copy of the magazine, a packet of leaflets, a book, prasad and a
letter, too. Thus the Lord's Name and the divine life message have been
taken to another household. This should be your motto also. You should
eagerly wait for every opportunity of serving. I have to extract work
from you every time. Some of you have yet to feel that all work is your
own, that the whole Society is your own, and that it is all His
service.

"Avatar--as will come at special times of stress and strife. Perhaps
the birth of an Avatara is imminent. But now we should all take on the
duties of an Avatara. In fact all the saints of today are Amsa-Avataras
and we are all their helpers. We should ourselves feel that the divine
spark is in us and work hard. Each one of you should do what an Avatara
would do. Then the divine spark in you will burst forth into a
conflagration.

"Can I not sit in a closed room and pursue the 'who am I?' enquiry? But
the bliss that I get out of this untiring service of aspirants is, so
to say, much greater than the bliss of meditation. The point is this:
through this service people are benefited. There is infinite expansion
of the heart. What great service Lord Krishna did! That should be your
ideal. Serve, serve and feel that the divine spark is in you. Feel that
you are preparing the ground for an Avatara to come.

"I assure you that you will get immediate liberation if your body falls
off while you are engaged in the service of humanity. If the body dies
while you are carrying water to the temple, at that very moment you
will attain final liberation. Fear not and serve!"

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

"If you want to enjoy peace and happiness, practise this simple
Sadhana. Adapt, adjust and accommodate. Lack of this divine quality of
adaptability is the cause for disharmony, quarrels, riots and wars." -
Swami Sivananda


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

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded two talks. One by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji
and the other by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji Maharaj. The talks that
we have uploaded are:

"God Is Present in the Midst of the Human Condition" by Sri Swami
Chidanandaji:
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/messages/godispresent.htm

and "Testing Our Spiritual Life" by Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/messages/testing.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

CONSOLING A DEVOTEE: A young man who was very seriously concerned about
his health slipped into the office along with his wife. Without any
patience and the usual courtesy, he went right up to the Master's seat
and stood; almost brushing his sleeves against the Master's arm.

"Om Namo Narayanaya!" greeted the Master, unmindful of his own
conversation with Sri Somadeva Sarma. The man placed before the Master
his problem. "Swamiji, I have got this," he said, pointing to a white
patch on his neck. "Please tell me what it is and how to get rid of it.
I have consulted many doctors and each one says something different.
Some doctors said it is . . ." Seeing the young man hesitant, the
Master volunteered, "Leucoderma."

"Yes, Swamiji, that is what one doctor said it was. I got greatly
upset. It has brought on great mental agony." "No, my child, you should
not give way to emotions like this and get upset. It is, after all,
just loss of pigment." "Still, Swamiji, it will disfigure me. Oh! I am
greatly worried about it. Please do something for me, Swamiji."
"Practise Sirshasana and Sarvangasana regularly. Do some Pranayama
also. Use the prescription that I am giving you."

The Master then gave him a medical prescription. And the young man,
greatly relieved, prostrated and left.

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

"You must be established in the repetition of the Mantra to such an
extent that even in dream your mind will be repeating the Mantra." -
Swami Sivananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
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-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a book by Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj titled
"Self-Knowledge". Thanks to Sumathi for the help in preparing this book.
This book is at:

http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/download/download.htm#selfknowledge

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

WINNING THE HEARTS OF OTHERS: While returning to his room the Master
saw an inmate of the Ashram, who was a student of Vedanta.

Looking at him he said, "You are only a Vedantin? You should also
practise Asanas and Pranayama. You should go for a walk both in the
morning and evening for half an hour. You should improve your health.
You should be more sociable. You should speak sweet words and win the
hearts of others. You should become a Poorvabhashi, a person who talks
to another first. As soon as you see someone beside you, you should
talk to him first, instead of expecting him to talk to you first. You
should talk to him in an intimate manner as though he is already known
to you.

"By speaking sweetly you can win the hearts of others. You should also
practise Poorva-Namaskar--that is, doing Namaskar to others before they
do to you. You should know these techniques of winning the hearts of
all by being more sociable and sweet."

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

"Even a little victory in the inner battle with your mind and senses
will develop your will-power and give you more assurance and courage.
But do not be swayed by success. Be humble and grateful." - Swami
Sivananda


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

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a Christmas message by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami
Chidanandaji titled "Thy Kingdom Come" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/thykingdom.htm

We have also uploaded a couple of Early Morning Meditation talks by Sri
Swami Atmaswarupanandaji Maharaj. They are:

The Path and the Goal Are the Same:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/pathgoal.htm

The Practice of Truth:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/practicetruth.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

NECESSITY OF HUMILITY: While the Master was on his way to his room
after working in the office, a visitor wanted to take a photograph. As
he was bending his body with his camera in his hands in order to take
the shot, the Master remarked, "For taking a photo man has to bend. For
drinking water from a tap man has to bend. So also, one has to bend if
one wants to get knowledge of the Atma."

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

"Jesus taught us this yoga of God-centred living in the midst of
activity. And He Himself personified this state, the outer state of
constantly doing good and the inner state of constantly being rooted in
God through prayer, remembrance, the Name and dedication." - Swami
Chidananda


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

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

Namaste!

Sri Swami Jivanmuktanandaji Maharaj, General Secretary of The Divine
Life Society, Rishikesh, India has left Rishikesh for USA. He will
reach New York on the evening of 29 December 2002.

NEW YORK
On 30 December 2002 at 7.30 pm there will be a program in New York at
the home of Sri Neal & Sri Sunil Modi, P.E., Engineer, Real Estate
Broker and Yoga Teacher. For details please contact by phone
718.969.2722 or by email Nealrealtor@... for additional details.
Swamiji Maharaj will stay in his house while in New York.

MARYLAND
On the morning of 31 December 2002, Swamiji Maharaj will go to Maryland
to attend a program arranged by Sri Swami Gurudevananda Mataji. There
will be a special New Year's Satsang on 1 January 2003 at 10.30 am that
will be followed by a vegetarian potluck lunch at the Divine Life
Society of Maryland. Those wishing to attend, should have their own
transportation to get to and from the venue. Please contact Anil by
phone at 703.680.6207 or email rudra@... for additional
details.

