Sivananda’s Lectures: All-India and Ceylon Tour in 1950

by Swami Sivananda

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Paperback: xliv+526 pages
ISBN: 81-7052-214-5
Book Dimensions: 9.0 x 5.75 x 1.25 inches
Shipping Weight: 770 grams

Table of Contents

About This Book (Back Cover)  
Route Map  
Inside Front Cover  
Inside Back Cover  
SIVA THANKS v
TO SIVA THE SUPREME vi
OUR MOST GRATEFUL THANKS vii-viii
SRI SWAMI VENKATESANANDA ix
SRI SWAMI PARAMANANDA x-xii
SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDA xiii-xiv
THE MISSION xv-xix
THE MASTER AND THE YATRA MANDALI xxxiii-xl
   
YATRA MANDALI INAUGURATION AT RISHIKESH 3
WHY YATRA MANDALI TOUR WAS UNDERTAKEN 4
THE GRANDEST PROCESSION EVER 5
SIVA AT HARDOI
Lucknow: Lecture at Station–Your Only Duty–The Cause of Restlessness
7-9
AT FYZABAD VICTORIA HAL
Philosophy and Meditation on Om–The Proof of One Immortal Existence–The Way to Attainment–Practice of Sadhana–Have Moderation–Keep Spiritual Diary
10-17
ADVICE TO STUDENTS AT FYZABAD
Character and Discipline–Your Real Nature–Message of Vedanta–Siva Visited Janmabhoomi
18-24
SIVA ARRIVES AT BANARAS
Glory of Maha Mantra–The Easiest Way
25-28
LECTURE AT THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY BANARAS
The Path of Realisation–Necessity of Discipline– Programme of Life–There Is no Injustice Here–At The Vishvanath Mandir, Varanasi
29-34
SIVA VISITS SARNATH
Who Is a Sadhu–Life and Death
35-39
YOGA FOR PERFECTION: ADDRESS TO BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Your Final Duty–Do Not Be Deluded–No Real Pleasure In Objects–Wake Up Now–Adapt, Adjust, Accommodate–Practise Asanas–Slay This Shyness–Gist of Sadhana–A Word to Parents
40-50
ADDRESS AT THE CENTRAL HINDU GIRLS’ SCHOOL
Address at the Central Hindu Girls’ School–At The Ramanuja Vidyalaya And Mandir
51-55
DEPARTURE FROM BANARAS
Swamiji During the Press Conference–Self-realisation and the Way to Attain It–Is a Guru Necessary?–Atma and Paramatma–Can Reading of Scriptures Give Realisation?–Can the World Be Unified?–What Is Real Swaraj?
56-59
SWAMIJI AT PATNA 60
SIVA SPEAKS TO BHAKTAS AT PATNA
Divine Life In a Nutshell–Simple Living: High Thinking–Have Real Spirit of Service–All Are Manifestations of Lord–The Doctor’s Chance–Lecture at B.N. College–Nature of the Self–The Atman Exists–The Four Means–Change the Angle of Vision–Purify Your Heart–Spirit of Renunciation–Start Sadhana Now–Rishis’ Convocation Address
61-76
SATSANG ON GANGES BANK
Who Am I?–True Renunciation–The Wise and the Deluded–The Vasanamaya Jagat
77-81
INDIA’S SUPREME IDEA
Remember this Lesson: Plain Living and High Thinking–Glorious Bihar–Real Education–The Gospel of the Life Divine–That Thou Art–Attain Freedom From Grief–Be Truthful–Be A Courageous Hero–Practise Yogic Exercises–The Peace of the Eternal–Practise Yoga When You Are Young–Nama Rupam Na Te Na Me
82-95
HAJIPUR
Sankirtan Yoga–Lead a Sattvic Life–Siva with the Rotarians–Gospel of Brotherhood–The Living Presence–The Joy of Renunciation–Forget Not the Goal
96-104
ARRIVAL AT GAYA
Realisation of the Absolute–Have Devotion to Guru–The Synthetic Path
105-109
SATSANG AT GANGA MAHAL
Siva Visits Buddha Gaya–Seek the Immortal–The Inner Ruler–God: a Question of Supply and Demand–Intuition Transcends Intellect–All Paths Lead to One Goal–Take to Yoga Earnestly
110-118
SIVA ADDRESSES GAYA COLLEGE STUDENTS
Develop a Rich, Inner Personality–Virtues: the Divine Aroma of Life–The Teacher’s Duty
119-121
ROYAL RECEPTION AT CALCUTTA
Siva’s Address to the Calcutta University–How to Live the Ideal Life–You Cannot Deny Your Existence–The Rarest Gift of God–Live Your Ideals–Terry Not, Friend!–Broadcast of Hymns over the AIR–Siva Addresses the Public of Calcutta–Sidelights on Divine Life–God’s Ways are Mysterious–Renunciation Must Be Real
122-133
LADIES’ MEETING
Visit to Society Branch–Service of Man Is Service of God–Cleanse Thy Heart–This, Too, Is a Blessing–Essence of Vedanta–Siva’s Message to the People of Bengal–Realise Your Birthright
134-140
AT WALTAIR
Visit to Prem Samaj–Greet Thy Lord In Rags–Love That Transforms–To the Andhra University–Need for Integral Perfection–What Is True Culture–Life’s Purpose–Importance of Yogic Exercises–Mere Intellect Will Not Help–Intuition Before Science–Song of Joy–Lecture at Town Hall–Blessed Be His Name–How to Evolve Quickly–Lord’s Name: Thy Sheet Anchor
141-152
VISIT TO SHANTI ASHRAM 153-154
AT RAJAHMUNDRY
The Grand Welcome–Reception at Arts College–Whither Happiness–Instructions on Meditation–Yogic Discipline–Background of Thought–See God In All–Where Is Happiness?–Cultivate Dispassion–Be Good: Do Good–Programme of Life–Addressed at Ramakrishna Seva Samiti–The Secret of Karma Yoga–Karma Yoga Technique–The Story of a Man and a Scorpion–Abandon Doership–Aids and Obstacles
155-166
SIVA WORSHIPS GODAVARI
First Civic Reception of the Yatra–Secret of Nishkamya Karma–Transformation of Actions–Here Is a Great Opportunity For You–Association of Other Yogas–Goutami Jeeva Karunya Ashram
167-172
AT KOVVUR
Siva Addresses the Public of Kovvur–Qualification For Jnana Marga–The Raja Yogic Path–Practice of Meditation–Overcome Obstacles
173-176
AT VIJAYAWADA
My Conception of Dharma–Commonness of Purpose–What Is Dharma–Mark of Dharma–Foundation of Right Conduct–Character Is Power–Address to College Students–The Duty of Students–Rural Education–Wear the Mantle of Purity–Tap the Inner Strength–At the Kothakudi Temple–The Wonder of Creation–At The Ram Mohan Library–Know Thyself–The Three Austerities–Humility and Equal Vision
177-187
MADRAS WELCOMES SIVA
At the George Town Branch of The Divine Life Society–Find Your Vaikuntha Here–Illai Po–Siva Addresses Councillors–Oneness of Existence–Unity of Faith–Representatives of the Cosmic Hierarchy–Whither Happiness–Inner Culture Is Necessary–Assert Thy Immortal Nature–The Highest Sadhana–Siva Addresses Journalists–Messengers of Knowledge and Wisdom–The Great Purifier–How to Reach the Highest Good–The Three Tenets–Siva’s Discourse at Kuttapakkavm–Sivananda Seva Ashram–Realise Through Sankirtan–There Is no Distinction Here
188-200
VISIT TO TRIPLICANE BRANCH
Spread the Gospel of Divine Life–At Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam–The Custodians of Dharma–Look to Your Inner Beauty–The Great Role of the Women–The Inherent Trait–Behold the Immanence of God–Address to Madras International Fellowship on Inter-religious Cooperation–The Basic Unity of All Faiths–Commonness of All Faiths–Religion Must Be Practical–Unity, the Veritable Pivot–Pure Love, the Edifice–A Shining Example–Public Meeting at the Museum Theatre–In Quest of the Life Eternal–The Coyish Mind–You Cannot Negate the Real–How Blissful Is Meditation–Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way–Keep Your Body and Mind Healthy–Do You Really Aspire for God–There Is Nothing More Glorious Than Renunciation–An Important Lesson for You All–Discourse at Sai Samaj–The Price for Peace and Happiness–Adaptability, the Price for Peace–Tolerance, the Golden-key
201-221
SIVA ADDRESSES THE YOUTH
Yoga–the Backbone of National Health–Health Is a Great Asset–Address to the Theology Students–Religion: The Basis of Education–Religious Sense Must Be Ingrained in All–Evolution Should Be Rapid–How to Influence Society–Speech at Purasawalkam Branch–The Merits of Collective Sadhana–Address to Girl Students–Women’s Great Role in Building up the Nation–The Moulders of the World’s Destiny–Public Meeting at Gokhale Hall–Gandhiji Was a Real Maharshi–Emulate this Glorious Ideal–A Dauntless Votary of Penance–The Message of Vedanta–The Cause of War Phobia–Who Is a Practical Vedantin–The Glory of the Ramayana
222-238
SIVA AT ADAYAR
The Heavenly Kalakshetra–Siva at Avvai Home for Destitute Girls–Education for Women–Comedy of Illusion–An Ideal Example–Lecture at Vani Mahal–Duty Has the First Preference–Different Methods In Sadhana–Road to the Final Beatitude–Yoga, Day-to-day–Thoughts Decide Your Make-up–Madras Press Hails Siva’s Visit to the City–The Outstanding Service of Siva–The Objectives of the Itinerary–The Method of His Teachings–The Rulership of the Soul–The Triumph of Yoga
