Sivananda

H.H. Sri Swami Guhabhaktanandaji attains Samadhi

2013-05-02T17:58:20Z

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

We regret to inform that our beloved Sri Swami Guhabhaktanandaji, President of Divine Life Society Malaysia, attained Samadhi at 12.20am in Penang hospital on 3rd May 2013. The funeral services will be held on 3rd May 2013 at Divine Life Society, Batu Caves . His mortal remains will leave DLS Ashram Batu Caves at 4.30pm for MBPJ Crematorium, JLN 222 KG TUNKU.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

New Year Message - 2013

2012-12-31T11:38:27Z

NEW YEAR MESSAGE
by Sri Swami Chidananda

God be with you. The old year 2007 has passed. We are commencing this New Year 2008 with added knowledge and experiences. These experiences and knowledge we have obtained through the 365 days of the past year 2007. Through the experiences of each day we have learnt something new. In the same way the 366 days stretches before you. You may add on to your knowledge and experience and get all the more wiser and benefit yourself and others.

God who has sent you into this human world regards your life as a process of positive evolution. God's plan for man (who is the only creature having a mind and intellect) is for evolution and progress in every way because this earth life is meant to give each individual a scope that may end in total perfection.

In the previous two paras you have been told this human earth is a school for perfection. God's Divine perfection is already within you but in a latent form, therefore you are apt to forget it. Your body from its head to foot is a Royal and Divine Palace for GOD to reside in. God's throne is your spiritual Heart situated on the right side of your chest. It is not the anatomical heart which pumps blood throughout your physical body. This is why God is called ANTARYAMIN which means the one who dwells in your spiritual Heart. You are meant to gradually unfold this Divine perfection within you and consciously make this Divine perfection completely manifest in your life and reflect in and through your day-to-day activities. Each day you must learn something new and carry this process onward that ultimately will make you a perfect human being ethically and spiritually. All the lessons you have learnt in all the 365 days of the year 2007 must now be applied in the 366 days that are stretching before you in the year 2008. Body, mind and intellect should all go towards evolution to Perfection.

God has sent you to this human world not to be a static creature with no change or progress. God has sent you not to remain in the same condition of both body and intellect. God's plan for you is evolution until you reach perfection. Body, mind, intellect and that which is imperishable within the perishable, all of them have to attain a state of completeness and Perfection.

In this matter, above referred, there is no other Indian scripture, so complete and thorough, giving the entire process of progress to perfection in all its aspects in its eighteen chapters in which Lord Krishna brings his friend Arjuna from a state of doubt and confusion to a state of certainty and action. This scripture is Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

In Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the body, mind and intellect are restricted in their activities and are not above error. The soul which is imperishable is evolving to aid each other to bring the individual upon the State of Perfection where it is neither troubled nor affected by wind, water, or fire or any weapon. The individual must raise himself from doubt to faith and the knowledge of a perishable being to imperishable being. That is why man is born to attain this knowledge and become fearless. This was the reason why Dr. Anne Besant of Theosophical Society liked the Bhagavad Gita so much and persuaded others to follow its teachings in life.

As this is my New Year's Message I want all readers to know that the purpose of life is evolutionary until you reach immortality by Realising that body and Soul (Atman) are quite different. Body is born and it dies. Death is inevitable to the body. In this entire human world wherever you go, in whichever direction and in whichever country, you will find crematoriums, graveyards behind the churches for the Christians and Kabristan for all those who follow the Muslim faith. In this body house, the Soul remains immortal and imperishable. This is what we call Atman (Soul). Your Atman is identical with Satchidananda Atman or Brahman. The Ultimate Spiritual Realisation is therefore the experience of "Aham Brahmasmi". In this human world bodies come and go. But that which gives it life is the imperishable Atman dwelling within you.

This is my vital message to one and all the readers. They must base their lives upon this fundamental truth and be fearless and free.

May God and Gurudev bless you to understand and follow this message in your life from this very moment when you are reading this!

I wish you a happy and progressive new year 2008!

