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Home , Kirtan, Pushpanjali, Shuddhananda Bharati

THE DIVINE LIFE

Vol. LXXII JANUARY 2014 No. 10

KATHOPANISHAD CHAPTER II VALLI ii Añ` {dò§g_mZñ` earañWñ` Xo{hZ…Ÿ& Xohm{Û_wÀ`_mZñ` {H$_Ì n[a{eî`VoŸ& EVÛ¡ VV² Ÿ&&4Ÿ&&

4. When this Atman, who dwells in the body, dep arts from the body, what remains then? This ver ily is That. 2 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

{edmZÝX ñVmoÌ‘² SIVANANDA STOTRAM

(Sri Jnanananda , Sivanandanagar)

(Continued from the previous issue) AVZwVZwÚw{Vg§¶wV gÝ‘V gÝVVgo{dV^yVnVo {OVgH$bopÝж gmÝБwXmdh MÝÐg‘mZZ ‘mݶ‘Vo & ZVOZg§M¶ajUXr{jV dr{jVZm{eVnmnVVo {ed H$éUmb¶ nmb¶ ‘m§ {lV‘m{lVdËgb bmoH$Jwamo &&9&& 9. O world-teacher Siva, thy face is like the full-moon, thy body shines with a divine brilliance. Thou possessest a praiseworthy intellect and thou hast all thy senses under complete control. Thou art constantly engaged in the of Lord Siva. Thou art wedded to the noble task of protecting the humble and the meek and destroying the multitude of sins by a single glance. Thy sole delight is in giving joy to all. O ocean of mercy that art gracious to those who look up to thee for succor, save me thy humble suppliant. AdZV^º$narV {Zarh nar{ï>nam¶U nyÁ¶‘wZo ^wdZew^mdh ^m{fVVmo{fV‘mZwfg§M¶ gy{º$IZo & ZdZdnwñVH${Z{‘©{VVËna H$ënVê$n‘ YݶOZo {ed H$éUmb¶ nmb¶ ‘m§§ {lV‘m{lVdËgb bmoH$Jwamo &&10&& 10. O world-teacher Siva, O adorable sage, thou art desireless but thy sole purpose in life is to work out the welfare of the world. Thou art always surrounded by a multitude of humble, admiring devotees. Thou art full of wise saws and thou delightest man-kind by thy enchanting talks. Thy time is fully engaged in the production of new books for the service of humanity. Blessed indeed is thy life. O ocean of mercy thou art gracious to those who look up to these for succor, save me thy humble suppliant. (To be continued) JANUARY 2014 3 4 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

MAKE A BEGINNING—START FROM TODAY

(H.H. SRI SWAMI SIVANANDAJI MAHARAJ) Upon the substratum of Timeless inner foes like egoism, hatred, greed, Eternity in Her own mysterious ambition, pride, selfishness. Crush these baffling manner marks time. In the down and develop equal vision, ceaseless onward flow of Time definite forgiveness, mercy, universal love. Then all periods have become distinct and divided outer war will end in a moment. A New Era into centuries, decades, years, months, will be ushered in. Darkness will pass and etc. They have acquired a force and a new dawn will light up Humanity. significance through long convention. All over the world the old year has just now The loving Lord has given you a passed out and a New Year has priceless gift a shining year, pure and clear commenced. Through age long association as crystal, a year teeming with of ideas this time has come to have a opportunities of perfecting yourself as well peculiar efficacy for all beginnings, fresh as working to help and elevate all those endeavours, new resolves and turning over around you. Struggle hard every moment a new leaf. It is the most propitious time. to get nearer to the Ideal. Every step you Make full use of this psychological take, through every act you do, you must moment. Do not lose this opportunity. move towards Freedom, towards Truth, Die to your old lower self. Be born into towards Light. a newer life in the spirit. Sever once for all Make it a point to radiate love. your connection with the little ego. Become a centre of through a Whatever be the slips, failures, regulated life of combined selfless activity disappointments and mistakes of the past and earnest . Constantly have the year, forget them all. Never mind them. All name of God in your lips. Inspire and is for the best. Be courageous in faith elevate everyone you come into contact because there is always a glorious with by proclaiming to them the message resurrection after each crucifixion. of unity of all life, in the oneness of the Self. Spotless and untouched lies the year before you. Resolve to stick to a life of Console the distressed with help, cheer up spotless moral purity, of chastity, physical the depressed with hope. Infuse new and mental. Resolve to manifest Truth in vigour into the timid and the faltering in thought, word and deed. faith. The external world is plunged in On the threshold of the New Year unrighteousness, hatred and warfare convert yourself into a herald of Divinity. because you have neglected to carry on the Lead a Divine Life of Love, service, inner war with the vicious lower self. You devotion, discipline and wisdom. May the have surrendered to this inner enemy. New Year witness you develop into a Commence the spiritual warfare with the perfect and ideal being! ’ ’ ’ JANUARY 2014 THE FOUNTAIN SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE 5

THE FOUNTAIN SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE* (The gist of Sri Swami Chidananda’s lecture at the re cent cele bra tions of the Pearl Jubi lee of the Sivananda Publi ca tion League) By celebrating the Pearl Jubilee of the We would obtain a glimpse of the Sivananda Publication League, we are in uniqueness of the service rendered by fact celebrating the completion of more the League, if we glance through some of than twelve years of Sri Swami the letters that are received almost daily Sivanandaji’s unique service to by Sri Swamiji Maharaj. humanity. It is this service that has “My life has been transformed by taken the shape of the Sivananda your book...... ” Publication League. The League is the lustre and radiating power of Sri Swamiji I have been rescued from suicide by Maharaj, and is an essential part of the your reassuring volume." Sage, just as heat is inseparable from “A life of disease, suffering and fire, whiteness from . The League is wretchedness has ended and a life of but the manifest dynamism of his sunshine and joy has commenced when I super-mundane wisdom and divine went through your wonderful book...... ” experience. —these are some of the expressions During this period the Sivananda that we often come across in the letters Publication League has placed, in the received by Sri Swamiji Maharaj daily. hands of the public all over the world the precious spiritual nectar that has THE MESSAGE OF COURAGE continuously sprung up from the fountain-source of spiritual knowledge, The mistaken notion is entertained Sri Swamiji Maharaj. Each book has by many that it is the teaching of religion been, as it were, a clarion call to higher that has been responsible for life. “Oh man, you have taken birth here, ‘backwardnes’ of the Indian nation. not to waste your life in worthless sensual Anyone who peruses the works of Sri pleasures, but to realise the Self, to realise Swamiji Maharaj would not fail to notice that you are in truth the all-blissful Atman, that the one distinct note that runs beyond the reach of sorrow, grief and through all of them is the exhortation to delusion.”—this has been the clarion call be bold, to be courageous, to be fearless. that Sri Swamiji Maharaj has sounded has been regarded by even and this call has been relayed by the some religious preachers as one that Sivananda Publication League during makes the practitioner effeminate. In his the past more than twelve years. ‘Practice of ’ Sri Swamiji

*From Forest University Weekly, 14th June, 1951 6 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

