Sivananda: Biography of a Modern Sage

meditation are now bestirred into activity in the outer world. They cannot bear the sight of the suffering and the distress existing all around us. They are ready to impart their spiritual power to those who desire to have it for the good cause of stemming the tide of advancing evil.

The College of Yoga and Vedanta will be established at Rishikesh on the banks of the Holy Ganges with the sole object of making mankind spiritually vibrant. It will be a centre for the generation of spiritual energy, whose currents are to reach kindred souls all over the globe. Eligible trainees will be admitted from the four corners of the earth, to receive this spiritual force.

They will be initiated in all the processes of Self-realisation by a combination of the teachings and practices of all schools of yoga and vedanta. After training they will become the most potent instruments of good wherever they go. They will carry spiritual power with them and revitalise society. All those who come in contact with them will become immune to the pernicious propaganda of the destroyers of true happiness.

It is the aim of the College to make its trainees competent to establish similar spiritual centres in different parts of the world so that the teaching received from the parent institution may permeate everywhere. These centres will purify the world, purge it of its present evils, and make it the abode of true bliss.

The workings of the College will be in three departments or branches:

1. Sastra-jnana Branch (theoretical studies).

2. Sadhana Branch (practice).

3. Abhyasa yoga Branch (research and intensive meditation).

Besides work in the above-mentioned branches, combined work will be done every day by all the residents in the College (except the abyasa yoga branch members) according to long-established and well-founded methods for the creation of spiritual vibrations.

At fixed hours of the day there will be conducted common prayer, (2) nama-sankirtan and silent meditation for invoking the aid of the Higher Powers for the enlightenment and purification of humanity. It is well-known to men of Self-realisation that these practices are most effective in the generation of spiritual electricity.

(Though the College did not materialise as such, Swamiji's detailed planning was amazing.)

The Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy

Out of the idea of the college grew the Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy (called University at its inception — the word 'University' was altered to 'Academy' by the Divine Life Trust in September 1958.)

As though in response to the wish of the sage, scholars well versed in the philosophy and the scriptures of India joined the ashram. Foremost among them were Professor Nanda Kishore Srivastava, M.A., L.L.B., and Professor C.V. Narayana Iyer, M.A., L.T., (who later became Swami Sadananda). Regular classes were started with their aid and with the help of Swami Chidanandaji, Swami Krishnanandaji and Swami Harisharanandaji, the senior swamis of the ashram.

The syllabus was drawn up and a list of the texts that the students were expected to master was given. We shall only note here the practical side of the syllabus, under the headings 'Karma Yoga' and 'Bhakti Yoga':

karma yoga (Practical): Doctoring and nursing the sick; spinning and weaving to provide clothing for the poor; helping villagers in agriculture and gardening; helping the coolies in their work; supplying water to wayfarers; service for the well-being of society; service of the country through peace missions; dissemination of spiritual knowledge; distribution of leaflets and pamphlets on spiritual education; propaganda and lecturing; training school students in the spiritual path; and writing articles on spiritual renaissance.

bhakti yoga (Practical): japa, kirtan, bhajan and parayana; formal puja and prayer; service in the temple; service of saints; satsang; performance of ceremonies; fasting; vigil and akhanda kirtan.

Needless to say Swamiji always laid greater emphasis on the practical aspects of yoga and vedanta than the theoretical aspect.

Distinguished visiting scholars were invited to take the classes during the period of their stay. Foremost among them were Professor Burtt of America, Dr. Graham Howe of London, Dr. Maryse Choisy of Paris, Dr. Kameswara Sarma of Pudukkotai, Sri Satchidanandam Pillay of the Annamalai University and Sri R.A. Shastri.

In answer to the question by a visiting professor, Swamiji gave the difference between the Yoga Vedanta Forest University and other universities: "Other universities prepare students for bread-winning, but the university here prepares students to become sadhus and saints. In the world, students try to become paid professors after finishing their studies, but the students from here go in for preaching; they do not want a salary. They have no connection with their families. They study kundalini yoga, vedanta and the six schools of philosophy. Some specialise in hatha yoga, some in vedanta. They have no desire for name and fame.

Those who felt that the university had few students and fewer buildings of its own and expressed their feelings to Swamiji, got a nice answer, as did one visitor to the ashram on the 21st January 1949. Swamiji said:

This is not a university like the others in the world. People are not trained here to become clerks, advocates and scientists. Humanity has nowadays so demeaned itself that people everywhere want only sense-pleasures: they have no idea of yoga and vedanta, or the supreme bliss that they will enjoy from Atma-jnana. In such a topsy-turvy world it is a great thing to have even one good sadhaka bent on renouncing worldly pleasures and striving to attain God-realisation — the goal of life — through the practices of yoga. That there are even a dozen students earnestly endeavouring to realise the Truth in the Yoga Vedanta Forest University is a great achievement: that qualifies it to be called the greatest university in the world.

We should develop this Forest University nicely by concentrating all our attention on it. The University has a great future. Indian culture was born in such universities (or ashrams as they were called in those days.)

The hours of the University classes are a little inconvenient for worldly people. Sannyasin-sadhaks who have made it their sole end and aim to aspire for God-realisation would love to attend classes in brahmamuhurta (4 a.m. — 6 a.m.), for that is the most favourable hour for filling the mind with spiritual ideas.

For the sake of the visitors and laymen-sadhaks we should hold regular classes in the morning between 9 and 11 a.m. and in the evening between 3 and 5 p.m. Continuous classes should be conducted so that the visitors who come to the ashram in the morning and evening and who do not, in the first instance, have the opportunity to stay on in the early morning next day too, can attend the meditation and asana classes.

The seed has been sown. The Lord will look to its success. We should also in course of time construct big school buildings and professors' quarters with a good library for each professor, and other conveniences.

More and more professors will come. The message of sannyasa will spread. The glory of Divine Life will spread far and wide; ministers and governors will come and get initiated into sannyasa.

To them, too, the message should go that they are simply wasting their life uselessly in worldly pursuits. The world is false; Brahman alone is real. It is useless to reform the world. The only duty of man is to realise his own Self. Only this can solve the problem of life and death.

Students from all over the world will come. There should be a big hostel to house foreign students. There should be many professors delivering lectures to these students. The whole world will be represented at the University. True sadhaks will come from America and Europe. It is all His work!

These words proved to be prophetic! Within a decade the University attracted students from America and Europe, and there has been a continuous stream of visiting students coming from all over the world to stay for some time to study vedanta and practice yoga.

Swamiji with the professors of the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy.

Left to right: Swami Vishnudevananda, Swami Saswatananda, Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Krishnananda, Swami Chidananda, Swamiji, Swami Raghavananda, Swami Sivanarayana.

Swami Chidananda (seated on Swamiji's left) lectures at the Forest University

The Sivananda Regalia

Above the post office was the Sivananda Regalia. On the day it was formally opened (9th January, 1956), Swamiji paid the following tribute to Paramanandaji, who brought it into being:

“Swami Paramanda has got original ideas. It was he who built the Bhajan Hall, collecting donations from people; it was he who started the Publication League; it was he who organised my All-India Tour. He was responsible for bringing out German and French translations of my books. He wrote to the publishers and induced them to take up the translations. He has spread my knowledge throughout foreign countries. He is a very hard worker. He works the whole night.”

For the Sivananda Regalia Sri Swami Paramanandaji gathered together all the inspiring articles associated with Swamiji's life in Rishikesh — from the earliest days to the present day — from the begging bowl that he carried for getting bhiksha (alms) from the almshouse, to the silver caskets in which the people of Madras presented him a Welcome Address during the All-India Tour. Within the four walls of the Regalia were packed the living memories of Swamiji's dynamic service. It gave a visual picture of the history of the Divine Life Society.

The Yoga Museum

The Yoga Museum was one of the unique creations of Swamiji. It was a vital part of the Academy. Every section contained a few well-chosen illustrations which gave a succinct, clear and comprehensive idea of the fundamentals of yoga. The nature of the Absolute and the nature of phenomena; the transcendental Being and the immanent Godhead; the path of inward contemplation (jnana yoga); the path of mystic communion (raja yoga); the path of devotion (bhakti yoga) as well as the path of divine dynamism (karma yoga) were all 'shown' in the Museum through such pleasing pictures that one assimilated the great ideas framed in them without irksome toil. It was a boon especially to Western aspirants who were new to Eastern philosophical thought.

Yet another novelty was the Sivananda Vani (Broadcasting Centre) which Swami Sivananda inaugurated at Ananda Kutir on 29th March 1950. An interesting daily programme was broadcast through a loudspeaker which had been installed on the top of the Viswanath hillock overlooking the Muni-ki-Reti valley. Every morning at 4 a.m. the programme commenced with the chanting of Om, kirtan, recitation from the Bhagavad Gita, etcetera During the day, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., discourses in Hindi and Garhwali on socio-spiritual topics, bhajan and sankirtans of talented musicians, and gramophone records by Sri Swamiji Maharaj and others, were broadcast. News of the day-to-day ashram activities and announcements were also broadcast.

Dissemination of Spiritual Knowledge

Swarg Ashram

While Swamiji was at Swarg Ashram, pilgrims and visitors used to come very often to him for satsang, conversations on religion and spiritual subjects, and advice. People found in him one who could grasp their inner difficulties and understand their problems, and who was able to answer their questions with sympathy and sound judgement. He became the centre of eager crowds that constantly questioned him on spiritual sadhana — the inner obstacles, experiences, peculiar difficulties etcetera — as well as on personal problems.

They also put doubts before him for clearing. Swamiji used to help them to the best of his ability and suggested suitable ways and means to deal with their sadhana, giving them methods based upon his own experiences.

The practical value of his advice began to be greatly appreciated, and this set Swamiji thinking that perhaps there were others with similar problems who might also be benefited. Hence the idea of writing it down and distributing it among a greater number, came to his mind. In him, to think was to act. Each day he would recall and write down the queries and doubts of his daily visitors. Then he would put down answers, suggestions and instructions.

