THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER

O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love! Salutations and prostrations unto Thee. Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient. Thou art Satchidananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss Absolute). Thou art the Indweller of all beings.

Grant us an understanding heart, Equal vision, balanced mind, Faith, devotion and wisdom. Grant us inner spiritual strength To resist temptations and to control the mind. Free us from egoism, lust, greed, hatred, anger and jealousy. Fill our hearts with divine virtues.

Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms. Let us ever remember Thee. Let us ever sing Thy glories. Let Thy Name be ever on our lips. Let us abide in Thee for ever and ever. —Swami Sivananda POSITIVE OVERCOMES NEGATIVE You will have to transmute the impure Vasanas into pure ones through constant efforts. You will have to change the current of impure Vasanas and allow them to run in the channel or river of pure Vasanas. There is no harm if you have abundance of pure Vasanas. Pure Vasana is also a fetter. Just as you remove a thorn with the help of another thorn and throw both of them when the thorn is removed; so also, you will have to destroy the impure Vasanas through the help of pure Vasanas and then abandon these pure ones also. The desire for liberation or Moksha Vasana also must die eventually. Then only will you become That. THE DIVINE LIFE

Vol. LXXIX MARCH 2021 No. 08

PRASNOPANISHAD CHATURTHA PRASNA (QUESTION IV) SAURYAYANI AND PIPPALADA {dkmZmË_m ghXod¡ü gd£… àmUm ^yVm{Z g§à{Vð>pÝV `ÌŸ& VXja§ doX`Vo `ñVw gmoå` g gd©k… gd©_odm{ddoeo{VŸ&&11Ÿ&& 11. O beloved one, he who knows the imperishable Atman in whom rests the knowing Self with all the Devas, the Pranas and ve elements, becomes omniscient, and indeed enters into all. 3 4 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021 ‘hmJwédU©‘mV¥H$mñVmoÌ‘² MAHAGURU-VARNA-MATRIKASTOTRAM Jnana Bhaskara Mahamahopadhyaya Sri S. Gopala Sastri ‘mZmVrV‘{Và^md‘{hV§ ‘mݶ¡ñgXm ‘m{ZV‘² ‘mÜdrg{Þ^dmp½dbmg‘w{XVàmkmdqb [‘Ì^‘² & ‘yb§ Y‘©Vamo‘¥©S>m@@{hVöX§ ‘oYm{dZ§ gX²Jwé§ ‘mojmÜd¡H${ZXe©H§$ ^O gwYr‘m¡qb Yw«dlo¶go &&23&& 23. To be blessed with your everlasting welfare, devoutly worship Sri Gurudev, who is endowed with immeasurable intellect, is always revered by the venerable persons, who delights the scholars by his honeyed eloquence, who is resplendent as the sun, who is the root of the tree of righteousness, whose mind is ever xed on Lord Siva, who lovingly guides the aspirants on the path of salvation and who is the greatest among the wise ones. ¶koem{lV‘mZg§ ¶{‘VdmJjmdqb ¶mMH$- ñVmo‘ñdñVé‘mXam‘¥V{ZqY ¶wº$mÝVa§ ~«÷{U & ¶moJmê$T>‘qV ¶epñgV{Xe§ ܶm¶pÝV ¶o gX²Jw鑲 Vofm§ ‘mZgnÙ‘mÎmgwf‘§ gÚ: àgÝÝm§ ^doV² &&24&& 24. Who is devoted to Lord Vishnu, who has perfect control over his words and senses, who is a Kalpataru to the seekers, is a treasure-trove of sweetness and reverence, whose mind is ever absorbed in Parabrahma, whose intellect is rooted in Yoga, and whose glorious fame is worldwide; those fortunate ones who meditate on such a Sadguru, will soon be blessed with divine illumination. (To be continued) MARCH 2021 SIVARATRI MESSAGE 5

SIVARATRI MESSAGE Sri Swami Sivananda

The Sivaratri festival falls on Sivaratri is the night during the 14th of the dark half of Phalguna, which an aspirant tries to free viz., about the end of February or himself from the normal day-to-day beginning of March. This year activities and practise perfect self- Mahasivaratri falls on 4th March. restraint and attune himself to the The name Sivaratri signies the Lord. In other words, the aspirant 'night of Siva' and the ceremony is completely resigns his personality to chiey performed at night. the Supreme Siva and discards his The human being has his life on lower nature. He observes 'Upavasa' this earth for the sake of evolving into meaning 'fast' in the obvious sense, the Divinity that he is essentially. This and 'living near the Lord' in the truth is brought out in the observance esoteric sense. This is coupled with of the Vratas and Niyamas connected keeping vigil during the night. Hence with the Sovereign of this universe, the it is a physical as well as a mental Creator, the Almighty. These vows and fast. It is denying food to the body as Pujas are meant to open the eyes of the well as to the mind. sleepy man, now and then, and This divine consciousness is awaken him to his supreme purpose not easily generated in a person in life. In the night of ignorance, the through ordinary means. Even as man of the world does not see the the body and the internal organs are daylight of the Atman. The gross man negatively made to forego their is turned towards God through natural objective food, they should r e p e a t e d e x h o r t a t i o n s a n d be positively engaged in the service persuasions to bring to his mind, at of the Lord. Otherwise, they will not least occasionally, the knowledge of cease from their habit of becoming the fact that God is the only Reality barriers to one's ascent to the and that the attainment of Him alone higher consciousness. With this end is the meaning of existence. This is in view, the devotee or the aspirant done through advising man to observe performs the worship of Siva disciplinary vows and perform physically, verbally and also worship. mentally, so that no aspect of the Taken from DL 1962 6 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021 lower nature may nd a chance to underlying all objects we see in this manifest in normal activity what is world. If from any object, we take obstructive and even directly away 'Nama and Rupa' (the name and injurious to the spiritual aspiration form), that which remains is the of man. inner essence or reality. It is 'Nama' Rudra-Abhisheka with Namaka and 'Rupa' of the objects that make and Chamaka, Sahasranama- the difference. If we remove these two Archana or Laksha-Archana, Kirtan of differences of name and form, the the hallowed Name of the Lord, whole visible universe ought to be reading of the Puranas extolling His one. This inner essence, one innite glories, observance of fast, vigil, doing Existence (or, in the language of non- Japa of His Mantra, meditation on His dualism, the Brahman) is appearing Swarupa—all these form the various as manifold by the interposition of methods through which the devotee name and form. All things that are, offers his worship, with Shraddha and have, in fact, this element of Bhava, to Lord Siva in His Saguna Existence which is not lifeless or aspect in the form of the Idol, inert, because the whole universe is Sivalingam. throbbing with life. This inner life and I wish to convey to you all on consciousness, this underlying this occasion the Glory of Idol existence pervading all through the Worship. Idols are not the idle fancies creation, is called God. Under some of sculptors but shining channels aspects or certain conditions it through which the heart of the appears as man, under others as a devotee is attracted to and ows plant, under others as an animal, towards God. It is the appalling under others as a stone and under ignorance of the modern man that others as a planet, and so forth. That clouds his vision and prevents him existence, that ultimate unity is God. from seeing divinity in lovely and And this common unity manifests enchanting idols of His form. The itself in an innite variety of very scientic advancement of the conditions and forms, which we call century ought to convince you of the the universe. All the unending Glory of the Idol Worship. differences which we nd are A rock or a piece of stone that differences only of conditions, lies inert and lifeless is not really so, differences of name, form and it has a life and existence peculiar to causality. In reality, and in essence, itself. There is an inner essence all is one. MARCH 2021 SIVARATRI MESSAGE 7

T h e d i v i n i t y o f t h e A l l - rays on to a bundle of cotton which is set pervading God is vibrant in every re to; the lens is not re, the cotton is atom of creation in this universe. not re either, nor can the sun's rays by There is not a speck of space where themselves burn the cotton. When the He is not pervading. How can we then three are brought together in a say that He is not in the idols? particular manner, re is generated and Some would glibly say, “Oh, the cotton is set on re. Similar is the God is all-pervading and formless case with the idol, the devotee and the being. How can He be conned to all-pervading divinity. Puja and worship this idol?” These people do not seem make the idol shine with divine t o b e c o n s c i o u s o f H i s resplendence. God is then enshrined in Omnipresence. It is their ego and the idol. The place where the idol is ignorance which prevent them from installed is transformed into a temple, seeing God and God alone in nay a Kailasa or Vaikuntha in reality. everything, and from bowing to the Those who live in such a place are freed idols of God. Just as you can catch from miseries of diseases, from failures the sound waves of the people, and from Samsara itself. The awakened talking or singing all over the world, divinity in the idol acts as a guardian- through the Radio receiving set, it is angel blessing all and conferring the possible to commune with the All- highest good on all the devotees who pervading Lord through the medium bow to it and worship it. of an idol. Just as a picture of a May the Almighty re-incarnate famous warrior evokes heroism in Himself in the hearts of all devotees your heart, a look at the picture or a and believers all over the world and stone image of God will surely infuse in them strength and courage to elevate your mind to divine heights. stick tenaciously to the tenets of their Regular worship, Puja and other religion, and to work for the triumph of modes of demonstration of our inner the divine over the undivine forces. feeling of the recognition of divinity in May the Lord Siva bless all. May there the idol unveils the divinity latent in it. be Peace, Plenty and Prosperity all over The idol speaks. It will answer your the world. May He bestow knowledge questions and solve your problems. The and wisdom upon all men and women God in you has the power to awaken the in the world. latent divinity in the idol. It is like a S i v a n a n d a n a g a r , 2 2 n d powerful lens that focuses the sun's February, 1962 8 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021

