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April/May/June, 2002-----US$5.95

Affi rming Sanatana and Recording the Modern History of a Billion-Strong Global Religion in Renaissance

In Remembrance Sivaya COVER: , founder/publisher of TODAY ; (above) of the Sri Siddhi Vinayaga Temple Subramuniyaswami welcome with a shower of fl ower petals during his 1981 renaissance tour of Malaysia to inspire and uplift the nation’s (1927-2001) . The Tamil Aum on the cover and the and Tamil borders on inside pages are from Gurudeva’s own calligraphy. April/May/June, 2002 • Hindu Year 5104 Chitrabhanu, the Year of Varied Splendors

www.gurudeva.org COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE Renaissance Guru: Global Conferences, One at the UN, Publisher’s Desk: Gurudeva’s Successor, Satguru Bodhi- Were Enriched by His Persuasive Presence 46 natha Veylanswami, Introduces Our Special Issue 6 Solidarity: He Used this Magazine to Encourage and Tributes: Moving Testimonies and Personal Stories Support Every Hindu Leader’s Good Works 48 Speak of Lives Touched by the Spirited Swami 8 Interfaith Matters: Ethical Conversion, Acceptance In My Opinion: Architect V. Ganapati Sthapati on of Converts and Those Returning to Hinduism 50 Gurudeva’s Impact on Temple Traditions 13 Breaking Ground: Practical Advice and Lord ’s Quotes and Quips: He Had a Way with Words— Grace Helped Dozens of Temples Worldwide 51 Profound, Practical and Often Humorous 14 Publishing: Setting High Hindu Standards Autobiography: He Speaks Revealingly of Early Life for Art, Graphics and Articulate English 54 and Training, Plus a Biographical Timeline 16 Commentary: Swami Agnivesh’s Candid Impressions Spiritual Depths: A Life’s Mission Based on Personal of Gurudeva’s Personal Impact on Him 57 Realization of the Highest Truths 26 Accolades: The Famous and Not-So-Famous of : Shum, a Language Developed to Map the Adored the Tall, White-Haired Western Sage 58 Subtle World of 32 Sri Lankans: A Confl ict-Driven Diaspora Took On Global Fellowship: Tough Trials for Those Seeking Spiritual Meaning Under His Wide Umbrella 62 Initiation from this Orthodox Guru 34 Ministry: “Don’t Feed Us Rice, Teach Us to Grow Rice,” Monastic Order: At the Heart of the Master’s Magic, Begged the Island Nation of 64 Dedicated Swamis, and Sadhakas 38 Mission: The Marvelous Malaysians Proved Worthy Family Community: Under His Guidance, Families Devotees and Able Supporters of His Work 66 Worldwide Found a Disciplined and Joyous Life 40 Biographical Overview: An Impossible Summary Mission: The Worldwide Hindu Renaissance Bears of His Fifty-Two Years of Key Achievements 68 the Stamp of His Innovative Mind 42 Digital Dharma: The Depth, Breadth and Impact of Gurudeva’s Resourceful Internet Websites 86 Letters to the editor, subscription and editorial inquiries should be sent to , 107 Kaholalele Road, Kapaa, 96746-9304 USA. E-mail: [email protected]. HINDUISM TODAY (issn# 0896-0801), April/May/June, 2002, Volume 24, No. 2. Editorial: 1-808-822-7032 (ext. 234); subscriptions: 1-808-822-7032 (ext. 247) or (in USA) 1-888-464-1008, e-mail: [email protected]; advertising: (USA) 1-800-850-1008, (overseas) 1-808-822-7032 (ext. 233). All-department fax: 1-808-822-4351. HINDUISM TODAY is published quarterly by Himalayan Academy, a nonprofi t educa- tional institution; Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, Founder; Satguru , Publisher; Paramacharya Palaniswami, Editor-in- Chief. USA subscriptions: us$35/1 year, $65/2 years, $95/3 years, $155/5 years $1,001/lifetime. Write for international rates. Also distributed through major subscription agencies worldwide. Call 1-808-822-7032 for bulk orders (ext. 233) or permission to publish a HINDUISM TODAY article (ext. 227) or fax 1-808-822-4351. Printed in USA. © 2002 himalayan academy, 107 kaholalele road, kapaa, hawaii 96746-9304 usa. all rights reserved.

Canada . . . . CAD 7.50 UK ...... GBP 3.75 Trinidad. . TTD 36.00 www.hinduism Member: 1998 Links2Go Malaysia. . . MYR 10.00 India . . . . .INR 85.00 today.com Associated Press Key Resource Award Singapore. . . SGD 7.50 Brazil . . . BRL 10.55 ICELAND Mt. McKinley FINLAND NORWAY Anchorage Helsinki Stockholm Oslo St. Petersburg CANADA ESTONIA Sitka Brande RUSSIA Copenhagen Helsingborg 1967 Yoga Conference Edmonton 1990 Moscow Renaissance Tours Warnemunde Vancouver Global Forum 1988 Oxford Global Forum 82 South Africa London Berlin Calgary 83 Ke'e Beach 92 Canada Princeville Seattle 1995 Toronto Saiva Paris Siddhanta Conference 1993 95 Europe Hanalei Toronto Ascona Bay Parliament 95 South Pacific 's Kapaa of World Hindu Religions Milan 96 India Lansing Concord Salt Lake City New York Skopje Kokee and Iraivan Chicago Bethesda Barcelona Rome Temple Polihale Beach Livermore Denver Cincinnati Madrid Fremont 2000 Millennium Lisbon JAPAN Peace Summit, New York PORTUGAL Athens Algiers Tunis Tehran Osaka Tokyo Los Angeles TUNISIA Baghdad Jammu CHINA San Diego Scottsdale Poipu Beach IRAQ IRAN Shanghai San Antonio 1972 Delhi Yoga Houston PAKISTAN Sebastian Delhi Conference Fort Lauderdale ALGERIA NEPAL Ahmedabad TAIWAN T’ai-pei Kauai BANGLADESH Hong Kong Honolulu CUBA Ujjain Kolkata MEXICO Maui INDIA Virgin Islands Hawaii THAILAND HAWAIIAN Guadaloupe Bangalore Bangkok ISLANDS TRINIDAD & Chennai CAMBODIA Cochin Kailua TOBAGO Elephant Madurai PHILIPPINES Kona Alaveddy VENEZUELA Pass Kopay SRI LANKA MALAYSIA Kinniyai 1983 Saiva Kuala Lumpur Anuradhapura Siddhanta Conference PAPUA in Kuala Lumpur Singapore NEW Kandy Batticaloa Nineteen Travel Study Programs in 32 years GUINEA Colombo #1: 1967 Actinic's World Tour Badulla INDONESIA #2: 1968 Innersearch

Jalani Caves #3: 1968 Innersearch Hawaii BRAZIL #4: 1969 Innersearch Switzerland Tahiti #5: 1969 India Odyssey FIJI FIJI #6: 1970 Tahiti/Ceylon Odyssey MAURITIUS 1992 Earth Summit #7: 1970 Innersearch Switzerland MADAGASCAR Goodlands Rivière du Rempart RÉUNION Port Louis #8: 1970 Innersearch Hawaii Beau Centré de Flacq Bassin AUSTRALIA #9: 1971 Innersearch Hawaii Réduit 39 Temples Grand Bassin #10: 1972 India Odyssey Gurudeva Mahébourg SOUTH AFRICA Durban helped establish Perth #11: 1973 Innersearch Hawaii Chemin Grenier #12: 1974 Innersearch Hawaii Sydney Auckland Gurudeva's first #13: 1980 Innersearch India Auckland trip to India & Lanka Melbourne 1947–1949 #14: 1981 Innersearch India NEW #15: 1982 Innersearch India ZEALAND NEW ZEALAND #16: 1987 Innersearch India #17: 1999 Alaska Cruise International conferences #18: 2000 Caribbean Cruise #19: 2001 European Cruise Gurudeva ’s World His Major Journeys, Innersearch Tours, Conferences and Temples Supported—1947 to 2001 PUBLISHER’S DESK He Gave Us Earthly And Philosophical ools Honoring Gurudeva’s numberless achievements and reflecting on his perceptions of the three pillars

BY SATGURU BODHINATHA VEYLANSWAMI

s most readers are aware, our As you might imagine, it beloved Satguru Sivaya Subramuniya- was a rich and enriching swami, founder and publisher of HIN- experience for those of us DUISM TODAY, passed away last who had the privilege of November, leaving a half-century lega- creating this special issue of cy of work that sparked a Hindu renaissance and HINDUISM TODAY. Not just a a global fellowship led by a monastic order from few tears were quietly shed five nations to continue his vision. as we perused thousands of Gurudeva departed from this world as valiantly photos and recalled our as he had lived in it. After spending all of August many years, almost 40, with traveling and teaching in Europe in his dynamic a being who was our precep- manner, he returned to suddenly learn on Octo- tor, mother, father and best ber 9, 2001, that he had advanced intestinal can- friend all rolled into one. But, cer. When teams of eminent specialists in three emotions aside, he raised us states all concurred that the most aggressive to be strong, and he assured treatments would be ineffective, he declined any treatment beyond us that he would be helping us “twenty- palliative measures and courageously decided to follow the yogic four hours a day” from the inner worlds. To practice, called in Sanskrit scripture, to abstain from this we can each now personally attest. nourishment and take water only from that day on. He left his body With this brief introduction, on with the peacefully on the 32nd day of his fast, at 11:54 pm on Monday, No- show! May this commemoration of the life vember 12 in Chitra nakshatra, surrounded by his monastics. His of a rare, illuminated , beloved by all death itself was a potent lesson in courage and detachment. who knew him, inspire you to go forth with In the first weeks of his fast, Gurudeva initiated me as the new courage on the path of which he so bril- satguru and seamlessly transferred his responsibilities to me. Con- liantly taught, the path of personal self- cerned for others, even on his deathbed, days before his Great transformation through leading to Union he whispered in assurance, “Everything that is happening is realization of God, the Divine within all. good. Everything that is happening is meant to be.” He asked devotees worldwide to carry his work and institutions forward The Three Pillars of Hinduism with unstinting vigor, to keep one another strong on the spiritual As Gurudeva’s successor and the new pub- path, to live in harmony and to work diligently on their personal lisher, it is my responsibility to oversee and spiritual , noting, “You are all over-qualified to carry on.” further HINDUISM TODAY’S mission of This entire issue of the magazine is dedicated to this contempo- spreading knowledge of Hinduism world- rary , each feature focusing on another color in his vivid rain- wide and countering myth and misunder- bow of deeds. The world map on the gatefold hints at his global standing. I had the honor to work closely impact. Letters to the Editor carries personal tributes culled from with Gurudeva for 37 years, assisting him

hundreds of communications received in the weeks surrounding in ministering to his Church members and a. manivelu his transition. In “Making of a Master” you will read Gurudeva’s to the broader Hindu world. During that own account of the training that prepared him for his mission, time, I discerned that his approach to each situation was designed along with a biographical timeline. In three feature sections we at- to strengthen what he called the three pillars of Hinduism: the tempt to capture diverse aspects of his genius. “Mystical Master” temples, the philosophy and the satgurus. He worked systematical- explores his inner side, profound realizations, visions and yogic ly, dynamically at this through this magazine, his books and cours- teachings. “Renaissance Rishi” focuses on his transforming impact es, his bold, often fiery, , and in private encounters on the Hindu world, reviving tradition, rekindling pride and dis- with thousands of devotees and students. pelling misconceptions and misunderstandings. “Gracious Guru” Gurudeva was in touch with dozens of Hindu communities in takes you into his tropical ashram, capturing his monastic order North America and Europe over the last twenty years. Whenever and the lives of his congregation. speaking to them, he would stress the central importance of build-

6 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 Garland of Grace: Surrounded by a sea of cobalt energy, Lord Siva wraps a festoon of coral jasmine flowers around a satguru’s head. The awakened satguru is one of three pillars which sustain Hin- duism, along with our holy temples and revealed scriptures.

ple in Scarborough on July 7, 2000. Temples are indeed the center of our lives, with everything we have coming from them. Through temples the great Gods are able to contact and inspire us to im- prove our lives, to see God everywhere, to seek love and harmony in all situations, starting in our home and then with everyone we meet. As we become more stable in this harmonious relationship, we are inspired to bring forth the culture, to share what we have so it may be passed on to the next generation.” Temple trustees regularly visited Kauai Aadheenam, primarily to update Gurudeva on the status of their temple, sharing current problems and seeking his advice. Many of these temples had been in existence for ten or more years, had a well-established - hood and a routine of daily pujas and yearly festivals. Gurudeva encouraged the trustees of such mature temples to take the next step of starting a teaching program to educate the younger genera- tion. He knew that in most instances the younger generation has very little understanding of the outer meaning or inner esoterics of the pujas; nor do they understand the nature of the Gods. Thus he suggested the trustees regularly invite swamis to visit their temple and give talks on these important matters. When visiting temples, as well as in personal discussions with Hindus, Gurudeva stressed the importance of acquiring an under- standing of the basics of , most perfectly expressed in the and Agamas, our scriptures of highest au- thority, but also in many other holy texts. He would point out that Hinduism has four principal denominations—Saivism, , and Smartism—and each is philosophically somewhat different than the others. Thus, he asked Hindus when listening to talks and reading books to determine which denomination within Hinduism is being presented. This core message, heard by thou- sands, caused many Hindus to reflect more deeply on the ques- tion: “To which of these four denominations do I belong?” As a result, Hindus became knowledgeable about their heritage and were more inclined to declare themselves Saivites or Smartas, Vaishnavas or Shaktas. Gurudeva strengthened the place of the preceptor in Hinduism. He did this by putting forward distinguished swamis and their messages, such as through the Minister’s Message page in HINDUISM TODAY, by encouraging temples to invite swamis to come and lecture, and by the example he set in working with his own sishyas, close devotees. Gurudeva gave initiation neither quickly nor casually. Rather, he insisted on an extensive preparation that included study, subconscious purification and penance. He also closely guided the lives of each of his devotees, in recent years making use of e-mail as a most effective way to communicate with such a geographically widespread group. In his latest book, Living with Siva, Gurudeva shared his perspective on guiding his sishya’s lives: “Preceptors are not entertainers, content to be lauded or bowed down to in adulation. Rather, they must benefit their fol- lowers’ lives, lessen their karmic burdens and strengthen the fami- ly, hold marriages together, as well as seek out potential religious ing traditional temples, explaining that the temple is needed to leaders and train them well. They must follow the of each preserve Hindu culture. Without temples, he stated, the culture individual and each family year after year, and they must be there will gradually disappear. He was affirming that Saint Auvaiyar’s for devotees when needed most.” dictum, “Do not live in a village that has no temple,” still applies to Gurudeva never faulted Hinduism’s past and never feared for its us in modern times. present or future. If the temples are destroyed, he would declare, Temple groups often sought his message for the souvenir cele- the philosophically adept will see that they are rebuilt. If the scrip- brating their kumbhabhishekam, consecration ceremony. In June, tures are burned, the satgurus will rewrite them, and if the satgu- 2000, he wrote to Hindus in Toronto: “Many blessings on the occa- rus disappear, the Gods in the temples will guide old to sion of the kumbhabhishekam of the Canada Kanthaswamy Tem- reincarnate to teach about dharma and God Realization.

april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 7 TRIBUTES AND TESTIMONIALS catch in the mystic net of Sage Yogaswam- Swami Ghananandaji this path, insisting one has to be born a Hin- ikal. It was a divine act, a divine ordination, , Hindu du. You gave me the tools to practice Hindu- His Holiness Swami Buaji chemical warfare in our own community. By us through the ocean of for the past beyond the ken of mortals, as subsequent Monastery of Africa, ism: I learned how to do , how to wor- Maharaj, New York: this he meant the terrorism of domestic vi- 30 years. Thank you for guiding our chil- events have proved, supremely great! As- Odorkor, Accra, Ghana: ship in a temple, how to feel the darshan of The sublime substance of olence and chemical warfare of drug abuse. dren into adulthood. tounding! The life, mission and mandate of Ever since my first con- a Deity, how to participate in the great fes- Saiva Siddhanta was suc- Peace begins at home, he reminded us, and His Holiness Satguru Sivaya Subramuniya- tact with His Holiness tivals. Without these tools I would still be a cinctly spread all over the where we can make the most difference is in Prithviraj Putten, Mem- swami led him to the founding of Saiva Sid- through the Hinduism wanderer and seeker. Your teachings echoed world by this saint. How our own community. ber of Parliament, Deputy dhanta Church and a monastic order in Today magazine I have the old motto, “Keep it simple, stupid,” re- was this possible for some- Speaker of the Legisla- Hawaii—a magnificent task! This will ever always had informed discourses and ex- minding me to work first on and body who was born and Swami Omkarananda tive Assembly, Mauritius: remain a monument to his spiritual fervor, changes with him. He has always offered , to learn to be a better husband, for brought up in a totally different culture? It Saraswati, Switzerland: Our Gurudeva is closer to proclaiming worldwide, East and West, in very useful advice to me regarding the path instance, before grappling with existential could not be anything other than an un- Our powers of perception us all, nearer than breath. trumpet tones that the Swamikal was a trail of sannyas, and I will forever remember him ontologies. breakable bond from the previous birth— and presentation are inad- He is the sun. We are all blazer of Lord Siva’s choice to glorify the for this. May His soul have its deserved so- poorva janma bandham. He has done what- equate to describe this blessed to work with him spiritual heritage and essence of Saiva Sid- lace at the sojourn of the Great Souls. Maryanne Kusaka, Honor- ever was ordained by God and gone back Satguru, the glorious and and be under his umbrella for future cen- dhanta—the universality of Lord Siva! able Mayor of Kauai: Gu- now and merged with Him. The Kauai Aad- inspiring embodiment of turies. He is the life of my life, and I will al- Devant Maharaj, Sanatan Dharma Maha rudeva was a shining ex- heenam will continue his noble work. His the invincible, indestructi- ways remain Eternal to my Gurudeva. Every Ma Tiwari, Candler, Sabha Inc. Trinidad and Tobago: ample of goodness in a books will speak for many, many more years. ble, eternal all-comprehensive Light of Hin- morning I perform a special puja to Gu- USA: I have felt the Great Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami graced world sorely in need of Iraivan Temple will reverberate with his duism. Is it not so that if Lord who rudeva, placing fresh water on the shrine One’s presence in my life, the shores of Trinidad last year and visited one. He was a wise men- words for many more centuries. The spiritu- as Lord worshipped Lord Siva at table, lighting sandalwood, calling the guiding and encouraging the Maha Sabha Headquarters and held dis- tor to many. He was a kind al awareness brought about by him among Rameshwaram, were here in a physical ten- Kailasa Parampara of the Nandi Natha Sam- me.... Now, more than cussions with pundits and the general Hin- and attentive father to the Hindus of Western countries is just ement, He would say that “of all satgurus, I pradaya. I then place a slightly opened white ever, I feel his Eminent du community here in Trinidad. He has to Kauai’s children and families of all faiths. He amazing. Gurudeva’s unique method of ex- am Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami”? rose bud for Paramaguru Siva Presence strongly and I be considered among the ranks of the vi- will be ever hovering in our collective soul— plaining the most complex principles in the and another white rose flower for Gurudeva know beyond a shadow of sionary Hindu leaders that the world has a white dove—a vision of beauty and purity. simplest way was astounding. The most com- Ravi Duggirala, Memphis in front of his picture. I then offer sambrani, doubt that his Light will forever guide my si- produced. Hinduism Today remains the He will continue to show himself in all that plicated philosophies appeared as the sim- USA: I always respected fruit, saffron honey and flower petals to Gu- lence. As I sit in my middle years in con- only medium that unites Hindus globally. is good as we who loved him follow in his ra- plest and easiest messages in his hands, but Gurudeva for being forth- rudeva’s feet and beard while singing. I fi- templation of Gurudeva’s splendor on this The Hindu universe is indeed a great deal diant light. with the same power and essence. right, concise, logical and nally meditate a bit and read Merging with glorious day, my heart aches. I shall miss poorer with the loss of such a great and vi- absolute with his answers Siva and Living with Siva. Gurudeva is the Him. Like nature herself bringing tears to sionary leader. The life and service of Satgu- Puvaneswary Roberts, S. Sivapalasingam, Colombo, Sri Lanka: regarding anything. When- life of all the devotees. He is the Sun and is ancient eyes, here Blue Ridge mountains, ru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami will no doubt Netherlands: He helped During the last two decades with my satgu- ever I was around him, I Effulgent Light. Aum. , speak his simple, pure meaning: be a shining beacon for all Hindus to aspire. me to understand the pur- ru, His Holiness had been generous, caring, felt this energy. The best Sadhaka Supreme—in whom word and pose of my life. I am able considerate, loving and compassionate. In way I could describe it was the feeling of Soma Sundaram, Califor- meaning, love and heart had no separation. A. Vaithilingam, Malaysia to see dharma, and have March, 1983, at the Subramuniya Ashram in walking on the edge of a sword. I remember nia, USA: Gurudeva, it has Hindu Sangam: The vacu- the courage to face my Alaveddy (Jaffna) while Sri Muthusamy Ku- at the book signing in Memphis. I was stand- been such a privilege and Ravichandran Krishnan, Johor, Malaysia: um left affects the whole karmas. Before, I too rukkal performed rites and Nataraj- ing right next to him. The energy was so in- a blessing to be on this Though I have known Gurudeva since I was Hindu world, and it can asked the question “Why nathaswami chanted 1008 Sri Man- tense, like being next to the Sun. I thought to Earth the same 18, and revered him, I wasn’t in tune with never be easily filled. Gu- me? What have I done to deserve the loss of tras, my satguru placed both palms on my not touch Gurudeva since some did time as you. Thank you his Highness’s teachings. Then last year in rudeva brought Saivism to my father at age five?” But, now it is my kar- head and uttered the holy “Aum Na- not like being touched without permission. for introducing me to my June at Singapore’s Senbagavinayagar’s tem- the world, especially to ma, and all of life is a challenge, but I know masivaya” into my right ear. It was a power- At that exact moment, he leaned into me Hindu Gods, my guardian ple visit, I took a day off and waited patient- the Western world, and I have God Siva’s presence with me to cope ful diksha that changed my life. and put his arm around me. I still remember devas and my wonderful Saivite religion. ly the whole day to see Gurudeva and touch has also played a leading role in uniting the with and overcome the challenges. him smiling at me, and I promise that I Thank you for giving me daily lessons for his feet at all cost! Upon Gurudeva’s arrival, Hindus of the world. In fact, Gurudeva has S. Arunasalam, Alaveddy, could hear him laughing gently in my head. life, for each day of the year, for during the arati; my mind was transfixed put Hinduism on the map of the world. Linda Masterson, Kauai, USA: I cherish the Sri Lanka: There is noth- As I write this, emotions of love and happi- Shum, Tyeif, for building Hindu temples, for and felt engulfed in rays of light. It was like things I have learned from you, Gurudeva: ing so distressing as Guru- ness flow over me. taking me to India, for giving me Aum magnetic force, and I lost total conscious- Chaitanya Christensen, USA: Although Vaish- 1) that oneness with God is the supreme hu- deva’s departure. It is an Namasivaya mantra and for the guidance ness. I felt like I had merged into Gurudeva’s navas don’t usually praise other gurus, I feel man endeavor and that it is an endeavor that inestimable loss to the Aran Veylan, Edmonton, you have given me and my children. light. The feeling is incredible. Now I am a this is appropriate, since His Holiness was the simplest ordinary human can embrace; whole of humanity. My Canada: To the Lotus Feet completely different person. not an ordinary being. He was born a white 2) that a path to God can honor all paths to heart is full of anguish at of the Birthless and Radheyshyam Dwivedi, American and still demonstrated the univer- God; 3) that being devoted to a life of reli- the thought that I will not Deathless One, you have Hindu Swayamsevak Lavina Melwani, New York sal nature and application of Sanatana Dhar- gious service includes being joyful and vi- be able to feel his physical presence and prepared us well for this Sangh, Inc., USA: USA: Gurudeva was always ma to millions of people all over the planet. brant and humorous and delighted with life read his letters and writings. The only con- moment. The mathavasis Gurudeva left a rich leg- so loving, witty and cheer- He helped bring our ancient traditions into and people; 4) that peace is always in my solation is that he has left behind fourteen are strong, stainless and acy of exemplary asceti- ful that he brought a won- the 21st century, revitalizing them without heart, that my heart is a place of worship swamis in whom he will reside and guide united. The cism, and derful added dimension to threatening their integrity in any way. Al- and that worship can be constant, with each them to continue his work unabated. He was also stand as one. Centuries from now, when spiritual philanthropy. He religion, making it joyful though his school of Saiva Siddhanta is very breath; 5) what it is to be good neighbors, to born with a world mission and he has ful- these bodies have all long passed, when the had a profound influence and celebratory rather orthodox, he skillfully addressed every last share celebration and bounty and kinship filled it perfectly well. fragrance of the blossoming of Gurudeva’s on countless individuals through his dedi- than somber. I can honest- contemporary issue from abortion, abuse of with our circle of neighbors; 6) to honor mission is carried wherever the wind blows, cated scholarship and charismatic teaching. ly say his writings have made my own reli- women, aging, to media control, consum- public officials, whether I agreed with their Mary Earle Chase, Kauai: I last saw Gurude- children will wonder what it must have been We hold him in the highest esteem as the gion more accessible to me and my children. erism, genocide, genetic engineering, to de- policies or not, for the office they were hold- va at a meeting of our Vision Kauai group like to have been alive at the same time as champion of Hindu renaissance in the He wrote with such clarity that I consult his forestation and environmentalism. ing was sacred and deserved my respect which he attended on September 23rd. The Gurudeva, to have walked and talked and Western world. works when I write about Hinduism. My and 7) that holding a grand vision is not fool- group, which includes many of Kauai’s lead- laughed with him, to have asked questions, son and daughter, brought up in America, Kailash Dhaksinamurthi, Minneapolis, USA: ish when it is held on behalf of the commu- ers, discussed the terrorist attacks–how they and to have received answers….What a Arunasalam Sellathurai Swamikal, run to check Dancing with Siva any time a Thank you for so many things in this life. nity interest, that temples to last a thousand might affect us and what we should do. wonderful, precious gift you have given to Sivathondan Society, Jaffna, Sri Lanka: question pertaining to rituals and religion First, your teachings and support have guid- years and endowments of $5 billion are pos- Calmly, Gurudeva urged us to take the op- all of us. Thank you, Gurudeva, for your love Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami was a comes up in their lives. ed me to find my true religion—Sanatana sible when a pure heart and a clear intent is portunity to address the terrorism and and understanding. Thank you for guiding spiritual whale of the Occident, a prize Dharma—when other leaders discouraged focused on these goals.

8 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 9 Benjamin J. Cayetano, Governor, State of Hawaii: Subramuniyaswami leaves an impressive legacy, in- cluding his efforts to re- duce violence and his commitment to the future of Hinduism around the globe. He will be sorely missed by his fol- lowers and by the residents of Kauai, who affectionately referred to him as Gurudeva.

Mihir Meghani, Hindu Students Council, USA: For years, Hindu Students Council members have read Hinduism Today for news and information about Hindu religious systems, philosophies and issues affecting Hindus. Guruji’s books and editorials have guided many Hindu students in their lives. Our as- sociation with the swamis under him has helped our organization grow and has reaf- firmed our dedication to Hindu dharma.

S. Perampalam, Malaysian Ceylon Saivites Assoc.: Swamiji was the greatest jnani, the Lion of Dharma and leader of the modern day Saivite renaissance. He was a wise, revered mentor and a radiant light who defended Hindu Dharma. Swamiji’s multifarious accomplishments and his pro- found leadership inspired intense love and loyalty in his followers.

Hari Bansh Jha, Kathmandu, Nepal: I always looked at him as my guide, master or Guru. He impressed me most in Rishikesh when he said, “Don’t feel that you are alone!” This one sentence had a great impact on my life. I don’t know how the possible vacuum to be created in his absence will help us in pursuit of our spiritual journey. I feel bereaved.

Dee See Mana, , USA: Love is all there is and this is what he gave the Hopi Peoples. He was also a protector of my very small projects. And, without all the monks, I would have been defeated so long ago. He has meant much to us, the Hopi, and others in need.

Letters with writer’s name, address and daytime phone number, should be sent to: Letters, Hinduism Today 107 Kaholalele Road Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-9304 USA or faxed to: (808) 822-4351 or e-mailed to: [email protected]

Letters may be edited for space and clarity and may appear in electronic versions of HINDUISM TODAY.