Under the most unfavourable conditions, he went on working. Pushing ahead with a grim, silent determination, ignoring all adversity, he brought about the remarkable phenomenon of a spiritual regeneration (wrought by proxy) in regions almost half-way round the globe. When his small early pamphlets brought him letters of warm appreciation, the sannyasin in him promptly tore them to bits and threw them into the Ganges. He persisted in his writing, struggling against heavy odds. At times he had to hunt out little scraps of waste paper, collect them together and make them into a little book. To record his ideas and experiences he at times wrote on the inner side of discarded envelopes he chanced to come across.

At other times he could not get ink, and when he had ink he had to give up writing after dusk for want of a lamp. Sometimes he had both, but was forced to pass the night in darkness, alone with his thoughts, as there was no oil for the light, or it could not be lit as the last match had been burnt. Providence alone knew when another match-box or a fresh supply of oil for the lamp would come. With all this to contend with even at the very outset, in some strange way he was able to bring about a revolution in the life and activities of zealous groups of people far away in the West.

In the beginning he had to work single-handed, his sole credentials being his determination to do his best to help others, the power of his inner sadhana and his absolute dependence on God. Such aspirants as came to his side later on were mostly young and inexperienced, themselves needing his help at every step, rather than being capable of great help in his work.

With a good deal of humour Swamiji would relate how he came to see his first pamphlet in print. A very devout soul called Chand Narian Harkauli became greatly attached to him, being impressed by his earnestness and severe adherence to the vow of non-possession. Once he gave Swamiji a R.s.5 note and begged him to use it to purchase milk for himself. In later years, indicating the stock of his books and pamphlets etcetera, Swamiji would say, “You see all this around me? Well, this is Chand Narian's 'milk'.” Then he would explain. “When he gave me R.s.5 I felt it to be the direct gift from the Almighty Himself. Here I was, chafing to get some decent paper to put some of my ideas in print, and unasked the money came into my open palms. Many of my jottings were awaiting such a windfall as this. I at once used the money in getting my first pamphlet printed. It was called Brahma-Vidya (God Realisation). It was immediately distributed to all who came to me.”

This pamphlet was much liked by many readers, who urged him to share more of his ideas and came prepared to undertake the printing of the booklets. So it led to a second tract, Metaphysics of the Inner Man, and a third and a fourth, etcetera Thus had God willed that Chand Narian's milk for one man became life-giving ambrosia to hundreds and thousands.

Some Journals — My Magazine of India being one of the earliest among them — had invited Swamiji to contribute regular articles to them. Swamiji had very gladly agreed: but it was not easy!

Swami Paramanandaji related:

Swamiji would write an article of three or four pages. He would need three or four copies for sending to different journals. He would quietly come to me and ask me to take a copy. I would gladly do it. The next day I would find Prakash copying the same thing. On the third day, it would be Vivekananda's turn. If he had told me: "I want three copies of this article," I would have refused. Swamiji understood human psychology to such an extent. Moreover, by this wonderful method he ensured that all of us had the first chance of reading his inspiring articles. Immediately the copy was ready Swamiji would read it and carry out all the corrections. I would struggle to read the Sanskrit words, and Swamiji's articles contained a Sanskrit word in every line: he would take that as an opportunity to teach me. A wonderful combination of work, upadesha (instruction) and sadhana.

To relieve this great strain upon Swamiji and the first disciples, Sri P.K. Vinayagam of My Magazine of India presented Swamiji with a typewriter — a 'Royal' machine which served the mission loyally for over twenty years. A cyclostyle machine was presented to Swamiji by Sri P.K. Vinayagam in 1932: and Swamiji at once thought of the best way to make use of this gift from God. At once he began cyclostyling what was known as Forest Talks.

Swamiji also published small pamphlets entitled Formulae In Yoga, Yoga in Daily Life, Forty Golden Precepts and many others in different places, and distributed them free.

In 1937 a Remington duplicator was purchased. The Forest Talks were transferred to that machine.

When these free tracts had gained popularity, and when Swamiji had found that seekers after Truth were clamouring for his teachings, he turned to the Bhagavad Gita, even as all the great teachers before him had done. He wrote his own commentary, and wanted to distribute this great knowledge free. A notification published in The Divine Life magazine on the 1st December 1939 announced:

free Publications: The Divine Life Series pamphlets and leaflets containing practical instructions for all aspirants on karma.

bhakti, yoga and vedanta, are printed: 2,000 copies of each. Day by day the publications are increasing. Now we are printing 1,000 copies of the Bhagavad Gita, with original text, word-for-word meaning and notes and commentary by Sri Swami Sivanandaji based on Sankara's commentary. The first part of over 100 pages containing the first three chapters will be ready by the middle of December 1939 and the remaining chapters will be completed during the year 1940. We desire that members should not miss even a single chapter of this important publication.

The books and leaflets had, of course, to be printed elsewhere. Chance donations were utilised for this. A free literature fund had been created by Swamiji: the donor of such a small amount as R.s.5 or R.s.25 could get a leaflet or pamphlet printed for free distribution.

Every one who wrote a letter to Swamiji and everyone who sent even the smallest donation, got some leaflet or pamphlet. The Address Register did the magic; in it Swamiji entered the names of all the donors. Donations of big amounts were unknown in the 1930s; but, the four-anna*-wallas, eight-anna-wallas and the few one-rupee-wallas had earned a permanent place of love in the heart of Swamiji. Only one or two were five-rupee-wallas and only one (Dr. B.A. Vaidya of Nagpur) was a ten-rupee-wall. But it has to be admitted, as a great tribute to these great promoters of the mission, that all of them were very regular in this contribution, so Swamiji could plan ahead for the expenditure of unreceived income and anticipated donation. This he always did, to ensure that the money was not otherwise spent!

When Swamiji went out on propaganda tours or to preside over Sankirtan Conferences in those days, he naturally came into contact with many devotees. They helped the cause by donating money for printing leaflets and pamphlets. Swamiji made it a point to have some spiritual literature printed for free distribution at the Conferences; this was one of the most essential items. Again, Swamiji's articles published in the My Magazine had attracted public notice and Sri P.K. Vinayagam himself came forward to publish Swamiji's books.

Earlier, in 1929, Swamiji had his first book, namely, Practice of Yoga volume One published by Messieurs. Ganesh and Co. The next book that Swamiji wrote was Practice of Vedanta. As soon as the manuscript was ready he sent it to Ganesh and Co. They also published A Trip to Kailash.

In the meantime Sri Swami Paramanandaji had joined Swamiji in Swarg Ashram. Paramanandaji was sent to Madras. There then came into being a most fruitful partnership (spiritual and therefore entirely selfless) for the dissemination of spiritual knowledge.

Of this Swamiji wrote to Paramanandaji on the 29th July, 1936:

Glory to Sri Vinayagam for broadcasting my thoughts, and glory to Sri Paramanandaji for his magnificent production of the third edition. It is simply grand... Now let us divide — 40 percent to P.K.V., 40 percent to Paramananda and 20 percent to Siva!

The first three books were taken over from Ganesh and Co. by Sri P.K. Vinayagam, who published a number of Swamiji's books under the general title of the Himalayan Yoga Series.

The following books formed the Himalayan Yoga Series: Yogic Home Exercises; Kundalini Yoga; Practice of Vedanta; Raja Yoga; Inspiring Letters; Practice of Yoga, Vols. I and II; Spiritual Lessons Part 1 and II; How to Get Vairagya; Yoga Asanas; Science of Pranayama; Conversations on Yoga; Mind — Its Mysteries and Control; and Brahmacharya.

The publicity machinery of My Magazine itself was there to promote the distribution of copies, and these books became very popular throughout the country and overseas too. Sri Vinayagam quickly brought out Swamiji's books, one after another. The books ran into many editions as there was constant demand for them and the publisher was eager to meet the demand. Sri Vinayagam also published Swami Paramanandaji's Life and Teachings of Siva (the first biography of Swamiji).

The guidance that Vinayagam and Paramanandaji received from Swamiji himself revealed the latter's amazing knowledge of the art of book-manufacture. Here is a highly interesting and revealing example, written on 29th July, 1936:

Swamiji, after the inner title page, before the photo, insert one blank sheet with the name of the book. You have forgotten in 3rd edition. Kindly do this in Volume Two. That is the modern style. The advertisement re. Volume Two at the end is a 'weeping one', not a thrilling one. It is quite ordinary. It does not give a full, select exhibit. You have done before nicely for Yoga Asanas, Kundalini, etcetera Why not for this? Perhaps, the thermos was ...! Kindly insert the attached articles, Vedanta in Daily Life and Meditation, in

Volume Two. They are nice and practical.

However, Swamiji always wanted his ideas to stand by themselves, ungarnished by claims to fame. He wrote:

In 1933 the publishers in Madras wrote articles on my life and mentioned me as an 'avatar'. Immediately I gave a reply which explains the attitude I have always maintained. 'Kindly remove all 'Krishna Avatara' and 'Bhagavan' business. Keep the publications natural and simple. Then it will be attractive. Do not exaggerate much about me very often. The juice will evaporate. Do not give me such titles as 'World Teacher', 'Mandaleshwar' and 'Bhagavan'. Lay bare the truth. Truth will shine.”

$ ^{*} $Anna — small Indian coin; 1/16th of a rupee

Then follows a highly inspiring passage:

I cannot understand why you object to my bringing out Practice of Yoga Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, if I give you fresh matter. They may not be graded. But they will be new. There is no harm. Let it be a series, ad infinitum, while my eyes and body work all right.

In his autobiography he continues:

Let me work as long as my eyes are good, as long as I have new messages and lessons for seekers after Truth. My love to serve mankind is so great that I will continue the publication work with the help of able stenographers and secretaries even if I lose my eyesight. Let the divine work grow and bring peace and bliss to the world.