Swami Chidananda
President,
The Divine Life Society

This message has also been posted at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jan2013.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Sivananda Day-to-day (451)

2012-12-23T01:34:38Z

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

Namaste!

December 23rd is the birth anniversary of the Bhagavad Gita. A discourse by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji on this glorious scripture has been posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_213.html

December 25th marks the holy celebration of Christmas. In honour of this occasion we uploaded an article by Sri Swami Chidanandaji titled "A Call to Rebirth" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/calltorebirth.htm

There is an illuminating discourse by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji titled "The Kingdom of Heaven is Within You" at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_183.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Book Synopsis

Guru Tattva
By Swami Sivananda

In spite of much that has been written on the concept of a spiritual Guru, there is still a good deal of confusion, misunderstanding, and skepticism in the public mind on this vital matter.

Is a Guru absolutely necessary? Who is a Satguru? How far can he help his Chela (disciple)? What are the duties of a disciple? What is the meaning of Initiation? Want of clear-cut and definite answers to these and related questions often impedes the spiritual progress of earnest aspirants.

Under the circumstances, the present book by Satguru Sivanandaji Maharaj should come as a boon to many. Within its pages, the reader will find an authoritative, succinct and bold elucidation of the entire subject of Guru-disciple relationship.

We have great pleasure in releasing this book for the benefit of spiritually thirsty men and women all over the world. May the blessings of the Lord and the Brahma-Vidya Gurus be upon all!

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es52.htm

LOVE FOR HATE: The same disciple discovered that another person was greatly against her staying in the Ashram. She would prostrate to him and greet him but he would always ignore her and walk away. Her pride was hurt and she, too, began ignoring him. The Master noticed this.

One day he called the disciple and asked her, "Do you really wish to lead the spiritual life?"

"Yes, Swamiji."

"Then will you obey me?" "Yes."

"Whenever you see him, wherever you see him, prostrate to him."

The disciple was taken aback and said, "I used to do so, Swamiji, but he just ignored me."

"It does not matter," came the Master's reply. "Let him ignore you. You do what I have asked you to do."

The disciple went on prostrating to the person and eventually found her hatred and dislike for him melting away. Later, the Master requested her to discontinue the prostration.

"We always think in terms of our country, our society and our way of looking at things, but the spiritual envisionment of values or the spiritual way of looking at things is different altogether, which is really the beginning of the development of the religious consciousness within us. Religion is nothing but the rising of God-consciousness within us. It is not churchgoing or bell ringing that we call religion. It is not an activity that we do, as in an office or a factory. It is a spirit that rouses itself within us that we call religion. It is a new kind of awakening and a new life that dawns in our hearts. It is a state of being, to put it precisely and concisely." - 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

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2) Sivananda's Thought for the Day
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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/

Birthday Anniversary of Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj (2012 - 96th)

2012-09-24T12:04:14Z

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste!

Today (September 24th) is the 96th birthday anniversary of revered Sri Swami Chidanandaji. In honour of this occasion we uploaded a sharing by a devotee on his experiences with Sri Swamiji Maharaj. The sharing by Sri Debi Prasad Mohanty is at: http://www.dlshq.org/saints/chida_debiprasad.htm

The same is attached below for our reflection.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

"God is an unknown entity. God is an unseen entity. We have not seen God. We've only heard about Him. We can only imagine Him. But, if we are able to see in a human individual, manifestations of holiness, of sanctity, something out of the ordinary, something extraordinary, something special, we begin to realise: "Yes, God I have not seen, but godliness I have seen." Such a being becomes for us visible God. God reveals Himself through the Guru." - Swami Chidananda

Life
by
Debi Prasad Mohanty, Orissa

In the year 1965 I was studying at London University. One day a British student approached me in the Library and said, "Hello, Mr. Mohanty! Can you show me your palm?" - "Are you a palmist?" - "Yes, I know a little bit of palmistry." He studied my palm for some time and said, "Mr. Mohanty, your life span is very short. You may live up to 43 or 45 years and you will die of a heart attack. But if you come in contact with a great saint, He can change your life span."