LOS ANGELES
From 2 January 2003 to 4 January 2003, Swamiji Maharaj will stay in Los
Angles. Presently, we do not have any contact information for Los
Angeles but, those seeking to attend or have Swamiji's darshan can
contact either of the earlier venues for details as preferred.

Sri Swami Jivanmuktanandaji Maharaj personally wishes each and every
one of you a very happy and successful New Year. Swamiji's e-cards have
been posted at:
http://www.dlshq.org/announce/jivangreetings.htm

The 3rd Global Japa Yajna is only 3 days away. Please join us in this
grand event by signing up at:
http://www.dlsmd.org/japayajna.htm

Swami Jivanmuktanandaji is going to be in Australia from 17th January to
26th January, 2003. Swamiji's schedule in Australia can be downloaded
from:
http://www.dlshq.org/announce/jivan_aus.pdf

We have also uploaded a couple of Early Morning Meditation talks. The
first is by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji titled:

Looking at Problems from a Different Angle of Vision:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/differentangle.htm

The second talk is by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji and this talk is
titled:

Practice Your Conviction:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/conviction.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

DEVI AND DEVIL!: The Master was returning to his room from the office.
He remarked to the disciples and devotees accompanying him, "A woman
who is modest, who is devoted to her husband, who carries out all his
commands, who does Kirtan and trains her children also in leading a
religious life, is certainly a Devi (Goddess). But the woman who is
proud, self-willed and arrogant, who disputes with her husband and does
not carry out his commands, who stands in the way of his spiritual
practices, and who demands of her poor husband costly dress and
necklaces, is a Devi with an 'l' added to it!"

All had a hearty laugh!

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

"All duties--domestic, social and the like--are only relative. The
ultimate and chief duty of every human being is the attainment of
Truth, God-realisation. The discharge of all duties is, in reality, to
qualify man for this highest duty." - Swami Sivananda


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

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a New Year's message by Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji
Maharaj titled "The Supreme Need Of The Hour--Love" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jan2003.htm

We have contact information for Swami Jivanmuktanandaji's visit to Los
Angeles. Please contact Sri Siddharth Bhatt at (562) 926-0554 or e-mail
at mdsdist@... for details. Swamiji is going to be in LA from 2
January to 4 January.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

STRAIN IN MEDITATION: The office work was over and the Master was just
stepping out to go to his room, when an aspirant following the path of
Vedanta approached him and said, "I practised meditation on Om for
seven months, devoting eighteen to twenty hours daily to this practice.
I now feel a severe pain in the head, as if there was a heavy load
placed on it."

The Master advised, "It is because you have overdone the meditation.
You have gone beyond your capacity and strained the nerves. Suspend
your Vedantic Sadhana and give relaxation to the tired nerves. Do
Kirtan in the Bhajan hall. Serve in the Ashram hospital and thus purify
your heart. Apply Brahmi oil to your head daily."

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

"If anyone injures you, forgive him and forget the injury done by him.
You will gain immense spiritual strength." - Swami Sivananda


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

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a New Year's message for 2003 by Guru Maharaj Sri
Swami Chidanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/newyrmes/newyrmes.htm

Both the video and text of the message have been posted at the above
link.

Photographs of the New Year celebrations at Lord Vishwanatha Mandir at
Sivananda Ashram have been posted at:
http://www.dlsmd.org/album/mandir/newyear.htm

The 60th birthday anniversary of Sri Swami Nirliptanandaji Maharaj,
vice-president of The Divine Life Society, was celebrated on Jan. 2 at
the Sivananda Ashram. Photos of the celebration have been posted at:
http://www.dlsmd.org/album/nirliptananda/diamondjubliee.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

EVOLUTION IS NOT REVOLUTION: Noticing a certain aspirant's austerities,
the Master said to him, "Take fruit and milk. Do not refuse when it is
given to you. Keep the body healthy and strong. Give up foolish
austerities. Avoid extremes. Evolution is not revolution. When the
proper time comes one will attain Self-realisation. In the Gita the
Lord says: 'There is no purifier like knowledge. He who is perfected in
Yoga finds it in due course'."

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

"It is useless to talk of the cessation of war, whilst you are still
full of petty hatred and jealousy. So first remove your own
inharmonious vibrations. Then there will be no more war between
nations. It is only the individuals that constitute a nation." - Swami
Sivananda

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a couple of Early Morning Meditation talks. They are:

The Rationale Behind Prayer by Sri Swami Chidanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/prayer_rationale.htm

Change Now! By Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/changenow.htm

A Divine Life Society Satsang groups has been formed in Houston, Texas,
USA.

Please contact Priya Shastri for more information at:

Tel: 713-789-8995
e-mail: omsivadharma@...
WWW: http://webtechstore.hypermart.net/hou_org/divine_life_houston.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

GIVING UP SMOKING: As there were no letters to attend to today, it
being a Sunday, the Master spent some time in the evening in going and
inspecting the newly-built Parvati Kutir near Shiva Kutir. While he was
returning from the inspection and had reached the road adjacent to his
room, a passer-by, who was known to the Master, complained that he was
unable to give up smoking though he was trying to give it up gradually.

"Give up smoking at once," said the Master. "Gradual reduction is no
good. It will be a failure. Whenever the tendency to smoke arises, chew
some pepper or a piece of ginger; the tendency will then go away."

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

"Your goal is God. Your centre is God. Your ideal is God. Turn back to
God and realise everlasting bliss. Resting on him you will be saved. As
the lamp cannot burn without oil, so too, you cannot live without God.
God is within you all the time, inspiring you, lifting you up.
Withdraw. Aspire. Meditate. Realise." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded three Early Morning Meditation talks. They are:

It Is Possible To Be in the World Yet Dwell in God! by Sri Swami
Chidanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/dwellingod.htm

Spirituality Means Willingness to Change By Sri Swami
Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/meanschange.htm

The Right Bhav By Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/rightbhav.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

ESSENCE OF RELIGIONS: While conversing with some of his disciples, the
Master drew an analogy between the various limbs of the body and the
different religious beliefs and cults prevalent in the world.

