Atmeeyam : ( 22/10/2012. )

Opinion 31/01/2016. 195. Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-11 : - Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 11. THE FOUR STAGES :- What has your ancient culture to tell about youth and student life? Your ancient culture has divided man’s life into four stages and given them the name Ashrama’. Four Ashramas—what is this Ashrama Dharma? In each stage there are certain ideals and principles laid down, and that is the Dharma of that particular Ashrama. The fourth—the last Ashrama is Sannyasa Ashrama. At the end of life, Ashrama is Vana prastha Ashrama.  After having fulfilled the duties

28- Vara Lakshmi Vrata-1.     LORD SHIVA describes the glory of this Vrata in the Skanda Purana. It is performed by a woman whose husband is still living. Maha Lakshmi is the abode of all auspiciousness and prosperity. This worship of Maha Lakshmi is done to obtain good progeny, and for the health and long life of the husband.     The Vrata is observed on the Friday immediately preceding the full moon day of the month of Sravan (August-September). After a purificatory bath, the lady should put on a clean, fresh cloth and make a mandala with the drawing of a lotus upon it. A kalasha filled with rice and topped with fresh mango leaves, a coconut and cloth are placed on the mandala and Lakshmi is invoked therein. Fresh grains are used in the worship as they convey the idea of growth and prosperity. After the worship of the kalasha, follows the worship of Ganesha, then the worship of the raksha or the sacred thread. Now the main worship of Vara Lakshmi

Opinion 30/01/2016. 194 Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-10 : - Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 10. LEARN YOUR CULTURE : - BE PROUD TO BE A BHARATIYA - Any person who is a Bharatiya should know that his culture is a rich culture. It is full of idealism. There are many great things to learn and copy for which western people come here. Therefore better learn your culture. Better find out the rich, noble qualities of your culture and be proud that you are a Bharatiya. Cultivate for yourself a Bharatiya life style, and that Bharatiya life style is what I have just now described to

27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.1.7 1. Benefits of Fasting-7. When Durvasa returned from his bath, he knew exactly what had happened, and was angry. He tore a hair from his tuft and charged it to kill Ambarisha. The king was unmoved. The discus of Lord Vishnu destroyed the power of the hair of Durvasa. It now followed the Rishi wherever he went and tried to destroy him.     Rishi Durvasa went to Brahma and Shiva for help, but to no avail. He went to Lord Hari who said to him, “I am dependent on My devotees. My heart is in the possession of My devotees. Go thou, therefore, to Ambarisha; beg his pardon and thou shalt be saved.”     Ambarish thereupon prayed to the charged hair to desist from its course, and saved the Rishi. Durvasa thanked him from the bottom of his heart. NEXT: 28- Vara Lakshmi Vrata Swami Sivananda  To be continued  .....

Opinion 29/01/2016. 192 Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-9 : - Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 9. NEVER IMITATE THE WEST : - As the second important thing for all students and young people, I will make this request. NEVER IMITATE THE WEST in its superficial fashion and way of life. There is nothing more shameful than imitation of Western or alien cultures. It shows moral bankruptcy and that you have nothing of your own. Therefore you are trying to fill it with something which is not your own. It is most shameful for the youth of Bharatavarsha. One should never imitate. If y

27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.1.6 1. Benefits of Fasting-6.     King Ambarisha was a great votary of Lord Hari. He practised the Ekadashi Vrata for a year. Ambarisha obtained His Grace. On one occasion he fasted for three consecutive days. He was about to break the fast when Rishi Durvasa appeared as his guest. The king received him with due respect and requested him to take his meals. The Rishi agreed and went to bathe in the river. The king waited patiently for a long time, but the Rishi did not return. Time was running out; if the king did not eat anything before the day ended his Vrata would not bear fruit. And if he ate, he would be showing disregard to the Rishi. As a compromise the king took a little water to serve both the conditions. Swami Sivananda  To be continued  .....

Opinion 28/01/2016. 190 Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-8 : Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 8. AVOID BAD COMPANY : - In this connection, I would like to say two things. One thing that every young man, every student, every young girl should avoid bad company. Fly away from bad company. Bad company is more dangerous than fire or poison. Poison may destroy one’s body; if you take poison one body will be dead. But if you get into bad company and develop bad habits that will become your inner Samskara (impressions) and Vasana (desire), and bad Samskara will go from birth to birth.