Now comes the sterner side of the master:

Don't be afraid. You can go to Uttarkashi next year. You need not go to Madras. But prepare Nijabodhji or Amritam for thy work and inform Mr. P.K.V. They are good persons. Amritam is rapidly improving. He is forgetting the world and is saturated and absorbed in the typewriter from 12 till 6 in the evening. Pray, do not stop my Practice of Yoga business (Volume 3, etcetera). I am quite sure people will run after them like moths or butterflies.

Of this Swamiji had already had tangible proofs. He wrote in September 1934:

Many people from the Punjab came to me with a full set of my books in hand. The one beauty in these books is that people have begun to do some kind of sadhana or other, in right earnest.

Swamiji had his own ideas and did not care about non-constructive criticism. He was a sage and he had a mission: he was aware that there would always be reactionary forces to obstruct all good undertakings. He ignored them, and endeavoured to infuse that spirit into his disciples.

Some one had felt that in the early works of Swamiji there were many repetitions. Here is Swamiji's convincing and interesting reply:

Received the postcard: the complaint against the repetition. That man is a great miser. I will pay R.s.2 for any pamphlet or book that can give me even a few new ideas. We cannot please the world. This world is a repetition. Gita, Upanishads, etcetera, are full of repetitions. This cannot be avoided. The world contains many generous people to purchase books with repetition. Anyhow, we are now on the alert to eradicate repetition. After some years, when we

bring out fresh editions, we can thoroughly overhaul each and every book, every para, every sentence.

Another publisher, Sri Em Airi of Amritsar, came forward to publish Swamiji's works, and another ashramite, Swami Yogananda, had been trained for the work. They brought out what were known as The Self-Realisation Series.

The third important publishers of early Sivananda Literature were the Gita Press, Gorakhpur. They published Swamiji's masterpiece: Mind — Its Mysteries and Control. This is one of the books which has always been in demand. It is a favourite with all spiritual aspirants.

Swamiji had in the meantime written a book especially for the Western students of yoga. Their number had grown considerably, since Swamiji's fame as the most practical master of yoga had spread far and wide. Westerners had already begun to write to him expressing their spiritual problems, and so Swamiji was familiar with them. A book dealing with these problems was the urgent need, and Practical Lessons in Yoga came into being. Messieurs. Banarasi Dass of Lahore brought out this wonderful book.

The Daily Herald of Lahore published another most inspiring book by Swamiji, How to Get Vairgya.

Thus lay scattered in the hands of several publishers the precious treasures of Swamiji's Divine Life message. He had no thought of any return from his books, except that people should be benefited by it. Even in 1942 when Sri Swami Paramanandaji suggested that some publisher in Lahore might be allowed to bring out Swamiji's books in Urdu on a royalty basis, Swamiji wrote: "Yes, you can take up the four books for translation. You need not talk to the publishers about 100 copies. Let them give or not. It does not matter. We want dissemination of knowledge in Urdu-knowing public of Punjab and Delhi."

Even the royalty which any other author would fight for was given a new meaning by Swamiji. He looked at it from a different and distinct angle, characteristic of the sage that he was. He wrote to Paramanandaji on the 22nd November 1942: “Kindly give them the idea of 'Ganesh Puja' — that whenever a tree bears fruit, the first fruits should be offered to God or to a sannyasin. It is only in their own interest. Then the man prospers and gets success. Even so with the Ganesh Puja of books. If done, the publisher will attain prosperity.” In either case (whether the publisher sold them or sent them to him) the result was the same to Swamiji: the copies would be distributed free by him! But, there was this difference — there were aspirants who were in correspondence with Swamiji who would cherish the books more if they got them from the ashram: when the packet arrived it was as though Swamiji himself had come into their home. They had expressed this desire to Swamiji. Swamiji also felt that in addition to the mere leaflets and pamphlets which he was giving free to everyone who entered the ashram even just for sight-seeing, he could give the books also free. Hence it was suggested to the publishers that they should send Swamiji 100 copies as the author's 'royalty'. The publishers readily and gladly agreed to this. There was scope for these books to be sold, too.

It was felt by the Trustees of the Divine Life Trust (which had come into being in the meantime) that it would be better if there were a single institution for the publication of all of Swamiji's works, functioning under the control of the Society. Swamiji's writings could be preserved and made available to the world in a better way. The idea appealed to Major-General A.N. Sharma, who wrote: "I gave some money to another spiritual institution several years ago, for the preservation of the writings of a saint. They took up my suggestion and the institution has grown today into a dynamic centre. Herewith a cheque. I pray that Swamiji's writings should be similarly preserved for all time to come." Thus the Sivananda Publication League came into being.

At the first meeting held on the 29th January 1939 at Ananda Kutir, the aims and objects of the League were laid down as follows:

1. To preserve the writings of Sri Swami Sivanandaji for ever and ever and to enable future generations to draw inspiration from his powerful writings and practical lessons.

2. To publish the books at the lowest possible rates.

3. To collect the publishing rights of all the works of Sri Swami Sivanandaji and to make available to the public all such works from one source.

4. To utilise the profit, if any, realised from the sales of the publications of the League and the commission derived from the sale of other books, in carrying out the aims and objects of the Divine Life Society in all its aspects.

Swami Paramanandaji took up Swamiji's book Easy Steps to Yoga as the League's first publication. The Mercantile Press, Lahore, (where The Divine Life magazine was being printed) agreed to do the printing work on a credit basis. Paramanandaji was very efficient in organising pre- publication publicity: he had orders for 500 copies on hand before the printing was completed. With the previous publishers of Swamiji's books he had entered into an agreement for the mutual exchange publication, without involvement of cash (which was in short supply at the ashram). All these not only put the League on a sound footing at its very inception, but also made available all at once all the books (about 20 in number even then) to the League.

Then Swamiji's Yoga Asana Chart and his book Hatha Yoga were taken up for publication. There was great public demand for these, and their sales helped further publication work and also payment of the press debts. The proprietors of the Mercantile Press, Lahore, were so highly devoted to Swamiji and his mission that they never worried him for payment of their bills.

In fact, even when the Press had to be shifted to Delhi at the time of the partition of India in 1947, the League had not completely cleared the debts. Swamiji insisted that the League should somehow or other clear the debts immediately the address of the Press in Delhi was known.

After Hatha Yoga the League took up the publication of Philosophy and Meditation on Om and Swamiji's Inspiring Messages. At the same time Sri Em Airi of Amritsar wanted to discontinue his publication business. Paramanandaji wanted to take over the entire stock of Swamiji's books that Airi had. That meant capital outlay. There was no money except the capital with which the Trust had been established: all the ashramites were living on alms. Swamiji wrote to Paramanandaji on the 8th February, 1939: "I shall give you R.s.1000 for the capital.

I have written to Rai Saheb, A.K.P. Sinha, Swami Swarupanandaji and others for suggestions. We can take the money from the capital and invest in the S.P.L. only if law can allow (whether law will allow it if we want to utilise a portion of the capital for widening and enhancing the activities of the Society)." When the legal sanction was received, this amount was available for the new venture. With it, Em Airi's stocks were transferred to Sivananda Publication League.

Swamiji had no use for the theories of financial experts. He knew only two things: knowledge must reach everybody, and that he should give, give and give whatever he had, without any thought of what it would bring. The growing institution was never allowed pause to consolidate its position.

He was literally 'driving' it to greater and yet greater service. To the Divine Life Society's activities were daily added more and more 'expenditure' departments. The publication branch needed planning, and planning meant income and controlled expenditure — all of which were alien to Swamiji's spirit. Hence there was a perpetual financial crisis! Swamiji encouraged it so that the stress would keep the selfless workers working harder, they would not lose the spirit of renunciation, and his message would reach the greatest number of people within the shortest possible time.

In spite of all these financial difficulties, to which were added the difficulties of procuring paper (those were the days of World War 2), the League managed to bring out over twenty books of Swamiji's before December, 1944. The establishment at Calcutta by Sri Swami Kaivalyanandaji (a dynamic disciple of Swamiji) of a branch of the Sivananda Publication League, contributed in part to this initial success of the League's labours. This Swami was well-versed in business methods; and the twenty books that he eventually took over for publication by the branch at Calcutta quickly ran into several editions. Among these books were Sure Ways for Success in Life and God-realisation, Ten Upanishads and Stories from Yoga Vasishtha, etcetera

The second phase of the work of the Publication League showed an enormous increase in output. During the Sivananda Diamond Jubilee, donations were received in generous measure and Swamiji, in his characteristic way, allocated the maximum amount to publications work. Sri Swami Narayanandaji was sent to Lahore to speed up the output. In addition to the Mercantile Press, he engaged the Civil and Military Gazette Press, which printed — among others — All About Hinduism and World Religions. When the Hindu-Muslim riots broke out in Lahore in 1946, Swami Narayanandaji was there, and the printed forms were lying in several presses awaiting completion. No harm came to any of these. Even after Swami Narayanandaji returned, the copies of the books that were lying in the presses could be brought safely to India; and even Muslims helped in this trans-shipment.

During the same period several books were printed at Calcutta at the General Printing Works. Riots broke out here, too, but Swamiji's all-pervading grace saved the books. Mind Its Mysteries and Control, My Master, Sivananda Vijayam and Concentration and Meditation were printed there during this period.

Mrs. Liliane Shamash of California, who stayed at the ashram for about a year after the Diamond Jubilee, gave the first and greatest fillip to his mission. With a stroke of the pen she donated R.s.40,000 to Swamiji. What a great joy Swamiji felt when he flourished the cheque before her and said: "You have saved all my manuscripts. I will have them printed at once." Manuscripts were immediately despatched to several presses in different cities of India.

Months before the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, Sri Swami Paramanandaji and Sri Sivapremji went to Calcutta and had the Diamond Jubilee Commemoration Volume printed at the General Printing Works. That was the first work of art, a well-got-up presentation volume.

