Om Gam Ganapataye Namah!
Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste!

Tomorrow (September 15) is Sri Ganesha Chaturthi
(birthday of Lord Ganesha). There are several
articles on our websites about Lord Ganesha and the
glory of this occasion. They are:

1) Ganesh Chaturthi by Sri Swami Sivanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/ganesh.htm

2) Ganesha by Sri Swami Sivanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/ganesha.htm

3) Lord Ganesa -- The Remover of Obstacles by Sri
Swami Krishnanandaji
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_11.html

In celebration of Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji's
birthday last week, there were several talks
(including videos) by Sri Swami Chidanandaji and Sri
Swami Krishnanandaji posted on our website. The talks
and videos can be accessed from:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/misc/sept8/introduction.shtm

There is also another talk by Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji delivered during Gurudev's 108th
Birthday Anniversary posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_107.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

CONCERN FOR A DEVOTEE: A devotee wrote to the Master
complaining that he suffered from sleeplessness and
requested that some medicine be sent to him.

The Master suggested to his secretary, "Why not send
my oil to him?" The Master used a particular
combination of oils to get sound sleep.

The secretary replied that if the oil was sent then
the Master would not have any for his own use. He
suggested that it could be purchased and sent to the
devotee. So he did not take any action in the matter
as he could not bear the thought of depriving the
Master of the oil.

The Master therefore called another disciple and said
to him, "Ohji, go immediately and get the bottle of
oil from my room."

When it was produced, he said, "Put half of it in
another bottle. Label the bottle: 'oil for sleep',
give directions for using it and send a telegram that
the oil has been sent."

While the disciple was going out with the bottle to
carry out the instructions, the Master called him
back and said, "Send three-fourths of the oil to him.
One-fourth is quite sufficient for me."

Such was the Master's great concern for the welfare
of his devotees!

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

"The spiritual path is itself a great secret. The
little Japa that you do, the scriptures that you
read, the audience that you hold and whatever you
appear to be doing, is only an outer crust of the
mystery of life. The mystery is finally in yourself.
You yourself do not know who is goading you to think
in this manner. That goading principle is the
mystery. If you recognise this mystery within you
which mystifies even your intelligence and your
efforts, you will be humble, simple and small before
God, because spiritual Sadhana is an art of becoming
smaller and smaller. It is not to become bigger and
bigger. A person becomes smaller and smaller as he
approaches God, just as a candle flame becomes dimmer
and dimmer as it goes nearer and nearer to the sun;
and just before the sun, it is not there? You cannot
see even its existence. It vanishes. Likewise, when
we approach God, we become smaller and smaller,
humbler and humbler, littler and littler, until we
become nothing. In this nothingness, we will find God
Himself filling us. When there is total emptiness
created by an abolition of ourselves, in this
emptiness or vacuum created, God fills Himself.
'Empty thyself and I shall fill thee'-says Jesus
Christ. The Mahaganapati Purana, the Ganapati
Atharvasirsha Upanishad, the Ganesa Gita and several
anecdotes occurring in the Mahabharata and the other
Puranas glorify this aspect of the Supreme Almighty
which requires our submission at His feet, and
expects us to recognise Him as the sole power that
can remove all obstacles on the path of the spiritual
seeker towards the attainment of Godhead." - Swami
Krishnananda


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Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!

Namaste!

Today (Sept. 24) is the holy occasion of worshipful
Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj's 91st birthday
anniversary. In celebration of this occasion we
uploaded a couple of articles on Revered Swamiji
Maharaj. They are:

1) Sri Swami Chidanandaji's Epochal Tour With The
Master by Dr. Sarat Chandra Behera at
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/chidatour.htm

The above article describes Revered Swamiji's pivotal
role during Gurudev's All-India tour in 1950. This
article is from Swamiji's biography "The Holy
Stream".

2) The Voice of Reality by Swami Gurudevananda Mataji
at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/chidareality.htm

This article is one of several recounts by Mataji on
Swamiji's way of teaching. This article is from the
book "A Steady Light: Swami Gurudevananda -- The Life
of a Western Disciple". This article is reproduced
below.

We are pleased to inform everyone that we are now
able to accept credit card payments for books and CDs
published by The Divine Life Store. Please visit our
bookstore at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/books.htm


*****************************************************

The Voice of Reality
by  Swami Gurudevananda

In June of 1970, with permission given by Swami
Chidanandaji, I joined him in Los Angeles,
California. It was a week filled with heavenly
satsangs, lectures and a weekend retreat. I was,
also, to meet with him to discuss his upcoming visit
to our Branch in Harriman, New York. As time ran out,
we never had our meeting, so Swamiji suggested that I
join him on the flight to San Francisco. It was very
exciting for me to have the opportunity to spend time
alone with Swamiji, and to possibly be able to serve
him.

As the time of our departure neared, my mind became
very restless and started jumping from thought to
thought, losing all focus. I stood there numb, just
watching the scene as the devotees took leave of him.
It was the usual chaos of loving affection and
emotional goodbyes. While this was going on, I could
not function, not even to hold on to the things he
had given me to carry for him. My mind was
preoccupied with thoughts like, "What will happen if
he misses the plane? Will I have to go on by myself,
missing my precious time with him?" Previously,
Swamiji had told me that he would select a date for
my Mantra Initiation. All of this could now change or
possibly never manifest if Swamiji were to miss his
plane.

As I was wrapped in these thoughts of negativity,
Swamiji suddenly turned towards me and spoke with a
stern voice: "Stop feeling anxious, thinking that I
may miss the plane. Be peaceful and calm!" His strong
command shook me up and awakened me from my stupor. I
realised the enemy of my mental equilibrium was a
collection of tendencies developed during years of
struggle, insecurities and preoccupation with worldly
thoughts that had produced a mind agitated with self-
centred concerns. Swamiji immediately pointed out to
me, through his interjection, that desire and
dissatisfaction are born of mental assumptions that
are essentially false.

With this realisation, I experienced a sense of
harmony around me filled with a love for the others
and a deep serenity for the situation at hand. This
liberation from selfish concerns brought back my
equipoise and stability, freeing me from habitual
worries. It was a worthwhile lesson, one that would
protect me in my future undertakings.

*****************************************************


Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Om Sri Durgayai Namah!
Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste!

Tomorrow (October 12) marks the beginning of
Navaratri. This festival is dedicated to the worship
of the Divine Mother and it lasts for 9 days. There
are several articles on our websites about Navaratri
and the significance of this occasion. They are:

1) Navaratri by Sri Swami Sivanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/navaratri.htm

2) God as Mother by Sri Swami Chidanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/download/godmother.htm

3) The Esoteric Significance of the Devi Mahatmya by
Sri Swami Krishnanandaji
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_14.html

In celebration of Revered Sri Swami Chidanandaji
Maharaj's birthday on 24th September, some recent
photos and videos of Revered Swamiji were posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/n-o-swamiji.shtm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

LESSONS IN VEDANTA: The Master was working in the
office in his usual undisturbed and serene manner.
When he had finished his work he looked around and
his eyes rested on Sri Troja of Trinidad.

Master: "How are you? Are you all right?"

Troja: "Yes, Swamiji, I am all right. I am trying to
learn Vedanta."

Master: "That is good. You must become a Yoga teacher
when you return to your place."

Now the Master proceeded to test Sri Troja's
knowledge of Vedanta.

Master: "What is Vedanta?"

Troja: "It is the philosophy of Truth."

Master: "What is Truth?"

Sri Troja could not express the answer correctly, so
the Master helped him, "Truth is that which existed
in the past, which exists in the present, and which
will continue to exist in the future. It is that
which is unchangeable, infinite, immortal and
decayless. It is the all-pervading Atma."

Master: "What are the qualifications that a spiritual
aspirant should possess?"

Troja: "Selflessness; to be good."

Master: "He should possess dispassion,
discrimination, serenity, a one-pointed mind, faith
and burning aspiration. After possessing all these
qualifications, what must he do?"

Troja: "He must concentrate."

Master: "No, not straightaway. He must hear, reflect
and then meditate on the Truth. He must become one
with It, that is, he must attain Self-realisation.
After attaining Self-realisation, what will you do?"

Troja: "I will surrender."

Master: "You have become the Truth, then to whom are
you going to surrender?"

Sri Troja found it difficult to answer this question.
He was trying hard to find a suitable answer when the
Master came out with a humorous remark, "Will you eat
well, then stretch yourself and sleep soundly after
that? No, you will preach the Truth, make everyone
realise It and thus remove their ignorance. Is it not
so?"

Sri Troja agreed to this.

Master: "What is ignorance?"

Troja: "Not knowing the Truth."

Master: "Taking the body for the soul, getting angry,
having pride, jealousy and hatred--all these are
signs of ignorance. Not knowing that you are the all-
pervading Atma is ignorance."

The Master began joking a little. "Come here daily. I
will teach you Vedanta. You have to accept me as your
Guru. Are you agreeable to it? You are not willing to
do so, I think. You take care of me and I shall take
care of your soul. Now what do I mean by that? How
will you take care of me? I will take care of you by
teaching you Vedanta and removing your ignorance."

Troja: "I will take care of your body."

Master: "By giving me tins of biscuits?"

Troja: "No, Swamiji, I will help you financially to
spread your divine message."

The Master's teaching mood continued.

Master: "What takes place in Samadhi?"

Troja: "It is a Superconscious State. You become one
with the Absolute."

The Master approved of this answer and enlightened
him further, "The senses, mind and intellect all
cease to function. There is no psychology there."
(Sri Troja was a student of psychology).

Master: "What is the mind?"

Sri Troja was struggling to express his thoughts, so
the Master came to his rescue, "It is the thinking
principle."