He said, "Just as one identifies oneself with the different limbs of
the body and feels that he includes the legs, hands, stomach, etc., so
also he should feel that all the different religious cults such as
Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Advaita, Dvaita, Vishisht Advaita, and the
various religions, such as Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, etc., are
like the different limbs of the body of religion. For religion in
essence is only one--the religion of truth and love. We should embrace
all religions as our own, even as we feel that all the limbs of our
body are our own. This is the philosophy of the body. There should be
no fights and quarrels among religious sects."

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

"God is Truth. God is Love. God is Peace. God is Bliss. God and God's
law are one. The Law and the Law-giver are one. God is the law himself,
he never breaks his laws. God and his law abide everywhere and govern
everything. Glory to God. Glory to God." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded an Early Morning Meditation talks by Sri Swami
Atmaswarupanandaji Maharaj titled "The Good News" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/goodnews.htm

The 4th Global Japa Yajna for "World Peace and Spiritual Upliftment of
All Mankind" will be held during Sri Rama Navami on April 11, 2003. All
devotees are encouraged to participate in this grand event. Details are
at:
http://www.dlsmd.org/japayajna.htm

Reports on the 3rd Global Japa Yajna are being posted at:
http://www.dlsmd.org/album/3rdjapayajna/reports.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

SYMBOL OF LIGHTING THE CAMPHOR: The Master went on to say, "Camphor is
the symbol of perfect absorption in Brahman. It is also a symbol of
Atma Jyoti. When it is lighted it leaves no residue, nothing remains.
Similarly, the individual soul attains the light of knowledge when it
loses its individual existence and completely merges itself in
Satchidananda Para Brahman, leaving no trace of its past individualised
existence. The light produced when the camphor burns is also a symbol
of the light of the Self--Atma Jyoti. The Hindus light camphor in order
that the impression caused by seeing its light may in due course lead
to perception of the Atmic Light."

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

"Do not talk much. Become a man of measured words. God has given you
two ears and two eyes. But He only gave you one tongue, so that you may
hear and see more than you speak. Lingual diarrhoea is a terrible
disease." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

Sri Swami Jivanmuktanandaji Maharaj, General Secretary of The Divine
Life Society, will be visiting Malaysia from the 3rd of February to the
13th of February 2003. Swamiji's schedule in Malaysia has been posted at:
http://www.dlshq.org/announce/jivan_mal2003.htm

We have uploaded several Early Morning Meditation talks to our website.
They are:

"Perseverance and Aspiration Leads to Success" By Guru Maharaj Sri
Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/perseverance.htm

"True Success" By Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/truesuccess.htm

"Spirituality Means Being Willing to Change Moment by Moment" By Sri
Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/moment.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

GARLIC AND ONIONS: A professor put a query to the Master, "I suppose
that besides meat, spices also should be avoided."

"You can take a little of it," said the Master. "It will help
digestion. You should avoid garlic, onions and too much of pungent
foods. They disturb tranquillity and serenity of mind. Meditation then
becomes difficult. Garlic and onions are equal to meat."

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

"Repetition of God's Name enables the devotee to feel the divine
presence, the divine glory and the divine consciousness within himself
and also everywhere. How powerful is God's Name! When one sings His
Name and hears His sound, he is unconsciously raised to sublime
spiritual heights. He loses his body-consciousness. He is immersed in
joy and drinks deep the divine nectar of Immortality. Sankirtana brings
Darsana of God or attainment of divine consciousness easily in this
Kali Yuga." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a discourse by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji
titled "The Easy Sadhana (Spiritual Practice)" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/feb2003.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

IMPOSTERS: A young man with a long beard had come to the Ashram two
days ago. He told the Master that he could bring the intestines out,
that he could sit in Samadhi for eight months at a stretch, and could
do many other things! When Vishnu Swamiji, the Hatha Yoga instructor,
made him stay in the Ashram and asked him to demonstrate some of his
feats, he evaded the performance every time by putting forward some
excuse, and finally left the Ashram.

While returning to his room after the Satsang, the Master, referring to
such imposters, said, "There was a person who claimed that he could
carry a big block of mountain on his head, provided he was given three
seers of curd, two seers of milk, one seer of ghee and plenty of fruit
daily for a month. People believed him and fed him sumptuously for a
month with plenty of milk, curd, ghee, fruit and other nutritious
things. When the period of a month was over they requested him to
demonstrate his feat. He took the people to a nearby mountain, showing
signs of his strength. Then he requested the onlookers to lift the
mountain and place it on his head! Now the people knew that he was an
imposter and a cheat. Such charlatans abound in the world. Ignorant
people judge a person's spirituality by the miracles exhibited by him.
They think that burying oneself under the ground for days together,
sleeping on a bed of nails and such feats are signs of one's spiritual
advancement. These feats are only means for earning money.

"Credulous people are easily duped by charlatans who make good money
during festival days. Their so-called Samadhi is a state of blankness
resembling sleep. The Vrittis are not destroyed in this Samadhi. The
time is spent just as in sleep. This kind of Samadhi cannot give one
liberation. It is only a means of earning name and fame and extracting
money from the public.

"A real aspirant should shun all psychic powers as obstacles to
spiritual progress. Psychic powers are not signs of one's spiritual
attainments. Equipoise of mind under all conditions, inner peace,
contentment, aversion to sensual pleasures, increasing love of God,
selflessness, humility, desire for seclusion, experience of profound
bliss during meditation--these are the real marks of spiritual
progress.

"Instead of spending one's time in sleeping on nails or entering into
inert Samadhi, one should utilise the time and God-given energy in
serving others, in seeing the Lord in them. In serving others one
serves oneself, for all are one. Through service one can easily purify
oneself and attain God-realisation."

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

"Understand fully the aim and purpose of life. Do not be carried away
by temptations. Maya is powerful. Live in the company of Mahatmas. This
is a strong fortress to protect you in your initial stages of growth.
Develop your inner faculties, conserve your energy, and acquire
knowledge of the Self." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded three Early Morning Meditation talks. They are:

The Wonderful News of Non-duality By Sri Swami Chidanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/wonderfulnews.htm

Be Like Babes By Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/belikebabes.htm

The Best New Year Resolution By Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/bestresolution.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

DESIRE FOR LIBERATION: The Master cited very apt analogies to a
disciple indicating the type of aspiration one should possess for
attaining liberation.

