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

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

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

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!"

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

"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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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 "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

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

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

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

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

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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http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

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/

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

Om Sri Sankaracharyaya Namah!
Om Sri Ramanujacharyaya Namah!
Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste!

April 29th is the holy appearance day of Sri
Sankaracharya and Sri Ramunajacharya. In honour of
this occasion we uploaded a discourse by Sri Swami
Chidanandaji on the Bhaja Govindam of Sri
Sankaracharya. This discourse is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/bhajagovindam.htm

In addition, there are several articles on our
website on Sri Sankaracharya and Sri Ramunajacharya.
They are
1) Sankara by Sri Swami Sivanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/sankara.htm

2) Ramanuja by Sri swami Sivanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/ramanuja.htm

3) Sankara: The Genius by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji
at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_05.html

April 25th was the 87th birthday anniversary of Sri
Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj. In honour of Swamiji's
birthday several items were uploaded to Swamiji's
site. They are:
1) Video: The Process of Samadhi
2) Audios: The Problems of Spiritual Life
3) E-book: Religion and Social Values - Chapter 1
4) Discourse: Certain Problems of Philosophy
5) Photos: Swamiji's visit in 1982 to his birthplace
in Puttur

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

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Autobiography of Swami Sivananda

A saint's life is the ideal for all to emulate, a
pattern for everyone who would make his own life
sublime. It is an open book from which to learn the
lessons of divine life. However much one tries to
gain knowledge of spiritual truths from scriptures
and texts, it is not until one actually sees someone
in whom those truths shine exemplified that one is
ready, willing and eager to realise those truths in
actual daily life.

That is the purpose that this inspiring book serves.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es9.htm

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

DOUBTS CLEARED: Sri R. M. Karkare was a professor at
the Vikram University, Gwalior. While staying for a
short period at the Ashram, he began to wonder
whether its inmates could not be more useful to
society. He put his doubts on paper in the form of a
letter to the Master:

"I am thankful to you for the kind hospitality shown
to me. I appreciate highly the various activities of
your Ashram. I also attend Satsang and other
programmes.

"As regards the various books written by your good
self, I have a vast number to go through. Because of
what I have read during these days, I am full of
great hopes that the world will be benefited through
you.

"Yet I have grave doubts regarding the large number
of inmates here, who may not be doing any concrete
service to humanity. How can there be any Self-
realisation prior to self-effacement? Apart from
their own Sadhana, would it not be better that these
people chose a village where they could serve the
needy in the various aspects of a villager's life?

"By sitting idly here they are not serving the cause
of the nation, though of course they might be doing
something for the betterment of themselves.

"This is not to criticise these souls living here--
great men they are all, and whom I respect--but the
thoughts which have crept into my mind are not
leaving me, and an answer to them may kindly be given
to relieve the burden of it."

After handing over the letter to the Master, the
professor continued to stay at the Ashram, attending
the afternoon discourses and morning and night
Satsang programmes. He thought that the Master would
call him to dispel his doubts. When this did not
happen, he felt that the Master might have taken it
ill. But, to his considerable relief, on the fourth
day, the Master sent him the following written reply
through his secretary:

"Self-realisation is the goal of everyone. And though
the ultimate experience is universal and homogeneous,
the approach is different in the case of different
people. This is because, although the ultimate
experience is possible only after the mind has ceased
to function, Sadhana has to be done with the help of
the mind. Minds and temperaments differ. Therefore,
the approach to the Reality also differs.

"The patriot who serves the country, the advocate and
the doctor who serve society, the engineer, the
professor, the scavenger and the motor driver--each
one can attain Self-realisation without stepping out
of the walk of life in which the Lord has placed him.
As you have rightly put it, self-effacement is
necessary before Self-realisation, and everyone has
the privilege of choosing his own method of effecting
this self-effacement.

"The inmates of the Ashram are all engaged in the
service of humanity. Work for the preservation of
spiritual culture is as important, if not more, than
work in other fields of service. As a matter of fact,
if the emphasis is gradually shifted from the
political to the spiritual standpoint, I think that
there will be greater chances of the world enjoying
peace. Viewed from that point, these Sannyasins are
rendering a more fruitful service to the nation and
to humanity at large than their brethren in other
walks of life. There is practically no one in the
Ashram here who is not in some way or the other
taking part in the service which the Divine Life
Society is rendering to mankind. Service is an
essential part of the daily routine of the aspirants
here.

"But this is not to say that unless the aspirant or
Sannyasin engages himself in spectacular service he
is a great and unproductive burden on society. There
will always be introverts of the extreme type who
might not engage themselves in any activity, but
would spend all their time in introspection, self-
analysis and Bhajan. They also are necessary. They
apparently do nothing to the world at large, but they
render an inestimable service to humanity by
preserving one aspect of spiritual culture--the
introvert aspect. They carry on the tradition of the
Virakta Sannyasin who, through the rugged path of
negation of the world itself, crosses this formidable
ocean of worldliness. They are the beacon-lights to
other lesser evolved souls of their type, who would
otherwise get lost in the unchartered sea of Sadhana.

"Everyone who sincerely aspires for Self-realisation,
whatever be the path he chooses, whatever he
sincerely does towards the achievement of the goal,
is rendering a distinct service to the world at
large. He throws out a challenge to those who feel
that only sensual enjoyment is pleasure, and who
believe in the solid reality of the world and worldly
associations. Through sincere Sadhana and self-
discipline you will be able to attain Self-
realisation wherever you are."

Thus concluded the Master, and his apt answers to the
points raised by the professor were well received.

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

"The first step that you have to take in the practice
of sadhana, or the learning of the art of spiritual
living, is to understand what that first step is.
Everyone knows that the first step cannot be the
second step; it has to be the first only. But what is
the first step? The first step is the very condition
in which you are now." - Swami Krishnananda.


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

Other Sivananda related lists:
1) Sivananda Daily Readings
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2) Sivananda's Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SivanandasThoughtForTheDay/

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

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded an article by Sri Swami Sivanandaji
titled "Adaptability, A Means To Peace" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/may2009.htm

The following chapter has been uploaded to Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji's site:
Religion and Social Values - Chapter 2: The Mistake
of Religions
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/values/values_2.html

Our bookstore is currently having a book sale. The
sale is only applicable for shipment within India and
payment by mail (there is no discount for credit card
orders). The details are as follows:

SPECIAL ARADHANA CONCESSION
FROM 1ST MAY 2009 TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2009
DISCOUNT ON PUBLICATIONS:
20% ON ORDERS UPTO RS. 300/-
30% ON ORDERS UPTO RS. 1000/-
35% ON ORDERS ABOVE RS. 1000/-

40% Special Discount on the following Pictorial
Volumes of Worshipful Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji
and Worshipful Sri Swami Chidanandaji
1. ES8 Glorious Vision
2. ES4 Gurudev Sivananda
3. EC70 Ultimate Journey
4. EC71 Divine Vision

You may place your order via our online store at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Bazaar Drugs

Patent drugs were heavily guarded by trade secrets;
and the "Grandmother's remedies" were denied the
wings of publicity. The Common Man, the Poor Man, had
access to neither. Therefore, he had to pay a heavy
penalty in the form of money (if he purchased the
costly patent drugs) or of his own life, often, if he
could not afford the expenditure.