It was during this phase of the growth of the Publication League that the sale of the books was organised through well-known book-sellers. Swamiji's message took wings and began to spread.

Another great patron of the Divine Life mission, Sri Kashiram Guptaji of the General Printing Works, Calcutta, then came forward to give a further fillip to it. He announced his noble intention of donating the printing charges of no less that eighteen books of Swamiji's. This was unprecedented. At once Swamiji sent Sri Swami Narayanandaji to Calcutta. It was worth watching Swamiji on such occasions. What light and what bliss he radiated then! One who stood before him at a time when someone came forward to take part in the jnana yajna was standing in the presence of God, a presence which could be felt, in and through him.

No tribute could be considered adequate: Sri Kashiramji could only be likened to Bhagiratha who brought the holy Ganga down. Kashiramji had brought the jnana (wisdom) Ganges down. Week after week a number of parcels arrived at Rishikesh railway station. Swamiji's hands were full when he gave books to visitors and sent them to aspirants all over the world. When Sri Kashiramji heard of the speed with which Swamiji was giving the books away, he said: "Let him: it is our duty to fill his shelves with fresh stocks."

Sri Jyotirmayanandaji, who was sent to relieve Narayanandaji from overwork, had to work all day and far into the night correcting proofs.

At the instance of Sri Kashiram Guptaiji, the General Printing Works themselves published the Hindi translations of several of Swamiji's books, including Mind—Its Mysteries and Control, How to Get Vairagya, etcetera

In the meantime the Vigyan Press had been established at Rishikesh itself. It was started with the express wish of serving Swamiji, who gradually diverted all his work to it.

The Mighty Spirit

With Swamiji money went faster than it could come. A financial crisis every year had become a routine feature in the ashram. Swamiji's reaction to this was unchanging: "We can all of us go to the kshetras and live on alms, but the jnana yajna must go on! What if these books and buildings and activities stay or go away? Should you care?

If need be, we must distribute all these books free to people, if they find it difficult to buy them. This is our mission and duty. We, as sadhus, can have our alms at the kshetra any day; else, stretch our open palms before four houses and we get our bhiksha.

That should suffice for a monk." In 1949 the Trustees had even decided that many inmates had to leave the ashram, while those whose services were indispensable and who were willing to stay on, had been told to get ready to go to the kshetra for bhiksha. Swamiji himself said: "Even if I cannot walk, I will come to the kshetra on a tonga: but I should not be exempted from the rule." But the situation mysteriously improved in a couple of days, before the stores ran out completely; and so the proposal was dropped.

Even during this crisis Swamiji stoutly refused to allow the three journals to be stopped or even reduced in size; no one dared even to think of interfering with the printing of books. Swamiji said: “If there is no money for postage we shall keep all the almirahs open and let visitors and pilgrims take whatever they want. At any cost, the jnana yajna must go on.”

Several Tamil books were printed during this period at the Rajah Power Press, Madras, which Swami Paramanandaji had established in Madras to serve Swamiji.

Then came the All-India Tour, and with it more money. The financial crisis was a bad dream and was quickly forgotten. Several people in the ashram worked day and night editing books and sending them to the press.

Sri Devandra Vigyani of the Vigyan Press, Rishikesh, went on increasing his staff and printing capacity to cope with the ever-increasing volume of work which Swamiji entrusted to him. Another small press, the Mishra Press, had come into existence at Rishikesh in the meantime. They were also given a manuscript to print.

The Yoga Vedanta Forest University ^{*} Press

Swami Dayanandaji, Swami Nityanandaji, Swami Satyanandaji and Sri Sivapremji put their heads together and had arrived at the conclusion that the time had come for the ashram to have a press of its own. With the blessings of Swamiji the Mishra Press was purchased and brought over to the ashram on the 20th September, 1951. This great event opened up the era of ceaseless jnana yajna. With a press of his own Swamiji had not the least doubt that the mission enjoyed God's grace. Now he was absolutely free to give as many books as he liked to anybody, in the confidence that the Press would constantly endeavour to replenish the stocks.

Image summary: A black and white photograph showing an elderly person standing in front of a building. To the right of the person, a sign reads THE YOGA VEDANTA FOREST UNIVERSITY PRESS.

It was Dayanandaji who felt that an automatic printing machine would speed up the work. The Lord's grace brought at the same time, the noble and saintly V. Srinivasan (later Swami Sahajananda) to the ashram. The complete attunement of this 'South African Sivananda' with Swamiji worked a wonder. He did not even have to be told: he volunteered to do everything possible to further the mission. He organised a collection drive in South Africa, which enabled the Press to acquire the mur-say-dees Automatic Printing machine, a German Automatic Folding machine and the Intertype machine.

Image summary: A black and white photograph showing a group of people gathered around a large, complex piece of industrial machinery. A man in a dark coat is seated at the controls, operating the machine, while several other men and one woman stand behind and beside him, observing the process.

The mur-say-dees Automatic Printing machine was installed in the Press on the 6th October, 1956; and the Automatic Folding Machine on the 16th November, 1956.

One more section needed mechanisation in order that the press would serve humanity more efficiently. Composing was done by hand and the types used were often old and worn out. This left much to be desired in the matter of printing and get-up. Once again Dayanandaji thought out a scheme and Sri Srinivasan promised help to execute it. The American Intertype machine was installed in the Press on the 4th February 1958.

Sri Pannalal of Amritsar and Sri Mizar Govinda Pai of Mangalore came forward to help the purchase of the first machines. The printing machine had to be powered with the hands and legs of the workers. The turn-out of work was slow. “Ohji! This is all that you can do? Is it only for printing these few pages that you started a press in the ashram?” Swamiji teased. Another and bigger treadle was added to the Press: but that also had to be pedalled by the workers themselves.

Then came the World Parliament of Religions. The occasion gave electricity to the ashram; and the Press thus got its power-supply. Gradually machine after machine got the benefit of the power.

Swamiji had infinite patience and infinite drive, at the same time. He would extol someone as a great karma yogi and declare in the presence of everybody, “You have done enough work; now you deserve rest. Do not come out of your room.

I will myself send all that you need to your room.” Very often almost immediately (or at least very soon) he would inspire that man to plunge himself in more work again. Moreover Swamiji's own example was there before everyone: how could anyone rest on their oars when he showed by example that there was no retirement for a selfless servant? Hence he kept the pressure on the workers of the ashram 'full steam'.

It was not for his sake the work was done: it was for the sake of the spiritual evolution of those engaged in the production of books in the first place, and for the sake of the spiritual evolution of the whole world. This was made abundantly clear by Swamiji every minute. This is the divine attitude with which the selfless workers in the press go about their duties, more efficiently and more ardently than their brothers in other printing houses 'in the world'.

Even the paid staff in the Press were full of the spirit of dedication that Swamiji infused into them. They took a delight in the work and did not regard it as mere bread-winning labour. For instance, in November 1953 the workers volunteered to complete Swami Paramanandaji's book Sivananda: the Apostle of Peace and Love overnight! The entire staff worked day and night on the 24th till the evening of the 25th, and completed the main portion of the book! Such is the love and devotion that Swamiji was able to inspire in the hearts of even those who were not necessarily his disciples.

Swamiji's selection of men for the jobs was an art in itself: and the Press has proved it to be unparalleled. A swami was appointed as the manager, not merely for his managing abilities but with an eye on his sincerity toward the welfare of the mission and its promotion. Even if there was a little loss in this choice it did not matter to Swamiji: it was amply compensated for by the growth of the institution. He did not object to anyone taking reasonable risks. He would, on the contrary, encourage people to try to experiment with their ideas, at his (Swamiji's) cost. This gave the feeling of ownership to the worker, a condition necessary for the rapid growth of any institution. Thus successive managers have been virtual owners of the press for the time being.

Image summary: A black and white photograph depicting several men gathered around a piece of industrial textile machinery, likely a loom, where one man is actively operating the equipment while others observe.

Image summary: A black and white photograph of three men in an indoor setting. One man stands in the center wearing a long, light-colored robe, while another man sits on the floor to the left and a third man sits to the right. They are surrounded by numerous stacks of papers or books, including shelves filled with documents and large piles on the floor and a table.

The institution must grow: the institution must serve — these were the supreme principles. The one who adhered to these principles was considered fit to assume position of any responsibility in the Press, whatever may be his other qualifications. Swamiji's choice of Swami Dayanandaji is an illustration of this. He is keenly interested in the improvement of the Press. He would gladly spend a week on the Delhi railway station platform if he could thus get a good machine or printing paper. Once a machine had been installed and had begun to function, his attention turned to the next improvement that ought to be effected.

Dayanandaji thought of acquiring a flat-bed printing machine: and immediately began to negotiate on his own initiative for its purchase. It was soon installed.

Binding of books was done in the old-fashioned way and it was impossible in the conditions existing then to give section binding for the books. Swamiji himself inspired Dayanandaji, by pointing out the difference between the production of other modern presses and the ashram's. Soon an order went out for a Martini Thread Sewing Machine, which was installed in the month of January, 1955.

Image summary: A black and white photograph showing two men standing behind a large, industrial-looking piece of machinery. One man is in the foreground on the right, while the second man is visible behind him. The machine features a large circular wheel on top and various levers and control surfaces.

Since its inception the Press has brought out books at the rate of three 200 page books per month, on an average. This is in addition to the several journals that the institution is publishing. Books in English, Hindi and Tamil are printed at the Press.

$ ^{*} $ (The word ‘University’ was changed to ‘Academy’ in 1958.)