"Suppose some dust falls into one's eyes, the person will hurry to wash
the eyes and get rid of the dust. Till the dust is removed he will feel
great unrest. He will forget everything of this world. His sole concern
will be the removal of the dust from his eyes.

"Such should be one's aspiration for the attainment of God-realisation.
The mind should be exclusively occupied with that one desire of
attaining God-realisation. He should forget everything else. He should
feel extremely restless and pine for God-realisation.

"A further analogy is that of a person under water. Suppose you keep
the head of a man immersed in water, he will struggle for breath. He
will desire intensely to get out of the water so that he could breathe.
Such intense desire for God-realisation is called Mumukshutwa."

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

"Atman is self-contained. You can get everything here. Develop virtues.
Remember the basis and source. Have the ideal always before the mind.
Realise the ideal. Rise above worldliness. Become a magnanimous soul.
Wish eagerly and fervently to attain Self-realisation. Have a definite
purpose and aim. Have faith, interest and perseverance. You are bound
to succeed." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded an Early Morning Meditation talk by Sri Swami
Atmaswarupanandaji titled "Why Do We Not Surrender?" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/surrender.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

ANOTHER ANALOGY: Continuing his talk, the Master said, "One should do
his Sadhana during all the waking hours. Sadhana should be commenced
from childhood. One should not wait till old age to commence it.
Suppose a man decides to beat you continuously for six hours. If you
defend yourself, you will certainly receive only a lesser number of
blows than you would if you did not put up any defence at all. Suppose
you decide that you would keep quiet for five and a half hours and try
to defend yourself during the last half hour only. By the time you
commence defending yourself, you would have received so many blows that
you would have little energy left to defend yourself during the last
half hour.

"Even so, if you do not try to defend yourself from the onslaughts of
evil thoughts, desires and habits during all the waking hours of the
day, spending only a short period daily for the purpose, you will not
be successful in getting conquest of the lower nature. If a man spends
his youth in worldly pursuits, thinking that he will take to Sadhana
when he is older, he will not have the energy in his old age to
practise Sadhana."

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

"Spiritual progress is indicated by lustre in the eyes, good smell from
the body, beautiful complexion, sweet, powerful voice, passing of
little urine and excretion, wonderful health, vim, vigour and vitality,
freedom from diseases, laziness and depression, lightness of body,
alertness of mind, powerful digestive fire, eagerness to sit and
meditate for a long time." - Swami Sivananda


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Om Namah Sivaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste!

We have uploaded a Mahasivaratri Message by Gurudev Sri Swami
Sivanandaji Maharaj titled "The Symbol of Supreme Aspiration" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/mar2003.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

TASTES DIFFER: In the evening some of the disciples were working with a
petromax lantern in the office. The Master stepped in on his way to the
Bhajan hall.

"Come, try this." He invited each one in turn to a packet of sev, a
savoury prepared in his own kitchen. Then he asked for the opinion of
each disciple on the taste of the stuff.

"Somehow the bazaar sev appears to taste better," said the Master and
asked Vishnu Swamiji to get a little of it. When it was brought he
said, "Now taste both and tell me the difference."

Each one said something. One liked a little chilly added to the sev,
another said that it was not good, and so on. The Master summed up
everything with a profound truth: "Tastes differ."

And so the consumption of the sev went on.

"Can anyone tell me what exactly is the taste of the savoury?" the
Master posed a question.

All merely looked at each other in bewilderment.

"I think it is quite impossible to make you understand how I feel about
it. To each one of us the taste is essentially different. Each one's
experience of the taste is different. You alone know it. You experience
it but you cannot really express it. Such is the Atma, too. Therefore,
realise It yourself."

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

"There is no rebirth after attaining wisdom. This is a general rule.
But there is birth for those who have a mission to fulfil." - Swami
Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a report on this year's Mahasivaratri celebration at
Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh. Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji also
participated in this year's celebration. The report and pictures can be
accessed from:
http://www.dlshq.org/announce/sivaratri2003.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

SADHANA IN THE WORLD: A railway engineer came in. He had a doubt to be
cleared.

"Swamiji, you say that we should avoid the company of a worldly man.
Are we not all worldly men, Swamiji? If I, too, am worldly, what do I
get by labelling another as a worldly man and avoiding his company? I
think this is possible only when I renounce the world and come here."

"What is there here? Is this not the world? Is Rishikesh not part of
the world? How can you renounce the world? Where will you go to if you
renounce?"

These questions put the engineer in a thoughtful but very receptive
mood.

"What is meant by a worldly man," said the Master, "is one who is full
of worldliness. A man may live in the world and yet be not of it. That
is the secret. Never allow the evils of the world to get admission into
your heart. Enthrone God in the heart."

"I try to meditate on the Lord in the heart and do Japa. I find it very
difficult. My mind always wanders. It has no taste for Japa," said the
engineer.

"Go on repeating the Name mechanically as a parrot does. In the course
of time the Mantra-power will awaken in you a real love for God. The
real divine feeling will lead you to Bhava Samadhi. Persistent effort
is necessary."

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

"The divine Name is an antidote to all miseries, troubles and sorrows.
It is the sole panacea for our sufferings and calamities." - Swami
Sivananda


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

Namaste!

Tomorrow (Mar. 17 or Mar. 18 depending on where you are) marks
the holy appearance day of Gauranaga Mahaprabhu and the festival
of Holi. Information about Gauranaga Mahaprabhu and Holi are at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/gauranga.htm
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/holi.htm

We have uploaded the April 2003 - March 2004 spiritual calendar at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/calendar.htm

We have also uploaded two Early Morning Meditation talks. They are
"Always Be Positive!" by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/bepositive.htm

and "We Are the Ultimate Knower" by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/ultimknower.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

THE MASTER'S TOUR OF KASHMIR: A professor from Kashmir, who had
migrated to India, came to the Ashram with his family--his parents and
wife. The Master at once recognised him as one whom he had known during
his Kirtan-tour of Kashmir.

