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Ananda at Sri Kambliswamy Madam

Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Gitananda Giri 1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND In historical times, one of these Dravidian Masters called Agastya met with his Northern counterparts, some seven Long before Lord settled in meditation in the hoary great Masters in all, known collectively as the Sapta Himalayas, Mahadeva Shiva danced as the Supreme Lord Rishis. Vasishtha, Gautama and Bhrigu all journeyed to the of the Universe. Nataraja, across the red lands, the mighty cradle of knowledge in Dravidian to imbibe knowledge mountains and the azure sky of Dravidia, now South . from the . Later these great Rishis refined Archaeological and geological studies show that the high this ancient knowledge and put it into a framework of places of Dravidia have jutted above the landscape since Yoga and that has been highly influenced by the time began. is perhaps the oldest part of any Aryan cults. The South of India is and was dominated by continent rearing itself above the ancient sea… the rest the worship of Mahadeva Shiva. The North of India was of the world and its dry land came much later. Known much more influenced by the Aryan Vishnu. Originally, as Kanyakandan in archaic Tamil, the land of Dravidia there were only two Yoga sects, those worshiping Shiva literature is older than the Aryan Vedic lore, older than and those associated with the worship of Vishnu. The any of the tales or myths of any people of the planet. Yoga of South India is Shiva-oriented and the natural So also, the worship of Lord Shiva in the South of India worship of the Shakta and the Shakti led to and the Yoga called Yoga is older than any insight a natural and Tantra-Yoga. These teachings were or practical techniques of any other form of Yoga. The later much adulterated as they were taken northwards. worship of Divine Mother as Kanyakumari, of Shakti yet Perhaps only in South India today does the pure Dakshina unwed to her Lord Shakta, gave rise to a cult predating Marga Tantra and its evolutionary Siddha Yoga still exist any religious worship or philosophy now known to man. and is still taught by living Siddhas and Rishis. The embodiment of this culture is still to be found in Saiva Siddhanta which is older than the Veda Vedanta of AN UNBROKEN ANCIENT TRADITION the North. In this healthy climate great Siddhas or stalked the land, great Masters in their own right. The center of Tantra and Yoga learning was the Siddha Ashramam or the Yoga Gurukula where students were taught in the direct presence of an evolved Master. The Rishi Agastya established such a camp called Dehra Agastya near the ancient city of Vedapuri in South India. Today, Vedapuri is known as Pondicherry, a sleepy, old French colonial town, basking in the sun on the shores of Entrance at Main Gate of Ananda Ashram the ancient Kurumandala Sagara, the Coromandal Sea of Cover Photo (PC Yogasadhak Padma) the Indian Ocean. Spiritual seekers flocked to the Masters As one crosses a small bridge from the Thattanchavady who followed in a long line of in the center founded Industrial Estate, the lush arch of rose bougainvillea, by the Rishi Agastya. A Paramparya line of teachers exists and other tropical vines greet the eye. Through the to this present day from that time. Part of the history is lotus iron grill work gates is a flower-potted driveway oral, while some details have been noted down in records. that is interrupted by a giant circular pool. Out of the center of this irrigation pool which also serves as the In the year 341 AD, a written item attests to a Gurukula at swimming pool, rises a green shaft, topped by a bright Thattanchavady, the gold market and goldsmith’s center pink lotus and rising from the center of the lotus is of Vedapura. A Mauni Swami, possibly one known as a gigantic ceramic statue of Shiva and Paravathi in Ramalingam Swamigal, from what is now Tiruvannamalai Ananda Thandava, the Cosmic Dance. Surrounded by the gigantic ring of gold fire are the two figures of in Tamil Nadu, was the Siddha Mahant. He was followed Shiva and Parvathi. Shiva and Parvathi have danced by one Gnanananda Giri who, during his lifetime, became themselves into such ecstasy that they do not know affectionately known only as Kambliswamy, the “Blanket they are upside down and utterance of the Nada “Aah” Swami”. Kambliswamy was a famous Master of Ashtanga by Shiva releases the Panchamahabhutas, the five Yoga. The Math that exists to this day bears his name. Cosmic Elements of earth, air, fire, water and ether and the universe is born. The lush foliage of the jungle-like Madam is the Tamil style for the “.” As the orchard can be easily seen in this depiction. At the top word “Madam” has a corrupted meaning in the colloquial left are the leaves of a tropical fig tree while papaya French of Pondicherry, the term Madalayam is generally and other soft fruits Jut to the sky. The giant tree in the used to designate this spiritual center. background is a century old mango tree. Through the legs of Shiva and Parvathi the upper roof of the main Ashram office can be seen.

Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 2 THE PRESENT INSTITUTION The Main Entrance to the of Srila Sri Kambliswamy (PC Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani) The Paramparya from the time of Sri Kambliswamy is an illustrious one. When this Master of Ashtanga Yoga left his body in Jala Samadhi, he was After circumbulating the gigantic water pool and its put into his tomb by his disciple, Sri Ambalavanaswamigal who cared for fountain, potted plants line the walkways to the main and tended the Samadhi shrine. Ambalavanaswamigal was succeeded entrance to the shrine consigning mortal remains of by Sri Manikaswamigal, who was succeeded by Sri Shanmukaswamigal, the famous Siddha Sri Kambliswamy. Over the three gigantic arches marking the main entrance is a bas who was succeeded by Sri Veluswamigal. Sri Veluswamigal appointed Sri relief of Rama, Lakshman and Sita along with Hanuman Subrahmaniaswamigal who named Sri Shankaragiri Swamigal as his chosen worshiping the Shiva Linga. Shiva and Parvathi hover successor. Old age and ill health motivated Shankaragiri Swamigal to elevate in the ether above. The Tamil lettering says “Sri Kambli his disciple Dr. Swami Gitananda to the Ghanti of the Madalayam. Yogarishi Jnana Desigar Swamigal Samadhi’’. The buildings depicted had been brought up in 1974 through 1978 Dr. Swami Gitananda, trained and cultured in Tantra, Siddha Yoga and under the architectural inspiration of Yogarishi Dr. Ashtanga Yoga by his illustrious Gurus, has extended the Madam and all of its Swami Gitananda and merge into the giant jungle like activities by bringing together the physical assets and working technology gardens so that it is difficult to get any one single pic- of the many institutions under his care. A huge new complex of buildings ture expressing the Ashram completely. The buildings has come up on the Thattanchavady site, which is also known as Ananda are tastefully decorated in olive green with golden oak arches. The giant Murthi depicted is in brilliant Ashram. The Madam’s extensive lands are under cultivation of rice and other colour. The thatched (palm) roof above is Dr. Swami fruit crops. The gardens of the Ashram are extensive and well landscaped. Gitananda’s office, a long breezeway on the second The Madam complex is centered by a huge circular fountain with a beautiful floor that allows for both indoor-outdoor work-living. Murthi (statue) of Shiva/Shakti in the Ananda Thandava pose in the center of Note how the tree and vines have merged everywhere over the building in but a few short years. Plant life in the pool. Shady, sandy areas under sacred peepal trees are used for classes, as the tropics grows very rapidly. well as the upper patio deck of the main building and a large Satsangha Hall.

Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 3 Ashram Entrance (PC Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani)

As you enter the high flowing arches of Ananda Ashram, the eyes are arrested by the spectacular statues of young mend doing . The statues run up both sides of the entrance into the Ashram itself. Atop two giant wooden pillars are the figures of , the Topsy Turvy Pose and a form of Vrishchika, the Scorpion Pose. The wooden doors have been re-built from the original Rangoon teak doors of the small Kutir in which the previous Madathipathis lived. As the door originally was too short for the mod- ern Yoga enthusiasts, and particularly Westerners, it was enlarged from other teak wood available in the Ashram. In rebuilding Sri Kambliswamy Madalayam, the rafters of the old Kutir were refilled into the woodwork of all of the windows of the ground floor of the building. Today it would be impossible to use such expensive material in building. All of the materials that could be reused went into the new construction while even the rubble was pounded into the floor before the new flooring was put on top. Not a single grain of sand, brick rubble or other material was lost in the reconstruction of the “new model” buildings.

Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 4 The East Entrance (PC Yogasadhak Padma)

The only public approach to Ananda Ashram at the Sri Kambliswamy Madalayam is through the south on the north side of the Thattanchavady Industrial Estate. In time, that gate will only be a service entrance fro supplies coming to the campus. The original entrance is from the East, and through the spacious area from the Gori Medu riverlet. Strangely enough, while a bridge has been needed across the Gori Medu drain for over a century, the Government of Pondicherry has not been helpful to build the needful bridge. Coming from Pakkamudiyanpet and the Lawspet side of Pondicherry, one passes along Sri Kambliswamy Madam street, but discovers the riverlet in between the abrupt end of the road, and the gates of Sri Kambliswamy Madam, some fifty meters across the stream. In dry weather, it is possible to walk across the sandy bed, but in monsoon, the stream becomes a raging torrent, often times threatening the walls and gates of the Eastern entrance of the Ashram. It is a pleasant walk through the thrope (orchard) sprinkled with cajew nut tress, palmyras, and other soft fruits before one approaches the inner walls and gate of Ananda Ashram.