I came in contact with Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj in 1973 and soon the entire family was initiated and we became disciples of our Pujya Gurudev. One day I was climbing the stairs of Sivananda Ashram to Sri Vishwanath Temple. I did not know that Sri Gurudev was following me. In the middle of the stairs I took rest on the cement bench. Sri Gurudev asked me, "Why are you gasping? It seems your heart is weak. On your return to New Delhi, make a thorough check-up of your heart." (In those days I was practicing as an Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.) He also asked my wife and me to bring our horoscopes on our next visit, which we did. Sri Gurudev took both the horoscopes and told us that He will show them to a good astrologer, but at the same time He Himself studied them, and in my horoscope He changed the planetary positions, by uttering "let this planet go to that position, and let that planet come to this place", and like this He made a completely new horoscope for me.

And the most interesting incident happened on my 43rd birthday. At that time Sri Gurudev was staying in Delhi. On the previous day Sri Gurudev called me: "Debaprasad, how early can you come tomorrow? "Gurudev, I can come at 4 a.m." Gurudev said, "No! That will be too early; you better come at 5 a.m.

The next morning at 5 a.m. Sri Gurudev was waiting for me, called me inside His room and closed the door. I was overwhelmed when I saw the arrangements. One asana was kept for me, a lamp was burning, some sandal paste and kumkum was kept there and one garland was kept at the feet of Param Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. Sri Gurudev asked me to sit on that asana, He put sandal paste and kumkum on my forehead and brought the garland from Param Gurudev's feet and garlanded me and then did Arati to me. It was exactly as my mother used to do on my birthday.

Sri Gurudev gave me sweets and asked me to call all the visitors who were waiting for Sri Gurudev's darshan as He was to leave for America the same evening. I did so. Sri Gurudev told them, "All of you must bless Deba Prasad as from today he has started a new life and he will not come back to this world, as this is his last birth." He distributed sweets to all. I mentally prayed to Sri Gurudev to take some sweets. He looked at me and said, "Don't worry - I will keep some for me."

I do not know how long I will live, but the present life belongs to my Pujya Gurudev. He is more a mother than a father for us. I have realised that Sri Gurudev is Parabrahman Himself and appeared in human form to protect this world. But few people could recognize Him, just as Lord Krishna was known to very few people only.

From the book "Memories of Swami Chidananda" http://www.dlshq.org/books/eo20.htm

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

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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/

125th Birthday Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj (2012)

2012-09-08T12:27:46Z

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!

Namaste!

Today (September 8th) is the 125th birthday anniversary of revered Sri Swami Sivanandaji. In honour of this occasion we uploaded an article titled "The Spirit of Ananda Kutir" by Smt. Savitri Asopa. This article is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/siva_anandakutir.htm

The same is attached below for our reflection.

An article by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji titled "Memories of Gurudev Swami Sivananda" has been posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_207.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

The Spirit of Ananda Kutir

The spirit that pervades and works behind the every activity of the Ananda Kutir, cannot be expressed, but can be deeply felt and experienced at times. The degree of manifestation of the spirit differs from an individual to individual, because the degree of revelation varies. Now, greater the revelation, greater shall be the faith and devotion of a person. And to these chosen few whom the spirit stands fully revealed, their devotion and dedication is Supreme, for they are not deluded, for they at every moment behold the beauty, splendour and glory of the spirit.

If we ponder deeply we find that behind every department of Ananda Kutir it is the spirit of Sri Sat-Guru Sivananda that is ever working very actively. So to work sincerely in any department is to become an instrument in the hands of Sri Swami Sivananda. Behind the press, behind the studio, behind the hospitals, behind the temples, in the Annapurna hall, behind the typewriters, it is the spirit of Sri Swami Sivananda that works. Minus Sri Swami Sivananda from all these things, then they will all become meaningless. And I remember the day when I was to begin the work of typing letters. Sri Gurudeva said, "Do not be afraid of the work. Do not think that you are typing." Believe it or not, behind every cup of tea and plate of food, too, there is His unseen hand and Spirit.