The professor described in great detail the pathetic plight of the
Hindus in Kashmir-how the changed times had disfigured the country and
sapped the very vitals of its spiritual culture; how in sheer despair
the Hindus had been forced to migrate to India.

"Swamiji, how well we remember your famous Agada-Bhum song and dance!
In spite of all that has happened since those days of peace, plenty and
prosperity, the memory is still fresh in us of the eager throngs of
men, women and children who would sit through whole days listening to
your sweet, stirring Kirtans. I was only a small boy then, but I have
the most vivid memory of this one thing in my life."

The father, who listened with approval to his son's talk, now put in
his, "And what gatherings, Swamiji! In all my life in Kashmir I have
never again seen such a mass of humanity assembled together."

One of the disciples was inquisitive. "Did the figure run to
thousands?"

"Thousands?" The old man felt disappointed. "Not less than ten thousand
every day; and it looked like a sea of heads swinging to and fro in the
fashion of waves to the tune of Swamiji's Kirtan. It was a sight for
the gods!"

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

"Science has progressed. It has contributed to the welfare of humanity,
but its misuse has tragically left in its wide wake devastation and
desolation, fear and moral deprivation." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have also uploaded two Early Morning Meditation talks by Sri Swami
Atmaswarupanandaji. They are "Persistence and Surrender":
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/persistence.htm

and "Being Real":
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/bereal.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

A PROFESSOR'S APPRECIATION: A Gujarati lady who had long been a silent
admirer of the Master, arrived with an American professor, Dr Frederick
Spiegelberg, Ph.D.

The doctor explained his mission to India and said that he had visited
all the main Ashrams in the country. He particularly mentioned
Anandashram at Kanhangad, the Ashram of Sri Swami Ramdas.

"Swamiji, have you ever met Sri Swami Ramdas?"

"No."

"He has a very high regard for you. He spoke so highly of you and your
attainments that I was all the time very eager to meet you personally."

After the evening Satsang which the professor attended, it was hard for
him to take leave of the Master for the night. "Swamiji, I have seen
many saints in India during this tour, but what I greatly admire in you
is that you have not the slightest trace of an inferiority complex from
which the others seem to suffer. You are so outspoken. And you are so
full of humour that you capture our hearts. Humour is a thing that is
very often lacking in philosophers and saints, too. That spoils
everything and makes it dry pedantry." "Swamiji," said a disciple, "is
a musician, a dramatist and a dancer, too. You should see him dance! He
is a fine actor. He has dramatised the Upanishads. People who were
unable to assimilate the Vedantic truths contained in the Upanishads
have now clear ideas after reading his Upanishadic Drama, which has
been appreciated also by our Governor General, Sri C. Rajagopalachari."

"Have you read my Philosophy in Humour?" asked the Master.

"No, I would very much like to."

The Master then read a few poems from the above book. The professor and
the lady were beside themselves in mirth.

"You ought to sing these songs in America. You will revolutionize the
entire country. People will be simply swept off their feet. America
needs this kind of instruction--simple and delicious. And the way you
sing these precious instructions, it is simply marvellous!"

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

"The secret of success in life is time rightly used. Every moment is
precious. Time lost is lost for ever." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have also uploaded a discourse by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami
Chidanandaji titled "All Worship Is Directed To The One Reality" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/apr2003.htm

The Fourth Global International Japa Yajna will be held on April 11th,
2003 on Sri Ramanavami. The dedication will be towards 'World Peace and
the Spiritual Upliftment of All Mankind'. Please sign up for this at:
http://www.dlsmd.org/japayajna.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

RECIPE FOR DIVINE LIFE: During the Sadhana Week Satsang, Dr Brij Behari
Lal of Saharanpur gave a discourse on practical Sadhana. He pointed out
the methods for the practical living of divine life as taught by the
Master. The Master eulogised the humanitarian services rendered by the
doctor at Saharanpur.

"Dr Brij Behari Lal's discourse was full of words of wisdom. He has
shown you how to live the divine life every day. His practical
instructions are worth following. He is a very learned man, yet he has
chosen to dwell more on the practical side of religion than on the
philosophical.

"The same Atma is in all. Therefore, you should try to develop equal
vision day by day. You should give up the practice of reserving the
best of everything for yourself and giving away useless things to the
servant. You should feel that your own Self is in the servant, too. You
should feed the servant first, giving him the best fruit, and if need
be forego your own share. Then only will your heart expand. After a few
days this zeal may fade away and you may relapse into the old habits.
So you will have to raise the divine feeling repeatedly. Gradually this
noble trait will strike deep root in you. Your heart will expand and
you will realise the Self."

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

"Watch your thoughts, words and actions very carefully. Know the power
of words and use them cautiously. Respect all. Speak sweet measured
words. Be kind; cultivate patience, love and humility. Enquire 'Who am
I?'" - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

Today (April 11) is the holy appearance day of Lord Rama, i.e.
Ramnavami. Information about this sacred day is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/ramanavami.htm

We have uploaded a couple of early morning meditation talks. The first
is by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji titled "You Are That!":
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/youarethat.htm

and the second is by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji titled "The Essence
of the Spiritual Life":
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/essence.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

POWER OF MASTER'S WRITINGS: Sri Jyoti Prasadji, Chief Minister of
Tehri-Garwal State, was approaching the Ashram. He was received by the
disciples and taken to the Master's room where the party was
entertained by the Master himself.

"Swamiji, I have received the packet of books that you so kindly sent
me. How wonderfully you write! Every word of what you say is too true
and uttered in your own direct style. One is at once inspired by them
as they emanate from the very heart of a Self-realised saint. I have
studied the books of all great men but have not been able to find this
peculiar charm in any others."

The Master simply smiled away the remarks, "It is all God's Grace."