Maharaj has shown how this Bhakti Sivananda Publication League has Yoga calls for as much strength, courage ‘stepped into the breach’ as it were and and self-discipline as any other. He says: fulfilled the vital role. “Only when you powder the bones of your National leaders all over the world body, extract oil out of this powder, and have cried themselves hoarse that burn the lamp of love at the of your humanity is being led astray into the Beloved, does He grant you His Supreme bye-lanes of materialism and so many Vision”. The effeminate man has no place god-less isms, and that this deviation here. It would be apparent from every from the royal road of faith in God can one of Sri Swamiji’s works that the only spell the ruin of mankind. But it has practice of religion as conceived of by Sri been given to very few saints of intuitive Swamiji Maharaj can only make every wisdom to come forward with a positive, man more manly, more courageous, practical and ideal solution to this stronger and braver. problem. The sage is familiar with the Pratipaksha Bhavana method—if you TOWARDS NATIONAL AND wish to get over an evil, supplant it by its INDIVIDUAL WELFARE own opposite goodness. Thus we find Sri The unique value of this Swamiji Maharaj adopting this positive spiritualising mission which the and direct method of combating the Sivananda Publication League is numerous godless ideologies with the carrying on is, it is filling a great void in mighty counter-force of divine life. In the cultural evolution of our race and every one of his books he has brought nation, which void is ignored by the out clearly the dangers of godless majority of people as not worth attending ideologies and has at the same time to. But this sage of distinct vision clearly placed before the people the most perceives that the one important duty, if glorious life divine that would lead this great nation is to continue glorious, mankind to peace, plenty and prosperity is to keep brightly alive the spiritual and every individual to eternal Bliss. flame which is its very life. Institutions Only a Sage of Self-realisation can and organisations there are without do all this. For, in the words of the number which are actively reviving and , the Sages are developing the numerous external Sarva-bhutahiterataah. Only they who aspects of our culture. Agriculture, have realised the unity of existence can education, sociology, fine arts, sciences work for the welfare of the entire ordinary and extraordinary—all these humanity. are boosted to the skies. All this is very good. But the most vital part of it all, that PRACTICAL IDEALIST which means the difference between the Even though Sri Swamiji Maharaj is life and the death of our grand culture, a Kevala Adwaitin of Sri Shankara’s the inner fundamental spiritual content school, he has combined in his teachings is woefully neglected. Herein the the highest with the most JANUARY 2014 THE FOUNTAIN SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE 7 practical realism. Even though his head govern the progress of the nation. The is far above in the region of the Absolute, Ministers and the high officials who are his feet are firmly planted on the terra responsible for the administration of the firma. Therefore, he guides the aspirants State receive his books. The topmost in every aspect of their life. He directs officers of the Army get his books— their physical, mental, ethical, people like General Cariappa, Major- intellectual and spiritual progress, General A. N. Sharma and Lt. Col. A. N. without neglecting any aspect of their S. , through whom the Message of life. For those who are afflicted by Divine Life reaches out to the rank and diseases, Swamiji has his medical file of the entire Army. Every Library and counsel for the restoration of health. For those who enjoy sound health, Swamiji School gets his books for the mere asking has the Yogic Physical Culture to ensure and his message is thus spread physical fitness for higher spiritual throughout the world. . Swamiji’s analysis of the mind It is the Pearl Jubilee of this Divine has been unique and illuminating. As a Service which Sri Swamiji Maharaj has Vedantin, he asserts mind is illusory; as been rendering to humanity that we are a practical spiritual guide he points out celebrating today and let us pray on this the mysteries of the mind and the auspicious occasion that the Almighty methods of controlling it. might bless us all with greater zeal, Though a firm believer in the theory strength and enthusiasm to carry Sri that in reality the world is an illusory Swamiji’s Message to wider and production of Maya, Swamiji Maharaj ever-widening circle of the Lord’s has at heart the welfare of every human children. being, nay every living creature in the world. He works ceaselessly for Lokasamgraha. His books reach out to the institutions and individuals who

Do not force the mind to meditate. Understand the ways of the mind first. Cultivate virtues. Study the nature of the three Gunas. Purify. Only then meditation will be smooth and easy. 8 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

MODERN MAN IN SEARCH OF A SOUL

(SRI SWAMI KRISHNANANDA)

(Con tin ued from the pre vi ous is sue) When we are friendly or when we are and put him out of gear. One can even go inimical, we are not encountering a crazy if he is demoted and thrown down person or a thing; we are encountering a from a high pedestal. This pedestal is not circumstance which cannot be identified a physical seat; it is a concept. with the physical location of a person or a body. We are face to face with some So are we living in a physical world, situation which cannot be identified with really speaking? Or are we living in a a solid object. When we are happy or world of concepts, ideas, notions, unhappy, we cannot attribute it to the evaluations and aspirations? Do we presence or absence of some physical believe that this is a physical world? I am object. It is, again, a condition that has not going into the philosophical aspect of arisen, a condition that cannot be seen the doctrines propounded by with the eyes, and we use this word Sankaracharya and others that the again and again without knowing what it world is maya. We will slowly open our means. “I am in a very bad condition” or eyes and find there is some truth in what “I am in a prosperous state” are glib he has said. We are seeing a table, we are statements whose meaning is not so seeing trees, this building, and the world clear. This is the reason why we cannot is there so hard and solid; how do we call easily be happy in this world; if it had it maya or unreal? We will realise one day been so easy, we would have purchased that we are living in an unreal world. it in one minute with all the dollars and The people that are around us are pounds that we have. That cannot be not our people. The things that we seem done because the physical to possess, we have really not possessed, appurtenances and configurations in the nor have we been searching for them. We form of people and things are not the have only been experimenting with them thing that we have lost. When a person as tools for the discovery of that which has lost his power—he has resigned or we have lost. These friends of ours, these retired from a very powerful position—he associations, these family members, this has lost something. What has he lost? He money, this status, this power, this is the same man that he was. The retired authority, this land, this building—these man is the same man that he was while are not the things we are asking for, in that position. This thing that he has though in a terrible state of ignorance we lost is that which he cannot see with his imagine that this is the soul that we eyes, but it can make him utterly restless wanted to grasp in life, and we will JANUARY 2014 MODERN MAN IN SEARCH OF A SOUL 9 realise one day that this is not what we discovered the meaning in their lives wanted. Otherwise, there could be no even earlier when they were physically in sorrow and bereavement. These are the possession of all the appurtenances of tools that we have selfishly employed. We life. have been exploiting people and things As I mentioned, the appurtenances, in a very subtle manner to see whether the physical associations, social they are the locations of that which we connections, etc., which were bringing have lost in our lives. us some sort of a satisfaction and We have not lost anything physical. making us feel that we discovered the The physical world is still there; we meaning in life, were not the meaning in cannot lose it. We are sitting on it; how life. They were very, very unfortunate can we say that we have lost it? The instruments that we had been utilising whole Earth is under us; we have not lost for experimenting upon the thing which it. We cannot say, “I have lost the we have lost and which we consider as physical Earth.” What have we lost? the meaning, and their disassociation What are we searching for? What is it appears to us as a disassociation from that is keeping us restless and unhappy? the meaning of life. The meaning of life is In the light of what I said a few a pervasive influence, a power or minutes ago concerning the word ‘soul’, I authority, and everything in the world is will use the word ‘soul’ only in that light, only an ideological arrangement. A deep of course, and that evaluation is to be philosophical mind alone can probe into before our mind’s eye when we utter the these mysteries. Therefore, it is true that word ‘soul’. Man is in search of a soul or we are searching for a meaning in life. the soul. I will tell you why it is a and the We know very well how unfortunate it is both. We cannot think of the soul; we are to lose the meaning in life; we will go not made in this way, because we do not crazy in one second if the meaning is see it. Who can believe there is one soul lost. And what is that meaning? That is everywhere in this audience? We are all the soul of life. independent souls. When we search for a Each person has his own concept of soul in our lives, we are searching for a the meaning of life; that is what we call a meaning in our existence. We are not philosophy of life. Everyone has his own searching for a substance; we are not or her own philosophy. We have an asking for a thing. When we have lost the outlook of life, we have an interpretation meaning in our existence, we can say, “I of things, and we have an evaluation of have lost my soul.” People who are all things in the world. That is our bereaved and who have lost their philosophy, and that is the meaning that property and all their belongings we want to discover in things. Anything sometimes feel that they have lost a soul. that keeps us in a state of tension and “I have lost all significance and isolatedness in any level of our being is meaning—everything.” They have not the tendency to lose the soul. Even lost meaning, because they have never illhealth is a tendency to the loss of what 10 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014 we can call the meaning of a healthy that there are many souls, and each one body. A soul is a force; it is not a thing. It is searching for one’s own soul, which is a force which keeps in cohesion the perhaps is the reason why one is parts of the being we call a person, an sometimes impelled to become selfish in organisation, a world, a humanity, an spite of the fact that there are similar everything. So the soul can be a force souls in other people. Yet we are that is keeping the limbs of our body in occasionally altruistic; we think in terms cohesion, and in that sense we may call of larger circles and the welfare of many it a soul, because other people also have other people, and we are serviceful, the need to feel a meaning in their own which tendency cannot be explained if lives. There is, similarly, a necessity to the soul is only inside our body. So there keep in cohesion the organisation we call is a larger soul than our own soul, yet we a family circle or a community, or even a are searching for our own meaning. larger one like the whole nation or the In our individual lives we have our entire humanity; otherwise, there will be own predilections and we stick to our no humanity. ‘Humanity’ is a word that we use without understanding what it guns, oftentimes. “What I say must be means. It is not a heap of people sitting done, and let anything else go to the together; it is a conceptual unity that we dogs.” When we speak and think like introduce into the presence of these this, we are imagining that our meaning isolated particulars called ‘people’. in life is conditioned by our own body, Humanity is one, though people are and our soul is only inside the body, many. We can imagine that there can be whatever it be. But we are not always like one meaning in the midst of many that. We oftentimes have a cultured people. That one meaning can be said to attitude to discover a similar meaning in be the soul of humanity. other people’s existence also, which Hence, the soul is large, and it is requires us to recognise the national small. When it is large enough to soul: “I work for my nation.” When we comprehend the meaning discoverable work for the nation, for whose sake are in the whole of creation, we call it the we working? It is not the number of soul—yes, it is true. But the process by people considered as the citizens of a which we discover the location of the country that are called a nation. It is, soul or the meaning in life is by degrees. again, an invisible thing. I am driving the The soul may be one, which is a different point that the world is unreal, finally. It matter, but in our lives it does not always is only an idea in our heads; it does not reveal itself as one. There are degrees of exist physically, if we go deep into the the manifestation or descent of this matter. But this larger ideology of the concept of the soul. I do not say there are national spirit, though invisible, is that degrees of the descent of the soul itself, which can shake the hearts of but the concept of the soul has a people.People work day and night for the descending character and an ascending welfare of their nation, which is not character. This is the reason why we feel merely a heap of people. JANUARY 2014 MODERN MAN IN SEARCH OF A SOUL 11

