Atmeeyam : ( 22/10/2012. )

Opinion  29/02/2016.  266. 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 Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 23. SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDA  Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : -  23. Glory Of Jnana Yajna : Ques: Why is it that of all Yajnas, Jnana Yajna or dissemination of spiritual knowledge is considered as the highest? Ans: When you go to the shop, why do you choose a German article though the same article made in France or Japan may also be available? It is because you know that the German article will give you lasting service whereas the others may give trouble at any moment. In other words, the German article will be permanent, while the French or Japanese may not be so. Naturally enough, you prefer a permanent thing to a temporary thing. In the same way, t

CHAPTER -1. 2. Distinguishing Features Of Hinduism-3.1 3.The Glory Of Vedanta And Yoga-1. Vedanta, or the philosophy of the Upanishads, is lofty, sublime and unique. The Western philosophers have paid their tribute to the ancient seers of the Upanishads. They have been amazed at the lofty heights scaled by them. Schopenhauer studied the Upanishads and meditated on the thoughts of the Upanishads just before going to bed. He said: “The Upanishads are the solace of my life and they will be solace to me after my death also.” The Raja-Yoga system of Hinduism is also splendid and unique. The lessons are immensely practical and highly instructive. No system of physical exercise on the surface of the earth can compete with Hatha-Yoga. Kundalini-Yoga is wonderful. Hence the Americans and Europeans are in search of Hindu Sannyasins and Yogins. They visit the Himalayas frequently in quest of Yoga teachers. Some are living under Hindu Yogins as disciples and are p

Opinion  28/02/2016.  263. 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 Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 22. Sri Swami Sivananda  Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : -  22. Sivananda Literature Festival - Hinduism does not condemn those who deny God as the creator and ruler of the world, who do not accept the existence of an eternal soul and the state of Moksha or state of liberation. Hinduism does not render the upholders of such views unfit to be recognised as pious and honourable members of the Hindu religious society. The religious hospitality of Hinduism is proverbial. Hinduism is extremely catholic and liberal. This is the fundamental feature of Hinduism. Hinduism pays respects to all religions. It does not revile any other religion. It accep

CHAPTER -1. 2. Distinguishing Features Of Hinduism-2.1.  2. A Religion Of Freedom -1. Hinduism, unlike other religions, does not dogmatically assert that the final emancipation is possible only through its means and not through any other. It is only a means to an end and all means which will ultimately lead to the end are equally approved. Hinduism allows absolute freedom to the rational mind of man. Hinduism never demands any undue restraint upon the freedom of human reason, the freedom of thought, feeling and will of man. It allows the widest freedom in matters of faith and worship. Hinduism is a religion of freedom. It allows absolute freedom to the human reason and heart with regard to questions such as nature of God, soul, creation, form of worship and the goal of life. Hinduism does not lie in the acceptance of any particular doctrine, nor in the observance of some particular rituals or form of worship. It does not force anybody to accept particular

Opinion  27/02/2016.  260. 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 Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 21. Sri Swami Sivananda  Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - 21. A Glorious Event Explained - Ques: Can you tell me, Swamiji, what you people mean by “Sivananda Literature Festival”? I have never heard or read of such a thing in the history of the world. Ans: Well, it is difficult to say whether the idea of a Literature Festival is entirely new. I think in England, they pay an annual tribute to Shakespeare by holding a festival at Stratford-on-Avon. In any case, the Sivananda Literature Festival which is an occasion to celebrate the foremost life-work of our beloved Master has a momentous significance in the context of the spiritual ignorance thr

CHAPTER -1. 2. Distinguishing Features Of Hinduism-1. 1. A Revealed Religion - Hinduism is the religion of the Hindus, a name given to the Universal Religion which hailed supreme in India. It is the oldest of all living religions. This is not founded by any prophet. Buddhism, Christianity and Mohammedanism owe their origin to the prophets. Their dates are fixed. But no such date can be fixed for Hinduism. Hinduism is not born of the teachings of particular prophets. It is not based on a set of dogmas preached by a particular set of teachers. It is free from religious fanaticism. Hinduism is also known by the names Sanatana-Dharma and Vaidika-Dharma. Sanatana-Dharma means eternal religion. Hinduism is as old as the world itself. Hinduism is the mother of all religions. Hindu scriptures are the oldest in the world, Sanatana-Dharma is so called, not only because it is eternal, but also because it is protected by God and because it can make us etern