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

"Lord Rama was the prince of the Ikshvaku race. He was virtuous and of
manly strength. He was the Lord of the mind and the senses. Brave and
valiant, He was yet gentle and modest. He was a sage in counsel, kind
and sweet in speech, and most courteous and handsome in appearance. He
was the master of all the divine weapons, and a great warrior. Ever
devoted to the good and prosperity of His kingdom and His subjects, He
was a defender of the weak and the protector of the righteous. Endowed
with numerous wondrous powers of the mind, He was well versed in all
sciences--in military science as well as the science of the Self." -
Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a couple of early morning meditation talks by Sri
Swami Atmaswarupanandaji Maharaj. They are:

"Freedom from Experiences"
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/experiences.htm

and

"Abide in the Light"
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/light.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

SADHAKA WEEK FEAST: Srimathi Sudarshan was in a complaining mood. The
Sadhana Week did not satisfy her entirely, for she heard more of talks
and discourses than of Kirtan and Bhajan. She was good at composing
songs. In the afternoon she quickly composed her song of complaint: "O
aspirants, please ask Swamiji why he has not chosen to entertain us
with his sweet and melodious Kirtan Dhwanis!"

The Master stood up on the platform after the drama at night was over.
Sudarshan asked for this Kirtan and that song.

"Ohji, all these are stale now!" the Master said.

"No, Swamiji, to us they can never become stale," came Sudarshan's
reply.

"All right then."

He gushed forth his favourite songs one by one and Sudarshan was
visibly moved by his mercy and Grace. The Master sang the "Song of
Ities" and explained the meaning. He sent the audience to heavenly
mirth when, in the middle of the song, he stopped and said, "I have
forgotten the rest of the song!" and then translated this remark into
all languages in the same tune as the song itself! Soon he recollected
the entire song and continued to sing.

The Master then turned to one of his favourites:
Chidanand Chidanand Chidananda Hum
Har Halme Almast Satchidananda Hum.

The meaning of the song is: "I am knowledge and bliss; in all
conditions I am knowledge-bliss Absolute".

"This is the greatest tonic in the world," said the Master. "In
whatever condition you find yourself, sing this song and realise its
power to revitalise you, to rejuvenate you. You need not resort to the
monkey-gland graft if you know this song! You will save on doctors'
bills also."

Next came the "Song of Govinda":
The goal of life, Govinda,
Is God-realisation, Govinda;
Attain this, Govinda,
Through Jap and Kirtan, Govinda,
Through Mantra-writing, Govinda.

Suddenly the Master turned to Sudarshan and asked, "You have heard this
song many times. You are fond of it also. But have you ever thought of
doing what I am telling you now? You never write the Mantra."

"From today I shall do so, Swamiji."

"And send me the Mantra note-books regularly." He then continued the
Kirtan.

The Master had not been feeling well for the past several weeks. Yet he
continued the programme till one in the morning. He thus demonstrated
the efficacy of the "Song of Chidanand".

He sang a Punjabi song, then a Tamil composition of his own, and then a
Telugu poem. Finally, he started a two-party Kirtan. The ladies sang,
"Radhe Radhe Shyam Bolo", and the men, "Sita Sita Ram Bolo."

Now it was the Master's turn to get dissatisfied!

"No, no, this is no good! There is no life in that corner. All big
officers, and shy to do Kirtan! Now sing again. Let me see who wins--
ladies or gentlemen."

This infused a new spirit in all and the sky was rent with the Dhwanis!

"That is fine--the ladies have won! They have all the natural, godly
tendencies. They deserve to win. They are nearer God than men. Their
nature is loving. They are fit for the path of Bhakti. They can realise
God through Bhakti even quicker than men can. The only snag with them
is their attachment to their children!"

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

"As long as your wandering mind moves externally towards objects, you
cannot come face to face with God." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a couple of early morning meditation talks. They are:

"The Necessity of Joy" by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/joy.htm

and

"Ram Navami" by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji Maharaj:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/ramnavami.htm

We have also uploaded pictures of Ram Navami celebration at Sivananda
Ashram, Rishikesh on April 11 and Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj's 81st
birthday celebration on April 25 at:

http://www.dlshq.org/multimedia/ramanavami2003.htm
and
http://www.dlshq.org/multimedia/krishnananda2003.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

NO NEED OF A GURU: Sri L. L. Bhirud, a very earnest student of Yoga,
one who had received much valuable help from the Master's teachings and
had thus progressed satisfactorily along the divine life path, wrote:

"I received your kind gift of two books. I also received your loving
letter and I am really very happy to note your enthusiasm to help me.

"Today I want to write about the changes in me during the last few
months.

"After coming to Poona, I began to study the book of Sri X., which
deals with Sadhana Chatushtaya. This book captured me at that time.

"But now I am following the lectures and discussions of Sri Y. They
appeal to me much. I do not find the need of belief or of a Guru any
more. I do not like Japa. I do not think it necessary to follow the
commands of Masters simply because they are great. I have nothing to do
with God. I never think about God. There is no need to think about Him.
I want to follow the dictates of my conscience. This is a very simple
and direct way of approaching the so-called Reality. I shall consult
others-authorities-but will not accept their views unless I find truth
in them. This I think is a great change in me. To put it in classical
words, I am following Jnana Yoga. I hope you will still love me as I
am."

On receiving the letter the Master smiled and remarked, "Here is a
clear warning of what I said a few days ago. Here is a case to prove
what I said. This is how innocent, diligent aspirants are lured away
from the right path by miscreants who unsettle their beliefs and then
leave them in the lurch. Never, never listen to these miscreants. Never
approach the room in which their books are kept. The association of
these preachers is as beneficial to the aspirant as is the association
of an evil-minded dancing girl to a wealthy zamindar. Just as the
dancing-girl drains the zamindar of his resources and then leaves him
in the lurch, in a similar manner these preachers drain the spiritual
aspirant of all his wealth and then leave him in a very pitiable
condition, where the aspirant finds that he has burnt his boat in
midstream. Beware!"

The Master replied to Sri Bhirud as follows:

"Beloved Atma,

"Om Namo Narayanaya! Salutations and adorations! Thy kind letter.

"I shall not dissuade you from the path that you have chosen. But I
would request you to consider well before you allow this change to
establish itself in you.

"Indeed, it is a very good thing for one to follow the voice of one's
own conscience. But I ask you: are you sure that at each step the inner
voice is not the voice of your own lower nature, the voice of the
impure mind, which is full of desires and impurities? Are you sure that
your own lower nature is not masquerading in the garb of the voice of
conscience in order to deceive you? One must have a mind completely
cleansed of all dross, of all desires, of all weaknesses, before one is
able to listen to this voice always. Believe me when I tell you that
this inner voice will never decry your belief in God.