Countless people come to Ananda Kutir, out of them some are unimpressed, while some are captured by the Divine Spirit of Sri Guru Deva. Only those are captured whom the Sat-Guru draws to Himself; and those whom He draws, He works up the transformation of their personalities by various methods. Sri Guru Deva's Spirit pervades the entire Universe. That is the only reason why He is able to help us even when we are far, far away from Him. In the Ashram also, the thoughts and feelings and actions of every person are known to Him.

I have a firm conviction that every feeling, thought and action of every person is known to Sri Guru Deva. I have always felt His Omnipresence. And once He draws a person to His feet, then He works for the evolution of the person. Whenever we move towards goodness, He would at once give us encouragement. And when He would find us stepping on the path of evil, He would give us a nice unseen, sweet slap or a kick. Though unseen, it is at once felt by the recipient. Those are the moments of struggle, darkness and remorse. When repentance and humility manifest in the heart, Sri Guru Deva Himself kneels down, out of His Supreme Love and compassion, to lift us up. This process goes on continuously between the Guru and disciple. Sri Guru Deva adopts various methods to transform the disciples. Sometimes He would Himself send terrible trials, tests and storms. Sometimes He would talk through someone and warn us. Sometimes He would talk to us through books and dreams. Sometimes He would send powerful thought-waves and sometimes amidst the darkness of struggle, and painful inner civil war, He would bless us with some revelation accompanied by bliss. And, these moments infuse in us courage, faith and hope, to struggle and struggle forward.

Every moment Sri Guru Deva is shedding Grace and blessings on each and every person. But our own impurities obstruct the showers. Our own doubts, ego, and ingratitude shut out the blessedness that Sri Guru Deva wants to give us. Siva works at the very destruction of these barriers, so that our hearts and minds may be purified. The process of purification is extremely painful, but Siva calls it the negative aspect of Grace.

Various experiences in the Ashram have given me the firm conviction that Siva is the embodiment of Divine Mother. As Sri Kali, He would assume Her frightening form and destroy the Asuras (the evil in us). As Sri Lakshmi He would shed Gracious smile on us and bless us with all sorts of prosperities and ultimately as Sri Saraswati showers supreme wisdom on His devotees.

Once Siva draws a person, then whether he be far or near, whether he wants or not, whether he knows or not, Siva works for the evolution of that person, slowly but surely.

From the book Sivananda: Poet, Philosopher and Saint http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?pid=EO17&exact_match=on

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

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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/

New Year Message - 2012

2012-01-01T12:09:47Z

A Divine Life Mission
By Sri Swami Sivanandaji

Children of God!

A New Year of new life has come. Let every day of this New Year of Divine Life be filled with the thoughts of God who is in all and everywhere. A life sacrificed on the altar of Divine Mission, a life dedicated to God is a life of success, peace and joy. On this New Year day surrender yourselves to the Lord who is all around us here, and lead a carefree life of harmony and bliss.

Every day of this New Year should be spent in egoless service, all-embracing love and devotion to God. Stay your minds in Him by offering fervent and sincere prayers daily. Now is the time for you to start a spiritual life, not tomorrow. Japa, Kirtan and meditation are great healers of ills of life. Repeat the Name of the Lord. This indeed, is the way to God's Kingdom.

One who does not yield to the wrong suggestions of the mind, who is untouched by the commotions of the world, who is pure in mind and heart, who aspires only for the divine good and peace, that is everywhere, enjoys all blessedness here and now. One who forgets himself in the good of others has the Divine Support. If you lead such a selfless life meditating on the Essence of God in all, you will attain Knowledge and Illumination.

Again and again, I exhort you to illumine your deportment with the glow of Love. Love is the mother of all virtues. He that has a heart abounding in Love has known the Lord and scaled the heights of wisdom. Love and God are not different. The Way of Love is the Way of God. It is the way of unity, power and prosperity.