WORSHIPFUL SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDAJI MAHARAJ’S LETTER TO THE DEVOTEES Beloved Sadhakaras on the close your eyes: the all-auspicious path of Yoga, May God shower Universal Presence of the Divine Grace upon you and grant you Being here and now! The reality of health, long life, prosperity, God is the undeniable fact that success and happiness. I pray to prevails everywhere as the centre of beloved and worshipful Guru every human situation. If you Maharaj, Sri Swami Sivanandaji, to resolutely abide in this Truth, you bless you and grant you the shall overcome all unfavourable supreme gift of Divine Life that can events and occurrences. I strongly confer peace, joy and spiritual believe and have the rm conviction illumination upon everyone who that if you trust God and root faithfully follows it. yourself in His Divine Name, then May this New Year bring to you by His protecting Grace, you will be a life full of fresh aspiration and able to come through all ordeals, enthusiasm, greater inner strength, unscathed and unharmed. There is spiritual courage and energy, new no power that can confront or hope and dedication to worthy ideals oppose the Divine Power of God's in spite of all the ominous predictions Grace! Therefore, take up the and utterances that are being made earnest practice of God's Divine regarding possible upheavals and Name. Repeat the Divine Name. calamities which are said to be Chant and sing the Divine Name. e x p e c t e d b e c a u s e o f c e r t a i n Constantly remember the Divine inauspicious features in the present Name! Establish the Divine Name year. However, no matter what the in your heart, in your mind and truth of these pronouncements and upon your tongue. No negative expectations may be, they only force can stand before it or work present one side, one aspect of this against it. The Divine Power of God world's human situation. and His Name will be to you a There is another side to it, a strong armour that will secure you brighter aspect to which you cannot from all danger. Taken from DL 1982 MARCH 2021 WORSHIPFUL SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDAJI... 9

The blessed Lord Gauranga The sacred birthday anniversary of M a h a p r a b h u o r S r i K r i s h n a w o r s h i p f u l S r i G a u r a n g a Chaitanya is very much in my Mahaprabhu occurs upon this thoughts at this moment of my fullmoon day. May we all make it a writing this. This great saint of day of devotion, adoration and the supreme devotion and divine love c h a n t i n g o f t h e s u p r e m e l y for Bhagawan Sri Krishna brought sanctifying Name of the Lord. Thus about a tremendous revival of the may we make ourselves recipients Bhakti cult throughout Bengal as of the grace and blessings of this well as all over India. Sri Gauranga great prince among Bhaktas who is Mahaprabhu propounded the regarded by some as the very supremacy of the chanting of the incarnation of Sri Radhaji, the all-powerful Divine Name above all unequalled devotee of Lord Krishna other forms of spiritual practices. of Brindavan. Cling to the all- He proclaimed the greatness and powerful Divine Name. May it ever the glory of the Divine Name and protect you and save you from all propagated the practice of Nama- danger, calamity and harm. Make Sankirtan through the inspiration the Divine Name your unassailable of his own personal example. He fortress in these troubled times. also proclaimed the great sanctity Peace be unto you. May faith, and glory of the shrine of Lord love and devotion ll your heart and Jagannath at Puri in Orissa. mind and be your greatest treasures Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is during your earth life. Glory be to the the source of inspiration of our Divine Name. All glory be to God, the p r e s e n t - d a y K r i s h n a - Supreme Goal of life. Om Tat Sat! Consciousness movement, initiated With regards, Prem & Om, in America by His Holiness Divine Grace Prabhupada Bhakti Vedanta G o s w a m i . T h i s m o v e m e n t i s bringing about a world-wide revival of a Bhakti-Yoga Sadhana as well as the practice of Nama-Sankirtan. 1st March, 1982. 10 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021

SRI GAURANGA MAHAPRABHU JAYANTI: LOVE OF GOD Sri Swami Krishnananda

Today is specially known as Sri There are two things in the Gauranga Mahaprabhu Jayanti, the w o r l d w h i c h a t t r a c t u s advent of a great devotee of God who immensely—the beautiful and the lived in the bliss and the love of God, sublime. Nothing else can attract us. and propagated the love of God for the The full moon is beautiful; a lotus or sake of the joy and the bliss of God. The rose blossom is beautiful. Our mind day of love of God may be said to be goes to it, and we look at it again and Gauranga Mahaprabhu Jayanti. again. Even the face of a newborn baby We know what love is, but our is beautiful. Whether it is the baby of a concept of love is contaminated by a king or of a beggar, it makes no trade relation that we establish difference; it is attractive. On seeing a between the lover and the beloved. little child, we cannot know whether it Have you ever thought of why anything is a king's child or a beggar's child. One is loved at all? The most initial, abrupt becomes a king and another a beggar answer to this question would be that later on, due to social and other types the object is attractive, and that which of circumstances. attracts evokes the sentiment of love Apart from that which is called for that particular object. But, why beautiful, there is another thing called does that object attract? sublime, which attracts by grandeur, One of the answers may be m a j e s t y , p o w e r , f o r c e , that it is beautiful, but what do we magnicence—like the elephant. In the mean by 'beauty'? Here is something same way as we would not like to turn which everyone seems to know but our eyes away from a beautiful full no one can understand, because moon in the night sky, we would also human understanding, which is like to go on looking at an elephant if intellectuality, operates on the basis we are actually aware of what happens o f c a l c u l a t i o n , a k i n d o f to us when we see it. mathematical judgment of things, There is a total difference and measures the geometrical pros between the manner in which a and cons of the relationship of what beautiful thing attracts and a sublime appears to be beautiful. But beauty thing attracts. The elephant and the is a subject of art. It is not a ocean attract us due to their terrible mathematical equation. vastness, majesty and power. Before Discourse given on the occasion of Gauranga Mahaprabhu Jayanti on March 27, 1994 in the Samadhi Shrine MARCH 2021 SRI GAURANGA MAHAPRABHU JAYANTI: LOVE OF GOD 11 the majesty and the power of the attributed to God Almighty; but we elephant and the vast ocean, we look cannot love such a God. We cannot very small. Our importance is brought love, from our heart, a bulldozer or a down to a very low level and the ego, crane which has great strength, which is usually prominent in a though we know its utility. Our sense human being, diminishes almost to the of admiration may go to it, but our point of abolition. We admire and enjoy heart will not go to it. a thing only when the ego ceases to What is this peculiar thing operate. This is how the sublime which makes one love God? It is that attracts. But beauty is a different very indescribable element in the thing. We can admire an elephant, but factor of love which dees human we cannot love it. We can be overjoyed understanding. When love attracts, by the majesty of the vast, turbulent nothing else can be said about it, ocean, but we cannot embrace it, hug it because love is where there is joy and or love it. happiness. The soul of the human God is an object of love for a being is basically utter perfection and devotee; God is not merely an object of freedom. Where there is freedom and admiration. In the Bhakti Shastra, two p e r f e c t i o n , a n i n t e r n a l j o y types of devotion are described. One is automatically manifests itself. known as aishwarya pradhana bhakti, Whoever has lived a life of freedom in and the other is known as madhurya this world, and to some extent a perfect pradhana bhakti. Acharyas such as life, would be able to know what Madhwa and Ramanuja glorify God for satisfaction is. His magnicence, His majesty, His When all said and done, nothing o m n i p o t e n c e , o m n i s c i e n c e , can move us unless it satises us, and omnipresence. But, there are other only that can satisfy us which can acharyas such as Vallabha, and to bestow upon us all the things we need. some extent Nimbarka also—and what What is it that we need? Whoever has t o s p e a k o f G a u r a n g a lived the life of a parent, a devotee, a Mahaprabhu—who admire God for lover or a beloved, or a servant of a being the repository of all affection and great master will be able to appreciate beauty. what propels attraction. The structure, Usually, religions describe God the pattern, the shape of the object is as a Father in heaven, keeping Him far, not what attracts. The meaning that is at a distance from the dust of the hidden behind its structure, the Earth—at a frightening distance, signicance that is behind it, is what almost. Unapproachable greatness is attracts. 12 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021

A high-value currency note things, we do not exist at that moment. attracts not because of the material T h e r e i s a n a b o l i t i o n o f s e l f - out of which it is made, but because of consciousness. And, at that time, what the meaning that it has within itself. It is our experience? There is no one to embodies power. In a similar manner, experience it because, at that time, we love is the movement of the soul in the h a v e c e a s e d t o o p e r a t e a s a direction of that which can ll it with personality. To the extent that our joy. There are so many things in the personality is retained at the moment world which also can satisfy us and ll of the enjoyment of the object of love, to us with some kind of joy, but their that extent our joy is diminished. Only effect is temporary. the object of love should be there, and Every object that is dear and we should not be there; only then it is near is also, at the same time, fraught perfect enjoyment. Even in simple with fear. That thing which we love illustrations such as a mother's love most as a very valuable object can also for her child, that love makes the keep us in perpetual anxiety due to the mother feel her own non-importance possibility of bereavement at the loss of and the utter importance of the child. that object—which can take place at She pours herself entirely upon the any time due to the very nature of life child. When we pour ourselves on the itself. object of love, we are no more there. It But God's joy, the ananda that is very clear that because we have the Absolute Being is, is not of that already poured ourselves upon that nature. What is God made of? What is object, we cannot be existing the substance? Everything is made of separately from that. something; what is God made of? As molten metal that is cast into Inscrutable is this great question a crucible takes the shape of that before us. God is made up of that crucible, the one who loves is cast into capacity to inundate us and drown us the mould of the object of love, in the uttermost conceivable joy, experiences only that pattern of the almost to self-annihilation. mould, and no longer exists at that E v e n i n o r d i n a r y m o r t a l time. That condition is called ecstasy. affection—in intense loves that are Ecstasy is the condition of the loss of directed to perishable objects—there is self-consciousness on account of the a temporary abolition of self- feeling that something more than consciousness. The more we love a oneself has been obtained. In all forms thing, the less we feel our existence at of love and affection, the object of love that moment, so that when we are in is considered to be superior to oneself; utter possession of the most beloved of otherwise, there cannot be attraction. MARCH 2021 SRI GAURANGA MAHAPRABHU JAYANTI: LOVE OF GOD 13