Likewise, we can extend this there many souls, or is there only one dominion—the dimension of this concept soul? We can answer this in any way of the meaning of life, the spirit of because there are gradations of the existence—into wider circles until it concept of organisation, the concept of reaches the furthest limits of infinitude authority and the concept of pervasive itself. That meaning that we discover, the influence, which is the soul that we are one meaning that we discover in the speaking of. Thus,there is a soul, and whole creation, may be said to be the there is also the soul; both are correct. soul, because there can be many The larger dimension appears to universes and many infinitudes. comprehend the lower levels, absorbing There are gradations in an army the existence of the lower categories of hierarchy, for instance. The lieutenant soul in the higher one; yet the lower ones colonel is a soul of the group which he exist in their own capacity, commands, and the colonel is a soul of a notwithstanding the fact they are wider group that he commands. Now, are subsumed by the operation of a higher there two souls? Is the lieutenant colonel soul. In that sense we are searching for one soul and the colonel another soul? the soul, but we are also searching for a And there is the brigadier, the lieutenant soul when we are ascending the series general, major general, and so on. Each from lower levels. one is a soul. I have already said that the I do not think I should go too far into soul is not a person, because one person this question, and I propose to conclude cannot control so many other people. It merely by saying that what I have is a pervasive influence, a larger endeavoured today in these few minutes immanence of an invisible something—a is only to stimulate your minds into meaning, an authority, a soul, finding a solution, an answer to a great intelligence, consciousness, whatever we question that will not allow you to keep like to call it. That thing exists, pervading quiet at any time and which you will all. Perhaps the general’s soul pervades pursue until death. I have not tried to the souls of all the lower categories. The give an answer, but I have tried to soul of the general is immanent in the stimulate your minds to a need that you souls of the lieutenant generals, the soul will feel, and must feel, for an answer of the lieutenant general is present in the which you cannot escape giving to the souls of all the major generals, and the question of your own life. Please consider soul of the major general is present in all it for yourself. the souls of the brigadiers, etc. So are (Concluded)

Never worry about what other people say or think. Do the right. Have clear conscience and roam about happily. 12 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

New Year Message:

TIME SWIFTLY PASSES AWAY, TAKE HEED We are just now at the commencement That is what the chime of every clock at of a New Year, a fresh and a new period the end of every hour reminds man that in time. A year in our life has passed and so much less of time you have in your let us all reflect what virtuous qualities hands; utilise it for your welfare. Awake, we have developed in the year that has arise, be up and doing. Do not stop until just passed out. In what respects were you have crossed time and made yourself there set-backs in our Sadhana? Let us timeless. We should, therefore, alert analyse, analyse without the least trace ourselves to earnestly take to the of the tendency to self-justification, as , so that we may attain critically as we would analyse others; for the Supreme Purpose for which the we are doing this for our own precious gift of human life has been improvement, for our own good. Then, let bestowed upon us. us enter the New Year with a fresh, firm determination, to avoid the mistakes of Once having become aware that the past year, and to make rapid time is passing away, we will understand progress in our efforts to lead a virtuous that every period in time is a thing not for and righteous living. rejoicing, but for very serious heart-searching repentance, new The New Year is a new birth for you; resolutions for enthusiastic onward let not past mistakes and failings progress; unlike the ignorant father or dishearten you, but let them goad you to greater and greater effort to achieve the mother who, seeing the child grow up, goal. The last year has passed; this year rejoices that a new birthday has come is in your hands. Make the best use of it. and gives it lots of presents. What a By the Grace of the Merciful Lord, the depth of ignorance! They do not year is out, you must make more understand that every year of the child’s effective efforts to realise the Ultimate growth means a shortening of its life to Truth that will give you eternal that extent. The Viveki- (a man happiness. of discrimination) keeps before him, Time is fleeting. This is one of the when he arrives at these periodical truths that the New Year brings into markings upon the field of time, this focus. It is the supreme factor of the ideal of the factor of the passing of time. passage of time. It tells us: “O Man, When this factor is brought to one’s Awake! Realise that you may be standing consciousness, one realises that there is still due to your neglect, but life does not a very real reason why we should do stand still. Life is rushing onward like a something about it. swift stream. Even as the thought is This conception brings us to entering your mind, time has passed. another important point that we have to JANUARY 2014 TIME SWIFTLY PASSES AWAY, TAKE HEED 13 remember, viz., that we should never blessed mind, where the light of the lose opportunities. Make the best of Lord’s Grace has reached and penetrated every opportunity that God gives to you the darkness of grossness, do these in His love and mercy. An opportunity thoughts arise. once lost is lost for ever. When God has How great is the ignorance of the given us this great opportunity of ordinary man of the world! Days and opportunities, this human birth, for nights pass away, months pass away, achieving the greatest thing that can years pass away, and with these, one’s ever be achieved, viz. the imperishable life is passing away. Yet there is the treasure of everlasting, infinite, bliss and clinging to life due to ignorance, due to peace, it should not be lost. At the same man’s not knowing that this life is time life is fickle. Just as a drop of water transient. He laments, suffers and yet he put upon a white-hot iron disappears even without leaving a trace or clings to it. Therefore, this state of semblance of it behind, even so this life is awakened (discrimination) itself an appearance for a fleeting moment in is a mark of Grace. Let us not prove eternity, and it at once disappears unworthy of this gift of Grace, which the without any trace at all. Opportunities Lord has given to us in the form of do not come again. Knowing that the Viveka. chance given to us is rushing towards its Let us offer our adorations for the end, the sages cry out from house-tops: great Message Time has given us today ‘Awake, arise, stop not till the goal is and is giving every day; with sunrise it reached,—do not be immersed in this gives the message of the day that is born world of pain, disappointment, grief, and with sunset it gives the message of disease and death. the day that is past. We should not be Therefore, these great ones with asleep; we should be vigilant. Let us their hearts throbbing with love for hearken to the message of the Lord in the human beings wish to share that form of fleeting Time! May the New Year experience with us. This is an bring to all mankind peace, joy, opportunity for attaining Immortality, prosperity and the best of everything and therefore they say: “Be up and doing here, and Eternal Happiness hereafter. in Yogic Sadhana. You will attain Kaivalya .” We should heed this message in the New Year and make the best use of this rare human birth. Have thoughts such as: “Why have I taken this birth here? What is the meaning and purpose of life? How to achieve that purpose? I must achieve it.” These thoughts do not arise in the ordinary Sivanandashram, mind that is outgoing. Only in the 20th December, 1964. 14 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