Shiva Thandava Bas Relief (PC Yogasadhak Padma)

Down a pleasant sandy walkway, one views the announcement over another group of three arches of “Ananda Ashram.” Above the arches is a bas-relief of Shiva in the Cosmic Dance. The lush gardens on each side are filled with tropical plants, many having medicinal value and are grown for that purpose. The spectacular Lord of Yoga in his Cosmic Dance over the entrance of Ananda Ashram is a beautiful piece of art work to behold. The Gods and Goddesses of the Cosmos sing or play and dance in ecstasy to the Lord in Shiva Thandava. Beneath the feet of Shiva is the Asmara, the ego, being trampled in to submission by the joy of the dance. From this view and looking down the long passageway to the temple, we see the shrine entombing the venerable Siddha Sri Kambliswamy. The lighted sign over the door to the shrine reads in Tamil “Shiva, Shiva”. The venerable Sage was placed in his Samadhi by loving disciples over a century ago. On each side of the main entrance are stone statues of Natyam , the dancing Ganapathy and Lord Subramaniya in his most glorious form. Two shrines are duplicated to the same sons of Lord Shiva on each side of the entrance to the Samadhi. The Samadhi has become the central core shrine of the Madam and perpetual worship in form of and meditation is carried on there.

Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 5 The main buildings of the Ananda Ashram at Sri TRAINING AND OTHER FACILITIES Kambliswamy Madam are in the old Thanjavore-style architecture with gigantic floating arches giving a sense Residential facilities and an outstanding vegetarian of great light to the building. The various offices of Ananda diet are offered to students enrolled in one-month- Ashram and the parent body Yoga Jivana Satsangha long, three-month-long and six-month-long courses. (International), a Registered Society and Charitable Trust, Some scholarships are available for Yoga training for are in the main building, along with a large library, gigantic Indian nationals only. Local residents enrolled in the Satsangha Hall, dining room, kitchen and some living Sri Kambliswamy Yoga and Cultural Arts Programme, facilities. A second large building, Meenakshi Bhavan, has numbering nearly 400, are also receiving training free of been constructed to house the students attending the charge. Special programmes in Yoga and other cultural residential International Yoga Teachers Training Course. arts are set up for those living in the nearby villages. All Meenakshi Bhavan also contains a large hall for private students enrolled in the Yoga Teachers Training Course Bharat Natyam performances and a Karnataka Singing and in-resident students are expected to be members Hall. of Yoga .Jivana Satsangha (International) at the cost of Rs. 50 annually (International membership) and US $25 Several small Kutirs are constructed in the various parts (overseas). The membership includes free subscription of the garden to house Sadhaks of the Ashram. Ananda to the fine YOGA LIFE, a monthly magazine Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam is a modern Ashram published by the Satsangha. A donation to cover board and with full facilities, fully electrified, running water, latrines lodging charges is expected from those in residence and both Eastern and Western style. Most of the spacious a Dakshina is mandatory for all training. No actual rooms are occupied by only two students, supplied with cost is placed on the Yoga training for a seeker. Students regular bedding, mattresses and comfortable furniture. A enrolled in the course are expected to undergo a rigorous separate laundry facility is also available. . Mahurta meditation begins the day at 3:45 AM followed by cleanings and ablutions. At 6 AM the The Samadhi of Sri Kambliswamy has grown into a course, in which training in Asanas, Kriyas, huge temple complex, towered by a Vimana as outlined and is given begins and continues till in the sacred Agamas. A giant stone Shiva Lingam atop 7:30 or 8 AM. After breakfast, all inmates are expected to the sacred Samadhi centers the Temple dedicated to contribute service in the form of activities. Sadashiva and its Jnana Lingam. The five other beautiful By 10:30 AM all gather again in the Ashram gardens for a shrines are dedicated to Ganesha or Ganapathy, Lord class in diet, or discussion of Yama and , the Yoga Subrahmaniyan also known as Lord Murugan and to morality and ethical system, or elementary techniques the Goddess Anandavalli. The Ashram abounds with in relaxation and Kriyas to develop mental hundreds of stone, wood, and Pancha Loha sacred art power. Later in the course, advanced techniques in Raja Murthis and sculptures. Thousands of pilgrims flock to Yoga concentration and lay Yoga are taught at the noon the Ashram to see the beautiful Murthis of the Gods time Sandhyam. and Goddesses. A staff of highly trained Tamil Brahmin Pandits conduct regular Pujas at five Lingam shrines. One After lunch, rest period is enjoyed till 3:30PM when the of the shrines contains a Ratna Lingam which was once class in Yoga Therapy, or Yoga Chikitsa is held. Spinal in the possession of Adhi Shankaracharya. Another giant manipulations, back walking, spinal stretching, the various Lingam is pure Sphatika and is regularly worshiped in a methods of the Yogic approach to skeletal alignment are Sunday morning Puja open to the public. These taught, as well as acupressure and massage techniques. are available for those who are involved in Jnana Kanda. Sometimes “remedial Asanas” useful in therapy are also For those who have evolved beyond the physical needs taught at this time. The evening sunset Sandhyam is of worship the Jnana Kanda of Siddha Yoga is available in marked in Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam structured classes which begin each day at 3:45 AM and by chanting on the Mandala under the sacred carry on through the day to Satsangha that closes by 9 peepal tree. Students learn a large number of PM. Thousands of students have taken up the practice of conducive for concentrative and meditative activities. Yoga under Yogarishi Dr. Swami Gitananda and Ananda Ashram has graduated some 800 qualified Yoga Teachers After the evening meal, students gather on the Ashram and Yoga Physicians for its many associated centers patio roof to pose questions to their Guru Dr. Swami throughout the world. Gitananda concerning problems of their Sadhana and

Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 6 queries into the spiritual life. Talks on Karma, Yoga energy. is the fifth step along this path, which Philosophy, Vedanta and every topic under the sun are is the practice of techniques of sense control. Dharana given during this evening meeting of “Truth Seekers”. By or techniques in concentration and control of mind 9 PM most are ready for “lights out” and a well-earned are next to be developed. Dhyana or meditation is the sleep before the next day dawns to carry on the similar seventh stage, and is considered as “a Prasadan” or “gift” structure again. from the Divine when the previous six steps have been successfully fulfilled. Samadhi is the final goal of Yoga Because of Dr. Swami Gitananda’s national and world- and is described most often as Cosmic Consciousness, or wide reputation, students come from all over India and Liberation. This is the Science of which Sri Kambliswamy the world. Persons of all ages, castes, creeds, nationalities, was a well-known Master and this is the basic tradition and occupations gather together here, brought into a which Dr. Swami Gitananda carries on so ably today. All unique “union” through the uniting thread of “Yoga’’. those who study in the Ashram, whether from India or Dr. Swami Gitananda, who has been trained as both a abroad, are expected to observe scrupulously the basic medical doctor and psychiatrist, brings the technical cultural patterns of South Indian culture, and to respect knowledge of his professional career in the West to his the Hindu traditions in thought, word and deed. Since Eastern philosophical background received under his Yoga has sprung out of , an understanding of Guru, making a unique blend of Eastern and Western Hinduism is necessary to a true understanding of Yoga. approaches to the problems of life and the development It is true that Yoga transcends all religions, and can be of a spiritual life. His ability as a story teller makes what practiced by anyone whatever his creed, but never-the- otherwise might be a dry subject, lively and enjoyable, less, the soil from which this great art and science has and students learn easily, sometimes, hardly realizing sprung should be studied and understood, if the full the extent of their knowledge. Under Swami Gitananda’s meaning of the “Yoga Life” is to unfold itself. leadership, Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam has become a true Gurukula, in the ancient sense of Kambliswamy Madam is a Hindu holy place, a sacred land the word, a “womb of the Guru” where the student is where many saintly men have lived and died. Yet, as is nourished and protected until strong enough to carry on sung in the KAMBLISWAMY STUTHI, Sri Kambliswamy, his further development in the “outside, secular world”. the Master of Ashtanga Yoga entombed here in Samadhi, Swamiji trains his students to “return to life” as full and is worthy to be “worshiped by the whole world”. Since active participants in the social fabric to which they the time Dr. Swami Gitananda has assumed charge of the belong. Madam, expanding and enlarging buildings and activities, devotees have indeed flocked to the Madam from all over the world. Though Ashtanga Yoga can be practiced ESSENTIAL DISCIPLINE by persons belonging to any religion, this philosophy, science and art has sprung out of Hinduism and thus Ananda Ashram is literally “all things to all men”. There can best be practiced by those having an understanding is something for every seeker at whatever level that of the roots of this universal philosophy. To this end, all seeking may begin. There is no barrier as to sex, caste, persons in residence are asked to observe the simple colour or condition. The only stipulation is a desire to be Hindu customs, dress Indian fashion, live in a simple involved in South India classical culture and Sadhana, Indian Ashram style, and attend Pujas and Hindu religious especially Ashtanga Yoga and the South Indian Saiva festivals. Many study the Hindu cultural and religious Siddhanta. Destructive habits such as drug taking, the arts, including Carnatic singing, classical instrumental, use of alcohol and smoking of tobacco are prohibited. All Sanskrit, Tamil and Bharat Natyam. All are initiated into students are expected to be vegetarian during their stay Tamil (devotional songs) and simple Mantras. in the Ashram. These are the basic conditions for those who wish to practice the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga of The Sri Kambliswamy Yoga and Cultural Arts Programme which Sri Kambliswamy was a Master. In the Ashtanga has a membership of 400 persons from the surrounding Yoga tradition, the basic practice of Yama and Niyama is villages and Pondicherry town. Free training is given necessary, that is, morality and ethics. Then the student in Ashtanga Yoga, , , Mantra and is instructed in or body control. Pranayama is Bharat Natyam. The full day on Sunday is turned over the next step of the Eight-Limbed Path, which begins to the activities of this programme. Veera Linga Puja is with the control of breath and leads to the control of held at 9 AM followed by classes in Hatha Yoga, Bharat

Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 7 Garden Mandala (PC Yogasadhak Padma)

The new buildings of Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam have been set into an orchard, in Tamil called a “Thope”. In bringing up the new structures, Dr. Swami Gitananda, who was both the architect and building engineer, did not remove a single tree. The spacious gardens, a beauty spot of the local area, are used for various classes of Yoga, lectures, or cultural performances. A giant peepal tree, the Buddha tree (Bo tree) centers one garden that is in constant use for classes in Yoga, Indian philosophy, Yoga Chikitsa and Indian Indigenous Medical lectures. A Mandala in the form of a giant red heart completely circles the base of the Bo tree. The front area of this giant Mandala doubles as a stage for cultural events. About 1,000 people can easily sit in this sandy-bedded garden, while crowds as large as 1,500 have packed the gardens.

Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 8 Natyam and music classes. A free luncheon is given to programme on Dr. Swami Gitananda’s birthday. Bharat all members in good standing. Classes are also held on Natyam, Carnatic Music, Folk Dances, , , , all week days in the evenings in the various arts and Mridangam Recitals, and Yoga Asana Demonstrations are many members of this programme attend 6 AM morning presented to Pondicherry public free of charge. Large Hatha Yoga classes during the Six Month International numbers of local people attend the festival. Most of the Teachers Training Courses. An excellent core group of items are presented by young, amateur artists, giving outstanding Yoga Asana demonstrators, Bharat Natyam them forum for presenting their art. dancers, Carnatic music singers and instrumentalists has been developed and the Ashram is often asked to give Though the main purpose of Ananda Ashram at Sri performances at local temple functions. An estimated Kambliswamy Madam is the teaching of Ashtanga Yoga, 5,000 students have been trained to some degree Hindu philosophy and the Hindu religious and cultural during the last ten years of this programme. Members arts are also promulgated. Dr. Swami Gitananda feels the of this programme participate in all the Guru Pujas and cultural arts of Hinduism are also a form of Yoga, a way to major Hindu Religious festivals of the year. New cloth achieve “Union with the Divine” and hence, his emphasis is presented at the end of the year to all members in on their propagation and practice. regular attendance. Nearly twenty-five children from the poorer families receive “scholarships” which provide new In Bharat Natyam, the dance of India, literally, but clothes three times per year, school books, medical costs specifically, a demanding classical dance form developed and one nutritious meal per day. Educational films are to its greatest degree in South India, the artist must sometimes arranged. At all functions, all members enjoy practice many years to achieve the control over movement traditional Indian style feasts. Members also have use demanded by this arduous dance form. The body must of the big irrigation pool in the Ashram and many have become completely one with, though subservient to, the learned to swim in the Madam. Emphasis is on the return mind. Mind and emotions and body exist in a beautiful to traditional arts and the best of the ancient culture. state of “Oneness” or “Yoga”. In Carnatic music, the Mantric Children participate in discussions on morality and ethics sounds of the South Indian scale must be brought under of Yogic living, preparing them for roles in society as well. exquisite control of the singer’s mind and will, and another A “Yoga Life” is an active, useful, skillful life. type of union or Yoga is achieved, a form of Shabdha Yoga, or Union with the Divine through the medium of The Ashram is a beehive of activity. All the major Hindu sound. In the various instrumental arts, body, mind and festivals are celebrated with grand Pujas. All Guru emotions reach Union with the Divine through various Pujas are also celebrated with pomp and ceremony, sounds created by the instruments. The ancient arts of but particularly the Puja for Sri Kambliswamy held in Hindusthan did present a uniquely satisfying Sadhana, the Tamil month of Marghazi, December-January. The a means of spiritual development for the sincere seeker. Annual Sri Kambliswamy Yoga and Cultural Arts Year Ending Programme is held each year in January. A Hatha Yoga Annual competition is held, and a huge Cultural Programme is presented to the public in which students display the arts they have developed during the year. New cloth, books, jewelry, and sweets are distributed to all members and a grand feast is held.

Another well-known and popular function is the International Yoga Students Variety Night Programme held at the end of the Six Months Course the end of March each year. In this programme, participants of the course present skits, instrumental recitals, songs, dances, poetry readings and art from all over the world.

