Date: March 1st 2011

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

Namaste!

Today, March 2nd, is the holy celebration of Mahasivaratri. There are several articles on our website on the significance of this festival. They are:

1. Shivaratri by Sri Swami Sivanandaji at: http://www.dlshq.org/religions/shivaratri.htm
2. Lord Siva, the Master Yogin by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji at: http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_187.html
3. Siva: The Mystic Night by Swami Krishnanandaji at: http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/fest/fest_03.html

In addition, there is also a book by Sri Swami Sivanandaji titled "Lord Siva and His Worship" available for free download at:
http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm#lordsiva

Please do checkout the Shivaratri page at our DLS HQ site:
http://sivanandaonline.org/newsupdates/?cat=5

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Book Synopsis

Lord Siva and His Worship
By Swami Sivananda

This is a most valuable and instructive book for the aspirants, particularly for the devotees of Lord Siva. It is full of instructions on practical Sadhana for attaining Siva-Tattva or God-realisation.

The secrets of Siva Tandava, Sakti Yoga, etc., are very nicely presented. The translation of the Saiva Upanishads is a beautiful addition. The lives of Siva Acharyas, the Bhaktas and the Nayanars are inspiring and soul-stirring. A study of their lives will make one's life sublime and holy.

Up to this time there has been no such presentation on this subject. The philosophical portion is highly illuminating and helpful to the readers. The book contains the essence of all Saiva Puranas. The book is written in a very lucid and clear style. It must be studied by all religious-minded persons as it is of solid worth from the spiritual point of view.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es95.htm

THE MASTER'S COMPASSION: An old lady from Madras came to the Ashram. She was very sickly and could hardly walk. Unfortunately, there was no vacant room available in the Ashram at the time and she was asked to seek accommodation elsewhere along the Ganges bank.

When she went for the Master's Darshan, she said, "Swamiji, I came all the way to be with you and to attend Satsang but there is no accommodation here. I don't think I will be able to come daily and have your Darshan."

The Master asked the secretary, "Is there no place?" "Swamiji, all the rooms are occupied by the visitors. There are no rooms available."

The Master, to whom writing meant so much in his service of humanity, immediately replied, "Vacate the writing room and put the lady there."

As he was proceeding to the Satsang he realised that the lady was not able to walk properly. He came back and instructed, "Bring a chair. Put the lady in it and bring her to the Satsang. Let her enjoy Satsang also."

"Lord Siva is the height of austerity, the master yogin portrayed as seated in a lotus pose as the king of all ascetics - not that he has a desire for selfcontrol, but he is self-control itself. He does not practice self-control; self-control itself is symbolised in the personality of Lord Siva." - Swami Krishnananda

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/SivanandasThoughtForTheD ay/

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/