239-249
AT VILLUPURAM
Talk with an Aspirant
250-251
SIVA AT CHIDAMBARAM
Address at Annamalai University–How the Students Should Be Trained–Religion in Practice –Students Need Real Knowledge–Make Best Use of Learning–Visit to Nataraja Temple–Suddhananda Bharati Meets Siva
252-256
THE PRINCELY SANNYASIN RECEIVES THE KING OF RENUNCIATION
Address at Mayavaram–Secret of Self-purification–Privilege Follows Duty–Path to Karma-Moksha–The Marks of a Selfless Man–Need for ‘Service-tours’–Reception at the Mutt–Public Meeting at Dharmapuram–Mahasannidhanam Welcomes Siva–The Great Spiritual Reservoir–Knock Within and Know the Truth–Pulverise the Little ‘I’–The Antidote for Egoism–Kailasa Is Here!
257-267
ROUSING RECEPTION AT TANJORE
Siva Arrives a Day Earlier at Trichy
268-269
THOUSANDS HAVE DARSHAN OF THE SAGE AT TRICHY
Lecture at the National College–Without Faith There Is no Divine Life–Life Is Based on Faith–Question the Apparent: Reality Will Be Known–Siva at the Golden Rock
270-273
DAY’S HALT AT PUDUKOTTAI
Lecture at the Municipality–Sadhana Best Suited to the Modern Man–Service Becomes Holy Communion–The Inherent Urge for Action–The Method of Transmutation–Practice That Really Counts–The Ancient Injunction–Visit to Sundaresa Swami’s Samadhi–Arrival at Kanadukathan
274-279
SIVA’S MESSAGE TO THE PRESS REPORTERS AT KANADUKATHAN
A Real Bhakta Knows no Differentiations–Weep no More, Friend!
280-282
SIVA AT RAMESHWARAM 283
SIVA WORSHIPS RAMALINGESWARA 284
AT DHANUSHKODI ON THE WAY TO LANKA 285-286
SIVA IN LANKA: DISEMBARKING AT TALAIMANNAR
The Reality Behind All Phenomena–Running After the Shadow–Where Is the Way-back?–Consecrate Your Life to the Eternal
287-290
ARRIVAL AT COLOMBO
Ceylon’s Civic Reception to Siva–The Science That Makes You Fearless–King of Kings–Fearlessness Through Self-discipline–Youth of Ceylon Listen to Siva–Atma Yoga–Revelation Through Grace–Guru Is God–Lecture at Town Hall–The Essentials of Religious Harmony–Pedants Create Dissensions–Atma-bhav in Selfless Service–The Life-saving Formula–Reception at The Ramakrishna Mission–Renunciation Is the Test for Selflessness–There Will Always Be Sannyasins–Society’s Duty to Sannyasins–Spiritual Aspirant a National Asset–One-pointed Mind
291-306
DISCOURSE OF THE HIMALAYAN YOGI
Divine Life in a Nutshell–Visit to Kelaniya Temple–Learn Humility–Invitation to Divine Grace–Humble Are the Great–Siva Addresses a Mammoth Gathering–Essence of All Scriptures –Blind Faith–Exercise for Heart-culture–Departure from Colombo–Sweet Harbinger–Sri Swami Sivananda’s Message to the People of Ceylon–Oneness–The Sublime Truth
307-316
AT DHANUSHKODI AGAIN
Three Kinds of Japa
317
AT THE ABODE OF GODDESS MEENAKSHI
An Efficacious Sadhana for Modern Man–Likhit Japa–Siva Worships Meenakshi–Siva Addresses Students: Young and Old–Gayatri Japa: Not a Business-contract–Tongue: A Double-edged Sword–Siva Addresses the Citizens of Madurai–The Yoga of Peace and Even-mindedness–Shanti Yoga and Samatva Yoga–Utilise Sundays
318
SIVA SWEEPS PAST VIRUDHUNAGAR 325
SIVA AT HIS FORMER HOME TOWN
Address to the Students–Ram Nam: The Destroyer of Sins–People of All Religions Welcome the Sage–How to Cultivate Virtues–To Achieve Expansion of Heart–Eradication of Anger–Self-punishment
326-330
DEPARTURE FROM TIRUNELVELI
Pada Puja–A Very Good Gymnast!–Discourse at the Birth Place Pattamadai–Pattamadai: The Home Of Genius–The Glory of Gurukula System–The Fruitful Tree of the Life Divine
331-334
A DAY AT NAGERCOIL
Siva Worships Goddess Kanya Kumari–Man Is the Builder of His Destiny–Nothing Succeeds Like Success–Vichar: Your Sheet–Anchor–General Pillai Receives Siva
335-338
IN THE LAND OF LORD PADMANABHA
Reception at Town Hall–Life’s Four Great Reckoners–Perceive Through Perseverance–Yama’s Four Warnings
339-342
MAHARAJA RECEIVES THE RENUNCIATE
Siva Takes Leave of the Royal Family–Cochin–Coimbatore
343-345
SIVANANDA’S VISIT TO BANGALORE
Siva Attends the Durbar at Mysore–Visit to Brindavan Gardens
346-348
MYSORE MAHARAJAH RECEIVES
Reception at Kamalabai School, Bangalore–Attain that Exalted State–Bhakti and Jnana Are One–Behold the Divine Mother in All–Transcend Good and Evil
349-353
SIVA BLESSES ALL ORGANISATIONS 354
SIVA BLESSES THE MALLESWARAM BRANCH
Education of the Child–Mix Discipline with Love–The First Teaching–Set an Example of Yourself–Siva Addresses the Armed Forces–Siva’s Message to the Soldiers–Fight the Enemy Within–Spiritual Discipline Is Essential–A Sadhu in the Army–Civic Address by Bangalore Corporation–Can God Be Seen?–The Self Cannot Be Shown But Realised–The Agency Behind
355-365
SIVA LEAVES FOR HYDERABAD
Message to Volunteers–On the Way to Hyderabad
366-367
RECEPTION AT HYDERABAD
At the Osmania University–The Technique of Ashtanga Yoga–The Final Stages–Siva Addresses the Public of Hyderabad–The Secret of Healthy Life–Adopt the Wise Method–Emotion Needs Culturing–Five Kinds of Emotion–Love of God Gives Liberation–The Significance of Durga Puja–Truth Alone Triumphs–Nature Works by Stages–Siva Bids Goodbye to Hyderabad
368-377
SIVA ARRIVES AT POONA
At the Saraswati Vidyalaya–Visit to Malaria Institute–Discourse at St. Mira’s School–Spiritual Ideals Should Be Instilled When Young–Develop the Maitreyi Element–The All-powerful Name of God–The Mark of a Bhakta–Paropakara Is a Fundamental Virtue–At Alandi–Siva Blesses the Kirkee Branch–The Grand Public Reception–Lead Thou the Divine Life–Adopt a Combined Method–Grow into Real Dheeras–No Object Can Give Peace–Visit to Saidas Mandal
378-388
ARRIVAL AT BOMBAY
To the People of Bombay
389-390
HOW TO BECOME A KARMA YOGI
Law of Cause and Effect–Egolessness: a Requisite–Need for Adaptability–Address to South Indian School Children–Public Reception at Madhav Bagh–The Message of the Gita–The Unborn, Changeless Absolute–Beware of Maya–Thy Essential Nature–The Way of Attainment–A Discourse on a Single Theme–Siva’s Definition Justified–Visit to Astika Samaj–Tread the Path of Devotion–Modes of Bhakti–Attain that Sinless State–A Bhakta Has No Worry
391-403
ON HIS MORNING ROUNDS
Three Mandaleshwars Lunch Together–‘To the Minute’ Punctuality–The Chain That Binds–All Yogas Lead to One–First Essentials in Sadhana–Text of the Broadcast–Unity of Religions–Need for Variety–The Eternal Basis–The Profoundest Instinct–Need for Spiritual Institutions
404-413
AT THE DAIVIK JEEVAN CHAITANYA PRABHA MANDALI
Siva Blesses the Ashram–Function at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan–Self-realisation: the Basis of World Solidarity–Reform Yourself First–What Is True Universalism–Vedanta Alone Can Unite the World–Reform Should Start With the Individual–Reformer Must Be a Realised Soul–The Mahavakyas
414-421
SIVA SPEAKS AT AMALSAD
Strive for the Real–Physical Culture–The Influence of Sun–Message to Pragati Mandal
422-426
IN THE CITY OF BARODA
Satsang at Vittala Mandir–Sadhana Alone Will Give You Peace
427-429
DIVINE LIFE BRANCH INAUGURATED 430-431
BARODA TO AHMEDABAD
Siva Arrives at Ahmedabad–Satsang at Maniklal Mansion
432-433
DISCOURSE AT GITA MANDIR
What Is Gita-Sannyasa–Yajna, Dana and Tapas–Qualifications of a Sannyasin–Siva Replies to the Press–Precepts for Practice–Visit to Sabarmati Ashram–Emulate the Example of Mahatmaji–Lecture at Premabai Hall–The Role of a Spiritual Preceptor–Thy Inner Guru–Aspirant’s Attitude towards Guru–A Sacred Altar–Back to Delhi
434-446
LECTURE AT BIRLA MANDIR
The Gospel of Sanatana Dharma–The Varnashramas–The West, Too, Has Taken to Yoga
447-450
ADDRESS AT YOGA ASHRAM
Visit to Birla House–Lecture in New Delhi Town Hall–Liberate Thyself–Satsang at The Birla Mandir
451-455
PRAYERS AT RAJGHAT
Siva Speaks to the Nation on All India Radio–Universality of Religion–The Same Inner Process–Self-expression–Siva at Delhi University–Story of Satyakama–India and Virochana–Address at the Old Convocation Hall: Delhi University–At the Lody Colony–Address at Birla Mandir–Easy Steps to Realisation–Jivanmukti Is Not an Illusion
456-466
SATSANG AT GITA HALL
Instructions to School Children–Address at the YMCA–Take to Yoga Sadhana–On the Last Lap of Journey
467-469
SURPRISE RECEPTION AT RISHIKESH
Back to the Job
470-473
   