Swamiji at the keyboard

The automatic printing press

Swamiji with two of the press workers

The new guillotine

Spread of Teachings

More and more people all over the world have obtained knowledge of yoga and vedanta due to the spread of Swamiji's teachings. They practise yoga and enjoy better health, more peace of mind and a greater measure of spiritual felicity. Swamiji loved to give and loved to share his knowledge with all. He expressed it beautifully in a conversation he had with a group of visitors:

Whether we have anything to eat or not, I have been sending books free, all these thirty years. Yet our almirahs are always full. I opened the ayurvedic section in order to support the free literature department.

To poor people I send ayurvedic products worth thousands of rupees free. There is joy in taking for householders, while sannyasins derive pleasure in giving. Giving books, giving medicines — so much service gives me joy, gives me strength. For me the printing of books is the greatest necessity and all other works have a secondary value. Dissemination of knowledge on the widest possible scale is my one thought. Construction, water scheme and every other work can wait.

The world looks to such societies and ashrams as ours for guidance. We should go on with the publication of books and leaflets. The donor will be greatly benefited — through his money he would have served the whole world!

Swamiji said that it is perhaps too much to expect a person living in the modern world, assailed on all sides by distractions and temptations, to develop discrimination and dispassion. He said that even in the case of a person who runs away from failure it is possible to find a spark which could be fanned into a big flame. Sometimes if the spark didn't exist he even ignited it.

One of the methods adopted by him was massive dissemination of spiritual knowledge, which was done in a totally indiscriminate way. He performed indiscriminate charity and undertook indiscriminate dissemination of spiritual knowledge in the hope that one of his pamphlets or books, dropping into the hands of a man at a certain psychological moment, might ignite true aspiration in him. He used to send lots of free books to devotees and non-devotees, and among the recipients of these free books were Sir Winston Churchill (Prime Minister, London, President Truman (Washington) and Marshall Stalin (Moscow).

Once somebody said, “Swamiji, these will never reach those men.”

He replied, “Never mind, they are books, parวeled and addressed to Moscow, London, Washington. They have got to get there. Somebody has got to open them to find out what the parcel contains. He will read them.”

One day there was a letter from New York, which read:

Revered Swamiji, last week I happened to go to a Secondhand Bookshop. Accidently my eyes fell on a book Voice of the Himalayas by Swami Sivananda. I read a few passages from the book. I was thrilled; I purchased it. It has given me a new angle of vision towards life. I find no words to express my gratitude for the transformation you have brought forth in my life. In the most mysterious manner you have instilled in me the thirst to lead the

spiritual life. Kindly accept me as your disciple and guide me.

There was another rather interesting incident. One day an official letter had been received from a government department. On top of it there was the name and address of the head of that department.

Immediately Swamiji autographed a book with, 'May God bless you. With regards, Prem and Om, Sivananda,' and sent it to this address. That man's name was also put on The Divine Life magazine free register. He received the book and a couple of days later a copy of The Divine Life.

Next month again there was the magazine, so he asked his assistant to write a stiff letter to the Divine Life Society saying, “Do not waste time sending these to me, I don't like them. I can't bother to look at them.”

When this letter was received Swamiji said: “He doesn't want? Alright. Take his name off the Magazine Free Register. We don't want to impose a thing upon him.” It looked as though the story was completed there. No. Two years later this man wrote a moving letter:

I received a book from you two years ago. Heaven knows how you got my name and address. At that time I was occupying a position of power and prestige and was so arrogant and haughty that when I received your book I threw it away. A little later I lost my job, my money and everything went wrong. One day I had suicidal thoughts and wandered into my study. Sitting dejected in a depressed mood, I happened to look up and there I saw Sure Ways for Success in Life and God-Realisation. Almost mechanically pulled out the book, opened a page and read 'never despair'. I saw this, and suddenly I remembered that I had received this book two years ago from you and had callously thrown it into the wastepaper basket. My servant who cleaned my room had emptied the basket and thought I might have accidentally dropped that book into the basket; so he took it out, dusted it and put it on the shelf without my knowledge. So I am thankful to him and I am thankful to you. That book saved my life.

He picked up the threads of what was left and made a success of his life.

That was Swamiji's method. Only a few of the thousands and thousands of people who received books, pamphlets and magazines from him would have made use of them in this manner, but one might strike a sympathetic cord in the heart of somebody, somewhere, at sometime.

People wondered how Swamiji found time to write when he was so busy with the management of the Divine Life Society, maintaining the ashram and training disciples. Several of them even asked Swamiji himself. Swamiji revealed that regularity was the secret of his success: "Every day I must write for some time: and whatever he the other preoccupations, I don't neglect the writing work," he said. He had done this for nearly forty years. At about twelve o'clock he would go back to his kutir to have his mid-day meal, after which he took a little rest and sat again for writing.

This is one of the secrets of his successive voluminous production. He could switch on and off any compartment of his brain. As the 'writing-hour' approached, the organisational part of his brain would be shut off and the writing part switched on. Inspiring thoughts were there, ready to gush forth.

When the writing-hour was over the mind was at once applied to some other department of service. The ease with which this change-over was made and the thoroughness with which it was effected was amazing.

Are you all keeping a notebook to record your thoughts? First of all you should note down in this book all the new things that you learn in the class. Then there are parallel ideas that might strike you, or ideas arising from those expressed by others in the class.

These may be new, novel and unknown to others. These should at once be noted down. There is one special advantage in this. First you will hear some good points. Then you will go on thinking about them. These will give rise to other good points in you. When you start noting them down, they will grow.

This will become a habit with you. You will always dwell on sublime thoughts. The mind will refuse to come down, even if invited to. This is savana-mananandidhyasana! (Listening, reflection, profound meditation.)

During the ‘writing hour’

Physical, Mental and Moral Welfare

Swamiji was convinced that religion cannot be forced upon gnawing stomachs and naked backs. He made up his mind, therefore, that his works should aim at the achievement of the physical, mental and moral welfare of humanity as a necessary preliminary to spiritual illumination. After appearing to listen to the most sublime discourse on Brahman a person with a toothache will only ask, “In the name of that Infinite Almighty of yours, please tell me how to stop my toothache first.” So Swamiji's books have necessarily come to be an all-comprehensive, instructive and guiding literature in themselves. Swamiji's knowledge of the subjects was well-nigh encyclopaedic and his writings are something of the nature of a complete compendium of important information, practical instruction and inspiration. Thus the result has been a wide variety of books like Sure Ways for Success in Life; Students' Success in Life; Sthree Dharma; Family Doctor; Yoga in Daily Life; Vedanta in Daily Life; Essence of Gita in Poems; Inspiring Messages; Mind, Its Mysteries and Control; Easy Steps to Yoga; etcetera Each book has a peculiar distinctive feature of its own and appeals to persons of different tastes, as well as suiting the natures and meeting the needs of all kinds of people.

Fully aware of the paramount importance of good health and a sound body in attempting to do anything, Swamiji brought out a very helpful practical text book, Yoga Asanas. He pointed out clearly that the foremost duty of everyone is the preservation of one's health and the acquisition of a strong body, be it with a view of getting on in the world or for spiritual sadhana. Health is at the basis of all achievement. Through three other books — Practice of Brahmacharya, Hatha Yoga and Yogic Home Exercises — lasting contribution has been made towards awakening health-consciousness in people, especially among the student population.

Till then, asanas, pranayama etcetera, had only been dealt with in their yogic aspect as angas (limbs) of Patanjali Maharishi's ashtanga yoga. Now, thanks to the rational approach set up by Swamiji's books, asanas and allied exercises have come to be accepted as a safe and sure means of getting and keeping good health and a sound, diseaseless physique. They are no longer something meant exclusively for the ash-smeared and matted-haired yogi, but for all health seekers in village, town and city, young and old alike. The Family Doctor may also be classed under the books mentioned above, as it aims at the improvement and preservation of the health and strength of the nation.

Swamiji has touched on the proper training of mental faculties and the culture of ethical thought in most of his works. He has particularly dealt with it in Mind, Its Mysteries and Control and Practice of Yoga volume 2. Moreover, the first and the fifth chapters of Sure Ways for Success in Life are chiefly concerned with the subject of mental culture. After going through these books a reader writes to say, “I can with confidence say that three of his (Swamiji's) books Mind, Its Mysteries and Control, Sure Ways for Success in Life, and The Practice of Bhakti Yoga, are masterpiece productions. They are worth more than their weight in gold, and should be read by all aspirants, whether they aspire for fame, mammon or God-realisation.”

The spiritual aspect is at once everywhere evident. It runs as the invariable underlying note in all Swamiji's works, from the major books to the smallest single-sheet leaflet.

In the traditional manner, Swamiji had taken up the four main methods of realisation and dealt with them in a comprehensive way. These four paths may be said to represent the last word in the deep research and discovery of the ancient sages, given to all humanity for all times. His books The Practice of Karma Yoga, Practice of Bhakti Yoga, Practice of Vedanta, Raja Yoga and Kundalini Yoga are such that they have a permanent place in the world of today, and surely will continue to do great good to future generations also.

Each work is a complete text book upon one of the four main paths of attainment, and Swamiji has taken such pains over them that an aspirant gets from the book everything necessary for the practice of the particular yoga from start to finish. They enable the aspirant to strive in right earnest, independent of any other book or scripture. In fact each work constitutes a scripture par excellence in itself, containing as it does the pith and kernel of the original work on the subject, plus (and this is infinitely more important) the very quintessence of Swamiji's own personal findings in that line. The latter are present in the form of suggestions, valuable hints and practical helpful instructions.

Having systematically dealt with the four fundamental methods of spiritual realisation, Swamiji later enlarged upon each of them with extra detail and new points of view through a number of works complimentary to the main books. Thus Practice of Vedanta is supplemented by Vedanta in Daily Life and Dialogues from the Upanishads; while Practice of Bhakti Yoga is followed by Bhakti and Sankirtan and Inspiring Songs and Kirtans. Raja Yoga has Hatha Yoga and Science of Pranayama as logical additions to it. The Practice of Karma Yoga has a companion volume, Yoga in Daily Life, which treats of living a life of the spirit while being in the world amidst various works, duties and activities.