Sivananda: Day to Day – 1st January 1956

YEARS ARE FALSE; ETERNITY ALONE IS REAL The dawn of the New Year found the “Pour some phenyl there. Bad smell is people at Sivanandashram in Satsanga, coming.” Then Swamiji philosophised for the Satsanga which commenced at 7 thus, “God has created bad smell, and, p m. on the 31st December lasted till He has also created phenyl to counteract 1-45 a.m. the next day, as the the bad smell! Lord’s way of creation is programme during the Satsanga wonderful!” included such items as dances, music, etc. besides the usual and THE NATURE OF THE WORLD , since it was the last Satsanga After the Satsanga, Swamiji was during the Sadhana Week, and many returning to his Kutir accompanied by a people from and abroad were few devotees. A dog was also going in present at the Satsanga. In the course of front of Swamiji, occasionally sitting on the Satsanga, Swami Chidanandaji the way and causing inconvenience to ascended the platform to exhort people Swamiji. While a disciple was trying to to do practical Sadhana during the New drive away the dog, so that it might not Year, and he began with the statement inconvenience Swamiji any more, that the Satsanga commenced during Swamiji said, “What harm is there? Let 1955 and would end in 1956. On hearing the dog remain there; I will go by this this statement, Swamiji, who was sitting way”, meaning that Swamiji would go on his arm chair at the opposite end of along an edge of the road. While thus the hall, remarked at once in a voice Swamiji was proceeding, with the dog in audible to all people, “Both are false”, front and people behind, with his meaning that both 1955 and 1956 are walking stick Swamiji tried to straighten false, eternity alone being real. Needless the curved tail of the dog. The tail to mention, Swamij’s remark invited became curved as before as soon as laughter from the whole audience. Swamiji removed his stick from the tail. “Can you straighten the dog’s tail?” GOD’S WONDROUS CREATIONS Swamiji questioned some of the people While returning from the Satsanga, accompanying him. They said, “No.” Swamiji felt the bad smell emanating Swamiji immediately remarked, “Such is from an underground drain and said, the nature of the world!” Face the worst bravely and fight for the best boldly. —Swami Sivananda JANUARY 2014 NATURE OF DIVINE GRACE 15

NATURE OF DIVINE GRACE *

(The gist of a talk given by Sri Swami Chidanandaji on 20th January, 1951, (Sukla Pradosha Day)

Immortal Brothers, who were already defeated. Or even after accepting the leadership of Skanda, Today is Pradosha the fortnightly suppose one portion of the Devas army worship done to Lord Vishwanath by the worked as anti-Skandites in the war, Ashramites. Just a few ideas occurred to what then would have been the fate of me just now. In fact no special occasion the Devas? is needed to exchange views among the Sadhakas and to extol the glory of the Let us now analyse within ourselves glorious Lord whose glory is endless. taking the case of a Sadhaka. There are The powerful demons carried on a always the twofold warring forces of series of ceaseless attacks on the Devas. Sattwa (good, Divine) and the Devaloka was the prey to the terrible Rajo-Tamasic (undivine) forces carrying onslaughts of the Asuras. , the Lord on regular fight within the individual. of Devas, became helpless being defeated You can clearly perceive the forces of again and again by the mighty , anger, passion, enmity, hatred, Rakshasas. The Devas then went and arrogance, envy, jealousy etc., on one sought the help of Lord Siva to bless side and humility, service etc., goading them with a commander for their army the Sadhakas to elevate himself from the who would be able to defeat the Asuras. meshes of Samsara. God is all-merciful. Lord Siva felt pity for the Devas and He comes to the rescue of the Sadhaka blessed them. Out of the energy of Siva when the fight becomes very formidable was born Lord Skanda the six-faced. He and when the Sadhaka is apt to became the general of the army. succumb, He sends his grace at the right The beautiful Skanda, dressed in time. It is very difficult to find out how military costume with arms came to the and when the Divine Grace helps the battlefield to take the lead and fight for aspirant. the Devas. The fact is that God helps the Suppose for a moment the Devas did aspirant always. Only if you have the not accept the leadership of Lord Skanda eyes to perceive, you can clearly who was specially deputed by Lord Siva understand the working of the Lord. in his infinite mercy. What would be the What is Divine Grace? Does it mean a condition of the Devas then? The huge big one-hundred-faced being enemies of the Devas would have very adorned in silk, bedecked with jewels gladly welcomed such a circumstance etc., descending from the skies? Does it and inflicted fatal injuries on the Devas mean that you will be led by hand at

*Taken from Y.V.F.U. Weekly 22nd March, 1951 16 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014 every stage by a Divine Being putting on go against it and commit the sin. You do a lovely and smiling appearance? No, not pay heed to the voice that clearly certainly not. It does not necessarily warns you against the sin. In what better mean that you will receive the grace of way can God help you if you are the Lord in just the way you want it to purposely bent on violating His laws? come upon you. Lord’s grace can take any from, any shape at any time. If you In such cases you are acting like the are a very angry man, the Grace of God man who phoned for the doctor to attend may come to you in the form of an insult to a serious case and when doctor came from another man suggesting that you he refused him entrance. should control your anger. Instead of Therefore Sadhakas should take making the proper use of such particular care to see that they watch opportunities, instead of properly every little thing that occurs around receiving the Divine Grace what you do is to further succumb to the evil trait them and take the Divine Grace and anger, which God wants you to get rid of. utilise it as and when it presents itself Similarly when you are about to commit before them. At the critical moment a sin, the Lord comes to you in the shape instead of indulging in the vices you of your inner conscience and tells you should get over them by intelligently “Friend, do not do so. You are not acting following the inner voice then and there. rightly. Stop!” Without paying heed to such helpful suggestions of the inner soul, you by your wanton effort in complete defiance of the voice of the soul

Sivananda is everywhere, He is here and there. Wherever ‘The Divine Life’ moves, He too goes with it. Whenever I receive his books, He comes with them and enters my meditation. He is the spiritual sun that rises in the Himalayas and illuminates the divinity of this country called . gave freedom to the country, while Sivananda gave freedom to the souls. Mahatma Gandhi hoisted the national flag, while Sivananda hoisted the flag of Advaita. Delhi has democracy (Gana Rajyam), while Sivananda has -Kalyana-Guna-Rajyam, meaning a kingdom with infinite auspicious qualities. It is the kingdom of Yoga (Yoga Samrajyam) that is flourishing in Sivananda Ashram. Doctor Kuppuswamy, the physician of the inert body (Jadarogavaidyar) now shines as Sivananda, the divine healer of the cycle of births and deaths (Bhavarogavaidyar). Bharata is a country of divine life; it is a country where Yoga resides. The power of this country is due to the strength of the great Kundalini; it is Brahmaakari; its art form carries the fragrance of divinity; its civilisation is because of the radiant rays of knowledge of the great sages; its inhabitants are the practitioners of the and Agamas; the glory of Bharata is Self Knowledge, the union with the Supreme Self. If sugar were to lose its sweetness, it cannot be called sugar. If salt were to lose its salinity, it cannot be called salt. If this country were to lose its power of spirituality, then it cannot be called Bharata. 8-7-1951 JANUARY 2014 FIND A WAY 21