After attending to a few visitors who had arrived to
have his Darshan, the Master resumed his teaching.

Master: "Where is the mind?"

Troja: "All over the body."

Master: "It is all-pervading and is seated in the
heart during sleep, in the eye during the waking
state, and in the throat during the dream state. Now,
who is Troja?"

Sri Troja was puzzled. Noticing it the Master
prompted him with, "Is Troja the eye, nose or the
body? Who is Troja?"

This gave the clue to the answer and Sri Troja
replied, "This body, with the mind and intellect, is
called Troja."

The Master seemed to be satisfied with this answer.

Master: "Where was Troja thirty-five years ago, and
where will he be after some time?"

Troja: "I do not know."

Master: "After some time you will get liberation,
will you not? What is the Spirit? Is it alcohol, is
it brandy? What is it?"

Troja: "It is the essential nature of man."

Master: "It is the Soul, It is Consciousness. Why is
It Consciousness? Because It knows Itself and knows
others. It is an embodiment of existence, knowledge
and bliss. How do you know that there is the Spirit?"

Troja: "Because of our existence."

Master: "Yes, because you exist. If you exist then
there must be the existence of the Spirit. Now tell
me, while you were drinking the coffee, who was
enjoying it?"

Troja: "The body and the senses were enjoying the
coffee."

Master: "The individual soul, when combined with the
senses, becomes the enjoyer and the actor. The
original pure Spirit neither enjoys nor acts. It is
only a witness. It is the individual soul, which is a
reflection of the Spirit, that enjoys."

The Master's eye accidentally fell on the clock and,
noticing that it was late, he soon left for his
quarters.

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

"Upon this occasion of the external worship of the
Divine Mother during the Navaratri, let us remind
ourselves again and again that real worship of the
Mother is inner allegiance to the benign destructive
force of divine Shakti in its work of breaking our
impure personality and giving us a brilliant divine
personality. Let us remember again and again that
real Mother-worship is our inner co-operation and our
inner loyalty to the Durga Shakti which is doing its
work of breaking our egoism, breaking our human
weaknesses, defects and limitations, so that upon a
field that is thus cleared, we may build a path of
divine life, of spiritual consciousness, to lead us
to immortality and perfection. Let us all pray to the
Divine Mother that She may give us all the necessary
strength and inspiration and inner power, to put
ourselves whole-heartedly upon Her side and join in
the work of the Divine Shakti in regenerating us, in
annihilating our Pashutwa (animal nature) and
bestowing upon us Divya Jyotis (Divine Light)." -
Swami Chidananda


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

Namaste!

Tomorrow (November 8) is the holy Hindu festival of
Deepavali. There are several articles on our website
about the significance of this festival. They are:

1) Deepavali by Sri Swami Sivanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/deepavali.htm

2) The Yajna-Quintessence of the Culture of India by
Sri Swami Krishnanandaji
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_16.html

In addition, we recently uploaded a message by
Revered Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj titled "The
Significance of Dipavali" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/nov2007.htm

There is also a new upload to Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji Maharaj's site on the subject of the
recently concluded Navaratri celebration. The article
entitled "Navaratri--The Worship of Mahadevi" is at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_108.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

THE MASTER ON HIMSELF: The date was the 23rd of
March, 1947. A disciple was conversing with the
Master regarding the Master's spiritual growth.

"What were the earliest indications Swamiji Maharaj
had of his spiritual mission?"

"I did not have any indication either in my mind or
outside of any spiritual mission."

"When and under what circumstances did this intense
desire of helping mankind grip Swamiji?" was the next
question put by the disciple.

"This is my very nature. From early boyhood I took an
unaccountable pleasure in serving others. This was
only developed further during the Sannyas life."

"Did Swamiji have any kind of premonition as to who
his Diksha Guru would be? What were Swamiji's
feelings upon coming face to face with his Guru?"

"I had absolutely no premonition. I met my Guru, Sri
Swami Viswanandaji, on the banks of the Ganges the
first day I came to Rishikesh, and he took me to his
cottage. I went for alms to the Kalikamliwala alms-
house but they refused to give me food as I was not a
Sannyasin. While walking back after this refusal, the
elderly monk, Swami Viswanandaji, met me on the way
and straightaway felt the urge to initiate me into
Sannyas. On that day itself I was given the ochre
cloth by him."

The disciple questioned further, "What were the
factors that guided Swamiji during the course of his
Sadhana? Was the nature of his Sadhana determined by
his Guru or by personal enquiry, inner voice or
intuitional impulses?"

"I told you how I got Sannyas. The very next day
Swami Viswanandaji started for Hardwar. He did not
have any time to give me instructions in my Sadhana.
He wrote to me from Hardwar, giving instructions
about the Sannyas Dharma. During my Sadhana my own
discretion guided me at every step. I was conscious
that I was proceeding in the right direction."

"What were the outstanding landmarks or particular
spiritual experiences during the Sadhana period?"

"I did not have any outstanding spiritual experiences
during my Sadhana period. There were no external or
internal obstructions in the progress of my Sadhana.
That was the only outstanding feature. I made
meditation-deep meditation-the keynote of my inner
Sadhana. It gave smooth and continuous progress and
rapid arrival at the ultimate experience."

"Can Swamiji be pleased to give out the place and
date of the final illumination?" the disciple made
bold to ask. The Master answered promptly, "The
Upanishads are positive on that subject. None should
talk of the place and date of illumination. If anyone
says that he got illumination at such a place and on
such a date, it is not proper, I can't believe him.
It is a secret of God. I cannot divulge it."

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

"Each year the festival of lights (Deepavali) is held
during the darkest night. It comes as an annual
reminder of what you have to do--banish darkness,
bring in light, be full of light and revel in the
Illumination. Fill yourself with the Light. Fill the
whole world with light by your own being in it." -
Swami Chidananda


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Mahasamadhi/Passing Away of H.H. Sri Swami
Sahajanandaji Maharaj, Spiritual Head, Divine Life
Society of South Africa

From Divine Life Society of South Africa:
http://sivananda.dls.org.za/

It is with great sadness that we announce the
Mahasamadhi/passing away of our most revered and
beloved Pujya Swami Sahajananda on Monday, 10
December, 2007 at 5.30am. The funeral will take place
on Tuesday, 11 December 2007 and Swamiji's sacred
body will lie in state at Sivanandahram, 513
Mountbatten Drive, Reservoir Hills from 6 am. The
procession will leave Sivanandashram at 8:30am,
proceeding to the Clare Estate Crematorium. Cremation
will take place at 9:00am.

Satsang will be held from 5:30pm at Sivanandashram,
Reservoir Hills on Monday, 10 December 2007. Chanting
will continue throughout the night until 6:00am.

About Swamiji and DLS of South Africa:
http://sivananda.dls.org.za/Founding%20of%20the%20Divine%20Life%20Society.htm

Recent Awards and Appreciation received by Swamiji:
http://sivananda.dls.org.za/Current%20News%20and%20Important%20Reports.htm

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

Namaste!

We posted an article by Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj
titled "Secret of Success" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/dec2007.htm

Several new videos and photos of Sri Swami
Chidanandaji Maharaj have been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/n-o-swamiji.shtm

Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj's website has been
redesigned and several new articles and book chapters
are now available at Swamiji's site. Of particular
interest would be a new book of Swamiji's, The
Upanishads, that is being serialised. There is also a
video of Swamiji explaining a meditation technique on
YouTube. The book on the Upanishads is at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/upanishad.html

Meditation Technique on YouTube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xg1K3utOiMc

The page on Christmas has been updated. There are
some audio recordings of the Christmas Eve
celebration at Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/misc/christmas/audio.shtm

Please note the links on top of the above page. There
are many Christmas messages along with photos from
this year's Christmas Eve celebration.

Please also see "The Coming of God on Earth" by Sri
Swami Krishnanandaji:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_111.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

MEDITATION IN THE CAVE: On the 23rd March, 1947, the
Master went into the Kaivalya Guha (an underground
chamber), for meditation. A stone mason working on
the construction of the Yajnashala now came with his
chisel and hammer and began breaking the stones just
beside the wall of the Kaivalya Guha and right on its
terrace. It was producing a thunderous sound all
around.

A disciple watching the scene and knowing that the
Master was in the cave, began to wonder how he could
meditate calmly with such a din just on the top floor
of the room in which he was sitting.

When the Master reappeared after half an hour, the
assembled disciples went forward and offered their
salutations. He was in his usual smiling mood and
began to converse and cut jokes. One of the disciples
drew the Master's attention to the stone-cutter and
the noise that he produced, asking how it was
possible to meditate in such a condition.

"When did the stone-cutter begin his work?" asked the
Master. "I did not see him when I went into the Guha.
I did not hear him there."

All were surprised to note the intensity of the
Master's concentration.

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

"The moon is the ornament of the night, the sun of
the day; the ornament of a servant of God is
devotion; the beauty of devotion is consciousness of
non-duality. The ornament of knowledge is meditation;
the decoration of meditation is renunciation, and
renunciation is distinguished by Shanti, pure and
unfathomable." -Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

Revered Sri Swami Sahajanandaji Maharaj's sacred
ashes were immersed in the Ganga on 2nd January. A
photo report along with statements from Sri Swami
Chidanandaji Maharaj and Sri Swami Vimalanandaji
Maharaj have been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/misc/Sw-sahajananda.shtm

We have uploaded a couple of articles by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji Maharaj to our website. They are:

1) "Life And Its Purpose" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jan2008.htm

2) "Science of Relaxation" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/relaxation.htm

An article by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj titled
"The Mission of Swami Sivananda" has been posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_113.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

CIGARETTE PROPAGANDISTS: The Master's eagerness for
spreading the Lord's Name was boundless. During the
1938 Kumbha Mela at Hardwar, a party of cigarette
propagandists came to Rishikesh, striking up vulgar
music. The Master saw them. He immediately called for
tea, fruit and biscuits. He offered them to the
cigarette vendors and then coaxed them into singing
Kirtan.