After giving us these solid works on sadhana, Swamiji took up the three main authoritative sources upon which all the theory of Hinduism is based: The Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras. These are not intended to be learned brochures for the critical study of the scholar and the pundit, but have been written with the aim of enabling laymen to have access to these scriptures.

The Puranas, the store-house of Indian culture, received Swamiji's attention next. In Lord Krishna — His Lilas and Teachings, the central teaching of the sacred Bhagavatam, the substance of the wonderful discourse between the Lord and Uddhava, has been brought out most beautifully. The spirit of the Bhagavatam is presented in telling language, fresh, pure and sublime in its simplicity. The essential teachings of the immortal work of Valmiki once more appear afresh in the pages of The Essence of Ramayana to immediately inspire and elevate the reader. Yet another book, Stories from the Mahabharata, contains all the highest philosophical and moral teachings of that sacred book. It gives in addition, rousing accounts of the heroic lives of the great warriors and their mighty deeds of superhuman valour, unforgettable compassion, courage, self-sacrifice and loyalty.

Swamiji has collected the cream of the Vedas, the Srutis, the Puranas and other scriptures of all religions, and presented it for the ready consumption of everyone on earth. With a beautiful collection of choice Sanskrit hymns published under the name of Stotra Ratnamala, a faithful translation with commentary of Sri Sankara's Ananda Lahari, and a book of selected stories from the Yoga Vasistha giving out the philosophy of that deeply thought-provoking work, Swamiji has more or less covered all the salient features of Hindu philosophy, Hindu scriptures and the four main sadhanas.

With manuscripts of some of his books

Swamiji receives the first copies of a new book

The Sivananda Literature Research Institute

The volume and wealth of Sivananda Literature had grown beyond anyone's expectations. Swamiji had an impatient hand, and could not wait to give. Once when there was the offer by a devotee to donate for building a kutir at the asham, Swamiji said: "Ask him to send the money at once: when a good thought occurs, it must be fulfilled at once. Charity should not wait even a moment. We do not know what the mischievous mind will do the next moment. When you want to give anything in charity, then give it at once." That was the essence of his life and his achievement, and it was the secret of his success, his popularity and his divinity.

But in the matter of the literature it created a peculiar situation. Whenever Swamiji got an extraordinary idea (granting that, according to him all the rest were ordinary!) he had to (in his own words) let it 'go seven times round the world'. It had to find a place in all the journals and had to be sent to all the newspapers which published his articles; and in order that the matter should not be lost it had to be recorded in a book — any book which may have been in the press at that time.

Thus many articles were added to the end and at the beginning of books which may not have had a direct bearing on the subject. To the spiritual aspirant they are all welcome. He derives inspiration from them, whatever the title of the book may be, but it is material which would have a place in other books.

Even so, the body matter of the numerous 'sayings' or 'poems' books can be regrouped and re-edited so that Swamiji's philosophy and teachings may be viewed from different angles and interpreted for the benefit of different sections of the people. Hence on the occasion of the 72nd Birthday of Swamiji (8th September, 1958) the Sivananda Literature Research Institute was formed. The notification announcing this, reads thus:

Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj has contributed to world spiritual literature as perhaps no other individual philosopher-saint has done. In all of his nearly 300 books he has poured out the wisdom of an illuminated soul.

The uniqueness of Sri Swamiji's writings has been acclaimed to be the freedom that he allows each individual seeker to pursue the path he is best fitted for, while emphasizing the need for an integration of his personality by harmonising the head, the heart and the hand. Sri Swamiji has rediscovered the various paths to Godhead, and flooded them with the light of his own realisation.

The Sivananda Literature today has grown into a vast ocean of wisdom. The need is therefore felt for conducting research into it, with a view to obtaining cogent expositions of Sri Swamiji's philosophy and teachings.

One major work of this institute is Sadhana, which consists of all the sadhanas detailed in Swamiji's books.

Translations

Enthusiastic disciples of Swamiji came forward even as early as 1939 to translate his writings into the different Indian languages — Hindi, Marathi, Telegu, Tamil, Malayalam, Oriya, Urdu, Kanarese, Gugerati, Assamese and Gurmukhi.*

There were very few foreign translations prior to 1953: only a couple of books in French and German translated through Sri Jean Herbert of Geneva and a few others cyclostyled for private circulation and produced by the dynamic and devout members of the Latvian branches of the Divine Life Society, headed by Sri Yogiraj Harry Dickman. However, in 1953 Sri Swami Paramanandaji wanted to take Swamiji on a global tour. The tentative programme was announced in a book which pictorially described Swamiji's All-India Tour of 1950. Letters began pouring into the ashram inviting Swamiji to various places all over the world. In order to prepare the ground Paramanandaji suggested the translation and publication of some of Swamiji's works in the various world languages. Publishers eagerly came forward to do this. Books were translated into Spanish, Danish, French, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Yugoslavian and Czechoslovakian.*

The Global Tour had to be cancelled on account of Swamiji's indifferent health: but Swamiji's teachings had actually gone round the world.

The Sivananda Literature Dissemination Committee

The translators and those who would sponsor the publications chose the books they liked and released them. Swamiji authorised anyone, who expressed the desire, to undertake the translation; and in 1959 in order to regularise this great work the 'Sivananda Literature Dissemination Committee' was formed.

Soon after the 73rd Birthday Celebration (8th September, 1959) at Sivananda Nagar, the Committee met there and framed the rules which would govern its functioning, and also selected the first set of books to be published under the auspices of this scheme. It was decided that specified books should be printed and released in all the languages on the 26th January (Independence Day) and on Guru Purnima.

$ ^{*} $ See Appendix

Journals

Among publications, Swamiji had a special liking for the periodical: there is a very good reason for this. Whereas books may lie in stock for a considerable time, the periodical is sent out immediately. The widest circle of readers is reached almost at the same time by the journal: and the recipient (on account of the newspaper-reading habit, perhaps!) goes through the journal at once, whereas he might postpone reading a book to a day of leisure. It is this conviction that made Swamiji conduct a health magazine early in his career as a doctor, though publishing all the articles in book-form might have brought a better return and greater popularity.

Even among magazines, Swamiji liked the weekly. He felt that the bombardment with spiritual thoughts must be continuous and unremitting, if the forces of evil are to be rooted out. Therefore even during the Swarg Ashram days he inspired some devotees in Meerut to conduct a weekly journal — Swadharma. Swamiji himself was its editor. The first number of the journal was published in June 1935. Later, he edited another journal — Sankirtan — and had it published by the devotees in Meerut.

The Divine Life magazine was born in September, 1938, less than two years after the Society itself had been registered, and when the Society was still in its infancy and its finances slender.

For the inaugural issue of the magazine Swamiji gave the following message, which reveals his view-point:

There are now very few spiritual journals in the whole world. The world is in need of many high-class journals. Then only can spiritual ideas be widely broadcast. People are thirsting for spiritual ideas and contact with evolved souls. The materialistic world also is tired of money and power. They do not find any solace there. They are slowly directing their attention towards the quest for God and the search for mahatmas.

Up to July 1939 the Journal was issued from Lahore. The printing was done at the Mercantile Press, Lahore, by Swami Paramanandaji, and later by Sri Nijabodha, till the Hindu-Muslim riots made it imperative that the work be taken out of Pakistan. The magazine was then shifted to Calcutta (General Printing Press), where it was printed from April 1948 to 1954. After that its publication was taken over by the Sivananda Publication League, Rishikesh. Swamiji himself was its first editor.

The magazine fulfilled a long-felt need. With the rapid growth of the institution Swamiji had begun to feel that the older way of 'leaflet-distribution' was inadequate. Something must be sent regularly to all those who were in contact with him: and it must be something substantial. With the advent of the magazine, visitors to the ashram got a copy of the magazine, instead of a leaflet.

In addition to this, the members of the Society were getting regular despatches of 'free literature', pamphlets and leaflets that the Society or the branches or individual devotees published. In 1949 this despatch was converted into The Divine Life Membership Supplement. (It was renamed Wisdom Light in April 1950.) The first issue of this supplement appeared on the 15th January 1949 and was sent to all the members of the Society and others who specially subscribed for it.

The enthusiasm of the selfless workers in the ashram, which was manifest in the efficient way in which the Membership Supplement was conducted, opened up the way for the entry of more journals. Swamiji then started the Divine Life Forest University Weekly on the 8th September, 1949. (Renamed Yoga-Vedanta Forest University Weekly from 3rd August, 1950: and the word 'University' was substituted with 'Academy' in September, 1958.) For a couple of months it was cyclostyled; then the printing was entrusted to a printer in Mussoorie, who later shifted the press to Dehra Dun. After the establishment of the Vigyan Press, Rishikesh, it was shifted there: and since the establishment of the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy Press the work was done at the ashram.

Being always interested in promoting the physical and mental health of the people, Swamiji started a health journal. Health and Long Life was born on Swamiji's birthday, 8th September, 1951.

The Divine Life originally carried a Hindi section. Since this had to be discontinued on account of scarcity of paper during the war years, Swamiji felt the need of a Hindi magazine. The Yoga Vedanta (a Hindi monthly) was started in July, 1951. A Hindi health magazine (Arogya Jivan) was started on 8th September, 1951, but was later incorporated in Yoga-Vedanta itself.

Swamiji was now satisfied, to some extent!

To give better publicity to the activities of the Divine Life Branches, the Branch Gazette was started on 15th January, 1952. These were the journals conducted by the headquarters. There are many branches who publish their own journals. Foremost among them is the Gujerati journal published by Dr. Adhvaryoo's Brihat Gujerat Divya Jivan Mandal; Path to God-Realisation published by Sri Swami Sivananda-Sahajananda of Durban (South Africa); Synthese Universal published in French by Sri Sivananda-Margarita of European Divine Life Society, etcetera Thus did Swamiji's Divine Life message spread to every nook and corner of the globe.