One of the grandest functions of the year is the Pondicherry Summer Music and Dance Festival held during three days in July or August, and culminating with a grand

Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madam - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 9 Rishi Culture Yoga

Rishi Culture Yoga - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 10 An earnest spiritual seeker treading along the Yoga and the inroads of “Yoga Life” ideas and practices… that Marga, the Yoga Path , may innocently remark “What is all is Ananda Ashram at Sri Kambliswamy Madalayam. Sri the fuss about various styles of Yoga? Isn’t “Yoga” Yoga?” Kambliswamy, an illustrious Siddha even in his own time, The answer is patently “no”! Just as every word is not a was known as a Master of Ashtanga Yoga and his disciples Mantra, so every posture or breath is not an Asana or a happily sang hymns of his praise, declaring that he was Pranayama. There is a certain high criteria which has to “worthy to be known and worshiped by the world” for his be held to for rich Rishi Culture tradition to be met. It is magnificent view of the Yoga path and for his teachings. unfortunate that with so many seekers along the Yoga Some of those teachings have been preserved through Path today that there are very few old cultural centers the modern lineage to the present where Yogarishi Dr. of Yoga, even in India, and that most of the teachers Swami Gitananda presents classical Ashtanga Yoga and of are teaching wide variations on what South Indian Siddha Yoga. Cultured in the rich traditions would be Yoga practice and some of it hardly able to of both south and north India, these teachings have be called “neo-Yoga”, while some is decidedly “a-Yoga” spread throughout the world by those who have come and must be condemned. Yoga does not have the rich to learn what we consider to be authentic Sampradaya tradition of written material like the Vedanta which Yoga… the Rishi culture Yoga. There may be those who crystallized into and endless variations disagree with this view, but certainly students who have on the theme. The few old volumes on the subject of trained in this style have been through a Yoga Sadhana- Yoga are sparse in their concept and decidedly upsetting Yoga Abhyasa unparalleled even in modern India and and confusing in their directions as to how practices are fit to go and teach candidates of Yoga as few other may be done. Yoga was and still is an oral tradition teachers from India. where the teachings are passed by mouth to ear from the Guru to his chosen disciples. Without that lineage The standards of Yoga set by Dr. Swami Gitananda are of specially “trained-by-the-Guru-teachers” tradition, the extremely strict by all measures. Usually, he does not take culture of Yoga would fail. Here in South India one such a student who is totally new to Yoga, insisting that he institution has managed to survive the rigours of time have at least studied the year-long CORRESPONDENCE COURSE under his guidance before undergoing personal tuition. Morality and ethics are the basis of Ashtanga Yoga so the student must be prepared for a giant step in the elevation of consciousness when studying with this eminent Guru. The Swamiji does not brook lassitude or Sri Kambliswamy Shrine sloppiness in Yoga practice. Skipping classes or dodging Previous Page (PC Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani) Karmic issues may have a student expelled. As Swamiji says, “If you want to learn Yoga, this is the place to learn When one enters the long columned of the shrine it, but I do not intend to waste my time on Yoga triflers.” Samadhi of Sri Kambliswamy, the temple housing his mortal remains can be seen in the far background. A The daily schedule is long and arduous but it is set up giant Nandeswara, the vehicle (the Bull) of Lord Shiva, sits before the main shrine with two small shrines, in such a way that only the early morning Hatha Yoga one on the left side dedicated to an aspect of Lord class exceeds an hour and one half in length. Most other Ganesha, worshiped by , and on the right side, classes begin ‘’on the hour every hour”. The material an aspect of Lord Subrahmaniyan, also only worshiped is presented in such a way that there is no chance of by bachelors or spiritual mendicants. Over the door of the shrine is written in lights in Tamil “Shiva! “boredom” setting into the search of the candidate. Shiva!” The sunlight filtering indoors gives a wonderful The unique presentation made by the Guru is to offer effect to the shrine. The walls of the temple concourse information on all aspects of life and Yoga which are are covered with giant, colourful murals depicting the rarely found in the teachings of modern Gurus. The of the psychic human body. For the 110th variation on the themes of each posture are explored to Death Anniversary ceremony of Sri Kambliswamy, the entire ceiling of this long hall has been decorated the “nth degree”, and Swamiji’s vast medical knowledge, with huge motifs depicting the Chakras, especially the appreciated by medical scientists around the world, is thousand-petaled . Hundreds of devotees come brought into the Yoga practice. More than this, the Guru to this shrine daily to pay their respects to the memory concentrates upon the multi-dimensional facets of man’s of one of South India’s most venerable Siddhas. Others come to seek his for some endeavour or for life and the vast changes taking place in the other bodies spiritual healing. which may not be observed alone in the physical Ananda Maya .