"Ohji, you have sold enough of cigarettes. You have
sung enough of the glory of tobacco. Now, why not
sing Hari's Names? Come, sing with me." The whole
place soon resounded with the Lord's Name.

The Master then gave the party a present of five
rupees and much spiritual literature. And he
requested them, "Along with your cigarette songs,
sing some Kirtans also. Along with the cigarette
advertisement, distribute these spiritual tracts
also."

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

"A man of easily irritable nature cannot enjoy peace
of mind. His brain, nerves and muscles are always
under high tension. He is wasting every minute
abundant muscular and nerve energy and brain-power.
He is a very weak man though he is endowed with
physical strength, because he loses his balance of
mind very easily. If you really want to enjoy
unruffled peace and abiding joy, you must try to
possess a calm, controlled and balanced mind by
eradicating worry, anxieties, fear, anger, and
impulses." - Swami Sivananda


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

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

Namaste!

Today (January 14) is the holy celebration of Makara
Shankranti in honour of the Sun-God's (Surya)
northward journey. There are a couple of articles on
our websites about the significance of this occasion.
They are:

1) Makara Shankranti by Sri Swami Sivanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/makara_siva.htm

2) Sun: The Eye of the World by Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_02.html

In addition, we uploaded an article from a recently
published book by Sri Swami Sivanandaji titled
"Meditation Know-How". The title of the article is:
"Key Guidelines To Successful Meditation" and is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/apr2007.htm

The introduction to the book by Sri Swami Sivanandaji
is also very inspiring. The "Introduction" can be
read at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es106.htm

Continuing on the theme of meditation, there is a new
article (with audio) on "Meditation and Kundalini" by
Sri Swami Krishnanandaji at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_114.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

CARING FOR THE BODY: One winter a Nepali aristocrat
coming down from the Ashram Bhajan hall after the
night Satsang, found the kitchen fires burning
brightly even at that late hour. He turned to the
Master.

"What, Swamiji, you seem to be mindful of everything!
There is Akhand (continuous) Kirtan upstairs and the
'Akhand' kitchen going on down here!"

"You have remarked rightly," was the Master's serious
reply. "Indeed, I do believe in both 'Akhand' kitchen
as well as Akhand Kirtan. For, the latter cannot go
on without the former, as long as you have a physical
body to deal with. It is the 'Akhand' tea, 'Akhand'
milk and fruit and the 'Akhand' puns with which I
nourish all the industrious workers that has resulted
in the wonderful work the Divine Life Society is
doing everywhere."

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

"A human being, every human being knows that he is
finite, but he creates circumstances in society to
remove the consciousness of finitude by somehow or
other creating an atmosphere of bigness, importance.
'I am a socially recognized person; the whole world
knows me.' If this idea enters the head, you feel
somehow that the finitude has expanded into the world
area. It has not really expanded; it has only
conceptually expanded. So, a socially great man is
not a really great man.  He is a small man only, but
people say 'Very good! Very good!' But one day they
say 'Down!', and put him down." - Swami Krishnananda


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Om Sri Saravanabhavaya Namah!
Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste!

Today (January 23) is the holy celebration of
Thaipusam. This is the day that the lance (Vel) was
given to Lord Shanmukha by His mother to battle the
demoniac forces. This festival is very popular among
the Tamil community in South India as well as
countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Mauritius.
In honour of this occasion, we uploaded an article on
Thaipusam by Sri Swami Sivanandaji. We also uploaded
an article on Lord Shanmukha from Sri Swami
Sivanandaji's book "Hindu Gods and Goddesses". These
articles are at:

1) Thaipusam:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/thaipusam.htm

2) Lord Shanmukha
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/shanmukha.htm

The January 2008 issue of the Divine Life magazine
has been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/dls/magazine/2008/jan-2008.shtm

The latest issue has a New Year Message from Sri
Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj. This is at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/misc/newyear/chidananda2.shtm

Some of the articles in the latest issue are:
1) Science of the Self--The Only Bestower of
Happiness by Sri Swami Sivananda
2) Positive and Negative Conditions in Life by Sri
Swami Chidananda
3) The Search for Truth by Sri Swami Krishnananda
4) A Guide to Meditation by Sri Swami Shivapremananda
5) Overcoming Circumstances by Sri Swami
Atmaswarupananda
6) Humility by Sri Swami Ramarajyam
7) The Environment from a Scientific Angle by Sri
Gaurhari Mishra
8) Makarasana by Sri Swami Chidananda

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

RECOLLECTIONS: The Master always laid the greatest
emphasis on the care of one's health. On this subject
he spoke to his disciples one day in the late
forties: "Money or no money, you must take care of
your body. If you do not look after this instrument
of the Lord, then you are not worshipping Mother
Durga properly. The best worship of Durga is to
maintain this body in a proper condition to enable it
to work out His Will in the best possible manner."

Speaking thus, the Master sank into memory of his
Swarg Ashram days and compared the austerities that
he had then practised with the amenities that he was
now enjoying at Ananda Kutir.

"When I was at Swarg Ashram, I never touched oil. Now
I must keep several kinds of oils. All the cells of
my body are vibrating so fast that there is intense
heat. When I was at Swarg Ashram, I slept on the
floor, but now I have a comfortable bed; this is
essential for the work that has to be turned out. I
do roughen the body sometimes; and, for the sake of
keeping up the austerity I rub it against the walls.
But often I do not have time even for this. There is
work to do.

"You are all gigantic brain-workers. Selfless service
has a greater and more pressing demand on you now.
All that your body needs you must give it. You have
practised enough austerity. If you go on in the same
fashion, your body will break down; you will become
useless. You must take nutritious food. You must have
barrels of fruit juice. Now I have twenty bottles of
various medicines--some for my diabetes, some for my
stomach, etc. I have different things for cleaning
the teeth--mouth gargle, tooth-powder, etc."

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

"Lord Shanmukha is the Pratyaksha Devata (visible
God) of this Kali Yuga. He is readily pleased with
His devotees to whom He grants both Bhukti and Mukti
(enjoyments here and Moksha hereafter). Millions are
still living who can narrate instances in their own
life to show the miracles brought about by
propitiation of Lord Shanmukha." - Swami Sivananda


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

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

Namaste!

The February 2008 issue of the Divine Life magazine
has been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/dls/magazine/2008/feb-2008.shtm

The latest issue has a Memoriam on Revered Sri Swami
Sahajanandaji Maharaj. This is at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/dls/magazine/2008/Feb08-9.shtm

Some of the articles in the latest issue are:
1) Prerequisites to Spiritual Progress by Sri Swami
Sivananda
2) Principles of Yoga by Sri Swami Chidananda
3) The Search for Truth by Sri Swami Krishnananda
4) A Guide to Meditation by Sri Swami Shivapremananda
5) Benefiting From Adverse Circumstances by Sri Swami
Atmaswarupananda
6) Become Like A Lighthouse by Sri Swami Ramarajyam
7) The Environment from a Scientific Angle by Sri
Gaurhari Mishra
8) Salabhasana by Sri Swami Chidananda

We also uploaded an article entitled "How To
Recognise A Jivanmukta" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/feb2008.htm

A new book by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj titled
"Lectures on Epistemology" is being serialized at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/epistemology.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

THE MASTER'S ROOM: It was the beginning of winter in
1949. The Master led a visitor into his apartments.
"There is a splendid view of the Himalayas and the
Ganges from here," commented the Master as they both
entered his cottage. "If you sit in the verandah or
even if you are within the rooms, you will constantly
hear the Pranava Nada of the Ganga."

The two then went into the inner rooms.

"You are living in this cottage, Swamiji?" asked the
surprised visitor. "Why, it is as ill-ventilated as a
prison cell. You cannot get any light in the rooms
except during midday. They are not rooms, they are
caves, and too small even for that. And you work in
this room? It is not even sufficient to accommodate
your manuscripts and books. You cannot move in it
without treading on something or tripping over
something else. The bedroom is damp and one cannot
even breathe in it. I wonder how you live in it!"

And the visitor continued, "Though I get a positive
feeling of spiritual elation while I am here, I think
I will not be able to keep body and soul together for
six months if I live in this cottage. Why don't you
change to a better suite of rooms, Swamiji?"

"No, no. I am all right here," assured the Master.

The visitor bowed and left.

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

"Never complain against bad environments. Create your
own mental world wherever you remain and wherever you
go. There are some difficulties and disadvantages
wherever you go. If the mind deludes you, at every
moment and at every step, try to overcome the
obstacles and difficulties by suitable means. Do not
try to run away from bad, unfavourable environments.
God has placed you there to make you grow quickly." -
Swami Sivananda


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

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

Namaste!

March 5th (or March 6th depending on your calendar)
is the holy Maha Sivaratri day. This festival is
observed in honour of Lord Siva. A special page,
consisting of discourses on the significance and
glory of this occasion, has been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/misc/sivaratri/signi_obser_mahasivaratri.shtm

Please be sure to click on the links above the
article to access more articles and Kirtans (songs)
by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj.

In addition, we uploaded an article on Lord Siva by
Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religion/siva.htm

There is also a Sivaratri message by Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji Maharaj at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_118.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

SEEING GOD IN ALL: It was Wednesday, May 23, 1962.
The sun had set. The moon had not risen yet. The
Master emerged from his cottage to proceed to the
night Satsang. A loving smile lit his childlike face.
A large group of devotees gathered by the roadside
and greeted him with folded palms. A party of
visitors from Tiruttani cried devotedly, "Muruga!
Vadivela!"