27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.1.5 1. Benefits of Fasting-5.     Moderation in eating and withdrawal of the senses in Yogic meditation are the obverse and the reverse of the same coin. Moderation consists in taking a little food or water just to keep the body in good working order.     In the Gita you will find -: “Verily, Yoga is not for him who eats too much, nor who abstains to excess, nor who sleeps too much, nor to the excessively wakeful”.     The Yogi withdraws his senses from the particular sense objects. The senses are made to turn into or get involved into the mind. When one is fully established in these two practices, supreme control of the senses is achieved.     Once there was a demon, Mura, who oppressed the gods. The gods approached Lord Hari for protection. Hari sent Yoga Maya to kill the demon. Yoga Maya carried out the behests of the Lord successfully.     Then the Lord said to Yoga Maya, “Those who observe Ekadashi will be freed from all si

Opinion 26/01/2016. 189 Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-7 : Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 7. THE GOLDEN PERIOD OF LIFE : I will tell you, my beloved young friends, the individual’s life between sixteen and thirty is the most precious period. That period of fourteen years is a golden period. It is the most precious period. If this period is properly managed, if you are established in virtue, self-control, purity, truthfulness, then your entire life will be full of light, full of joy, full of  success. Therefore, be most careful to mould your self in this period. In whatever s

27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.1.4 1. Benefits of Fasting-4.     In his code, the Manu Smriti, the great Hindu lawgiver, Manu, prescribes fasting for the removal of the five capital sins. Diseases that are pronounced incurable by doctors are cured by fasting. Occasionally, a complete fast is greatly desirable for all to keep up good health, to give adequate rest to the internal organs and maintain celibacy. All diseases have their origin in overeating and verily fasting is the only method to cure this.     Complete fasting helps to control sleep. Taking recourse to tea to control sleep is not desirable. You will not gain any spiritual strength if you depend on an external agent. During fasting avoid all company. Live alone. Utilise your time in Sadhana. When breaking a fast do not take a heavy meal or a heavy food that is hard to digest. Milk or some fruit juice is beneficial. Swami Sivananda  To be continued  .....

Opinion 26/01/2016. 187. Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-6 : Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 6. THE INDESTRUCTIBLE SPIRIT : In this body, there is an immortal imperishable Self which is not affected even when the body is destroyed by death. It is unborn. It is permanent, It is eternal. It is beyond time, Anadi, Ananta, beginningless and endless. Fire cannot burn it. Water cannot wet it, wind cannot dry it, weapons cannot injure it. That is my true Self. I am the imperishable, unborn, eternal, indestructible Atma Swaroop. Indeed there is the imperishable within the perishab

27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.1.3 1. Benefits of Fasting-3.     Withdraw the senses and fix the mind on God. Pray to God to guide you and to throw a flood of light on your spiritual path. Say with feeling : - “O God, guide me! Protect me, protect me! I am Thine, I am Thine! Forsake me not!” You will be blessed with purity, light and strength. Follow this Sadhana on the days that you fast, Ekadashi days in particular.     Fasting is one of the ten canons of Yoga. However, avoid excessive fasting. It will produce weakness. Use your common sense. If you cannot fast for the full twenty-four hours, at least fast for 10-12 hours and then take some milk and fruit. Gradually increase your fast to 15 hours and then up to 24 hours. Fasting makes a man strong, both spiritually and mentally. Swami Sivananda  To be continued  .....

Opinion 25/01/2016. 186. Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-5 Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 5. THE ESSENCE OF EDUCATION : Who is really an educated man? He who can see two paths—worthy—unworthy, proper—improper, right—wrong, Dharmic— Adharmic (righteous-unrighteous), and he who has the strength to say, “I will choose that which is proper, that which is according to the principle of Dharma, I will reject that which is petty, that which is unworthy, even though it is attractive, even though it may be pleasant. I know that I am a Bharatiya. Therefore I have to fulfil a certain Adarsha (

27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.1.2 1. Benefits of Fasting-2.     Fasting controls passion. It checks the emotions. It controls the senses also. It is a great penance. It purifies the mind and the heart. It destroys a multitude of sins. Fasting controls the tongue in particular which is the deadliest enemy of man. Fasting overhauls the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary systems. It destroys all the impurities of the body and all sorts of poisons. It eliminates uric acid deposits. Just as impure gold is rendered pure by melting it in the crucible again and again, so also this impure mind is rendered purer by repeated fasting.     Young and robust Brahmacharis (celibates) should observe fasting whenever passion troubles them. Only then will they have very good meditation, as the mind will be rendered calm. The chief object of fasting is to render the system calm so that one is able to practise meditation rigorously during that period. Swami Sivan

Opinion 24/01/2016. 183. Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-4 Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 4. THE ESSENCE OF BHARATIYA CULTURE The essence of Bharatiya culture is character and the essence of character is in self-control, Samyama. All great personalities are people endowed with self-control, all people who have become immortal—Bhishma, Harischandra, Lakshmana, Markandeya, Savitri, Sita, Shivaji, Rana Pratap—all had strength of character. Therefore develop the great ideals of self-control, character, virtue, will-power and mast ery over one’s senses. NEXT : 5. THE ESSENCE OF EDUCATIO

  27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.1.1 1. Benefits of Fasting-1.  Nowadays, many educated people do not observe fasting on this sacred day. This is due to the impact of the dark, vicious, materialistic forces. When the intellect develops a little, people begin to enter into arguments and unnecessary discussions. Intellect is a hindrance on the spiritual path. They who have not developed the heart but who have developed their intellect begin to doubt and question at every step. They are led astray. They want a “why” and a “how” for everything. They want “scientific” explanations for all phenomena.     God is beyond proofs and presumptions. One has to approach religion and the scriptures with great faith, reverence and purity of heart. Then only are the secrets of religion revealed unto him like the apple in the palm of one’s hand. Does anybody ask his mother to prove who is his father? Swami Sivananda  To be continued  .....