If we are also equally important, the made all of Indra's retinues of beauties object of love will be only fty percent look like crows, like darkened attractive. Utter attraction, a hundred nothings; they hung their heads in percent engagement in the object of shame and withdrew themselves. affection, is possible only when we are Narayana told Indra, “Take this if you one hundred percent annihilated, and want.” Indra was shuddering with fear. we are no more there. If we are no more He never imagined that there could be there, who experiences the joy? The such a thing which the human mind soul, which is not us, but is more than cannot conceive. That is the power that us, rises to action at that time. It is the only God can manifest. soul that operates when we behold an Unfortunately for us human object of art; it is reason that operates beings, men and women, we cannot when we see a work of mathematical imagine that God is a beautiful perfection. The soul's perfection, or presentation before us. We mostly God's perfection, is not the perfection think God is like a judge, like a of an equation; it is an inundation of disciplinarian, a hard taskmaster, a indescribability. God is sometimes parent who admonishes and perhaps called the Cupid of Cupid—sākṣān even threatens dire consequences if manmatha-manmathaḥ (S.B. 10.32.2). anyone goes against their laws. Rarely Manmatha is one who churns the mind can we imagine that God is beauty. The of a person, and he himself gets human intellect is so conditioned by churned by another thing, which the limitations of space, time and excels his beauty. objectivity that the intellect cannot The most beautiful objects of appreciate beauty. It cannot see it at affection are said to be in the kingdom all. It sees only machines, calculations of Indra. One day Indra projected the and geometrical arrangements, not retinue of his beauties before the great knowing that perfection is not sages Narayana and Nara, near m a t h e m a t i c a l , a l g e b r a i c a l , B a d r i n a t h . “ S u c h a r e t h o s e arithmetical, or anything of the kind. presentations that by the very touch of In order to appreciate the them one becomes crazy and mad,” possibility of God Almighty being the says the Valmiki Ramayana. Such object of love, one has to completely things Indra projected in a large mass te a r to s h r e d s o n e ' s e g o tis tic of gaiety and attraction. Narayana and encasement. The name of God cannot Nara were in intense tapas and be taken by an egoistic individual. This meditation. By a stroke of his thigh, is what Gauranga Mahaprabhu said in Narayana produced a beauty which that famous, oft-quoted verse tṛṇād api 14 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021 sunīcena tarorapi sahiṣṇunā, amāninā if we see the beauty with our eyes, we māna-dena kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ (CC cannot enjoy the melody of it, or the Adi 17.31): “One who is more patient taste of it which is like honey, or the than a tree, humbler than a blade of magical touch of it. grass, one who gives respect to all but There is a maddening odour of expects respect from nobody, such a fragrance, an ecstasy of touch, an person is t to take the name of God.” indescribable taste, more than honey, That which stands between the for that particular sense, and a super- devotee and God has to be removed. abundance of colourful beauty. All Only then can that ocean of love can these blend together in the perfection come and bathe the devotee. The ocean of God. That is why it is said that God can enter the river, provided there is no can be known only in intuition, and not dam constructed between the ocean through sensory perception. Every and the river that is seeking to enter sense organ can see one particular into the ocean. Ahamkara, egoism, object. All things cannot be seen by any self-consciousness, pride, self- particular sense, but intuition grasps importance—this is what divides man the totality of the object at one stroke. from God because before God, there There is no such thing as a total object cannot be two selves. God is All-self before the sense organs. Those who and, therefore, your self cannot stand only see with the eyes, hear through before It. If you assert yourself, you the ears, etc., cannot understand what isolate yourself from that All-self, and a total object is. We are confronting that ocean of joy cannot enter you. You partial objects every day. Something is have created a barrier between given, and something else cannot be yourself and that Being. given by that object. Gold can satisfy Our loves, generally, go for those us in one way but we cannot eat gold, things which will satisfy our sense and what we can eat cannot equal gold organs. We do not know any other joy. in its value, etc.; such are the Soft touches, tasty dishes, that which limitations of the objects of sensory has a very fragrant odour, that which is attraction. But, there is something colourful, symmetrical, methodically which can melt together all the arranged to the eyes and melodious to requirements of the sense organs and the ears—these are the things that pull the soul out of the body, in which attract the mind, but these are isolated condition alone we start feeling a objects, one disconnected from the rapture of ecstasy. other. The whole of the beauty cannot I do not know how many of us be enjoyed by any sense organ because have had the occasion to be in a state of spiritual rapture. We might have had MARCH 2021 SRI GAURANGA MAHAPRABHU JAYANTI: LOVE OF GOD 15 t h e e x p e r i e n c e o f i n t e n s e many nites do not make an innite. concentration, a kind of absorption in All the resources of the world put meditation, but I do not know how together do not give us innite many have felt rapture, a shudder, a satisfaction. trembling, a feeling of rupture of the Who can love God? Only one personality, as if everything in us has who can feel the possibility of such a gone and something else has come. perfection as has been feebly described These are some of the hidden in the Upanishad—the Brahmananda, signicances behind the teachings, Brahman bliss, Absolute bliss—a and even of the very life of the great million times, a million times, a million mahabhakta Gauranga Mahaprabhu. times more than all the greatest joys We only hear what he did; we cannot conceivable in this world. Can you know what he felt. We can see sugar, contain the feeling of such a kind of but we cannot know the sweetness of it bliss? If that imagination, at least, can unless we put it into our own mouth. be contained in your mind, you may be Nobody can love God unless one transformed into a super-personality believes that God is everything. If there in one moment, and not remain as an is a suspicious attitude towards God, a ordinary human being. possibility of getting something and Great acharyas have proclaimed also a possibility of not getting that we cannot love God unless we something else, then God will recede know what God is. These few words from us like the horizon. God may that I have spoken are only an attempt appear to be near us, but He will move to describe what God could be, though further and further away on account of words cannot describe what He is. doubts persisting in our mind that He Even the thought of it will raise us to a is not all things. kind of love and spontaneous affection The concept of All, of everything, which will immediately nullify all the is super-intellectual and super- joys of the world as insipid, tasteless. rational in its comprehension. For the Brahmaloka tṛṇīkāro vairāgyasyā intellect, there is no such thing as All. vadhir mataḥ (Panch. 6.285): If the The all-ness that the intellect can bliss of Brahmaloka can look like a conceive is only a multitude of nite straw which has no essence, you have objects. A hundred million things can attained supreme vairagya. But who be brought together and piled into a can imagine the bliss of Brahmaloka, heap, and they may look like an all; but where everything is everywhere? Such millions of nite objects heaped kind of love was taught by Gauranga together do not make the All, because Mahaprabhu. Such was the love which 16 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021 the Gopis felt in Brindavan, and such suffocated and all the joy of life will was the love of many of the saints and vanish in one second. Breathing is a sages, the Alwars, Nayanars, and joy. Spatial expanse is a joy, because v a r i o u s o t h e r d e v o t e e s w h o s e the bliss of God is hiddenly manifest biographies we read in the Bhakta in all these manifestations, even in Charita, Bhakta Mala, and such our own selves. textbooks. The bliss that is within us is Love rules the world. It is not the calling the bliss that is outside us. intellect that rules the world, because Ātmanastukāmāya sarvam priyam love alone can appreciate; and bhavati (B.U. 2.4.5): “For the sake of wherever there is appreciation, there is the bliss of the Self, every other object success of every kind. This is the rule of in the world looks attractive and the beauty of God, the joy of God, loveable.” This love that is hidden in which we cannot entertain in our our own self is not in one person only. minds if we persist in thinking that It is present in every person. Even in an God is only a judge sitting in a court in ant that crawls, even in a creature that high heaven, ready to punish moves, that self-love manifests itself. It wrongdoers. God does not punish wriggles to maintain itself. That total anybody; our egoism punishes us. The self-love of all creation is a little adamant, int-like ahamkara in us, modicum of the manifestation of the the ego, deals a blow to us and it looks innite love of God. Such is what we like a punishment coming from God. are aspiring for. Thus is before us a brief The life of Sri Gauranga message of the devotee of devotees. Mahaprabhu and other great devotees, Ānandāddhyeva khalvimāni bhūtani such as the Gopis of Brindavan, are jāyante (T.U. 3.6.1): “This world is illustrations before us. The love of created by the bliss of God, not by the S a i n t S u r d a s , K a b i r d a s , terror of God.” Ānandena jātāni Tulsidas—read their lives. They are jīvanti: “The world is sustained by the inspirations before us. bliss that is behind it.” Ānandaṁ Today is one of the occasions, prayantyabhisaṁviśanti: “Finally, the Gauranga Mahaprabhu Jayanti, when whole world will enter into the bliss of we can recall to our souls, not merely to God.” Kohyevānyāt kaḥ prāṇyāt, yad our minds, the joy that is everywhere. eṣa ākāśa ānando na syāt (T.U. It is well said that creation is the 2.7.1): “Even space itself is bliss.” overowing of the superabundance of Suppose there is no space; see how the bliss of God. May we try to live in we would feel. We would become that bliss and be blessed! MARCH 2021 SIVANANDA—THE DIVINITY PERSONIFIED 17