The Master responded with a spontaneous outburst of
divine praise, "Muruga! Muruga! Om Saravanabhavaya
Namah! Om Saravanabhavaya Namah!"

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

"Our hearts are hard like granite. Whatever be the
religiosity and the traditional aspiration for
religious life that many manifest, it is actually a
dying to live for the sake of God. The destruction
that is associated with Lord Siva - he is called the
lord of death as he destroys everything, swallows
everything in the end of time - is actually the
destruction of that element in every one of us, whose
presence prevents him from coming near us. What that
element is, each one of us has to ransack within our
own hearts and see that it is taken out so that the
flood from outside unites itself with the flood that
is arising from inside. This is God-union." - Swami
Krishnananda


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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!

March 21st was the appearance day of Sri Gauranga
Mahaprabhu. In honour of this occasion a message by
Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj on the Love of God
has been posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_119.html

We have uploaded a couple of articles to our website.
They are:
1) "World Peace" by Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/may2007.htm

2) "The Basis of Success in all Human Endeavours" by
Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/mar2008.htm

A number of seekers have asked me about the Sivananda
Daily Readings that used to come from
sivanandaonline.org. Due to some technical issues
with the server they have been unable to send the
messages for now. There are a couple of options
available for seekers who would like to continue to
read these inspiring messages. The first is to visit
http://www.sivanandaonline.org/html/ daily. The
second option is to procure the "Daily Readings" book
from our bookstore. Information about this book is
at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es73.htm

If you like the "Daily Readings" book, you will also
like the "Daily Meditations" book:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es104.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

LAZINESS: A letter was handed over to the Master. It
was from an inmate who had been served with a quit
notice by the Ashram secretary. The letter was in the
nature of an appeal: "Thou art my refuge. Where can I
go?"

The Master, usually very kind and considerate,
dismissed the petition with the caustic remark, "Lazy
man!"

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

"The first principle of yoga does not commence with
mystical meditation or super-consciousness, but
rather it commences with your taking a look at
yourself as you are and then starting to correct
things. Divinity is all-perfection; it lacks nothing,
is total, complete and all-full. That is the
discovery of all mystics. This being the case, you
have once again to discover your inseparable
relationship with it." - Swami Chidananda


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

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste!

Today (April 25) is the holy occasion of worshipful
Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj's 86th birthday
anniversary. In celebration of this occasion several
new lectures (text, audio and video) and pictures
have been uploaded to Swamiji's site. They are:

1) Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu Jayanti Message: Love of
God
2) Is Modern Science a Challenge to Religion?
3) The Philosophy of Education
4) The True Meaning of Yoga
5) A series of black and white photos have been added
to Swamiji's Photo Gallery.

All these can be accessed from:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/uploads.html

*****************************************************

The following questions and answers have been
excerpted from Srimati S. Bhagyalakshmi's book "Swami
Krishnananda in Conversation"

This morning it is rather warm. Swami Krishnanandaji
Maharaj sits inside the Kutir. A few devotees are
around him but there is a stream of Ashram staff who
come and go with their papers and problems. Along
with attending to correspondence and occasional jokes
Swamiji answers serious questions and problems posed
by the devotees.

Question: Swamiji, how does one realise God?

Sw. K: If you can be independent of the world, you
will see God in everything. The differences of
opposites prevent you from seeing God in everything,
because opposites do not exist in God.

When God's will passes through your personality it is
your 'free-will'. When the cosmic urge manifests
itself through you, your personality makes 'effort'
that is causes the free-will to act, the effort one
makes to act. Effort, from the lay-man's point of
view appears as an isolated activity. When you are
writing, the nib moves. Is it the nib that is
writing? The eyes are unable to see what is behind
the visible form. When the little finger moves the
child thinks that it is the little finger only that
is moving. But mature minds with knowledge of the
working of human body know that the whole physiology
of the body is taking part in the movement of the
little finger.

Q: Is a Guru necessary for success in meditation?

Sw. K: Meditation is the summing up of all our
spiritual activities; the purpose of all activities
is to be one with everything. But even in meditation
Space and Time come in, and this is what spiritual
activities try to overcome.
Until bodily consciousness ends you cannot merge with
the cosmos. Intellectual solutions do not end it.
Heart will rebel against them. So the intellect and
the heart are to be brought into harmony. In this
only studying under a Guru can help. This harmonising
is a super-mundane effort. Biological, physiological
and intellectual perception must be gone through
before the universal percept can come in. In
attaining this goal the Guru will help. So complete
dedication to the Guru helps in the process of first
harmonising the conflicting biological, physiological
and intellectual perceptions and then going beyond
them--that is going beyond the mind. You may suffer a
great deal. That is your purgatory. Unfortunately
these days it is hard to find such a Guru who can
help you so fundamentally. Nor is to be found such a
devoted, courageous disciple who wants the solution.
You must learn to climb on your own shoulders. Such
is the difficulty in real meditation. But if you have
sincerity, the true urge to meditate--and not merely
as an experiment--and the confidence in eventual
success you will find visitas opening up miraculously
and you will merge with the cosmos.

Q: How to solve the problems arising out of
meditation?

Sw. K: In meditation you have to determine what you
concentrate upon, whether you meditate with or
without Pranayama. And for how long you should
meditate. And search and find out if there are any
deep desires which have been suppressed. These will
raise their hood like a stricken cobra. These are the
points or questions which must be considered if any
problem arises in meditation.


*****************************************************


Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Namaste!

Tomorrow, July 18, is the holy occasion of Guru
Purnima. In honour of this occasion, we uploaded an
article by Sri Swami Venkatesanandaji titled "Guru
and Disciple". It touches on the relationship between
Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji and his Guru, Sri Swami
Visvanandaji. This article is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jul2008.htm

In addition, a discourse delivered by Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji during Guru Purnima in 1992 titled
"The Power of Self-Restraint" has been posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_126.html

For more information about Guru Purnima, please see:
1) "Guru Purnima" by Sri Swami Sivanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/guru_purnima.htm

2) "Veda Vyasa: The Paragon of Power and Wisdom" by
Sri Swami Krishnanandaji:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_08.html

There is a letter by Revered Sri Swami Chidanandaji
Maharaj and senior Swamijis for the recent 60 year
Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Yoga-Vedanta
Forest Academy (29th June - 3rd July, 2008) at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/dls/ashram/yvfa_dj2.shtm

We have uploaded a few articles since my last e-mail
in April. They are:
1) "The Lofty Ideal Of Renunciation" by Sri Swami
Chidanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jun2008.htm

2) "Vedanta is Living Experience" by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/may2008.htm

3) "Thoughts to Ponder" by Sri Swami
Shivapremanandaji:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/apr2008.htm

There have also been quite a few uploads to Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji's site such as: "The Message of
Acharya Sankara", "The Story of the Descent of Ganga
to Earth" and "Swamiji Answers Questions on Illusion,
Karma and Rebirth". These can be accessed from:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/uploads.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

BE STILL: A Sanskrit professor from Gwalior arrived
at the Ashram. He had gone through the Master's book
on Brahmacharya and had benefited greatly. He
referred to the book, Conquest of Mind. The Master
gave a copy to the professor, who said that it would
help him greatly in guiding a student doing his
thesis for a doctorate.

"Are you my professor or student?" asked the Master.

"You are my professor; I am your student," came the
reply.

"Head of department, sir!"

"There, not here!"

As the Master got up from his seat and began to move
slowly through the devotees lining his path, a
visitor burst out with a few lines from Thayumanavar:
"O Lord, give me that state where the mind melts,
where acts cease, where all is quiet".

"Yes, be still, be quiet," said the Master. "But let
the hands be working. Give the mind to God and the
hands to work. Quiet within, active without. Be a
witness of the world-show."

And slowly the Master wended his way back to his
quarters, muttering prayers and Mantras. At the
entrance to his cottage, he took leave of the
devotees with folded palms and short prayers from the
different religions.

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

"From a doctor, you get a prescription. From two
doctors, you get consultation. From three doctors,
you get your own cremation. Even so, if you have many
Gurus, you will be bewildered. You will be at a loss
to know what to do. One Guru will tell you: "Do Soham
Japa." Another will tell you: "Do Japa of Sri Ram." A
third Guru will tell you: "Hear Anahata sounds." You
will be puzzled. Stick to one Guru and follow his
instructions. Listen to all, but follow one. Respect
all, but adore one. Gather knowledge from all, but
adopt the teachings of one Master. Then you will have
rapid spiritual progress." - Swami Sivananda


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

-------- Original Message --------
Date:     Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:48:06 +0530
From:     Swami Gurupriyananda
To:     Panirselvam


OM Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!

Hari Om

I am writing this letter to request you that H.H. Sri Swami
Chidanandaji Maharaj (our president Swamiji) is not well, so as much as
you can pray to Lord for Swamiji's normal health.

With earnest regards and Om

Swami Gurupriyananda

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

You can chant the following mantra for Swamiji:

MAHA MRITYUNJAYA MANTRA

Om trayambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan mrityor muksheeya maamritaat

MEANING

We worship the three-eyed One (Lord Siva) Who is
fragrant and Who nourishes well all beings; may He
liberate us from death for the sake of immortality
even as the cucumber is severed from its bondage (to
the creeper).

BENEFITS

1. This Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a life-giving
Mantra. In these days, when life is very complex and
accidents are an everyday affair, this Mantra wards
off death by snake-bite, lightning, motor-accidents,
fire-accidents, cycle-accidents, water-accidents,
air-accidents and accidents of all descriptions.
Besides, it has a great curative effect. Again
diseases pronounced incurable by doctors are cured by
this Mantra, when chanted with sincerity, faith and
devotion. It is a weapon against disease. It is a
Mantra to conquer death.