Opinion 23/01/2016. 182. Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-3 Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 3. THE RELATIONSHIP OF CHARACTER TO HUMAN LIFE : What is the relationship of character to human life? The relationship of character to human life is the same as that of the foundation to the entire structure of the building which will be raised over that foundation. The most important part in the structure of the building is the foundation. If the foundation is well laid, if the foundation is strong, then the building will stand. You can raise it high, and it will last, it will be strong

27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.     No rice should be taken on Ekadashi days. This is very important. The sweat that fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and said to the Lord, “O Lord! now give me an abode to dwell.”     Brahma replied, “O demon! go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach.”     For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi. If one observes the Ekadashi fast regularly, Lord Hari is propitiated. All sins are destroyed. The mind is purified. Devotion gradually develops. Love for God becomes intense. Orthodox people in South India observe complete fasting and vigil even on ordinary Ekadashi days. For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day. Next : 1. Benefits of Fasting Swami Sivananda  To be continued  .....

Opinion 22/01/2016. 181. Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-2 Sri Swami Chidananda (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 2. THE WEALTH OF CHARACTER : What distinguishes the human individual from the animal is our behaviour. There is a difference between the Charitra (character) of a Pashu (animal) and the Charitra of a Manava (human being). If the Manava does not keep up to this higher standard of Charitra, then even though he may be a human individual in Roopa (form) and Nama (name), he is only an animal because his life, conduct and behaviour is more suitable to the animal than to a man. Through your behav

27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-1.     VAIKUNTA Ekadashi falls in the month of Margashirsha (December-January). This is observed with all solemnity in the temples of Lord Vishnu. Fasting is prescribed on all Ekadashis, that is, the 11th day of the lunar fortnight, twice a month.     In this Kali Yuga, even if just one Ekadashi is observed with dispassion, faith and devotion, and if the mind is wholly fixed on Hari, one is freed from the rounds of birth and death. There is no doubt about this. The scriptures give us their assurance on this point.     Devotees fast on this day, observe vigil the whole night and do Japa, Hari Kirtan and meditation. Some do not take even a drop of water. Those who are unable to fast completely can take some light fruit and milk. Swami Sivananda  To be continued  .....

26. Sivaratri-3.4. 3. Lord Shiva’s Assurance-4.     Offer this inner worship to Lord Shiva daily: “I worship the jewel of my Self, the Shiva residing in the Lotus of my heart. I bathe Him with the water of my pure mind brought from the river of faith and devotion. I worship Him with the fragrant flowers of Samadhi—all this so that I may not be born again in this world.”     Here is another formula for the supreme worship of the Lord : - “O Shiva! you are my Self.  My mind is Parvati. My Pranas are your servants. My body is your house. My actions in this world are your worship. My sleep is Samadhi. My walk is circumambulation of you. My speech is your prayer. Thus do I offer all that I am to you." NEXT : 27- Vaikunta Ekadashi Swami Sivananda  To be continued  .....

Opinion 20/01/2016. 179. Sub : MESSAGE  TO  STUDENTS-1. Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members, Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION MESSAGE TO STUDENTS Sri Swami Chidananda SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDA (Lecture delivered by Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj at the 1st Zonal Orissa Divine Life Conference at Khurda Road on 1st December 1974) 1. O Children of Immortality! In brief I wish to give you the essence of your culture, the ancient message which your ancestors have given to you, especially to the young and especially to the students. I want to tell you very clearly that the need of the students and young people was well known to our great sages of wisdom. And so they gave a due place to the young people in human society. They gave a special set of principles in the concept of

26. Sivaratri-3.3. 3. Lord Shiva’s Assurance-3.     The formal worship consists of bathing the Lord. Lord Shiva is considered to be the Form of Light (which the Shiva Lingam represents). He is burning with the fire of austerity. He is therefore best propitiated with cool bathing. While bathing the Lingam the devotee prays : - “O Lord! I will bathe Thee with water, milk, etc. Do Thou kindly bathe me with the milk of wisdom. Do Thou kindly wash me of all my sins, so that the fire of worldliness which is scorching me may be put out once for all, so that I may be one with Thee—the One alone without a second.”     At the Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, the Shivaratri festival is celebrated in the following manner.     1. All spiritual aspirants fast the whole day, many of them without taking even a single drop of water.     2. A grand havan is performed for the peace and welfare of all.     3. The whole day is spent in doing the Japa of Om Namah Shivaya and in medi