10 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 Hinduism today 11 IN MY OPINION Reflecting on Gurudeva How he supported our ancient temple science

BY DR. V. GANAPATI STHAPATI HINDU RENAISSANCE TEAM

HINDUISM TODAY was founded January 5, 1979, uch was the brilliance As per his advice for the Irai- by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami. It is a Satguru Sivaya Subramu- van Temple, no machines are nonprofit educational activity of Himalayan niyaswami’s personality employed in the handling of the Academy with the following purposes: 1.To fo s - emanated that in my career stones, right from the quarry to ter Hindu solidarity as a unity in diversity as a sthapati I really feel blessed the assembling of the finished among all sects and lineages; 2. To inform and to have been closely associated pieces at the temple site over- inspire Hindus worldwide and people interest- with him. With a stinging pain seen by me. Only the tradition- ed in Hinduism; 3. To dispel myths, illusions 4. in my mind on the departure of al chisel and hammer are em- and misinformation about Hinduism; To pro - the immortal soul from among ployed. He fully agreed with tect, preserve and promote the sacred Vedas and the Hindu religion; 5. To nurture and mon- us, yet with a feeling of pride me when told that the use of itor the ongoing spiritual Hindu renaissance; and privilege, I share my dynamite to detonate the rock 6. To publish a resource for Hindu leaders and thoughts. endangers its subtle quality. He had high educators who promote Sanatana Dharma. Join I first met him in 1973 when I was the appreciation for the ancient Indian technol- this by sending letters, clippings, reports on principal of the Government College of Ar- ogy and science of Vastu which holds the events and encouraging others to subscribe. chitecture and Sculpture, Mahabalipuram. stones to be living entities, capable of re- He visited the college and had discussions sponding through vibrations. Within each Founder: Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami on the ancient scriptures of Silpa Sastra, and every stone there resides a divine vi- Publisher: Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami Agama Sastra. The very sight of the tall fig- bration, which accounts for the spiritual Editor-in-Chief: Paramacharya Palaniswami ure with a lustrous face and sparkling eyes ambiance of a temple. He held high regards Publisher’s Aide: Paramacharya Ceyonswami made me feel that the man sitting before for the silpi stone carvers. The whole of the Deputy Editor: Kumarswami me was not an ordinary soul, but one walk- silpi community is indebted to this benevo- Managing Editor: Sannyasin Arumugaswami ing the Earth with an extraordinary vision. lent guru. Graphics Director: Sannyasin Natarajnathaswami As we were discussing, I noticed that Gu- Gurudeva personified the true Hindu cul- Production Manager: Sannyasin Sivakatirswami rudeva was very keenly listening to what I ture, and through the establishment of the Managing Ed’s Aide: Sadhaka Jivanandanatha narrated on the ancient of India, Kauai Aadheenam in Hawaii, he has laid Advertising and Subscriptions: Sadhaka Jothinatha humbly nodding for each and every one of the foundation for a cultural revival and Editorial Consultant: Sadhaka Thondunatha my elucidations. I felt as though he was spread of the rich culture and tradition of Correspondents: Choodamani Sivaram, Bangalore; Ra- counter-checking his own inferences and Hinduism. In Gurudeva I have always found jiv Malik, Prabha Prabhakar Bhardwaj, Madhu Kish- experiences on the ancient scriptures of In- an enthusiastic admirer of the science of war, Delhi; Mangala Prasad Mohanty, Orissa; V. S. dia. By then in the background the chisel- the Vastu , into which he delved Gopalakrishnan, Kerala; Basudeb Dhar, Bangladesh; ing sound from the stone workshop of the deep, drawing remarkable insights on the Krishan Dutt, England; Archana Dongre, Los Angeles; college was heard quite audibly, and that sacred architecture of the land of Bharat. Lavina Melwani, New York; Dr. Hari Bansh Jha, drew his attention. Himself a born artist—a He generously sponsored my tour of South Nepal; Anil Mahabir, Paras Ramoutar, Trinidad; Dr. versatile dancer—he was attracted to the America, where I discovered amazing, de- Devananda Tandavan, Chicago; V. G. Julie Rajan, rhythmic sound of the chiseling on the tailed similarities between the ancient ar- Philadelphia; Rajesh Jantilal, South Africa; Tara Katir, granite, and our discussion was then on the chitecture there and that of South India. Hawaii. HPI Staff: Tara Katir, Janaka Param, Toshade- va Guhan, Vijay Pillai, Easan Katir, Adi Alahan, nada sampradayam, the concept of sound I humbly submit before the unseen pow- Kalyani Giri, Tara Barrie-Hull, Chandra Sankara, and the effect of sound frequencies in the er of Gurudeva, which reverberates in attainment of spiritual bliss. Finally, we every one of his devotees’ hearts, with sin- Shama Kumaran, Lavanya Saravan. Sanskritist: Dr. P. Jayaraman, New York. Artists: A. Manivelu, S. Rajam. were discussing his dream project, the San cere prayers and wishes that the next des- Cartoonists: M. Arumugam, Bob Thaves. Photo Con- Marga Iraivan Temple, and I was all the ignated pontiff of the Aadheenam, Satguru tributors: Thomas L. Kelly, Stephen P. Huyler, Din- more delighted to be entrusted as the stha- Bodhinatha Veylanswami, along with the odia, Amit Kumar, Dev Raj Agarwal, Phal S. Girota, pati to take up the design and execution. band of well-trained disciples left behind Tony Stone Images, Photobank, Gordon Wiltsie, Indi- In 1978, I was invited by Gurudeva to by Gurudeva, will see through the success- var Sivanathan. Web Masters: Nitya Nadesan, - Hawaii. Before leaving India, I was told by ful accomplishment of the temple con- nathan Nadesan. Distribution: USA: Ingram Periodi- him that my services were very much struction and other divine activities set cals, New Leaf, EBSCO Subscription Services, Back needed in many places in America, and af- forth by Gurudeva. During the consecra- Office, OneSource, Ubiquity. Canada: Gordon and ter attending to them I should go and meet tion of the temple, it is my desire to invoke Gotch. Europe: SWETS Subscription Service. Malaysia Gurudeva at his Aadheenam in Hawaii. him before the actual ceremony, so that and Singapore: Sanathana Dharma Publications. India: Surprisingly, just as told by him, I received the invisible subtle energy of Gurudeva Central News Agency Limited, Delhi. Printer: Banta calls from America to take up several tem- resonates across the entire temple and ren- Publications Group, Kansas City, MO ple projects. ders it ever vibrant.

april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 13 you’re sitting down, its conversation. ing situation. They don’t stick around to You are a being that has unlimited power On correcting people, including but not make more karmas in this life. within. limited to children. The whole idea of being adharmic in order No man is my enemy. No man is my friend. “fe is meant to be lived joyously!” I’ve always been a supporter of mind over to preserve dharma makes humans the All men are my teachers. Some teach me Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (1927-2001) matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. most despicable of creatures. This should what to do, some teach me what not to do. be ripped out of Hinduism without mercy You are not your mind, because you can three hundred feet above the surface of the Some people desire peace of mind so in- Anava, or ego, could seem like spirituality, as far as I am concerned. Be happy with your achievements, which control your mind with your will. Earth. tensely that they never have peace of mind. but in reality it’s only spirit-duality. are done with willpower. That will help Character is “care actor,” the ability to act accomplish your goals and, further, give There are only two things you can really As your mind releases its desires and crav- Man is not man, man is God. The pilgrimage toward any experience with care. you confidence to carry out more tasks. depend on: one is the changeableness of ings, it releases the hold that it has on you. starts with your first concept of it. life, and the other is the unchanging Self You dive deeper, fearlessly into this blazing You have to want the Self more than your A spiritual man always has to have the up- If anything goes wrong within a marriage, within you. avalanche of light, losing your conscious- life, because that’s what it is—more than For creative things, give time. For produc- per hand on the lower nature. the blame should be on the man. He’s the ness. And as you come back into the mind, your life. tive things, give goals. head of the house and should be responsi- The world is divided into two kinds of peo- you see the mind for what it is, and you are There is no true path that leads away ble to ensure everything goes right. ple: the wise and the otherwise. free. You find that you are no longer at- To know the Self God, go into the that of Only when man realizes the Self does he from religion. tached because you see that the binder and that, then into the that of that, further into attain his full maturity and find Consistency is the key to the conquest of Everything is permanent, until it changes. the bound are one. You become the path. the that of That. completeness. At this time in the Yuga, ignorance is karma. You become the way. You are the light. equally distributed worldwide, and wisdom On corporal punishment of children: Any- If you’re standing up, it’s confrontation. If Mystics walk away from an uncompromis- has become an endangered species. Money is cold, so you need to be cool, too, one who beats my devotees beats me. when you deal with it. When shopping one day, God Siva is Immanent Love and he most recent four Gurudeva quipped, “A g o o d The whole path is a total surrendering. All Transcendent Reality. DID YOU KNOW? gurus of the Nandinatha buy is a hello.” four sects of Hinduism meet in surrender, ’s Kailasa prapatti, to the Divine. When you react to a situation, do not re- ’ Crossroads Parampara, Gurudeva’s spiritual There is no good and bad enact it. Wait until the emotional nature lineage, met their preceptors at karma; there is self-created Time is the curvature that makes all people has completely composed itself, then study the famed Nallur Kanthaswamy experience that presents the center of the universe. your reaction. Temple to Lord Muruga in north- opportunities for spiritual ern Sri Lanka. Around 1860, advancement. As long as we The mystery is no mystery to the mystic. If you are going to control your income, Chellappaswami (1840–1915) react to karma, we must re- start by controlling your emotions. first saw Kadaitswami (ca peat it. That is the law. Intelligence is finite, but stupidity knows Kadaitswami Siva Yogaswami 1810–1875) at this sacred shrine. no limits. Listen for silence in noisy places; feel at Forty years later, about 1900, Desire is the force that drives peace in the midst of disturbance; awaken Yogaswami (1872–1964) encoun- humanity onward and Draw awareness inward, toward the center. joy when there is no reason. tered Chellappaswami at the through all phases of the When you are elsewhere, you are in one Nallur chariot shed. The sage mind. By changing our de- place. When you are the center, you are If you want to know how much you have called out to him, “Hey, who are sires, we change our life. By everyplace. progressed in your spiritual life, just look you?” Yogaswami was transfixed changing our life, we change back and reflect on the changes. by the inner meaning of that those around us. When looking for tax deductions stops, question and the power of his then true giving begins. Even to hear about the Self is good and questioner. In 1949, on his way to Make the mind always re- brings about good karma. Not many will be meet Yogaswami, Gurudeva had main poised, like a It’s as simple as That. exposed to the Self. a vision of the 77-year-old sage hummingbird over a flower, inside Nallur Temple’s inner sanc- so that you begin to live in With all His great powers, the one thing Vindictiveness comes from insecurity. tum during puja. An hour later, the eternal now constantly, Siva cannot do is take Himself out of you. when they met in person, Yoga- permanently. It is a gift of God to see ourselves swami asked him, “Did you see Siva is the Life of our life. as others see us. me?” Gurudeva answered, “Yes. I Let your mind cognize itself saw you at Nallur.” (photo) Satgu- by turning itself back on Q: Gurudeva, how do we talk to you, once Sitting in a state of meditation, you must be Chellappaswami Subramuniyaswami ru Bodhinatha Veylanswami at itself. Become consciously you have passed on? 1983 more alive and alert than a tightrope walk- s. rajam paintings: Nallur in . conscious. All you have to do A: Through my successors. Talk to them, er suspended without a net on a taut cable is to watch your mind think. and they will talk to me.

14 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 15 AUTOBIOGRAPHY days ago we were delayed in the snow for about an hour and my father had a very dif- ficult time digging out the snowmobile.” I saw my awareness travel into the past. Then I would repeat even more firmly to myself, The Making of a Master “I am all right, right now. We are not delayed yet.” And again, I actually saw awareness travel right back to the present moment. This became one of my hobbies. The totali- Gurudeva’s personal narrative of how he was trained for this life’s mission ty of the power of the of the mo- ment began to become stronger and stronger within me from that time onward, onsidering satguru down upon this little baby. come stuck in the snow. This might delay us until whenever anything came along in the Sivaya Subramuniya- Then I was conscious as an hour or two as my father worked to re- mind substance, I was able to handle it. All swami’s astounding im- the baby again, looking up lease it so that we could proceed. Children this and even more unfolded to me at that pact on the Hindu into the face of this great listened to the radio in those days, just as early age in such a beautiful and simple way. world and on the hearts soul. I realized that the tall they watch television nowadays. And I, too, “I Want to Dance!” A few years after I ex- and minds of each per- man in the pale yellow had my own favorite programs. Each time perienced the eternity of the moment, my son he touched leaves no doubt robe was the body of my we went to the village, on the way home I parents began to go into transition in the that he was a great and unusual soul. I realized that as I observed my thinking faculty being dis- reincarnation processes. First, my mother soul who incarnated to do this continued maturing spiri- turbed and worried for fear that we would died. A few years later my father went into work. “Born for the job,” he tually, the soul body would not arrive home in time for me to listen to transition, too. Relatives started to ask me at would often say about himself finally fully inhabit the my favorite radio program. I hated to miss that time, “What do you want to do when and his monastic order. What’s physical body. This finally the sequence of the programs, such as Cap- you grow up?” That was a new question to more, he enjoyed every minute happened in a tremendous tain Midnight, the Lone Ranger and Jack me, because I hadn’t thought about it. I of the journey. In 1970 he spoke candidly of spiritual experience in Denver, Colorado, in Armstrong, the All-American Boy. didn’t really want to do anything. I was just the early training, realizations and experi- 1956. After that experience, I founded what This was the first time I became aware in growing up and realizing all the time that I ences that prepared him for his historic is now Himalayan Academy. the area of the mind that always worries. am “All right, right now.” accomplishments. Fortunately, those talks Conquering Worry: The second mystical There I was, though, and I didn’t like it. I About the age of ten or eleven, I became were recorded. Here is a transcript of those experience I remember occurred at about clearly remember mentally talking to myself aware of what I wanted to do when I grew narratives, followed by autobiographical six years of age. I lived with my family in a and saying, “You are all right right now. We Standing strong: At Madurai Meenakshi Temple in 1983, up. “I want to dance,” I said. This came from insights given in 1999. chalet at Fallen Leaf Lake, near Lake Ta- haven’t gotten stuck in the snow yet! Have dressed in traditional handspun robes, holding the staff of deep within me. Music always moved the in- The first mystical experience that I can hoe, California. In the winter time we had to we?” At that early age of six years, I actual- renunciation, forehead adorned with holy ash and sacred ner energy of the inner body and finally the remember was as a baby, lying in my crib. cross over the land in sleds and snowmobiles ly saw awareness coming out of the area of mark and wearing a golden pendant, insignia of muscles moved and the body would begin to All of a sudden, I was conscious of a tall, (automobiles with skis on the front) in order the mind that always worries and entering a his stature as the head of his lineage. (left) Six years old in dance. full-grown man standing over me in a serene to go from our home to the town to purchase total of here and now. Then Lake Tahoe, California. Dance, incidentally, in Hinduism, is con- pale yellow robe. Then I became fully con- food and pick up mail. awareness would leave the now and go into sidered the highest form of expression. That scious of being this full-grown man looking Quite often the snowmobile would be- the past, and I would begin to think, “Four is why dance was used for worship in tem-