FIND A WAY

(Sri Swami Atmaswarupananda) The fundamental teaching of practices, it’s another thing for Him to be is that alone is without a there during our normal working day. second. The logical derivative of that Therefore, we must bring about that declaration is the mahavakya, the great connection between the oneness that we sentence, that declares: That thou art. If can discover through our spiritual Brahman alone is without a second, we practices and how we function in our must be That. daily life. As far as we know, there is no Unfortunately, for most of us, that is simple answer to this except hard work, not our experience. It may be our brief except continuous sadhana, except a experience when we first wake up in the great aspiration on our part to integrate morning. For a moment we may not what we can find in the inner world with know where we are, and there may be a what we experience in the outer world. sense of oneness, but then the ego arises We have to be determined to find a way. and the mind starts to function. We see Why is that so important? Because something outside ourselves, hear the outer world where we live in duality something outside ourselves, feel can never satisfy us. Everything is something outside ourselves, and we temporary. Everything suffers from the become established in duality. And that pairs of opposites and the three gunas. has its consequences. Our soul starves for a sense of unity, for It means that our concern and a recognition of non-duality as we see, interest is not with the Whole, but in the hear, and feel duality. Thus we must protection and promotion of one align ourselves with that great longing. individual. It is the most important thing When Pujya Swamiji said, “Connect to us. Others and God come second yourself with God,” he added, “Do it by because the ego is led by the outgoing any means, but by any means do it.” It power of the senses. How do we means developing our own technique for overcome this problem which includes remembering the highest we know as we thinking that we are the centre of the move through our daily life. No one universe, the subject, and everything promised us that it was going to be easy. else is our object? In his book, Ponder These Truths, Pujya Swami Rather, if we want the greatest thing in Chidanandaji says, “Connect yourself life, we have to be prepared to give our with God.” To connect ourselves greatest effort. It has to be, for us, the consciously with God is the purpose of most important thing in life. And if it is, all our spiritual practices. But then, it’s we will find a way. one thing to find God in our spiritual ’ ’ ’ 22 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

NEWS AND REPORTS

NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS CELEBRATION OF THE SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF MAHAMANTRA SANKIRTAN is nectar. Kirtan is divine food for the soul. Kirtan can make you immortal. (Sadgurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj)

By the divine grace and abundant of Sadgurudev, the Divine Mahamantra Sankirtan Yajna commenced by Worshipful Gurudev himself on 3rd December Anniversary of this unique Yajna was 1943, has been going on at the celebrated with great devoutness and sacred Hall for the last spiritual gaiety at the Headquarters seventy years permeating the entire Ashram on 3rd December 2013. Ashram with divine vibrations. The As in yesteryears, the special auspicious day of the Seventieth collective chanting of the Mahamantra was done daily for three hours from 27th November to 2nd December 2013. H. H. Sri Swami Vimalanandaji Maharaj and H.H. Sri Swami Padmanabhanandaji Maharaj inaugurated the special chanting by lighting the sacred lamp. The programme of 3rd December JANUARY 2014 NEWS AND REPORTS 23 morning included special Satsanga at the Divyanama Mandir and a Havan for the peace and welfare of world. At 3.30 p.m., a grand procession was organised wherein the devotees carried the portraits of Lord Sri , Lord Sri and Sadgurudev in a beautifully decorated palanquin filling the entire atmosphere of Muni-ki- Reti with the teachings of Sadgurudev and various the sacred vibrations through their scriptures, enlightened the devotees on the glory of Mahamantra in Kaliyuga. H.H. Sri Swami Advaitanandaji Maharaj in his brief talk apprised the gathering how and why this Mahamantra Sankirtan Yajna was commenced by Worshipful Gurudev. May the grace of Lord Sri Rama, fervent singing of the Mahamantra. Lord Sri Krishna and Sadgurudev be Thereafter, floral Archana to the upon us all. ’ ’ ’ of Ashtottarashata-Namavali was offered to Lord Sri Rama and Lord Sri Krishna in the Bhajan Hall. The programme concluded with Arati and distribution of special Prasad. During the night Satsanga, H.H. Sri Swami Padmanabhanandaji Maharaj illustrating from the divine 24 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

SRI GITA JAYANTI CELEBRATION AT THE HEADQUARTERS ASHRAM The Gita gives man a positive promise of Salvation and makes him fearless. Therein lies the supreme value of the Gita. (Sadgurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj) The Ekadashi (11th day) of the bright half of the Margasirsha month is the sacred day when Lord Sri Krishna, out of His infinite and loving grace bestowed upon His children the gift of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. The blessed day of Sri Gita Jayanti was celebrated with great sanctity and devotion at the Headquarters Ashram on 13rd December 2013. During the night Satsang, H.H. Sri Swami Padmanabhanandaji Maharaj in his message enlightening the devotees on the supreme significance of the Glorious Scripture said that this Celestial Song ‘Srimad Bhagavad Gita’ was sung by Lord Sri Krishna with the Divine Mission of establishment of (righteousness). Two books of Sadgurudev were also released on this auspicious day. The Satsang concluded with Arati and distribution of Prasad. May the abundant blessings of Lord Sri Krishna and Sadgurudev be upon us all. A Gita Havan with Ahuti (oblation) to ’ ’ ’ the of each verse of Srimad Bhagavad Gita was performed at the Ashram Yajnashala for the peace and welfare of the world. A special Satsanga was organised from 09 to 11.30 a.m. at the sacred Hall wherein all the eighteen chapters of the Holy Scripture were recited by the Sannyasins, Brahmacharins and devotees of the Ashram. Thereafter, floral Archana was offered to Lord Krishna to the chant of Ashtottara-shatanamavali followed by Arati and distribution of sacred Prasad. JANUARY 2014 NEWS AND REPORTS 25

SRI JAYANTI CELEBRATION AT THE HEADQUARTERS ASHRAM

Lord Sri Dattatreya is a unique devotees offered Bhajans and Kirtans as manifestation of the Divinity establishing the their at the lotus feet of the Lord. ultimate oneness of the Divine Trinity i.e. After the Arati, everyone partook of the , and Siva. The sacred day of sacred Prasad. Lord Sri Dattatreya’s advent on earth plane During the night Satsang, Sri Swami was celebrated with great devotion on 16th Hariharanandaji Maharaj gave a talk on Lord December 2013 at the Headquarters Ashram. Sri Dattatreya’s advent and his twenty four preceptors. Sadgurudev’s two books were The celebration commenced at 9 a.m. with Jaya Ganesh followed by a also released to mark this sacred day. special worship of Lord Sri Dattatreya May the divine grace of Lord Dattatreya enshrined in Sri Dattatreya Temple. The and Sadgurudev be upon all ! ’ ’ ’ 26 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATIONS AND THE CHRISTMAS- NEW YEAR RETREAT AT THE HEADQUARTERS ASHRAM

The Call of Christmas is the Call to a new Birth in the Spirit. Sadgurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj As per yesteryears, Holy Christmas was celebrated with great devotion and spiritual rejoicing at the Headquarters Ashram on December 24, 2013. The Ashramites, devotees and guests participated enthusiastically in the joyous function which began with Jaya Ganesh Kirtan at 7.30 p.m. in the Swami Sivananda Auditorium Satsang Hall. The nativity scene, illustrating the birth of the new child, was installed in a temple in the centre front of the Satsang Hall and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree was placed at the front side of the Hall. The 18th Annual Christmas-New Year Retreat for devotees from abroad was held at the Headquarters Ashram from 25th December 2013 to 1st January 2014. Forty-five devotees from sixteen countries and a number of guests attended the inspiring sessions. Mid-morning talks were given by senior Swamijis of the Ashram in the Swami Sivananda Auditorium Satsang Hall. The speakers offered their wisdom and insight on this year’s theme: “True Spirituality Means Absolute Trust.” Daily guided meditation led by senior Swamijis every evening was very much appreciated by the participants. Morning meditation and evening Satsang in the sacred Samadhi Hall were also included in the very successful programme.