  From the very early days of his service to humanity,
as a doctor, Sri Swami Sivananda (then Dr.
Kuppuswami) had a burning passion to make available
to all, the trade secrets of the few. As the Editor
of "Ambrosia" in those days, he would publish cheap
household remedies, easy, simple and cheap remedies
for common ailments; and thus brought healing to all.

After renouncing the world, embracing Sannyasa and
rising by the acquisition of Self-knowledge to be a
World Teacher, Swami Sivanandaji has revealed the
humanitarian trait in all fields of knowledge--all
secrets he has revealed, and he has placed within the
reach of all the highest truths of Yoga and Vedanta.
Never has he neglected to take the human body into
account; and his books on health and healing are as
popular as his works on Yoga and Vedanta. The present
one bringing, as it does, health and healing to the
very kitchen of every man, would, we are certain, be
welcomed by all.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es11.htm

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

PUBLICITY: As he was climbing the Viswanath temple
hill in the Ashram together with the Master on the
evening of November 2, 1946, one Sri Meshana asked,
"Swamiji, why should there be the publication of the
Divine Life magazine, the fixture of a post office
and the sale of books to the public in this Ashram?
Is this not a place for holy meditation?"

The Master said, "What is to be done? In olden days,
the Rajas used to supply the needs of Sannyasins by
providing them periodically with the necessary food
articles. Now nobody cares. We have to earn money to
protect our bodies and also attend to our spiritual
growth. We feed the public with the divine spoon and
they feed us with the golden spoon. What is the harm
in this?"

Some visitors criticised the publicity apparatus of
the institution.

"If publicity is used for a selfish, worldly purpose,
why should it not be used for a selfless, spiritual
cause?" asked the Master. "It is on account of
publicity that I am now able to serve lakhs of
people. If without publicity I can serve five people,
with it I can effectively serve five lakhs."

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

"You should thank the one who draws attention to
something in you, rather than being offended.
Actually that person is doing you a great favour and
service by giving you some knowledge about yourself
which you, by yourself, have been unable to obtain."
- Swami Chidananda.


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

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/

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

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a discourse by Sri Swami
Chidanandaji titled "Light into the Darkness". In
this discourse Swamiji impresses upon us the true
purpose of Yoga. This article is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/apr2009.htm

The following commentaries of the Bhagavad Gita have
been posted at Sri Swami Krishnanandaji's site:
1) Discourse 25: The Eighth Chapter Continues - Types
of Liberation
2) Discourse 26: The Eighth Chapter Concludes - The
Journey of the Soul After Death; The Ninth Chapter
Begins - Rajyavidya
3) Discourse 27: The Ninth Chapter Continues - The
Greatness of God

In addition, the following chapter on Religion and
Social Values has been uploaded:
1) Chapter 3: The Reason for Birth and Death

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

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Beauties of Ramayana
By Swami Sivananda

Srimad Ramayana is the very soul of India. The
highest ideals of every Indian are enshrined and
portrayed in this holy scripture. It is a complete
guide to God-realisation, the path to which lies in
righteousness.

Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj has, in this invaluable
work, given the essence of Srimad Ramayana in a
beautiful way. In his characteristic style, he has
given the story and the morals in a simple, direct
and lucid style.

The lessons of Srimad Ramayana should be engraved on
the tablet of everyone's heart. This is the urgent
need of the hour. The evils of Kaliyuga need not make
you despair. Where there is Ram, where there is Ram
Nam, where there is Ramayana, the evils of Kali dare
not enter. Build this spiritual fortress in your own
heart; you will live in Rama Rajya. You will enjoy
illimitable peace and bliss.

Ramayana must be studied today, more than ever, by
everyone. The ideals of man are beautifully portrayed
in it. Everyone should emulate those ideals and grow
into ideal citizens.

May His Message spread! May God bless you all! May
all people walk the path of Dharma! May Lord Rama be
enshrined in the hearts of every man, woman and child
in this holy land and the world at large!

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es226.htm

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

EYE RELIEF PROPAGANDA: During an eye relief camp, the
Master came to the operation theatre. Dr Kailas Nath,
a young Punjabi surgeon, was attending on a patient.
Karina Karunakaran, an Indonesian aspirant, was
assisting him.

"The Drishti Dana Yajna Centre is a bit dull these
days, I think," began the Master.

"Yes, Swamiji," said the doctor, "so far in this
Yajna we have operated on ten cases of cataract. All
of them, thanks to your Grace and blessings, have
been successful in spite of the patients' non-co-
operation."

The Master was not quite satisfied. He almost gave a
lecture, which at once revealed the intensity of his
desire to serve and also his genius in organising.

"I have been thinking why more and more people are
not coming here daily. Except for the tom-tom and
distribution of leaflets, we have not engaged in any
intensive campaign to procure patients for the Yajna.
What you should do is to go to Rishikesh, stand in a
prominent place and deliver a lecture on the
importance of keeping the eyes healthy and of
preserving the eyesight. You should explain to the
people the anatomy of the eyes and also give them
some general hints on their care and hygiene. They
will be benefited and get confidence in you also.
They will then know that you are earnestly interested
in serving them. They will flock to you.

"You should not feel shy. You should boldly assure
them: 'Come to me. I will restore your eyesight. I
will give you new vision. I have so far cured ten
people of cataract. People who were previously unable
to see a huge elephant standing before them, are now
able to thread a needle!' You should not feel that
this is self-praise. You should even make a few
slides describing the condition of the patient before
your operation and after--how he arrived at the
dispensary feeling his way with a stick, and how,
after a few days he walked about cheerfully with his
eyesight fully restored. You should also show a short
reel of a movie-film depicting yourself conducting
the operation.

"Do not think that you are thereby praising yourself
or boasting. You need not be afraid of criticism
also. Let people criticise you or state that you are
boastful and arrogant, but suffering people will
flock to you. You can thus render a lot of service.
That is what is wanted. You should always seek newer
avenues of serving; you should find out novel methods
of serving the public. This is aggressive Nishkama
Karma Yoga. This is my method."

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

"The world can only offer you what it has and what it
is--it cannot offer you anything beyond. If you are
searching for perfect happiness without any admixture
of sorrow or suffering, you are looking for something
that does not exist in this imperfect and limited
world. The limited and finite things of the world are
ever changeful and momentary. This world of names and
forms outside of us is not permanent or lasting, but
is non-eternal and transitory. Our own bodies are
expressions of the transitory nature of life, as it
is the nature of the body to pass through birth,
childhood growth, disease, old age and eventually
death." - Swami Chidananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

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/

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

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

Namaste!