ulties of clairvoyance sages. In 1970 Gurudeva ings who guide and ties, legalize their and clairaudience, cul- established his world protect mankind, Hindu name and An Amazing Life, Well Done… minating in Cog- headquarters and who can be contact- formally enter nizantability, a collec- monastery-temple on ed most effectively Hinduism tion of profound Kauai, northernmost of through temple wor- through the nce in a great and wisdom, a leader into enlightenment. Soon a tremendous slap on the aphorisms and commen- the Hawaiian islands. ship. In 1973, after name-giving rite. while on this recognized worldwide as after, he met his satguru, back, saying, “This tary on the states of Beginning in the 1970s establishing Kadavul In 1979 he pub- Earth there arises one of Hinduism’s fore- Sage Yogaswami, who sound will be heard in mind and esoteric laws and continuing to 2001, Temple, he clairvoy- lished Holy Or- a soul who, by liv- most ministers. As a gave him the name Sub- America! Now go ’round of life. In 1957 Gurudeva he gave blessings to antly read from in- ders of Sannyas, ing his tradition rightly youth, he began his ramuniya, initiated him the world and roar like a founded Himalayan dozens of groups to build ner-plane libraries to defining the and wholly, perfects his training in classical East- into the holy orders of lion. You will build Academy, and opened temples in North Ameri- bring forth Lemuri- ideals, vows and path and becomes a light ern and Western dance and ordained palaces (temples) and America’s first Hindu ca, Australia, New an Scrolls and other aspirations of to the world. Satguru and in the disciplines of him into his lineage with feed thousands.” While temple, in San Francisco. bruce andre Zealand, Europe and esoteric writings to and revive the centrality Hindu in Sivaya Subramuniya- yoga, becoming the pre- in Sri Lanka, he founded He formed his monastic elsewhere, gifting Deity guide his monastic order of celibacy and transmu- unprecedented clarity. swami (1927-2001) was mier danseur of the San his Saiva Siddhanta order in 1960. In Swit- that names and maps in- images to 36 temples to tation. In 1975 he con- In 1979 he founded HIN- such a being, a shining Francisco Ballet by age Church, the world’s first zerland, 1968, he re- ner areas of conscious- begin the worship. His ceived the San Marga DUISM TODAY, and in the example of awakening 19. Renouncing the Hindu church, the core vealed Shum, a mystical ness. From 1967 to 1983 drive to establish Hindu Iraivan Temple on Kauai early ’80s, after his world world at the height of his multifaceted orga- language of meditation he led fifteen Inner- worship in the West was as the first all-gran- of his career, he nization. In late search pilgrimages, guid- based on his revelatory ite temple estab- traveled to India 1949 he sailed back ing hundreds of devotees mystic visions of the lished outside of In- and Sri Lanka in to America and to the world’s sacred Gods not as symbolic de- dia. In 1977 he quest of Absolute embarked on seven temples and illumined pictions but as real be- intensified require- Truth. In the caves years of ardent, ments for his West- of Jalani in 1949, he solitary yoga and Photos: Three months old; age seven; Fallen Leaf ern devotees to sever fasted and meditat- meditation which Lodge, where Gurudeva was raised; initiation all prior religious, ed until he burst brought forth fac- from Yogaswami in 1949; dancing on stage, ’50; philosophical loyal- Moscow with 70 devotees in 1972; Udaipur 16 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 Palace, India, 1972 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 17 ples of ancient cultures. Through the eso- art, drama, dance and all the protocols of In- into the philosophy, which I pur- sic. She gave me a tremendous training and and combination of color within the aura taught how to test students inwardly and teric forms of dance, you become acquaint- dian life. sued through listening to lectures of Indian exercise in the free form movement of the and how to equate them with the moods and outwardly to determine if they were mysti- ed with the movements of the currents of I was taught the beginning fundamentals swamis at the Vedanta Society in San Fran- dance, in which one experiences no inhibi- emotions and thinking faculty of the person. cally inclined or just intellectually interest- the physical body, the emotional body and of concentration which precede meditation, cisco and in reading books. I was most in- tions of any kind. This was extremely good She taught me a method of character delin- ed in the teaching. Then we went on into the body of the soul. The meditating dancer, how to pinpoint awareness on a given object spired by the life of and for me, at the age of fourteen and fifteen, eation in the understanding of human na- the study of thought forms and the feeling inspired by music, finds the inner currents for a given length of time. My catalyst was a his four small volumes: , because it controlled and transmuted the ture, the way people think, the way they act, and meaning of various thought forms in moving first, and lastly the physi- Yoga, and Inspired energies of the emotional area. and the inner, subconscious motivation. meditation which one would see through cal body. This releases his aware- Talks. I was especially impressed Soon I started studying with the San She told me about the guru and said that his inner faculty. I began to know what a ness into inner, superconscious by his masterful poem, “The Song Francisco Ballet Company and finally be- one day I would meet my guru. But before I person was thinking about and his motiva- realms of the mind in a smooth, of the Sannyasin.” came their lead dancer. met my guru I would have to have realized tion for flowing awareness into that area of rapid and systematic way. Later I was trained to be a My second catalyst patiently taught me the Self. She told me that I would find my the mind where that collective thought sub- I started my life in the dance as teacher by this first catalyst, how to center the whole being of the physi- guru on the island of Sri Lanka and that I stance occurred. the dance, and being the dance. A trained to teach other students in cal body, the emotional body and the spiri- must go there and study and that this was My third catalyst also advanced me friend of my mother and of my fa- the very same way. This hap- tual body so that the inner light through the study of great be- ther, who became my first catalyst pened when I was about twelve began to appear. With this cata- ings who live in the inner areas on the path of enlightenment, was years of age. The students I lyst, in Berkeley, California, I had “Everything in the world and everything in the of the mind, beings so devel- a marvelous dancer. She was a taught were between the ages of my first inner light experience. mind is as it should be—in a perfect state of oped in their nerve system that medical student at the Stanford six and eight. I studied with my second cata- they no longer need the use of University in Palo Alto who be- Finally, after I had absorbed lyst twice a week during these evolution. Superconsciously, we can clearly see the physical body to function came interested in pre-classic everything I had to learn with two most wonderful years. Never this through the eyes of our soul.” and communicate with humans. dance forms, the Pavane, the my first catalyst, she introduced asking many questions, I just Similarly, I studied great beings Gavotte and many others. In India me to my second catalyst. My obeyed what was told to me to who have physical bodies but she became so enthralled with the second catalyst was also well ac- the very best of my ability. I was taught this my next step. At that time, I was meditating function deep in meditation, helping those Indian forms of dance, the Bharata quainted with various forms of at a very early age: not to ask any questions. two hours every day, right by the clock, just who meditate as a kind of spiritual mission, Natyam, Manipuri and , occultism and medi- I was told one must absorb inner teachings. sitting there without moving, going in and in as a father and mother would oversee the schools—that she was invited by Blessings ever flowing: Jayanti, 2001, Gurudeva places holy ash tation. She taught me exactly One has to become aware of where the and in, trying to fathom the intricacies of emotional and physical maturation of their the Maharaja of Mysore to live in on a devotee’s forehead, a traditional form of guru benediction how one leaves the physical body teacher is within himself and look at what what I had been learning and the purity and children. his palace and study the dance, as after putting the body to sleep. I he is saying from that perspective. This is simplicity of the Self. Finally, the day arrived for me to go to the well as yoga and the mystical teachings and strict taskmaster, to be sure. I think I was a learned of the astral body and how to work the way that the student learns to absorb in- In the second year of training I was intri- island of Sri Lanka and meet my fourth cat- practices of India. She stayed in India for good student, because I was very, very in- with and develop the experience of leaving ner teachings. Then they awaken within cately taught to understand the actions and alyst on the path. I was delighted. I was go- five years in the early 1920s. terested. I visited her and studied the dance the physical body in the astral body, while him and he compliments them with his own reactions of people, how they moved, how ing to find my guru. I was going to realize Along with the study of the pre-classic with her other students twice a week. For totally aware of the happening, turn around, inner knowing. My second catalyst also they thought, how they acted. I was taught the Self. At twenty years of age, I took the dance forms, I was taught how to walk, how four years, every summer at her beautiful look back at the physical body, see the silver taught me how to see into the akasha and to be so observant with the powers of con- first ship to leave for India after the Second to sit, how to stand, how to exercise the chalet on the shores of Fallen Leaf Lake cord which connects it to the astral body, view great, actinic, inner-plane beings. centration that I would actually know by the World War and celebrated my twenty-first physical body, how to move the body in the near Lake Tahoe, I studied more intensely. and to travel astrally. This catalyst taught me My third catalyst was wonderful and pa- movement of the mind or physical body of birthday days before going ashore and walk- ways of the West, and how to move the body It was there I learned the worship of Lord how the inner energies of the seven chakras tient. She taught me the psychology of the someone all about their inner attitudes and ing through the grand Gateway to India in in the ways of the East. Thus, I was brought Siva Nataraja. At the beginning of my teens, function as the physical body moves and is vibratory rates of color and how to read an how they lived at home. Mumbai. Traveling by train to Chennai and up in Hinduism first through culture, music, this was very important to me, and it led me inspired through the different types of mu- aura, understand the meaning of each color During the third year of training, I was then to Sri Lanka was a remarkable and re- tours, focused his lishing technology languishing Hindu trust that establishes and tured a staunchly Hindu, five continents and magazine on uniting to supercharge his faith. That same maintains permanent highly disciplined, global serves, personally and all Hindus, regardless prolific outreach year, 1986 New Del- sources of income for fellowship of family initi- through publications and of nationality or sect, through scriptures, hi’s World Religious Hindu institutions ates, monastics and stu- the Internet, the com- and inspiring and ed- books, pamphlets, Parliament named worldwide. In 1995 he dents, training them to munity of Hindus of all ucating seekers every- art, lessons and lat- him one of five published the final edi- follow the sadhana mar- sects. Gurudeva pro- where. That same er through CDs modern-day Ja- tion of Saiva Dharma ga, the path of yogic claimed this as a Jaffna- year, he produced the and the world’s gadacharyas, world Sastras, drawing on as- striving and personal Tamil-based organiza- first edition of his foremost Hindu teachers, for his in- pects of the American transformation, and to tion which branched out Hindu catechism. His websites. In 1986 ternational efforts church system to make assist him in his global from the Sri Subra- international Hindu he founded a in promoting a Hindu gy. In 1990 in Bangalore, his organization socially mission. With this com- muniya Ashram in renaissance tours in the ka, India, Malaysia and branch monastery in renaissance. Also in 1986 he ceremoniously viable and structurally petent team and a so- Alaveddy to meet the Survival chose him as a 1980s brought him face Mauritius, to whom he Mauritius, whose gov- he created Pancha chipped the first stone of effective. Therein he fi- phisticated infrastruc- needs of the growing Hindu representative at to face with hundreds of spread a powerful mes- ernment had invited Ganapati, a five-day Iraivan temple and es- nalized patterns for the monastics: Acharya Bod- ture, his Church Hindu diaspora of this its unique conferences. thousands of Hindus, sage of courage and him there to revive a Hindu festival celebrated tablished a small village future, including the ex- hinatha, followed by nurtures its membership century. It gently over- Thus, at Oxford in 1988, most notably in Sri Lan- pride of heritage. In the around the time of to carve it by hand over tended family structure Acharya Palaniswami and local missions on sees some 40 temples Moscow in 1990 and Rio early ’80s he established . In 1987 he the next fifteen years. In for his missions, and des- and then Acharya worldwide. In 1995, in de Janeiro in 1992, he the antiquity and legiti- published God’s Money 1991 he produced the ignated as his successors Ceyonswami. From 1977 Delhi, the World Reli- macy of monistic Saiva to explain tithing and Nandinatha Sutras, 365 three of his senior to 2001 Gurudeva nur- gious Parliament be- Siddhanta at internation- how it is practiced by aphorisms that outline stowed on him the ti- al conferences among members of his Hindu the entire gamut of vir- Photos: With the abbot of Kasi Mutt, Tirupanandal, tle for pundits who insisted church. 1989 saw the cul- tuous Hindu living. In 1982; Kauai Aadheenam; presenting his Hindu his remarkable publi- that Siddhanta is solely mination of numerous 1994 Gurudeva founded Catechism in Chennai, 1981; defending monism in cations. The Global pluralistic. In 1985 Gu- books and pamphlets Hindu Heritage Endow- Malaysia, 1983; chipping the first stone of Iraivan Forum of Spiritual rudeva adopted Apple’s that later became part of ment, now a multi-mil- Temple, Bangalore, 1990; discussing Church matters; and Parliamentary Macintosh-based pub- the Master Course trilo- lion-dollar public service inaugurating Hinduism Today in Delhi, 1995; dar- Leaders for Human shan with devotees in Malaysia, May, 2001 18 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 19 markably hot experience. that they all would eventually be provided into a cave, I really could realize the Self. In you, too.” And they did. caves of Jalani, Kurugala Balandha, Sri Lan- from Arabic into English, “I had a dream Sri Lanka, 1947: I was happy and awed to with electric saws. fact, I was sure of it. If he would just give me Each day as I meditated, more and more ka, where I met my fifth catalyst on the path about you, too,” and I had written it down. I meet my fourth catalyst on the island of Sri One assignment like this after another a little time off. But would he? No. children would gather around me at the of enlightenment. had been under a training at that time to Lanka. I studied with him for one year and was given to me. This wonderful fourth cat- I must confess, I rebelled a little. The re- temple. Then the children from other neigh- This catalyst was a Muslim mystic called write down all my dreams. He said, “My a half. He attained enlightenment in a cave alyst of mine worked on the philosophy that bellion externalized my awareness. It was boring villages came to watch me meditate. Mustan, a very wonderful man. They say he dream was during the last full moon.” We in Thailand by sitting in the morning, eyes you do what you’re told, and if you’re given more difficult to do the assignments that he They stood so quietly. In the meantime, my never took a bath, but he smelled as sweet as compared dates. We had both written down fixed upon the sun, following the sun across an assignment to do, you don’t come back wanted me to do. I was happy to learn this teacher was talking quietly with the priests, a flower. He was so old; he was so pure. We the same dream at the same time about our the heavens until it set at night. He prac- with excuses. You go right ahead and finish because I conquered this rebellion within a day after day, and telling them the need for had a wonderful meeting. When he saw me meeting together on the inner planes at night ticed under his guru this most difficult sad- that assignment. week and never allowed it to occur again. education, that they had to get busy and do he said, “I had a dream about you.” Then while we slept. hana. Then one night in a cave, the cave My practice of being obedient really came The biggest enemy on the path is a rebel- something about it. Soon all of He began giving to me a most turned to brilliant light, and a great being in handy with my fourth catalyst. He chal- lious nature. I settled down to obey him ex- the children who were watching wonderful and profound train- appeared to him, giving him his mission and lenged me. I had to work it out within my- actly and directly. I was a very positive per- me started attending the classes ing concerning the use of the instructions for his service to son at that time, and remain so that the priests started holding third eye. He explained and pro- the world. today. for them, and soon they acquired jected with his mind force the My fourth catalyst taught me “In looking back over my life’s experiences, I can hear him now. “There’s the habit of coming each day to intricate use, development and how to use the willpower, how plenty of time for you to meditate. learn from the priests. A school unfoldment of the faculties of to get things done in the mater- all a sum total now, I see the warp and the What you have to do next is to go was started. The priests were the third eye. He lived in a little ial world. He was a real father to woof of a woven pattern of dancing, living get a school started for Buddhist happy. The children were happy. cave with a little door on it. One me. I needed this at twenty-one children in a village where they My teacher was pleased. I was had to walk many steps up the years of age. I wanted to medi- and merging in the Divine.” will not be educated if we don’t happy, and I was sent off to my side of a hill to get to it. I lived in tate, but he wanted me to work start a school for them.” He sent next experience on the path. a nearby mosque at the foot of to help the village people in reconstructing self. I was sensitive and couldn’t stand being me to a Buddhist temple. I lived with the I visited and lived in many the path to his cave. the rural areas. He would tell me to do many scolded. He was quick to point things out. priests and talked with them. The school Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. I At night he would take me out different things that I had to work out from This was good for me. I didn’t ask questions. they had was literally falling apart. There was received by the monks there. and meditate with me on wind- within myself, such as seeing that a new vil- I did the very best that I could to help the were no teachers. The children did not at- I saw how they lived, saw how swept hills where yogis used to lage bridge was put up that had been villagers in Sri Lanka to a better way of life. tend anymore. I didn’t know what to do, they dressed, and that influ- meditate hundreds of years ago. washed out in a flood, bringing into another Every once in a while I dropped the re- though, to get a school started. I never had enced in a very strict way the He’d make me sit so straight and village modern saws and carpentry equip- mark, “I want to go into a cave and meditate. done anything like this. So, I just sat there, monastic protocols that we later for a long time. The wind would ment to replace the old tools used in build- I want to realize the Self.” He said, “Plenty day after day, meditated, ate what they had put into action in our own be blowing against my body. It ing furniture. of time for that. You can go into a cave and to feed me, and slept. monastic order. Spiritual ambassador: Trinidad youth greet Gurudeva as he would be cold. There, in the To do this, I had to take a survey of all the meditate after you have finished the next My catalyst came to visit me a few days The Caves of Jalani, 1949: One disembarks the MS Volendam on Innersearch Caribbean, 2000 dead of night, he would say carpenters using handsaws in a certain area two or three assignments. Anyway, the cave later and said, “You’re doing just the right day my training was completed. through my translator, “Did you in Sri Lanka. I went around to all of the vil- is inside of you.” I reminded him from time thing. You’re sitting there in meditation. My teacher flew off to attend a religious Mustan pulled a little notebook out of his see this? Did you see that? Are you seeing lages with a little notebook, writing down to time, “You know, I came to Sri Lanka to They’ll see you in meditation. This will im- conference in Switzerland. I was alone in pocket. He said, “I wrote it down here what I’m seeing?” He shared all of this with names and addresses and the types of saws find my guru.” I deeply felt that if I could press them, and the priests will begin to Ceylon. I thought about the cave again. One where I write down all of my dreams.” I said me. I learned some extremely valuable that they had, for my assignment was to see get away from doing external things and go take interest in you. The children will see of my close Muslim friends took me to the to him, through my friend who translated things about the use of the third eye and the joined religious, political paigned for fair ing parents raise chil- Award in New York (pre- conducted three In- successor of the lives in ways that and scientific leaders treatment of tem- dren with love through viously bestowed on the nersearch journeys, con- Nandinatha Kailasa are otherwise im- from all countries to dis- ple priests, namely Positive Discipline class- , Nelson secrating new temples in lineage and satguru possible, to be a cuss the future of human the same respect es taught by his family Mandela, Mikhail Gor- Alaska, Trinidad and of Kauai Aadhee- light on their life on this planet. At enjoyed by the devotees as their prima- bachev, Pope John Paul Denmark. In 2001 he nam, his 458-acre path, a mother Chicago’s historic cente- clergy of other re- ry community service. II and ). completed his golden temple-monastery and father and nary Parliament of the ligions. From 1996 In 2000 he published He addressed 1,200 spir- legacy, the 3,000-page complex on the Gar- friend to all who World’s Religions in Sep- onward, Gurudeva How to Become a Hindu, itual leaders gathered for Master Course trilogy of den Island of Kauai. drew near. He tember, 1993, he was was a key member showing the way for the UN Millennium Dancing, Living and From this verdant personified the elected one of three Hin- of Vision Kauai seekers to formally enter Peace Summit, with the Merging with Siva— Polynesian ashram pure, blissful soul dus to the Presidents’ 2020, a group of the faith, confuting the message, “For peace in peerless volumes of daily on a river bank near nature they Assembly, a core group inspirers (includ- notion that “You must be the world, stop the war lessons on Hindu philos- the foot of an extinct vol- perpetuating the mission sought and sensed as the of 25 men and women ing the Mayor, born a Hindu to be a in the home.” Upon his ophy, culture and yoga, cano, his monastics con- given to Gurudeva by his center of themselves. voicing the needs of county council, Hindu.” On August 25, return to Kauai, 350 citi- ments on the island and respectively. For over tinue to promote the satguru and which Sat- world faiths. Especially business and edu- 2000, he received the zens and county and beyond. In November, five decades, Subra- dharma together guru Bodhinatha Veylan- in the early 90s he cam- cation leaders) that the world, ending in Sri prestigious United Na- state officials gathered to 2000, he launched Hin- muniyaswami taught through Saiva Siddhanta swami, his chosen suc- meets to fashion the is- Lanka. During these fi- tions U Thant Peace herald his accomplish- du Press International Hinduism to Hindus and Church, Himalayan cessor, now carries forth. land’s future based on nal years he worked dai- (HPI) a free daily news seekers from all faiths. Academy and Hindu Gurudeva assured them, spiritual values. In 1997 ly in the morning hours summary for breaking Known as one of the Heritage Endowment, “When I am gone from he responded to Presi- in refining the Shum news sent via e-mail and strictest gurus this world I will be dent Clinton’s call for re- language as his choicest posted on the web. In in the world, he working with you on the ligious opinions on the gift to his monastic or- 1999, 2000 and 2001 he was the 162nd inside 24 hours a day.” ethics of human cloning. der. In 1998 Gurudeva Gurudeva’s greatest sid- The same year, he spear- began an ardent cam- Photos: Gifting a Ganesha icon to start a , to which thousands headed the 125th an- paign for the right of temple in Seattle; opening the Sri Subrah- of devotees will testify, niversary of Satguru Yo- children to not be beat- manya Swami Temple in Fiji, 1994; with was his incredible power gaswami and his golden en by their parents or the builders of Iraivan, 1999; in meditative to inspire others toward icon’s pilgrimage around their teachers, and help- pose; ceremony in Kadavul Temple (Bodhi- God, to change their natha to his left); with Kauai’s Mayor and 20 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 police chief, 2001; celebrating life, 2000 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 21 psychic unfoldment of it through the facul- in and in again, and finally I went in and in perspective, teaching me the mysticism and me to my guru. is quite different from the southern, like be- and ran for twenty miles on the power of it, ties of the soul, which, in later life, has be- until awareness became totally aware of it- then the ritual. I began meeting the Hindu Occasionally I would ask him, “Please ing in a different country. The religion is he had worked for it for so long. He was so come an extremely useful and valuable tool self, and into the control of the breath until Gods, the Deities, inside the inner areas of take me to a priest who has Self Realization.” Hindu. In southern Sri Lanka, is happy that he had finally achieved this great in my work today. I really appreciated Mus- the breath breathed no more, and then into the superconscious mind, and learning how He’d say, “There are no priests in our tem- the religion practiced. goal at forty years of age. I would be patient, tan, my fifth catalyst on the path. the Self, Parasiva. to relate to them. They were kind to me. ples who have the realization of God of We visited fine temples of the area, the and the subject would always come around A muslim saint named Abdul Cadar I came out again into the mind. Villagers Hinduism is a combination, a collection, of which you speak.” But I’d say, “I feel deep Ganesan temple, the Nallur Kandasamy to the guru of the area, Yogaswami. In this Duster Jalani lived, meditated and had a had seen me on the cliffs from the villages all the teachings and practices of thousands within me that you are somehow going to Temple and many others, taking our time. way, I learned of him and of his teaching. school of mysticism there hundreds of years three hundred feet below. They thought I of rishis, gurus, philosophers, mystics and work it out so I can become a Hindu.” I had And all the while I was absorbing the inner One day, I was invited to go with my teacher ago. These caves were on top of a mountain was some sort of holy man and brought food teachers throughout many centuries. Within no idea in those days of teaching everything atmosphere and being blessed by the Gods to Yogaswami. some distance from where we lived in the and all sorts of nice things. We had a big it are innumerable systems, practices and I had been learning, or of being a guru my- themselves as electric vibrations would come Jnanaguru Yoganathan, affectionately mosque. When penetrating deep into the feast. I was hungry. They had come all the teachings. If you were to go into them fully, self. I was in the full bloom of known by the people of the area cave, one sees light in the crevice down in way up from the valley. They were so kind. you would find them more complicated than my realization. I was going as Yogaswami, was a magnifi- the center of the mountain. In the mysticism I returned to Colombo, the major city of Sri the most complex computer of today. And within, coming out into the ex- “The enlightened being sees beyond duality cent man. No one approached of Islam, this is thought to be a direct route Lanka, hundreds of miles away, with a Mus- yet, after my realization of the Self God, ternal area of the mind and and knows the oneness of all. He is the illu- him unless they were in the to the inner planes, to Mecca. The caves lim man who also had come on a pilgrimage Hinduism was as simple as kindergarten to then going back within. The right mood. Some were literally themselves are situated on a cliff that drops from some foreign country. He taught me a me. Hinduism unfolded from the depths of core of the within, the Self mined one, filled with light, filled with love.” afraid of him. When within the three hundred feet to where a jungle lies be- wonderful chant along the way. I never saw my being. I had found my religion. God, was home base to me. I radius of him, one could feel the low. From the caves, wild ele- I was happy to find a complete had a good start in life. I had reached my forth from the temple and flow through my atmosphere scintillating. One felt electricity phants are seen in the jungle culture that accepted the monis- goal. I was reaping the benefits of all of the body. I felt wonderful. It was wonderful. I in the atmosphere. Devotees would prepare quite easily from time to time. I tic advaita of Vedanta and yet good foundation work of concentration, was there. I was expecting to become a Hin- themselves on the inside so everything was was taken there by my friend cherished and practiced the meditation and contemplation that had been du, the peak experience of my life. all right before visiting this guru. Just to take and had a series of many other dimensions of life, given to me at an early age. I was perfectly Very carefully my teacher began telling him a little bit of fruit, they would some- there. It was at this time that I celebrated festivals, valued the content, at peace, in my inner life. me about a “madman” in the area, a guru times prepare themselves for three or four realized that this was my cave in great yoga called bhakti, hon- One day, my teacher invited me to his who was so unpredictable that people were days. If asked when they would be seeing which I would one day realize ored those who performed sad- home in the northern part of Sri Lanka. It afraid of him. He explained the nature of the guru, they would say, “Well, I’m not the Self. hanas, understood the way of was the first time I had been in an orthodox this man and how to approach him, and the quite ready yet to see Yogaswami today I was told by my teachers , knew the mys- Hindu home. I was so at home there. It was work that he was doing in the area. I was …maybe tomorrow.” Or, “I will go on a very along the way that I had to get teries of penance, including wonderful. The northern part of Sri Lanka told about how he attained Self Realization auspicious day.” This was because they did- the foundation and the under- rolling around the temple in the standing of the various inner hot noonday sun, and lost itself— and outer areas of the mind in or should I say found itself?—in order to have a foundation strong the chambers of the hallowed to inhabit a small hut in enough to sustain the reaction to temples where darshan was The Grand Guru of Sri Lanka Colombuthurai made by loving the realization of the Self. Each sought out and the Gods were devotees. Here it was his habit catalyst up to this point had seen and felt as real beings when His bold command: “Know thy Self by thyself!” to wake early and, in the pre- helped me and introduced me in invoked by the magical priests to dawn darkness, light camphor one way or another to my next enter the temple at the height of in worship of the holy sandals teacher. This was not planned. I Enlightenment: Realizing the Self in Jalani Cave, 1949 the ceremony. age yogaswami, “There is not one of his guru. Once the sun rose, did not look for another teacher. My sixth catalyst on the path the great soul wrong thing!” “It is as it he would stride through the I expected each teacher to be my last one. In my fifth catalyst on the path again. He introduced me to the exoteric worship done who initiated Gu- is! Who knows? Grasp countryside, walking many fact, I didn’t even think about it. It hap- taught me everything I needed to know to within the . He told me why rudeva, was the the meaning of these miles each day. He continued pened in a nice, natural sequence of events. complete my training for the realization of they ring the bells and blow the horns and satguru of Sri Lanka for words,” the guru this regimen into his nineties. Each teacher had his part in developing the Self during my first series of meetings beat the drums. He explained intricately the half a century. His very roared. Suddenly Yogaswami lived from 1872 to the memory faculties, one-pointedness, con- with him. It was intense. It was strong. role of the priests and what they do, why name came to mean everything vanished in 1964, revered equally by Hin- centration, stimulating the meditation facul- Back in Colombo, Entering Hinduism: Re- they wear the holy ash, called vibhuti, on wisdom, mystery, spiri- a sea of light. For Yo- dus, Buddhists and Muslims. ties, the willpower and the cognitive facul- turning back to the city, nothing looked the their forehead, arms and chest. All the whys tual power and knowl- gaswami, the world Devotees continue to honor ties, teaching me to see everything from an same anymore. I was in another dimension. and hows were explained to me. I saw it all edge of the timeless, was renounced in that him with padapuja, worship inner perspective and looking at the world Everything was different. I had lost some- from an inner perspective. I became so sen- formless, spaceless Self instant. After Chellap- of the master’s feet, which as if one were the center of the universe. thing: the desire for the realization of the sitive to the vibratory rate of the astrological within, Parasiva. He pan’s death in 1915, contain the fullness of his There was just one thing lacking, howev- Self. I felt complete. I felt alone. configurations of stars and the power that was one of those rare Yogaswami undertook enlightenment and hold the er—and I had to do it myself—the ultimate One night, just before sleep, I saw before they effected upon the Earth during certain souls, like the rishis of five years of intense promise of our own spiritual goal, the realization of the Self. It was with me a vision of a tremendous peacock tail, times of the year that I was able to tell my yore, living in the infini- austerity, moving about freedom. Yogaswami articulat- joy and burning desire that I approached open and framing the screen before my eyes. catalyst exactly what Hindu Deity would be ty of Truth within all Jaffna and the entire ed his teachings in hundreds the caves of Jalani. I had absolutely nothing In Hindu mysticism, Lord Murugan rides worshiped at a temple and the very day that things, which he called island on foot. Later, of poems and songs, called with me. I had given all of my money to the through the akasha on a peacock. This is the particular service would be conducted. I Siva. He met his own people of all walks of Natchintanai, “good thoughts,” villagers along the way. I didn’t take any way He travels in the inner area of the mind. would tell my catalyst, “Come on, we have to guru amid a festival life, all nations and urging seekers to follow dhar- food. I had given all of my clothing away, The next morning I met the sixth catalyst go to the temple really fast. The Lord Gane- crowd outside Nallur paths, came for his ma, serve selflessly and realize everything. I just went there to be alone. on the path, my next profound teacher, Kan- sha is being worshiped today.” This en- temple in 1905. A dish- darshan and blessings. God within. Four great say- I said to myself. “I am going to fast until I diah Chettiar. He was the one who was to thralled my catalyst, of course. eveled sadhu, Sage Decades passed and he ings, or mahavakyas, capsulize find this realization that I so want and have take me to my guru, but I needed prepara- One day I said to him, “I want to become Chellappan, shook the came to be Illathusid- his message: Sarvam Sivam wanted for such a long time.” I started to tion first. He gave it to me. He took me deep a Hindu. I feel like I am a Hindu already be- bars from within the dhar, the Perfected seyal, “Siva is doing it all;” fast. The Mustan wasn’t there. He had gone into Hinduism. Up to this point I had stud- cause that has been my training from a very chariot shed, shouting at One of sea-girt Illangai. Thanai ari, “Know thy Self by away on a pilgrimage. No one was there. ied yoga and had a fine exposure to Bud- young age up to this point, but how can you him fiercely, “Hey! After years of medita- thyself;” Sarvam Sivamayam, There were no pilgrims. I was left alone. I dhism in Sri Lanka, but had not been made arrange it officially? Will you take me to a Who are you?” Yoga- Into the face of truth: One of 5 photos Sat- tion under an olive “All is Siva;” and Summa iru, went up and into the cave. I started to med- aware of orthodox Hinduism. He brought very pure priest?” And he said, “Just wait,” swami was transfixed. guru Yogaswami allowed, taken around 1955 tree, he was persuaded “Be still.” itate. I went in and in and in and in and then me into Hinduism from a deep, inner-plane for he was the one who was destined to take

22 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 23 n’t want him to look through them and point versation about the path. Then, as I was to the US, the first thing I did was to change The path of the mystic is two-thirds within ceive some of this training. It has brought days. I watch the cycles of life as they flow out something that they saw in themselves leaving his ashram and he was seeing me my name legally to my new Saivite Hindu and only one-third on the outside area of the me to where I am today, watching the pat- one into another. The physical-plane cycles that they thought he might see. He always out, he gave me the hardest slap on the back name. The judge took it in stride and quick- mind. The quieter the mystic becomes on terns repeat themselves time and time flow into the astral-plane cycles which flow knew when people were coming to him be- that I had ever felt from anybody. With all ly granted the request. I had been given in- the outside, the more active he is in working again as my students come through their in- into the superconscious-plane cycles and fore they arrived. his might he reached out and cracked me on structions that I was not to do any teaching in inner realms with either his students or ner unfoldment under my watchful eye. To back to the physical-plane cycles again as My meeting with him was unusual be- the spine between the shoulder blades. It until I became thirty years of age. Until others. have the feeling of being in one place, and men and women unfold on the path. This cause I was introduced, and he said, “Come was tremendous. I would have fallen on my then I was to observe, have experiences and On the path, I was fortunate enough, just that everything is happening around you, state is what I call “doing nothing.” Just on in and sit down.” Everybody else pros- face if I had not been so tall. Some of the learn. It was made quite clear to me that through evolution, to be exposed to and re- like a maypole—this is how I feel these watching, watching, watching. ∏π trated before him. In the Orient, devotees Hindu devotees were startled, too, because when I was thirty my students would start prostrate in front of a guru, placing the en- that is one of the most powerful ordination to come, so I waited. It happened just that tire body face down on the floor. He said to initiations ever given. After this initiation, way. After my thirtieth birthday, my stu- me, “You come in and sit down. You don’t he gave me some powerful instructions. dents began to come. have to do that. You and I are one.” Then he There are four ways that a guru will initi- This is how Himalayan Academy started 1957 Radiant Reflections Shared in 1999 started asking me the deepest of philosoph- ate or ordain. One is through talking, a very in the United States in . Right after my ical questions. I must have given ordination with Yogaswami, the the right answer each time; he book Cognizantability began to ears and years ago, seems that so little is under- find the center of themselves. to make all the other three seemed very pleased. As soon as he unfold from within me. Later over 30, we came to stood by the leaders of reli- We will preserve it and main- main denominations strong. had asked the question, without the inspired talk The Self God “ Kauai and finally never gions and nations. Because of tain it so that it is the way Because our philosophy is be- hesitation I spoke the answer. Then was given to the first group of left. I chose Kauai, the the conflict, in-fighting, there Rishikesh used to be, a proper, ing devoted to Siva in every- he gave me the name I hold today, students, setting the pace of ad- world’s most remote land mass, is no time for them to reflect. pure, quiet place where devo- one, we support every Hindu Subramuniya. He was my guru, vaita philosophy for the West. because I wanted to be close This has led to the rule at our tees can go within themselves sect equally. Our strength is in my master. Subra means “the light The Master Course was issued, to my devotees in the East peaceful ashram that dis- through the practice of yoga. having oneness with all the than emanates out from the central and I began doing my part as a (Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lan- harmony must be settled be- There are very few such Hindus around the world, even source.” It just emanates out. Muni helper on the path. ka, India and Mauritius) and fore sleep, never carried into places left on the Earth now. though our philosophical, doc- means a silent teacher, and ya Yogaswami passed from his close to my devotees in the the next day, a discipline all my Kauai’s Hindu Monastery is trinal and cultural approaches means restraint. Subramuniya physical body in March, 1964. West (Australia, Fiji, North monks follow. one of them. I see Iraivan as a may differ somewhat. This is means a self-restrained soul who After this happened, I began America and Europe), while at Iraivan, being a kaivalya yoga citadel, a place of pil- for the benefit of the overall remains silent or speaks out from receiving letters from Ceylon the same time cloistered from Hindu renaissance, which is , one who speaks out from saying, “You have to come back the world at large. Yes, our in- gaining in power as the centu- the inner sky. now, because we need you as ner life is more important than ry turns, for as each becomes He showed me the book he had the guru here,” indicating that I our outer life. If we were in strong, that strength benefits on ’s yoga aphorisms. I had was his successor. I felt that my San Francisco, New York, Sin- the overall body of Hinduism, studied Patanjali, too. We had just a mission was in the West. After gapore or , we giving pride, stability and wonderful, deep and inner meet- several years, however, I decided could not do this same work as courage to proceed with confi- ing. He treated me more like a to go back to Sri Lanka. I always a contemplative order of medi- dence. This is Hindu solidari- brother. This did not surprise me, follow my inner direction when tators and teachers, outreach- ty, one of our heartfelt com- though, because I was so far within it comes, and this came in that ing primarily through publica- mitments. The other is and not in the consciousness of be- same vibration as my first meet- tions and the Internet. Kauai is monistic theism—Advaita Ish- ing surprised, but it surprised ing with my guru—slowly and a spiritual place, a vortex of varavada—of Saiva Siddhanta. everybody else. He made me eat when all conditions were right. healing energies emanating Now that uniting all the food with him, and we parted. Be- This was how the first India from its sacred Mt. Waialeale, Hindus is being accomplished fore leaving, I mentioned to my Odyssey Travel/Study program pristine air and ocean. Heaven on Earth: The island of Kauai, through HINDUISM TODAY, at guru that I had established an formed in 1969. It was because His order of monks: It has home of Gurudeva’s monastery-temple complex the simultaneous turn of the ashram in nearby Alaveddy and of my desire to return to Sri been a blessing to have been century and the millennium, would like to have his blessings. He Lanka. Sixty-five students trav- able to raise two generations of new challenges are to be said, “Fine, good, it will one day eled with me. spiritual leaders, my monks, temple, giving the boon of grimage for the devout, sin- faced. The experiences and become a three-story building, and Living in the now: Relaxing on deck in the North Atlantic with In 1957, Yogaswami went who have made a difference freedom from past burdens, cere and dedicated. I see accomplishments of the past you are going around the world, two of his monastics during Innersearch Alaska cruise, 1999 around announcing to every- and are continuing to make a will welcome all who are on Iraivan as India’s message to are the foundation for the ac- and you will feed thousands of peo- body in Jaffna that I was dead, difference in today’s world—a the path to perfection, giving the world on visitors’ day, complishments of the future. ple. You are going to build palaces.” And he mild way. Another is by a look, and another and he had everyone believing it. It was ac- difference that is lasting be- up hurt and suppressed mem- when Hindus and non-Hindus Having lived this long in this began giving me many different kinds of in- is through thought. The most powerful initi- tually the last of the external self that died at cause a new paradigm has ories that keep them hurting, alike come to admire the great life, and having had many, structions, such as “You will return to Amer- ation is through touch combined with the that time, the last of the astral body, for I evolved, that of establishing giving up worldly longing and artistry of the silpi stone carv- many lives preceding it, espe- ica, and you will roar. And when you come actual inner power, for through this contact, was beginning to speak out the news of the the traditional culture of the redirecting their desire to ing tradition. I see Iraivan as a cially at this time on our plan- back here, nothing will be gained and noth- with intent, he begins to feed and transmit Self within man. Far East in the West. Yes, the higher realms, throwing down fulfillment of our lineage, our et, when controversy, distrust ing will be lost.” He said, “Now you go and all of his inner knowing and inner power to Great masters like Yogaswami and his best of the East and the best the personal ego as not impor- scriptures and our monastery. and intrigue are marketable teach the realizations that you have had.” I the disciple. In this way, Yogaswami gave to guru, Chellappan, work on the inner realms of the West have come togeth- tant to inner life. Why protect This is a place where you do commodities, I can truly say, I was used to being told what to do by my six me all his knowledge of how to be a guru. It now, helping my students and monks active- er on the famed Garden Island it through argument, justifica- not have to invoke God, for would not have wanted to miss teachers on the path, so I was happy to have later began to unfold within me from him, ly and dynamically in their meditations and of Kauai. tion and dominance? Let it go God is here, for this is where this birth for anything. It has this positive instruction. After I left my then from his guru and then from his guru’s unfoldment. You might even see them in Peace at home: Entering into so that the soul may soar in the heaven meets the Earth. So, been a fun time, but it would guru’s presence, everyone started relating to guru. This is how the spiritual power in a your dreams. Many students have experi- the world of religious and po- glory of its naturalness. This is come to our aloha island soon. not have been without home me differently. line of gurus is transferred and increased. enced this. The devotees in Sri Lanka now litical fervor when invited to surrender to the Divine. Isle be seeing you. base, the Self, as you shall dis- On the second visit with my guru, we had I followed his instructions and returned to see me in their dreams, and I see them. international conferences as a Iraivan Temple: As I look The mission: When I decid- cover and come to know and a beautiful time together, just meditating the United States and settled down to un- These are the times when we go into inner spiritual representative over into the future, I see Iraivan, ed to launch HINDUISM TODAY love and become as you read and enjoying a beautiful flow. Many people folding more and more. Until his death, he planes together and experience in the psy- the past 20 years made a deep fully completed, as a center in 1979, my thinking was: to in my wonderful book, Merg- came and he had grape juice made for me. communicated with me, year after year, che, the body of the soul. Aspirants on the impression upon my mind. It where devotees will come to make Saivism strong, we have ing with Siva.” On the third visit, we had a beautiful con- through Kandiah Chettiar. Upon returning path learn and study on these inner planes.