SIVANANDA—THE DIVINITY PERSONIFIED Sri Swami Venkatesananda It is indeed difcult to appreciate little. The momentum given to the Avatara a divine personality during the period by Himself is supremely divine. The of His presence amongst us. Very few 'content' of the Avatara is exceptionally recognised Lord Krishna as a divine divine. And the Avatara achieves the being when He was 'alive'. This vision to purpose surely and certainly, whether or recognise the Avatara is itself His Gift to not the consciousness of Godhead persists. those few whom He chooses for The charm of the Lord's Lila is none the less fullling His purpose. f o r t h e s e e m i n g l y m o m e n t a r y Who is an Avatara-Purusha? unconsciousness of His Identity. 'Avatara' itself means DESCENT Consciously or unconsciously, – a descent from the Supreme Seat of the Avatara becomes for the time being Godhead. It is as though God gives up almost entirely human (e.g. Sri Rama). His Param Dham in answer to the prayer But as the Divine Birth is with a of the devout, and descends into the purpose, He is not lost in the human realm of the humans in human garb, to garb. There seems to be a dual current live as a Man amongst men and thus to in Him – one is the divine which is lead men along the Divine Path to the much more manifest in the Avatara- Goal of human life, God-realisation. Purusha than in others, and the other, Avatara is willing and voluntary the human. Inasmuch as there is a very subjection of God to the laws that govern great proportion of the Divine in the human beings, over which ordinarily He Avatara, it rules the human aspect. The has transcendental control. human qualities too have the colouring The Avatara-Purusha may not be of the Divine. Therefore, we nd ethical conscious that He is the Supreme Being. perfection and moral excellence, as well as Lord Krishna was fully conscious of His an abundance of Daivi Sampatti in Him. Divinity. Yet this Purnavatar too, following If an Avatara-Purusha is a man the laws of physical being, took food, amongst men, how shall we recognise Him? drank to quench thirst, rested, slept, etc. When you look for an Avatara, do Lord Rama seemed to be not conscious at n o t s e a r c h f o r s u p e r n o r m a l , all. Whether it is conscious pretence or an superhuman features (e.g. Narasimha unconscious, momentary identication Avatara) or for miracle-making. If only with the role assumed, it matters very miracle-making and supernormal

Taken from 'Life of Swami Venkatesananda' BIRTH CENTENARY YEAR OF SRI SWAMI VENKATESANANDA 18 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021 features were to be the marks of an An Avatara is to be recognised Avatara, then we ought to regard the by his deeds. Has he fullled the Lord's ten-headed and twenty-handed Promise – Dharmasamsthapana (re- Ravana with powers over cosmic e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f e t e r n a l beings like the sun and the moon, righteousness)? The more effectively Kubera and even Lord Siva, as Avatara this has been done, the greater are the —in preference to Lord Rama. On the chances that he is an Avatara. contrary, we consider that Ravana was A man may be ethically perfect, a demon. a very good man – but he is only a If you reect for a moment on the saintly person, not an Avatara, Nine Avataras, you will see that the unless he inuences the world and days of non-human Avataras are past. c a u s e s r i g h t e o u s n e s s t o b e The Fish, the Man-Lion, the Dwarf established in the world. It happened yielded place to Rama, the pious and in the case of Lord Rama that His virtuous man and Krishna, the mere conduct came to be regarded as cowherd. They were both as human as a salutary inuence which, without they were divine. It is therefore His having to preach, profoundly essential that we are not deceived by inuenced humanity. However, but the human qualities of an Avatara. for the fact that He killed Ravana, the Lord Krishna was as fond of butter as greatest perpetrator of Adharma, and any child today. Sri Rama was as much established the Rama Rajya, the grieved at the loss of His wife as any p e r f e c t g o v e r n m e n t b a s e d o n loving husband would be today. In fact, righteousness, He would not have even here the Avatara-Purusha has b e e n c o n s i d e r e d a n A v a t a r a . His own Divine Purpose. By such Dharmasamsthapana had to be done; manifestations of human weaknesses, that has ever been the criterion of an He gives His devotees opportunities Avatara. galore to adore Him in a variety of Take the case of Harischandra. If ways. How many Bhaktas have entered personal moral excellence alone were to into Bhavasamadhi singing the glory of be the criterion for Avatarahood, he the childhood pranks of Lord Sri ought to be an Avatara. But not so; Krishna! To what heights of poetic though he placed himself as an eternal ecstasy Valmiki has risen in describing example of a perfectly truthful man, he the pangs of separation from Sita that had not done any Dharmasamsthapana Sri Rama suffered! No action of an as Lord Krishna and Sri Rama had done. A v a t a r a - P u r u s h a i s t h e r e f o r e The case is different with Lord Sri ultimately without signicance. Krishna. Any ignorant man can pick MARCH 2021 SIVANANDA—THE DIVINITY PERSONIFIED 19 holes in His conduct. But besides The people are guided by the destroying all the Asuras, He has given great man's conduct; the principles to humanity the priceless spiritual enunciated by him are the path which treasure, the Gita, which shall remain m a n k i n d t r e a d s . as a beacon light of Dharma for all time The Avatara-Purusha, like Lord to come. Therefore, He is considered an K r i s h n a , f e e l s ' m a m a Avatara, not because He held up the vartmanuvartante' [the people will Govardhan mountain with His little follow My Path], ignorant of the fact nger, not even because He had four that He is an Avatara; they would try to hands and weapons (conch, discus, etc.) imitate His actions and come to grief, – another Rakshasa had exactly the as they would expect Siddhi to drop same form and he impersonated into their lap without effort. In order to Krishna Himself! Dharmasamsthapana prevent this general degeneration, the was the criterion. Avatara-Purusha exemplies in Without Dharmasamsthapana, Himself the conduct that He has come mere moral excellence or even Self- to preach. He too indulges in Tapas realisation would make one only a and Sadhana. But in the case of a saint. There is this essential difference saint, years of toil are a necessity. It is between an Avatara-Purusha and a the ease with which the Avatara- saint. An Avatara-Purusha is God in Purusha ascends to the top rung of human form. A saint of God-realisation Perfection that makes Perfection itself is a Man with God-consciousness. In seem natural to Him, which He need no the former case, it is one of Descent. In more struggle to maintain, as in the the latter case, it is one of Ascent. The case of a saint who has to be careful till former is God descending upon us as a Videha-Kaivalya [liberation after readymade Siddha-Purusha. The death] is attained. The Path and the latter is a Sadhaka who has achieved Culmination are not new to the Siddhi through great effort (Tapasya Avatara-Purusha and therefore, He and Sadhana). An Avatara-Purusha walks with rm (though rapid and too may indulge in Sadhana and seem seemingly light) steps. He is bold and to strive for Siddhi, but it is only denite about the Path and the Goal, because: when He speaks of them to others. The Yadyad aacharati sreshthah saint speaks on the authority of t a t t a d e v e t a r o j a n a h scriptures. The Avatara-Purusha is S a y a t p r a m a n a m k u r u t e Himself the authority, though He lokastadanuvartate (Gita Chapter 3 might extol existing scriptures to Verse 21) justify His human garb. A saint strives 20 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021 to root himself in Dharma. An Avatara- pursuit (however good and noble), he Purusha Whose very breath is Dharma ascended the summit of Sadhana. His is here to establish that Dharma in the seniors in the Path stood aghast world. watching this new recruit to the Order Therefore, an Avatara is to be march swiftly past with meteoric recognised by this one acid test – has speed, reach the summit and smile at he striven for Dharmasamsthapana, them with compassion and humility; has he worked for the solidarity of the they bowed to him and said: "He is not world, has he done anything to lead a man.” h u m a n i t y a l o n g t h e p a t h o f Siva had embraced Sannyasa in righteousness? If so, to what measure? 1924; in 1936 he was widely known as a The greater the intensity of his great Yogi, a Siddha-Purusha, a Jagat- Dharmasamsthapana, the more surely Guru. He had already come to be he is an Avatara and the greater regarded as a Spiritual Guide. He manifestation of God he is. As Lord founded the Divine Life Society in 1936 in Krishna not only established Dharma order to serve humanity more in His own time by the destruction of systematically (his service has been none the Asuras, but gave the Gita for all other than Dharmasamsthapana). The time to come, He is considered a Purna rapidity with which the Divine Life Avatara [complete Avatara]. Mission has grown during the past just In the light of the foregoing, over a decade is common knowledge. there can be very little doubt that Sri People who visit the Ashram after a few Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj is an years are amazed: "You have created a Avatara of the Lord. He embraced heaven in what was a forest!" – “Swamiji Sannyas after a fairly long period of entered Rishikesh in 1924 with only a strenuous (in his 'untiring seless') Kowpeen ; by his mere Satsankalpa, he service to the suffering humanity in has created around himself a great Malaya; he appeared to be a novitiate institution within so short a time!" - in the Nivritti Marga at the fairly "Surely only Iswara could do all this!"— advanced age of thirty-eight. But with these expressions have often surged up an ardour that was the envy of fellow from the heart of the most distinguished Sadhakas who were more youthful and visitors to the Ashram. Those who are with a spiritual pace that would prove nearer to him, who work under his to be too rapid even for more energetic guidance, are often amazed at the way he people who renounce the world earlier conducts the affairs of the worldwide in life; in the full-bloom of youth before institution of which he is the founder. Its spending any energy in any worldly very existence is a miracle to them. MARCH 2021 SIVANANDA—THE DIVINITY PERSONIFIED 21