The evening featured many devotional songs in May the benedictions of Lord Jesus and German, Hungarian, Russian, Hebrew, Dutch, Italian, Sadgurudev be upon all. Japanese, , Tamil, and English. Silent Night was sung beautifully in nine different languages, but the highlight was the rosary of Hail Mary chanted in 13 languages with Ave Marie sung softly in the background. Two animated classical Christmas films, “A Christmas Carol” and “The Other Wise Man,” were also shown. The Bible readings and accompanying songs began at 11.00 p.m. and continued till midnight. The evening concluded with silent meditation at midnight followed by closing prayers and distribution of sacred Prasad. On the sacred day of 25th December, Sri Krishna Das, an ardent disciple of Baba Neem Karoliji Maharaj, delighted the hearts of the gathering during night Satsang by his melodious and soulful Kirtans. JANUARY 2014 NEWS AND REPORTS 27

PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAVA OF SRI VISWANATHA MANDIR Lord Vishwanatha abides within you. Perceive your body as His living and moving temple and offer your adorations to Him through meditation, prayer and silent . Worshipful Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj The blessed day of the 70th anniversary of the Pratishtha (consecration) of Sri Viswanatha Mandir was celebrated with great devoutness and sacredness at the Headquarters Ashram on 31st On the auspicious day of 31st December 2013. December, the celebration As a prelude to the celebration, commenced with Prabhat-pheri the inmates and devotees of the followed by a Havan for the peace Ashram chanted the sacred and welfare of the world. Thereafter, Panchakshari in Sri a grand worship was offered to Lord Viswanatha Mandir for three hours Sri Viswanatha enshrined in the in the afternoon from 27th to 29th sanctum-sanctorum of the beautifully December 2013. On 30th December, decorated Sri Vishwanatha Mandir the Akhand Kirtan of the sacred to the chant of Vedic . The Mantra from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. melodious and sonorous singing of permeated the entire Ashram with Bhajans and Kirtans glorifying Lord divine vibrations. Siva reverberated in Mandir premises and in the hearts of the devotees as well. At midday, the celebration concluded with elaborate Arati and distribution of sacred Prasad. May Lord Sri Viswanatha and Sadgurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj shower abundant blessings upon all. 28 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT THE HEADQUARTERS ASHRAM

God has given you this New Year for your spiritual betterment and attaining ‘Sreyas’ or highest bliss of the Eternal. Be regular in your Japa, meditation and study of the Gita and realise the Self. Sadgurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj The New Year Eve was celebrated with great festivity and spiritual éclat at the Headquarters Ashram on 31st December 2013. The celebration commenced at 7.30 p.m. with Jaya Ganesh prayer and -chanting. Thereafter, Sadgurudev’s children from different parts of the world of Beloved Gurudev through a DVD show poured out their love and devotion at His which filled the hearts of the devotees with indescribable joy. The gathering also felt blessed to listen to the inspiring messages of Worshipful Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj. With deep feelings of prayerfulness and meditation till 12 midnight, the devotees bid adieu to the year 2013 and welcomed the New Year 2014. To commemorate the year 2014, fourteen books were also released. The celebration concluded with Arati and distribution of special Prasad. May Lord Almighty and Sadgurudev bless us all to strive sincerely to realise the lotus feet in the form of melodious and soul- stirring devotional songs in Hungarian, Self. Hebrew, Japanese, Hindi, and English languages thereby echoing His message of Universal Love and Brotherhood and also proclaiming the magnificent glory of Sivananda Durbar. H.H. Sri Swami Vimalanandaji Maharaj, H.H. Sri Swami Yogaswarupa- nandaji Maharaj, H.H. Sri Swami Padmanabhanandaji Maharaj and H.H. Sri Swami Advaitanandaji Maharaj blessed the gathering with their inspirational talks. The highlight of the programme was the Darshan JANUARY 2014 NEWS AND REPORTS 29

RELIEF WORK IN NATURAL CALAMITY AFFECTED AREAS IN UTTARKASHI In continuation of the relief work Gangotri. These children were given reported in our previous issue, a monetary help to cover their school fees, team from the Ashram went to notebooks, uniforms, warm clothes, Uttarkashi on 2nd December 2013, shoes, etc. The amount was distributed under the leadership of H.H. Sri Swami to their parents in the presence of the Yogaswarupanandaji Maharaj, Vice- Principal of Government Inter College, President of DLS, HQ., to conduct the Bhatwari. Br. Ram Chaitanya and Br. relief work. Around 200 school children Rajnish Ranjan, who are staying at were identified from eight different Sanglai (Ganganani) conducted the villages in Ganganani area, which is survey to identify the school children located halfway between Uttarkashi and and assisted in distribution of aid.

ANNOUNCEMENT DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY, CHANDIGARH BRANCH, SADHANA SHIVIR The Divine Life Society, Chandigarh Branch will be observing the 6th Anniversary of Sivananda Ashram at Chandigarh on 8th and 9th of March 2014. A Sadhana Shivir will be held on this occasion. Senior saints from Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh will grace the occasion. All devotees are cordially invited to participate in the function and have the most spiritually elevating experience. For enrolment and information, please contact Sri F. Lal Kansal President, 09814015237, Dr. Ramneek Sharma Secretary, The Divine Life Society, # 2, Sector 29-A, CHANDIGARH – 160 030. Phone: 0172 – 2639322, Mobile : 09814105154

TOUR PROGRAMME OF SWAMI DHARMANISHTHANANDAJI, D.L.S. Hqr.

SL.NO DATE PLACE PROGRAMME

1. 15th Jan. 2014 to 18th Jan. 2014 (Mah.,) Yoga Camp & Satsang

2. 19th Jan. 2014 to 22nd Jan. 2014 Thane (Mah.,) Satsang

3. 3rd Feb. 2014 to 17th Feb. 2014 Manipur Youth Camps

4. 22nd Feb. 2014. To 23rd Feb. 2014 Ferozepur () Satsang

—The Divine Life Society 30 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

SEVA THROUGH SIVANANDA HOME

By the profound Blessings of Sri medical treatment started for the eyes, Gurudev the humble service of the as also for his general weakness. Divine Life Society Headquarters ...We are born in extreme fragility, and we through Sivananda Home, situated in die in extreme fragility. Tapovan near Laxman Jhula is being Throughout our lives we remain vulnerable, continued. Medical facilities for and at risk of being wounded... homeless people who have become ill One of the other admissions was a and are in need of in-patient treatment youngster, 32 years, abandoned at a are provided, which is of considerable young age, who was brought from the help to them. roadside with both his legs paralyzed. After investigations he was diagnosed by More than fifteen new patients were the Orthopedic Surgeon with a spinal admitted this month in Sivananda fracture, including involvement of Home. There were people who stayed on bladder and bowel functions. The the roadside, and being wounded and gentleman seemed to have lost injured could not find any other place for consciousness for a while and could not medical treatment and shelter. One of remember what had happened to him. them was an elderly , who almost He had a fracture of the left under leg completely lost his eyesight; he could too. hardly see. He had been staying in one It is unimaginable, what a person small corner somewhere, not leaving would feel, just being all by oneself, that place. He used to sleep there, eat, helplessly, at the side of the road or in a and could not go anywhere out for his forlorn corner, not able to move, or not bath or bathroom functions. In utterly able to see, just hoping and praying..... helplessness he came, not even aware of “To come back to those basic words having passed his motions in his of St Paul that God has chosen what is clothings again and again. The mind was weak and foolish of this world and to scattered, after he lost any sense of recognize that it is the weakest among us relation to his environment, and he - the elderly, the small children, the would repeatedly say: I cannot see, I handicapped, the mentally ill, the cannot see...When he got settled down hungry and sick—who form the real somewhat and started feeling at ease, center...The crushed and humiliated the Eye Specialist was consulted and his heart is His HOLY PLACE.” (Vanier)

“Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms. Let us ever remember Thee. Let us ever sing Thy glories. Let Thy Name be ever on our lips. Let us abide in Thee for ever and ever.” (Swami Sivananda). JANUARY 2014 NEWS AND REPORTS 31