APPENDICES

 
APPENDIX I
Patna Rotarians’ Doubts Dispelled
477-484
APPENDIX II
Songs that Millions Sang–Song of Eat a Little–Song of Eighteen ‘Ities–Song of Chidanand–Song of Govinda–Song of Kannaih–Song of Instructions–Song of a Karma Yogin–Ram Japa –Stages in Sadhana–Song of Admonition
485-491
APPENDIX III
Meet the Members of the Yatra Mandali–Swami Chidananda–Sri Narayana Swami and Swami Poornabodhendra–Swami Saswathananda–Sri Padmanabhan–Swami Govindananda And Swami Purushottamananda–Swami Omkarananda–Swami Satyananda–Swami Dayananda
492-496
TWENTY SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS 497-498
THE SPIRITUAL DIARY (WEEKLY) 499
EPILOGUE
My Impressions of the All-India Tour–Sivananda, the Divinity Personified (Sri Swami Venkatesananda)
500-511
GLOSSARY 512-526

About This Book

The present work gives the truth about the New Awakening in India and the truth about the Mission of Divine Life directly from the lips and in the inspired words of the saintly originator himself, Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, Founder of The Divine Life Society. The absorbing narration of the progress of the All-India and Ceylon Tour–1950, undertaken with a view to mass dissemination of spiritual knowledge, provides a happy revelation of the joyous fact that, whatever be the surface confusions and agitations in the scene of India’s external confusions yet, deep within, her cultural heart is sound and alive.