In the running of the journals Swamiji never concerned himself with the profit and loss accounts. Free distribution was his ideal and goal: if some people subscribed to the journals, he regarded it as their charity. This attitude on his part was made abundantly clear by what he said on the 26th November 1949, when there was a suggestion from one of the well-wishers of the Society that the magazine might be suspended for a year or two till the financial position of the Society improved:

I cannot think of stopping a magazine, whatever be the loss. Actually, I am thinking of starting a few more! It does not matter if we incur a little loss in the beginning.

How much knowledge we give the public. God will give us money when He thinks fit. We have to go on working. If today we are getting over R.s.10,000 a month, it is due to God's grace and the work that we did ten years ago.

The effect of the increased volume of work that we have undertaken today will be seen after ten years. Money is pouring forth now. Later on, gold will flow into the Society as from an ocean. I have therefore told nuh-rah-yun to go on sending sample copies of the magazine to every address he can lay his hands on. The Weekly is simply stirring people today.

People do not have the power of sustenance to keep up spiritual thoughts in their mind amidst the din and bustle of day-to-day city-existence: the Weekly serves them nicely. Every week it re-awakens them. Every day you should send specimen copies to ten or fifteen people.

Keep on sending free. Serve, serve, serve. Serve motivelessly. God will reward you in due time.

Epilogue

Once a good friend of Swamiji, Mussoorie Shamshere, paid a visit to the ashram. In fact, he came regularly on three or four evenings, staying for several hours at a time. He was from a prominent cultured Nepalese family, very well educated and a most charming and interesting person. He was a shrewd judge of character, and, being both intelligent and endowed with a keen and ready sense of humour, he made an entertaining conversationalist.

Once while Swamiji was taking him over to the newly constructed temple, Mussoorie suddenly stopped and, looking at Swamiji, said: "Swamiji, I can't make out who you are and what exactly you are; whether a jnani, a raja yogi, a bhakta, a karma yogi or a sankirtanist. Usually a sadhu is known to people as Swami So-and-so, the great bhakta — or the well-known jnani or the famous hatha yogi. However, you seem to be no particular thing, yet you are all these. You are the most dynamic karma yogi also.

U.P. and Punjab have hailed you as a great Sankirtanist. You are perfectly familiar with every line of yoga and equally at home with each of them. You are a puzzle," and he shook his head with mock dismay and smiled. After some time, he added thoughtfully: "Swamiji I don't know how you feel about it, but when I survey the results achieved by your activity within this last decade or so, I personally feel that you have done what is humanly impossible for one man to do."

Last Days

“All who want sannyas should take initiation on the next Sivaratri day.” This pronouncement was made by Swamiji at an evening satsang early in 1963. In view of his repeated references in recent years to his mahasamadhi, many saw this unbounded invitation as a sign of his imminent passing — particularly when he added “Who knows what may happen next Sivaratri?”

Swamiji, who had always kept spending and giving, and teaching his disciples and residents of the ashram to trust in God and to give and give and give, suddenly began to manifest a different attitude. He started an economy drive — a thing unheard of for him — slashing ashram expenditure and talking of taking more care.

On several occasions during May and June he asked different people to bring him a calendar. Once, as he was looking at July, a disciple asked why, and he received the reply “You don't know.”

Early in May Swamiji began a rigorous session of tape-recordings. Each morning he would read from his books and printed sheets, forcefully and inspiringly — his voice ringing with authority and sincerity — while a disciple recorded. He did this for hours, unmindful of the strain. Every few days he would ask “How much matter have I given?” or, “How long will it run?” Once during these sessions he said “The sight is getting dim; take whatever you want now.

The hearing is getting dull; tell whatever you want to tell, now itself. The tongue is getting inarticulate; ask whatever you want to ask.”

At this time he also wrote many articles for journals. He had always regularly contributed articles to journals, but he seemed to be sending out all that he could in this period.

On the 21st June he developed pain in his hip, and on this rare occasion did not attend the satsang. The next day he could not go to the ashram office, but attended to business from his kutir. At night the pain grew more intense, and the following morning he came out on to his verandah to see the mail, and insisted on continuing to tape-record the day's quota of spiritual reading.

He gave a little dictation, but retired early. The pain worsened.

On a subsequent day, despite illness, Sivananda began dictating as usual. After a few sentences he said quietly, “Happiness comes when the individual merges in God.” There was a long pause. Then asked if he would continue, he said strongly in Tamil “Perum!” (Enough!).

'Happiness comes when the individual merges in God,' was the last recorded message of Swami Sivananda.

A doctor from Dehru Dun, on examining Swamiji, said: “Swamiji you should not worry about anything. You should not think about anything.” Quietly and lovingly came the reply: “How can that be possible? I must think of many things, I must look after many people.”

It was always Swamiji's way, whenever anyone enquired about his health, to reply "Most wonderful" — and during this period whenever he was asked, a smile would play around his lips as he replied, "I am perfectly alright".

During this period Swamiji was not seeing any visitors and no one was allowed into his kutir, but from July 6th his condition started to improve so that on July 8th he was wheeled onto his verandah and once again visitors were allowed to go to him. He had the doors of his verandah kept open so that he could gaze upon his beloved Ganges.

Despite physical suffering he was never dejected, his spirit was ever joyful and he would joke with his attendants. All who went near him during his last illness felt his irresistible love flowing out and encompassing them.

On the evening of July 14th he developed a fever. For some time he had difficulty in swallowing even a few mouthfuls of water. His disciples wanted to give him barley water, as was the usual practice, but he insisted on Ganges water. It was brought to him and he had no difficulty in swallowing half a glassful: and with that he departed from the body. It was 11 15 PM

Close to midnight there was an unparalleled and auspicious planetary conjunction that any yogi ready to depart would not wish to miss. It was at this time that Swamiji chose to depart.

Swamiji's body was placed in the lotus posture. Dazed and tearful disciples and devotees softly chanted the maha mantra on the verandah of his kutir, while one by one the ashram inmates went in, to bow before the beloved form in silence.

The next morning, through the newspapers and radio, the world learnt of the mahasamadhi of this great saint. Messages of sympathy and condolence from all over the world kept the post office working at full pressure. The residents of Rishikesh streamed into the ashram. All the following day and far into the night devotees came from everywhere for the last darshan.

On Tuesday, July 16, there was barely room to stand on the Ganges bank adjacent to the ashram. Everywhere crowds gathered to catch a final glimpse of the beloved form of Swami Sivananda.

At 10.30 a.m., borne by his personal attendants, the bier moved out of the kutir as conches were blown and bells chimed. To the sound of vedic chanting, slowly and with great care the holy form of Swami Sivananda was borne towards the Ganges, where it was ceremoniously bathed. It was then placed on a palanquin filled with flowers and borne in procession to the ashram area on the Viswanath Mandir hill. Arati was performed.

To the recitation of holy mantras, Swamiji's body was taken in and tenderly placed in the samadhi shrine — its final resting place.

Tributes came from all over the world. Swami Venkatesananda perhaps spoke for all close disciples when he wrote from Mauritius:

So the ringing voice is silent. The majestic form has vanished. We shall no more see the gigantic figure clad in orange, shod in canvas shoes, stride with measured long steps, bags in hand, ready to distribute fruits, wisdom and work to us, his beloved children. That child-like giggling, with the big tummy quaking with convulsions of joy — a laughter so wholesome that tears of joy bedimmed the sparkling eyes; a laughter that radiated the bliss of God to all — can be heard no more.

The end is perhaps shocking. But that is not the end. It is a beginning. The Builder worked outside: he was on view. He created an inside, and he has entered it. Now he works inside, out of external view, but more truly and purposefully active, therefore. Gurudev has moulded us, given shape to shapeless masses, laid stone upon stone in us and built a shrine, entered it and is now busy at work in there.

Appendix

A Garland of Sivananda Literature

(This beautiful garland, delightful and instructive, has been woven out of the titles of Swamiji's numerous works.)

Titles of Swamiji's works are printed in this type. (For the complete list of works, see Sivananda's Elixir.)

Now listen to the Sivananda Vani! Sivananda's Teachings, the cream of Philosophy and Yoga!

Words of Ancient Wisdom or the Sayings of Swami Sivananda are Wisdom Sparks, the Illuminating Messages which provide you with Religious Education.

“Achieve the Life's Goal” So Says Sivananda. The Heart of Sivananda is revealed in his Satsang Bhavan Lectures. He gives Sure Ways for Success in Life and God-realisation in his Voice of the Himalayas. The Goal of Life, he declares, is God-realisation or Self-realisation. The Secret of God-realisation he gives in Aphorisms and Parables. Worldly Man! Wake up! Follow the Guide to God-realisation. Listen to his Gospel of Divine Life. Enter in Yoga Maharava. Reach the Himalaya Jyoti.

Drink the Wisdom Nectar. Practice of Bhakti Yoga, Japa Yoga, Sankirtan Yoga, Practice of Karma Yoga, Hatha Yoga and The Practice of Brahmacharya, are all Aids to God-realisation. But, How to Get Vairagya? Understand The Philosophy of Dreams. Reflect over What Becomes of the Soul after Death. Sing Sangeeta Bhagawath. Study Samadhi Yoga. Practise Jnana Yoga. Know the Secret of Self-Realisation. Offer your Divine Life as Shraddhanjali unto the Lord. This is the Easy Path to God-realisation.

Ensure Health and Happiness by the regular practice of Yoga Asanas or Yogic Home Exercises. Understand well the Science of Pranayama.

Be your own Family Doctor. Study Health and Hygiene; learn Home Nursing and First Aid to the Injured; understand the relation between Health and Diet; and use Bazaar Drugs and Home Remedies: thus become your own Home Physician.

Become an expert in the Practice of Nature Cure and in the use of Practical Household Remedies: and you will know everything about Constipation (Its Cause and Cure), Asthma (Its Cause and Cure), etcetera

Take Care of the Eyes.

