Swami Sivananda Vani

[Guest guest]

Tomorrow (Sept. 8) is the holy occasion of worshipful Gurudev Sri

Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj's 120th birthday anniversary. In

celebration of this occasion we uploaded several inspiring articles

on Gurudev by Sri Swami Narayananandaji Maharaj from his

book " Sivananda--The Perfect Master " . They are:

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Treatment of Guests

 

Just see the way in which Siva serves his guests. A guest steps into

the Ashram. Siva receives him with a gentle smile in his office and

a humble prostration. He is then made to sit on a comfortable seat.

Siva would offer an equal seat with him. To Mahatmas and Sadhus he

will offer his own seat rising from it.

 

Siva then enquires about his welfare and gently fans him and

comforts him. He will ask one of the students to fetch a cup of tea

with some fruits. He does not approve of the practice of keeping a

fruit and a knife before the visitor and ask him to eat. Siva cuts

the fruit into small slices after removing the skin and offers the

fruits kept on a clean plate together with the tea or milk. A vessel

containing water and a clean napkin will be kept ready to wash and

wipe his hands. Then he would humbly request the visitor to take the

offerings, saying: Maharaj ji Paayiye. If it is time for meals he

would arrange for a sumptuous meal. He would then sing his Sangeeta

Lila Yoga and other select passages from some of his books. He will

read also the Sangeeta Ramayana and Bhagavata.

 

Siva enquires at 10 p.m., whether the visitor was given a pillow, a

water pot, a light and a match box. Sometimes due to heavy work the

students may forget to attend to these details. But Siva would

himself attend to everything and then only retire to bed.

 

Siva can never forget even the minutest detail. Though he attends to

many works at a time, he will never miss his usual routine.

 

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Sivananda's Unique Personality

 

Siva is well-versed in all branches of Yoga. He is a Karma Yogin,

Bhakta, Hatha Yogin, Raja Yogin and Jnana Yogin. He has trained

countless aspirants in all branches of Yoga. He has trained students

in Asanas, Pranayama and selfless service. He was the editor of four

journals. He contributes articles to countless journals. He has

published numerous books, pamphlets, messages and leaflets on a

variety of subjects. He has established many branches of the Divine

Life Society. He moved about and did vigorous propaganda and

lectures for several years. He has revived the Sankirtan movement

and has done much work in this field. He has given a new orientation

to this neglected science. He conducts Sadhana weeks. He is

rendering great medical service to the poor.

 

His activities are many-sided. He can attend to many things at a

time. He will never complain of Vikshepa (tossing of the mind). City

or forest, both are equal to him. He carries on his activities for

the spiritual uplift of the world under all circumstances. He keeps

correspondence with hundreds of aspirants. He lectures and sings

through the gramophone records.

 

Such a unique and all-round Yogi who has done variety of works

without money and assistance, remaining in one place, the world has

not seen till now.

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