In these pages are revealed the heart of Sivananda through his invaluable, inspiring and extremely instructive precepts, lessons and teachings, showing the commonsense methods of self-perfection and attaining the life’s highest goal, Self-realisation. It is a treasure of illuminating advice to all men, women, children, students, youths, active people, retired people, professionals, political leaders, spiritual aspirants, and to everyone in search of real peace and happiness.

Anyone wishing to lead the divine life of spiritual richness and selfless, unattached activity is sure to find the book invaluable.


Route Map


Inside Front Cover

YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR, FRIEND!

The spiritual aspirant is never helpless. The entire existence is supporting him in his arduous struggle, for he is searching for something which is true to all. One may dislike a certain thing of the world, but Truth can be hated by none! If all the fourteen worlds were to face him in battle, the spiritual aspirant would count them for a straw! For he is the immortal spirit, he knows that, the ruler of the heaven and earth, and the universe at large! You have nothing to fear, friend, God is ever with you.

WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga is cessation from thinking of particulars, annihilation of the feeling of separateness of individuality, existing as one and unified with all. Yoga is the dissolution of thoughts in eternal awareness, pure consciousness without objectification, knowing without thinking, merging finitude in infinity.

THE ABSOLUTE IS TRUTH

Truth is utterly public. It cannot be hidden even if one would try to do so. Truth persists and is expressed even in the extreme of untruth. The extreme of Truth is the Absolute. Untruth is a shadow of truth. The world is untruth and the Absolute is Truth. The world is represented by ego; the Absolute is represented by the noumenal Being. Truth alone triumphs, not falsehood.

HIS WILL BE DONE

If He begins to give with His infinite hands, how much will you be able to receive with your two hands? And if He begins to take away with His infinite hands, how much will you hide away from Him with your two hands!

–Swami Sivananda


Inside Back Cover

THE UNIVERSAL FORCE

A thing is only a force whirling in a particular direction. One Being is separated from the other due to the difference in the method of whirling of the Universal Force. Man is different from a tree because the two are different processes of the movement of the Eternal Force. This Force is imperishable, eternal. When two beings have a slightly similar movement of these forces or atoms or electrons, they become friends; when they are identical in movement they merge into one another and form one Being. The whole universe is only a diverse movement of the One Energy. When the whirling of this Force becomes in a common way then the whole world collapses into eternal Existence.

JOURNEY TOWARDS LIFE DIVINE

O Man! Follow your own religion, but stick its fundamental spiritual ideals. Draw up a programme for your life, and that shall constitute the preparation for the journey towards Divine Life. You do not live on earth for the sake of talking about the WHY, WHAT and HOW of God and Religion, but to lead a virtuous spiritual life with a broad feeling, careful understanding, devotion to Truth and tolerance towards all beings. Religion is meant to steer the ship of evolution across the cycle of birth and death. It is not intended for the purpose of discussion, argument and logic. It is meant for being and doing. The fundamental point of all religions is selflessness. This is the beginning of Divine Illumination. The golden rule of every religion is: “Do unto others as you wish to be done by.”

ADVENT OF THE INFINITE

The might of thought and the strength of feeling melt into the glory of Experience Whole. The finite is dead and the Infinite is born at the very same moment. The birth of day and the death of night are simultaneous.

–Swami Sivananda


SIVA THANKS

Anandakutir, Rishikesh,
Himalayas.
8th November, 1950.

Revered Adorable Self,

Om Namo Narayanaya.

I rejoice heartily that the Almighty gave me an opportunity to serve Him and His Children by undertaking the All-India Tour. I recollect with immense delight the deep devotion of the people of India and Ceylon, the reverence they have for the Holy Order of sannyas, and their eagerness to acquire the Knowledge of Yoga and vedanta.

Everywhere I went I was overwhelmed by the love of the people. I enjoyed at every centre the warmth of the people’s cordiality and devotion. In the ocean of the multitudes’ devotion to the Lord I bathed again and again. I drank again and again the Immortal Elixir of the Lords name which all the people sang, with bhav and fervour.

I am deeply indebted to the organisers of the Tour and the millions of people whose darshan I had during the Tour, for giving me such a golden opportunity of serving the Virat-Narayana. It was a rare opportunity of serving the Lord-in-humanity that He, out of His Infinite Grace, granted to me. Glory to the Lord! Glory to the bhaktas who are the very life-breath of the nation and the world at large!

May the Almighty bless you all!

Swami Sivananda


Om Sadguru Paramatmane Namah

TO SIVA THE SUPREME

To be with thee
Is to inhale Peace,
A blessing granted to few.

    To watch thee
    Is to witness Gita in action,
    A pattern old and new.

To chronicle thee
Is romantic adventure,
A miracle of thy grace.

    Thy Grace
    The defects of vessel doth efface;
    Avyajakarunamurty
    (Idol of Unreasoning Mercy)
    Is truly said of thee.

                –Sri Swami Sivananda


OUR MOST GRATEFUL THANKS

Are humbly offered to

  • THE SUPREME LORD whose will sustains the universe and brings about epochal events like the Tour, in accordance with the Divine Plan.
  • SWAMI PARAMANANDAJI MAHARAJ who, as an efficient instrument in His Hands, was solely and wholly responsible for planning and conduction the historical Tour.
  • ORGANISERS of the different Centres throughout Bharat and Lanka. Bhagiratha brought Ganga to the earth through Lord Siva’s matted locks. The Organisers brought the Holy Jnana Ganga and Siva, too, to every town and city in Bharatavarsha. What should have been their tapasya and intense endeavour cannot even be imagined.
  • NUMEROUS DEVOTEES who made the Tour financially possible.
  • COUNTLESS WELL-WISHERS, among them the leaders of the people, whose blessings were visible manifestations of the Divine Will.
  • THE PRESS all over India and Lanka whose cooperation added wings to Siva’s Message.
  • THE RADIO AUTHORITIES in India and Ceylon who made it possible for the message of dharma to reach out to distant places in the twinkling of an eye.
  • DOCTORS who were in charge of Siva’s divine physical body and enabled it to obey its exacting Master, Siva’s divine will.
  • RAILWAY AUTHORITIES whose wholehearted cooperation made the Tour comfortable and pleasant.
  • DEVASTHANAM AUTHORITIES whose loving assistance made it possible for us, and the thousands of devotees, to have the Lord’s darshan at important temples.
  • THE WORTHY CITIZENS OF INDIA AND LANKA who presided over Siva’s meetings.
  • THE AUTHORITIES OF VARIOUS SISTER-INSTITUTIONS who took part in the programmes. THE SARATHIS (drivers) of the numerous vehicles which took the sage from one centre of Jnana Yagna to another; THE SCOUTS, VOLUNTEERS and POLICEMEN who helped to maintain order at the various functions.
  • SRI RAMNATH AND SRI JOSEPH, the Tourist Car Attendants, who served us nicely during the Tour.
  • THE HOST AT VARIOUS CENTRES whose loving attention to our mind and body kept them in perfect health.
  • YOGIRAJ SRI PADMANABHJI of the Sivananda Art Studio.
  • SENIOR GURUBHAIS (brother-disciples of Siva, at the Ashram) who have taken immense trouble to edit and to revise the manuscripts, to correct the proofs and to plan the layout of the volume.
  • And, last, but not least, to
  • THE MILLIONS of people all over the country who gathered around Siva, and, like Arjuna, drew out Siva’s Message of Divine Life that would prove to be of eternal inspiration and guidance to humanity.
  • SRI SUDERSHAN who edited the present abridged version of the book.

–THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY


SRI SWAMI VENKATESANANDA

(Chronicler)

The Publishers owe a deep debt of gratitude to Sri Swami Venkatesanandaji who is one of the foremost disciples of Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and to whom the entire credit for the publication of the work goes. Working, as he had to do, often under the most adverse conditions during whole of the hectic tour (sometimes he had to work in the lavatory of the Tourist Saloon!), he has given to the world in his own intimate, graphic and inimitable style, an immensely fascinating, absorbing and inspiring narration of the All-India Tour. All spiritual aspirants all over the world should be highly beholden to this saintly personality for recording every speech delivered by Siva in all the itinerary centres, and there by providing to them an all-round, comprehensive and priceless treasure of life-transforming precepts–all showing a characteristically synthetic path to the Life Divine of ethical perfection, love of God, selfless activity and social commonweal, and of the culminating attainment of perennial felicity and immortal life.

Swami Venkatesanandaji’s masterly recording, no less than the editing of the travel account, and his expert pruning, summarising and arrangement of the voluminous discourses of Siva, all of which contribute so largely to the comprehensiveness, beauty and charm of the present publication, only adds to the burden of gratitude under which he has placed every one.

Indeed, no higher compliment an acknowledgement of his invaluable services can be bestowed on him than what Siva has said of this ideal disciple: “The crest-jewel of my Mission, the resplendence of my work–will I ever see anyone shine brighter than him? Surely, none have I seen so far.”


SRI SWAMI PARAMANANDA

(Who made the tour a success)

Matchless Guru Bhakti, an astounding dynamism, unflinching devotion to the cause he espouses, intense activity in the service of his Master, love and affection towards all who serve the cause, a great love for discipline and an innate capacity to maintain it, and selflessness to the absolute degree, a selflessness that perfumes all the other virtues and strikes awe and evokes respect in all–that is Sri Swami Paramanandaji, in short, as a business magnate of South India put it, during Sri Swami Sivanandaji’s All-India Tour.

Born in a prosperous Brahmin family, near Tanjore, in South India, he grew up into a well-beloved child full of exuberant vitality and spirit of service. Service in the Railways did not satisfy this youth of ebullient enthusiasm who loved and needed and was capable of the intensest activity. We notice the first blossoming of selflessness during this period of his life (and he was still in his teens) when he would work for his colleagues and superiors and win their hearts. He loved gardening; unconsciously he admired the selflessness of the fruit-bearing trees–the sapling asks for nothing more than a little water and a few minutes’ nursing, in return for which the tree yields delicious crops of fruits for a long period of time.

In the service of saints alone is the intensest, fruitful and selfless work possible–decided the youthful visionary. He left his home; he gave up his job, a job which had earned for him the love and veneration of people far senior to him in age and service, and which, at the same time, had given a fillip to his selflessness and spirit of service.

Quickly he reached the holy feet of Sri Swami Sivanandaji, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Deva. Here, again applying himself heart and soul to the service of the saint he rose to be the beloved of Sri Swami Sivanandaji’s heart.

When this great soul passed into the Infinite, Paramanandaji unwilling to let himself believe that Mahapurushiji Maharaj was no more, left the place with the ecstatically smiling face of Mahapurushiji Maharaj engraved on the tablet of his heart.

Then began Swami Paramanandaji’s wandering life during which he visited several ashrams of India. If he stayed at any institution for a day, he would work more than he would rest; he would give more than he would take; and when he left, he left an indelible impression on those with whom he came into contact.

It was at this time that he came to know of the Sage of Ananda Kutir, Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. From Sivananda to Sivananda again!–Paramanandaji liked the idea. He wrote a mystic letter to Siva who was then living in Swargashram at Rishikesh. The letter consisted of postal stamps pasted on the insides of an envelope in such a way as to form the likeness of a Siva-Linga.And, Siva said: “Come”.

In 1931, he joined Sri Swami Sivanandaji at Swargashram. In an instant he was conquered. He dedicated himself to Siva’s service. On that day he said to himself: “If there is a God, it is this Siva alone. He is fit to be worshipped. I must serve him with my heart and soul. Henceforth service of this Siva will be my sadhana.” Till his last breath, Paramanandaji lived only for that ideal, only to fulfill that promise he made to himself.

Even a mere catalogue of the services rendered by Paramanandaji to the divine cause that emanated from Swami Sivananda as the lustre of his Illumination, would fill the pages of a volume. Suffice it to say here that when a satsankalpa arose in the love-lake of Siva’s heart, it flooded Paramanandaji’s entire being. When a word issued from Siva’s lips, Paramanandaji was ready to say ‘it is done, Swamiji.’ Thus were born the Divine Life Society, the Sivananda Publication League, the Sadhana Weeks, the Ashram and the magazine.

Renunciation gave him strength; selflessness gave him power. Through his own example, he stirred all into activity. His zeal, optimism and dynamism were infectious. He loves his work intensely; with an iron hand he pulled down obstacles; with one-pointed devotion he brought the work he had undertaken to a successful conclusion; and that very moment he offered the work and its fruits at the louts feet of his Lord and Master, Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, and remained indifferent. He would want his Master to be served with the most delicious dishes; but he would be satisfied with coarse bread. He would love to see his master accorded kingly honours and given princely comforts; but he would himself remain obscure and endure all sorts of hardships of a hardy life.