Today, July 7th, is the holy Guru Purnima
celebration. In honour of this occasion we uploaded a
discourse by Sri Swami Chidanandaji titled "Guru
Oriented Life" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jul2009.htm

In addition, there are several articles on our
website on Guru Purnima. They are
1) Guru Purnima by Sri Swami Sivanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/guru_purnima.htm

2) Guru Purnima by Sri Swami Chidanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jul2006.htm

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

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Bhakti and Sankirtan
By Swami Sivananda

The book "Bhakti and Sankirtan" contains very useful
instructions for the students in the path of Bhakti
Yoga. First of all, I have proved with practical
illustrations the existence of God for the conviction
of rank materialists and atheists. The first chapter
contains the essence of Bhakti Sadhana. I have
stressed the importance of worship, Bhajan, Upasana,
Manasic Puja, etc., as a means to develop highest
devotion.

In the second chapter I have dealt with the subject
of "Love" in detail,-the various methods for
developing love, the glory of true universal love,
etc. Here I have also shown that faith is the primary
requisite in the development of Bhakti. In this
chapter, Viraha or separation of the devotee from his
Lord, the sufferings the devotee will have to undergo
before he gets God-vision and the various methods of
Sadhana suited to achieve this end, have been clearly
shown.

The third chapter contains some of the essentials in
the path of devotion. The efficacy of practical
Sadhana to the exclusion of all vain discussions have
been pointed out here. The qualifications of a
devotee, when and how devotion should be practised,
how adversity or pain alone can give real spiritual
progress and a stimulus for the continuance of
Sadhana, etc., have been shown in detail.

The science of Sankirtan, the benefits of Sankirtan
and how to conduct Akhanda Kirtan have all been
discussed with many instructions for Sankirtanists in
the fourth chapter. The condition of the present day
Sankirtan is also reviewed here briefly.

Chapter five gives the Bhakti Sutras of Sandilya with
text, meaning and commentary. Chapter six and seven
deal with songs and Sankirtan Dhvanis. The essence of
devotion, Bhakti, the necessity for treading the
spiritual path and other subjects have been dealt
with, in the songs which will be much helpful to the
aspirants because they can assimilate things in the
form of songs very easily. The last chapter gives an
account of the lives of some great devotees of the
past like Prahlada, Dhruva and Narada, which will be
a source of inspiration to all the aspirants. Stories
and lives of great personages inspire a man to
magnanimous heights, especially when the forces of
Rajas overpower the aspirant. He will have extreme
disgust, depression, delusion and doubts in his
spiritual pursuit. He will begin to doubt the very
existence of God. At such moments especially, if one
goes through the lives of great men and knows how
they conducted themselves in such circumstances, how
they got over the various difficulties in the path,
he will also have the same strength and will-power to
get over all difficulties one by one and attain the
goal of life, immortality or perennial joy.

I hope the present book will be a boon to the
aspirants who wish to attain the goal of life by
treading the path of devotion. All Sadhakas meet on
the platform whichever path they may proceed. God or
Brahman is the only reality. This world is a mere
show. Realise this and become free in this very
birth.

May you all tread the path of devotion and ever rest
in the state of divine ecstasy and unalloyed bliss of
Joy and happiness!

Sivananda

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es17.htm

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

THE IDEAL SPIRITUAL INSTITUTION: An admirer of the
Master once asked his advice on the opening of an
Ashram in his own place. The letter written by the
Master in reply contained almost a blueprint for an
ideal spiritual institution. Besides, it drew a
definite distinction between social service as such
and social service rendered in the spirit of Virat
worship.

"The basis of activity should be purely spiritual.
All activities should help spiritual growth. It
should not be completely social. Social institutions
are many. Without a spiritual basis, social
institutions are a mere void; they are mechanical
factories only. Everywhere the Divine Name of the
Lord should be sung. The entire atmosphere should
breathe love, purity, sacrifice, service,
renunciation and dispassion. Havan should be
conducted once a month at least. All the Deities
should be propitiated. Daily worship, unbroken
Kirtan, study and recitation of the Ramayana, Gita
and Bhagavata, common meditation and common prayer
should become everyday features of the Ashram. Then
only will it become a glorious spiritual institution
with social offshoots and industrial branches to
illumine, enliven, beautify and perpetuate the life
divine in life mundane."

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

"To get a Guru is as difficult as getting God. And
once you get a proper teacher, then you are on the
path. This is a great achievement, and again this is
the work of God." - Swami Krishnananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

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/

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

Om Sri Ganeshaya Namaha!
Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Krishnanandaya!

Namaste!

Today, August 23rd, is the holy Ganesha Chaturthi. It
is celebrated in honour of the birthday of Lord
Ganesha. There are several articles on our website on
Ganesha Chaturthi. They are:

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

2) A Good Beginning by Sri Swami Chidanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/ganeshchatur.htm

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

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Bliss Divine
By Swami Sivananda

Today, in the world convulsed by wars and
revolutions, there is a great necessity to revive the
moral and spiritual value of ancient Indian culture
and its everlasting idealism. If the human mind is to
be weaned from materialism, if humanity is to be
brought together, the only way is the practice of
Yoga and Vedanta.

Yoga and Vedanta are basically the same. Vedanta is
the sublime philosophy that gives a directive to the
Yoga way of life.

Unconscious movement is called natural evolution.
Conscious evolution is Yoga or the practice of
religion.

Religion is not a matter of belonging to a church or
of professing a creed. It is a matter of evolving a
deeper insight and understanding and expressing it
through life.

It is this insight and this understanding which the
great Master Sivananda seeks to impart in the pages
of BLISS DIVINE.

BLISS DIVINE is an immortal work, a legacy for ages
to come. It is a spiritual classic. It is a Bible for
the Christians, a Bhagavad-Gita for the Hindus, a
Koran for the Muslims, a Zend-Avesta for the Parsis.
It sums up the teachings of all scriptures of all
ages.

Not only that; it offers comfort and consolation,
enlightenment and elucidation, in a manner which
makes a direct appeal to the modern mind. No line is
vague. No explanation is hidden.

Optimism is the keynote of the book. Its pages abound
in constructive suggestions for a fuller, happier
life, right now, here on earth.

Each essay is self-contained and can be read apart
from the rest of the book. The author has prefaced
the book with a beautiful introduction, unsurpassed
for depth of meaning and lucidity of presentation.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es19.htm

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

IMMORTAL MIRABAI: It was during the Master's All-
India Tour. On September 17, 1950, he was addressing
a packed gathering at the Patna University. Vice-
Chancellor Sarangdhar Sinha presided. In the middle
of his speech, the Master broke into Kirtan:

Hari Ki Premi Hari Hari Bolo
Avo Pyare Milkar Gavo.

He then noticed that many students did not
participate in his singing. He mildly rebuked them,
"You are not joining me in chanting His Names. Mira
danced in the open streets. All her songs are
immortalised. She lives in our hearts. So long as
Krishna's Name is remembered, her name also will be
remembered. Her songs inspire people when they are in
despair. She had faith in Lord Krishna. She did not
study in schools or colleges. She did not appear for
the M. A. degree. She did not undertake any research
work. She tapped the source. By tapping the source-
God-she acquired all knowledge. Sri Ramakrishna was
not a research scholar. He tapped the source. Beware!
Beware! Beware! Do not be carried away by this false
external glitter. All knowledge is within you. Close
your eyes for a few minutes and meditate. Do it now."