2. It is also a Moksha Mantra. It is Lord SivaÂ’s
Mantra. It bestows long life (Deergha Ayus), peace
(Santi), wealth (Aisvarya), prosperity (Pushti),
satisfaction (Tushti) and Immortality (Moksha).

3. On your birthday, repeat one lakh of this Mantra
or at least 50,000, perform Havan and feed Sadhus,
the poor and the sick. This will bestow on you long
life, peace and prosperity.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Mahasamadhi of H.H. Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:29:43 UT
From: Sivananda <pannir@...>
Reply-To: Sivananda <pannir@...>
To: pannir@...

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!

We have received news that our beloved Sri Swami
Chidanandaji Maharaj was called back tonight,
28 August 2008, to Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji's
Eternal Abode.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Namaste!

Pictures along with further details of Revered Sri
Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj's Mahasamadhi have been
posted at:
http://www.sivanandaonline.org/

There are photos of Swamiji taken on 14th June, 2008
at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/n-o-swamiji.shtm

We posted an article by Sri Swami Chidanandaji
Maharaj titled "Mind Your Own Business!" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/aug2008.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

MUSIC IS YOGA: Some people criticised the Master for
introducing music, song and drama at the Satsang of a
Sannyasin's Ashram. He met their criticism by
offering a completely rational explanation for his
action.

"Music is not a kind of entertainment as worldly
people may think," he affirmed. "Music is Yoga. It is
Bhakti Yoga or Sankirtan Yoga. Saints like Thyagaraja
attained God-realisation through music. In the
Satsang the songs of Thyagaraja, Surdas, Mira and
other saints are sung. Kirtan and the Name of the
Lord are sung. The Name is a great purifier.
Sankirtan Yoga is the best Yoga for the vast majority
of people. It brings about purity and develops
devotion and concentration. Music affords relaxation
to the mind after listening to abstruse philosophy
like the Brahma Sutras. Sankirtan inspires and
elevates people and brings them face to face with
God. Many people, after their day's hard labour, come
to attend the Satsang. Music has a salutary effect on
their tired nerves. People who come to the Ashram
with their mental worries or disorders are immensely
benefited by hearing music and Bhajan. They go back
better in mind and spirit. People cannot listen to a
lecture for a long time at a stretch. They lose
concentration after some time and thereafter the
lecture becomes boring and useless. To mitigate this,
Kirtan or music in between the lectures is useful. It
refreshes the minds of the people and makes them fit
to listen to further discourses. Music is a tonic for
the mind and nerves and food for the Spirit as well."

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

"Through spiritual practice you become aware of
yourself upon a level higher than the normal
awareness. The normal consciousness of man is at the
level of the mind, but when God has been gracious
enough to bring you a sudden awakening into a
hitherto unknown level of yourself, there comes into
you an awareness that you are not this physical and
psychological entity alone. You find that you are in
essence a spiritual being above and beyond time and
space, above birth and death and above name and
form." - Swami Chidananda


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

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!

Namaste!

Today (Sept. 8) is the holy occasion of worshipful
Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj's 121st
birthday anniversary. In celebration of this occasion
we uploaded a book by Sri Swami Paramanandaji Maharaj
titled "Sivananda: The Apostle of Peace and Love" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm#apostle

In this book, Sri Swami Paramanandaji reveals many
intimate traits of Sri Gurudev. Sri Swami
Paramanandaji joined Gurudev in 1932 and is
considered to be the foundation of the Divine Life
Society.

We also uploaded an article by Sri Swami Chidanandaji
Maharaj titled "He Is Beside You" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/sep2008.htm

A book by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji titled "Sri Swami
Sivananda and His Mission" has been uploaded at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/gurudev_0.html

This book gives the heart a glimpse into the journey
of Gurudev, and the struggles, trials and
tribulations which were the foundation of what is The
Divine Life Society.

Here is a chapter from Sri Swami Paramanandaji's book
on how the birthday celebrations of Gurudev began.

*****************************************************

The Origin Of Birthday Celebrations

We celebrate the Birthday of Krishna (Krishna
Janmashtami) only once in a year. We celebrate the
Birthday of Rama (Rama Navami) once in a year. But
Swamiji's Birthdate is celebrated all over the
country once a month, on the 8th!

Let us see: what is the function? Is it one when we
merely glorify or honour Sri Swami Sivananda? No, it
is another occasion when we all assemble together and
do intense Sadhana collectively. If that be our aim,
we can celebrate his birthday every day!

In fact, even the annual Birthday celebration had its
origin that way. Then there were only six or seven
inmates at "Ananda Kutir". Once Swamiji has been to
Sitapur to conduct Sankirtan and hold Sadhana classes
there. I invited some Mahatmas of Rishikesh to join
us in a Satsanga. We called it Swamiji's Birthday. I
had not the least idea of the actual birthday of
Swamiji. That was an occasion for us, disciples of
Sri Swami Sivananda, to hear the inspiring speeches
of the Mahatmas of Rishikesh and the Swarga Ashram on
the life and mission of Sri Swamiji Maharaj. On the
first occasion Sri Swami Atmanandaji gave a brilliant
address on Sri Swamiji's Tapasya. I printed a report
of the proceedings. Some newspapers also published
the report.

That encouraged me. Later, I celebrated the Birthday
every year. Some devotees of Swamiji assembled here;
they had Swamiji's Darshan and the Satsanga of the
Mahatmas. They were all benefited. Some new Sadhakas
who attended these birthday celebrations were also
benefited; they came to be better acquainted with
Swamiji and his teachings.

In 1938 I announced through the newspapers that
Swamiji's Birthday would be celebrated. Many people
sent me thrilling accounts of their spiritual
experiences: how their lives were transformed by
their contact with Sri Swamiji Maharaj. We collected
all these and brought out a Birthday souvenir. Thus
the Birthday celebrations were gaining strength!

What part did Swath Sivanandaji play in all these
celebrations?

Some devotees of Swamiji have added one more stanza
to his own Song of Arati. They do Arati to him also
in the end. When they do it here, Swamiji does not
check them; on the contrary, he, too, sings "Jaya
Jaya Arati Satgurunatha; Satgurunatha, Sivananda".
When I asked him about it once, he remarked: "There
are many Sivanandas." Some people like to see him
clothed in garlands: we saw this during Swamiji's
All-India Tour. He calmly bears the load, like an
idol. Otherwise, the devotees would be displeased! If
Swamiji does not accede to their request, they would
be hurt. That, Swamiji does not want. So he keeps
quiet. Whether you celebrate the Birthday every year
or every month, or abolish it altogether, he does not
care. If you celebrate it, he asks you to utilise
that opportunity for doing intense collective
Sadhana.

Some Sannyasins do not allow themselves to be
photographed. Every one of you would like to be
photographed standing with Swamiji! Why should he
deny that pleasure to you? Swamiji accedes to your
request. He feels that, then, you will evolve nicely;
the photograph will inspire you to do more Sadhana
according to Swamiji's teachings; you will evolve and
progress rapidly on the spiritual path.

During the All-India Tour at several centres Swamiji
had to sit like a statue for over an hour, while
people worshipped him. His desire is not to be so
worshipped. He is dead against Gurudom. He does not
even like to be called Satguru or "His Holiness". The
Sadhus of Rishikesh gathered together and called him
"Mahamandaleshwar"; he laughed at it and remarked,
"It is like calling one the Greatest Fool on Earth".
Similarly he would have stopped the Birthday
celebrations also; but the devout wish of the
aspirants prevailed. When Swamiji found that,
whatever be the occasion, people gathered together on
his Birthday, he found in it an opportunity to
inspire people, to conduct collective Sadhana and
enable aspirants to evolve rapidly.

*****************************************************

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!

Namaste!

"The divine scales weigh human actions not only by
the measures of the prayer recited and Mantras
chanted, not only by the measures of candles lit,
lights waved, bells rung and books read, but let me
tell you clearly that the divine scales measure man
by the quality of the feelings harboured in the
heart, by the very words with which you speak and
address your neighbours and by each and every simple
action of yours in your dealings with all those
amongst whom Providence has decreed that you live
your life." - Swami Chidananda

*****************************************************

Today (Sept. 24) is the holy occasion of worshipful
Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj's 92nd birthday
anniversary. In celebration of this occasion we
uploaded an article on Revered Swamiji Maharaj by Sri
Swami Venkatesanandaji titled "Incarnate Compassion
And Renunciation" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/chida_compassion.htm

We have produced some excerpts below from Sri Swami
Pranavanandaji's article on Swamiji for our
meditation.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

*****************************************************

Excerpts from "Pujya Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj-A
Mini-Biography" by Swami Pranavanandaji, founder of the
DLS in Malaysia.

The writer had the opportunity of being with Swamiji
Maharaj during this tour at the Yoga World
Brotherhood Convention held at the end of August,
1969 at the Sivananda Yoga-Vedanta Centre
Headquarters at Val Morin in Canada (it was here that
an array of seven disciples of Gurudev headed by
Swami Chidanandaji appeared on the stage); then in
New York; in Paris; at Aalst; then at Brussels at an
International Yoga Conference held under the auspices
of the Belgium Yoga Federation. I witnessed how
affectionately and reverentially Swami Chidanandaji
Maharaj was greeted everywhere and how his elevating
and soul-stirring messages were received by his
audiences consisting of the highest dignitaries and
the humblest folk. I came to know of his devotees in
the West, who contact him over the telephone at long
distances just to say 'hello' and' hear him say a few
words of solace and 'blessings! Swamiji's sincerity,
simplicity and utter humility, and the magnetic force
in his spontaneous utterances and, above all, his
intuitive perception of human problems have
captivated the hearts of seekers everywhere.