Having become heroes by intense spiritual Sadhana, work with exhilarating charm and ceaseless vigour for the Divine Life Mission in order to show the Light of God to all those who are in darkness and thus end their miseries once for all. To spread the divine knowledge is the only way to cure the diseases of today's world. With faith in God, live a divine life and awaken people to the spiritual values so that they may enter into a haven of blessedness on this very earth.

May the blessings of sages and saints be upon you all! May God bless you all!

This message has also been posted at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jan2012.htm

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Sivananda Day-to-day (450)

2011-10-05T20:20:53Z

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

Namaste!

The holy nine day worship of the Divine Mother concludes today (6th Oct). This is the greatest Hindu festival in which God is adored as Mother. Sri Swami Sivanandaji has written about the significance of this festival in the book "Hindu Fasts and Festivals": http://www.dlshq.org/religions/navaratri.htm

In addition we uploaded Sri Swami Sivanandaji's Dussera Message that was delivered in 1942. This article is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/navaratri-1942.htm

You may view live broadcast and recorded videos of the celebration at Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh at: http://sivanandaonline.org/newsupdates/?p=836

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Book Synopsis

The Devi Mahatmya
By Swami Sivananda

The Devi Mahatmya or the Durga Saptasati is a unique book in this world. It is the base and the root of the religion of the Saktas. It is a Kamadhenu for one and all; it gives whatever man wants. It gives Bhakti in this world and Mukti afterwards. It is a powerful reservoir of Mantras from the beginning to the end. Every verse of this text is a dynamic force which acts powerfully in overhauling the nature of man.

The conception of the Infinite as Mother is not an altogether meaningless one. The Rigveda bears testimony to the fact that even in such ancient times, there was the persistent belief that the Ruler is the All-compassionate Mother. Further, Mother is the personality that appeals most to the human heart, not so much the Father who is considered a hard taskmaster. Moreover the conception of the Divinity as Devi, Durga or Sri, is not merely a theory but a practical way of life. It is a particular view which cannot be set aside. It is as important as any school of religious belief, and is one of the most important reigning branches of Hindu religion--Vaishnavism, Saivism and Saktaism. Even a subtle philosopher cannot dispense with the conception of Sakti, for he is essentially an embodiment of Power, and he has love for power. The highest Intelligence and the most speculative metaphysics is only a manifestation of Jnana-Sakti and is not outside the range of Saktaism. Let us therefore adore and worship the Glorious Mother for the purpose of attaining Wisdom or Selfrealisations.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es30.htm

OVERCOMING HATE: A lady disciple had great love and respect for another aspirant and spoke very highly of her. When this aspirant came to the Ashram she began to listen to gossip and commenced scandalising the disciple. This upset and irritated the disciple greatly.

The Master, who always knew the hearts of all, came to know the whole situation. On his way to his cottage one day, he turned to the disciple and asked her, "Will you do some service?"

"Yes, Swamiji," answered the disciple.

"You see, this lady (referring to the aspirant mentioned above) has backache. Take her to your room, put her on your own bed and massage her back."

The disciple was shocked but could not disobey the Master's instructions. So she said, "Yes, Swamiji."

She took the lady to her room and, while massaging, commenced conversing with her. She instantly found her tension and irritation subsiding. Both hearts melted and friendship sprang up once again!

"Mother's grace is boundless. Her mercy is illimitable. Her knowledge is infinite. Her power is immeasurable. Her glory is ineffable. Her splendour is indescribable. She gives you Bhukti or material prosperity and Mukti also (liberation)." - 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

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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/

Birthday of Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj (2011)

2011-09-24T04:27:50Z

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Om Namo Bhagavate Chidanandaya!

Namaste!

Today (September 24th) is the 95th birthday anniversary of revered Sri Swami Chidanandaji. A new book titled "Memories of Swami Chidananda" was recently released. The book contains close to 200 accounts by devotees on their experiences with Sri Swamiji. I have included below one such account for our reflection today.

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

The real Chidananda is within you
By Swami Jitamohananda, Orissa

I was fervently praying to the Lord to send me my Guru who must be a self realized saint. My devout prayer and intense aspiration got fulfilled very soon as I was initiated by Pujya Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj in 1978 at Sunabeda.