As the Master said this, a silence, a strange silence
descended on the audience, and everyone joined in the
group meditation. Thousands meditated in perfect
silence.

Even the sound of breathing was not heard! After a
full two minutes, he opened his eyes and mildly
chanted Om. The entire gathering answered in chorus.
The Master then continued his speech in a low,
whispering tone, talking heart to heart.

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

"By escaping from active struggle of earthly life, an
individual cannot escape his Prarabdha. Those very
Karmas, which he has sought to escape from, will
stand before him, and he will have to work them out
with compound interest." - Swami Chidananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

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/

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

Two new books on Sri Swami Chidanandaji were released
during Revered Swamiji's first Punya Tithi
(anniversary of a great being's passing) celebration
on August 18th. Both these books can be purchased
from our website. The titles of these books are:
1) Chidanandam The Joy of Knowing Him
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?pid=EC15&exact_match=on

and

2) Worshipful Homage
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?pid=EC14&exact_match=on

More information on these books will be posted when
available.

We have posted an article by Sri Swami Sivanandaji
titled "Qualification For Sadhana (spiritual
practice)" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/sep2009.htm

There are numerous articles and book chapters that
have been uploaded to Sri Swami Krishnanandaji's site
since my last update. Some of the articles and book
chapters include:

1) Gurudev Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj's Mission in
this World
2) The Concept of Maya According to Saiva Siddhanta
3) A Textbook of Yoga
4) The Role of Sri Krishna in the Mahabharata
5) Spanish: Significado de la Religion y Actitud
Espiritual Respecto de la Vida
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_102_spanish.pdf
6) Spanish: Yoga, Meditacion y Sadhana Japa
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/ymj/Spanish%20Yoga,%20Meditation%20and%20Japa%\
20Sadhana%20by%20Swami%20Krishnananda.pdf

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Blood Pressure: Its Cause and Cure
By Swami Sivananda

Blood Pressure is fast becoming something in the
nature of a universal malady. In the West especially
high blood pressure with its comcomitants like
apoplexy, paralysis, etc., is assuming menacing
proportions and the medical profession seems to find
itself helpless to cope up with this dire enemy of
human health and welfare. But for the gravity of the
threat to human life held out by High Blood Pressure
and the almost invariable fatality ultimately
resulting from it one may be inclined to remark in
jest that blood pressure has come to occupy the
position of the foremost "fashionable disease" of
this century. Above a certain age the average man is
almost certain to have blood pressure complication in
some degree or other as a part and parcel of his
declining health picture. Though knowing quite a lot
about the actual 'condition' called blood pressure
yet the doctors all over the world seem hard put to
lay their finger upon the exact causative factors
responsible for bringing about the specific
"condition". Nor have they been quite successful in
finding suitable, rational, effective therapeutical
agents to overcome radically this complaint.

This book will certainly provide very important and
valuable knowledge on the subject, the possession of
which is bound to be extremely useful both to the
patient as also to the doctor, who needs the former's
intelligent cooperation all along, if his treatment
is to be rewarded with any measure of success.

A valuable feature of this work is the psychological
and spiritual hints we have included in it for the
attainment of subtle, inner strength, sound and
serene mind and a state of radiant vitality by the
earnest seeker after health and well-being.

This book goes forth to do its mite in the cause of
the all-round, i.e., the physical, mental,
intellectual and ethical welfare of mankind.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es54.htm

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

SHYNESS AN OBSTACLE: While addressing the South
Indian Journalists' Federation at Rama Buildings,
Mount Road, Madras, during his All-India Tour, the
Master sang the Vittala Kirtan. Here again he noticed
that some people were not responding to the Lord's
Name. He pointed out how, in the life of those with
no spiritual background, there came knocks and blows
to turn them towards God. "Those who are endowed with
discrimination will start singing Kirtan now," he
said, and again sang, "Vittala, Vittala, Vittala."
This time the response was astonishingly good, but he
was not wholly satisfied.

"There is a little shyness," he remarked. "Shyness is
an obstacle to both material and spiritual progress."
And he repeated the story of Mira.

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

"The best way to overcome an evil quality is to
practise its opposite daily." - Swami Sivananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

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/

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/subscribe.html
-----------------------------------------------------

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!

Namaste!

Tomorrow (Sept. 8) is the holy occasion of worshipful
Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj's 122nd
birthday anniversary. In celebration of this occasion
we uploaded several articles on Gurudev. They are:

1) "Practised Before Preaching" by Sri Swami Chidananda
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/practicepreach.htm

2) "Swami Sivananda's Philosophy" by Sri B.S. Mathur
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/siva_philo.htm

3) "Treatment of Visitors" by Sri Swami Venkatesananda
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/treatmentvisitor.htm

Here is a little anecdote for our reflection on this
sacred day.

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

WHO IS SIVANANDA?

After Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Santi Path, Swamiji
took photograph with the Malayan devotees and was
coming back to his Kutir. On the way he noticed Swami
C. standing in the hot sun without shoes or umbrella.

Swamiji: O Ji Don't come without shoes in this hot
sun. It is not good for your health.

This is how Swamiji takes care of his disciples. By
these actions he clearly proves that he is not only
the Guru, but one's father and mother and, friend and
relative, nay everything else.

Swamiji was entering his Kutir. A person approached
him and asked at what time he can have private talk
with Swamiji.

Just a word slipped from Swamiji, after a pause.

"ETERNITY"

Only on very very rare occasions Siva shows us his
real Swaroopa, what he is in reality. Sivananda in
reality is not the Sivananda as we see. He is not
merely this 6 feet figure. He is the All-pervading
Consciousness, the SIVA HIMSELF, and THAT which
stands unchanged for ETERNITY. What, when, how and
where can you talk to Him. He is the very LIGHT which
makes you to talk and think. THAT LIGHT which is
within you is SIVANANDA, in reality.


Excerpted from "Sivananda Day to Day" by Swami
Santananda:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/eo3.htm

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

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

September 19th marks the beginning of the nine day
worship of the Divine Mother known as Navaratri.
There are several articles on our website on
Navaratri. They are:

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

2) The Terrible Kaali, The Benign Mother by Sri Swami
Chidanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/kaali.htm

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

In addition, we uploaded an article by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji titled "Running After The Shadow" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/aug2009.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Brahma Vidya Vilas
By Swami Sivananda

H.H. Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj has brought not only
light but life into the Quest after the Truth, where
life had so long been regarded as a burden to be
patiently and gloomily carried to its natural end,
and where he who walked was asked to fix his eyes on
the ground, to let his mind dwell on the miseries of
the world, and to make his heart constantly meditate
upon ways and means of getting rid of the world
itself.

Swami Sivanandaji has given a complete reorientation
of this Quest after Truth which is truly a Quest
after Bliss, every step taken taking the seeker
nearer and nearer to the Fountain of Bliss. The
spiritual aspirant's life is thus made a Blissful
Song of Joyous March to the Goal.