VISIT OF H.H. SRI SWAMI NIRLIPTANANDAJI MAHARAJ TO MALAYSIA

H.H. Sri Swami Nirliptanandaji Here also there was a good gathering of Maharaj, Vice-President, DLS the devotees. Swamiji addressed them headquarters, visited Malaysia on a and spoke on the four Purusharthas or cultural tour upon invitation from Divine important objectives of life, Gurudev’s Life Society Malaysia Branch, from 21st teachings and way to attain eternal November to 2nd December, 2013. peace. Questions of devotees were also Swamiji arrived at Kuala Lumpur on answered by Swamiji Maharaj. 21st November. He was received at the airport by H.H. Sri Swami Then Swamiji visited Perai Sub Swayamjayanandaji Maharaj, President Branch on the same day. The devotees DLS Malaysia Branch, Dr. Kumarajah, had organized a Satsanga in their and Sri Marimuthu. Sub-Branch premises and there was On 22nd November there was a lively participation from them. Swamiji Satsanga at Sivanandashram, Batu Maharaj spoke on the occasion by way of Caves, Kuala Lumpur for an official a discourse on the Goal of life and Welcome Ceremony for Swamiji Maharaj. Swamiji spoke on the occasion Gurudev’s teachings for attaining it. giving a discourse on the life of There was also question and answer. Worshipful Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji On 25th November Swamiji paid a Maharaj highlighting his stay in Malaya visit to Petaling Jaya Sub Branch to meet (present Malaysia) from 1913 to 1923, the devotees and attend their Satsanga. his subsequent Sadhana at Rishikesh, Sri Swamiji addressed them and gave a and his message of Divine Life. talk on the occasion, as a discourse on Accompanied by H.H. Sri Swami Swayamjayanandaji Maharaj, Swamiji the law of and its relevance for Maharaj visited Sungai Karangan spiritual seekers and for attaining the sub-Branch on 23 November. Swamiji Goal of life. attended the Satsanga arranged on the There was also a Satsanga arranged occasion in the sub-Branch Bhajanalaya by DLS Senawang Sub Branch at where a large number of enthusiastic Sivananda Memorial Centre, Seremban, devotees had assembled. Swamiji Maharaj addressed the devotees and where Worshipful Gurudev had rendered gave a discourse on the teachings of service for some years as a Doctor. Gurudev and the Divine Life Society, its Swamiji visited the Memorial Centre, objectives, etc. Swamiji also answered Mari Amman Temple where Gurudev questions of the devotees. worshipped and also attended the From there Swamiji proceeded to Satsanga. Devotees of Senawang Penang and attended Satsanga at the Sub-Branch and nearby places had also sub-Branch Penang on 24th November. attended. Swamiji Maharaj spoke on the 32 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014 occasion, mentioning about the life of 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th November Gurudev there and the importance of and 1st December, arranged for the selfless service as part of spiritual Inmates and interested devotees. These Sadhana as also the important programmes were on Bhakti teachings of Gurudev about Divine Life , —its Dharma and Swamiji also spoke to the pre-school Sadhana, Meditation—its technique and pupils on ‘Moral Values in Education’. obstacles, etc and Swamji Maharaj Swamiji also visited the Dispensary spoke at length on these topics on all the functioning at the Memorial Centre. days. On 25th November Swamiji visited On 30th November there was the Port Klang Sub Branch to attend the opening Ceremony of Sivananda Home, Satsanga of devotees. Swamiji Maharaj Batu Caves, which was attended by spoke to the devotees giving a discourse Swamiji. The Home Building has been highlighting the value of a virtuous life in recently built, with the kind and the spiritual path and the need to follow generous help and Patronage of the the basic virtues of “Be Good, Do Good”, Government of Malaysia, devotees, etc., as taught by Sri Gurudev. There donors and other noble members of the were some questions from devotees public. It has been very well designed which were answered by Swamiji and nicely built, keeping well in view the Maharaj. needs of the orphans and destitute for For visit to all these places H.H. Sri whom it is meant. There is great Swami Swayamjayanandaji Maharaj was dedicated participation and involvement present all along. There were big of the DLS Malaysia Branch and its gatherings of devotees at each of these Trustees, the Committee Members of the Sub Branches. The devotees were very Sivananda Home, other interested much inspired by Gurudev’s teachings devotees, organizers and the staff and were doing good work through the engaged in this noble work. Swamiji centres. Their participation was very addressed all who had gathered at the sincere and active. Swamiji Maharaj also function, speaking about the glory of met some individual devotees during the selfless service to needy people, visits. importance of education and moral During his stay at Batu Caves values, and also expressing deep Sivanandashram, Swamiji also attended appreciation for the noble work being the programmes at the Ashram on 25th, done at the Sivananda Home. * * * JANUARY 2014 NEWS AND REPORTS 33