History repeats itself! Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa, the great Avatara of the 19th Century,
had Swami Vivekananda as his illustrious disciple to
carry his universal message to various parts of the
world; they were both entirely responsible for the
modern renaissance of the ancient Indian Culture. We
can now safely state that Gurudev Swami Sivananda is
the Avatara of the 20th Century and has spread the
self-same culture in his inimitable way; and his
chosen disciple, Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj, has
disseminated on a world-wide basis, the ethical, and
spiritual idealism of India as propounded by the
Worshipful Master. "What Vivekananda was to Sri
Ramakrishna, Chidananda is to Gurudev Sivananda".

Swami Chidanandaji is a born saint, Yogi and
philosopher. He is a worthy replica of Gurudev. He is
an embodiment of love, service and renunciation; a
Bhakta, Jnani, Nishkama Karma Yogi and a Raja Yogi;
an adept in the Yoga of Synthesis; a linguist, an
orator and a prolific writer. His Kirtan and Bhajan
are soul-elevating. He has a fine sense of humour.
Within his lovable and delicate frame, Swamiji's
appearance is the very image of Lord Buddha.

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

Namaste!

We have posted the "In Memoriam" of Revered Sri Swami
Chidanandaji Maharaj at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/chida_memoriam.htm

A report on the 16 Days Celebration of Revered
Swamiji's Mahasamadhi has been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/misc/mahasamadhi-2008/16DaysCelebration.shtm

For this month's discourse we posted an article by
Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji titled "Ideal of Yoga"
at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/oct2008.htm

Many new articles and a book have been uploaded to
Revered Sri Swami Krishnanandaji's site. They are:
1) The Philosophical Foundations of Religious
Consciousness (Book)
2) Bhagavan Sri Krishna as Mahayogesvara
3) Through Hardship and Vicissitude
4) The Aim of Life
5) Shakti and Yoga
6) Worship of Mahadevi
7) Devi Mahatmya, Pronunciation of Mantras and Hindu
Gods
8) The Medication of Yoga and Meditation

All the above can be accessed from:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/uploads.html

The exchange rate used on our online bookstore is
currently set at 1 USD = 46 Rupees as opposed to 38
Rupees just a week ago. This is the time to buy
Gurudev's books before the rate goes up. Our online
bookstore is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books

We have posted a tab-delimited text file which can be
imported to Excel for those who prefer to do their
order offline. This is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/prlist.txt

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

DIVINE LOVE: It was way back in the late thirties.
When a Christian friend was taken by the Master and
left in the Ashram dining hall, the Hindus there
stopped eating and walked out in the middle of their
meals. Hearing of this, the next day the Master took
the Christian into the kitchen itself, spread a mat
for him to sit and served the meal himself. Seeing
this the inmates raised no more objections.

On another occasion, food had to be sent up the hill
to the Muslim overseer supervising the construction
of the Ashram temple. The disciple in charge of the
kitchen sent the rice and rotis in a leaf and the
soup in a clay cup. The Master came to know of this.
The very next day he was at the kitchen at mealtime
and saw to it that the overseer's food was sent in a
plate and bowls instead of in a leaf and clay cup.
And he told his disciple in charge of the kitchen,
"God asks a man not his caste or creed but only if
there is love in his heart."

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

"The Guru lives in his teachings. When you are living
the teachings of the Guru, you are in the deepest
contact with the Guru, you are in the deepest state
of yoga with the Guru." - Swami Chidananda


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

Namaste!

October 28 (or 27 depending on the location) is
Deepavali (meaning row of lights). The significance
of this festival has been explained by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji in his book "Hindu Fasts and Festivals".
This article has been posted at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/deepavali.htm

We have also posted a discourse on this occasion by
Sri Swami Chidanandaji. The title of this discourse
is "Can We Rejoice Always?" and is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/rejoice.htm

A question and answer session with Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji on the subject of "Yoga and the Need
for a Guru" has been posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_133.html

Revered Sri Swami Vimalanandaji has been elected as
the President of the Divine Life Society. Swamiji is
a direct disciple of Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji
and has been in service of Gurudev and Sri Swami
Chidanandaji for many years. The announcement has
been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/misc/ImportantAnnouncement.shtm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

EXTERNAL FORMALITIES: On 3rd of October, 1949, Sri
Subramaniam, an honorary worker in the Ashram, was
coming on a bicycle. He saw the Master emerging from
his cottage. At once he alighted, took off the towel
which he had wound around his head and adjusted his
dhoti.

The Master smiled and said, "All these formalities
are unnecessary for me. Love and respect have their
seat in the heart; you should have love and reverence
for elders in your heart. That I will know. These
external formalities do not have much significance
for me."

And he further continued, "You are going about in the
hot sun making purchases at Rishikesh and supervising
the construction work. Do not hesitate to take all
that you need. You must have a cold drink now and
half an hour later you should take a hot drink. If
you feel like taking some fruit in the bazaar, don't
hesitate. You need not submit any bill even. You have
full liberty to do everything to keep your body in
perfect health."

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

"To be true to our own self, we must be what we are.
Therefore, shine! Let your life be an effulgence.
Make it impossible for darkness to prevail. All
negativity is darkness." - Swami Chidananda


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

Namaste!

November 4th is Skanda Sashti. The significance of
this festival has been explained by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji in his book "Hindu Fasts and Festivals".
This article has been posted at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/skanda.htm

We have also posted a discourse on this occasion by
Sri Swami Chidanandaji. The title of this discourse
is "Never Despair" and is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/despair.htm

For this month's discourse we posted a question and
answer session with Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji
Maharaj during his All India Tour in 1950. Gurudev
explains the role of religion in overcoming political
crisis and economic calamities. This is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/nov2008.htm

A talk by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji titled
"Remembering the Saints" on All-Saints Day in 1952
has been posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_134.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

ADMINISTRATIVE ADVICE: On 8th of July, 1949, when
certain problems of Ashram administration were
brought to the Master's notice by the authorities, he
gave them some valuable advice.

"Call meetings of all the workers frequently," he
told them. "Make everyone feel that they are very
essential for the running of the institution.
Encourage everyone to think of the work. No one
should feel that he is merely the fifth wheel to the
coach. Each department should have a head. At the
same time, everyone should be induced to take a
loving interest in the entire work. Appoint
secretaries and assistant secretaries to each
department. And this appointment should never be
allowed to become a mockery. This is the mistake
often committed by organisers, who tend to make those
whom they appoint to responsible positions nothing
more than their puppets! Each office-bearer in the
Society should have real power to control his
department and to take a hand in the general affairs
of the Society. Everyone should respect everyone else
and so joyously contribute to the service of
humanity."

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

"The prime process of religion is to turn a bad man
good and raise the good man to the heights of
Godliness. Religion is the practical means of
rendering human life pure, truthful, honest, loving,
noble, righteous and glorious. Known in this light,
the practice of such a religion is the surest way to
counteract all evils, hatred, hostility, corruption,
deceit, violence, etc." - Swami Sivananda


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

Let Divinity Be The Keynote
by Sri Swami Chidanandaji

Radiant Atman! Sadhakas! Mumukshus! Jijnasus!
Devotees of the Lord! Lovers of righteousness! Soon
you will enter into a gift of 365 virgin days in
which you can sow the seed of a harvest of peace,
bliss, Illumination and divine perfection. It is
yours to do as you wish. The New Year is like a book
with all the pages unwritten and blank for you to
enter into it anything that you want to write. You
may write it in letters of gold if you wish and make
it a thing of beauty.

Try to make an evaluation of what you have been
throughout the year that has gone by. Have you
grasped each day and made a gainful step upward and
Godward towards your Destiny? Have you converted
experiences that you encounter into things of
increased wisdom and greater inner strength? And in
the light of this evaluation, have you been better
equipped to move towards this great new wondrous gift
of God-one more year of 365 virgin days? Each day is
filled with twenty-four golden hours, each set with
sixty diamond minutes-precious, invaluable, beyond
compare. They are yours to be utilised and filled
with divinity, love, compassion, wisdom, spiritual
aspiration, sincere sadhana. You can do all these
things and more to enrich yourself.

Let the New Year lift you up higher on the scale of
spiritual evolution. Let it be a year to prove that
God's gift to you has not been in vain. Let it be a
year to prove yourself worthy of this great gift of
human status. God speed you towards this onward
ascent, towards that pinnacle point of God-
experience, of Satchidananda Consciousness, of
Illumination and Enlightenment. This is my sincere
prayer at the feet of Almighty, and at the feet of
beloved and worshipful Guru Maharaj, who has brought
into us this great awareness that we are inherently
Divine.

You are related to the Cosmic Divinity. You have come
here to attain that Divinity. May we move forward
with a new strength, a new spirit and a new
determination, focussing entirely upon the Goal and
the Goal alone, making our entire life a total
integrated movement towards the supreme consummation!
May we progress towards the Goal each hour, minute
and second to unfold and express our Divinity! May
divinity be our keynote! Let us try to express and
manifest this divinity every moment. May all the
powers at our command be directed towards this one
ideal of making our inner truth, our essential
nature, our true identity! Live in such a way that
you may emerge out as a shining, radiantly divine,
perfect and liberated soul.

***************************************

This article has also been posted at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jan2009.htm

Sri Swami Krishnanandaji's New Year Message is at:
http://swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_139.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Namaste!