24 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 25 SPIRITUAL DEPTHS Mystical Master “The identity of the soul with God always exists and awaits man’s awakening into realization.” he self: you can’t ex- monastery entrance, marking the pre- plain it.” said Gurudeva in cise spot to install the Nataraja Deity October of 1959. “You can that had just arrived from India. sense its existence through Lord Murugan’s orders were obeyed. On the Path to Perfection the refined state of your The Deity was moved into place and senses, but you cannot explain it. To worship began immediately.” know it, you have to experience it. Two years later, on February 15, Excerpts from the mystical masterpiece, Merging with Siva And the best you could say about it 1975, he had the three-fold vision is that it is the depth of your Being, that motivated the conception of the the very core of you. It is you.” Iraivan Temple and San Marga Sanc- old your center. years and years and years Ten years before, in the secluded tuary which is dynamically under Find the place within and, with a minimal amount Jalani Caves of Southern Sri Lanka, construction today. “I saw Lord Siva you that has never of willpower, constantly be Gurudeva sat in deep meditation walking in the meadow near the Wai- ever changed, that’s distracted, constantly be and realized the Self, Absolute Real- lua River,” explained Gurudeva. “His been the same for many complaining and constantly ity, for the first time. He was a face was looking into mine. Then He lives, that feeling that has be unsuccessful. young man at that time—only 22 was seated upon a great stone. I was been the same within you years of age. But this ultimate yogic seated on His left side. This was the since you were a little child Everyone is prepared to die. discovery of the timeless, formless vision. It became more vivid as the up to this very time. Find Whether it happens sudden- and spaceless essence of all changed years passed. Upon reentering earth- that! Catch that vibration, ly or slowly, intuitively each his perspective, his identity and his ly consciousness, I felt certain that and you’ve caught the vibra- individual knows exactly life. A few months later, he found the great stone was somewhere on tion of the soul. what he is about to experi- his guru, Sage Yogaswami, who our monastery land and set about to ence. Death, like birth, has gave him the name “Subramuniya.” find it. Guided from within by my Man’s individual awareness been repeated so many Through the 52 years that followed, satguru, I hired a bulldozer and in- is like a ball of light, and it’s times that it is no mystery to Gurudeva blossomed like a flower structed the driver to follow me as I like a camera. It photo- the soul. of wondrous beauty as he penetrat- walked to the north edge of the prop- graphs. It registers. It under- ed the Self again, again and again. erty that was then a tangle of buffalo stands. It is pure intelligence. Learn to concentrate the From that life-changing turning grass and wild guava. I hacked my Man knows where he is in thought and action so that mind so that you can study point in the Jalani Caves until the way through the jungle southward as the mind, but the first step his consciousness, his aware- not from books, but from ob- last breath of his life, great things Iraivan’s revelation: Gurudeva’s three-fold vision of Siva in 1975 that inspired the creation of the bulldozer cut a path behind me. in awakening on the path of ness, may evolve to the real- servation, which is the first happened around Gurudeva, and it Iraivan: (center) seeing Siva’s face; seated on a large bolder (right); then walking in a meadow (left) After almost half a mile, I sat down to enlightenment is to separate ization of life’s highest goals awakening of the soul. was the Self that remained his guid- rest near a small tree. Though there awareness from that which it and purposes. The ancient Learn to study by practice. ing light. The Self, known in Sanskrit as source of bliss. Such an austere destination at Kauai’s Hindu Monastery in Hawaii, where was no wind, suddenly the tree’s is aware of. yoga systems provided a few Learn to study by applica- Parasiva, “transcendent Siva,” was the cen- was, he warned, far more elusive, demand- Gurudeva lived and worked for the last 32 leaves shimmered as if in the excite- simple yamas and niyamas tion. Become a student of ter of his daily yoga practice, the kingpin of ing severe discipline and total renunciation. years of his life. ment of communication. I said to the There have been many sys- for religious observance, life and live life fully, and as his mystical teachings and the source of his Like , Vivekananda and oth- “The exact location of the [Kadavul] tem- tree, ‘What is your message?’ In re- tems and principles of ethics defining how all people you merge into the sea of ac- power to play a leading role in sculpting the er great saints, he had many mystical visions ple sanctum was chosen by Lord Murugan ply, my attention was directed to a and morality established by should live. tinic life, you will realize worldwide Hindu renaissance of the twenti- and experiences, but they were always ac- himself,” said Gurudeva in describing a vi- spot just to the right of where I was various world teachers down that you are not your mind, eth century. While many yoga teachers ad- cessory to this Nirvikalpa , or Self sion of a handsome, twelve-foot being who sitting. When I pulled back the tall through the ages. All of Unfoldment doesn’t take a lot your body or your emotions. vocated a more accessible attainment of Realization, and they each served a practi- appeared to him during an early morning grass, there was a large rock—the these have had only one of time. It just takes a lot of You will realize that you are bliss-consciousness as the ultimate goal of cal purpose. meditation in 1973, inspiring the construc- self-created Linga on which Lord common goal—to provide for willpower. Someone can go the complete master of your yoga, Gurudeva boldly and adamantly pro- Two of his most powerful visions inspired tion of the temple. “Lord Murugan upturned Siva had sat. A stunningly potent man living on the planet along and sit at attention, and mind, your body and your claimed that the Self was the one ultimate the construction of the Kadavul Hindu Tem- His glistening vel and pounded its point vibration was felt. The bulldozer’s Earth a guidepost for his concentrate and meditate for emotions. spiritual destiny—not bliss, but rather the ple and the San Marga Iraivan Temple, both three times on the cement steps at the trail now led exactly to the sacred

1977 1979 1982 1992 1994 2001 28 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 29 stone, surrounded by five smaller boulders. gage [by resolving his karma before his preparing for the next. He extolled temples Another practice Gurudeva advocated for problems and burning them in any ordinary the leaf in the water and prayed for him to San Marga, the ‘straight or pure path’ to death], and is now free. He deals with the and elucidated proper ways of worship. He clearing the subconscious was vasana daha fire brings them from the subconscious into get a better next life. Then I felt relief.” God, had been created. An inner voice pro- future, I deal still with the past. You go to also laid out in detail the disciplines of , which means “purification of the the external mind, releasing the suppressed Aside from what Gurudeva did, how he claimed, ‘This is the place where the world him for foresight. You come to me for hind- monastic and family life, including specific subconscious by fire.” emotion as the fire consumes the paper.” helped others and who he was known to be, will come to pray.’ San Marga symbolizes sight. Detaza, he’s in another field, never instructions about the control of sexual “Mental impressions can be either positive And it brings results, as one of Gurudeva’s there was something intangibly magical each soul’s journey to liberation through un- been physical, never will, was created when force. So that people could “catch the or negative,” he explained. “In this practice, monks testifies: “In Jaffna, I saw people about him. Because he lived at the center of ion with God.” the Earth itself was created, along with nu- overview” of the world’s oldest religion, he we burn confessions, or even long letters to killed in front of me, houses looted, homeless himself, the Self of all, everyone felt close to merous others, many of which are under his summarized Hinduism in nine beliefs and loved ones or acquaintances, describing refugees, and more. I put each thought of him and loved him dearly. For them, his life The Teachings control.” Saivism in twelve. He put forward the Vedas pains, expressing confusions and registering these things in a leaf. For example, if I re- was like a magnificent rainbow, arched high Gurudeva was famous for his strictly tradi- Gurudeva promoted the yogic perspective and Agamas as Hinduism’s primary and re- grievances and long-felt hurts. Writing down called seeing one of my friends killed, I put above the woes of the daily norm. ∏π tional approach to religious life. This per- of monistic theism, the religious theology vealed scriptures, but also acknowledged spective was a significant part of his spiritu- (also known as panentheism) that embraces secondary scriptures like the Tirumantiram al inheritance from Yogaswami. Yet even as both monism and theism, two perspectives by (ca 200 bce) and the Tirukur- a child, he was taught traditional Hindu sometimes considered contradictory or mu- al by Tiruvalluvar (ca 200 bce). thought by well-informed teach- No one but a true mystic could ers. It was the validation of all have promoted these teachings so this through his own personal ex- convincingly. Feeling the power perience that endowed him with of Gurudeva’s experience in all the power to grow into the spiri- that he said, readers and listeners tual leader he was destined to be. found themselves unable to doubt First, in study and training, he him. Such was the magic of his absorbed the Hindu philosophy way, the power of his perception. and culture from the outside in. Then, through worship and yoga, Personal Disciplines he unfolded it from the inside Gurudeva set an example, living out. When he was satisfied that his life in accordance with the these two processes compliment- principles he taught. He would say ed each other without contradic- something. Then he would do it. tion, he had the power and con- Theory meant little to him if it fidence to set forth on a life of could not be put into practice. Stu- teaching dedicated to the clarifi- dents were amazed at his ability to cation and practical application translate abstract philosophical of ancient Vedic wisdom. principle into simple essence—then Asserting that the Gods were go one step further to conceive real, not just symbols, Gurudeva specific sadhanas (religious disci- spoke convincingly of the struc- plines) designed to put that es- ture of the second and third sence into practice. Take, for in- worlds, known in Hindu scripture stance, the mystical axiom of as the Antarloka and the Sivaloka. “clearing the subconscious,” so es- From his own experience, he col- sential in yoga. orfully described the beings who “The subconscious mind is the live in these realms, what they do storehouse for the conscious mind,” and how they can be of practical explained Gurudeva. “All the hap- assistance to devotees requesting penings of each day and all reac- their assistance. tions are stored up there. When Gurudeva was blessed with the subconscious is in control, the special siddhis, or psychic pow- control is at one rate of vibration. ers. These, he explained, came to When the subsuperconscious is in him after his Realization, as gifts control, after the subconscious has to enable him to better perform become understood, concentrated his work in service to Hinduism, Pada Puja: The sacred rite of washing the guru’s feet, here per- and cleared of all confusion, the vi- though he received a thorough formed for Gurudeva during the festival of Guru Purnima bratory rate is higher.” occult training beginning in his Most yoga instructors would early teens. One of these siddhis was the tually exclusive. He brought uncommon clar- have been happy to simply verbalize such ability to receive verbal messages from in- ity to the pivotal Hindu concepts of karma explicit insight. But Gurudeva devised a ner-plane beings of great wisdom and puri- and reincarnation, affirming that all souls method for putting it into practice. “Ganga fied character. Three of the beings, who are intrinsically good, that all karmas can be Sadhana is a practice for unburdening the communicated with Gurudeva from time to resolved, that Realization—as he had experi- subconscious mind, performed by releasing time for over 50 years, were Rishi Kalidas, enced it—can be attained and that liberation the energy of unwanted thoughts,” he says, Guru Omkar and Detaza. They helped him from the cycles of birth and death is indeed “while sitting quietly by a river or stream in all of his work. In the following excerpt possible. and listening to the Aum sound as the water from an unpublished message from Guru He propounded Saiva Siddhanta’s four- flows over the rocks. When a thought arises, Omkar on June 28, 1996, a sense of their stage path to God consisting of charya, (ser- it is mentally placed into a leaf held in the identity is given. vice), kriya (worship), yoga (meditation) right hand, then gently tossed into the water. “When you teach, you know more. Rishi and (wisdom). These stages, he said, Then a flower is offered to thank the water Kalidas, he released himself of all his bag- are successive and cumulative, each one for carrying away the thought.” Getting quiet: Devotees perform Ganga Sadhana by the beautiful Wailua River at Gurudeva’s ashram 30 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 31 YOGA In Nice, in Southern France, the whole con- the same inner state again. Shum is not de- 12,000 feet high in the Himalayas, 15 miles You do not have to consciously know the cept of leoonasee, the psychic nerve system, signed to replace secular languages, like from the Tibetan border. There, some of the meaning of a Shum chant or even a conversa- and aleekashum, the warmth and psychic French or English, which are conceived to most profound states were unfolded and tion in Shum for it to have an effect on your heat of the body, came through. completely address all the detailed needs recorded as mambashum. Sixty-five devotees inner nerve system. The Story of Shum Then, later, on our Innersearch in Paris, and concerns of physical and emotional life. were with me. Our intense meditations there Before the advent of Shum, we did not en- more Shum developed. Upon returning to Also Shum, as a working language, is still in inspired us deeply. courage group meditation at Himalayan the United States, I had a vocabulary of its formative stages. We found that the study of Shum provid- Academy. During a group meditation, there How my language for meditation came to be about 300 words, and every day even more The following year, we returned to Switzer- ed concentration practices and powers bet- were usually several who meditated quite were coming through. Finally, the images land and I experienced the tremendous ter than any other system in the mystical well while others let their minds wander stopped dropping out of the inner light, and breakthrough of mambashum. These are arts and meditation techniques. Mystical ex- here and there, going into a half sleep or be- By Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami light. The yellow and the lavender intermin- I heard the meaning of the words clairaudi- Shum maps for meditation that enable a periences began to develop between myself coming distracted. This caused a strange vi- n the summer of 1968, himalayan gled, one color coming in and out of the oth- ently, almost as if someone were speaking to devotee not only to plan out where he is go- and devotees, as we would go into the same bration to occur. Now, we have very uplift- Academy conducted an Innersearch er. It was just beautiful! But I only found one me. Sometimes they would come in re- ing to go inside before his meditation begins, area of the mind and experience, hear the ing group meditations in Shum. In fact, at Travel-Study program to Ascona, end of the ooda current, so did not have any verse—English first, Shum second. but also to make memos along the way as it same sounds and see the same colors. our monastery in Kauai, we begin every day Switzerland. I was working on a little results in Venice. Three days later, after re- The vocabulary and the structure of the progresses and afterwards when it is done. The vibration the language makes when a with a long Siva puja followed by a guided book called The Advaitin. The book turning to Ascona, I found both ends of the language developed very quickly, but what That year, nashumeef moolingmee shum group is speaking it is in itself uplifting. group Shum meditation which lasts about 45 was about refined states of experience deep ooda current while working within myself. was more important, the perspective of the came through as well. This special collection When chanting Shum, all one has to do is minutes. within the inner realms of pure conscious- Within two hours of meditation, the script, Shum language was now available. I began of Shum words opened the door to speaking listen inwardly to the tones of the chakras, One person, speaking only Shum, gently ness, just before one merges into the Self the fundamental alphabet of 18 sounds and to realize that each language has its own Shum during the day. It became possible to and let one or two out orally while chanting. guides the entire group into and out of deep and after one comes out of that point of view, or position of remain in inner states while getting things We made a great study of speaking the meditation. All individual awarenesses flow state. The book was unfolding awareness, that comes into ef- done around the ashram or in the home, Shum language. Students chanting Shum into the same areas of the inner mind at the beautifully, but upon rereading fect when one is speaking that without having to use another language. It found that just by uttering the tones, aware- same time. The Shum words give a strong what had been written, I thought, language. In English and other was easy and fun. nashumeef moolingmee ness was drawn into an expanded state. and supportive direction to all present. “This is going to be so difficult for European languages, our aware- shum made things look simple and allowed A mantra vibrates the inner areas of the as- When this begins to happen successfully, beginning students to understand. ness is out in the material world. one to deal with the world without getting tral body and the soul body. This allows the the vibration in the room becomes very There are no words in the English It seems to be located outside of drawn too far out into it. soul body to come through the astral into the strong, more potent and intensely more sat- language for what I wish to por- the physical body, looking back That same year in India, I did more work physical. All this does not have to be under- isfying—for the group helps the individual, tray. Unless my students have had at the physical body. From that on Shum at Sandakphu, a tiny camp located stood to occur. It will just happen naturally. and the individual helps the group. ∏π deep experiences themselves, it perspective, a person, if he is will be difficult for them to be- daring enough, might be able to lieve in the reality of the inner fathom the inner areas of the man, simply because there are not mind like looking through a lit- enough words to describe it.” tle keyhole. But often the exter- Four Poins of View, a Shum Mediaion I then began to feel that using nal world is so distracting, one Sanskrit might be necessary to does not even bother to try to he shum medita- aware of philosophy, find adequate words to convey the look within. tion map at right, the mooleef perspec- meanings of these refined areas The meditative perspective of called a mamsane, tive. Nor are they of the mind. I thought these areas the Shum language is deep with- names the four per- Shumeef much concerned should have their own names in in the mind. It is called shumeef. spectives or focuses of about the nature of a the same way that emotions and In shumeef, we have the con- consciousness. Shumeef is Simneef drop of water, the physical things have their own Where it all began: Ascona, Switzerland, where Gurudeva deeply sciousness that we are the center the classic meditator’s simneef perspective. names in English. meditated to unfold and develop the Shum language in 1969 of the universe. We see light point of view, in which You will find when At our Ascona summer retreat, within the spine as the central awareness is flowing you meditate on this I began looking through several Sanskrit the syntax—as well as some of the basic vo- pole, and then open our eyes and look out through the mind, the mamsane that the dictionaries to locate certain words that cabulary—all came through. The first word into the world. mind itself being station- shumeef and simneef could be used in The Advaitin. But in three to be uttered was Shum. Shum now names Shum has grown into a marvelous teach- ary. The simneef perspec- are companion states dictionaries, each translator had translated the language of meditation. As fast as I ing tool, because within the structure of the tive is the opposite of of consciousness and each of the words in a different way. I threw could, I wrote it all down and ran down- language is contained the entire Advaita shumeef. It refers to the inner awareness, as up my hands at this and said, “This is going stairs to one of the monks shouting, “I have Yoga philosophy. It has within it the per- point of view in which are the mooleef and to make it more confusing.” it! I have it! Here is our language!” spective man had to hold to bring back the the mind is moving and deemfee, experiential The feeling began to come that what was Because I thought I needed only a vocab- great yoga of the ancient rishis. As soon as I the intelligence of the perspectives of hu- really needed was another language, a new, ulary of fifty or a hundred words, Shum released a little bit of Shum to my students, person is still, as a scien- man consciousness fresh language, one giving me a vocabulary started out in a very simple way. However, in they began teaching it all over the country. tist observes living matter Mooleef and awareness. Gu- that we could use to accurately describe in- the days that followed, this ooda current be- Two universities wanted to teach the Shum through a microscope. rudeva urged seekers ner states of consciousness. Two or three came stronger and brighter. I didn’t tell any- language in their philosophy departments. The mooleef perspective to try to gain a super- days later we traveled to Venice, Italy, for a one about this at the time, except for two or Working with Shum benefits the individ- is “the way of words,” the Deemfee conscious glimpse of few days’ excursion. This idea of a new lan- three of the Saivite monastics who were ual’s natural spiritual unfoldment. It has the way of a scholar’s intel- all four at one time. guage was still very strongly in my mind. So, with me in Switzerland. effect of harnessing awareness from stray- lect. It signifies the ever- He observed that a I went within and wrote down some in- I began working day and night. The struc- ing. It is not a quick cure-all for problems of deepening knowledge of fully developed Hin- structions to my outer self as to how to pro- ture and script for the language began to re- the subconscious mind, nor is it exclusively a maturing mind. The oppo- with Mahadevas, devas in the foldment of the mind of the du should be able to experi- ceed and where to go to be able to unfold fine itself, and vocabulary started coming a mystical set of , although it can be site to mooleef is deemfee inner worlds, and with beings individuals who possess the ence at will each of these this language. My instructions were, “You go through right from the inner light. I would chanted like mantras. which is just now coming into of all kinds on other planets, deemfee perspective. They are points of view and consciously within the ooda current.” That is the current see light within my head and see little im- Shum is mostly spoken within a person. focus on this planet through such as the Pleiades, in this not aware of being the center live in two, three or more at of mind flow where language exists. ages or letters in the Shum script drop down, When a meditator has an inner experience, the newly found abilities of galaxy and beyond. This com- of all things, as in the shumeef the same time, as did the In following the instructions, my spine lit one after another, and line up. Vocabulary he can call it by name in Shum and draw a being able to communicate munication is a complete un- perspective. Nor are they rishis of yore. up in a beautiful pale yellow and lavender flowed out like this for two or three weeks. map for himself, showing how to return to

32 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 33 GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP s satguru, i am in exclusive intimate “ spiritual communion with each of my devo- tees. I am at the center of each seeker’s life, beating in each heart, aware in each thought, good, bad or indifferent. I keep the threads of every devotee’s karma. I am the spiritual voice of dharma in their lives. To those seeking to understand our subtle tradition, it must be openly stated that the satguru is the keeper of all the intertwined threads, the repository of all intimate knowledge, the knower of the continuities of all his followers’ karmas and , the confidant of each no religious upbringing, exposed to the con- one’s secret heart, the listener to their most cepts of the ’60s,” said Bodhinatha. “The painful confessions in sealed confidentiality, people in the ’50s didn’t understand ex- the giver of their mind-quieting penances, panded consciousness. People in the ’60s or prayaschittas, the interpreter of their knew about it, by reading about it or by per- transcendental, light-filled breakthroughs, sonal experience. The whole mentality be- visions and dreams, the guardian of the fu- came one more of inner experience and ture of each sishya.” So said Satguru Sivaya meditation.” Gurudeva’s teaching of Eastern Subramuniyaswami in the 1995 edition of concepts was like nectar, and many discov- Saiva Dharma Sastras, The Book of Disci- ered their spiritual identity in Hinduism. pline of Saiva Siddhanta Church. Beginning in late 1969 and continuing Gurudeva began teaching and picking up through the ’70s, Gurudeva traveled exten- these inner threads of devotees’ karmas in sively throughout Asia, frequenting India California in 1957. He quickly cognized the and Sri Lanka to expose his devotees to Hin- need for an external structure with which to du culture. While visiting Jaffna on a voyage manage and nurture a growing congrega- in 1972, Gurudeva met Sri Ram Shastri, tion. So, over many years he developed Saiva a leader among priests and a renowned mys- Siddhanta Church, the first Hindu institu- tical pundit of the island nation. Gurudeva tion in the world to embrace and mold the told him that he wanted his Western devo- Western church structure into a strong reli- tees, the truly sincere ones, to become Hin- gious organization with an ethnically di- dus. Shastri told Gurudeva that it was fine to verse international congregation. Its head- do. It is within the sastras. But it would take quarters is at a traditional South Indian style three generations before this lineage is fully monastery-temple complex in the Hawaiian established. Gurudeva took that prediction islands known as Kauai Aadheenam, or seriously. He kept it in mind over the next Kauai’s Hindu monastery. According to Sat- 29 years as he carefully guided the lives of guru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, Gurudeva’s his first group of householder devotees who successor and disciple of 37 years, “Gurude- had converted to Saivism. The third genera- va always did the same thing. From 1957 to tion to which Shastri referred is now being his mahasamadhi, his core teachings didn’t born in several of these families. change, his organizational concepts didn’t The core of Gurudeva’s Church, the mon- change, the essence of what he was trying to astic ministers, were the first to enter Hin- do did not change. What did change were duism. “Those who were brought up in oth- the people.” er religions had to go through a severance As a spiritual leader committed to teach- process. Some ran into religious conflicts ing an Eastern religion in the West, Guru- and didn’t continue,” explained Bodhinatha, deva always responded to the people who who supervised the process. In the late ’70s came forward, which evolved through the and early ’80s Gurudeva and his monastics decades into a deeply sincere group of Saiv- guided the householders through the same ite Hindu devotees. “In the 1950s Gurudeva process who wished to continue under the was working with people who had been stricter guidelines he had established. Gracious Guru studying and whose back- As Western devotees entered Hinduism in Gracious Guru ’60s 1980s, ground was Christian. In the the group the born Hindus from Asia started changed. It became young people, some coming forward. If they were Vaishnavas, with Christian backgrounds and some with they, too, had to formally convert to Saivism

april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 35 and take on a Saivite name. This in the home shrine, attending a temple marked a significant permanent change once a week, pilgrimaging to a far-off in the makeup of the congregation. Says temple annually, celebrating festivals Bodhinatha: “We went from teaching and observing the essential samskaras, yoga to Christians to teaching Saivism rites of passage. Samskaras sanctify to Hindus; from a group based in Cali- crucial events in life: from name-giving fornia to a global group with members to first feeding, beginning of education on every major continent.” to marriage, entrance into elderly life to Though students and members came funeral. Gurudeva dusted off and and went through the years, Gurudeva’s breathed new life into samskaras, many message did not change. Bodhinatha of which had been all but left aside in said, “He started talking about the Self; cosmopolitan Hindu society. he ended talking about the Self. He He had searched for years for just started with knowledge about the mon- the right place to establish the ashram astic path and the family path; he end- that would become world headquarters ed with that knowledge.” for a complex Hindu ministry. Having Gurudeva’s vision of a Hindu church considered locations in Asia and Eu- never wavered either. He recognized rope, he landed on the Garden Island the advantages of the church paradigm of Kauai in December, 1968. This, he as an organized social structure, not to felt certain, was the ideal place, situat- mention the legal and financial free- ed half way between East and West. In doms and protections granted in the January, 1970, he returned to Kauai US. So, with the help of San Francisco and purchased the 1927 Japanese-de- attorney Alvin Buchignani, on Febru- signed island home turned resort and ary 12, 1962, Saiva Siddhanta Church its surrounding acreage where he and became the first Hindu institution to be his students had sojourned in ’68. Corner stone: Devotees celebrate with Gurudeva and V. Ganapati Sthapati (center) granted church tax exempt status by the Pure grace: He danced through life on waves of bliss “Kauai Aadheenam is a traditional, the commencement of jointing work on Iraivan Temple, May 31, 2001 US Internal Revenue Service. male cloistered Hindu monastery,” Gu- Gurudeva made his objectives very clear: ing yamas and niyamas, 20 Ve d i c re s t ra i nt s rudeva wrote in 1995. “This is the site of the “We urge members and other devotees to and observances. Paramacharya Palaniswa- Kailasa Pitham, the seat of spiritual authori- Carving on Iraivan Temple began in 1990 nial placement of the first stone on the giant Marga Iraivan Temple is now manifesting as ‘Know thy Self’ through self-inquiry, medi- mi quips, “The only thing harder than be- ty for this ancient guru lineage, formerly lo- when Gurudeva chipped the first stone. Sri concrete foundation at Kauai Aadheenam the fulfillment of one of Gurudeva’s most tation, traditional temple worship, scriptur- coming a member of the Church is remain- cated in northern Sri Lanka. Here we pro- Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Swami of Sri [photo above]. Gurudeva declared at the profound mystical visions. al study, guru bhakti and selfless service. ing a member.” Indeed, Gurudeva required tect the purity of the faith and decide Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Mutt in event, “The vision of the Iraivan Temple as For over 30 years he shaped the ministry We strive to bring members, devout sishyas each to requalify and rededicate himself or matters of education, publication, innovation, Bangalore, India, generously provided 11 a place of pilgrimage for devotees of Siva and character of his dynamic monastic or- of the parampara, into a pure, ethical life herself annually during the Guru Purnima theology and Church law. Here young men acres outside the city where hereditary tem- throughout the world is becoming clearer der and family congregation and guided and guide them toward enlightenment and a festival in July. And he continually raised the are prepared to eventually take holy orders ple architects and site manager Jiva Ra- and clearer and clearer as the days go on. It Hindu groups worldwide from his seat of au- direct consciousness of the Divine within.” standards, prescribing new sadhanas to goad of sannyasa.” jasankara from Malaysia built homes and is a temple of boon-giving, a life-giving tem- thority as guru mahasannidhanam of Kau- Membership in Saiva Siddhanta Church is members onward, never, ever allowing them Kauai’s Hindu Monastery is a full-featured worksheds and dug wells, creating a village ple, a wish-fulfilling temple. Temples such as ai’s Hindu Monastery, his tropical island no trivial association. Students are required to let down. religious sanctuary replete with sacred where 100 men and their families could Iraivan are built on the sacrifice, sadhana home. The wholeness of the Aadheenam as to study the teachings for several years to Gurudeva recognized a balance between forests, paths and ponds and two temples: carve this elaborate white granite edifice in and of the people that are allowed to it exists now registers as an incredible, in- become intimately familiar with the mysti- meditation, or internalized worship, and ex- the Kadavul Nataraja Temple founded in the traditional way—by hand. participate. Six thousand devotees of Siva delible experience in the minds of visitors cal monistic-theistic philosophy. They must ternal worship of the Gods as necessary for 1973, and the San Marga Iraivan Temple Ten years later, on May 31, 2001, chief from thirty to forty countries have con- from all over the world. One pilgrim re- adjust their lives to traditional disciplines, consistent spiritual unfoldment. He encour- conceived in 1975, a traditional, all-granite, temple architect Sri V. Ganapati Sthapati tributed and sacrificed to bring Iraivan marked, “Gurudeva has preserved the pure adhere to a strict vegetarian diet, tithe on aged his followers, and all Hindus, to fulfill Chola style, Agamic Siva temple which will and priest Sri Kandaswamy Gurukkal of Temple to this stage of completion, and it is Jaffna Tamil culture and all of its refine- their income and follow the character-build- the five traditional obligations: daily worship be the crown jewel of the Aadheenam. Ontario, Canada, presided over the ceremo- now being placed upon the foundation.” San ments here.” ∏π

in the monastery’s Gurudeva was excep- pastures; 2) speaking tionally creative, spon- All in a Day’s Work on the phone with a taneous and ever avail- devotee; 3) greeting able, ready to respond balanced life” was the Vivek Dixit fami- to the needs of devo- Gurudeva’s description ly, one of hundreds of tees as well as those of “ of his daily routine. He families worldwide the wider Hindu faithfully led the who consider Kauai’s world with new pro- monks’ daily two-hour medita- Hindu Monastery a jects and publications tion and worship from 5:30- place of pilgrimage that kept his team of 7:30 AM. He spent several hours and spiritual authori- two dozen monastics each morning guiding the lives ty, visiting often to “on their toes, a little of his Church members receive the guru off balance.” Always through personal communica- mahasannidhanam’s staying at the center of tion—by telephone for many darshan and to seek it all, one of Gurudeva’s most seling thousands of Hindu visi- years, until the mid 1990s when legacy of teaching he knew his advice; 4) giving unusual, recognizable qualities tors to his Aadheenam, speak- he relied mostly on e-mail. would last far into the future. In mantra initiation to as a world religious leader was ing intimately with them about Every afternoon was spent per- the photos here we see Gurude- Vasanthi Kunaseelan that he was always available, their lives, personal aspirations sonally editing his books, the va: 1) blessing a new calf born of Klang, Malaysia. personally greeting and coun- and concerns.