Financial experts think that the educated men and women of today institution should have been wound up who are drifting away from the path of long ago! Yet see that it is ourishing from righteousness, often in spite of glory to greater glory every day! themselves. Dharmasamsthapana These are all miraculous should naturally direct its endeavours features, superhuman features, no towards them. And that is exactly what doubt. But the crowning glory, Siva is doing. To bring these English however, is that to Siva all these (the educated round to the path of institution, the Ashram, the material righteousness is his mission. It is these resources and the manpower) are but English educated people who mislead instruments with which he carried on the good people and spread Adharma. His Mission – Dharmasamsthapana. "I Siva works amongst them. Thousands will sell the buildings. I will lead you all a n d t h o u s a n d s h a v e b e e n to the Kshetra for Bhiksha and thus transformed. Countless young men eliminate our expenses on food. But and women have been rescued from the dissemination of spiritual knowledge clasp of Adharma, and Dharma has been must go on!" – These very words have restored to them and so to the land. If we been heard from his lips very often, closely analyse Siva's method of work, we especially when nancial crises have shall nd that he has placed his books threatened to wipe the institution out. (the spiritual sentinels) at every portal Dharmasamsthapana is Siva's life- through which Adharma could invade breath. man. Dharmasamsthapana has been the If we pause and think for a one all-consuming end and aim of Siva. while, we shall at once discover the The All-India Tour furnished divine wisdom that should have ample proof that Siva was the very prompted him to write in simple embodiment of Dharmasamsthapana. English. It is through this foreign He has made it clear at the very outset language that we received the alien of the Tour that he was undertaking it culture. Every Indian is aware of this. in order to serve humanity, to And it is in order to counteract this disseminate spiritual knowledge. At inuence alone that our leaders are every centre, people witnessed one struggling to supplant it with Hindi. heart-rending miracle: Siva's body is Siva has short-circuited the problem weak, his throat had become extremely itself. "If English is the language that sore, his vocal cords were all but turns the heads of our youngsters, broken, yet Siva smiled brilliantly offer them the best spiritual thought in (deantly, as the doctors called it), and that very language!" It is the English as he faced every audience, he joyously 22 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021 served them with the richest food for Often learned Pundits and 'great men' their soul. Listeners might have got who came to hear Siva expounding tired, going from one function to Advaita Vedanta were surprised when another and sitting up listening to he started singing: Siva's lectures which were throughout “Eat a little”, “drink a little”, thrilling and charming. But Siva was “Talk a little”, “sleep a little” fresh as a morning ower (even when with a seriousness that they he was running a temperature!) A could associate only with Veda dynamic spiritual propagandist like Mantras. They were perplexed when Goswami Ganesh Dutt Ji admitted and Siva asked the audience to repeat this admired it. The organisers and the peculiar Kirtan after him. Little did people sitting around Siva on the dais w e r e o f t e n n e r v o u s a t t h e they know what a profound inuence it extraordinary strain that Siva was had upon the audience. The very imposing on himself, but Siva himself novelty of the song nailed it to the heart had no thought for the throat. The of the listeners. Children memorised it Divine Will for Dharmasamsthapana and began to sing it from that day – was the Master and his body the because they liked the song (whether servant. It had to obey. And it did obey. they grasped the meaning or not). It was again this Will to Visitors to the Ashram after the Dharmasamsthapana that attracted conclusion of the All-India Tour have millions to him, millions who had uniformly admired Siva for his novel never before met him, nor even heard Kirtan. They now admit that these of him. They were there because the songs had a most profound inuence Divine Will had to be done. He made on the people. Similarly with the other them sing the Lord's Name. He talked songs – 'Song of Eighteen Ities', 'Song to them in their own language – in a of Govinda', 'Song of Instructions', etc. language simple enough for them to A saint would feel nervous to sing such understand. He made them SING HIS songs in public, lest his reputation INSTRUCTIONS. This is a very should be affected! An Avatara- i m p o r t a n t p o i n t t o n o t e . Purusha knows that they and they Dharmasamsthapana is not done by alone would serve His purpose, viz. merely lecturing to those whom you Dharmasamsthapana. wish to transform! They may forget all He whose very life-breath is that you say, before they leave the hall. Dharmasamsthapana, as Siva's is, is Siva had adopted a very novel method. none other than an Avatara-Purusha! MARCH 2021 THE SPIRITUAL CUPID OF SIVA 23

THE SPIRITUAL CUPID OF SIVA Dr. Ishar Singh “He is clever to hide himself hope, humbleness, heroism and honey u n d e r t h e n a m e o f ' S w a m i on woeful worldly Jivas. See, they are Venkatesananda'. He is a 'must-see' getting energy, life, joy and hope. His Sannyasin at the gate of Ananda arrows have hit at their hearts. See them Kutir, before you meet Siva.” running towards him. He is handy to all There is Shivpuri. The Ganges and greets all with open arms and is is roaring nearby. Siva lives in Ananda bewitching all. He has totally ignored Kutir. See the crowd of Jivas going their vices and is bringing out every atom towards it. They look tired and of virtue in them. He even puts virtues exhausted, due to their worldly woes into those who have none. Further, he and long journey. They want to meet magnies their virtue to the size of their beloved Siva, but their energy is innity and calls them God. So he has failing. Their faces are gloomy. Men removed all negativity from them and and women, young and old, are all gives them positive charge and moving on and on. Lo! At last the gate optimism. The Jivas look happy and is within sight. They have stopped to hopeful now. Look, he has captured their take a little rest. hearts and is passing them on to Siva. Ha-Ha-Ha! What is this noise? One by one, he is leading all inside, This is not the sound of Siva's drum. where they meet Siva! See that gure standing at the gate of Again, he has returned to the Ananda Kutir. The sound is like a gate. Another crowd of Jivas has come shower of arrows, but no physical and he has started his operation arrows are visible. Oho! Now I again. This job he continues. He is understand. He is Siva's cupid and is clever to hide himself under the name the cause of this sound. See that of 'Swami Venkatesananda'. He is a h a n d s o m e , h e a l t h y , h a p p y , 'must-see' Sannyasin at the gate of humorous, hopeful, humble, heroic, Ananda Kutir, before you meet Siva. honeyful youth! His body is the bow He is a young rose in the garden of and his smiles and words are the Siva. Glory to the ever-smiling active arrows. Lo! He is hurriedly and cupid Swami of Siva for his noble task tactfully showering health, humour, of uniting Jivas with SIVA!

Taken from 'Life of Swami Venkatesananda' BIRTH CENTENARY YEAR OF SRI SWAMI VENKATESANANDA 24 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021

ARTHAMANARTHAM Swami Gurusharanananda 13th MARCH, 1955 departments, which are all always While in the Satsang, Swamiji short of money to carry on their work asked Swami Sadanandaji: "Have you to satisfaction. But, in spite of such written your further articles on Raja- nancial strain, Swamiji does not Yoga?" To this, Sadanandaji replied desist from embarking on further that his articles could not be and further missions of Loka-Seva, published (in the Divine Life) due to of which the eye hospital under lack of space. Then Swamiji said, "I construction at the Ashram will be a have also given the editor fty s t a n d i n g m o n u m e n t . T h e articles! I think we will have to construction of the hospital was increase the size of the magazine." taken up by Swamiji without waiting Swami Sadanandaji replied, "Even for sufcient money to complete the then the problem will be there. We work. From the Divine Source, have so many articles to publish!" Upon this, Swamiji remarked money is coming little-by-little, day- h u m o r o u s l y , " P e o p l e s a y , by-day, through the medium of ' A r t h a m a n a r t h a m — M o n e y i s Swamiji's devotees, specically for dangerous', but nothing can be done the hospital construction work, and without money!" slowly the building is being raised. Swamiji's spontaneous desire Swamiji one day joked, "Will this to ood the world with his books is building remain in its present stage exerting severe pressure on all the or will it be completed?" Then departments of the Institution, Swamiji himself said, "Now the including the Press. Whatever be the building has risen to so much receipts, they are then and there height, and therefore it will not be c o n s u m e d b y t h e d i f f e r e n t difcult to complete the balance

Sivananda Day-to-day MARCH 2021 ARTHAMANARTHAM 25 work!" Swamiji daily inspects the So, there is no Anartha. Again, progress made with the building, Swamiji's example teaches another and Dr. K. C. Roy of the Ashram one lesson: Artha is Anartha to the owner, day remarked to Swamiji, "The Money is dangerous only to the building is rising every day only possessor of it, and not to another who because Swamiji's gaze falls on it does not possess it. So, if the idea of daily!" Is there anyone who will ownership is absent, money is not a undertake constructing a hospital danger. A third viewpoint would be this: without having money in hand and Money is dangerous only to one who depending on chance receipts? People looks at it as such. If one looks at money may say that Swamiji has got divine as he would look at any other object, it powers, Siddhis, but if Swamiji is loses the distinction as money and it is questioned, he would say, "God will just an object, as other necessary help us. It is His work that we are objects. Therefore, it is excluded from doing." It is this faith, born of the operation of Artham-anartham. experience, that gives courage to It may also be mentioned that Swamiji to hazard such ventures, and because money is dangerous, truly, his faith always wins. If Swamiji Swamiji always keeps himself in a has been able to bring into being a vast decit condition, so that any unexpected inow of money would be spiritual Institution (i.e. the Divine Life readily absorbed by the decits Society), it was only due to his faith in leaving no balance to do any harm! Divine support for a noble cause, and So Swamiji strictly abides by not because he rst gets sufcient the caution 'Arthamanartham', yet, money to start a work. Everything has paradoxical as it may seem, he been due to his faith and courage. receives and spends thousands of Artham is Anartham (Money is rupees every day in the most supreme dangerous) only when money is kept. If service of humanity. Thus Swamiji's money received is immediately spent life offers us the best commentary on (on a seless cause), there is no money! the doctrine of 'Arthamanartham'. 26 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021