The Diamond Jubilee Celebrations owed their grandeur to him. The All-India Tour owed its glory to him. Only Paramanandaji could take Siva on the All-India Tour. It was years since Siva had secluded himself on the banks of the Ganga. No one else was able to make him move out of Rishikesh. Several tried in vain. The Inner Voice that Siva heard gave the impetus, the hope, the fervour and the power to Paramanandaji who worked day and night for eight months to make the Tour a success. And, during the Tour itself, who could have looked after Siva with such care, attention and self-forgetful devotion as Paramanandaji did? On one side people calmouring for Siva’s darshan, on another organisers coming to him with their problems, his pockets filled with urgent letters concerning the centres to come, Paramanandaji and he alone could think of the minutest details of what should be done to make Siva comfortable so that the strain of the Tour may not tell upon the Master. Paramanandaji’s heart would bleed if one day the Master’s face was slightly off-colour. He would feel extremely sad if the Master’s health was not all right. The world would disappear before his eyes when he was in the service of his Master. He himself might be starving; he would not have slept for a week; he might be running a temperature, but if Siva smiled and felt happy about the Yatra, paramananda would be filled with ecstatic joy. Glory, glory to this Idol of guru bhakti!


SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDA

Revered Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji’s worthy spiritual successor has been referred to as follows, “if one wants to see boldness of spirit behind a slender appearance, irrevertible command of heart behind a benign face, unwavering peace of mind behind dynamism of action, impersonal detachment behind personal love and care–all at once in a single person, one cannot do better than meet Swami Chidananda.”

Born on 24th September, 1916, into a wealthy Brahmin family in South India, Swami Chidananda absorbed love for tradition and respect for rituals. At Loyola College, Madras (now Chennai), Swamiji had a brilliant scholastic career. The ideals and teachings of Jesus made a deep impression in his heart, and he was able to synthesize them with all that is best and noble in Hindu Culture. The two profound influences in Swamiji’s life were the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and the example of his Gurudev, Sri Swami Sivananda. He joined Gurudev in 1943 and from then on the Ashram and the lofty ideals of The Divine Life Society became home and field of service for him.

SOME SHINING EXAMPLES OF SELFLESS SERVICE

Swami Chidananda was born with an insatiable zeal to serve the sick and the suffering. Even in childhood he built huts for lepers on the lawns of his home and looked after them as though they were deities, for example, there was a dog which was suffering from a terrible disease. This dog gave such a bad smell, you will not go near it. But, Swami Chidanandaji dressed it carefully for weeks and months with his own hands. His heart is very soft. His writings and his lectures come form his very heart; they are powerful.

HAVE YOU DONE SUCH SERVICE EVEN ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME?

Sri Swami Chidanandaji (standing barebodied) dresses the
gaping wounds of a leper. With him is Sri Suryanarayana

A Sadhu was lying on the roadside. It was a case of dangerous galloping leprosy. Within two or three months, his fingers and toes had been eaten away. Chidanandaji took the leper to the Ashram. You won’t stand by the side of the leper even for a second. Chidanandaji erected a small cottage for the leper, and took great care of him. With his own hands, he dressed the leper’s wounds. Swamiji carried on this seva for months together. All the wounds healed up–it was a miracle. The sadhu who had been given up as hopeless by eminent doctors, got up and was able to walk about and take bath himself. Chidanandaji had given him a new lease of life through his loving service.

Swami Sivananda said about his spiritual son and beloved disciple:

“Chidananda is a Jivanmukta, a great Saint, an ideal Yogi, a para-bhaktaand a great sage. Swami Chidananda is all this and much more. He was a great yogi and saint in his previous birth itself. His lectures are the outpouring of his saintly heart, the revelations of intuitive wisdom. And he is a practical vedantin, his words have tremendous power. He is born to fulfil a great mission.”


THE MISSION

Yada yada hi dharmasya glaanir bhavati bharata,
Abhyuththaanam-adharmasya tadaatmaanam srijaamyaham.

Paritraanaaya saadhoonaam vinaasaaya cha dushkritaam,
Dharmasamsthaapanaarthaaya sambhavaami yuge yuge.

“Whenever righteousness is in jeopardy, and evil is in ascendancy, I release Myself. For the protection of the good and the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of righteousness, I appear at every juncture.”

(Lord Krishna in the Gita)

The ancient story repeats itself. The Avataras of the Lord have time and again fulfilled the Lord’s Eternal Promise. Lord Buddha and Sri Sankara in our own yuga fulfilled the same Divine Mission. Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj was engaged in precisely the same task.

Just as there was the Rama-Ravana yuddha in Rama Avatara, and the Kurukshetra War in the Mahabharata, in the Sivananda Mission, too, there had to be the spectacular peak period when the Lord’s Mission revealed itself in unmistakable and intense form. It was the All-India Tour which Sri Swamiji Maharaj undertook in September-November, 1950. For the establishment of righteousness for the subdual of unrighteousness, Siva descended from his Himalayan abode; he released himself from his self-imposed seclusion on the banks of the Ganga; and he appeared in person before millions throughout Bharat and Lanka. During an unprecedented tour of the country, Siva took the Message of Divine living to the very doors of men and women all over the land.

Fundamentally, the problem today is very much the same. Before such an Avatarana took place, there has always been a seeming victory of unrighteousness over righteousness. In the previous yugas the perpetrators of unrighteousness were the asuras (demons); and Rama and Krishna had to contend with them. In those days there were also the positively divine embodiments of purity, truth and righteousness, whom the asuras oppressed and tortured. Then, He had to annihilate the asuras. Their own betterment could only be achieved by their destruction. The annihilation of these asuras automatically brought security and protection to the suric (divine) beings and dharma was also automatically reestablished on the disappearance of the asuras. Therefore, there was no preaching ofdharma in those Avataras. (It should be remembered that even the Lord’s instructions to Arjuna in the Gita were implicitly meant for posterity, i.e., the people of Kali Yuga; neither the Kauravas or even the brothers of Arjuna had the benefit of the Lord’s teaching.)

Yet, now the case is different, though not in essence, but in form. There are no asuras on earth today. And, there are comparatively fewer divine men, than there were in days of yore. What we find, on the other hand, is a society of men in each one of whom run the dual-currents of the divine and the diabolical.

Incidentally, this accounts for the fact that Siva never encountered any opposition during the Digvijaya–All-India Tour. No one posed himself as Siva’s enemy. Siva was not ridiculed by asuras, as Krishna was. He was not assailed by the arrows of an incarnation of evil like Ravana, as Sri Rama was. On the contrary, it was a uniform experience of unalloyed devotion that Siva had during the Tour. Everywhere people sang his praise and glory. People threw themselves at his feet. Where they could not approach him near enough for that, they threw flowers and often fruit at him. They were eager to listen to him. They were thrilled to the core. In his presence they realised that there was a divine element in themselves; but they realised, too, that there was, side by side, a diabolical element which frequently overpowered the divine and led them astray.

When the undivine element had the upper hand, it led to adharma, no doubt. And, the cause being universal, adharma, too, had become widespread. But, inasmuch as those who were responsible for the adharma were not wholly diabolical, this adharma did not have the intensity and that fearful proportion which Ravana and Kamsa were able to generate.

If we understand this difference between the problem that faced Lord Rama and Sri Krishna, and the one which Siva took upon himself to solve, we shall at once see the aptness of the solution that Siva broadcast from end to end of the country, during the Tour.