If you know How to Get Sound Sleep and have Conquest of Anger and Conquest of Fear, you will be free from high Blood Pressure.

Stick to the Ethics of the Bhagavad Gita. Gita is the Universal Mother. It is Adhyatma Yoga Samhita.

The Essence of Ramayana, too, is the Ethical Teachings contained in it! The Beauties of Ramayana can be understood only by one who believes that God Exists and who is eager to know All About Hinduism. To him it is a Treasure of Teachings.

Wear a garland of Pearls of Wisdom or Perennial Teachings. Remember the Moral Lessons of saints (Sivananda Smriti). They are fountains of Light, Power and Wisdom.

Brahmacharya and Spiritual Life are inseparable. Therefore, practise brahmacharya and know How to Live a Hundred Years. Swamiji emphasised the Necessity for Sannyas and exhorted us to cultivate Sadhana Chatushtaya.

Before undertaking the Practice of Yoga, understand the Mind, Its Mysteries and Control. Wear the Vairagya Mala and swim on the Waves of Ganga, the Waves of Bliss. Study daily the Yoga Kundalini Upanishads; practise Kundalini Yoga and attain Yoga and Realisation. Kundalini Yoga gives several Spiritual Experiences, Joy, Bliss and Immortality, as well as Health and Long Life.

Raja Yoga bestows Psychic Influence on you. Therefore, study the Fourteen Lessons in Raja Yoga and know the Philosophy and Meditation on Om. Have Daily Readings of a page from Gita Meditations before your morning practice of Concentration and Meditation. The Jnana Jyoti will illumine your Path to Perfection. Sivananda Upanishad is good for Practical Meditation.

A thorough understanding of the Science of Reality will ensure the Students' Success in Life. Swamiji's Lectures on Yoga and Vedanta are the Sadhak's Guide. They are Easy Steps to Yoga and contain The Essence of Vedanta. Sivananda's All-India Tour Lectures, Radio Talks and Doon Lectures, Echo the Voice of Sivananda and have effected a Dynamic Spiritual Awakening, we are assured in his "Story of My Tour". His Inspiring Messages have gone round the world. His Telegraphic Teachings have thrilled thousands. His First Lessons in Vedanta represent the Essence of Teachings of all sages. Siva Gita or Sivananda's Autobiography reveals the Wisdom of Siva and gives Yogic and Vedantic Sadhana in a nutshell. The Principal Upanishads (including Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and Chhandogya Upanishad), Minor Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, Moksha Gita, Ananda Gita and Jivanmukta Gita, throw a flood of Light on Yoga Sadhana. Ten Upanishads is Vedanta Jyoti: it is A Wisdom Eye-opener.

Through Revelation, attain Wisdom of the Upanishads; then work for World Peace.

If you want to taste the Bhakti Rasamritam (Essence of Bhakti Yoga), take to Bhakti and Sankirtan, recite Stotra Ratnamala, Stotra Pancharatna, Sangita Lila Yoga, Ananda Lahiri and Devi Mahatmya, and emulate Radha's Prem or St. Alavandar. Recognise Music as Yoga; sing Inspiring Songs and Kirtans before your Daily Meditation.

The Lives of Great Men and Women are the Light Divine that illumine your Path to God-realisation, leading to Peace and Perfection. The Lives of Sixty-three Nayanars are not merely Illuminating Stories, but an illustration of Narada Bhakti Sutras: and their illuminating, immortal teachings are so many Steps to Self-realisation.

Visit the Ashrams and Saints as also the Temples of India; undertake a Pilgrimage to Badri and Kailas. Carry a Pocket Prayer Book wherever you go. Be devoted to Lord Siva and His Worship, or to Lord Shanmukha and His Worship.

Swamiji's Advice to Women is that they should grow into Ideal Womanhood and should be familiar with Hindu Fasts and Festivals. They should prescribe Divine Life for Children, teach their children Gems of Prayers, Divine Stories, Spiritual Stories and Philosophical Stories. Early in life the children should be given Spiritual Lessons and Practical Lessons in Yoga. The Lives of Saints and Sages should be their ideal. This is Three Dharma, in short. Bequeath Yoga Teachings as your Children's Divine Treasure.

Hindu children should be taught all about Lord Krishna: His Lilas and Teachings. Christian children should be acquainted with Lord Jesus, His Life and Teachings. Education For Perfection must teach students How to Cultivate Virtues and Eradicate Vices, not only How to Become Rich; and should tend towards Moral and Spiritual Regeneration of the World.

The Yoga of Synthesis is the Yoga for the Modern Man. Narrate Siva Lilas, Stories from Mahabharata, Stories From Yoga Vasishtha. Hold classes in Upanishads for Lay Men and Busy People. Keep The Yoga-Vedanta Dictionary by your side. Discourse on Bhagavad Gita. Initiate only fit people into Swara Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Nada Yoga and Kriya Yoga. Teach Suryanamaskar to all. Practise and preach Triple Yoga. Enact the Upanishad Drama or Brahma Vidya Vilas — get the Dialogues from Upanishads. When you teach Vedanta for Beginners, emphasise Vedanta in Daily Life. Daily offer Pushpanjali to Mother Ganges.

Let your Conversations be on Yoga. Mix (Wisdom) Philosophy in Humour. Write Essays in Philosophy. Get by heart The Essence of all Gitas or The Essence of Gita in Poems. They contain the Essence of Yoga. Enact the Ramayana Drama. You will soon be An Encyclopaedia of Spiritual Knowledge. Dhyana Yoga is the Yoga for the West. Take to Studies in Western Philosophy and know How Westerners Practise Yoga. Study the fundamentals of World's Religions and realise the Unity of Religions.

Maharishi Sivananda's Yoga-Vedanta Sutras point out the Life Divine and are your Spiritual Awakener(s) and Life-transformer(s). Inspiring Letters that Transform men's lives have flowed from Swamiji as his Jnana Ganga, to Alavandariah, Gajanan Sharma, DR. Chhatrapati and Paramananda. They contain the Philosophy and Teachings of Sivananda; and are a valuable Guide to Aspirants, in the Practice of Vedanta. The Sayings of Swami Sivananda are his Select Teachings — our Pocket Gems or Vedantic Pearls.

Yoga Prasnotti means Yoga, Questions and Answers. These Analects of Sivananda are Nectar Drops, which contain the Essence of Principal Upanishads and lead to Self-knowledge. These are Swamiji's Precepts for Practice; his Message to Mankind.

Books Published Abroad

English Editions:

Yoga for the West.

Published by Senior. Yogiraj Marshall, Florida.

What Becomes of the Soul After Death, Concentration and Meditation.

Published by the Divine Life Society, Yoga Institute, Hong Kong.

Indonesian:

Kundalini Yoga, Yoga Asanas, Bhagavad Gita, Sehat Walafiat Karena Yoga Begitulah Sivananda Bilang.

Translated by Sri Kwee Liong Tian.

Published by the Editor of Penjedar, Malaya, Indonesia. Nos. 5 and 4 published by the Divine Life Society, Indonesia.

Chinese:

Kundalini Yoga.

Translated by Sri Chang Hsiu Jen.

Published by Sri Wai Kai Aah of Hong Kong.

Japanese:

Yoga Asanas.

Published by T. Hate, Japan.

Russian:

Five books translated and published by Sri Yogiraj V. Olshansky of Teheran — compiled by him from Swamiji's works.

Yugoslavian:

Ovo Djelo Ponizno Posvecujem.

Danish:

Hatha Yoga.

Published by Yogiraj Louis Brinkfort, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Hvad er Yoga.

Translated by Sri Aage Faergemann and published by the Sivananda School of Yoga, Denmark.

Czechoslovakian:

Sivananda's Integral Yoga, by Swami Venkatesananda, Guru and Disciple (compiled by Sri Swami Satchidananda).

All World Religions' Federation

(a). The name of the organisation, whose aims and objects are given below, shall be the All World Religions' Federation.

(b). Its headquarters shall be Ananda Kutir, Rishikesh.

(c). Its aims and objects are as mentioned hereunder:

1. To establish the much needed unity of religions.

2. To do constructive work for the observance in practice of all the ethical and hygienic teaching found in all the prominent religions of the world.

3. To re-establish faith in unchanging ancient truths and preserve ancient traditions in so far as they are not incompatible with modern conditions of life.

4. To develop simplicity in life.

5. To re-model education, to make it an aid to spiritual progress.

6. To preserve the classical languages and revive a taste in them so that all scriptures may be studied in the original.

7. To organise and hold periodical conferences at different centres.

8. To institute local branches in different centres all over the world.

9. To publish magazines, books and leaflets for carrying out the objects of the Federation.

10. To constitute local committees in the various branches.

11. To organise a touring commission in the various branches.

12. To build up a library.

13. To establish a central Administration Committee at the headquarters to be ever in communication with the branches. 14. To constitute an advisory board consisting of members living in different geographical areas but offering advice, in all matters pertaining to the Federation, by correspondence. There need not be a limit to the number of members.

15. To publish monthly progress reports and send them to all active members of the Federation, for information about the activities of the branches all over the world.

16. To do any other act which may be pertinent to the aims and objects of the Federation.

Table summary: A spiritual diary designed for daily tracking across a month. The layout consists of 27 specific questions used for self-monitoring spiritual and moral conduct, focusing on daily habits, spiritual practices, and ethical failings. Key tracked activities include wake-up and sleep times, duration of kirtan and meditation, the number of japa malas and Gita verses read, and time spent in satsanga or unselfish service. The diary also prompts the user to record negative behaviors, such as the number of lies told, instances of anger, time spent in useless company, and failures in celibacy or evil habits, including any associated self-punishment. Finally, it tracks personal growth through questions on virtue development, the eradication of evil qualities, and the identification of troubling sense-organs.

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Signature _ _

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