FIND THE INNER SELF Swami Atmaswarupananda In the Gita, Lord Krishna tells we are not paying any attention to. Arjuna that he is better off meditating What is the nature of that true on God with form. He says that God Self? It must be ever present. There beyond form, the unmanifested, is cannot have been a time when it was most difcult to reach. The reason is not present, whether waking, that we think and meditate with our dreaming or deep sleep. It must be mind, and our mind basically eternal, never changing. Is there functions only when it is considering anything in our experience that is like something objective, something that it that? It is certainly not our ego self can imagine. And even if it tries to which is constantly changing. And yet meditate on God unmanifest, it creates there is a conviction in us that we an image of the transcendental, which, have never changed. There is a of course, is a contradiction, because we conviction in us that night or day, we can't make an image of that which is e x i s t u n c h a n g i n g . W e e x i s t beyond knowing. Thus we are told to u n c h a n g i n g w h e t h e r w e a r e make an image of what we can know, or conscious of that existence or not. at least what we can make a legitimate That Self has the qualities that image of: Existence, Consciousness, we attribute to God—unmoving, Bliss, Truth, Love, Purity can all be existing always, and always aware, objects of our meditation. even when there is no object of But then, our real objective is consciousness as in deep sleep. Thus to cure our fundamental error of perhaps we should make, as best we wrong identication. The scriptures can, an object of our own existence, declare that God, Guru and Self are our own awareness, our own bliss, one. They also declare That thou art. which is this unmoving Self. We will Therefore, our true Self is not other recognize that it is also pure love. It is than what is described as God, Guru the truth. It also is absolute purity. and Self. So why not meditate on our On one side of the Sivananda own Self? That is what we are really P i l l a r , t h e r e a r e f o u r s i m p l e seeking. We are seeking to, in instructions: Seek, Find, Enter, Rest Gurudev's words, change our angle of in God. Why not meditate on our vision from a false self, the ego, to our inner Self that never changes? Find It, true Self, which is ever present, but enter It, and rest in that Self. STUDENTS' SUCCESS IN LIFE SELFLESS SERVICE Blessed Immortal Selves! Seless service unto humanity through the medium of social and charitable institutions, feeding the poor, c l o t h i n g t h e p o o r , sympathising with the needy, attendance on the sick, consoling the depressed, helping the fallen, imparting knowledge to the ignorant, without expectation of return, f e e l i n g t h a t y o u a r e a n instrument in the hands of God, come under the category of Nishkama Karma Yoga, the easiest means for Chitta Shuddhi (purication of heart). Service of humanity is the service of the Lord. If you cannot love and serve these

27 manifestations of the Lord or visible gods, how will you be able to nd God elsewhere in the world? People who manifest denite, deep and active sympathy towards sufferers are very rare. The world abounds with people who show some kind of lip-sympathy. The man of active and denite sympathy at once shares what he has with the aficted person. He has a soft heart. His heart melts the moment he sees a man in actual distress. He actually feels himself the pangs of the distressed persons. He who shows lip-sympathy is a conrmed hypocrite. May the Lord instil in your heart a burning desire to relieve human sufferings and to do seless service to humanity. —Swami Sivananda

CULTIVATION OF VIRTUES COURAGE Courage is that quality of mind which enables man to encounter danger, opposition and difculties with rmness, calmness and intrepidity or without fear or depression of spirits. You may have courage when everything is going right; but it is difcult to have courage in times of panic and danger. The really courageous man is one who knows no fear when danger is on his heels and helps others with a calm attitude of mind. If you have courage and condence, you can accomplish anything in this world. Courage is the source of all success.

28 Impossible things become possible if you have courage and condence. Meditate ceaselessly on the absolutely fearless Atman or the Immortal Soul that dwells in the chambers of your heart. You will become an embodiment of courage. —Swami Sivananda

ERADICATION OF VICES COWARDICE Cowardice is want of courage. It is timidity. A coward is a faint-hearted person. He is afraid of danger. He fawns upon those who are above him. He falters. He yields to fear. He dreads pain or harm unduly. Cowardice is the one deadly sin. Cowardice is loss of fame. A lie is contemptible, chiey because it is cowardly. A coward dies many times before his death. A coward can never attain God-realisation. —Swami Sivananda MAKARASNA Technique: Lie down face prone on the oor. Keep your crossed folded hands below the head, palms resting on the shoulders. Stretch t h e l e g s a s f a r a s

29 possible, toes pointing outwards. Relax in this posture for two to three minutes, with normal breathing. Benets: The muscles that are put under severe strain demand relaxation and rest, and it is Makarasana that promptly and efciently ensures complete relaxation and perfect ease to these muscles. —Swami Chidananda SITKARI (Sound (seet) producing Pranayama) Technique: Open the mouth, fold the tongue upwards inside the mouth so that the tip of the tongue might touch the upper palate, and draw the air through the mouth with a hissing sound (seet). After inhalation, bring the tongue to its original position. Retain the b r e a t h a s l o n g a s y o u f e e l comfortable, and then exhale slowly through the nostrils. Repeat it six times, and gradually increase the number. Benets: This Pranayama cools the system, soothes the eyes and ears and puries the blood. It quenches thirst and appeases hunger. It cures chronic dyspepsia (indigestion), inammation of the spleen, various chronic skin diseases, low fever, biliousness and phlegm disorders. —Swami Chidananda 30 MARCH 2021 NEWS & REPORTS 31

SEVA THROUGH SIVANANDA HOME

‘Sivananda Home is a Centre for the loving care of the destitute and the dying people who are found by the roadside, with no one to care for: the people who are homeless, temporary or permanent, fell sick, got lost or were abandoned’. (Swami Chidananda) Her name was Sushila, but she was lovingly called “Nani” by one and all. For more than 20 years she stayed in Sivananda Home, as a resident, as an attendant in the female wards, and not in the least, as a patient too. Roties prepared by her for the patients were the thinnest, the utensils she brushed were the most sparkling, the oors she mopped were the shiniest, and the patients she attended was given the utmost care by her. Under-nourished she had arrived; a tiny small body with a huge hunchback. Her lower abdominal hurting, reminding her continuously, day in and day out, of the pains and suffering she underwent. But she refused to dwell in her own agony. With a broad smile, a warm heart, and open hands, she served and served and served. Service made her, not only to forget her own hurt, but also elevated and diverted her mind, so that she could tolerate and bear what was given to her in her own heavy backpack. She could understand and empathize with the pain of others and this compassionate attitude was just natural to her. All those years she herself was under continuous medical treatment; the last year of her life, she was completely bedridden. Where she used to feed, bath and dress others, now she herself had to be fed, bathed and dressed. “I am sorry,” she said, about ten days before her passing away, “that I am not able to serve any longer”. She expressed and thanked beloved Gurudev for giving her the opportunity of serving others and Him for all these years of heartfelt Seva at Gurudev's Feet, and it was kindly told to her that she could retire now, that she could rest now, that she could let go now….Resistance did not leave her quickly, and her nal struggle was long, rigid and hard. After many days of only Ganga Jal 32 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021

intake, she nally surrendered and breathed her last. She is missed in Sivananda Home by many. But her kind soul and loving appearance will be remembered for long. She came alone, she left alone. She came empty handed, she left empty handed. She came with a heart lled with anguish and hurt, she left the earthly abode with a heart lled with His blessings, a heart pining for His Darshan, a heart nally immersed in Peace, Free. Ashes were offered to Holy Mother Gangaji, near Gurudev Kutir. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantih. “Come all ye to Me who are burdened and heavily loaded. And I will give thee REST.”–(Lord Jesus). Jai Gurudev! Jai Sivananda! Om Sri Sadgurudevaya Namah. “Load your mind with all your sins and propel it to Swami Sivananda. He shall bestow Eternal Shanti.” -Swami Chidananda “Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms. Let us ever remember Thee. Let us ever sing Thy glories. Let Thy Name be ever on our lips. Let us abide in Thee for ever and ever.” —Swami Sivananda

God is full of mercy, love and compassion. He has been described as the 'ocean of mercy'. His mercy ows like the streams of the Ganga and the Yamuna. He is depicted as having sold Himself, so to say, to His devotees. He willingly suffers endless pain in the eyes of the world in order to alleviate the sufferings of His devotees. He bears the scar left on His chest by the kick of Bhrigu as an ornament. He wears the skull of His devotees as garland round His neck. He ran with His Chakra to kill the Asura who was in the form of a crocodile, when He heard the cry from Gajendra, the Lord of the elephants and gave him salvation (Gajendra Moksha). —Swami Sivananda

GUIDELINES REGARDING DONATIONS Donations towards the Divine Life Society may be made through cheque/D.D. /E.M.O. drawn in favour of 'The Divine Life Society', Shivanandanagar, Uttarakhand, payable at Rishikesh. A covering letter mentioning the purpose of donation, Post Mail Address, Phone No., Email Id and PAN should accompany the same.

ONLINE DONATION Those who would like to avail the 'Online Donation Facility' for sending donations may do so, either by accessing directly to the web address https:/donations.sivanandaonline.org or by clicking the 'Online Donation' link provided in our website www. sivanandaonline.org.