I was a beginner in the spiritual path; my devotion and faith were not so strong. I did not have the conviction that the Guru is antaryami. But one incident changed my life. In 1981, I went to Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, to attend Sadhana Saptaha with Sankarshan Mangaraj of Puri. One day, while returning to the ashram after visiting Geeta Bhawan and Paramartha Niketan, we found a beggar asking for a coin. As a beginner in divine life, I was religiously practising Gurudev's instruction of "GIVE". I searched my pockets for a coin. There was no coin and I found only one two rupee note. I was reluctant to part with two rupees for one beggar only as I could satisfy eight beggars with those two rupees, converting it into small coins. I was indecisive and did not give anything to that beggar. I was unhappy with myself. We reached Samadhi Mandir for attending the afternoon programme. Param Pujya Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj was addressing the sadhaks. We took our seats in the back. To my utter surprise, Pujya Swamiji Maharaj was explaining the teachings of Swami Sivananda on the topic "GIVE". Swamiji said, "Giving is a sadhana. It has to be performed with large heart and proper understanding. Suppose you have gone to the other side of the Ganges. A beggar approaches you for a coin; you search your pockets and can bring out only one two rupee note. Coins are not available to you. You are then indecisive and go on thinking that instead of satisfying eight beggars, why should I give it to one? This is not proper. Who is that beggar? He is Lord Narayana. If you are hungry, can you appease your hunger with a morsel of rice? How pitiable it is! While giving, it is proper only to fulfill one's need to the best of our capacity. See always the Lord in the receiver. Then 'GIVING' will be converted into direct worship of God who dwells in you and in him and who is both antarayami and sarvavyapak".

I was stupefied and confounded as to what was happening. It was beyond my intellect to understand. How the master knew everything--tit-bit of my actions- -on the other side of the Ganges? My thought process, in no time, touched the yogic mind of Sri Gurudev. Again, I was caught. In reply to the question in my mind, the compassionate master went on telling, "I am only dummy Chidananda sitting here and talking to you. You are seeing my physical form. But the real Chidananda is within you. I dwell in you as antaryami. I see everything, whatever you think and talk and wherever you are, I look after you."

This unforgettable incident was a turning point in my spiritual life. From that moment, I was determined to practise "GIVING" as instructed by Sri Gurudev. How can I express the inexpressible blissful feelings of mine! My experience is not a new experience. The world knows that Swami Chidananda is antaryami and sarvavyapak.

"Memories of Swami Chidananda" is currently being made available for Rs 250. The original price is Rs 500. For more information on this book please go to: http://www.dlshq.org/books/eo20.htm

Kindly note that Aradhana discount for books published by The Divine Life Society comes to an end on Sep 30. Prices will revert to normal after this period. Our bookstore is at:
http://www.dlsbooks.org/

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/

Birthday of Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj (2011)

2011-09-07T20:27:04Z

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!

Namaste!

Today (September 8th) is the 124th birthday anniversary of revered Sri Swami Sivanandaji. In honour of this occasion we uploaded an article titled "Divine Life" from Sri Swami Chidanandaji's book "Swami Sivananda: Saint, Sage and Godman". This article is at:
http://www.dlshq.org/saints/siva_divinelife.htm

Excerpts from the same are attached below for our reflection.

An article by Sri Swami Krishnanandaji titled "The Branches of the Divine Life Society" has been posted at:
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_194.html