The chief instruments employed by him in bringing
this about are the song and the stage. Through these
he effectively transcends the doubting and arguing
intellect and makes a direct approach to the heart
which is the home of faith and devotion, the heart
which feels and knows (realises) rather than trying
to understand.

It is this novel approach to Vedanta and Yoga that
has earned for him the heart's gratitude and
adoration of millions all over the world.

Several Plays have been written by Sri Swami
Sivanandaji; and it was usual on all festive
occasions at Anand Kutir where the Sage dwelt to
stage one of his plays. It has been the invariable
experience of those who took part in the festivities
that they had learned more than what hundreds of
lectures could have taught them. To read Swamiji's
plays is to get pleasure and profit together.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es28.htm

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

A MILD ADMONITION: Sometimes the Master used a little
humour to drive his point home. During the crowded
reception at the Museum Theatre, Madras, when he
invited the audience to join him in singing the Maha
Mantra Kirtan, the response was feeble.

He commented, "It is not fasting day, I think. A
little frog at night, how much noise it produces! It
does not allow you to sleep. A little beetle at night
disturbs you. An insentient object, this mirdanga,
how much sound it produces! You are all highly
educated, highly cultured persons, B. A's., M. A's.,
barristers and professors, but the Lord's Name does
not come out of your lips vigorously!"

This mild admonition had the desired effect and the
hall began to reverberate with the music of the Maha
Mantra.

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

"Durga Puja is the greatest Hindu festival in which
God is adored as Mother. Hinduism is the only
religion in the world which has emphasised to such an
extent the motherhood of God. One's relationship with
one's mother is the dearest and the sweetest of all
human relations. Hence, it is proper to look upon God
as mother." - Swami Sivananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
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Other Sivananda related lists:
1) Sivananda Daily Readings
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2) Sivananda's Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SivanandasThoughtForTheDay/

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/subscribe.html
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

Today, October 17th, is the sacred Deepavali
celebration (festival of lights). Deepavali is one of
the most popular festivals among the Hindus. There
are several articles on our website on the
significance of Deepavali. They are:

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

2) The Significance of Dipavali by Sri Swami
Chidanandaji at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/nov2007.htm

3) Dipavali--The Festival of Lights by Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_155.html

In addition, we uploaded an article by Sri Swami
Chidanandaji titled "You Are the Light" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/oct2009.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Sanskrit Text, English Translation and Commentary
By Swami Sivananda

Among the ten Upanishads, the Isa, Kena, Katha,
Prasna and Mundaka may be regarded as more
introductory, providing preliminary details of a more
or less preparatory nature in the understanding of
the great truths of the universe. The Kathopanishad,
with its musical tone, literary excellence and homely
message of the value spiritual, should, indeed, form
a fitting text for the beginner in the study of the
Upanishads. It is sometimes held that the
Brihadaranyaka is a vast commentary on the
suggestions made in the Isa Upanishad, while the
Brihadaranyaka has a certain internal connection with
the precise adoration of the Almighty sung in the
Purusha-Sukta of the Samhita. The Mundaka also serves
as a good introduction.

But it is the Brihadaranyaka, Chhandogya, Aitareya,
Taittiriya and Mandukya, that rise above the level of
ordinary instruction and stand as most exalted
specimens of a direct encounter with Reality. The
Brihadaranyaka is like an omnibus, where anything can
be found anywhere. The Chhandogya is more realistic
form, and, while it covers a very wide range of
subjects like the Brihadaranyaka itself, is
characteristically different in make, and presents
itself as being more intimate with the hearth and the
home and the more concrete values capable of easy
comprehension. The Aitareya is the story of creation,
cosmology. The Taittiriya is many-sided, but its main
issues are psychological, explaining the composition
of the individual, thus forming, together with the
Aitareya, a practical text on the story of creation.
The Mandukya Upanishad is very brief and seems to sum
up the intentions of all the Upanishads in just
twelve Mantras, dealing, as it does, with the
structure of levels of reality as indicated in the
stages of consciousness, namely, waking, dream and
sleep, suggesting thereby the presence of a
Transcendent Universal, timeless and eternal.

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is the most detailed and
magnificent revelation of the ancient philosopher-
seers, which, in its six chapters packed with thought
and revelation, provides to the students a
practically exhaustive and concentrated teaching on
every aspect of life.

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is a veritable research
reservoir and may be taken up for intensive study by
those who are pure in heart, sincere in their
aspirations, and wholly devoted to a Godly life.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es25.htm

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

DAYS OF THE GURUKULA: Towards the very end of the
Master's All-India Tour, on November 7, 1950, he
visited the Salwan School in Karol Bagh, New Delhi,
where he spoke to the assembled students.

"In those days, when a student was about to leave the
Gurukula, the teacher used to instruct him thus:
'Speak the truth. Lead a virtuous life. May your
mother, father, Guru and guest be your God!' Nowadays
you do not get such instructions from the
schoolmasters."

Then, looking directly into the eyes of the boys in
the front row, he asked, "Do you always speak the
truth?" "No, sir, sometimes falsehood also," replied
an urchin. The Master admired the boy's frankness and
advised him, "That also you should give up from
today. You should not quarrel. You should not get
angry at all. You should not smoke."

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

"Many Deepavali festivals have come and gone. Yet the
hearts of the vast majority are as dark as the night
of the new moon. The house is lit with lamps, but the
heart is full of the darkness of ignorance. O man!
wake up from the slumber of ignorance. Realise the
constant and eternal light of the Soul which neither
rises nor sets, through meditation and deep enquiry."
- Swami Sivananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
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Other Sivananda related lists:
1) Sivananda Daily Readings
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2) Sivananda's Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SivanandasThoughtForTheDay/

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/subscribe.html
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

Sri Swami Yogaswarupanandaji, Vice-President of the
Divine Life Society HQ, is currently on a visit to
Malaysia from 7-18th November. His programme can be
viewed at:
http://www.sivananda.org.my/events/yogaswarup2009.htm

There is a Meditation & Yoga retreat with Swamiji on
the 14&15th at Genting Highlands. Interested parties
may contact the organisers on the possibility of
registering at:
http://www.sivananda.org.my/yogaregistration.htm

We have uploaded an article by Gurudev Sri Swami
Sivanandaji titled "Forces of Samskaras". This
illuminating article on the power of past
actions/reactions in shaping ones current state is
available at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/nov2009.htm

A new book by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji titled
"Religion and Social Values" has just been published.
In this book Swamiji explains that religion and
social life are not opposites, that they are actually
two aspects of a single whole in which everything is
included and must be recognised, not denied. Swamiji
addresses the problems that are faced by people in
the world, the cause of these problems, and the
misconceptions that are generally held about religion
and social values. Swamiji also gives some practical
techniques of how to evolve spiritually while
remaining in one's present circumstances. This book
may be purchased from:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?pid=EK26&exact_match=on

The online edition is available at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/values.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Brahma Sutras
Sanskrit Text, English Translation and Commentary
By Swami Sivananda

It need not be over-emphasised that the Brahma
Sutras, or the Nyaya-Prasthana of the triad of Indian
Philosophical treatises hold supreme sway over the
later rationalistic and scholastic developments.
Right from the mighty brain of Sankara down to the
master-intellects like Sriharsha, Chitsukha and
Madhusudana, the main polemics have been occupied
with the task of establishing the doctrine of
Absolute Monism and refuting the views contrary to
it, by appeal to logic as well as authority alike,
which find their seeds already sown in the Brahma
Sutras. The founder of a new religious and
philosophical school had simply to write a new
commentary on the Brahma Sutras so that his view may
be accepted by the mass of people. Such is the
authority of the Brahma Sutras, the work of
Baadarayana.