MEMBERSHIP FEE AND BRANCH AFFILIATION FEE OF THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS SHIVANANDANAGAR—249 192, Uttarakhand 1. New Membership Fee* ` 150/- Admission Fee ...... ` 50/- Membership Fee . . . .. ` 100/- 2. Membership Renewal Fee (Yearly) ` 100/- 3. New Branch Opening Fee** ` 1,000/- Admission Fee . . . . . ` 500/- Afliation Fee ...... ` 500/- 4. Branch Afliation Renewal Fee (Yearly) ` 500/- * Application for Membership should be sent with Photo Identity and Residential proof of the Applicant. ** Prior written permission has to be obtained from the Headquarters for opening a New Branch. ð Kindly send Membership Fee and Branch Afliation Fee by Cheque or by DD payable at any Bank in Rishikesh.

33 34 THE DIVINE LIFE MARCH 2021

REPORTS FROM THE D.L.S. BRANCHES

INLAND BRANCHES Jamshedpur (Jharkhand): Bargarh (Odisha): The During the Covid pandemic, the Branch continued daily Arati, B r a n c h c o n d u c t e d o n l i n e Rudrabhishek on Mondays and Satsang on Fridays, and Vishnu Guru Paduka Puja on Thursdays. Sahasranam Parayan on 30th Chandapur (Odisha): Daily November. P u j a , w e e k l y S a t s a n g o n Kakinada (A.P.): During Saturdays, Guru Paduka Puja on K a r t i k a m o n t h , E k a V a r a Thursdays and mobile Satsang Rudrabhishekam from 15th on 8th and 24th of every month November to 14th December, and were the regular programmes of Kartika Vanasamaradhana on the Branch. On 1st January, 6th December were arranged by New Year was celebrated. the Branch with Bhajans, Special Satsangs were arranged Pravachan and Quiz competition. o n 2 n d a n d 1 2 t h w i t h This was concluded with Prasad M a h a m a n t r a S a n k i r t a n . Sevan. Sundarakanda Parayan was Kabisurya Nagar (Odisha): done on 14th, and Sadhana day Daily Narayana Seva and weekly was arranged on 17th. Satsang on Thursdays and Chhatrapur (Odisha): The Sundays were continued by the B r a n c h c o n t i n u e d w e e k l y b r a n c h . G i t a J a y a n t i w a s Satsang on Thursdays and celebrated on 25th to 27th monthly Jayanti ceremonies on December with Gita Path and 8th and 24th of every month with Guru Paduka Puja. Paduka Puja. Special satsang Lucknow (U.P.): During the was held on 21st December. Covid-19 Lockdown, the Branch MARCH 2021 NEWS & REPORTS 35 h a d d a i l y c h a n t i n g o f Vishnusahasranam etc. Special Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, and Satsangs were held on 14th and special Satsang was conducted 24th. o n 1 3 t h D e c e m b e r a t t h e South Balanda (Odisha): residence of a devotee. Besides Daily Puja, weekly Satsang on this, the Branch had special Fridays, and Guru Paduka Puja Satsang at Lekhraj Homes on on 8th and 24th of every month 10th January with Prayer, are the regular programmes of Bhajan, Mantra Japa and the Branch. Gita Path, recitation Swadhyaya etc. The Branch of Vishnu Sahasranam and celebrated Republic day on 26th Hanuman Chalisa were arranged with children at Baldeep Public o n E k a d a s i s . T h e B r a n c h School. anniversary was celebrated on N a n d i n i n a g a r 3rd January and special Satsang (Chattisgarh): The Branch had o n 1 4 t h a n d M a h a m a n t r a daily morning prayers with Gita Sankirtan on 30th were other Path and chanting of Hanuman activities. Chalisa, and in the evening Visakha Rural Branch S a t s a n g w i t h P a r a y a n o f (A.P.): The Branch had daily Puja Vishnusahasranam. There was and Abhishekam on Mondays. Mahamantra Kirtan on 3rd Special Pravachan on Tiruppavai January. Besides this, weekly w a s c o n d u c t e d f r o m 1 6 t h Satsang was held on Thursdays. December to 5th January. R o u r k e l a ( O d i s h a ) : Besides this, Satsang was held on Weekly Satsang on Thursdays 10th January with talk on and Sundays were continued Bhagavad Gita, Bhajan and with Paduka Puja, Bhajan, Kirtan. There was Akhanda Kirtan, Archana and chanting of Mahamantra Kirtan on 23rd. AV AILABLE BOOKS ON YOGA, PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION By H.H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj Inspiring Stories ...... 170/- In the Hours of Communion ...... 65/- Adhyatma Yoga ...... ` 125/- Isavasya Upanishad ...... 30/- Ananda Gita ...... 60/- Inspiring Songs & Kirtans ...... 130/- Ananda Lahari ...... 40/- Japa Yoga ...... 120/- Analects of Swami Sivananda ...... 55/- Jivanmukta Gita ...... 75/- Autobiography of Swami Sivananda ...... 110/- Jnana Yoga ...... 120/- All About Hinduism ...... 255/- Karmas and Diseases ...... 20/- Bazaar Drugs ...... 60/- Kathopanishad ...... 75/- Beauties of Ramayana ...... 120/- Kenopanishad ...... 40/- Bhagavad Gita (One Act Play) ...... 35/- Kingly Science and Kingly Secret ...... 165/- Bhagavadgita Explained ...... 55/- Know Thyself ...... 65/- Bhagavadgita (Text & Commentary) ...... 110/- *Kalau Keshavkirtanat ...... 300/- Bhagavadgita (Text, Word-to-Word Meaning, Life and Teachings of Lord Jesus ...... 80/- Translation and Commentary) (H.B.) ...... 500/- Light, Power and Wisdom ...... 55/- ” ” (P.B.) ...... 490/- Lives of Saints...... 375/- Bhagavad Gita (Translation only) ...... 65/- Lord Krishna, His Lilas and Teachings ...... 170/- Bhakti and Sankirtan ...... 150/- Lord Siva and His Worship ...... 155/- Bliss Divine ...... 480/- Maha Yoga ...... 20/- Blood Pressure—Its Cause and Cure ...... 65/- May I Answer That ...... 125/ Brahmacharya Drama ...... 40/- Mind—Its Mysteries and Control ...... 325/- Brahma Sutras ...... 375/- Meditation Know How ...... 185/- Brahma Vidya Vilas ...... 75/- Meditation on Om ...... 60/- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad ...... 325/- Moral and Spiritual Regeneration...... 75/- Come Along, Let's Play ...... 80/- Mother Ganga ...... 70/- Concentration and Meditation ...... 285/- Moksha Gita ...... 55/- Conquest of Mind ...... 330/- Mandukya Upanishad ...... 35/- Daily Meditations ...... 95/- Music as Yoga ...... 80/- Daily Readings ...... 95/- Nectar Drops ...... 40/- Dhyana Yoga ...... 125/- Narada Bhakti Sutras ...... 100/- Dialogues from the Upanishads ...... 100/- Parables of Sivananda ...... 75/- Divine life for Children ...... 90/- Passion and Anger ...... 20/- Divine Life (A Drama)...... 25/- Pearls of Wisdom ...... 55/- Divine Nectar ...... 230/- Philosophy and Signicance of Idol Worship ...... 25/- Easy Path to God-Realisation ...... 75/- Philosophical Stories ...... 65/- Easy Steps to Yoga...... U.P. Philosophy and Yoga in Poems ...... 25/- Elixir Divine ...... 35/- Philosophy of Life ...... 35/- Essays in Philosophy ...... 75/- Philosophy of Dreams ...... 50/- Essence of Bhakti Yoga ...... 110/- Pocket Prayer Book ...... 35/- Essence of Gita in Poems ...... 35/- Pocket Spiritual Gems ...... 35/- Essence of Principal Upanishads...... 105/- Practical lessons in Yoga ...... 120/- Essence of Ramayana ...... 110/- Practice of Ayurveda ...... 180/- Essence of Vedanta ...... 165/- Practice of Bhakti Yoga ...... 305/- Ethics of Bhagavad Gita...... 125/- Practice of Brahmacharya ...... 125/- Ethical Teachings ...... 105/- Practice of Karma Yoga ...... 150/- Every Man’s Yoga ...... 160/- Practice of Nature Cure ...... 210/- First Lessons in Vedanta ...... 100/- Practice of Vedanta ...... 145/- Fourteen Lessons on Raja Yoga ...... 55/- Practice of Yoga ...... 215/- Gems of Prayers ...... 70/- Precepts for Practice ...... 125/- Glorious Vision (A Pictorial Guide) ...... 650/- Pushpanjali ...... 35/- God Exists ...... 60/- Radha’s Prem ...... U.P./- God-Realisation ...... 60/- Raja Yoga ...... 140/- Gurudev Sivananda (Pictorial)...... 250/- Revelation ...... 130/- Guru Bhakti Yoga ...... 100/- Religious Education ...... 65/- Guru Tattwa ...... 50/- Sadhana ...... 630/- Hatha Yoga ...... 120/- Sadhana Chatushtaya ...... 45/- Health and Diet ...... 120/- Saint Alavandar or The King's Quest of God ...... 40/- Health and Happiness...... 130/- Sarvagita Sara ...... 100/- Heart of Sivananda ...... 115/- Satsanga and Swadhyaya ...... 45/- Health and Hygiene ...... 190/- Samadhi Yoga ...... 310/- Himalaya Jyoti ...... 35/- Self-Knowledge ...... 155/- Hindu Gods and Goddesses ...... 100/- Science of Reality ...... 60/- Hindu Fasts and Festivals ...... 85/- Self-Realisation ...... 85/- Home Nursing ...... 75/- Sermonettes of Sw. Sivananda ...... 130- Home Remedies ...... 125/- Sivananda-Gita (Last printed in 1946) ...... 65/- How to Become Rich ...... 30/- Sixty-three Nayanar Saints ...... 85/- How to Cultivate Virtues and Eradicate Vices .... 180/- Spiritual Experiences ...... 135/- How to Get Sound Sleep ...... 70/- Spiritual Lessons ...... 115/- How to Live Hundred Years ...... 70/- Stories from Yoga Vasishtha ...... 110/- Illumination ...... 60/- Student's Success in Life ...... 55/- Illuminating Teachings of Swami Sivananda ...... 75/- Stories from Mahabharata...... 180/- 36 Sureways for Success in Life ...... 260/- Swami Sivananda—Saint, Sage and Godman ...... 205/- Svara Yoga ...... 75/- The Quintessence of the Upanishads ...... 50/- *Sw. Sivananda - His Life in Pictures...... 75/- The Role of Celibacy in the Spiritual Life ...... 25/- Spiritual Treasure ...... 55/- The Divine Destination ...... 120/- Spiritual Aspiration & Practice ...... 115/- The Truth That Liberates ...... 35/- Tantra Yoga, Nada Yoga and Kriya Yoga ...... 145/- *The All-Embracing Heart ...... 100/- Ten Upanishads ...... 165/- Twenty Important Spiritual Instructions ...... 80/- The Devi Mahatmya ...... 120/- Verses Addressed to the Mind ...... 155/- The Divine Treasure of Swami Sivananda ...... 25/- Walk in This Light ...... 140/- The Glorious Immortal Atman ...... 50/- *Worshipful Homage ...... 500/- The Science of Pranayama ...... 70/- By Swami Krishnananda Thought Power ...... 85/- A Brief Outline of Sadhana ...... 60/- Thus Illumines Swami Sivananda...... 20/- Ascent of the Spirit ...... U.P. Triple Yoga ...... 95/- Chhandogya Upanishad...... 100/- Total Thinking ...... 110/- Commentary on the Bhagavadgita ...... 485/- Unity of Religions ...... 80/- Commentary on the Kathopanishad ...... 145/- Universal Moral Lessons ...... 45/- Commentary on the Mundaka Upanishad ...... 95/- Upanishad Drama ...... 90/- Commentary on the Panchadasi (Vol - II) ...... 210/- Upanishads for Busy People ...... 40/- Epic of Consciousness ...... 20/- Vairagya Mala ...... 20/- Essays in Life and Eternity ...... 50/- Vedanta for Beginners ...... 55/- Interior Pilgrimage ...... 75/- Voice of the Himalayas ...... 185/- Mundaka Upanishad ...... 40/- Waves of Bliss ...... 75/- Philosophy of Bhagavadgita...... 130/- Waves of Ganga ...... 70/- Philosophy of Religion ...... 50/- Wisdom in Humour ...... 70/- Realisation of the Absolute ...... 125/- Wisdom Sparks...... 70/- Religion and Social Values ...... 50/- World Peace ...... 120/- Resurgent Culture ...... 20/- What Becomes of the Soul after Death ...... 150/- Self-Realisation, Its Meaning and Method ...... 45/- Yoga and Realisation ...... 120/- Sri Swami Sivananda and His Mission ...... 45/- Yoga Asanas ...... 85/- Studies in Comparative Philosophy...... U.P. Sessions with Ashram Residents ...... 300/- Yoga for West ...... 35/- The Attainment of the Innite ...... 50/- Yoga in Daily Life ...... 75/- The Development of Religious Consciousness ...... 85/- Yoga Vedanta Dictionary ...... 70/- The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad ...... 250/- Yoga Question & Answers ...... 95/- The Heart and Soul of Spiritual Practice ...... 150/- Yoga Vedanta Sutras ...... 90/- The Mighty God-Man of our Age ...... 75/- By Swami Chidananda The Tree of Life ...... 60/- The Vision of Life ...... 85/- A Guide to Noble Living...... 55/- The Yoga of Meditation ...... 70/- An Instrument of Thy Peace...... 265/- The Universality of Being ...... 100/- Awake, Realise Your Divinity ...... 195/- Ture Spiritual Living II...... 135/- *Autobiography (Swami Chidananda) ...... 150/- The Glory of God ...... 90/- Bliss is Within ...... 95/- The Spiritual Import of the Mahabharata and *Chidanandam (The Joy of Knowing Him) ...... 300/- The Bhagavad Gita 190/- *Cosmic Benefactor ...... 300/- The Struggle for Perfection ...... 35/- Ego ...... 20/- Yoga as a Universal Science ...... 65/- Essentials of the Higher Values of Life ...... 65/- Yoga, Meditation and Japa Sadhana ...... 30/- Eternal Messages ...... 45/- Your Questions Answered...... U.P. Forest Academy Lectures on Yoga ...... 325/- Others Gita Vision ...... 20/- Bhajan Kirtan in Gurudev's Kutir ...... 60/- God As Mother ...... 85/- Ekadasa Upanishadah ...... 140/- Guidelines to Illumination ...... 120/- From Man to God-Man (N. Ananthanarayanan) .... 170/- Lectures on Raja Yoga ...... 80/- Greatness Amidst Us ...... 40/- Life ...... 25/- Guru Gita (Swami Narayanananda) ...... 95/- Light-Fountain ...... 80/- I Live to Serve ...... 25/- Liberation Is Possible! ...... 30/- *Memories of Swami Chidananda ...... 250/- Light on the Yoga Way of Life ...... 30/- Miracles of Sivananda ...... 80/- Sivananda Day-To-Day ...... 85/- Manache Shlok ...... 30/- Sivananda: Poet, Philosopher and Saint Message of Swami Chidananda to Mankind ...... 45/- (Dr. Savitri Asopa) ...... 70/- New Beginning ...... 45/- Sivananda: Raja Yoga (Vol-4) ...... 355/- Path Beyond Sorrow ...... 155/- Sivananda: Bhakti Yoga (Vol-5) ...... 175/- Philosophy, Psychology & practice of Yoga ...... 160/- Sivananda Vedanta (Jnana Yoga)...... 230/- Path to Blessedness ...... 105/- Sivananda: The Darling of Children Ponder These Truths ...... 245/- Sw. Sivananda-Hridayananda...... 30/- Practical Guide to Yoga ...... 50/- Sw. Sivananda Chitrakatha ...... 45/- Renunciation—A Life of Surrender and Trust...... 25/- Sivananda Integral Yoga ...... 65/- Seek the Beyond ...... 300/- The Holy Stream ...... 185/- *Souvenir ...... 200/- This Monk from India ...... 125/- Swami Chidananda Talks in South Africa ...... 135/- Yoga Divine...... 60/- Swami Sivananda our Loving Awakener ...... 80/- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali ...... 70/-