Siva condemned none. He placed before all the shining Truth that within them was the Lord of the universe, that their own self, in reality, was the Pure, All-pervading, All-powerful, Satchidananda Brahman. Thus he sought to awaken the dormant divine element in each one. Frequently, the modern scientist (the father of every destructive weapon!) came in for a word of admonition; but Siva quickly pointed out, too, that the scientist was an external Raja Yogin, endowed with keen powers of concentration and meditation, diverted towards observation and research.

Paritraanaaya sadhoonaam vinaasaaya cha dushkritaam itself has assumed a new significance at Siva’s hands. It is not as though the wicked people should be done away with and thus the good people protected, but wickedness in man should be supplanted by goodness and each man awakened to his innate divinity. This destruction of the inner enemy has to be achieved by each man; Siva significantly warned people at every opportunity that they should not expect to attain self-realisation by drinking a drop of water from the kamandalu of a mahatma. ‘You should practise sadhana yourself and attain atmasakshatkara’–has been his message. Therefore, Siva’s Mission was to tell each man and woman how to destroy this inner enemy. The weapon chosen by Siva, therefore, was not the dhanus nor the Panchajanya, but the spoken word.

One of the first victims of urbanised sophistication has been nama sankirtana. Faith in the Lord’s name was dwindling. And, even those who had this faith, were shy to sing His name in public (their faith was wavering and not deep-rooted). Siva’s foremost task during the Tour was to revive sankirtan. No audience, however urbanised, no person, however sophisticated or modernised, was exempt from kirtan. If the audience did not cooperate, Siva had his own sweet and pungent dishes to whet their appetite for Lord’s name. If the audience cooperated nicely, he would begin to dance–thus initiating them into the next step in bhakti. And, in sankirtan, Siva invariably sang the Universal Pranava Kirtan and the Maha Mantra Kirtan.

For the first time, the sacred Pranava became public property. People who thought that that Pranava was too sacred for their ‘sinful beings’, who said ‘It is for the sannyasins only’ and refused to utter the sacred monosyllable, are today doing japa of the Pranava and meditating on It. In Maha Mantra Prachara, Siva could be compared only to Lord Gauranga. Only Siva’s has been a far wider propaganda. Millions sang the Maha Mantra; and millions sing even today–they owe their initiation into this soul-elevating mantra to Siva. The third mantra which Siva broadcast from every platform during the tour was the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra with which he invariably concluded his lectures. Ramanujacharya shouted Om Namo Narayanayafrom one temple-tower; Siva broadcast the sacred Pranava, the Maha Mantra and the Mrityunjaya Mantra in every town and city, from every platform, and at every function, public and private.

At every meeting Siva gave the fundamental principles of divine living. There was not one occasion on which Siva did not speak of ‘untiring, selfless service’. At every meeting he laid the greatest emphasis on devotion to God, and the cultivation of cosmic love. Above all, on every occasion Siva exhorted his audience to purify their heart by the cultivation of virtuous qualities. Serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realise–formed the theme of every lecture. That was the Mission. That was the crucible that Siva had discovered, in which (not only impure gold–the struggling devotee) any base metal (the materialist) could be converted into pure gold. Siva could never tire of repeating this sacred Message. For that was the message and every one who came to have his darshanand upadesa had to receive it.

Humanity had lost its old moorings with which the previous Avataras had fastened it to dharma. Mankind was drifting away into the stormy sea of disharmony and disruption; and the sheet-anchor of selflessness had also been lost. Such is His Grace, however, that He sends out time and again rays of Himself with a message illuminated by His Divine Light, in order not to let the ship of humanity wreck itself on the rocks of selfishness, lust, greed and violence. With the Light of such a Message, Siva stepped on to the helm at the most appropriate moment. From one end of the country to the other he broadcast this one message–the Message of Selflessness, the Message of Cosmic Love. With the strong moorings of faith in God and His name, he restored stability, safety and security to the ship of humanity. That was the Mission. It was with the aid of the Light of this Message of Divine Life that he advised men and women to dispel the darkness of undivine forces within themselves and, by the cultivation of selflessness, cosmic love and other virtues, to let the Divine Being in them shine in all His grandeur and glory.

Whilst there had come to be a general apathy towards religion in the vast majority of modern men and women, wherever faith in religion did exist, it was inclined to be intolerant and bigoted. This intolerance added ammunition to the atheists’ artillery, and they proclaimed ‘Lo! Religion is the cause of disharmony amongst us; therefore give up religious belief’–as though religion was the only cause of disharmony and its absence would automatically ensure peace! Siva, therefore, took upon himself the sacred duty of pointing out the fundamental unity of all religions, and the universal nature of the self of man. He stressed again and again that the very essence of religious belief was tolerance, love and understanding. This he did at every meeting. That was the Mission.

Thus, when Siva sought to enthrone once again religion and righteousness in man’s heart, from there to rule his actions and govern his thoughts, he ensured that it was the catholic religion that he taught and that it was the universal code of righteousness that he placed before mankind. He declared that religion and righteousness were inseparable; for, real religion, according to Siva, was the religion of the heart, the religion of love, the fertile bed in which righteousness grew. When this universal love took possession of the heart of man, then would the diabolical forces in him vanish and the divine being in him flourish.

–Swami Venkatesananda


THE ABODE OF LORD VISWANATH AT
SIVANANDASHRAM

The All-India Tour commenced from here on the
9th September, 1950, and concluded here
on the 8th November, 1950


YATRA MANDALI INAUGURATION AT RISHIKESH

7th September, 1950

The lovely Railway Tourist Car has arrived at the railway station of Rishikesh. Paramanandaji has left no stone unturned to see that the Tourist Car is made as comfortable as possible for Siva to live in for two months.

Siva and some inmates of the Ashram reached the railway station. The party inspected every part of the Tourist Car with great eagerness and curiosity.

The service and the layout were in European style; but the spirit was thoroughly Indian, as also the dishes. The crowning feature of the entire function was Siva’s kirtan at the end of the party. To the usual Maha Mantra, Siva added his new kirtan: “Adapt, adjust, accommodate, bear insult, bear injury, highest sadhana.” And he then repeated the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra also. This inaugural function was as successful as success could be. The party then returned to Ananda Kutir.


WHY YATRA MANDALI TOUR WAS UNDERTAKEN

8th September, 1950

Siva was discussing the programme of the mandali and of the possible calls that might be made on the yatra mandali at each centre, and the preparations that would be necessary.

Suddenly Siva burst forth:

“At every railway station we should do kirtan. Millions should know the glory of kirtan and of Ram Nam. Millions should understand the true significance and the meaning of divine life. We should distribute leaflets and pamphlets in thousands and hundreds of thousands. That is why God has given us this opportunity of touring through the whole of India.

For the past twenty years I have not conducted any intensive tour. I have not visited South India for the past twenty-five years. Now the Lord has chosen to send us all to South India, too. We should understand from this that He wants us to serve His children intensely by mass dissemination of knowledge and kirtan.”