36 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 37 Mahasamadhi: Gurudeva’s 23 monastic disciples gather at his bedside soon after his passage on the MONASTIC ORDER morning of November 13, 2001, recording the solemn event for future generations His Living solemn event for future generations Legacy Twenty-three monks, strong and united

or four decades sivaya subramu- niyaswami carefully trained, strictly tested and lovingly molded a small, tight-knit group of men into an effective, orthodox yet joyous monastic order. The Sai- va Siddhanta Yoga Order is of the Natha Sampradaya, an ancient tradition of Saiva yoga mysticism that began in the Himalayas and migrated south to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It is based on striving for Self Realization and service to Siva, guid- ed by a mystical understanding and practice of brahmacharya, celibacy and transmuta- tion of the sexual forces. Personal sadhana and the service of bringing Saivism into the modern age by disseminating the deep, in- ner teachings of Saiva Siddhanta have al- ways remained the foremost work of this group of disciplined monks. They follow strict vows, own nothing, sleep on the floor, work very hard, live a cloistered life, don’t visit family or former friends and perform we have. And he worked really hard at it.” ing. This is an order of great discipline and worship, yoga and meditation sadhanas for From an old house in San Francisco to a striving, so everyone who comes here comes life’s most grand and glorious at least two hours each day. 458-acre monastery on the paradisiacal is- with that kind of spiritual intensity, spiritu- path, and the singular path for Because they live the simple life of the re- land of Kauai, world-renouncing aspirants al eagerness, and a search for God.” o My Dear Monastics… those seeking God Realization, nunciate, it didn’t matter that the Order grew continued to come forward and dedicate The mix of ethnicities is as diverse as the that mystic treasure reserved from very modest beginnings. As Param- themselves to the search for the Self and ser- ways in which Gurudeva’s mathavasis chose n holy orders of san- the waters, the experiences of cient Saivite scriptures pro- for the renunciate. True renun- acharya Palaniswami, a disciple of Gurude- vice of Siva under Gurudeva’s large, graceful to leave the world and live as Siva’s men. nyasa, Gurudeva enjoined the sannyasin leave no mark, claim your sannyasin’s life ciation must be complete re- va since 1966 said, “In the early days monks umbrella. But why? Palaniswami explained, Though it began in San Francisco in the his monastics as follows: no samskara to generate new great above all other greatness. nunciation; it must be uncon- couldn’t eat three meals a day, couldn’t buy “They’ve reached a maturity in their own 1950s and 60s with American Hindu con- The first part of your life karmas for an unsought-for fu- Let your life as a sannyasin ditional. There is no room on new clothes when old clothes wore out, searching in their spiritual life, in their verts and adoptives, in the 1980s born Hin- was lived for yourself; the sec- ture. He walks into the future, be a joyful one, strict but not the upper reaches of San Mar- couldn’t pay electric bills and phone bills on quest for Truth, their quest for God.” du aspirants from Sri Lanka, Mauritius and ond part will be lived in the on into the varied vrittis of the restrictive, for this is not the ga for mental manipulations, time. Gurudeva had to use all of his consid- “Each one has his own story,” continued Malaysia began to join the Order, balancing service of others, for the bene- mind, letting go of the past, path of martyrdom or mortifi- for play-pretend renunciation erable skills to bring us into having the pre- Palaniswami. “That story might be that he Gurudeva’s with a rich blend of fit of your religion. You have letting what is be and being cation. It is the fulfillment of or half-measure sadhana. Let sent-day resources and self-sufficiency that started at a young age searching through the cultural backgrounds. been tried and tested through himself in its midst, moving on all prior experiential patterns, your renunciation be complete. many paths, trying to reduce This diversity has proven to be a great as- years of training and challenges into an ever more dynamic the most natural path—the Resolve that it will be a per- them to the one that felt right to set to the Order, one which helps them ful- and proved yourself worthy to service, an ever more profound Straight Path to God, the San fect giving-up, a thorough let- him, felt like his dharma. An- fill the myriad projects that are part of their wear the kavi, the orange knowing. Be thou bold, san- Marga—for those content and ting-go. Let go of the rope. Be other, perhaps, had an inner ex- greater mission. And theirs is no ordinary, robes, and to fulfill the illustri- nyasin young. Be thou bold, ripened souls. Leave all regret the unencumbered soul that perience and wondered what social mission. “Gurudeva felt that there are ous Saiva sannyasa dharma. sannyasin old. Let the past behind, all guilt and guile; oth- you are. Be the free spirit, un- that experience meant. Some- enough Hindu institutions in the world ded- The sannyasin harkens close melt and merge its images into ers will preserve all that you fettered and fearless, soaring one else might have gone to In- icated to the noble enterprises of social and to Siva and releases the past to the sacred river within. Let proudly renounce. Let even above the clamor of dissension dia and been adopted by the humanitarian relief. He saw that very few an outer death. Remembering the present be like the images the hardships ahead be faced and difference. All that you Gods, transformed in a temple are fully dedicated to the profound enter- the past and living in memo- written upon the water’s calm cheerfully. need will be provided. If there and given inward directions. prise of spiritual, personal transformation of ries brings it into the present. surface. The future holds no Never fail to take refuge in is any residue of attachment, Others might have just met Gu- people. To him the highest calling is spread- Sannyasins never indulge in glamour. The past holds no at- your God, your guru and your sever it without mercy. Cast it rudeva and seen in him the ing knowledge of the Self, service to Siva recollections of the forgotten tachment, no return to unfin- Great Oath. Be the noble soul off altogether. Let this be no light and the wisdom and the and sacred work, rather than secular work. person they have released. The ished experience. Even upon you came to this Earth to be, partial renunciation, subject to profundity of the Self and Building the temples, translating the scrip- present and the future—there the dawn of the day walk into and lift humanity by your ex- future wants, to future patterns wished to experience and taste tures and promoting knowledge of the high- is no security for the sannyasin your destiny with the courage ample. Know it with a certain- of worldliness. Give all to God Hanging out: While taking a walk, Gurudeva stops on a that beautiful illumination that est form was the highest work to do, and he in either. Like writing upon born of knowing that the an- ty beyond question that this is Siva, and never take it back. garden path to chat informally with his monastics he wore so gracefully in his be- wanted his monks to do that work.” ∏π 38 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 39 Pluralistic: (clockwise) Jothi Param of Cali- fornia and wife Deepa of South India con- duct their daughter’s name-giving rite, 2001; the first group of students at the Indo-American Saivite School, Concord, California, 1986; Gurudeva meets in Kauai with devotees from Singapore and Malaysia, 2001

which he detailed in his 365 Nandinatha Sutras of Living with Siva. Association with orthodox Saivites of India and Sri Lanka al- lows Westerners to absorb the subtleties and depths of this refined protocol. Gurudeva also required a home life of , tolerat- ing neither abuse of a spouse nor corporal punishment of children. The Saivite Sastras, revealed to Gurudeva in 1973, explain that “The guru worked with the families in the same way he worked with a single monastery.” Deva Seyon elabo- rated on that relationship between the mon- astery and family homes: “The monastery and the families of Saiva Siddhanta Church work closely together on many levels in ful- filling Gurudeva’s directives both within the Church missions and with the public at large. The families learn by watching the monks—their attitudes, their commitment, their selfless service.” This relationship is born out of the love of striving through dai- Grand opening: Parading to the Panchamukha Ganapati Mandapam at the Saiva Dharmasala in Mauritius, September 14, 1999 ly religious disciplines such as meditation and scriptural study that Gurudeva nur- FAMILY COMMUNITY tured in all of his devotees. The families of the Church forge frontiers in passing on the traditions of our Hindu re- A Worldwide Congregation ligion by worshiping daily together in the home shrine, wearing Hindu clothing, rais- ing children nonviolently, holding daily fam- A dedicated band of devotees further his mission, starting in their homes ily meetings and spending an evening to- gether at home at least once a week. Groups of families in each area collaborate and help  Sampling of Sutras on Family fe n international group of men, dom through the years.” rope and over 70 percent in Asia—mostly each other live a meaningful Hindu lifestyle women and children, the members It is this balance that Gurudeva taught his Mauritius and Malaysia, as well as Singapore in many ways, such as home schooling their guiding and nurturing children the purpose of marriage of Saiva Siddhanta Church, strive householder devotees to accomplish in his and India. Though stretched across the globe, children together, hosting pilgrims and spe- Those who live with Siva personally Siva’s followers look upon their marriage for personal, spiritual transforma- conversations with them, and in Living with they are no less connected than if they lived cial guests and going on pilgrimage together guide their children’s spiritual and secu- as a spiritual partnership for the purpose tion and steadfastly fulfill the ob- Siva where he addressed every issue that in a single village. Take, for example, the to temples in South India and to the Aad- lar education. They teach and model of uplifting each other and bringing jectives of the Church while living and arises on the family path, from the most cross-national marriage that brought togeth- heenam in Kauai. respect, share what happens each day, through higher souls. It is a union not working in the world, tithing on their in- spiritually subtle to the most mundane. er the Deva Seyon family of Kauai and the Kulapati Mardemootoo eloquently sum- have fun together and shower love and only of a man and woman, but of two come to support the Church, conclaving in Kulapati Deva Seyon, who lives near the Manogaran Mardemootoo family of Mauri- marized Gurudeva’s impact on the lives of hugs upon them. Aum. (14) entire families. Aum. (116) local mission groups and gathering in homes monastery on Kauai (only single men under tius. In 1991, Kavita, Deva’s daughter, mar- householder devotees. “Gurudeva has ex- restraint with other women the wife’s dharma to worship and perform karma yoga. Guru- vows live inside the monastery), had this to ried Sivakumaren, Manogaran’s son. Though posed us to a way of life conducive to peace, Siva’s married men, in the workplace and Each of Siva’s married women followers deva summarized the path of these tried say: “Gurudeva brought the true and ulti- half a world away, the two families merged love and harmony in and outside the home. in the world, hold a courteous aloofness strives to fulfill female dharma, perpetu- and tested souls in mate meaning of or family lineage, to like milk poured into milk. Deva recalls, He has given us the tools to be peacemakers, Living with Siva, Hin- gotra, toward all women, whether young, older, ating the race, family and the faith “If both his initiated devotees, whom he saw as his “Gurudeva’s constant blessings and loving to shine as examples of good family people duism’s Contemporary Culture: single, married, divorced or widowed. through remaining in the home to nur- husband and wife are on the spiritual path, family lineage. While Gurudeva was the care for the needs of our family led us to and elders who have been endowed with They reserve their affections for wife ture, guide and strengthen her dear hus- the householder family will progress beauti- supreme monastic, he was never at a loss in love and trust those who also loved him. His wisdom, able to stand as respected leaders and family. Aum. (87) band and children. Aum. (132) fully and deeply. Their love for one another advising on the business, social or intimate, international global spiritual family became even in the most difficult times. He has and their offspring maintains family harmo- personal problems of his initiated families, our family as we shared the same goals and taught us by his own life how to be strong in holding a daily vigil teaching and modeling good conduct ny. However, the nature of their sadhana and down to the smallest detail. He knew every priorities in life. In amalgamating our two our beliefs and values and succeed in life by Worshipers of Siva perform a one-hour Siva’s followers love their children, govern unfoldment of the spirit is different from family sishya on a deep, personal level— families, all the big issues regarding the fu- planning carefully and living fully in the daily vigil, ideally before sunrise, in a them in a kind but firm way and model that of the sannyasin. The struggle to main- their hopes and dreams, fears and short- ture of our children were already settled, as present. If we now enjoy daily the wonder- clean, quiet place, after bathing and don- the five family practices: proper conduct, tain the responsibilities of the home and comings—and never tired of guiding, help- we shared the same kulaguru.” ful experiences of extended and joint fami- ning fresh clothing and holy ash. This home worship, religious discussion, con- children while simultaneously observing the ing and serving his congregation.” Gurudeva required his Church members lies, and we know how to protect and keep vigil is optional on weekends and when tinuous self-study and following a contemplative way, in itself, provides strength This fortunate congregation is truly global to live strictly by the traditional and time- our culture and religion alive and prosper- traveling or ill. Aum. (21) preceptor. Aum. (139) and balance, and slowly matures innate wis- and diverse, with members in the US, Eu- tested protocols of Tamil Saivite culture, ous, it is all thanks to our satguru.” ∏π 40 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 41 MISSION RenaissanceRenaissance RishiRishi

Arise! awake! (left) N.K. Murthi translates Gurudeva’s message during a rousing 1981 talk to thousands of Hindus at Thiruvanaikoil Temple, Tiruchirappalli, South India; (above) school- children and teachers gather to hear his message in South India in 1983

grandmothers or grandfathers, but it was who when asked, ‘Are you a Hindu?’ reply, quite a different matter to hear Gurudeva ‘No, I’m not really a Hindu. I’m nonsectari- teach from his own realization. an, universal, a follower of all religions. I’m The modern renaissance of Hinduism be- a little bit of everything, and a little bit of gan in the 1800s with the missions of Day- everybody. Please don’t classify me in any ananda Saraswati, founder of the Arya particular way.’ Are these the words of a Samaj; Ramakrishna and his disciple Swami strong person? No. Too much of this kind of Vivekananda, founder of the Ramakrishna thinking makes the individual weak-mind- Mission; Kadaitswami of Jaffna, in Gurude- ed.” Gurudeva wouldn’t stop there. “They va’s own lineage; Sivadayal of the Radhasoa- are disclaiming their own sacred heritage mi Vaishnava sect; Arumuga Navalar of for the sake of money and social or intellec- Jaffna and Ramalingaswami of Tamil Nadu. tual acceptance. How deceptive! How shal- It included Eknath Ranade, whose social re- low! The word should go out loud and form thinking inspired Gandhi; Sri Auro- strong: Stand strong for Hinduism, and bindo, who sought to advance the evolution when you do, you will be strong yourself.”

photos: indivar sivanathan photos: indivar of human consciousness; Swami Rama Closely related to this lack of self-identity , who lectured extensively in America; as a Hindu was the popular notion that “All induism is the greatest reli- each pilgrimage carrying a specific mes- of golden light,” he explained again and again Sadhu Vaswani, and religions are one.” Hindus don’t need to claim gion in the world!” Gurudeva sage. It was a mission to “convert Hindus to during the 1981 India Odyssey. “This Third many more. They were dedicated to bringing to be Hindus, went this line of thought, be- thundered from podium after Hinduism,” as said Gurudeva’s friend and World is called the Sivaloka. The Second Hinduism out of centuries of oppression into cause it doesn’t really matter what religion “ podium during his pilgrimage fellow worker for the Hindu renaissance, World of existence, or astral plane, is called its rightful place in the modern era. you follow, since all are the same. Gurudeva tours to India, Sri Lanka and Swami Chinmayananda, characterizing his the Devaloka. The great Gods have millions For all the progress made by these great countered, “All religions are not one. They Malaysia in the early 1980s. own aims. It was a mission to be continued, of helpers in the Devaloka who help each men, and dozens more since, there remained are very, very different. They all worship and “Stand strong for Hinduism! Be proud to be refined and added to up until Gurudeva’s last and every one of us. One or more of them is in 1980 serious obstacles to a true Hindu re- talk about God, yes, but they do not all lead a Hindu!” he commanded applauding audi- tour of Europe, weeks before his mahasama- assigned to personally help you in this First naissance. At a time when the “brain drain” their followers to the same spiritual goal. The ences. The pilgrimages, or Innersearch pro- dhi in 2001. In the course of it, he met the World, which is the world of material or was drawing India’s best and brightest to Christians are not seeking God within them- grams, were usually comprised of Gurude- great saints of India and the world’s out- physical existence, called the Bhuloka.” America, perhaps it required Gurudeva— selves. They do not see God as all-pervasive. va, six or eight of his monks and 30 or more standing community and political leaders, He would then explain how the devas can one of America’s best and brightest—to trav- Jews, Christians and Muslims do not believe devotees. The group would travel to the including presidents and prime ministers. see the sacred ash upon a person’s forehead, el the other way and remind Indians that that there is more than one life or that there great temples of South India, such as in Chi- Gurudeva taught Hinduism to Hindus how they and the Gods can hear the Sanskrit they had something money couldn’t buy: is such a thing as karma. They simply do not dambaram, Madurai and Palani Hills, and from the inside out, beginning with explana- chanting of the priest in the temple and how Hinduism, the greatest religion in the world. accept these beliefs. They are heresy to especially through Sri Lanka, homeland of tions of the deepest spiritual world. “The the stone icon of the Deity in the temple It was to be a tough mission. First, many them.” He had his monks research the be- Gurudeva’s lineage. All along the way he Third World is where the highest beings, sanctum is like a telephone connection to the Hindus wouldn’t even admit they were Hin- liefs of all the major faiths and clearly delin- would speak to standing-room only gather- such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan and Third World of the Gods. Perhaps his audi- dus. In a lecture in Sri Lanka, he described eate one from another. Sri Lanka: Arriving at his ashram in 1983 ings at temples, ashrams and public halls, our Great God Siva, exist in shining bodies ence had heard such explanations from their the problem: “Today there are many Hindus Going against a common trend, he 42 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 43 preached the merits of sectarianism, of each tack the Christians, but to disengage from of the great traditions of Hinduism— and ignore them. He told Hindus to take Saivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Smar- their children out of Christian schools and to tism—retaining and valuing their unique fea- close their doors on Christian missionaries tures. The watered-down, homogenized who came to their homes to proselytize. Hinduism which some were advocating, he A few Hindus opposed Gurudeva, unsure warned, would not sustain the individual of what he was trying to do, or feeling per- , spiritual teaching traditions, haps that their “turf” was being invaded by which are its core strengths. an outsider. In 1999, he told his students on One of India’s leading writers, Sita Ram the Alaska Innersearch program about this Goel, said, “Gurudeva’s greatest contribution time. “We did not fight them—‘them’ is has been to rescue the word Hinduism from ‘us’—but let them find out that we were all being a dirty word and restore it to its age- working for the same thing, the upliftment old glory. He made Hindus everywhere to of Hinduism.” And over the years they did, see themselves as a world community and as until Gurudeva humorously lamented, “I am inheritors of a great civilization and cul- so disappointed in my enemies. Not one has ture.” Swami Advaitananda of the ever been able to stay mad at me.” Vidya in India said it this way: “In Gurudeva preached—and practiced—co- the present days, when Hindus are ashamed operation among Hindus. Three harmful to call themselves so, it has been his work habits stood in the way: attacking leaders, and teachings that have propelled faith and tolerating detractors and disharmony among infused dynamism among the millions who boards and committees. “It is important that lovingly addressed him as Gurudeva.” you refrain from the pattern that if one per- Gurudeva was astonished at the pervasive son in the community comes up, cut him Christian influence in India, even though down, malign him, criticize him until all just two percent of Indians were Christians heads are leveled,” he said. “In modern, in- Welcome: (left) Children and adults in South and even though the British had left fifty dustrial society everyone tries to lift every- India were delighted to receive Gurudeva at years ago. He found those in India educated one else up. People are proud of an individ- their village temple; (above) A. P. C. Veera- in Christian schools to be anemic Hindus, ual in the community who comes up, and bhagu of Tuticorin garlands Gurudeva upon their faith undermined by the years of study they help the next one behind him to suc- his entrance to the South Indian town under teachers propounding an alien faith. ceed as well. They are proud of their reli- One Catholic priest in Colombo even told gious leaders, too. Not so here in India, be- This was not always the popular stance, but him straight out, “The Hindu children that cause if anyone does want to help out with scripture and the majority of swamis pass through my school may never become spiritually they have to be quiet and conceal backing him up, one heard fewer and fewer Catholics, but they certainly will never be themselves, lest they be maligned. Nobody compelling terms why a project that all wish realized that no good work, especially the most popular suggestion, especially to tem- Hindus advocating violent solutions. good Hindus.” is standing up to defend the religion; nobody to manifest is not possible,” he said. “They construction of a Hindu temple, was going ple boards comprised of “.” As an Gurudeva didn’t just advise communities Gurudeva had nothing against Christian- is allowing anybody else to stand up, either. are equally capable of making everyone to come out of meetings where tempers alternative, he encouraged priests to start what should be done; he set about doing it, ity or any other religion. He came, after all, This has to change, and change fast it will.” question the mission of the organization and flared. Anger, jealousy and ego, he said, will their own temples, which a few have done especially through his publications. The from a country where Christians are in the “Swami bashing” was another sport Gu- their part in it.” derail any spiritual project. and more plan to in the future. books filled the gap for well-written expla- majority. Only rarely in his years of min- rudeva would not tolerate. Its origins were It was a subtle perception, but perfectly He stood ready to defend the priesthood He addressed a special part of his mes- nations on Hinduism. Swami Bua, age 115, istry in America did he experience any easily detected—Christian missionaries on clear for those facing detractors, such as a who serve in the Hindu temples around the sage to his fellow Saivites to dispel the com- wrote, “Gurudeva’s unique method of ex- Christian interference. In his early years, he one side and communists on the other, each committee in the UK formed to build a Hin- world. He defended the rights of the Siva- mon misconception that Lord Siva should plaining the most complex principles in the studied with deeply mystical teachers of for their own reasons wanting to discredit du temple. They even had one Christian and chariyas, the highest order of Saivite priests. not be worshiped in the home, and that the simplest way was astounding. That was how several religions, including Buddhists, Mus- the swamis. Gurudeva later said, “When one communist as board members. Their One of their leaders, Sri T. S. Sambamurthy worship of Siva would make one poor. “Non- he could reach more people. The most com- lims and Christians. He knew the finer side swami bashing was in vogue years ago, purpose, one trustee memorably wrote, was Sivacharyiar, wrote, “His support to us was sense,” he said, “Lord Siva is the God of plicated philosophies appeared as the sim- of each faith. swamis took it seriously. They got to know “to infiltrate, dilute and destroy” the purpose great. At a time when many organizations Love” and explained that worship of Siva plest and easiest messages in his hands—but What he saw at the Christian schools was each other better, stood up for each other of the committee. On his next visit to Lon- and even governments were discouraging would bring every benefit, including wealth. with the same power and essence.” bad enough, but the methods of Christian and put a stop to the nonsense.” Gurudeva don, Gurudeva saw to it that the detractors us, he always raised his voice on behalf of us He wanted all the Gods brought “out of Gurudeva’s renaissance message included missionaries—trickery, enticement, intimi- made a point of meeting as many of the were excused from the board. around the world at difficult times.” exile” and encouraged Hindus of each sect Hindu pride, clear and public religious iden- dation—incensed him. He opposed this de- swamis of India as possible. He stayed in Weeding out detractors was only a first Gurudeva criticized those who claimed to make their home shrine the most beauti- tity, correct religious understanding, rever- vious side of Christianity wherever he found contact with them, too, especially through step in making Hindu organizations, espe- social superiority by virtue of caste. He said, ful room in the house. He reserved a special ence for scripture, respect for religious lead- it and told the Hindus worldwide to stand by Hinduism Today, and gathered their views cially temple boards, more effective. Some “I don’t understand how some people claim condemnation for those Hindus in the West ers, home worship, opposition to conversion, their religious rights as Hindus. “When an on dozens of issues to formulate an all-Hin- in the West were famous for their rancorous they are brahmins because their fathers are who put their shrine in the closet, easily hid- preservation of traditions, harmonious elephant is young,” he said time and again, du stance and to empower spiritual leaders. meetings, with some disputes even spilling brahmins. They don’t know the religion, and den when a guest visited. The house should working together, interfaith harmony, Lord “the mahout, trainer, can control it with a His perceptions about detractors were into the local courts, to the great embarrass- they can’t do the worship. It’s like someone proudly and openly reflect its religion and Siva as the God of Love and Hinduism as small stick, and the elephant learns to fear more subtle, and came to the fore as his re- ment of the community. When trustees ap- saying, ‘My father is a doctor, so I’m a doc- culture of the residents, he taught. best suited of all religious for the modern, that stick. When the elephant is big, he still naissance mission matured in the late ’80s proached Gurudeva for advice, which many tor. Let me operate on you.’ No way.” At a time when vocal advocates of a mili- technological age. He dispelled many myths fears the stick, even though he could pick it and ’90s and encompassed Hindus of the di- did, he emphasized the absolute necessity of In Europe and America he advocated tant Hinduism arose, Gurudeva stood firm and misunderstandings about Hindus among up and the mahout, too, and toss them far aspora in dozens of countries. It was the re- harmony among board members, the same proper treatment of the priests, especially in defense of ahimsa, nonviolence, as an es- Hindus and non-Hindus alike. He advocated away.” By this same psychology, Gurudeva sult of years of experience with Hindu and harmony he demanded of his monastic or- that they be given decent salaries, proper sential principle. Yet, he was not a pacifist. a strong and loving Hindu home, encourag- said, Hindus had become meek and submis- non-Hindu organizations. The detractor, he der. “Why,” he would ask, “can’t a board working conditions, reasonable hours and He endorsed the right of nations and indi- ing mothers to not work but raise their chil- sive under years of Christian rule and un- explained, was the person who joined a reli- comprised of professional doctors and engi- good housing. He wanted them to be repre- viduals to self-defense. But he could foresee dren full-time and for parents to not use willing now to mount serious protest to con- gious group to socialize, but did not really neers get along in a professional manner? sented on temple boards and be given the the negative karma and endless cycles of ret- corporal punishment on children. He pro- tinued Christian oppression, even when the support its aims. Such people, he said, can Do they have to forget their diplomatic skills respect and position that priests and minis- ribution in store for those who advocated vi- jected this message with clarity, boldness, political power which made it possible in the completely stymie a group’s efforts. “At mandatory at their regular jobs?” The ad- ters of other faiths enjoy in the West, akin to olence, taking the law into their own hands love and humor, and he made a difference, first place was gone. His advice was not to at- meetings they are quite competent to tell in vice was helpful to many communities, who that of a doctor or a lawyer. It wasn’t his to achieve their goals or to right past wrongs. redefining our modern Hindu world. ∏π

44 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 45 RENAISSANCE GURU World meetings: (above) Most of the 450 participants of the 1988 Global Forum in say, “Because we love our chil- front of the 18th century Peckwater Quad dren. We love them.” “So, how at Oxford University, England; (below) Stop the War in the Home do you train them, how do you 2,500 world religious leaders gather at the discipline them?” “Well, we United Nations in August 2000 Excerpts from Gurudeva’s 2001 Message at the UN have them go into the shrine A Global Touch room and sit for 10 minutes tradition by pronouncing that we’re just and think over what they did here as wallpaper to your meeting.” The hen asked by the and their kids will beat their dren and beat that generation wrong, and they come back Gurudeva brought an articulate, dynamic Hindu chairperson apologized, and the rest of the United Nations leaders kids, and those kids will beat down to nothingness. This is and we talk to them. We com- week spiritual leaders were eagerly brought how humanity might their kids. Older brothers will certainly not the culture of an municate. We encourage them presence to world religious conferences forward and honored properly. better resolve the con- beat younger brothers. Broth- intelligent future. It is a culture to do better, rather than mak- While he found value in conferences, and flicts, hostilities and violent ers will beat sisters. You can that will perpetuate every kind ing them feel worse.” had his Hinduism Today staff assist orga- happenings that plague every see what families are creating of hostility. Corporal punish- Holding the family together urudeva only occasionally opening prayer, the panel moderator said, nizers, he found the meetings inefficient, nation, I answered that we in this endless cycle of vio- ment is arguably a prelude to can be summed up in one attended conferences, though he “Now let’s get on to the real business of the boring, repetitive and woefully lacking in fol- must work at the source and lence: little warriors. One day a gangs on the streets and those word: love. Love is understand- was often invited. He found signif- day.” Gurudeva took exception to this re- low-through on the issues discussed after the cause, not with the symptoms. war will come up, and it will who will riot on call ing. Love is acceptance. Love icant the Global Forums of Spiritu- mark, telling the organizers that they had in- event was over. He complained about meet- To stop the wars in the be easy for a young person who Now, is this the Hinduism of is making somebody feel good al and Parliamentary Leaders on vited the spiritual leaders to work with the ing the same people time and again, making world, our best long-term solu- has been beaten without mercy tomorrow? We hope not. But about his experience, whether Human Survival in Oxford (1988), political leaders, but instead had them come the same well-meaning resolutions, then for- tion is to stop the war in the to pick up a gun and kill some- this is the Hinduism of today. the experience is a good one or Moscow (1990) and Rio (1992), the Parlia- up and give some little prayer, then insult getting all about it. He tried to keep the home. It is here that hatred be- body without conscience, and It can be corrected by all of not. Love is giving the assur- ment of World Religions in Chicago (1993) their presence and diminish their participa- group of 25 “presidents” of religion, of which gins, that animosities with even take pleasure in doing so. you going forth to bring peace ance that there is no need to and the Millennium Peace Summit of World tion. “She is the real business of the day,” he he was one of three Hindus, going after the those who are different from I’ve had Hindus tell me, within every family and every keep secrets, no matter what Religious and Spiritual Leaders at the UN in scolded them, “as much as everything else, Chicago Parliament of the World Religions. us are nurtured, that battered “Slapping or caning children to home. If you know about the has happened. Love is wanting 2000. “Russia was the most interesting of the and you’ve really offended every spiritual He felt this group could occasionally make children learn to solve their make them obey is just part of crime of a beating of a child or to be with members of the Global Forums,” Gurudeva remi- statements on important issues. problems with violence. This is our culture.” I don’t think so. a wife, you are party to that family. nisced last year. “It was sort of a But there was little interest, and true of every religious commu- Hindu culture is a culture of crime unless you do something When harmony persists in captured group. You couldn’t go nothing came of it, despite his nity. Not one is exempt. kindness. Hindu culture teach- to protect that wife or to pro- the home, harmony abides in out of the hotel or conference repeated efforts. This is a global problem, in es ahimsa, noninjury, physical- tect that child. the community, and harmony hall, because it was so cold.” Day Kusumita Pedersen, a devo- all communities, but I believe ly, mentally and emotionally. It In the past 85 years we’ve exists in the country. When after day the religious leaders and tee of and on the that Hindus have the power to preaches against himsa, hurt- had two world wars and hun- love and trust is in the family, the political leaders (from 57 na- staff of the Global Forum, Par- change it because our philoso- fulness. It may be British dreds of smaller ones. Killers love and trust extend to the lo- tions) discussed the problems of liament and UN organizing phy supports a better way. If Christian culture—which for come from among those who cal community, and if enough the world. “We found out human- committees, commended Gu- we can end the war in our 150 years taught Hindus in In- have been beaten. The slap homes have this harmony ity is on the endangered species rudeva’s participation at the in- homes, then perhaps we can dia the Biblical adage, “Spare and pinch, the sting of the among members, the entire list,” said Gurudeva, “right along ternational conferences for be an example to others, and the rod and spoil the child”— paddle, the lash of the strap, country becomes stronger and with the whales and birds, and it “his powerful spiritual pres- this will lead to ending war in but it’s not Hindu culture to the blows of a cane must mani- more secure. Let us determine was kind of embarrassing to find ence and his great clarity and the world. People will choose a beat the light out of the eyes of fest through those who receive then to call a truce in every that out.” commitment in engaging the different path. children, to beat the trust out them into the lives of others. Hindu home, then a truce in He created quite a stir at this issues. Also, his behind-the- Sadly, in this day and age, of them, to beat the intelligence We do know a few Hindu our communities leading to a meeting when one of the reli- scenes contribution has made beating the kids is just a way of out of them and force them to families who have never beat- longed-for truce among na- gious leaders was slighted. It oc- a little known but historic dif- life in many families. Nearly go along with everything in a en their children or disciplined tions. This is something each curred at a plenary session open- ference to the development of everyone was beaten a little as mindless way, then take their them physically in any way. and every one of us can do to ing blessing. After an elegant interfaith work in the last gen- a child, so they beat their kids, built-up anger out on their chil- We ask them “Why?” They put an end to wars. African priestess concluded the eration.” ∏π

46 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 47 AF SOLIDARITY living in India are surrounded by their cul- azine has fielded calls from religion editors CE FIR means to distribute the constant stream of AN M ture and faith, Hinduism Today’s mandate around the country, including from Time SS IN stories about Hinduism appearing in the was to also reach the millions of Hindus who magazine. Most surprising to the staff, AI G world press. A team of a dozen work to N SA are trying to keep their faith alive in far-off however, was a request from E N find news on the Internet and in print places surrounded by different cultures. In Houghton Mifflin, one of America’s R A and distill it to one-paragraph sum- N T isolated, alien townships and cities, shared largest publishers for children’s I A maries. HPI has filled a gap for the words can provide courage, enthusiasm and textbooks in middle and high N N magazine by providing a means Uniting the A O energy to keep true to a faith. Hinduism schools, to vet its chapters on I to instantly release timely stories D Today tells the world about India’s cultural Hinduism for a civilization se- G and others unsuited to the mag- I H

riches: , classical dance, literature ries for sixth graders des- L azine format. A

E Hinduism and drama, the healing power of meditation tined for school rooms where R Over the years

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family, a source of good vibrations. “Affirm- tique the chapters, and Har- L desh and Kashmir. Without G

evolved into a world-class magazine ing Sanatana Dharma and recording the vard referred them to Hin- R being highlighted in the press,

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modern history of a billion-strong global re- duism Today. Recalls G these victims would have disap-

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ligion in renaissance” is its mission statement. Palaniswami, “The two chap- O peared from human memory. O

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n the early 1980s,” gurudeva N in our ‘Minister’s Message.’” every ethnic group and religion who are at- ended up rewriting the whole N ing stormed by foreign missionaries.