February 23rd is Mahasivaratri. The significance of
this festival has been explained by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji in his book "Hindu Fasts and Festivals".
This article has been posted at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/shivaratri.htm

In addition, there is an article by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji on "Lord Siva" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/siva.htm

There is also a Mahasivaratri message by Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji titled "Siva: The Mystic Night" at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_03.html

The February issue of the DLS Journal has been posted
at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/magazine/e-magazine.shtm

The table of contents is listed below:

Articles:
1) Philosophy of Siva Tandava by Swami Sivananda
2) Divine Life by Swami Chidananda
3) The Search For Truth by Swami Krishnananda
4) Many Facets of Identity by Swami Shivapremananda
5) Changing Our Angle of Vision by Swami
Atmaswarupananda
6) Yoga For Health: Bhastrika by Swami Chidananda
7) Brahmacharya and Urdhvareta Yogi by Swami
Sivananda
8) Sivananda's Gospel of Divine Life
9) Children's Page: What Is Your Relationship To God
by Swami Ramarajyam

News:
1) Seva Through Sivananda Home
2) Cultural Tour of H.H. Sri Swami Vimalanandaji
Maharaj, President, The Divine Life Society
3) Cultural Tour of H.H. Sri Swami Padmanabhanandaji
Maharaj, General Secretary, The Divine Life Society

There was an important request by Sri Swami
Vimalanandaji in the above-mentioned magazine. I am
reproducing the same below.

AN IMPORTANT REQUEST FOR DEVOTEES
SHARE YOUR MEMORIES ABOUT SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDAJI
MAHARAJ!
Following the earnest requests from so many noble
souls we have started collecting details regarding
any interesting incidents, memories or experiences
which anyone has had with our beloved and Worshipful
Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj. Those who would like
to share any kind of information in this regard may
kindly send their narrative, preferably typed, to the
Ashram by the end of March 2009. We gratefully
appreciate if it could be sent as early as possible.
You may also send it as an attachment through e-mail
address to: generalsecretary@... by
mentioning the subject as "Sharing my memories with
Swami Chidananda". Those who prefer to send the
matter by post may mention on their envelope "Sharing
my memories with Swami Chidananda" and send it to:
The President,
The Divine Life Society,
Shivanandanagar-249 192,
Dist. Tehri-Garhwal,
Uttarakhand,
INDIA.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

EXTRACTING WORK "Do not overwork. Make other people
work," the Master told Jyotirmayananda, a senior monk
in the Ashram, on June 28, 1956.

"You should extract work through kindness, love and
sympathy. To extract work from others is not very
easy. It demands reduction of egoism. You should put
yourself on a lower level and praise them, sing their
glory and respect them. You should adapt, adjust and
accommodate. You should become one with them."

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

"The dance of Lord Siva is for the welfare of the
world. The object of His dance is to free the souls
from the fetters of Maya, from the three bonds or
impurities of Anava, Karma and Maya (egoism, action
and illusion). He is not the destroyer, but He is the
regenerator. He is the Mangala-data and Ananda-data,
bestower of auspiciousness and bliss. He is more
easily pleased than Lord Hari. He grants boons
quickly, for a little Tapas (austerity) or a little
recitation of His five letters (Om Namah Sivaya)." -
Swami Sivananda.


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

Namaste!

We have posted an article by Sri Swami Brahmanandaji
titled "What We Think That We Become" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/dec2008.htm

We have uploaded the spiritual calendar for
2009/2010 at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/calendar.htm

Several new articles, book chapters and audio
recordings have been posted at Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji's site. The following titles have been
posted:
1) A Catechism on Hinduism (Question and answers on
Hinduism)
2) The Importance of the Satarudriya (Speech
delivered during Sivaratri in 1980)
3) The Importance of Our Last Thought (Article)
4) Commentary on the Bhagavadgita (Book chapters)

The above articles can be accessed from:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/uploads.html

Sri Swami Padmananbhanandaji has been elected as the
General Secretary of The Divine Life Society. The
official announcement has been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/misc/announcement.shtm

A biography on Swamiji has been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/misc/SriSwamiPadamanabhanandaji.shtm

Photos of the recent Mahasivaratri celebration at
Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh has been posted at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/sivaratri-2009/sivaratri.shtm

The last day of application for the 62nd Yoga-Vedanta
course at the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy is 15th
March 2009. The classes will be held from 3rd May to
29th June, 2009. For details, please see:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/yvfa/yvfa.shtm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

BEING ONE WITH ALL: Building work on the Viswanath
temple in the Ashram was going apace. The Master went
up to inspect. All of a sudden he flung his towel
away and girded up his dhoti in the fashion of a
coolie. The next moment he was carrying basketsful of
earth on his head! He mixed freely with the workers.
They got immense joy in his company. He perhaps
derived even greater joy in being one with them.

The Master then began to strike the ground with the
durmat to give even pressure to the foundation,
declaring, "Any service in the construction of a
temple is indeed most sacred."

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

"We see people who engage in doing good things having
a lot of misfortune, lot of troubles, lot of
suffering. That is a law. If debts are accumulated,
you have to repay them. If someone is suffering even
while doing good to others, it means that he is
getting rid of old debts. A little negative past is
being cleared and finished." - Swami Chidananda.


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

Namaste!

March 11th is the holy appearance day of Sri Gauranga
Mahaprabhu and the festival of Holi. There is an
article on the life of Sri Gauranga by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/gauranga.htm

The significance of the Holi festival has been
explained by Sri Swami Sivanandaji in his article at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/holi.htm

We have also posted an article by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji titled "The Supreme Reality" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/feb2009.htm

Sri Swami Sivanandaji has written more than 300 books
on a myriad of subjects. Each week a synopsis of one
title from this ocean of knowledge shall be given
(out of the nearly 160 books that are currently in
print).

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

A Boon To Diabetics
By Swami Sivananda

The myriad-minded Swamiji's illuminating insight has
penetrated and illumined every recess of human
nature, of the triune man-body, mind and soul. The
science of sweeping is as important and familiar to
him as the Science of the Self. He rejects nothing;
he accepts everything and views them in a higher
light and gives an entirely new and yet old technique
for the integration of the entire personality of man.
Whenever one tries to seek in his encyclopaedic works
for a solution of a problem or problems, one is never
disappointed. In him we find a rare genius who
touches every point of life with equal clarity and
facility and who gives a touch of gracefulness to the
commonest thing he does. It is no wonder, therefore,
that such a versatile saint, who had already given us
such well-known books as Family Doctor, Health and
Long Life, Practical Household Remedies, Health and
Happiness and Practice of Nature Cure, should now
present to us a fresh boon of the kind that readers
will find in this brochure on diabetes. There are a
number of pamphlets and books on the subject. But
what distinguishes this brochure from them all is its
approach to the problem, which is as exhaustive and
as many-sided as its author.

In the first part of the book a detailed analysis is
made about the nature of diabetes and its cure, in
general. Then the various kinds of urine-tests are
described, followed by a brief but adequate
explanation of the allopathic, homeopathic,
Ayurvedic, naturopathic and chromopathic treatments
of diabetes. Then the Swami goes on to describe the
Yogic panacea for diabetes and gives all the
necessary dietetic hints for a diabetic. Thus
concludes the first section of the book.

The book has also a philosophical import. Swamiji
describes how spiritual strength can conquer
diabetes. An index to diabetic treatment is added at
the end of the book. In the present edition a
thorough revision of the material has been made in
the light of recent developments in medical
knowledge.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es24.htm

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LOVING APPRECIATION: A certain monk who had done some
useful service to the institution began to lead an
idle life of comfort. The Master would not ask him to
work or to leave the Ashram. Instead, he commented,
"For the work that he has done, I am bound to look
after him for five or six lives to come!"

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"All great Hindu festivals have religious, social and
hygienic elements in them. Holi is no exception.
Every season has a festival of its own. Holi is the
great spring festival of India. Being an agricultural
country, India's two big festivals come during the
harvest time when the barns and granaries of our
farmers are full and they have reason to enjoy the
fruits of their hard labour. The harvest season is a
festive season all over the world." - Swami Sivananda


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

Namaste!

We have posted an article by Sri Swami Sivanandaji
titled "Precepts for Practice" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/mar2009.htm

An article titled "Some Guidelines for Practice" by
Sri Swami Krishnanandaji has been posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_144.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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Book Synopsis

Adhyatma Yoga
By Swami Sivananda

The attainment of God-realisation is the goal of
human life. Great seers, saints and sages have been
from time immemorial voicing this truth and striving
to spread the gospel of God-realisation in different
ways, through books, speeches, heart-to-heart talks,
etc. And exactly it is to remind man of his Goal, and
to show him the path that leads to it that this book
'Adhyatma Yoga' is dedicated.

The first chapter of this book deals with the nature
of God. The second chapter throws light on the
concept of religion. Various subjects connected with
philosophy are discussed in the next chapter. The
fourth chapter raises the clarion call to Sadhana,
pointing out to man the false, perishable nature of
the world, and the glory and sublimity of a life in
Spirit. The fifth chapter is rich in profuse
instructions to aspirants on their path of Sadhana,
and will be treasured by all earnest aspirants.
Formulas for Vedantic meditation are given in the
sixth chapter. The seventh chapter, containing a
series of addresses made to the mind and senses will
be found highly useful by all Sadhaks, as it throws
much light on how to coax and cajole the riotous mind
and senses. The path of devotion is dealt with in
chapter VIII, and the glory of Divine Name is
described in chapter IX. In this age of hatred and
dissension, the message of love alone will be the
saving factor, and a full chapter (viz. chapter X) is
devoted to a discussion of 'Love' and its infinite
potencies. Sadhana, to be successful, has to be done
under the guidance of a Guru. The glory and need of
Guru are dealt with in chapter XI. Chapter XII gives
out the experiences of a Sage of Realisation,-the
experiences which are the Sadhak's ideal. A
description of the characteristics of a saint is
given in chapter XIII. Chapter XIV is a highly
interesting treatise on a wide variety of subjects,
and thinkers and intellectuals will immensely like
the thoughts contained in this chapter. Definitions,
from a spiritual angle, of different things and
phenomena are given in chapter XV. A description of
woman, the spiritual helpmate of man, is given in
chapter XVI. Chapters XVII and XVIII respectively
convey valuable lessons through humour and stories.
The concluding chapter deals with the means of
acquiring health and long life, so very essential for
attaining God-realisation.