Rishi Culture Yoga - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 11 Ananda Ganapathy Shrine (PC Yogasadhak Padma)

The main Samadhi and temple couples is surround- ed by a large walled courtyard and one can move completely around the shrine to do Pradakshina, the customary walk around the temple, before or after doing Puja worship. At the back of the courtyard are two new shrines brought up by Meenakshi Devi and Dr. Swami Gitananda for their own worship of Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramaniya. Inset stones are carved to announce this situation, but visitors and guests are all invited to take part in what is otherwise a private worship of the devotees of Sri Kambliswamy. The shrine to Lord Ganesha has a beautiful mural over its entrance, where the artist has depicted Swamiji, Meenakshi Devi and then Baby Ananda worshiping before Lord Ganesha. In the shrine the stone statue to Ananda Ganapathy is a form of Ganapathy allowed for worship by all people to gain happiness and delight in living. Behind the shrine of Lord Ganesha rises Meenakshi Bhavan, the cultural center of the Ashram and the Guest House. The entrance can be made in six different places. Two dancing figures in traditional Bharat Natyam poses greet the visitors who would like to enter from this side.

Lord Subramaniyan Shrine (PC Yogasadhak Padma)

As we move behind the shrine of Sir Kambliswamy and before the entrance facade of Meenakshi Bhavan and its cultural center, we come upon the shrine of the eternal youth Lord Subramaniya, son of Shiva. Lord Subramaniya is always shown with a Vel (a spear) in his hand and depicted along with his vehicle, a beautiful peacock. Each of the Gods has his or her own vehicle, Lord Ganesha rides Mushika, the shrew or mouse; Shiva is depicted astride a bull; Vishnu, aboard an eagle; Devi along with her tiger. Inside of the shrine is a stone statue depicting the six-faced Shanmukha Swami. Both Lord Subramaniya and Ganesha are sons of Shiva and Parvathi and always depicted in shrines wherever the Shiva Lingam is shown. The adage over the door to the shrine states “Why should you worry? I am here!” Meenakshi Bhavan can be entered from this side also, behind the dancing figure which also makes up the internal stairwell of Meenakshi Bhavan. The entire Ashram is painted up in olive green with the decorations in golden brown. The statues are in bright turquoise, offsetting the neutral golden background.

Rishi Culture Yoga - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 12 Three Lines of Yoga Tradition Merging into a Single Figure Head

Three Lines of Yoga Tradition Merging into a Single Figure Head - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 13 Generally, Yogis adhere to a single line of teachings. They of Sannyassins can be gathered by a survey of ancient are either pantheists, Vedantists, some form of Yoga Sect names of these sects. or Tantric. Occasionally, the first three will call themselves Tantrics, but have had their initiation in the other forms of I took my initiation into Ashtanga Yoga with Swami Indian Darshana. From ancient times, there are a number Kannakananda Bhrigu. Rev. Swamiji was truly a Master in of Vedic orders of Vedantists and Yogis. In the time of every way that the Yoga tradition suggests a Master to be. Kaladi Shankaracharya, (circa eighth century), he found I count it my good fortune that I fell under his tutelage that ten of the ancient Vedic, Vedanta, and Yoga Orders early in life. It is from him that I have gleaned the basic had completely disappeared and no Sadhus were bearing Yoga lore, culture, tradition and practice. I have tried in these names. He deliberately revived the Dasanami or my own way to preserve the teachings as they have come Ten Orders of Saraswathis, the Thirthas, Sagaras, Vana, to me, and if they have been altered at all, it has been by Ashrama, Giri, Puri, Bharatis, Aranaya and Parvata. embellishment of Western scientific, philosophical and medical concepts. I truly trust that the teachings have Each of these orders had a special line of teaching, self- remained as pure as they have been passed to me. discipline or , and conduct of practice, Some sat in one place, and developed Maths or Ashramas, while Strange is the fate of anyone who walks the Yoga Marga, others became wandering mendicants, taking vows never the spiritual path, as life has in store innumerable to stay at the same spot more than twenty-four hours. surprises. By good fortune I was accepted into the ancient Some took outrageous vows never to sit or lie down, even Subrahmaniyan cult of Yoga in South India. An ancient learning to sleep in the standing, shuffling position, the Mahant somehow took a liking to me and showered bells on the ankles keeping them sufficiently awake so upon me his knowledge, benevolence and love. I was they did not fall down. As well as the Vedic Yoga, and a fertile ground for this rare culture and its traditions, Tantric tradition of the North, there was also the along with its amazing Yoga practices. I was not born orders of the rich tradition of South Indian Saivism and a Tamilian, but will die a Tamilian, knowing at this time the worship of Devi or Shakti. Some thirty-three orders that the last words of this voice will be in Tamil, which has invaded my subconsciousness through the study of Siddha Yoga and Saiva Siddhanta, until my Manasikam or subconscious thoughts return to me in Tamil. It was at the beginning of this period a decade and a half ago, when I literally “stumbled into” my present situation. Holy Family The long line or Gurus at Sri Kambliswamy Madalayam Previous Page (PC Yogasadhak Padma) belong to the revived order of the Shankaracharya In a gigantic open deck-cum-patio on the first floor Dasanami sect known as the Giri. The word “Giri” means of the temple shrine is a gigantic statue of the holy mountain and every reason can be brought forth to family of Saivite Hindus. Shiva and Parvathi are suggest that Kambliswamy himself was a Giri. My depicted sitting with their two sons - Ganesha astride immediate predecessor of this Ghati is Shankaracharya the lap of his father, the child-like Lord Subramaniya at the side of his mother. This larger than life size ceramic Giri Swamigal. Thus it is that three long lines of Vedic masterpiece was created by South India Slip (sculptor) South Indian Tantric and Dasanami Ashtangis have Veeru Perumal who is responsible for most of the met in one line. They have created a fountainhead of work in the entire campus. It was small four-year-old inspiration, activity and teaching that has made a virtual Ananda Balayogi who, on his own initiative, asked the sculptor to create the superb piece of work. The tower whirl wind out of my life these last fifteen years. Although of the shrine of Sri Kambliswamy juts up in the space a “reluctant Guru” in many ways, I am forced to teach between this area and the upper floor of Meenakshi because of inspiration that flows through me from my Bhavan. When this upper patio is used for special illustrious lines or triune Gurus. Somehow, I have been occasions, it is roofed on a bamboo pole structure with able to amalgamate some of the teachings. Others, I palm fronds woven particularly to that purpose. It is the same general area and out of doors that evening have kept apart in their pristine purity. That they can co- Satsangha is held each night. Usually, Yogarishi Dr. exist is an example in my own life. At a time when most Swami Gitananda conducts that spiritual get together men retire, and live out their lives in leisure, my life has or some guest speaker or special speaker may take imploded into one of personal Sadhana, the teaching of over the evening, depending upon the time of year. This same deck is used in early morning for Brahma students ready for the rare spiritual path of these Gurus Mahurta Meditation. and into social service. I have been nonpolitical all my life, but the bustle of activity at Ananda Ashram at Sri