Commentaries there have been many on the Brahma
Sutras, but either they are too short and
insufficient to be useful for a comprehensive study
of the Sutras, or are extremely tough and abstruse to
be utilised by men of ordinary understanding. This
work of Swami Sivananda is of a Unique type in
itself, unrivalled by any other. This commentary is
neither too short to be useless, nor too verbose to
be unintelligible, but follows a via media course,
useful to one and all, mainly the spiritual
aspirants, who want thought, not mere word.

Swamiji, in his own inimitable way, explains the
Brahma Sutras to all aspirants of Truth dispelling
all ignorance and doubts. In addition, he has given
useful information which will not be found elsewhere.
An elaborate introduction precedes the work, along
with a short introduction and summary of the
different Adhikaranas preceding each Pada. Each Sutra
contains a word-by-word and a running translation.
The text of the Brahma Sutras is included herein to
enable the readers to do Svadhyaya and get them by
heart for purposes of meditation.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es22.htm

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

IDENTIFICATION WITH ALL: The occasion was a benefit
music recital by G. N. Balasubramaniam at the Gokhale
Hall, Madras, in aid of the Kattupakkam Sivananda
Seva Ashram. The Master had been requested to
preside. At the end of the performance, he rose to
speak. And once he began, he found it difficult to
contain himself. Words came gushing out of his mouth
in an unending stream.

Referring to this phenomenon, he later said, "When I
stand up to address a gathering, I identify myself
with all. I become one with all. I love every member
of the audience. I feel I must give them my heart,
and all of it, without any reservation. Till I am
satisfied that I have served them to my entire
satisfaction, I cannot stop."

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

"Every failure is a stepping-stone to success. Every
difficulty or disappointment is a trial of your real
faith. Every disease is a Karmic purgation. Every
unpleasant incident is a test of your trust in God.
Every temptation is a test of your spiritual
strength. Therefore Nil Desperandum. Be ever bold and
cheerful. March on courageously. Be sincere and
earnest in all your endeavours. March forward like a
hero." - Swami Sivananda


-----------------------------------------------------
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Other Sivananda related lists:
1) Sivananda Daily Readings
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2) Sivananda's Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SivanandasThoughtForTheDay/

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/subscribe.html
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded an article by Sri Swami Chidanandaji
titled "The Ultimate Success" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jun2009.htm

Picture reports of a number of functions and
festivals at Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, have been
posted. These include:
1) Deepavali Celebration
2) Skanda Shasthi At Sivananda Ashram
3) Inaugural Function of Sivananda Archives
4) Annavishek of Lord Viswanath on Kartik Full-Moon
Day

The above may be accessed from:
http://sivanandaonline.org/html/whats_new.shtm

There are several new articles and book chapters that
have been uploaded to Sri Swami Krishnanandaji's
site. Some of the articles and book chapters include:

1) The Canons of a Perfect Life - Being comprehensive
selections from the Bhagavadgita
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/canon/ca_1.html

2) A Textbook of Yoga
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/textbook.html

3) True Spiritual Living
Chapter 1: Spirituality is the Expansion of Being
Chapter 2: The Difficulty in Following the Spiritual
Path
Chapter 3: The Need to be Utterly Spiritual in Our
Aspirations
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/living.html

4) Sadhana Shakti
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_156.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Concentration & Meditation
By Swami Sivananda

"Concentration and Meditation" form the inner core of
the practice of Yoga. It is the key to the door of
Inner Illumination and constitutes the central pivot
round which all Sadhana in the spiritual field
revolves. Dharana and Dhyana are the Yoga proper,
leading to the consummation, Samadhi and Sakshatkara
or Realisation.

Revered Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj gives in this
compact and exhaustive treatise on the great subject
a thorough-going exposition of the intricacies of
"Concentration and Meditation," in a manner only a
Master on the path would be able to do. Intensely
practical, the work is an imperative to seekers and
students on the Sadhana-Marga. Literature on this
subject being very rare, we have endeavoured to bring
out the present edition. We cannot see any better
book on the subject to be placed in the hands of
students of this phase of Yoga.

There is more information at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es27.htm

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

MOTHER, THE FIRST GURU: The Master talked to suit
time, place and circumstance. He said the right thing
at the right time. Addressing the staff and students
of the Central Hindu Girls' School, Madras, he began
with charming innocence.

"What shall I talk to you about? You are my first
Guru. Everything man has learnt from you. The child
asks his mother, 'Mother, what is this? Ma, what is
that?' and learns everything. You are the Guru of
Gurus."

Slowly he picked up sequence and speed and, before he
ended his speech, made the exhortation, "Let patience
be your necklace. Let love be your apparel. Don't
forget that the Atma is the beauty of beauties. There
is no need for external beautification at all. How
can you beautify beauty itself? Wear the divine
virtues as ornaments. Self-restraint, modesty,
simplicity, patience, generosity--these are your real
ornaments."

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

"We receive from others what we make them do. It is
not people who do things to other people; rather it
is people who make other people do things for them,
in a way, which they have worked for. We play with
life in such a way that things do not merely happen
to us, but we make them happen to us." - Swami
Chidananda


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

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/subscribe.html
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded an article by Sri Swami Sivanandaji
titled "Mind-Conquest by a Simple Sadhana" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/mindsadhana.htm

The above article is from the book "Conquest of
Mind". Please do check out the overview of the book
at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es228.htm

The introductory section itself is replete with tips
on subduing the mind.

The following book chapter from "True Spiritual
Living" has been posted at Sri Swami Krishnanandaji's
site:
Chapter 4: Withdrawing from Objects of Sense
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/living/living_04.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Conquest of Mind
By Swami Sivananda

This book presents a number of most helpful hints on
the Nature of Mind and many methods for the
successful conquest of mind. By aspirants, devotees,
seekers after Truth, psychologist, and others who are
seeking peace of mind and happiness in life, this
work will be found highly useful.

A glance at the Table of Contents will reveal that
the Master has left no stone unturned.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es228.htm

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

DEIFYING MATTER: In his first discourse in
Westernised Ceylon, the Master struck a new note in
his discourse.

"You admire the little electric lamp on your table;
have you learnt to admire the glorious sun which
sheds light in the whole universe?

"You admire a bottle of French perfume; have you
learnt to admire the fragrance of the rose and
jasmine?

"You admire the paintings of artists and the little
toys made by craftsmen; have you ever thought of the
beautiful creation of the Lord--this earth itself,
which is only an infinitesimal part of His creation?