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Holy Master Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji regarded the living of your daily life as important, if not more important than the practice of your spiritual Sadhana. He gave, not without any reason, a very significantly true message of 'Divine Life'. His institution is The Divine Life Society, its magazine is The Divine Life and he gave the name Divine Life to his message. He did not call it this Yoga or that Yoga or transcendental meditation or any other name. This name that he gave has very much relevance, very much connection and relationship with your life. Gurudev regarded the living of your life equally important as the practice of your spiritual Sadhana, your Yoga, Vedanta and meditation. Perhaps he regarded the former more important than your spiritual life. Because if your life, your daily living is proper, then alone your Sadhana will proceed unhampered and be progressive and it will yield fruits, and it will go on yielding fruits. You don't have to wait till it culminates in spiritual Realisation. It would go on yielding fruits right now. It would go on giving flowers and yielding fruits step by step. So Gurudev called it Divine Life. If your life is lived rightly, your Sadhana will be fruitful, progressive and effective. If your life is not lived rightly, the fruit or result will not be commensurate with your effort-much effort but little fruit. How can you afford to do that? How much time you have in your life span to go on doing such effort? No one knows. We are here now, but what moment we will not be here God only knows. Therefore we cannot afford to make a lot of effort in spiritual Sadhana without getting the desired results. Your Sadhana must yield fruits. So Gurudev rightly laid great emphasis on our day-to-day life.

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/

Sivananda Day-to-day (449)

2011-07-14T06:59:45Z

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

Blessed Divinities!
Salutations and Greetings.

We are pleased to inform all devotees of Worshipful Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj that for the first time we are going to stream the Guru Purnima and Sadhana Week programmes live from The Divine Life Society, Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, India. The live stream can be accessed at:

http://sivanandaonline.org/newsupdates/

The time (Indian Standard Time) and activities that will be broadcast are as follows:

Gurupurnima Paduka Puja 15-07-2011 9:00 am to 10:30 am IST
Sadhana week inauguration 16-07-2011 9:00 am to 10:30 am IST
Night Satsang 16-07-2011 8:00 pm to 09:00 pm IST
Night Satsang (Vedic Chanting) 20-07-2011 8:00 pm to 09:00 pm IST
Aradhana Paduka Puja 24-07-2011 9:00 am to 10:30 am IST

You can determine your local time at the following link:
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

Please avail yourself of this rare opportunity of observing the Paduka Puja, Satsang, talks and cultural programme.

We would appreciate your feedback on the live streaming to enable us to decide on using this platform for future programmes conducted at the The Divine Life Society, Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh.

-The Divine Life Society-

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Book Synopsis

Guru-Bhakti Yoga
By Swami Sivananda

Just as Kirtan-Sadhana has been made the special KaliYuga Sadhana for quick God-vision, even so herein you have the New Yoga, a Yoga most eminently suitable for this age of doubt and scepticism, pride and egoism. It is Guru-Bhakti Yoga. This Yoga is marvellous. Its power is tremendous. Its efficacy is most unfailing. The true glory of Guru-Bhakti is indescribable. It is the Yoga par excellence for this age, which makes God appear here before you in flesh and blood and move with you in this very life. The hard Rajasic ego is the arch enemy of the Sadhaka. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the surest and best Sadhana to destroy arrogance and to dissolve the vicious ego. Just as a particular deadly germ can be annihilated only by a certain specific chemical germicide, even so, to destroy Avidya and Ahankara, this unique Guru Bhakti-Yoga is the peerless specific. They are the gravest 'Mayacide' and 'egocide'. They become quite powerless and no longer afflict the fortunate soul who saturates himself with the spirit of Guru-Bhakti-Yoga. Blessed indeed is the man who earnestly takes to this Yoga; for he will obtain crowning success in all other Yogas. To him will accrue the choicest fruits of perfection in Karma, Bhakti, Dhyana and Jnana.

The qualification for taking to this Yoga is the simple trio of sincerity, faith and obedience. Be sincere in your aspirations for Perfection. Be not vague or half-hearted. Then have perfect faith in the one you have accepted as your Guru. Do not allow even so much as a shadow of doubt to approach you. When once you have reposed absolute faith in him, then know that what he instructs you is indeed for your highest good. Therefore, obey his word implicitly. Follow his teachings to the letter. Be earnest in doing thus, and take my word: you will attain Perfection; I assure you emphatically.
-Sivananda

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es53.htm

From 1st July 2011 to 30th September 2011 Discount on Publications:
20% on Orders Upto Rs. 300/-
30% on Orders Upto Rs. 1,000/-
35% on Orders Above Rs. 1,000/-
40% on Orders Above Rs. 25,000/-

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

Please visit our online bookstore for further details: http://www.dlsbooks.org/

DO IT NOW! The Master once requested a disciple to send a particular parcel to a person. The address of the person could not be easily found and the disciple also forgot the task entrusted to him.