"You say you have no need of a Guru. Analyse a little more critically.
Have you not already taken Sri Y. as your Guru? Are you not already
following his precepts? Does this not show that an aspirant needs a
Guru at all stages? Suppose at a later stage you find some difficulties
in the pursuit of your own present aim, what will you do? Will you not
nun to a senior practitioner and get these obstacles removed? He is the
Guru.

"You say that you have nothing to do with God. But have you enquired
who says this? Have you found out the 'I' that asserts that it will
have nothing to do with God? This 'I' is God. Find out the real nature
of this 'I'. Enquire, 'Who am I?' and then tell me what conclusions you
arrive at. That is the secret. You can deny God if you are so inclined,
but you can never deny the existence of this denying subject. This
denying subject is God or Brahman.

"When you sing His Name, when you practise Japa in solitude, in the
quiescence of your own heart, you will find in that Supreme Silence the
truth of Existence. In that Existence you will experience Ananda, too.

"May God bless you with a direct perception of this Satchidananda!"

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

"Do not hate those who are evil-hearted, jealous and selfish. It is
they who promote your salvation." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded pictures of Sri Adi Sankaracharya Jayanthi celebration
at Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh on May 6 at:
http://www.dlshq.org/multimedia/shankara2003.htm

We have also uploaded a discourse by Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji
Maharaj titled "Marks of Spiritual Progress" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/may2003.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

VALUE OF DISCIPLINE: It takes all sorts of people to make an Ashram.
And Sivananda Ashram is noted for its catholicity of faith so that
anyone professing any religion, creed or Yoga can become its inmate.
There are some orthodox Vairagis who would prefer to take alms from the
kitchen and eat it on the Ganges bank. Vishnu Swamiji was one of them.
The kitchen manager found it rather inconvenient to serve him with alms
and serve at the dining hall at the same time.

The Master called Vishnu Swamiji and said, "In all that you do you
should try not to cause the least trouble to others. Well, if you wish
to take your alms and eat it on the Ganges bank, do so by all means. It
is good. And it would not be very difficult for the kitchen people to
arrange it. But you should have patience and discipline. You should
wait for your turn. Never ask for extra considerations. Obey the rules.
It will help you in your evolution.

"Even God follows certain self-imposed rules. Think of the universal
laws, how beautifully they operate. Think of the correlation of planets
and with what precision and rhythm they move. Cannot God also leave the
world and practise austerity in Uttarkasi? He has His eye on every atom
of creation and attends to everyone's needs. He has to keep account of
everyone's Karmas and mete out the rewards and punishments in strict
accordance with eternal laws. You should acquire that much of self-
discipline if you wish to evolve into Godhead."

It was heard of the Master himself that during the days of his Sadhana
life at Swarg Ashram he would follow the discipline of that Ashram.
While the authorities were eager to serve him in all possible ways, the
Master would insist on being one among the crowd of Sadhus, and decline
to make use of the privileges granted him. He would stand in the long
queue in the hot sun, waiting for his turn to take alms.

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

"Education is introduction to life. It must be nonsectarian. It must
aim at friendship and fellowship with different communities." - Swami
Sivananda


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

Namaste!

Over the last few months several new books were released at the
Sivananda Ashram. Please note that Sri Swami Venkatesanandaji's two-
volume translation of the Yoga Vasistha, The Supreme Yoga, has also
been reprinted. Given below are the titles of the book along with the
URL where further information has been posted:

1. Gurudev Sivananda--A pictorial
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/es4.htm

2. Yoga for the West by Swami Sivananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/es2.htm

3. Maha Yoga by Swami Sivananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/es1.htm

4. Moral and Spiritual Regeneration of the World by Swami Sivananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/es3.htm

5. Illumination by Swami Sivananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/es6.htm

6. How to Live Hundred Years by Swami Sivananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/es12.htm

7. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad by Swami Sivananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/es25.htm

8. Glimpses of Swami Chidananda--A pictorial
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/ec72.htm

9. Divine Vision--A pictorial of the 108 names of Swami Chidananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/ec71.htm

10. The Ultimate Journey--A pictorial of Swami Chidananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/ec70.htm

11. The Supreme Yoga (Vols. I & II) by Swami Venkatesananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/ev38.htm

12. Sivananda the Perfect Master by Swami Narayanananda
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/eo11.htm

13. Women and the Ideal of Purity--A compilation
http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/books/eo7.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

NAMASKAR SADHANA: Swami Satchidananda Mataji had mentioned in a speech
which she delivered, how she formerly used to feel unwilling to
prostrate to others.

On his way back to his room from the office, the Master turned to her
and asked, "Where is the need to prostrate to G.? She belongs to a
different order and is not a Sannyasin. Why should a Sannyasin
prostrate to a householder?"

Satchidananda Mataji replied, "I saw other Sannyasins prostrating to
her."

The Master then said, "There is no harm in prostrating to all, for all
are manifestations of the Lord. I do prostration even to the cow-dung,
for, everything is Brahman. Doing prostration is by itself a Sadhana.
It is Namaskar Sadhana. You should not think, 'He is a thief, he is a
very wicked man.' The Lord Himself has said in the Gita, 'I am the
gambling of the cheat'. By doing prostration, good health is acquired
and life is prolonged. There was a great saint of Maharashtra who used
to do prostration to asses and horses. Once he prostrated to a dead ass
and it was at once restored to life. Such is the great power of
Namaskar!

"You may not actually prostrate, but are you ready to do prostration to
pigs, bulls and asses? All are manifestations of God. So you should be
ready to prostrate to all. There should be no inner conflict. Your
prostration should be whole-hearted and sincere."

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

"The training of the intellect should go hand in hand with the
unfoldment of the Soul." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

May 19th, 2003 was Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj's 60th
anniversary at Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh. We have uploaded a report
on the celebrations held on this day at:
http://www.dlshq.org/announce/chidananda60_2003rep.htm

We also uploaded some pictures at:
http://www.dlshq.org/multimedia/chidananda60_2003.htm

In addition, we also uploaded three early morning meditation talks.
They are:

"Be Master of the Mind and Intellect!" by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami
Chidanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/mastermind.htm

"Back Your Will with Effort" by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/willeffort.htm

"The Key to Effort" by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/keytoeffort.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

A SYMPATHETIC ANSWER: A man referred to the Master a certain ailment
from which he was suffering. The Master told him to take an enema.