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visiting Mauritius, Sri Lanka, India, rudeva went on. “Instead of starting an eye- tana Dharma. Surprisingly, a few subscrib- The chapters on other religions had re- E Christians in . The figure by I

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O H T I dreds of thousands of people. I dis- ism and record its modern history. Through Indians growing up in foreign lands the for these young children to study. We sent S cess stories of important CEOs, artists, en- covered that Hindus in each country were the years, we went through many learning magazine provides answers to perplexing them elegant, graceful images that Hindus trepreneurs and intellectuals unabashedly totally unaware of, or did not care, what was curves to bring Hinduism Today up to the questions in an intelligent and easily acces- would be proud to see.” To the amazement ways show both sides of controversial issues.” Hindu, Hinduism Today has pinpointed happening within the realms of their reli- standard it is today. It is the only religious sible way. It helps the children who have to of the magazine team, the publishers adopt- They’re not afraid to discuss tough social top- role models for a new generation to follow. gion in other places in the world. Out of magazine that we see on newsstands these deal with classmates who ask questions like, ed the rewritten chapters, and as a result ics like wife battering, bride burnings, child Gurudeva’s legacy highlights all that is these tours came the mission of Hinduism days, right alongside Newsweek and Time.” “Why do you worship cows?” American kids will have an authentic and abuse or the fact that Indian girls have the good about Hinduism, with none of the in- Today to strengthen all the many diverse He commissioned his monks to promote all Back in 1987, the late Ram Swarup, then compelling introduction to the world’s oldest highest rate. Interviews with strong fighting or fundamentalism. Always contem- expressions of Hindu spirituality and to give in the magazine, to India’s foremost spokesman for Hinduism, religion, not some demeaning stereotype. Hindu women such as Madhu Kishwar, ac- porary, witty and able to solve problems, he them a single, combined voice because report “everybody’s good work” and to never clearly caught Gurudeva’s vision: “I person- Many religious journals walk a tightrope tivist editor of Manushi, animal rights ac- bridged cultural and language barriers and everywhere else their voices were individu- use the magazine solely for the promotion of ally believe that Hinduism Today is doing between propaganda and journalism, but tivist Maneka Gandhi and prison reformer presented Hinduism in an accessible way to alized. Through this magazine, we delineat- our own mission and purposes. God’s work,” he wrote. “Posterity will realize Hinduism Today has always chosen the Kiran Bedi are part of the consciousness- mainstream Americans and first generation ed the boundaries of Hinduism and placed Paramacharya Palaniswami, the editor of that it was an important landmark in the harder path of insightful reporting. Says raising features. Indian-Americans alike. Ma Yoga , a this great and oldest religion alongside Is- Hinduism Today, elaborated for me upon history of the reawakening of Hinduism. It Palaniswami: “Happily, we are not just ‘an- While the core team is composed of New York-based spiritual teacher, called him lam, Christianity, Judaism, , Sikhism Gurudeva’s vision. “Opening up many books is already helping the Hindus of the Ameri- other bhakti rag,’ as one reader observed. monks, Hinduism Today has over 100 a of today. Indeed, through his in- and the many other religions of the world. on Hinduism, they are so cluttered with can hemisphere to retain their self-identity. While remaining upbeat, we do try to tell journalists and dozens of photographers and novative and untiring efforts, he carried the We showed the strength of Hinduism in ar- technical terms, obscure references and oth- It is also an inspiration to many of us here. It readers even about the painful underbelly of artists working for it worldwide. These peo- pennant of Hinduism aloft in America. ∏π ticles by top writers and some of the finest er languages that the average seeker would must remain the mouthpiece of the Sana- one-sixth of the human race’s religion, Hin- ple live in the community and understand photographers in the world, such as for our go about three pages and not pursue it fur- tana Dharma and renascent Hinduism and duism, to make it real and not paint an unre- the problems modern Hindus face. The ma- To inform, to unite: (above) A colorful and un- articles on the Kumbha Mela, the largest hu- ther.” Hinduism Today wanted to say all carry this message to all who care for it.” alistic or Pollyanna picture. It’s important to jority of contributors are Hindu women. usual view of the world as seen through the man gathering ever on planet Earth. We the important things, the profound things, After John Dart of the Los Angeles Times express things in that way; otherwise people Beginning in November, 2000, the maga- logo of Hinduism Today, a contemporary swa- have been able to bring forward and honor but in an interesting voice which all could listed Hinduism Today as a prime source stop listening.” Gurudeva added, “We only zine added a daily e-mail news summary stika stylized as quotation marks to represent a ‘Hindu of the Year’ and to listen to the wis- understand and appreciate. While Hindus in his book, Deities and Deadlines, the mag- report the news after verification, and we al- service, Hindu Press International, as a the written word

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1 KAUAI WITH ASHRAM CAT ALII—>2RISHIKESH WITH INDIA AND NEPAL CORRESPONDENTS 3 MALAYSIA EDITION PRESS 4 4 “PUBLISHER’S DESK” MEETING KAUAI 5 WITH L.K. ADVANI, DELHI —>6MALAYSIA, 1983 —>

48 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 49 Changing faiths: Artist S. Rajam depicts some of the steps a soul BREAKING GROUND takes in becoming a Hindu by “ethical conversion” (clockwise from upper left): confronting pre- vious religious leaders to inform them of this change; Lord Siva looks on; an aspirant studies the BuildBuild philosophy of Sanatana Dharma; a convert learns to wrap a sari; a Chinese seeker worships Lord Ganesha; priests conduct the homa rites for the the name-giv- ThoseThose ing sacrament.

He recommended the same con- version procedure for Indians who had converted to other faiths, es- pecially when they—or their fore- Temples!Temples! fathers—converted because of pressure or practical expediency. “Born Hindus,” he observed, “have accepted new religions in order to have food on the table, to gain ac- cess to schools for their children or to a hospital for health care, to

s. rajam qualify for employment or a pro- motion, to protect their lands from INTERFAITH MATTERS confiscation or their families from harm. This is not just a matter of history. It contin- ues today.” Often after a few years, such Conversion by Conviction people want to return to Hinduism, but the Consecration: Gurudeva climbs down Hindu community will not accept them a makeshift stairway after pouring back. Gurudeva revived the ancient ceremo- sanctified water over the spires to bless The ethics and issues of changing religions ny of vratyastoma to formally sanctify their the newly completed Sri Siva Subrah- reacceptance into the community. manya Temple in Nadi, Fiji, in 1995. Gurudeva did not condone the activities See story, next page. onversion is nothing new for foreign to them.” of Christian missionaries in India. Often he Hinduism. The advent of Jainism and For such a person, the “Eastern soul in a requested his Hinduism Today staff to Buddhism in India in 600 bce resulted Western body,” he proposed a thoughtful look into one or another unethical practice in the conversion of millions of Hin- and peaceful method of self-conversion. He reported to him. He raised the conversion is- dus. Centuries later, revivals resulted required his own devotees wanting to con- sue directly with missionary organizations, in the reconversion of millions of Jains and vert from a previous faith to study that faith with governments and at international con- Buddhists. In modern times, conversion to and explain convincingly, point by point, ferences. He held the organizations account- or from Hinduism remains a major issue, of- why they no longer believed it. He sent able for deception and enticement. “Doctors ten resulting in extreme disharmony within them back to their churches, synagogues, and lawyers have ethical guidelines con- families and towns. We have Hindus switch- etc., encouraged them to attend services for cerning their patients and clients,” he wrote. ing as a result of enticement or deception. a while and speak with their ministers. “This is not always true among religionists. We have Indians who converted wanting to Every chance was given for them to change They can and often do disdain one another. return to Hinduism. And we have non-Hin- their mind, or to have someone change it for Ethics must be established among all the re- dus from lands outside Bharat requesting them. If they passed this test, they were re- ligionists of the world. They must nurture an formal entrance into our faith, including quired to demonstrate their knowledge of appreciation for each other, not merely a tol- those who have married a Hindu. Hinduism through a series of exams, legal- erance. Religious leaders, above all, must re- Gurudeva addressed each of these issues, ize their new Hindu name, then enter the main fair, despite their enthusiasm.” ultimately formalizing his experience and faith formally through the name-giving rite, To stem the tide of conversion, he said, suggestions for “ethical conversion” in the samskara, in a temple ceremo- education of Hindus in Hinduism must be a book, How to Become a Hindu. As with his ny. There were also many among his devo- priority. “You cannot convert a Hindu who approach to most topics, he started with a tees who had no previous faith, even though knows his religion.” His book How to Be- mystical insight. In ancient times, people they grew up in the West. In their case, they come a Hindu has found a ready audience in tended to reincarnate right within the same adopted Hinduism as their first religion India. Reviewers suggested it should be village and religion time and again. “Now,” through the study of it and the name-giving called How to Become a Better Hindu.Gu- he said, “with modern-day travel and world- ceremony, without the need to “convert.” rudeva’s campaign for systematic conversion wide communication, this tightly knit pat- Gurudeva strongly enjoined Hindus to wel- has opened the door to Hinduism for thou- tern of reincarnation is dispersed, and souls come sincere converts and adoptives into sands of seekers and changed the way born find new bodies in different countries, fam- their midst and not shun or ignore them, as Hindus regard newcomers and those return- ilies and religions which, in some cases, are is often done. ing to the faith. ∏π

50 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 Gurudeva emboldened communities all over the world to establish holy sanctuaries for God and the Gods r.s. venkatachalam

e wanted to build a temple other temples in the United States, Canada, From idea to inauguration: (inset) In 1982, priestess has become a respected spiritual When he visited one temple being reno- For the next generation: Gurudeva meets in our area,” said Arumugan Sar- Guadeloupe, Denmark, England, Fiji, Ger- Gurudeva gifts a granite Ganesha to a Hin- leader. In August 2001, Gurudeva’s travel- vated in Singapore, the trustees explained with Fiji children and gives them copies of avanapavan, one of the founders many, Mauritius, New Zealand, Reunion, du community in Maryland. (above) Conse- study program “Innersearch Europe” visited their fund-raising strategy to sponsor each the Saivite Hindu Religion children’s course of the multi-million- dollar Muru- Russia, Sweden, and Sri Lanka—giving each cration of the completed structure in 1999, their land, and Gurudeva laid the first stones square foot of the new temple for $100. Im- gan Temple of North America in community or temple an icon of God, usu- celebrated with Gurudeva as guest of honor. of the new temple with his own hands. mediately he reached in his bag, took out a land lease. They had already chosen a prime Maryland, a few miles from Amer- ally Lord Ganesha, and guidance when In 1982, he visited Chicago and met with $100 bill and bought one sponsorship. It was piece of land but couldn’t get the project go- ica’s Capitol. “Since we didn’t have land, or a needed. He has also helped dozens more you have to teach them what you know. The a group interested in starting a temple. Pre- likely from the trustees’ astonished look that ing. Gurudeva told them to begin the wor- clear idea of how to proceed, someone sug- with direct advice or by publicizing their temple is what will bring the families to- viously, one of the trustees, Dr. N. Janakira- he was the first visiting swami to ever con- ship and sent a granite icon of Lord Gane- gested we see Subramuniyaswami in project in Hinduism Today. gether and the children together.’ ” man, had visited Kauai. They were having a tribute to their temple fund. Then he ap- sha. It was immediately installed on the new Hawaii. The next week my wife and I went Some temples, such as the Maha Ganapati In Denmark, Gurudeva helped establish great number of problems, Janakiraman ex- pealed for funds to the temple congregation property. As in Chicago, the temple trustees to visit him, in 1982. I explained the prob- Temple in Edmonton, Canada, he guided the Abirami Amman temple. The priestess, plained, and couldn’t agree on what to do during his speech. “I gave $100,” he said, had decided to do whatever Gurudeva di- lem, and the next day he presented us with very closely. “The conception of the Ed- Sri Abirami Upasagi, is deeply psychic. next. They did, however, agree to do what- “because I need the good karma of that gift rected. One trustee later commented that a three-foot-tall Ganesha. He said, ‘You take monton temple came right from Gurudeva,” While in trance, she channels the Goddess ever Gurudeva told them to do. Gurudeva to come back to me one day, maybe in the upon the temple’s completion, “everything Pillaiyar with you, and He will show you the recalls Aran Veylan, a lawyer from Canada. to heal and bless people. In the beginning told them to start the worship of Lord Gane- form of $500.” The same promotion was re- Gurudeva told us to do worked.” The huge way to build the temple.’ ” As instructed, “It gives the temple a special power to be she was criticized. She appealed to Gurude- sha. “After receiving Gurudeva’s blessings,” peated to bolster temple fund-raising around edifice symbolized a positive new identity they began the worship of Lord Ganesha, connected to Gurudeva in that way. He va, as she felt these channelings were good said Janakiraman, “We returned home and, the world. People were impressed to see him for Hindus in a country in which ethnic re- first in homes. The community’s devotion brought the whole community together and and caused no harm. Gurudeva assured her to our utmost surprise and ecstatic joy, Lord raise money like this for others, without say- lations had become strained. Even Christian came to the fore. Gurudeva visited several defined the community as ‘Tamil Hindus’ that what she was doing was correct, and Ganesha had already arrived at the O’Hare ing a word about his own fund-raising needs. representatives told one of Gurudeva’s monks times, helped with the planning and per- because in the early 70s, the ‘Tamils’ were a that he would put her under his psychic pro- airport.” Gurudeva expedited the delivery Gurudeva wanted the temples to be ac- they realized the temple stood for a resur- sonally blessed the land they purchased. Tamil cultural group—Christians and Hin- tection. Gurudeva gave her a small Ganesha as a surprise gift. A handful of devotees cepted in the local communities, especially gence of Hinduism in Fiji. Gurudeva also re- When Gurudeva spoke at that blessing, re- dus together. Now the community has ma- in 1995. The icon arrived on the Ganesha greeted the 2,000-pound statue and decided among the indigenous people. In Anchorage, sponded to the local request for a Hindu calls Mrs. Guruswamy, wife of the temple’s tured into a Tamil Saivite community, and Chaturti festival day in August. They com- to start the worship in Mr. Rajagopalan’s Alaska, reported Shyamadeva Dandapani, children’s course. first president, “The children were carried that is all because of Gurudeva’s influence.” menced the worship that same day, and milk home. The house soon proved too small to “Gurudeva insisted we obtain the blessings Now that hundreds of temples have been away. He was able to explain our religion in a The community has gone so far as to make began dripping from Ganesha’s eyes. A accommodate the crowds, so they moved of the Alaskan native spiritual leaders and built all over the world, many trustees have way they could understand.” A recent the constitution of the temple state that one month later the famous “Milk Miracle” hap- Ganesha to an industrial complex in 1983. elders.” The Pipe Carriers, as the chiefs are asked, “What’s next?” Gurudeva gave the newsletter from the temple said, “With his has to be a Saivite Hindu in order to be a pened around the world, and this tiny stat- Gurudeva assigned one of his close local called, joined the rites, honoring the An- answer, “I want to see the stewardship of monks, Gurudeva helped every step of the member. Because of this, according to D. ue began drinking gallons and gallons of devotees, Dr. Devananda Tandavan, to work chorage Hindu community with songs and each temple take their leadership responsi- way in building the Murugan Temple, from Selvarajah, one of the founding members, milk offered before it with a small spoon. with the community and keep him in touch chants. They shared the sacred peace pipe bilities seriously. The temples are built, the the community to the structure. As busy as the temple now has a very clear and strong For many days after, hundreds of Hindus with the progress. with Gurudeva and gave him a sacred temples are dedicated, the Deities are there, he was, he made time to take phone calls power. People from all over Canada come to and local Danes came to feed Ganesha, in- Gurudeva was a great fund-raiser for tem- drum. Gurudeva similarly invited native the priests are there, the congregation is from the temple devotees. He inspired the this temple and have told Selvarajah it is the cluding national television reporters. No one ples. He attended a few fund-raising meet- Hawaiian priests to bless the Iraivan Temple there. It is up to the core elected leadership, young and grew himself in many of our best temple in Canada and an example for could explain the phenomenon witnessed ings as the guest of honor in Chicago and site and foundation at Kauai Aadheenam. the trustees of the temple, to actually be- hearts.” In May, 1999, Gurudeva was the them to follow. by so many. gave an inspiring discourse each time, Sometimes a new temple represents a lo- come full-time spiritual leaders and make a honored guest at the temple’s mahakumb- Selvarajah recalls, “Gurudeva told us in A few months later, Gurudeva sent a telling those gathered to get out their check cal revival of Hinduism. In Fiji, for example, difference in the lives of the parents and habhishekam, or grand opening. the beginning, ‘You have all built temples in three-foot-tall Goddess Amman Deity to books and write down a number—then “add the community had to move the 100-year- children and change the community into a In a similar way, Gurudeva has guided 36 Sri Lanka. Now, because of the children, that temple. With Gurudeva’s support, the a few more zeros.” old Murugan temple in Nadi after losing the model community.” ∏π

52 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 53 photo by studio 103/joe kitahara

PUBLISHING many as 3,500 stores. As the popularity of lishing network. This won them the 1987 Words to match his deeds: (opposite) Ban- the titles increased, the sleep of the monks MacConnection User of the Year Award and ta’s press in Michigan churns out Hin- was inversely affected. They began printing so impressed Apple Computer (monks and duism Today; (inset) for decades Guru- far into the snow-bound nights to keep Macs?) they flew a three-man film team to deva met daily, 3:00 to 7:00pm, to work on abreast of demand, napping on the press- Hawaii for two days to record the happening. his writings. Here he leads his team on a room floor when overcome by fatigue. It was The ‘80s saw a series of publications fo- wireless network near the beach; (above) Power of the Press a heady time, and those books touched the cusing on Saiva Siddhanta, including trans- autographing his book for a Kauai pilgrim. soul of a generation looking for spiritual in- lations of the classic Tirumantiram and sights, the flower children of the ’70s. Tirukural texts, which Gurudeva insisted be ethics to guide US doctors with Hindu pa- Gurudeva began by printing his own books, then finessed the skills learned So competent did the monastics become available in modern English. That decade he tients. In such ways the magazine reached that they received orders, big ones, from published hundreds of thousands of posters beyond its readership, guiding ashrams, into a high-tech, multinational publishing tool to promote Hinduism Nevada casinos. Restaurant placemats (one and pamphlets to promote Hinduism and yoga schools and hundreds of institutions. order for a million!), menus, brochures, Keno popularize its worship and wisdom. And not just in English. During the ’80s, tickets and Harrah’s Club letterheads began It was also a time of major growth for Gurudeva engineered a system of franchis- he year was 1957. gurudeva had just From the outset of his mission 52 years pilgrimaged to the two-story building to of- to fill the cavernous brick-walled rooms in Hinduism Today, founded in 1979. He fo- es, allowing teams around the world to re- turned thirty and begun his mission in ago, publications were seen as a strategic fer their knowledge to the eager young ap- Virginia City. Most of the time, Gurudeva cused his Publisher’s Desk editorials on publish in their regional languages in the West. Knowing the innate power of tool, not merely to inform, but to transform prentices in robes. Gurudeva founded Sier- had the monks printing his mission-critical tough issues previously shrouded in silence, Malaysia, the Netherlands, India, South the press, he bought a mimeograph ma- individuals, a way to vivify a personal and ra Graphics, Ponderosa Press and Comstock literature: Innersearch Travel-Study bro- using his journal to guide the Hindu mind in Africa and elsewhere. chine. “Mimeograph?” you ask. For those cultural revival within Hinduism. As the House—a triad of institutions to design, chures, Inspired Talks, posters, newsletters, how to dharmically approach matters like The ’90s were filled with state-of-the-art- under fifty, that’s the office printing technol- years passed, he embraced new technolo- print and distribute the books. correspondence course materials—all need- spouse abuse, suicide, adultery, pornogra- books and a move to digital publishing, in- ogy that preceded Xerox copiers, a stencil gies as soon as they emerged, moving up to Books flowed like a stream in spate. Com- ed for a dynamic, growing institution. phy, mixed marriages, organ transplants and cluding multimedia and CD design and pro- and spirit duplication device used between small AB Dick presses when they came to stock House produced small, award-winning In 1985 Gurudeva, who had never sat at human cloning. The latter led to an invita- duction, audio, video and graphic. He 1884 and 1960 for making copies. Gurudeva market, then massive Heidelberg presses ones by the tens of thousands, notably the one, bought a state-of-the-art Macintosh tion from President Clinton’s Blue Ribbon introduced his daily Hindu news service, would later tell his monks of cranking out which he brought in 1970 to his Mountain On the Path and Pathfinder’s Library series, computer for himself. Seeing its potential, he Committee on human cloning for Gurudeva HPI, using the Internet to connect and in- tracts and pamphlets, hands stained with Desert Monastery, high in Nevada. The with titles like The Meditator, On the Brink ordered one for each of his monks, urging to define the Hindu view for legislators con- form Hindus. Gurudeva developed an edit- the bluish-purple dyes of a messy-smelly monks studied printing and typesetting arts of the Absolute and The Power of Affirma- them to adapt their various services to this fronting the issue. Years later, the Texas ing style that was highly collaborative, based technology. With such simple tools, he pub- at professional schools. Experts in press, tion. Teams of monks and family members new tool. And did they. In 1986 Gurudeva’s Medical Association asked the magazine to on networked Macs. Each afternoon, 365 lished his first book, Raja Yoga. bindery and photography/prepress skills all traveled the US, placing the books in as team cobbled together the world’s first pub- write a chapter in their book on medical days a year unless he was traveling, he met 54 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 55 with a team of monks between 3:00 and Days later, his editing team would import vied to reprint his books in India. COMMENTARY I could see that for the first time in history 7:00 pm. The team’s portable PowerMacs the transcripts, fine-tune them and add sup- In his vivacious final year, Gurudeva an organized attempt was made under the were connected so that the same file, say a plemental materials as he directed. Guru- completed the trilogy, and set a new stan- leadership of Gurudeva to break this con- chapter of Loving Ganesha, was displayed deva personally edited every word in every dard even for his monks asking them to cept that Hindus are there only by birth. simultaneously on all four monitors, to be book, without exception. That hands-on publish the three, art-rich, thousand-page For several centuries in our country, India, accessed and altered by any member of the style brought an integrity and euphony to books in full color and hardbound. It was Meeting Gurudeva we have had this nauseating concept that team. From this digital synergy poured forth the lifetime written record of his creative, il- unprecedented, as a few minutes in any you can only be born as a Hindu, and that thousands of pages, most notably The Mas- luminating and vivifying mind. bookstore reveals. A Malaysian printer was there is no way that you can become a Hin- ter Course trilogy, Gurudeva’s lifetime lega- His books were vast, diverse and always found for the task, and on October 27 Liv- How this swami found a warm du. The Satguru challenged this and dis- cy on Hindu philosophy, culture and yoga. focused on deepening everyone’s under- ing with Siva was lovingly placed in Gu- played to the world that it can be done, and Gurudeva was not writing in those ses- standing of Hinduism, and always in an ap- rudeva’s hands on his deathbed. He saw, in welcome and support at the Kauai ashram that it can be done in a very, very glorious sions. In fact, he never wrote a book in the proachable and practical idiom. In the last that moment, the last of his remarkable pub- way. They laid the foundation for renais- usual way. Rather, his thousands of record- ten years the book effort took on a new mo- lishing efforts come to fruition. The monks sance, Satguru and his colleagues. ed discourses provided the raw material of mentum as others realized their precious- recalled: “We placed the four-pound gem BY SWAMI AGNIVESH Normally in an ashram in India the guru his works. Several times each week, or when ness. Spanish-speaking readers wanting to into his hands, and spontaneously the whole is kept at a distance. But here Gurudeva traveling abroad, he would address pilgrims share the teachings received permission to room erupted in applause, loudly saluting came to know about hinduism today and the freely mixes with you. I was overwhelmed by the whole and seekers, speaking on dharmic subjects translate the works. A team in Russia pub- Gurudeva for this masterstroke. We asked mission of Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami six or seven atmosphere. I very much cherish my few hours spent there. I would or answering their personal queries. He lished editions, as did others in Sri Lanka how we could go on in his absence, without years ago through a friend who lives in Switzerland. He gave like to go back. One of his sannyasins who works on Hinduism would invite his CyberCadets, visitors to his (Tamil), Mumbai (Marathi), Kuala Lumpur his grace and wisdom. He tenderly assured me some literature about the magazine. Ever since I have Today briefed Gurudeva about what generally is the public opin- website, to send in questions by e-mail. A (Bahasya Malay) and elsewhere. Motilal Ba- his aggrieved monastics, ‘It’s all there in the been off and on looking at Hinduism Today and trying to ion about me and my work. Gurudeva said, “He is doing a good collection of over 600 talks can be found at narsidass, Munshiram Manoharlal and Abhi- Master Course to guide your life and an- find out more about Gurudeva’s great work. I finally met him at work and taking a lot of abuse in the process. Therefore, I will sup- www.gurudeva.dynip.com/~htoday/talks/. nav, three of Delhi’s foremost publishers, swer your questions.’” π ∏ the Millennium Peace Summit of World Religious and Spiritual port him wholeheartedly.” Now, this is a very bold statement. Leaders in New York in August, 2001, along with his monks, Normally, the swamis and gurus keep aloof from the world. friends and colleagues. I was very much impressed by their sereni- They do not want to be involved in the worldly things. Now, this ty and the way they conducted themselves at the summit. Later great swami had learned about the use of fly ash to make eart forrt on, when I was visiting Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii, I was concrete, by replacing part of the cement [used for the massive able to meet Gurudeva at his Kauai ashram, the abode of peace. foundation of Iraivan temple]. When I told him that I work among urudeva understood the impor- That was a very great experience for me. The whole ashram brick-kiln workers, bonded laborers and stone quarry workers, he tance of art in communicating ideas radiated with his philosophy and wanted me to be in touch with and uplifting the human spirit, and he concept of Hindu renaissance. I that environmentally friendly regarded as itself sacred. was impressed not only by the technology [which could be used During his travels, he noticed that art, like natural beauty—I can say this is in brick making]. Fly ash is a so many other Hindu things, was waning, the rarest natural place in the waste product of power plants and with unappreciated artists urging their sons whole world where easily you can causes much pollution in India. to be engineers. In response, he sought out have peace of mind—but I was Gurudeva was very particular that the finest artists and commissioned them to also impressed by the devotion I should learn about it. do major works in traditional styles, paying and dedication of Gurudeva him- Subsequently, a few months later, them well for their gifts. Artists in India, self and the fourteen sannyasin he sent me by e-mail more infor- Bali and North America took on creative monks living there. I was mation. This aspect of Satguru projects, some involving years of painstaking impressed by each one of them. impressed me very much. He was work on a single canvas, others requiring Each of them carried with him a very much worldly. He was very hundreds of large paintings illustrating Hin- great mission to bring out the best environmentally friendly. He was