Three Lines of Yoga Tradition Merging into a Single Figure Head - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 14 Kambliswamy Madam, Thattanchavady, Pondicherry 6050091 has thrust me Murthi Dakshina into a field where even angels fear to tread. I try to keep my “a-political base” (PC Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani) but I have become a football for politicians, and on many occasions, have The giant Satsangha auditorium on the first floor of the reaped the vengeance of many Government agencies, even the Government main building can hold about 500 people for lecture of India itself, when I have not gone along with their desires for my future, or Puja. On the north side of the hall a gigantic life size or the future of Sri Kambliswamy Madam. From the inception in the time of statue of Dakshina Murthi Shiva sits under an ancient Kambliswamy himself of this illustrious Hindu religious site, it has been a tree teaching silently the four Kumaras, his disciples. They reverently sit at his feet, imbibing silent wisdom. private individual organization, but working for the unfoldment of Cosmic The Dakshina Murthi in a temple, Madam or Ashram Consciousness for those ready to seek it and for the succour in service to always tells one where the direction north is and the poor, the down trodden, the needy, the ill and the underprivileged. Most where the teacher will sit for his Satsangha discourses. of our students have come out of a childhood environment where no help The teachers always faces South. On each side of the ceramic Dakshina Murthi is a stone statue. On the left of any type would have ever been offered to them. Today, hundreds of these is Veela Badhra, and on the right, Mahakali. The west young men and women are ready to face the world with a Yogic view and side of the Satsangha Hall is taken up by the Sphatika Yogic ideals. Linga Puja shrine, while the east wall is covered with giant Chakra murals and other Mandala motifs. To the south the Satsangha Hall opens onto the patio deck and off to the offices and living quarters of Dr. Swami Gitananda.

Three Lines of Yoga Tradition Merging into a Single Figure Head - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 15 A Gurukula

Gitananda Paramparya Certain conditions produce certain qualities. (PC Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani)

In the back garden of the Madam, each of the Gurus Even an amateur psychologist can discuss the effects of conditioning of the Parampara are interred in that reflect upon human life or for that matter, animal and plant life. According to the their birthpath or Dharma Marga. This area was environment, certain qualities, certain traits, certain behavioural patterns designed by Swamiji Gitananda Giri as a tribute to are developed to allow the organism to adapt to its surroundings most the individual spirits of each Guru and their unique successfully. contributions to the growth and development of the Madam. Srilasri Manikkaswamigal has the blue intertwined double star representing his 5 Dharma and The ancient Hindus understood the nature of the spiritual life in a most Anahata Chakra while Srilasri Shanmuga Swamigal profound manner, and hence, the concept of a Gurukula, grew up in which has the orange circle of Ajna Chakra representing his spiritual teachings were imparted by creating conditions which produced 6 birthpath. spiritual development.

Literally, Gurukula means “the womb of the Guru". All spiritual teachings in ancient India were imparted in these Gurukulas, which were centered by the vibrant spiritual personality of the Guru. Students came to live for years with their Guru, in an austere setting.

A Gurukula - By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri 16