REPORTS FROM THE DLS BRANCHES Ambala (Haryana): Regular 1000 Booklets in Odia were distributed Satsanga activities continued. The to the students and teachers as a part of Branch completed 10 years of free dissemination of spiritual knowledge. at Sri Gurugranth Sahib free homeo Barbil (Matkambeda-Odisha): 4 Dispensary, and the members of DLS weekly Satsangas, and 4 residential Ambala Branch were honoured. Jalseva Satsangas were conducted by the continued. Branch. About 630 patients have Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh): The undergone free Homeo treatment in Branch conducted regular Satsangas Sivananda Charitable Homeo and mobile Satsangas as per the routine Dispensary. Balvihar classes continued schedule. A Children’s Satsanga was on every Sunday. held on 2nd Sunday. All the devotees Bhuj-Kutch (Gujarat): Satsanga attended the Satsangas. activities continued regularly. On 8th Bhishmagiri (Odisha): Weekly November being the birth date of Satsangas were conducted regularly. Sadgurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Sadhana day on 8th and 24th of the Maharaj, 15th Chapter of Srimad month was observed. Festivals like Bhagavad Gita was recited by the school Deepavali, Govardhan , Vyas girls. A talk on ‘Gita—a divine gift by Purnima, were celebrated with Lord Krishna’—was held on 9th Puja, prayers, Gita and Bhagavata November. An Exhibition of photographs Parayana and concluded with Archana of the various programmes held at and Prasad. Special Go-seva was Sivananda Ashram collected from Divine done in the Kartika month by Life Magazine, and with books, was held distributing grass and straw to the cows which was attended by elders and many of the village on behalf of school children on 23rd November. temple of the village. Bangalore (Kanrataka): Sunday Berhampur (Odisha): Apart from Satsangas continued regularly. Weekly regular weekly, monthly and mobile Thursday Satsangas were held with Satsangas, Vishnu-sahasranama, Gita Paduka Puja, recitation of Gita, Parayana and Sundarakanda Parayana, Bhagavad Gita, Archana, Swadhyaya of the Branch conducted Sri Ramacharita Gurudev’s literature and chanting of Manas Parayana from 19th October to Sivananda Ashtottaram, Arati and 17th November, 2013. Sweets and concluded with distribution of Prasad. biscuits were distributed to patients of Lalita-sahasranama, MKCG Hospital, and food, clothes Vishnu-sahasranama, Mahatmyam distributed to the needy residents of old were recited on every Friday. On 17th age home. November, Akhanda Mahamantra Kirtan Bhubaneswar (Ashoknagar- was held. Yoga classes were Odisha): Daily Guru Paduka Puja, conducted at the Satsanga hall on all weekly Satsanga on Thursday continued Sundays. regularly. Sri Rama Jaya Rama Mantra Chatrapur (Odisha): Satsanga chanting was held on 24th of the month activities continued regularly. Relief for 3 hours. Health services were materials like blankets, bed-sheets, rendered regularly to the needy patients. biscuits, chocolates along with the 34 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014 photograph of Gurudev were distributed Khatiguda (Odisha): Sadhana day by the Branch to 401 cyclone victims in on 10th November, and Ekadasi different villages on different dates with Satsanga with Vishnu-sahasranama the kind donation of philanthropic Parayana on 13th and 29th November persons of different areas and devotees of were conducted by the Branch. Special the Branch. Puja was performed from 13th to 17th Digapahandi (Odisha): The Branch November in observance of Kartika conducted two times Puja, biweekly Panchaka. Special Gurupaduka Puja evening Satsanga on Thursday and was done on the concluding day with Guru Stotra, Kirtan, Bhajan and Sunday, Guru Paduka Puja on concluded with Prasad Sevan. Sivananda day and Chidananda day, and special evening Satsanga on Kantabanji (Odisha): Satsangas on day. all Sundays continued regularly with chanting of , Gita and concluded with Deogarh (Odisha): Satsanga Shanti Path. activities on all Sunday evenings continued regularly. 97th birthday of Lanjipalli (Berhampur-Odisha): H.H. Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj Weekly Satsanga activities were continued regularly. Pravachan on was celebrated in a most befitting Kartika Mahatmya from 8th to 10th manner with Paduka Puja, Bhajan, November, and Srimad Bhagavat Saptah Kirtan and discourse on Guru Mahima, from 11th to 17th November were Guru and distribution of Jnana conducted by the Branch. Discourses on Prasad and concluded with Prasad Bhagavata were also held and on the Sevan. concluding day i.e., Kartika Purnima, Jeypore (Odisha): Nine Satsangas Bhajan, Kirtan and Narayana Seva for were held along with twice-a-day Puja. about 1200 devotees were done. Sivananda day was observed on 8th Lanjipalli Ladies Branch November with Havan and concluded (Berhampur-Odisha): The Branch with Prasad Sevan. About 850 patients conducted Satsanga activities regularly. were treated by the Koraput district Relief work for the Cyclone affected areas charitable Homoeopathic dispensary free was undertook by the Branch on 28th of cost. October. Puja was observed Kabisurya Nagar (Odisha): Along from 4th to 12th October. Narayana Seva with regular Satsanga activities, 5th for about 100 poor and needy persons Punyatithi Aradhana of H.H. Sri Swami with Sattvic food and utensils was done Chidanandaji Maharaj was observed on on 20th October. 3rd September and 126th Birthday of Madhavapatnam (Kakinada-A.P.): Sadgurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Regular Satsanga activities, free medical Maharaj was celebrated on 8th camp and Narayana Seva continued. The September with Paduka Puja, prayer, Branch observed Kartika Sivaradhana Japa, meditation, Gita Parayana, Havan, and about 50 members and devotees grand procession and Narayana Seva. participated. Sadhana day was observed on 24th Nandini Nagar (Chhattisgarh): September as the birthday celebration of Daily Satsanga activities continued with H.H. Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj. Saturday Matri-satsangas and weekly JANUARY 2014 NEWS AND REPORTS 35 mobile Satsangas regularly. One hour Sunabeda (Odisha): Apart from Panchakshari Mantra Kirtan was regular Satsanga activities, the Branch conducted from 1st to 25th November, observed the Punyatithi Aradhana of observing Kartika month and a Havan H.H. Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj was performed on Kartika Purnima on with a special Satsanga. On 17th 18th November. November Kartrika Purnima was There was also a Havan on 23rd celebrated. Yoga classes continued in the November to mark the Branch Branch premises. Foundation Day. South Balanda (Odisha): Satsangas Lucknow (U.P.): A Satsanga was continued regularly. ‘Sivananda Divas’ conducted on 10th November with on 8th November, ‘Chidananda Divas’ on Bhajan, Kirtan, Gita Path and reading of 24th November were celebrated with Sri Gurudev and Sri Swami Guru Paduka Puja. On 23rd November Chidanandaji Maharaj’s literature. Sri Akhanda Mahamantra Kirtan was held Swami Dharmanishthanandaji Maharaj for the sake of world peace and universal visited the Branch and a Satsanga was brotherhood. Bhagavata Saptah was organized on 18th Nov. conducted from 11th to 17th November. Panchkula (Haryana): Satsangas Narayana Seva for about 1300 people continued regularly with chanting of was arranged on 17th November. Vedic Mantras, Japa, Bhajan, Kirtan, (U.P.): Satsanga was and reading of verses from conducted at ‘Vriddha Ashram’ on 10th Bhagavadgita. Special Kirtan was done and 24th November, with Bhajan, on the eve of Deepavali with children Kirtan, Japa, , prayers singing Ram Bhajan. Yoga classes, movie for all and concluded with distribution of show, distribution of clothes and Prasad to all who participated. Prasadam to 150 children, were held. Vishakhapatnam (A.P.): Regular Steel Township (Rourkela- Satsanga activities continued. As a part Odisha): 3 mobile Satsangas were conducted and 3 Sadhana days were of Narayana Seva 16 blankets were observed on 10th 17th, 24th November, distributed to a nearby old-age home. In with Gurupaduka Puja, the Kartika Maasam, Rudrabhishekam Chalisa, Gita Path, Bhajan and Kirtan was done on every Monday morning and and concluded with Prasad Sevan by the evening. public. Surendranagar (Gujarat): Besides Rourkela (Odisha): Regular regular Satsangas, weekly Sundara Satsanga activities continued. Guru Kanda Parayana and discourses on Paduka Puja, , Archana were continued. Gujarati done on 8th and 24th of every month. translation of ‘Sivananda Biography of a Free medicines were distributed to poor Modern Sage’ and the English book and needy patients. On 11th November, ‘’ was released by H.H. Sri Swami the Branch organized a special function Nirliptanandaji Maharaj. Gowseva and to commemorate the birth centenary distribution of raw eatables to the needy celebration of H.H. Sri Swami were taken up by the Branch on 8th of Chidanandaji Maharaj in Odisha. the month. 36 THE DIVINE LIFE JANUARY 2014

OVERSEAS BRANCHES where Gurudev had worked in the Dispensary when he was in Malaysia. On Malaysia: H.H. Sri Swami 29th Sri Swamiji attended the Satsanga Nirliptanandaji Maharaj, Vice-President, organized by the DLS port Klang DLS Headquarters, visited the Branch. Sub-branch and gave a discourse on Sri Swamiji arrived at KLIA Airport on 21 ‘Teachings of Gurudev and importance of November, 2013, and was received by a life of virtues’, which was followed by a H.H. Sri Swami Swayam Jayanandaji question-answer session. On 30th Maharaj and others and was headed to November, Swamiji attended the Batu Caves Ashram. On 22nd November function of opening of Sivananda home Sri Swamiji Maharaj conducted the which is a Home for destitute children Satsang and spoke on ‘The Life of and formally opened it. On the occasion Gurudev, his teachings and importance Swamiji Maharaj spoke on “Importance of worship’ to the gathering of 80 of education, Moral Values and Value of devotees. On 23rd there was Satsanga at Selfless Service” and blessed all. On 1st Northern region and Sri Swamiji was December, Swamiji Maharaj conducted a received with traditional welcome by guided meditation session at Batu Caves Sungai Karangam sub Branch. Swamiji Ashram and spoke on ‘obstacles in Maharaj spoke on ‘Gurudev’s spiritual Meditation’. Swamiji Maharaj left journey from Malaysia to Rishikesh, Malaysia on 2nd December, for Delhi Teachings of Gurudev and actitives of and was sent off by H.H. Sri Swami Divine Life Society.’ On 24th there was Swayamjayananda and others at the Satsang at Penang Sub-Branch. After a Airport. traditional welcome Swamiji Maharaj spoke on ‘Purusharthas, teachings of Hong Kong (China): Along with Gurudev and the ways to attain Eternal Regular Satsang activities, the Branch Peace’. Afterwards Sri Swamiji visited conducted special Satsangas in the Prai-Sub-Branch and after the talk, august presence and guidance of H.H. there was a question and answers Sri Swami Yogaswarupanandaji session. 120 devotees participated. On Maharaj, Vice-President, DLS 25th Swamiji Maharaj discoursed on Headquarters from 1st to 13th ‘Sannyasa Dharma’ at Batu Caves. He November. Deepavali was celebrated on also attended a Satsanga at Petaling 3rd November. On the 4th and 6th Jaya—Sub-Branch and spoke on November, 2 sessions of lectures were ‘Gurudev’s Teachings and God delivered by Sri Swamiji Maharaj on Realisation’. From 27th to 30th ‘Sivananda Yoga’ in the North Point Yoga November, Swamiji Maharaj spoke on Centre. On 5th there was an evening ‘Narada Bhakti Sutras’ meditation and public talk on the topic “Yoga Explained” its techniques, Moral Values and at Leighton Hill Community hall in Education at Batu Caves Ashram. On Happy Valley. Between 8th and 10th 28th November Swamiji attended a November, in an annual retreat Sri Satsanga organized by DLS Senawang Swamiji Maharaj conducted 4 sessions Sub Branch and spoke on ‘Life of of lectures on the topic ‘The Bhagavad Gurudev and Importance of Worship’, Gita Explained—In Daily Life’. Between and also addressed the Pre-school Pupils 4th and 6th November, Swamiji also on ‘Moral Values and Education’. conducted Gita Classes and Satsanga for Swamiji Maharaj also visited the site a group of Indian devotees. ’ ’ ’