"You glorify the little man who builds a small
swimming pool; can you glorify adequately the Lord
for His creation of oceans, lakes and rivers?

"You deify the sculptor who carves some figures on
stones; you deify the scientist for his superficial
knowledge of the inner human mechanism. Think of the
exquisite creation of God--the marvellous human body.
Can all the scientists in the world ever produce a
human being?

"The intelligence with which scientists have invented
so many things is itself a spark of the Divine. Man
is a drop in the ocean of Consciousness. His ego is a
point in the limitless Truth of Existence."

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

"The human mind refuses to surrender its inveterate
habits and gross limitations, unless battered by
circumstances and brought into the disciplines of
suffering. Comfort and coziness settle the mind in
lazy complacency. Stress and strain stir its powers;
suffering and sorrow render it sensitive to the
higher realities that never fail it. Pain and
privation purify the heart, develop will-power and
discipline the entire nature; they aid the mind
examine itself, take an inventory of its resources,
and establish a mastery over its own weaknesses." -
Swami Sivananda


-----------------------------------------------------
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Other Sivananda related lists:
1) Sivananda Daily Readings
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2) Sivananda's Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SivanandasThoughtForTheDay/

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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/subscribe.html
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

Tomorrow, November 28th, is Gita Jayanti. This marks
the birthday of the Bhagavad Gita when Sanjaya
narrated to King Dhritarashtra the dialogue between
Sri Krishna and Arjuna. In honour of this occasion we
uploaded Sri Swami Sivanandaji's 1949 Gita Jayanti
message titled "The Ancient Gospel to Modern Mankind"
at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/ancientgospel.htm

In addition, there are several articles on this
festival at our website. They are:
1) Gita Jayanti by Sri Swami Sivanandaji
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/gita_siva.htm

2) The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita by Sri Swami
Chidanandaji
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/gita_chida.htm

3) The Gospel of the Bhagavadgita by Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_18.html

Please do checkout the extensive introductory content
from Sri Swami Sivanandaji's commentary on the
Bhagavad Gita at:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es13.htm

Sri Swami Krishnanandaji's Commentary on the Bhagavad
Gita is now available in PDF. The "PDF Download" link
is on the left at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/bgita.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

The Bhagavad Gita
Text, Word-to-word Meaning, Translation and Commentary
By Swami Sivananda

The Bhagavadgita is one phase of the Tripod of Indian
philosophy and culture, the other two phases being the
Upanishads and the Brahmasutras. While the Upanishads
lay the foundation of the loftiest reach possible for
humanity and the Brahmasutras logically elucidate the
intricate issues involved in the Upanishads, the
Bhagavadgita blends together the Transcendent and the
Immanent features of the Ultimate Reality, bringing
together into an integrated whole knowledge and
action, the inner and the outer, the individual and
the society, man and God, all which are portrayed as
facets of a Universal Operation, presenting entire
life and all life as a perfectly complete organic
wholeness, leaving nothing unsaid and attempting to
solve every problem of life.

The Bhagavad Gita has been acclaimed to be a gospel of
life. It has been translated into almost all the
languages and has drawn the attention of scholars,
saints and mystics, the world over. The importance of
the Bhagavad Gita is in its offering satisfactory
solutions to the problems that beset mankind of all
times. His Holiness Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj is
one of the great exponents of the philosophy, religion
and the technique of the Bhagavad Gita system, and his
commentary is regarded as one of the most
authoritative expositions available.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es13.htm

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

THE MASTER'S HUMILITY: An incident which brought out
the Master's humility in a telling manner occurred in
Delhi, almost at the end of the tour. He was staying
at the residence of a Colonel Murty, when a vehicle
arrived to take him to the house of one Thirumal Rao.
When he got into the car, he suddenly remembered that
he would not be returning to Colonel Murty's house
before leaving Delhi. So, from within the car he
beckoned to Mrs Murty and took leave of her.

When he left Thirumal Rao's place, however, the Master
instructed the driver to take him back to Colonel
Murty's residence. He alighted from the car, went into
the house and apologised to Mrs Murty, saying, "You
must excuse me for not taking leave of you properly. I
should not have beckoned to you from the car. I should
have come into the house myself and taken leave of
you."

As he got into the car again, the Master said aloud,
"A little bit of 'Mandaleshwar-hood' tried to enter
me, I think."

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

"The teachings of the Gita are broad, universal and
sublime. Its teachings do not belong to any cult,
sect, creed, particular age, place or country. They
are meant for the people of the whole world at large.
The teachings are based on the Upanishads, the ancient
wisdom of the seers (Rishis) and sages. It teaches a
method which is within the reach of all. It has a
message for the solace, peace, freedom, salvation and
perfection of all human beings." - Swami Sivananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
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Other Sivananda related lists:
1) Sivananda Daily Readings
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2) Sivananda's Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SivanandasThoughtForTheDay/

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/subscribe.html
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

Today, December 2nd, is the appearance day of Load
Dattatreya who is a manifestation of the trinity, Brahma,
Siva and Vishnu. He is considered to be an Adi Guru (primal
world teacher). In honour of this occasion we uploaded an
article by Sri Swami Sivanandaji on Dattatreya at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/dattatreya.htm

In addition, the following articles on Lord Dattatreya are
also available on our website:

1) Dattatreya Jayanti by Sri Swami Sivanandaji
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/datta_jay.htm

2) The Divine Trinity by Sri Swami Chidanandaji
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/datta_chida.htm

3) Lord Dattatreya - Master Par Excellence by Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_19.html

Since we are on the subject of Guru, we also uploaded an
article by Sri Swami Chidanandaji titled "The Necessity for
a Guru" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/dec2009.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Constipation - Its Causes and Cure
By Swami Sivananda

Constipation, along with Diabetes and Blood Pressure, has
come to be regarded as a natural outcome of modern
civilisation. There is virtually no one in the world today
who has not seriously suffered from this disease at some
time or the other; and, what is worse, who has not been
afflicted by the numerous diseases that spring from this
root-disease.

The Compassionate Sage of Ananda Kutir, who is ever eager to
remove the sufferings of mankind by every means possible,
has blessed us with his characteristically comprehensive and
concise treatment of this dire disease.

We do hope and pray that the present publication will serve
its purpose well, viz., of enlightening men of the true
causes of Constipation, how to avoid, it, how to cure it,
when it has already been contracted.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es311.htm

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

CAUSE OF FEVER: It was at Rajahmundry, and the Master was
running high fever. The programme at the next halt, Kovvur,
was about to be abandoned, but he said, "We must go to
Kovvur. Start immediately."

When they reached the place, the fever had vanished.

The Master offered an explanation, "It was the feverish
anxiety of these thousands of devotees waiting for me here
that manifested itself as fever in me. Now that I am in
their midst, I share their joy, and the fever has left!"

And he proceeded to address the milling crowd on the open
grounds of the local school.