He enquired, "Is enema a food?"

"Enema is not a food," replied the Master. "It is the injection of
liquid into the rectum so that the bowels maybe cleared."

After receiving the Master's instructions the ailing man departed.

The Master always had a sympathetic understanding of the difficulties
of others. An ordinary man might have at once laughed at the ailing
man's question.

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

"Where is God? There is nowhere where He is not." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have uploaded three early morning meditation talks. They are:

"Tap the Infinite Source of Energy" by Guru Maharaj Sri Swami
Chidanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/tapsource.htm

"The Real Cause of Suffering" by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/suffering.htm

"A Barometer of Our Spiritual Life" by Sri Swami Atmaswarupanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/barospirit.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

NIRVIKALPA SAMADHI: A learned visitor had Darshan of the Master in the
office. He expressed certain doubts which the Master readily cleared.

He first said, "Swamiji, I want to know something about Nirvikalpa
Samadhi. The scriptures say that a person who has attained this state
would not publicly say that he has attained it. Then how are we to know
that such and such a man has attained the highest wisdom or not?"

The Master replied, "We can know it by observing his actions,
behaviour, talk, equal vision, peace, bliss, perfect serenity, balanced
mind under all conditions, cosmic love and steady wisdom."

"How can he himself know that he has attained the state of Nirvikalpa
Samadhi?" was the next question. "If his experience tallies with the
experiences of the seers of the Upanishads, if he enjoys absolute bliss
and peace, if he maintains unperturbed serenity of mind under the worst
situations, if his doubts have been rent asunder, if he beholds unity
in diversity, if he feels that he is the Self in all beings and that
the whole world is his body, if he is perfectly free from desire for
sensual objects, if he is not swayed by attraction and repulsion and is
free from lust, anger, egoism, pride and attachment, he can be sure
that he has attained Self-realisation."

Another devotee asked, "Swamiji, God is all-merciful. Why should He
not, out of His infinite mercy, save people from misery? Why should
people suffer at all?"

The Master replied, "God has given man free will to act as he likes.
Man enjoys or suffers according to the nature of the actions that he
does, whether they are good or vicious. God does not force His Will
upon man. It is up to man to embrace His Will. Only when man surrenders
his will to the Divine Will, will the latter operate in him. There is
no coercion on the part of God. He simply waits till man of his own
accord prefers Divine Will to his individual will."

Swami Venkatesanandaji then said, "Swamiji, God being omnipotent, He
can so will that man may will in conformity with the Divine Will and
thus avoid sins and sufferings springing therefrom."

In reply, the Master narrated the following incident. He said, "When
the Kurukshetra war had terminated and the Kauravas were killed, Udanka
approached Lord Krishna and enquired of Him why He sided with the
Pandavas and brought about the destruction of the Kauravas, whereas
both of them were His own creation. The Lord explained how He had tried
His best to avert war and establish peace between the cousins, and how,
only after He found that the Kauravas were bent on fighting He allowed
the war.

"When Udanka further asked why the Lord did not change the mind of the
Kauravas and make them love the Pandavas so that the war could have
been avoided, the Lord replied that people had free will and He would
not coerce it but would wait till they of their own free choice
developed love for Him and His Will."

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

"Unrestrained senses do much havoc. Thought of the sense-objects is the
source of evil. Sense-control leads to peace and happiness. The man who
has revolting senses cannot meditate even for a second. Sense-restraint
gives strength, inner peace, contentment, and conduces to steady
knowledge." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

Today (June 1) marks the 79th anniversary of Gurudev Sri Swami
Sivanandaji Maharaj embracing the Holy Order of Sannyas. In
commemoration of this occasion we uploaded a couple of talks. The first
is by Gurudev titled "Advice to Sannyasins (Renunciates)":
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jun2003.htm

and the second is by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj titled "Swami
Sivananda--Personified Synthesis of Dynamism and Renunciation":
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/gurudev_sannyas.htm

This is what Papa Ramdas had to say about Gurudev's Sannyas:

*****

Humanity's Gain From Sivananda's Sannyasa
WORLD'S GREAT GOD-REALISED SANNYASI
(His Holiness Sri Swami Ramdas, Anandashram Kanhangad)

Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati is a God-realised personality. He can be
looked upon as one of the spiritual leaders of the age, because he has
been a world figure sending out his spiritual messages to all parts of
the earth for the guidance of thousands of seekers after truth.

Ramdas has heard of and seen hundreds of Divine Life Societies started
in different parts of India and abroad. They all help to awaken the
ignorant to the awareness of their spiritual nature and also to inspire
them to serve the poor and the distressed fellow-beings. This work has
been done in the name of and as inspired by Sri Swami Sivananda
Saraswati. Look at the wonder! A Saint, a Sannyasin, who is somewhere
in the Himalayas, has been responsible for such vast and extensive
activities for the amelioration of the conditions of unhappy humanity
and for bringing light and peace to millions!

*****

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

STICK TO ONE PLACE: "Is Sri Shroff leaving today?" the Master asked
Swami Chinmayanandaji.

"Perhaps not, Swamiji. His health was very bad again last night."

"What happened?"

"Swamiji, he gets easily upset over trifles. The problem of travelling
by day in the hot sun in a bus worried him so much that he got blood
pressure again!"

"Quite true. Only aged people know their difficulties. It is a trifling
thing to youth but a real problem to an aged man like him with all his
weak heart and blood pressure. A young man will not be able to
understand. When I was young I was doing double somersaults, but now
diabetes and other ailments make it difficult for me even to walk. Age
has its own limitations. You should try to understand aged people and
sympathise with them.

"All these problems will be solved if you stick to one place. The
Ashram is my entire world. You will be able to do a lot of service and
yet save yourself these botherations if you stick to one place and go
on with your work."

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

"Not by works, not by progeny, not by wealth; but by renunciation alone
is Immortality attained." - Kaivalyopanishad


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