The first day the Master asked him, "Is the parcel ready?"

"No, Swamiji, I will get it ready tomorrow."

The next day again the Master asked, "Where is the parcel?"

"Swamiji, I completely forgot."

In a slightly raised voice the Master gave instructions where the address was to be found.

"Yes, Swamiji, I will do it tomorrow," promised the disciple.

The following day, when the disciple went to look for the address at the place specified by the Master, he was not able to find it. He did not look for it again and once more forgot about the matter.

On the third day the Master found that the parcel was still not ready for his inspection.

When the disciple appeared the Master said to him, "Did you forget to have your breakfast today? You have forgotten to send this parcel because you do not consider it as important as your breakfast. I must have the parcel tomorrow."

When the parcel was ready the next day, the Master said, "I am not sure whether you are going to post it. You must send it by registered post and bring the receipt to me. Then only you may have your lunch."

While waiting in his cottage for the disciple, the Master said, "I am not getting up from here till he sends that parcel, brings the receipt and shows it to me."

When the disciple finally returned after sending the parcel, he appeared frightened and shivering.

"Have this dish of sambar. You must come and sit in front of me and have your food. I must see you eating it," the Master lovingly said to him.

As the Master was having his food he made the disciple also sit in front of him and eat.

"The Grace of the Guru will itself in a mysterious manner enable the disciple to perceive directly the Brahmic principle within, though it is impossible for the spiritual preceptor to point to Brahman as this or that or for the disciple to understand how it is prior to his direct perception." - 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/

Sivananda Day-to-day (448)

2011-07-01T22:47:59Z

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

Namaste!

We have uploaded an article by Sri Swami Chidanandaji titled "Pointing Finger" at:
http://www.dlshq.org/discourse/jul2011.htm

Please be informed that we are now having a Special Aradhana Concession on all books published by The Divine Life Society. For the first time this discount is being made available for orders outside of India as well. The details are as follows:

From 1st July 2011 to 30th September 2011 Discount on Publications:
20% on Orders Upto Rs. 300/-
30% on Orders Upto Rs. 1,000/-
35% on Orders Above Rs. 1,000/-
40% on Orders Above Rs. 25,000/-

Please visit our online bookstore for further details: http://www.dlsbooks.org/

Yours in the service of Gurudev,

Pannirselvam

Book Synopsis

Fourteen Lessons on Raja Yoga
By Swami Sivananda

Life today is full of stress and strain, of tension and nervous irritability, of passion and hurry. If man puts into practice a few of the elementary principles of Yoga, he would be far better equipped to cope with his complex existence.

Yoga is complete life. It is a method which overhauls all aspects of human personality. Yoga is a system of integral education. The science of Raja Yoga is universal, it is applicable to all.

The fourteen elementary lessons on Raja Yoga are an enumeration of Patanjali's octagonal system which begins with ethical discipline and ends with the final dissolution of the individual perception in the cosmic consciousness. No impossible methods are advocated herein. No allegiance is demanded to a particular cult. Here indeed is shown the way to live full and happy life to one's own personal advantage and usefulness to others.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/books/es50.htm

COMPASSION: A horse-cart once collapsed near the Ashram and the poor horse became unconscious. It was bleeding. Dr Hridayananda Mataji was immediately sent for.

The Master said to her, "See, you have to do something for the horse."

"Swamiji, I am not a veterinary doctor. I do not know how to treat animals," she pleaded.

"No, no. Use your intelligence. If you have mercy for animals you will be able to do something. Increase the dosage that you normally give to humans, but try to save the animal."

Hridayananda Mataji gave whatever injections came into her mind and the animal was saved.

"Unless you are reflective, you cannot draw forth the full value of your study. They may make you a wellinformed person but they need not necessarily make you a wise person, nor a successful person unless study is backed by reflection." - 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/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/