THE GRANDEST PROCESSION EVER

9th September, 1950

At precisely 8.30 a.m., the Sivananda Yatra Mandali’s procession commenced its two-mile march to the railway station of Rishikesh. Looking at the procession itself, everyone remarked, “The mandali has made history! There has been no such procession in the history of Rishikesh. This is indeed regal and much more.” To go from Ananda Kutir to the Rishikesh Railway Station, it took us three hours.

There was a mammoth gathering at the railway station. Siva began with this simple motto: “Adapt, adjust, accommodate.”

Siva said, “If you want to enjoy peace and happiness, practise this simple sadhana. Adapt, adjust and accommodate. Lack of this divine quality of adaptability is the cause for disharmony, quarrels, riots and wars. A clerk is not able to adapt himself to his master; there is disharmony and failure. A dewan does not adapt himself to the maharajah; there are misunderstandings, quarrels and disharmony. A wife is unable to adapt herself to her husband; they convert the home into a veritable battlefield. If, on the other hand, they had developed adaptability, there would have been harmony, peace and happiness.

“It is not so easy as it looks outwardly. You should crush and powder your ego if you wish to develop adaptability. It is this rajasic self-assertive nature that disturbs the equilibrium and creates disharmony. It prevents man from bending. Only if you bend, can you drink water from the tap. Only if you are humble, will you be able to drink the water of peace, bliss and harmony.

“Humility is a divine virtue. A humble man alone can conquer the whole world. Everybody likes him. Everybody adores him and reveres him. Only a man who is humble will be able to adapt, adjust and accommodate. He alone can practise this most important sadhana of adaptability and attain peace, bliss and harmony.

“May you all attain jivanmukti in this very birth by crushing and powdering your egoism and realise your essential satchidananda svaroopa.”

Just before the train left the station, Siva thanked the people and said, “There is infinite shakti in Ram nam. Ram nam is the solution for all the troubles that have beset the mankind of this atomic bomb age. The atom bomb can annihilate only a city or a limited area, but Ram nam can annihilate avidya throughout the world in an instant. It can destroy the whole world in the mind of man and enable him to rest in his own satchidananda svaroopa. Such is the glory of Ram nam. It is for the purpose of disseminating this great Ram nam that the yatra mandali is leaving on an all-India yatra today. You have all been of immense help to the mandali. I am not only thankful, but grateful, indeed, to you all for all the help you have rendered.”

The train left as the party and those who had come to see the mandali off chanted OM aloud.

HARDWAR

After reaching Hardwar at 4 p.m. Siva got out of the Tourist Car–on his way to Hari Ki Pauri for the Ganga arati. Siva stood on the platform and immediately began his kirtan. Beginning from OM and Jaya Ganesha…. and concluding with Shanti Path and Mrityunjaya Mantra, Siva went through the entire routine of kirtans.

At Hari Ki Pauri, Siva worshipped the mother Ganga with lights, camphor andprasad. We then did kirtan.


SIVA AT HARDOI

10th September, 1950

The train came to a halt at Hardoi. There was a huge crowd on the platform. Siva got out of the compartment. He then discoursed on discipline. “Eat a little, drink a little…”, he sang and then said, “You must have tongue discipline, discipline of speech, discipline of all the indriyas and discipline of the mind. A disciplined man achieves success in all undertakings. He is liked by everybody. But, for success in the spiritual life, self-discipline is most essential. Without discipline you cannot make any progress in the path. May God bless you with health, long life, peace, prosperity and kaivalya. May you all shine as God-realised saints!” As the train moved, Siva peeped out of the window and said, “Hari OM! All of you repeat the Lord’s name with me. The Lord’s name contains within itself infiniteshakti. It will give you peace, prosperity and happiness.” Then he chanted RAM RAM RAM RAM; the entire gathering responded vigorously.

LUCKNOW: LECTURE AT STATION

At the Lucknow Station Siva had a grand reception. He was showered with garlands.

Siva sang his Chidananda song. He said, “This song contains the very essence of all the Vedas. The last word of the Upanishads is Tat tvam asi–Thou art That. You are not this mortal body, nor the finite mind; but you are in essence the Sat chit ananda atman. Thou art That. Even if you are poor and have no food to eat, even at the point of a bayonet, sing Chidanand…” and feel that you are the immortal, infinite atman. You will derive fresh energy, great divine power.”

Then, Siva delivered the following discourse.

“You should observe moderation in everything. Eat a little. Especially at night if you load your stomach, you will not be fresh when you get up, and you will not be able to get up at 4 a.m. You will miss the morning meditation.

“Talk a little. Be a man of measured words. And, speak sweetly. Your speech should be pleasing to everybody. If you conserve the energy you waste in unnecessary talks, you will be able to meditate more.”

YOUR ONLY DUTY

“Meditation is your only duty. You must realise the goal of your life–God-realisation. Then only would your life be fruitful. There are several stages in the path to God-realisation. Purification, concentration, reflection, meditation, illumination, identification, absorption, and salvation. Through service you should purify yourself and then proceed through concentration, meditation, etc; you reach the goal–salvation.”

He said, “In the Gita the Lord has enumerated several divine qualities which a sadhaka should cultivate in himself. Like that this Song of Eighteen Ities enumerates the qualities that every aspirant should cultivate. Serenity, regularity, absence of vanity, sincerity, simplicity, equanimity, fixity, non-irritability, adaptability, humility, veracity, charity, generosity, purity, integrity, nobility, magnanimity–all these qualities must be developed to a great degree by you all. Then you will enjoy infinity and eternity. You will behold unity in diversity. You cannot attain these qualities in the university. You will have to cultivate them through sadhana and constant practice.”

THE CAUSE OF RESTLESSNESS

“We are restless because we are caught up in this finite world. The world is conditioned in time, space and causation. There is eternal and perfect peace in the atman only. Give up delusion. Give up all wrong notions. Give up false identification. Turn the gaze within. All your fears will vanish. Fear of dismissal from employment; fear of losing your property; fear of bank failures–all fears and anxieties will go. You need never worry. You will understand only maya is deluding you. Maya perverts the intellect. Then arise ahamkara, raga-dvesha, etc. You can cut at the root of this avidya by enquiry into; Who am I? In the waking state the body functions and you identify yourself with the body. In dream state, the senses are at rest; the mind alone functions–therefore, you realise that you are not the body. In deep sleep state even this disappears and you enjoy a sound sleep, you are covered bymoola ajnana. Therefore, you are not the mind also. By this sort of enquiry, you will arrive at the atma-svaroopa.

“You do so many things for earning a few rupees. But you do not find one or two hours every morning for acquiring this supreme wealth of atma jnana! This wealth no dacoit can rob. It is imperishable, inexhaustible wealth. You need no more look forward to petty promotions and increments of ten rupees: acquire atma jnana.

“Kill all desires. Desires make you beggars. Kill egoism. You will become the King of kings. Even at the point of the bayonet you will recognise and realise that you are the All-pervading, immortal self, diseaseless, all-blissful Supreme Peace.”

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