It is hoped that all aspirants will make the best use
of this book, by studying it and putting the
teachings into actual practice.

The teachings imparted in this book are in the form
of pithy poems.

May Lord bless you all.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es29.htm

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

APPEALING FOR FUNDS: A group of engineers visited the
Ashram on November 2, 1956. The Master took them
round and explained how the entire complex of
buildings had developed without a plan, mainly
because of paucity of funds.

"Money is with the householders," said the Master.
"Well-wishers who are benefited by the institution
send donations according to their might. I get no big
donations, yet I am getting plenty. Expenses also are
mounting. The Ashram is always in debt--one and a
half lakhs always!"

The engineers suggested, "Why can't you send some
disciples to Africa as other spiritual institutions
do? They will collect money from there."

"I do not have many people. The few I have are
required here itself," answered the Master.

On many occasions devotees pressed the Master to
undertake tours for collecting money.

"That is impossible for me," the Master would say.
And when in 1940 extensive arrangements were made for
a grand tour of the Punjab, he refused to go and sent
a telegram to the organisers: "Let me do as much as
possible by remaining in my own little cottage on the
banks of the Ganges. When the honey is here the bees
will come by themselves. Ruthlessly shun desire for
money."

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

"The world loves you more than you love it, and God
loves you more than you love Him. You may move slowly
towards the Goal, but it comes often with a great
force. When the ocean rushes into the river, it will
come with a greater energy and push than the force
with which the river enters the ocean." - Swami
Krishnananda.


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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 posted an article by Sri Swami Sivanandaji
titled "The Qualifications for a Student of Yoga" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/yogastudent.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

All About Hinduism
By Swami Sivananda

Hinduism is veritably the fountain-head of all
religions. It contains within itself the seeds of all
religions. It includes all religions and excludes
none.

It is but natural that people all over the world
should show increasing interest in a religion with so
universal an appeal.

"ALL ABOUT HINDUISM" is intended to meet the needs of
those who want to be introduced to the various facets
of the crystal that is Hinduism. The book, which was
first published in 1947, has now been rearranged in a
more convenient form, with useful additions here and
there.

We do hope that all serious students of Hindu
Religion and Philosophy will find the book useful and
interesting.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es5.htm

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

KEY TO PEACE: On January 15, 1956, the Ashram
authorities were discussing with the Master the
exorbitant charges that an outside press had billed
for printing a small book. It was the general feeling
that the press had cheated the Society.

Like a flash came the Master's remark, "Well, think
that you yourself are enjoying the money through
those who have cheated you, who are none but your own
Self. This is the key to peace and happiness."

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

"Why is it that in spite of the clarion call of very
many great seers, of the confident assurance of the
scriptures, of the repeated experience of man himself
in failing miserably to attain happiness amidst
external physical world, you are again and again
being deceived? Why is it that man has not yet learnt
to take to Sadhana? Because he does not have a deep
and abiding faith in the admonitions of saints, in
the scriptures, in the words of those who have
trodden the path and attained the goal" - Swami
Sivananda.


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

Namaste!

The March issue of the DLS Magazine has been posted
at:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/magazine/e-magazine.shtm

The table of contents is listed below:

Articles:
1) Five Obstacles to Progress by Swami Sivananda
2) Prasanta Manas--A Fit Instrument For Meditation by
Swami Chidananda
3) The Search for Truth by Swami Krishnananda
4) Many Facets of Identity by Swami Shivapremananda
5) What Are We To Be Liberated From? by Swami
Atmaswarupananda
6) Yoga for Health: Sitali by Swami Chidananda
7) Lust and Passion by Swami Sivananda
8) Sivananda's Gospel of Divine Life
9) Children's Page: The Supreme Wealth by Swami
Ramarajyam

News:
1) Seva Through Sivananda Home
2) Ashram Celebrates Maha Sivaratri
2) H.H. Sri Swami Vimalanandaji Maharaj's Spiritual
And Cultural Tour To Bikaner
3) Cultural Tour of H.H. Sri Swami Nirliptanandaji
Maharaj

Please note that the request for "Sharing my memories
with Swami Chidananda" is due tomorrow (31st March
2009). I am reproducing the request by Swami
Vimalanandaji below.

AN IMPORTANT REQUEST FOR DEVOTEES
SHARE YOUR MEMORIES ABOUT SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDAJI
MAHARAJ!
Following the earnest requests from so many noble
souls we have started collecting details regarding
any interesting incidents, memories or experiences
which anyone has had with our beloved and Worshipful
Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj. Those who would like
to share any kind of information in this regard may
kindly send their narrative, preferably typed, to the
Ashram by the end of March 2009. We gratefully
appreciate if it could be sent as early as possible.
You may also send it as an attachment through e-mail
address to: generalsecretary@... by
mentioning the subject as "Sharing my memories with
Swami Chidananda". Those who prefer to send the
matter by post may mention on their envelope "Sharing
my memories with Swami Chidananda" and send it to:
The President,
The Divine Life Society,
Shivanandanagar-249 192,
Dist. Tehri-Garhwal,
Uttarakhand,
INDIA.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Analects of Swami Sivananda
By Swami Sivananda

His Holiness Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj did not
write text books as such. The books he wrote were the
outpourings of wisdom from his own direct realisation
of the Truth.

  From his books you will derive not only the benefit
of his wisdom and knowledge of both practical and
esoteric matters pertaining to Yoga, but also the
power of his spiritual force.

Swamiji had a unique style-simple, direct and
compelling. His books are not dull treatises on Yoga
and philosophy, rather his enthusiasm and eagerness
to help all is evident in every page, lifting the
reader to new heights of understanding. His message
is addressed particularly and directly to the people
living in the busy world of today. To them his books
are a boon. In simple words set in simple sentences,
Swamiji gives grand truths in a gentle way.

Here is another gem from the Diadem of Divine Life.
It radiates the light of Divine Life that Sri Swami
Sivanandaji Maharaj has been shedding from the past
many years.

THE ANALECTS deals with the fundamental problems of
life and gives in a succinct, clear and inspiring
language the essentials of a divine life.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es16.htm

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ABSCONDING DISCIPLE: The Master's strange reaction
was not born of any fear complex, though. When in
1935 the possibility of some litigation with
reference to the publication work of the Ashram was
being discussed, he wrote to a disciple: "One should
have every experience, then only will fear and the
feeling of shame disappear."

In 1955, when the Ashram authorities were hesitating
to file a charge of embezzlement against an
absconding inmate, the Master told them clearly, "if
that is the right thing to do, do it. I am not afraid
to go to court. We should welcome dishonour as well
as honour."

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

"They say that procrastination is the thief of time,
postponing a work which needs to be done immediately.
There is no use committing the same mistake again and
again and resolving every day to avoid it, but with
no success. Something positive has to be done with
strength of will." - Swami Krishnananda


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

Om Sri Hanumate Namah!
Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste!

April 9th is the holy appearance day of Sri Hanuman.
In honour of this occasion we uploaded an article by
Sri Swami Sivanandaji on Sri Hanuman at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/hanuman2.htm

The following articles have been posted at Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji's site:
1) Hinduism and the Vedanta
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_145.html

2) The Laws and the Stages of Life in Hinduism
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_146.html

In addition, several new commentaries on the Bhagavad
Gita by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji have been uploaded.
Some of these titles are:
- Worshipping Deities
- The Gospel of Universal Religion
- The Glory of God and His Creation

These discourses can be accessed from:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/uploads.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Ananda Gita
By Swami Sivananda

This small volume written by Sri Swami Sivanandaji
Maharaj, is appearing in print for the fourth time.

A study and, what is more important, diligent
practice of the lessons, would convince the reader
beyond all doubt that this small volume gives the
essence of Yoga Sadhana in a most practical manner.

The simple, lucid, direct and forceful style that
characterises Sri Swamiji's writings is born of more
than a quarter of a century of Tapas, meditation,
intense practical application of Yoga Sadhana, and
sympathetic understanding of the aspirant's problems
that Sri Swamiji Maharaj has been solving by his
spiritual preceptorship to thousands all over the
world.

The chapters include: What is Divine Life, Way of
Attainment, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana
Yoga and Other Yogas.

May all the readers be spiritually illumined and be
blessed with this unique book come from one great
saint.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es7.htm

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

REFORMING BAD CHARACTERS: At one time there was in
the Ashram a young man of violent behaviour, who used
to dispose of Ashram property for his personal gain.
The Master insisted on keeping him in the
institution, saying, "I must serve him and reform
him. Let him be here."

From the very beginning the Master took the greatest
delight in serving the bad characters. In one of his
earliest letters written in the thirties to a
disciple in Madras, he said, "I want around me any
number of people who will abuse me, vilify me, insult
me and even injure me. I wish to serve them, educate
them, elevate them and transform them."

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

"The world has not yet seen, and will not see in
future also, a mighty hero like Sri Hanuman. During
His life-time, He worked wonders and exhibited
superhuman feats of strength and valour. He has left
behind Him a name which, as long as the world lasts,
will continue wielding a mighty influence over the
minds of millions of people." - Swami Sivananda.


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To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
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Other Sivananda related lists:
1) Sivananda Daily Readings
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sivanandadaily/

2) Sivananda's Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SivanandasThoughtForTheDay/

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