du motifs. Much of it has been ported to the s. rajam in Hinduism and to transmit it to for new technology which helps Sacred art: Gurudeva paints traditional Web, and a digital tour can begin at: Grace: Devotees approach Siva. Gurudeva the people the world over. humankind to live better. His spir- Hindu symbols using wet vibhuti, holy ash www.hinduart.org/mws/index.html. Art is breathed new life into art and artists. I was thrilled when Gurudeva ituality was not confined to more than painting, and Gurudeva retained personally greeted me, gave me a and chanting but it was very bronze and stone craftsmen to produce Sai- shawl and embraced me. He was Blessing: Gurudeva honors Swami Agnivesh with a shawl much a part of the world as well. va saints, Siva’s 108 dance poses, a 32,000- very affectionate. I was moved and during his visit to Kauai Aadheenam in 2001 He wanted his spirituality to res- pound Nandi and a 12-foot Dakshina- very much touched by his gesture. onate outside also. That is what I murthi. Artists were awed by this saint’s I was an ordinary visitor there, yet he could not only find time to consider to be social spirituality. This spirituality not only takes interest in their skills. Two years ago Guru- meet me, but was personally attentive. He discussed with me as to care of the inside of a person but his outside as well. This was deva brought A. Manivelu to Malaysia and how we could collaborate to bring forth the real Vedic light. People very great of him. the US for two months so he could see, and have been denied access to the Vedas over centuries—number one, I am very sure that he has made a breakthrough in this age-old therefore depict, contemporary Hindu fam- by some medieval pundits. There are so many wrong interpreta- concept that a Hindu is only born and that there is no way you can ilies and practices around the globe. S. Ra- tions, perverse interpretations, which have done a lot of disservice. become a Hindu. By himself becoming a Hindu and a sannyasin, jam, who at 83 still paints for Himalayan Gurudeva was very thrilled that we would be able to collaborate he has challenged the obnoxious caste system. Because if you are Academy, was captivated when in 1995 Gu- and work together. only born a Hindu, then obviously you are born into a caste. There rudeva purchased his lifetime collection, I was taken around the whole ashram. I had lunch there and is no way that you can get away from the caste system. He gave me fifty years of ingenious effort, and brought it long discussions with the other swamis. The whole atmosphere a copy of his very fascinating book, How to Become a Hindu [pub- to America to save it from neglect. Rajam exuded a type of culture which I had not seen anywhere. The lished in India by Motilal Banarsidass]. He has opened the door for wrote, “To take my 400 paintings to his most thrilling aspect for me and the most reassuring aspect of the millions and millions worldwide to become Hindus in a scientific ashram in Hawaii is something that opened ashram and the sannyasins led by Gurudeva was that there are manner. I think it is a great tribute we should pay to Gurudeva, and my heart, to know there is a future for my some great sannyasins who were not born Hindus. And yet they I am sure people around him, who have worked with him, will paintings. Above all, his very majestic per- had taken upon themselves the rigors of a sannyasin, not only in carry forward the torch, and we will all be able to contribute to the Painter’s patron: With Saroja Nagaratnam sonality reminds artistes like me of old-time Sculptor: Craftsman completes 108 bronzes terms of austere lifestyle but also scholarship and meditation. And dream and vision of Gurudeva. ∏π in her Chennai home studio, circa 1983 rishis and religion-makers.” of Siva’s Cosmic Dance for Gurudeva 56 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 57 ACCOLADES of Saivite followers. Fifty years of his dedicated work sparked a Hin- he has been of great influence both on me as a person and to our du renaissance in the Western world. As publisher of Hinduism To- institution. When he visited our educational institutions, he told me day the role played by Satguru in promoting the cause of Hinduism that education should not restrict itself to academics like a govern- and beliefs deeply rooted in our Sanatana Dharma is an important ment program. He said we should teach our scriptures, our tradi- one. His saintliness and spiritual values will continue to guide his tions and values as well. On his advice we have incorporated this, followers in all time to come. May God grant strength and willpow- setting aside time for spiritual items. Sivaya Subramuniyaswami was Voices of India er to all his devotees to uphold and work on the lines initiated by pained to hear that female infanticide and abortions were being Gurudeva.” carried out in our hospitals, and he advised me that we should stop this practice. He was instrumental in spreading the message of Gurudeva touched the hearts of leaders across the Hindu holy land Dada Jashan P. Vaswani, spiritual head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission in Sanatana Dharma in many countries across the world. Sivaya Subra- Pune, India: “Beloved and Blessed One, such was God’s Will! Satgu- muniyaswami was a guiding force towards peace and spirituality in ru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami was called away from temporal exis- an otherwise materialistic, violence-prone American society. He Jayendra Puri Swami speaks of his guru His Holiness Paramacharya learn and practice a religion that did not belong to your land—be- tence on November 12. The Voice that gave comfort to myriad devo- could convert people to a good life.” Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Tiruchi Swamigal, highly respected founder ing an outsider and contributing so much to Hindu religion is amaz- tees is stilled, but the Message remains. The Form through which and head of Sri Kailas Ashrama Mahasamsthana, Bangalore: “My ing. He has been able to teach Hindus how to be a Hindu.” God blessed thousands of devotees is gone, but the Light remains. Swami (Muniji), president and spiritual head guru, a realized jnani himself, has repeatedly said more than a hun- May it be the privilege of Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami and you of Parmath Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh: “Gurudeva was the em- dred times that Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami is an avatar of Lord H.D.H. Sri Pramukh Swami Maharaji is the leader of the Bochasan- all and many others to spread this Light, far and wide. Humanity bodiment of kindness and compassion. A guru is like Ganga, bring- Karttikeya, the Commander in Chief of the divine army, because wasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Sanstha in the lineage needs it. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami now dwells in the Star- ing inspiration, liberation and purity to all whom he touches. Gu- he was the leader of all virtues. of Lord Swaminarayan and head of an order of more than 700 san- land of Silence. From there may he continue to pour his benedictions rudeva was definitely this ideal. I could see that, like Mother “The relation between Tiruchi Swamiji and Sivaya Subramuniya- nyasins, or renunciates: “We are all personally grieved to know this upon you all— and this humble servant here— in rich abundance. Say Ganga, he gave and gave with no discrimination, no expectation, no swami is inexplicable. It was more than friendship. They were a one sad news. Many of us have shared deep spiritual relationships with not that Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami is gone. He hath but been hesitation and no vacation. His life was for all, bringing everyone in soul with one goal. Tiruchi Swamiji is a person who rarely gives dis- Gurudeva. The first duty of all the disciples and of Gurude- united to the “Golden ” of whom the speak to us his midst to purity, upliftment and divinity. He not only taught peo- courses. But whenever he has spoken about Sivaya Subramuniya- va would be to follow every command of Gurudeva and keep on do- in rapturous strains—the Golden Spirit who, unseen by many, hath ple, but he also touched people! So many can teach, but only a few swami, he has discoursed for not less than one-and-a-half hours. He ing the great work he has been doing in letter and spirit. In Hin- His seat in every heart. My humble, loving pranams to Satguru Bod- can truly touch the minds, hearts and souls of so many. His com- regards him as a very great soul, not an ordinary mortal. duism’s tradition the body dies, but the spirit and consciousness of hinatha and all inmates of the Ashram. I bow down to you all and mitment to the traditional, pure aspects of Hinduism was truly “My guru has always said the disciples of Sivaya Subramuniya- the person who has left the body will continue to guide. I will do seek your blessings. And may the Lord continue to bless you and unique and memorable.” swami and the discipline followed in the Kauai ashram are an ex- special prayers personally for Gurudeva, who has done great work. your noble work ever-increasingly! In the One Service.” ample to all the other ashrams in the world. The way it is main- The same respect as was given to Gurudeva should be given to his Swami Bharati, attached to Sringeri Peetam and fa- tained and the strict adherence to rules is an ideal example. It was chosen successor, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami. Gurudeva’s Sri-la-SrI Balagangadharanatha Swami, head of the Sri Adichun- mous for chanting “Aum” in the Kremlin at the Moscow Global Fo- Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s goal to live by the Hindu scriptures. He spirit will continue to guide his successor. Whosoever comes to his chanagiri Mahasamsthana Mutt in Bangalore: “He preached ahim- rum in 1988: “I was shocked to hear that Gurudeva is no more. It was able to inculcate that way of living among his disciples. seat would be respected for his qualities of virtue and spiritual sa, nonhurtfulness, and changed the attitude of thousands of people was an irretrievable loss to the great work of the international Hin- “He sent copies of his works for review. Tiruchi Swami said of his worth and not talent and capabilities. Gurudeva’s saintliness and in a foreign land and made them see the essence in Hinduism. du renaissance. Undoubtedly, no one could equal him in inspiring books, ‘No one in India has been able to do such tremendous work.’ spiritual values will continue to guide the whole sampradaya, or Even at the Parliament of World Religions, he was able to impress Hindus all over the world. He was a Siva bhaktar to the core, but Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has been able to leave behind a well- lineage. This has been the tradition of Hinduism.” upon the members of all other nations that we all are children of without a trace of fanaticism. His vision of Hinduism was total, his groomed batch of disciples who will run the ashram according to the same God and peace should be our prayer. He was truly a mes- approach rational and his love universal, pure, soothing and irre- the wishes and dreams of their Guru. Sivaya Subramuniyaswami Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Tirtha of the Sri Sharada senger of peace. I was impressed by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s sistible. I have never seen a person who is so integral. I join millions was very frank in his expressions, and we have learned a great deal Peetam, Sringeri: “Satguru Sivaya Subramuniya Swami was a unique forthrightness. He would speak directly about issues relating to of people all over the world mourning his departure. I pray that his from him. He drew his strength to be forthright from his tapas. religious leader of our times, very affectionately called ‘Gurudeva’ dharma and religion. I was deeply touched by his concern for soci- life shall inspire the Hindus all over the world to rededicate them- “This birth of Sivaya Subramuniyaswami is a very rare birth. To by his followers. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami started a lineage ety, especially issues concerning family and children. In many ways selves for the great cause that he lived his life for and march ahead

Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami is an Gurudeva’s saintliness and spiritual May God grant strength and will Say not that he is gone. He hath but Gurudeva was a guiding force to- He not only taught people, but he avatar of Lord Karttikeya Himself, values will continue to guide the power to all his devotees to uphold been united to the Golden Purusha wards peace and spirituality in an also touched people! So many can the Commander-in-Chief of the di- whole sampradaya, or lineage. This and work on the line initiated by of whom the Upanishads speak, the otherwise materialistic, violence- teach, but only a few can truly touch vine army. has been the tradition of Hinduism. Gurudeva. Golden Spirit in every heart. prone American society. the mind, heart and soul. Sri Sri Sri Tiruchi Swamigal Sri Pramukh Swami Maharaji Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Tirtha Dada J.P. Vaswani Sri Balagangadharanatha Swami Swami Chidananda (Muniji)

58 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 59 amit kumar He was an emperor amongst the Gurudeva was a swami in a far-off It was He who was dancing in His Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami was Almost every saint I met at Kumbha I was overjoyed when I read Danc- present galaxy of saints. Gurudeva place, doing such a spectacular work Holiness Subramuniyaswami to one of the most remarkable and in- Mela found it amazing that such good ing with Siva, because it gave me did not write his books, Siva was of propagating the message of achieve such great works that other fluential Hindu writers and thinkers work for Hindu Dharma was being the confidence to tell my children writing through him. Sanatana Hindu Dharma. men cannot even dream of. of modern times. done by Gurudeva and his team. about their own heritage. Swami Pragyanand Swami Gokulananda Ji Maharaj T.S. Sambamurthy Sivachariar Dr. Karan Singh Rajiv Malik Choodie Shivaram in your resilient leadership.” achieve such great works that other men cannot even dream of.” every saint I met found it amazing that such good work for Hindu dent: “Within a few months of my association with Hinduism To- dharma was being done by Gurudeva and his team. A large number day, I received photographs of Gurudeva. The first thing that Swami Pragyanand, head of the Pragya Mission International, New Dr. Karan Singh, son of the last Maharaja of Kashmir and current were aware of Hinduism Today and its impact on the global Hin- struck me was the benevolent loving charm on his serene face. He Delhi: “I can only say that no other saint has contributed as much member of India’s upper house of Parliament: “Sri Sivaya Subramu- du world. Issues raised by Gurudeva, including wife beating and reminded me of a loving grandpa to whom a grandchild could run to Saivism as has been done by Gurudeva. He was an authority on niyaswami was surely one of the most remarkable and influential child abuse, were widely discussed by the holy men, and they ap- to for solace and comfort. It is Gurudeva who made me aware of Saivism. I would like to say that he was an emperor amongst the Hindu writers and thinkers of modern times. At our first meeting preciated Gurudeva’s initiative to abolish these practices from Hin- many things about our religion, traditions and culture, which I was present galaxy of saints. Try to look for one saint who has done so Swamiji took the Aum Namasivaya bracelet off his wrist and du society. Many would accommodate my request for an interview otherwise happily ignorant of. Gurudeva taught me the importance much original writing. I cannot find one. What Gurudeva has done snapped it onto mine, where it remained until it almost wore out. when refusing others because they felt Gurudeva was doing a good of upholding the values of our culture and religion, of keeping our while living in the West is something unique. Gurudeva did not From then onwards I had several occasions to meet with Swamiji, work in the service of Hinduism. children in touch with our heritage. It was not until I read Dancing write his books, Siva was writing through him. How else could he notably in world religions conferences at Moscow, Chicago, Oxford, The most memorable moments of my life were spent with Gu- with Siva that I realized what Smarta means. I belong to the Smarta write such profound thoughts so well? Such great men come after Rio de Janeiro and finally, in the Millennium World Peace Summit rudeva in Rishikesh. Imagine Gurudeva, Paramacharya Palaniswa- sect, and for all these years no one had told me what it meant. I was ages. We can call him the Shankaracharya of the West. Hinduism of Religious and Spiritual Leaders at the United Nations in August mi, Sannyasin Arumugaswami, myself and fellow Hinduism Today overjoyed when I read it, because it gave me the confidence to tell Today has become a household name in many houses who cannot 2000. Swamiji spent his life propagating Saiva Siddhanta in its uni- correspondents M.P. Mohanty and Hari Bansh Jha sitting face-to- my children about their own heritage. Dancing with Siva has be- live without it. The full credit for this goes to Gurudeva.” versal articulation around the world. He also founded Hinduism face with Gurudeva at a table in the Chotiwala Restaurant, come a bible for us. It has taught us so much; we keep going back to Today, which has emerged as the world’s most widely circulated Rishikesh, having a cup of tea over a discussion on how to promote it again and again. I was awestruck by Gurudeva’s ability to compre- Swami Gokulananda Ji Maharaj, head of the Ramakrishna Mission, and influential international Hindu journal. His books on the Hinduism Today in India. When I look back, it sounds like a hend so much about Hinduism—something that many seers here in New Delhi: “After seeing Hinduism Today for the first time, a Saivite texts are classics in their scope and profundity and represent dream or fairy tale, a scene out of ancient times. India have not been able to do. My association with Hinduism To- new world was opened to me. A swami in a far-off place was doing a high watermark of Saiva scholarship in English. What was partic- One night three years ago, I received a call from Gurudeva him- day and the influence of Gurudeva benefitted my whole family. My such a spectacular work of propagating the message of Sanatana ularly impressive about him was the manner in which he organized self. I was totally taken aback as this was something I had never son, age 13, is the first one to read Hinduism Today from cover to Hindu Dharma. I always read with great interest his brilliant edito- his ashram so as to ensure that, even after he passed on, the great dreamed of. He asked me how was I doing in life and what stories cover as soon as we get it.” rials. And I wish greatest circulation to this most valuable religious work that he had undertaken would continue with redoubled zeal. I was working on. He told me that he appreciated my work. I was journal of the modern age.” His lectures around the world to Hindu and interfaith audiences al- extremely delighted. Just a few days back, I had explained the Lakshmanan Nellaiappan, Chennai, an initiated devotee of Gurude- ways made a deep impression. Although he has passed away, the meaning of the guru mantra—Guru Brahma, Guru , Guru va: “The first meeting was like a lightning bolt struck me. The aura Sri T.S. Sambamurthy Sivachariar, a leading member of the South contribution made by Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami to the contem- Devo Maheshvara—to my twelve-year-old daughter Palak. I had that emanated out of him was so powerful, and he was so kind and India Archaka Sangam, Chennai, foremost priest and defender of porary Hindu renaissance is so monumental that it will continue to told her that the guru was akin to God. So when I told her Gurude- affectionate. Very tall, with ever-flowing silken white hair, his pres- the Adisaiva lineage: “Mere words cannot explain my association inspire seekers around the world.” va spoke to me over the phone, she said, with child-like innocence, ence would mesmerize any soul on Earth, as if meeting Siva Him- with His Holiness Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami. He had ‘Papa, you must have felt great, God spoke to you tonight.’ self. I have met in India and outside India many swamis and spiri- deep dedication to religion and total surrender to Lord Siva. His Rajiv Malik, New Delhi correspondent for Hinduism Today: “In “After having come in touch with Gurudeva, I am a totally trans- tual exponents and seekers. But in the case of Gurudeva and his love to others was unbiased. His character was immaculate. His 1994, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, New Delhi, I attended a gather- formed person. For the outer world, the biggest change came in my swamis, what they preach is practiced by them without any devia- support to the Adisaiva priests was great. Gurudeva asked his staff ing of top journalists, social workers, educationalists and lawyers or- style of dressing. Five years ago, when I learned Gurudeva wished tion. Whenever I find any problem in my life, I begin deeply think- to write a detailed article on the present situation of the Adisaiva ganized in honor of a distinguished saint, philosopher, publisher his correspondents to dress in a Hindu way, I changed from the ing of Gurudeva and communicating with him as if he is in front of priests and what could be done to keep alive this tradition. It was and champion of Hinduism, Gurudeva. I was mesmerized by his standard urban middle class Western shirt and trousers, to elegant me. The solutions automatically come and the problem is smoothly at the time when one of the oldest civilizations was diminishing persona. Tall, handsome, grand and majestic, Gurudeva in his gold- kurta-pajama or kurta-churidar. Overnight, just by dressing in the resolved. His proper explanations for spiritual and ritual activities due to social and political changes. Many organizations, framed spectacles could be easily mistaken for a Hollywood star. I Hindu way, my personality changed. By sheer appearance I was enhanced my spiritual life. His presence and thinking made my life and even the government were discouraging us. Sri Gurudeva has was simply awestruck. It was love at first sight with him. The next taken by the society as someone who was a leader, intellectual, jour- smoother and more peaceful. Hinduism is a complex religion, and left the mortal body, but he is still with us in subtle form to guide year, after my journalist guru, Sri B. M. Sinha, left his body, I took nalist, an important person. My inner being was also transformed. I there are many paths in it. To make them easy to understand, even his satsang, or group, to complete the great work he had started for Sinha’s place as Hinduism Today’s Delhi correspondent. became more composed and self-confident—and a better Hindu.” for a born Hindu, is very difficult. But Gurudeva made it very easi- the peace and happiness of the world community. It was He who “For me it was amazing to discover the impact of Gurudeva ly understandable with his unique method of approach. For him was dancing in His Holiness Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami to among the spiritual people and saints at the Kumbha Melas. Almost Choodie Shivaram from Bangalore, Hinduism Today correspon- everybody was equal, irrespective of his or her status and position.” 60 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 61 Lanka: (Top left) Gurudeva with the trustees of the Sri Subramuniya Ashram, in Alaved- dy, Sri Lanka in 1981; (Bottom left) 250 students receive graduation certificates from Gurudeva at the ashram school in 1983

rudeva’s. That picture helped me through difficult times. Even today I have the same picture in my wallet. Gurudeva has always been with me, helping and guiding me.” Others reported easily passing through mil- itary checkpoints after showing Gurudeva’s picture. Regularly, Gurudeva spoke to the diaspo- ra communities by phone, usually at their local temples, giving advice and inspiration. He also gave live interviews, translated into Tamil, on radio programs in Canada and Eu- rope, answering many questions. Radio sta- tions rebroadcasted his Internet talks, and newspapers published his messages translat- ed into Tamil. Gurudeva inspired communi- ties in Denmark, Germany and Norway to publish Saivite Hindu Religion, a course for children. He encouraged temples to create religious homes for the elderly within walk- ing distance of the temples. Hinduism To- day had an immense impact, connecting Sri Lankan Tamils all over the globe, and through the “Publisher’s Desk” page, he con- veyed the teachings and news of their Germany: Sri Lankan Tamils parade the temple Deities through the streets of Hamm with men rolling behind as penance homeland religion—Saivite Hinduism—as it applies to the modern world. SRI LANKANS “Gurudeva was not only our spiritual guide,” said Thiru Satkunendran of Toronto, Canada, “but also a highly respected men- tor, for both the young and old suffering from ‘culture shock.’ Every occasion that I vanesam Veeragathiyar. “He then met with dates back to 1948, when he journeyed met Gurudeva, he was keen to know of a group of mothers and told us that what there to find his guru. He was initiated in progress made towards peace in Sri Lanka. The 1949, was lacking in these boys’ lives was a moth- and with Yogaswami’s blessings He was always prepared to offer his services er’s love. He encouraged us to invite the boys founded the Sri Subramuniya Ashram in as mediator. Such is the love of this great When hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans were driven from their and other refugees to our home for meals Alaveddy. As successor to Yogaswami, who guru towards the island and people, where and make them feel part of our family. Most passed away in 1964, Gurudeva became the he found his satguru, Yogaswami. We are homeland by civil war, Gurudeva guided their lives in new nations of us are still doing this today.” hereditary guru of the Sri Lankan Tamils. certain that he is working for peace even Gurudeva helped in other ways, too. M. In 1982, Gurudeva started another religious now, from the inner world. It is no coinci- Sri Sivanathan, 46, in Denmark said, “In school, the Sri Subramuniya Kottam, in Ko- dence that a ceasefire has been declared n 1983 massive racial riots broke rudeva worked hard to establish contact the University of Colombo. Educate your 1993 I realized the serious problem of con- pay, Sri Lanka. These schools helped create and peace talks are about to begin.” out between the Tamil Hindus and the with as many refugees as possible, offering children, learn the local language and settle version to Christianity in Denmark among a cultural and religious foundation for the In 1997, Gurudeva sent an 18-inch-tall, Buddhist Singhalese in Sri Lanka ulti- hope, solace and inspiration. down. When permanent peace comes to Sri the Tamils. When Gurudeva visited here in young Tamils who later scattered across the solid bronze, gold-plated Yogaswami statue mately causing an exodus of 700,000 Strangers in strange lands, the Tamils ap- Lanka, then you can go back.” He taught 1995, he told us to be strong and proud of globe. Over 800 students attended the on a world tour. At each city he is wor- Tamils. They fled their ancestral homes and preciated Gurudeva’s commanding pres- them ways to endear themselves to the local our religion and culture. Since then, conver- schools each year. Some became leaders in shiped at local temples and homes. The icon took refuge in India, Canada, America, Ger- ence, traditional ways and clear guidance. community. “I think we all appreciate what sion went way down. A lot of Tamils that their communities. carries Yogaswami’s presence, like the pa- many, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, He enjoined them to become contributing the governments have done. There are many had been going to church came back to Hin- Suresh Dhanumalayan, 34, now living in rade Deity of a temple. Since then, Yo- Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England members of their new countries. He gave in- ways we can pay back. One way is to smile duism.” Gurudeva reintroduced to the com- Vancouver with his family, said, “Since I was gaswami has traveled through numerous and France. They did not go entirely unpre- sights into integration, citizenship, public re- at everybody you meet. You smile, and then munities and priests the ancient vratya- 14, I have been involved in Gurudeva’s mis- countries and is currently in Germany. Gu- pared, for by divine grace Gurudeva had lations and more. He urged each group to they smile, and pretty soon the whole coun- stoma ceremony to officially welcome sion. When I entered university, I volun- rudeva said that, from the inner worlds, Yo- traveled throughout the Hindu areas of Sri start a temple, saying that the culture and try is smiling just because you smiled. To be wayward Hindus back into the fold. teered as a teacher at Gurudeva’s school. I gaswami is helping each family and individ- Lanka only months before. His message to religion comes from the worship and they happy yourself, you have to make someone In Switzerland, a government official am now passing on to my children the Hin- ual with their problems and concerns. His “stand strong for Hinduism” would fortify need temples close by to preserve their her- else happy.” Everywhere he encouraged came to a Tamil gathering in honor of Gu- du pride and teachings I learned from Gu- presence is exposing the children to Yo- them in the trying times ahead. itage and pass it on to their children. them to pray for peace by chanting Aum rudeva. He was worried about the influx of rudeva’s schools years ago.” gaswami and his philosophical songs, called Tens of thousands left each year. The life During Gurudeva’s visit to Denmark and and sending energy to loved ones still in Sri Sri Lankan refugees to his country. But af- Many tell of the special magic held by Gu- Natchintanai. Many have had intense vi- was not easy. The reading of newspapers Switzerland in 1995, he summarized the Lanka. ter meeting Gurudeva, seeing that the com- rudeva’s business cards and photos. M. Elan- sions of Yogaswami during his visits. “When and listening to the news of your homeland message he gave since 1983. “Your karmas In Berlin, “He visited a boys’ refugee munity had a strong spiritual leader, he re- govan, 26, of Italy said, “In 1990, when I was Yogaswami’s world tour culminates in Sri at war—unsure if your friends and family brought you to this country, and you have house in 1995, talked with the officials and laxed his concerns. 14, I left Sri Lanka in a fishing boat to India. Lanka,” said Gurudeva, “there ought to be would be alive tomorrow—took its toll. Gu- more opportunities here than if you went to saw to their material needs,” said Mrs. Pu- Gurudeva’s connection with Sri Lanka The only picture I had in my wallet was Gu- permanent peace in Sri Lanka.” ∏π