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

"Taking a past saint as a guru is the same as taking God as
your guru. God is a poor uncomplaining person, and even if
He complains, you don't recognise His complaint! Many times
He complains against your disobedience and sends you
complaint letters in His own way, but you attribute it to
some other person. "That man was nasty to me and brought
about this trouble for me." We never think, "Perhaps He sent
this to me in His own way because of my transgression." You
should not assume the comfortable position that you have a
silent, invisible guru. That guru cannot in any way
effectively test your ego. Let us therefore have our eyes
open and be aware of what we are doing." - Swami Chidananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

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/

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded a biography on the Maharashtrian Saint,
Ekanath. He was an embodiment of patience and was free of
anger. Saint Ekanath's biography is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/ekanath.htm

The following book chapters and articles have been uploaded
to Sri Swami Krishnanandaji's site:

1) Book chapters from "True Spiritual Living":
Chapter 5: Freeing Ourselves From Entanglements
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/living/living_05.html

Chapter 6: The Royal Virtues of Ahimsa and Brahmacharya
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/living/living_06.html

Chapter 7: The Importance of Being Alone
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/living/living_07.html

2) Book chapters from "Commentary on the Panchadasi":
Introduction
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/panchadasi/pan_intro.html

Chapter 1: Tattva Viveka - Discrimination of Reality
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/panchadasi/pan_01.html

3) Discourse: Yoga in a Nutshell
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_158.html

4) Discourse: The Science of Mantra
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_157.html

5) Sri Vishnu Sahasaranama (Sanskrit, Transliteration and
English Translation. Includes audio chanting by Swami
Krishnanandaji)
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/vishnu/vishnu_invo.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Daily Meditations
By Swami Sivananda

This book is a composite collection of spiritual teachings
from the writings of His Holiness Sri Swami Sivanandaji
Maharaj.

The main purpose of the work is to spiritualise the reader's
daily duties, enhance his progress towards peace and
perfection, solve the problems which he might have to
encounter and give an insight into a better and worthier
living.

These "Meditations" have been selected from different books
and are arranged according to a particular order. The book
is intended to be placed in daily Puja and only one thought
should be read in a day. The reader should meditate and
think deeply, concentrating his mental faculties on the
thought of the day.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es104.htm

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

CHEERING DROOPING HEARTS: The Master was once cheering the
drooping hearts of some of his disciples.

"Never mind whether Self-realisation comes or not. Put forth
every effort at attaining ethical improvement to render
yourself perfect for the service of man. See God in man.
Look upon man as God. If your concept of God includes the
idea that He is all-pervading and omnipresent, then why
can't you see Him in all beings and creatures? What makes
you hesitate in translating your belief into action? You
will have to leave off all such notions that He is available
only behind locked doors and closed eyes. First feel His
loving Presence in everyone, in everything that you see and
serve, then see whether or not He shines of His own accord
in the chambers of your heart. When the heart is not yet
free of all impurities and the lower nature rid of its
dross, how can spiritual experience come to you? Until you
have rendered your nature perfect, is it possible to realise
the truth of a Being who is the very essence of perfection?

"First root out your egoism, anger, hatred, greed and pride
by means of sincere selfless service. Even if you manage to
do some little good to ten human beings, if you succeed in
destroying one evil trait and developing fully a single
noble virtue, feel certain that your life has not been lived
in vain. That is more than what ten people in a million ever
achieve. What if you do not have Samadhi and God-vision?

"Cheer up yourselves! Apply your heart and soul to this
work. I guarantee that you will feel blessed and happy. Feel
not dissatisfied with your lot or be downcast about your
progress. Act up to my word. Have I no thought of your
spiritual welfare? Why, if you would only know, you will see
that day and night, every moment my heart is fluttering with
concern for your well-being."

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

"Do not attempt to run away from surroundings that are not
to your liking. God has placed you there to make you grow
quickly. If you get all your desired comforts in a
particular place you will not grow strong. So never complain
about unfavourable surroundings. Triumph over all
difficulties." - Swami Sivananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

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/

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/
-----------------------------------------------------

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded an article by Sri N. Ananthanarayananji
titled "Fate, Free Will and God's Will" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/freewill.htm

The following book chapters have been uploaded to Sri Swami
Krishnanandaji's site:

1) From "True Spiritual Living":
Chapter 8: Psychological Non-Attachment
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/living/living_08.html

2) From "Commentary on the Panchadasi":
Discourse 5: Chapter 1: Tattva Viveka - Discrimination of
Reality (Verses 44-55)
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/panchadasi/pan_05.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

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

Book Synopsis

Daily Readings
By Swami Sivananda

His Holiness Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj did not write
textbooks 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.

Sri Swami Sivanandaji 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.

A good, holy thought to start the day with, is more precious
than all the wealth you can acquire and all the happiness
that you can enjoy during the day.

These divine thoughts will, if meditated upon in the early
morning hours of every day, enrich your daily life in every
way. They are illuminating and are assigned the functions of
shaping the spiritual development of the readers.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es73.htm

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

WORK AND WORSHIP: The Master discovered that often his
disciples failed to grasp fully what he tried to convey to
them. So he spoke his mind to a senior aspirant.

"I grieve to find that many a time my own students fail to
catch my meaning. When I urge them to dedicate their very
lives to the cause of selfless service, I in no way mean
that they should neglect their personal Sadhana in the name
of work. Sadhana has to be done systematically during a
specified period daily, both in the early morning and in the
evening. Such kind of spiritual routine is not at all
incompatible with active work during the rest of the day.
The point I stress is that even the work should become
spiritual Sadhana by the adoption of the feeling that one is
only an instrument in the hands of the Lord and that all
work is an offering unto Him. Then the entire daily activity
will form worship.

"The life of aspirants who adopt this attitude will brighten
up into an effulgent light offered daily to the Lord
manifest as the created universe. How many devoted and pious
householders are even now diligently practising systematic
Sadhana together with their social duties! If you rational
youth do not see the logic and psychology of the powerful
influence that one's mental attitude and suggestion exert on
all actions, how then do you expect the masses and the
laymen to understand the theory or philosophy of Karma Yoga?
Abandon all queer, preconceived notions of what Sadhana is
and what it is not. All selfless activity that is done with
reverence constitutes highest Sadhana. If you practise doing
all work in the spirit of worship, there cannot be any
feeling of despondency at all."

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

"Right from the very beginning of one's spiritual life, one
must understand clearly that in true 'humanity'--sincere
desire to root out gradually pride, egoism and jealousy,
earnest and unceasing introspection to find out one's own
defects and improve oneself--lies one's hope of progress.
Without this basis, any form of Sadhana becomes a delusion
and a waste. It makes the aspirant puffed up, more proud and
egoistic. When this happens, all good advice and
instructions fall flat upon him. Higher influences cease to
have any effect as the aspirant becomes deliberately and
obstinately non-receptive to them. Eternal vigilance should
be exercised if he is to avoid falling into this dangerous
state. Spiritual life is not a light matter." - Swami
Sivananda


-----------------------------------------------------
Sivananda Day-to-day is sent out weekly.
To subscribe to this mailing list please go to:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi

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/

3) Sivananda Daily Readings & Thought for the Day
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dlsmalaysia/

4) Various Selections from Sivananda's Works
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/mailinglists/
-----------------------------------------------------