For Direct Orders: The Divine Life Society, Shivanandanagar—249 192, Uttarakhand, India. For online orders and Catalogue visit: dlsbooks.org

*No Discount on the Star-marked Books 37 NEW RELEASE! SPIRITUAL STORIES

Pages: 216 Price: ` 150/- First Edition: 1958 | Second Edition: 2021

Stories and parables by Sadgurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj to impart the moral and spiritual knowledge in the most interesting way.

First Edition 1961 Second Edition 2021

Part - I Pages: 312 Price: ` 215/- Part - II Pages: 328 Price: ` 225/- INSPIRING TALKS OF GURUDEV SIVANANDA (PART I and II) Precious pearls of wisdom gathered by Sri Swami Venkatesanandaji Maharaj as they fell from the sacred lips of Sri Gurudev from March 1948 to July 1950. 38 Statement about ownership and other particulars about newspaper “The Divine Life” FORM IV 1. Place of publication: Y oga Vedanta Forest Academy Press, Shivanandanagar, Uttarakhand

2. Periodicity of its publication: Monthly

3. Printer's Name: Swami Advaitananda Nationality: Indian Address: The Divine Life Society, P.O. Shivanandanagar-249 192, Dt. Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India

4. Publisher's Name: Swami Advaitananda Nationality: Indian Address: The Divine Life Society, P.O. Shivanandanagar-249 192, Dt. Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India

5. Editor's Name: Swami Nirliptananda Nationality: Indian Address: The Divine Life Society, P.O. Shivanandanagar-249 192, Dt. Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India

6. Names and addresses of The Divine Life Society, individuals who own the P.O. Shivanandanagar-249 192, newspaper and partners or Dt. Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India shareholders holding More than one per cent of the total capital.

I, Swami Advaitananda, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Swami Advaitananda Date: 1st March 2021 Signature of Publisher Registrar of Newspapers for India Postal-Registration No. TRI/006/2021-23 No. 2395/1957 LICENSED TO POST WITHOUT PREPAYMENT (Inland) Licence No. WPP No. 03/21-23 Valid upto: 31-12-2023 MARCH 2021 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15th OF EVERY MONTH DATE OF POSTING: 15th OF EVERY MONTH Posted at Shivanandanagar P.O., Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand

INSEPARABLE PAIRS OF OPPOSITES

Pleasure and pain, gain and loss, life and death, good and evil are the obverse and reverse sides of the same coin. Evil cannot exist without good; life, without death. They are relative terms. Ignorant people want everlasting happiness in this world: this is simply puerile. Pleasure and pain, life and death are inseparably linked together. If you do not want pain and death, give up sensual pleasures and existence in physical limitations.

To

Printed and Published by Swami Advaitananda on behalf of “The Divine Life Trust Society” at the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy Press, P.O. Shivanandanagar—249 192, Dt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, and Published from The Divine Life Society Headquarters, P.O. Shivanandanagar—249 192, Dt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand Phone: 0135-2430040, 2431190; E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sivanandaonline.org; www.dlshq.org; www.chidananda.org Editor: Swami Nirliptananda