62 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 63 MINISTRY in His form as the six-faced Arumugam and rudeva’s teachings in Mauritius have helped was suprised and not a little hurt by this rev- Lord Siva, in the form of Dakshinamurti, to harmonize the various ethnic groups of elation, and immediately demanded a the silent teacher. the island. “Gurudeva’s approach to Hin- change. Not only did he require members to During this time, there was a regular flow duism is not based on ethnicity or lan- repent and do penance for hitting their chil- of monastics traveling from Kauai Aad- guage,” says Anil insightfully. “This has dren, but to hold classes in the community His Other Island Home heenam, Gurudeva’s home in Hawaii, to the helped to build up more Hindu solidarity on “Positive Discipline.” This system by Dr. monastery here. These monks created the between Hindus of both North Indian and Jane Nelson teaches that children should be Spiritual Park and held retreats and seminars South Indian origin. Also, conversion is no raised with encouragement, love and re- How Gurudeva uplifted families and revivified the dharma in Mauritius for thousands of youth around the island. longer a problem in Mauritius. This is due to spect rather than blame, shame and pain. Meanwhile, Gurudeva advised his family the influence of Gurudeva and the Sai Baba Manon Mardemootoo, a long-standing devo- members on the island to use ayurvedic groups.” tee of Gurudeva and a prominent attorney, By Rajen Manick, Mauritius medicine and adopt a healthy diet, includ- “Gurudeva has indeed helped many Hin- was among the many on the island who t is a known fact that the sugar ing raw sugar, brown rice and brown bread. du leaders to understand that it is a waste of wholeheartedly undertook this mission. He island of Mauritius, basking peacefully He encouraged us to wear Hindu dress at time and energy to discuss religious differ- said, “To take these teachings of ahimsa into in the Indian Ocean, is a land of pious home, in the temples and during festivals. ences within the Hindu community,” states the public and make them a living reality is temple worship for the general Hindu Several Mauritians have completed a six- Mrs. Shoba Balgobin, manager of the the present sadhana of Gurudeva’s devotees population. Almost every family here month training at Kauai Aadheenam, where renowned Eden College with 3,000 stu- here in Mauritius.” has been associated for generations we presently have a Mauritian monk who is dents. “Our youth are very motivated today Gurudeva will also be remembered for his with one of the many thousands of local one of the Aadheenam’s foremost priests. and they think in terms of oneness within participation in two significant meetings temples. Hindu celebrations like Mahasi- Koothan, 52, a primary school head teach- Hinduism. We need to stand united against promoting community harmony. First, he varatri and Thai Pusam are grand events er in the south, says, “One day Gurudeva all types of negative Western influences met with Hindu leaders to strengthen the that often stop traffic with magnificent pro- asked me if I was a vegetarian. I answered which are already undermining our beliefs.” ties within the Hindu community. Then, un- cessions of thousands of people. For the av- that I was waiting for Gurudeva’s blessings. Raj Putten, Deputy Speaker of the Mauri- der the auspices of the Municipal Council of erage Hindu, basic religious obligations are Gurudeva immediately said, ‘Here is my tius Parliament, who knew Gurudeva for Port Louis, he met with religious leaders of fulfilled by participating in such elaborate blessing, are you now a vegetarian?’ I an- many years, says, “Today, as a result of Gu- all faiths to strengthen the bonds of friend- festivals. swered, ‘Yes,’ and today my whole family rudeva’s influence, I command the respect ship, respect and harmony among all the An understanding of the significance of has discovered from personal experience of the House through justice, equality, con- people of Mauritius. Today, in significant the Hindu guru was almost nonexistent in how vegetarianism can help spiritual sensus and protection. Gurudeva’s books will part because of Subramuniyaswami’s contri- Mauritius until the 1980s when Satguru progress.” Amba Valaytan, 47, a bar manag- remain eternal treasures that will change the bution, Mauritius is cited everywhere, in- Sivaya Subramuniyaswami first set his holy er at the famous St. Géran Hotel remarks, “In world in many ways into the next century.” cluding on the floor of the United Nations, feet upon this island. Not only was Gurude- temples now, many devotees sit down to ab- In the mid-1990s, Gurudeva was shocked as an example of peaceful coexistence in a va an exceptional and singular example of a sorb the shakti after the puja. This practice to learn that many his devotees, were using multi-racial, multi-religious nation. ∏π guru, he was also a great spiritual innovator. was not known before Gurudeva came.” corporal punishment on their children. He With Manon Mardemootoo in Mauritius He revolutionized the whole concept of Mougam Pareatumbee, 40, a re- Hinduism for many on the island, redefining tired hotel chef, now manager of it from a different and more substantial per- his own catering center, remembers spective. This vitalized the inspiration of A pavilion for prayer: Gurudeva founded the “Spiritual Park” at his ashram residence on how life was hard during the early sincere seekers and began a new era in the northeastern coast of Mauritius to provide a pilgrimage destination for the island’s Hin- days of his marriage when his wife’s Mauritius—the era of guru bhakti. dus. It features a hand-carved, nine-foot, five-faced Ganesha housed in an elaborate stone, health seemed unfavorable for It was at this time that I first met Gurude- wood and thatched Kerala-style pavilion. (Inset) Gurudeva participates in the grand open- childbirth. One day he declared, va. Although I had been studying his teach- ing of the park on September 14, 1999. Gurudeva called from Hawaii and ings through a correspondence course and said, “I am with you. Don’t worry!” writing for Hinduism Today, my first en- students. We were the very first of his devo- in Mauritius. At one point the monk was Soon his wife, Amutha, gave birth counter with him in person was a memo- tees to be married in Mauritius. This hap- holding 25 classes around the island. to two beautiful daughters with no rable experience. I could see immediately pened in 1985. Our greatest joy has been to In 1986, Gurudeva set up a monastery on a complications. S. K. Moorghen, who that he was not an ordinary man. serve Gurudeva by imparting his teachings 12-acre parcel of land in Rivière du Rempart. handles the accounting for several He changed my life. The girl I was lucky on the island of Mauritius, which we first did In July of 1988, the establishment of Gurude- large businesses, remembers that enough to marry was also one of Gurudeva’s by organizing classes at local temples. After va’s mission was made official by the Saiva although prior to Gurudeva’s arrival ten years of marriage we de- Siddhanta Church Act which was passed in in Mauritius the importance of the spaired of having children. Gu- Parliament. Hundreds of people came to the home shrine was not fully under- rudeva taught us to face our weekly homas held at the monastery during stood, “Now, even nonfollowers of karmas gracefully and to be this time. Today one third of Gurudeva’s Gurudeva make it a must to keep humble in difficult situations. Church congregation live in Mauritius. A ma- shrines in their homes, and they Shortly thereafter, most cer- jor part of this land is dedicated to the Spir- are proud of it.” tainly with the blessings of Gu- itual Park, a present from Gurudeva to the Swami Pranavananda Saraswathi, rudeva, we had two children. people of Mauritius. Today the Spiritual head of the Chinmaya Mission for Gurudeva came to Mauritius Park at Rivière du Rempart welcomes hun- Mauritius and Reunion Island, con- in the 1980s at the request of dreds of visitors each week. Pilgrims from all fided, “Gurudeva is a great soul Hindu elders who were worried around the world say there is nothing else who teaches Sanatana Dharma in a about the high rate of conversion like it—especially not in Mauritius. systematic way. By using the Eng- from the Hindu fold. In January, This park was created at a cost of several lish language as the main teaching 1982, he spent an entire month million rupees, all donated by local Hindus. medium, he has brought this here, traveling from village to In a beautiful ocean-front setting, it features knowledge into the technological village with two of his swamis. a Ganesha Mandapam with a nine-foot tall age in an unprecedented manner.”

rajen manick Following this, he sent a French- Panchamukha (five-faced) Ganapati—as Politicians like Anil Baichoo, Thank you, Gurudeva: The spiritual extended family of Manon Mardemootoo gathers on the front Blessings: Rajen Manick, wife Premila and children speaking monk to live and teach well as huge granite icons of Lord Murugan Minister of Transport, say that Gu- porch of Manon’s home with friends and a traveling swami from Kauai Aadheenam in Hawaii 64 hinduism today april/may/june 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 65 MISSION Welcome, Malaysian style: Gurudeva with two of his swamis are taken in parade to the Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple in Ulu Behrang for the temple’s kumbhabhishe- kam, rededication ceremonies, in 1991

The Marvelous full color and hardbound. Living with Siva is the first book to be completed in this new format, and it arrived in Hawaii just days be- fore Gurudeva passed on. These elegant books printed in Malaysia are exported for Malaysians sale worldwide. Just as Gurudeva has benefitted Malaysia, 1980 so has Malaysia benefitted his worldwide From the early s Gurudeva received a mission. His Malaysian and Singaporean warm reception among this nation’s Hindus devotees are among his staunchest and most active. Not only have they hosted each of his travel-study programs as it passed through the country, they’ve substantially supported ogaswami was known in malaysia ety similarly appreciated his inspiring and every one of Gurudeva’s projects, including in the 1940s and 50s. About that time, stabilizing influence. major fund-raising efforts for Iraivan Tem- Sri Jeganathaswami, a Malaysian sadhu, The situation of Malaysian Hindus, just ple. Some help electronically with World told one of his devotees who was going eight percent of the country, is different Wide Web assignments or news gathering to Sri Lanka to pay homage to Yogaswa- than that of Hindus in India. Official gov- for Hindu Press International. Others have mi. Later, in 1951, Jeganathaswami predicted ernment policies favor Islam and the Bu- worked on translations to Tamil or Bahasya that an American swami by the name of miputra, native Malaysians, over the Indians Malay. Devotee Jiva Rajasankara took early “Subramaniam” would come to Malaysia to and Chinese. One result of this inequity is retirement to move his entire family to India spread Saivism and Hinduism. When Gu- the turning of Hindus to their religion as a and supervise the Iraivan Temple carving rudeva first arrived in Malaysia in June, 1980, means of self-identity, especially among the worksite. At Gurudeva’s encouragement and with two swamis, several people recounted youth. Malaysia was the first place in the under his supervision several successful the story of what, until that moment, was re- world, for example, that Gurudeva ever met cross-national marriages have been garded as an highly improbable prophecy. a youth group attached to a temple. This fine arranged between devotees born in Singa- Gurudeva didn’t suddenly “take Malaysia group of young men all wore jackets with pore, Mauritius, Malaysia and America. by storm.” In fact, he never took any place “Siddhi Vinayaga Temple” on the back and Tiru Kuppusamy shared with Hinduism by storm. He sought no self-promotion, but assisted with the temple’s management and Today this summary of Gurudeva’s impact rather worked to support and strengthen lo- care. Likewise from 1981, when Gurudeva on his life. “At the beginning, I was not very cal religious leaders and institutions. Malay- came through Malaysia on a travel-study serious about doing the sadhanas, the reli- sia was already beginning to experience an program with 33 devotees, he received an gious practices, but later I did do them seri-

awakening among Hindus brought about in enthusiastic reception from the younger ulu behrang ganesha temple courtesy ously. I learned the Atmartha Puja for home reaction to several negative incidents in the generation and counted it a good sign. worship and taught it to others. I and my late ’70s. Gurudeva gave form, style and im- An incident at this time deeply impacted signing tour two years ago, more than 2,000 Singapore’s homes and schools. They made Local devotees have been called upon to wife, along with our ten-year-old son and petus to this awakening as he traveled those that learned of it. Gurudeva was quite people showed up, beyond the hall’s capacity. substantial progress in the local schools, stage photo shoots for the difficult social is- 22-year-old daughter, all became vegetari- through the country and visited the major fond of the Ulu Behrang Ganesha Temple in Many of Gurudeva’s initiated members are which were already tackling the issue, by sues of corporal punishment and domestic ans without any reluctance. Gurudeva made Hindu institutions, such as the Malaysia Tanjong Malim, Perak. During one visit, ac- Malaysian, as are three of his 14 swamis. seeing to it that teachers still using corporal abuse. The photos depicting all aspects of me realize my mistakes, my bad karma done Hindu Sangam, the Maha Mariamman Tem- cording to Gurudeva, Lord Ganesha Him- “Once upon a time,” writes Appasamy punishment were reprimanded and re- these societal ills were very powerful, and earlier in this life, and had me correct it ple, the Ceylonese Saivites Association, the self appeared and blessed him at this tem- Kuppasamy, an initiated disciple, “Gurudeva trained in better methods. appeared not only in Hinduism Today, but through penance, prayaschitta. After that Ramakrishna Mission, the Divine Life Soci- ple. Gurudeva’s respect for temples and this was ignored by many Hindus of Malaysia Gurudeva’s publications have always been were requested by other organizations in difficult penance, I am relieved and happy ety and others, to make friends. Especially vision in particular was a very encouraging because he was white. But after getting to popular in Malaysia. In the 1980s, local the US fighting domestic violence. Devotees that this karma is gone. I thank Gurudeva drawn to him were those of the Tamil com- and faith-building sign for many. know him, the same people praised him for devotees requested Gurudeva to write a have independently arranged publication of because he changed our lifestyle. He taught munity. Many of Sri Lankan descent, partic- Over the next few years, Hindus attracted his services to Hinduism worldwide.” “More book on Lord Ganesha, to explain this ele- Gurudeva’s writings, such as the small book, us Hinduism. He taught us discipline. He ularly those who knew Yogaswami, made an to Subramuniyaswami’s teachings started recently,” Appasamy went on, “he’s advocat- phant-headed God to the Hindus. They Satguru Speaks on Hindu Renaissance, made us see God everywhere. He taught us easy connection. classes in Hinduism, held after hours at pub- ed abolishing corporal punishment in the wanted it right away to distribute at an up- drawn from “Publisher’s Desk.” to do thondu, religious service, all of which As a result, the hundreds of Malaysians lic schools. These popular classes and the homes and schools, directing his devotees to coming festival, so Gurudeva and his monks Gurudeva’s children’s course, Saivite Hindu I am doing my level best to follow.” who turned out for the December 20, 2001, widespread distribution of Hinduism To- teach classes for other Hindu parents in created the entire book in eight days. That Religion, has been a hit in the country. One At the December 20 memorial meeting, memorial service for Gurudeva held at the day magazine had a huge impact on Hindus nonviolent means of parenting and to was a 12-hour-a-day effort of a dozen lawyer established an endowment to see that Saiva Periya Sangaratna Tan Sri Somasun- Sri Kanthaswamy Temple in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Gurudeva’s dedicated members change school policies regarding corporal monks, and the resulting book, Lord Gane- it is printed and distributed to poor students. dram, president of the Malaysia Arul Neri were a cross section of the Hindu society. disseminated clear Hindu teachings to the punishment of students. At a national level, sha, Benevolent Deity for a Modern Hindu Many classes are taught using this course, Thirukkootam, said, “Gurudeva avoided ar- Close devotees, friends, religious and polit- youth and instilled a pride in Hindu religion. the cumulative impact of his work has been World, was a spectacular success. The title which is in Tamil, English and Malay and guing the philosophies of the various sects ical leaders all came to honor Gurudeva’s He sent one of his monastics to teach classes a dramatic increase in the pride of Hindus.” alone was an inspiration to people. Later it based on the Saivaneri course on Hinduism of Hinduism. He showed the importance of contribution to Hinduism. “Malaysian Hin- all over the nation for nearly a year. In 1986 Whenever Gurudeva visited Malaysia, he was expanded into the even more popular produced by the Sri Lankan government. religion but not the arguments. He was not dus owe Gurudeva a deep debt of grati- successful Hindu youth camps in Malaysia would always stop in Singapore, and nur- Loving Ganesha. When Hinduism Today Certainly the most important develop- only the guru for a particular group of tude,” said Dr. S.M. Ponniah, former presi- were conducted by his devotees, which in- tured a small group of devotees there. As in was in newspaper format, a local edition ment in publishing occurred just prior to Saivites, but he was accepted by all of us as dent of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, “for spired the other Hindu organizations to put Malaysia, he encouraged and promoted the was published in Kuala Lumpur, and later, Gurudeva’s mahasamadhi, when he decided a guru. If we are to respect him, we must helping all Hindus to know themselves and more emphasis on youth camps. When Gu- local temples and organizations. In the last when it switched to magazine format, more to have Uma Publications in Kuala Lumpur live according to his teachings, to have peace their cultural and religious heritage.” As in rudeva returned to Malaysia in the 1990s his few years, Gurudeva’s devotees have waged than a thousand copies an issue—each read print his three-volume, 3,000 page trilogy, in the world, peace at home, peace between each country he visited, the whole of soci- lectures were packed, and at his last book a campaign against corporal punishment in by dozens of people—continued to be sold. Dancing, Living and Merging with Siva, in husband and wife, peace everywhere.” ∏π 66 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 67 BIOGRAPHICAL OVERVIEW munism, existentialism and secu- sa the ideals, vows and aspira- lar humanism. tions of Hindu monasticism in unprecedented clarity. PIONEERING NEW PATTERNS • Harnessing information tech- IMPROVING FAMILY LIFE Milestones of Ministry nology to drive Hindu Dharma • Upholding the integrity of the into the new millennium, includ- family, extolling the extended ing setting up the first Macintosh family, finding ways to keep fami- Enumerating a spiritual master’s remarkable accomplishments publishing network (1986) and lies close and harmonious, declar- founding the first major Hindu ing that divorce is never a happy website (1994). solution to marital conflict. mblazened by his illumination, • Rejecting traditional stories that glorify • Calling for the establishment • Denouncing and taking action his ordination as a satguru and the violence, such as many found in the Periya- of schools, pathasalas, to train against wife abuse as a despicable blessings of Gods and devas, Guru- puranam. temple priests outside of India. act that no man has the right to deva contributed to the revival of Hin- • Repopularizing Siva as a God of love to • Promoting the idea of resident perpetrate. duism in immeasurable abundance. be worshiped by all devotees, not a fear- facilities for the elderly at tem- • Insisting on “zero tolerance for He was simultaneously a staunch defender of some being approached only by ascetics. ples in the West. disharmonious conditions” within traditions as the tried and proven ways of the Assuring Hindus it is alright, in fact neces- • Gifting Deity icons to initiate his monasteries and the homes of past and a fearless innovator and defender of sary, to have Lord Siva in the home. the worship and remove obsta- followers. the downtrodden, rivaling the rishis of Vedic • Speaking for the purity of Hindu monas- cles at 39 temples globally. • Protecting children from abuse, times in instilling fresh understanding and ticism and against the idea of “married • Establishing perpetual funds to standing up for their right to not setting new patterns for contemporary hu- swamis” and mixed-gender ashrams. finance his own and others’ reli- be beaten by parents or teachers manity. Here is a partial list of his trail-blaz- • Campaigning against the use of illegal gious endeavors through Hindu and debunking the notion that ing efforts and accomplishments: drugs by exposing the harmful effects and Heritage Endowment. corporal punishment is a part of karmic consequences. • Finding ways for Hindus to Hindu culture. SPIRITUAL TEACHINGS • Combatting unethical Christian conver- meet cultural dilemmas in the • Helping parents raise children • Bringing seekers new meaning to life sion by enhancing Hindu education, expos- modern age, such as devising a with love and respect through through the Master Course as a path of ing the devious tactics of evangelists and new festival, Pancha Ganapati, Positive Discipline classes taught self-transformation through sadhana, a self- the immaturity of faiths that consider now celebrated for five days by his family devotees. initiated journey to bravely, cheerfully face theirs the only true path and aggressively around the time of Christmas. • Establishing a “women’s libera- the karma one has created in the past. seek to compel others to adopt it. • Supporting cross-national mar- tion movement” of his own, re-

1968 by sharma oil painting • Pioneering the language Shum in to sheela venkatakrishnan • Debunking the notion that “All religions riages within his congregation minding Hindus that family well- enhance seekers’ yogic efforts and vigor- Europe 2001: Gurudeva at his elegant best are one” and publishing a comparative and the wider Hindu world. Source of inspiration: Gurudeva delights at a vision of Siva, being lies in the hands of women, ously developing it from 1995-2001, as his during his last Innersearch program summary of the major religions of the • Drawing from the American shown gazing from the inner ethers on the Garden Island. He who have the power to raise their inner gift to his monastics. world, side by side with prominent secular church system to make his orga- holds a trisula, its prongs symbolizing love, wisdom and action. children well and make their hus- • Bringing the Gods “out of exile” by ex- ing them to see themselves as a world com- philosophies. nization, and other Hindu insti- bands successful by not working plaining and writing about the mysteries of munity and as inheritors of a grand civi- • Enjoining temple boards of trustees to get tutions, socially viable, legally strong and and taught; temple architecture, which he in the world, but following the traditional temple worship and the three worlds of ex- lization and culture, indeed, the religion along with each other, to beware of detrac- structurally effective. embodied in Iraivan temple; Vedic astrolo- role of wife and mother. istence from his own experience. best suited to the new age. tors and to establish teaching programs for • Encouraging selfless, religious giving of gy, which he used daily for its insights into • Unfolding theological summations for a • Rescuing the word Hinduism from its the youth. one’s time, resources and finances, and es- character of people and timing of events; SETTING STANDARDS IN LEADERSHIP religion in renaissance, such as “Four Facts fallen status as a dirty word and restoring it tablishing tithing as a monthly practice and ayurveda, which he promoted in his • Creating Kauai Aadheenam, a temple- of Hinduism,” “Nine Beliefs,” “Hinduism’s to its age-old glory. RELIGIOUS STATESMANSHIP within his global congregation. publications and encouraged as a natural monastery in Hawaii so traditional and Code of Conduct,” the 365 Nandinatha Su- • Heralding sectarianism when the prevail- • Speaking out fearlessly at interfaith con- • Establishing Innersearch Travel Study as healing system for all his followers. spiritual—replete with two Siva temples, a tras, and a Hindu catechism and creed. ing trend was bland uniformity, insisting ferences and spiritual and political forums, a means of self-discovery and spiritual re- • Rescuing the home shrine from extinc- large monastic order and a satguru pitha • Bringing forth Lemurian Scrolls and oth- that only if each denomination is strong objecting to Christian hegemony at such newal for devotees and students, with his tion—“out of the closet into the most beau- (seat of authority), all amid religious art, er esoteric writings from inner-plane li- and faithful to its unique traditions will gatherings, calling for equal representation last three journeys consecrating new tem- tiful room of the home.” sculpture, traditional temple architecture braries to guide his monastic order and re- Hinduism itself be strong. by other religions, including the indigenous ples in Alaska, Denmark and Trinidad. and liturgy—that it stands as the most au- vive the centrality of celibacy and sexual • Championing the centrality of temples, peoples, and decrying the hypocrisy of sci- • Distinguishing outstanding leadership STRENGTHENING MONASTICISM thoritative aadheenam in the West. transmutation. legitimizing their establishment, and au- entists who would speak as potential sav- with his Hindu of the Year award. • Garnering respect for Hindu monastics • Manifesting Iraivan, the first all-stone • Translating and publishing Tiruvalluvar’s thenticating their purpose. iors for Earth’s problems when science it- • Introducing to Kauai: Toggenberg goats, of every order when “swami bashing” was Agamic temple in the West. ethical masterpiece, the Tirukural, in mod- self had caused many of the predicaments. Jersey cows, the honey bee industry and common, proclaiming that swamis and sad- • Initiating and nurturing a traditional or- ern, lucid English. THINGS HE CAMPAIGNED TO CORRECT • Defending advaitic Saiva Siddhanta at in- various species of exotic flora. hus are the ministers of this noble faith and der of two dozen celibate Saiva monastics, • Dispelling myths and misinformation ternational conferences and with pundits of that genuine gurus should be venerated, molding them into an effective, harmo- LEADING THE HINDU RENAISSANCE about Hinduism through HINDUISM TODAY South Indian aadheenams to successfully REVIVING NOBLE TRADITIONS obeyed and sought out for their wisdom. nious, traditional multi-national team. • Building Hindu pride; convincing Hindus for two decades. affirm the legitimacy and antiquity of the • Bringing sacraments, samskaras, back • Creating a global enclave of several hun- • Building two platforms: Hindu solidarity, everywhere to stand up and proclaim • Promoting the Vedas and Agamas as the nondual theology which so perfectly re- into vogue through his writings and by im- dred Hindu leaders and regularly calling on which he promoted through HINDUISM TO- themselves Hindus and stop repeating holy bible of Hinduism rather than the flected his own realizations. plementing them among his congregation them for their wisdom on critical issues, DAY, and monistic Saiva Siddhanta, which equivocal slogans like, “I’m not really a mythological and the historical • Creating a method of ethical self-conver- with reverence and formal documentation. from abortion, to cloning, to medical ethics he elucidated in his peerless publications. Hindu. I am a universalist—a Christian, a . sion for seekers to formally enter the Hindu • Campaigning for priests’ rights and fair and Hindu family life, publishing their col- • Being always available: personally greet- Jew, a Muslim and a Buddhist.” • Establishing rational-mystical explana- religion, insisting that Hinduism has always treatment, demanding they receive the lective views in HINDUISM TODAY. ing thousands of Hindu visitors to his aad- • Proclaiming that Hinduism is a great, liv- tions for Hindu practice to displace the Pu- accepted newcomers, countering the notion same respect enjoyed by the clergy of oth- • Breathing new life into the aadheenams heenam, speaking with them about their ing religion, not a relic of the past as de- ranic “comic book” mentality. that “You must be born a Hindu to be a er religions. of South India (temple-monastery complex- lives, concerns and aspirations. picted by Western scholars, one that should • Reinstating ahimsa, noninjury, as the car- Hindu.” • Supporting and reviving the traditional es), bringing new prominence to the • Fulfilling the motto “Think globally, act lo- be presented by Hindu writers, as he did dinal ethic of Hinduism when militants • Encouraging people to practice their reli- arts, including South Indian painting, with Sankaracharya centers and to the seats of cally,” joining monthly with Kauai leaders in in his peerless publications. were promoting righteous retaliation, often gion, whatever it may be, rather than non- which he illustrated his trilogy; Indian power of all monastic lineages. an island visioning group to help manifest • Teaching Hinduism to Hindus, awaken- by citing the Bhagavad Gita, religious paths such as materialism, com- dance, which he and his followers learned • Codifying in his Holy Orders of Sannya- an enhanced social and economic future. 68 hinduism today april/may/june, 2002 april/may/june, 2002 hinduism today 69 Visit www.hindu.org

INTERNET cent addition to the family, Hindu Press International (HPI) presents a daily collec- tion of Hindu news from the Hinduism on the Web world media. It is also available through e-mail subscription. The most extensive and approachable resource there is For researchers like me, there is no better source on the Web for realistic, well-explained Hindu teachings than Hin- By Nilima Srikantha, duism Online (www.himalayan Nevada, USA academy.com). The resources ne of gurudeva’s spec- here have reached a depth that tacular contributions to is almost mind-boggling. Of the perpetuation of Hin- course, all of Gurudeva’s beauti- du Dharma is his marvel- ful books are there to buy, but ous, multi-faceted site on the the selection of online books World Wide Web. This has cre- with complete text (www.him ated a heightened awareness of alayanacademy.com/books/on- Hinduism—especially among line_books.html) is truly amaz- the “cyber-generation.” It has ing! transformed Hinduism’s image Art also has its place at from some old historic religion www.hinduart.org including to a dynamic, rich religion of the famous “Aum” page and a today and the future. The pages superb collection of Hindu art

of Hinduism Online draw over www.himalayanacademy.com by some of the best contempo- 200,000 visitors per month— From the portal site visitors can enter seven sections rary Indian artists which can well over 5,000 per day. Text be purchased for the home or and graphics amount to 350 set the tone for the day. We re- Today (www.hinduismtoday workplace. A lifetime of Hindu megabytes, plus 2 gigabytes of ceive frequent comments on .com), posting over 85 past is- surfing and learning awaits sound files. Visitors download the far-reaching effects of sues back to 1993. The most re- every visitor. over 12 gigabytes of informa- TAKA. A Hindu in Malaysia tion every month. One of Gu- wrote, “I enjoy the daily TAKA rudeva’s more recent popular web pages. Each evening, I sit innovations is Today at Kauai and listen to one of Gurudeva’s More Gurudeva In-Sites Aadheenam, TAKA, as it has archived talks prior to my med- come to be known. Located at itation and prayer. It has be- • Hinduism links page: www.hindu.org www.gurudeva.org and updat- come the center of my day.” • Gurudeva’s Master Course online—updated daily: ed daily, the site is a window Always on the crest of tech- www.gurudeva.org/lesson.shtml into Kauai’s Hindu Monastery— nology, Gurudeva was one of • TAKA archives: www.gurudeva.org/archives/ a refreshing glimpse into the the first to see the potential of • Short biography of Gurudeva: www.gurudeva.org/gurudeva/ joyous, pristine life of the mon- Hinduism on the Internet. He • Cybertalks: www.gurudeva.dynip.com/~htoday/talks/ astics and their service to hu- started by posting HINDUISM • Kauai’s Hindu Monastery: www.saivasiddhanta.com/hawaii/ manity. For many, TAKA is a TODAY in 1994. By 1995, several • Iraivan Temple: www.saivasiddhanta.com/hawaii/iraivan/ way to watch the progress of of Gurudeva’s books and pam- • Academy study: www.himalayanacademy.com/academy/ Iraivan Temple as it grows each phlets had been added. Like a • Gurudeva’s books: store.himalayanacademy.com day, erected stone by stone by prolific banyan tree, the site has • Hindu basics: www.himalayanacademy.com/basics/ seven Indian craftsmen. TAKA expanded immensely and con- • Hindu Heritage Endowment: www.hheonline.org is also the home of Gurudeva’s tinues to flourish. • Thank You, Gurudeva Fund: audio “Cybertalks”—and now Another premier presence, www.hheonline.org/funds/thankyou_gurudeva.html of Satguru Bodhinatha Veylan- important to people exploring • Accolades: www.himalayanacademy.com/site_comments/ swami’s—words of wisdom to current events, is Hinduism

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