Opinion  26/02/2016.  257. 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 Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 20 Sri Swami Sivananda  Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - 20. Sivananda And World Peace : Ques: Has Gurudev touched on the subject of world peace in his writings? How far has Sivananda Literature helped the cause of world peace, Swamiji? Ans: Oh, yes. Gurudev has not only touched on the subject of peace and amity among nations in his many writings, but has written an exhaustive book itself on the subject. The title of the book itself is ‘World Peace’. Swamiji is in continual touch with a number of organisations which are dedicated to the cause of world peace and are working for it. Swamiji sends a free supply of his non-sectarian literature to these

CHAPTER -1 Silent adorations to Satchidananda Para-Brahman, Who is the silent Witness of all minds, Who is the Indweller in all beings, Who has projected this world for His own Lila or sport, Who is the support for this world, body and mind and all movements, and Who is the foundation for all societies and their activities. 1. Purpose Of Religion The word Religion comes from the Latin word religio which consists of two words, viz., re (back) and ligare (to bring or bind). That which binds the soul back to God is religion. Religion shows the way for the attainment of God-realisation. Religion satisfies the deep inward craving in man who is not always content with leading merely an animal existence and wants spiritual consolation, solace and peace. Man cannot live by bread alone. A time comes in the life of many of us when mere worldly prosperity does not satisfy us and we hanker after something more. In the case of many more, trials and tribulations of life turn th

Opinion  25/02/2016.  250. Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 19. Sri Swami Sivananda  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  19. An Important Question About “Upadesa” - Ques: What, in essence, is Gurudev’s ‘Upadesa’ to students? Ans: Well, I cannot possibly catalogue in detail Gurudev’s advice to students and young people; but, I shall certainly try to tell you his more important teachings. (a) For students, the primary concern should be their studies. (b) They should obey their parents and teachers and respect their elders. (c) They should strictly avoid bad company, because a man becomes what his friends are, It is better to remain alone than to mix with bad company. (d) Students should exercise self-con

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship -11. 11. Conclusion. Idol worship is only the beginning of religion. Certainly it is not its end, The same Hindu scriptures which prescribe idol worship for beginners, also speak of meditation on the Infinite or the Absolute and contemplation on the significance of Tat Twam Asi for advanced aspirants.     There are different grades of worship. The supreme state is Self-realisation. Second in rank is meditation on the Supreme Self. The third is the worship of symbols. The fourth is the performance of rituals and pilgrimages to holy places. The Shastras, the Gurus, are like kind mothers. They take hold of the hands of the aspirants and take them step by step till they are established in the highest superconscious state. Glory to the Hindu Rishis who take aspirants from the lower to the higher form of worship!     Beloved children of the Lord! Shed your ignorant disbelief this moment. Enshrine supreme, unshakable, living

Opinion  24/02/2016.  246. Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 18. Sri Swami Sivananda  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 18. Books For Modern Students - Ques: Which books of Guru Maharaj would you recommend for the modern college boys? Ans: I would say that the college students should read as many books of Swamiji as possible. Sivananda Literature will enable them to overcome fear, anger and other vices, to develop a strong will and to understand the true aim of life. While Gurudev has written nearly 300 books, the students should try to study at least the following which contain the cream of Swamiji’s ‘Upadesa’ to boys and girls :- 1. Sure Ways for Success in Life and God-Realisation. 2. Students’ Success

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship -10.3. 10. Vedanta and Idol Worship.3.     From the above facts, we can clearly infer that one can realise God through worship of the idol; that the idol is a great aid for the realisation of the Lord in His all-pervading, formless aspect also; that the worship of the idol is very essential for the purpose of concentration and meditation in the beginning; and that such a worship is not in any way a hindrance to the attainment of God-realisation.     Those who vehemently attack idol worship are groping in extreme darkness and ignorance, and have no real knowledge of worship. They enter into unnecessary, vain debates and discussions against idol worship to show that they are learned persons. They have not done any real Sadhana at all. They are persons who have made idle talking and tall talk their habit and profession. They have ruined themselves. They have unsettled the minds of countless persons and ruined them also. The whole w

Opinion  23/02/2016.  243. Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 17. Sri Swami Sivananda  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 17. Colleges And Spiritual Literature : Ques: Have Swamiji’s books been introduced anywhere as texts for college students? Ans: Yes. Three books—"All About Hinduism," “World Religions” and “Essence of Vedanta”—are textbooks for students in California. In India, a school in the South has introduced “Sure Ways for Success in Life and God-realisation” as a textbook. I would personally like to see more schools introducing Gurudev’s works as texts, because his works are man-making and life-giving. It is true that nowadays boys prefer stories to treatises on God, but then Swamiji has

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship -10.2. 10. Vedanta and Idol Worship.2.     Tulsidas realised the all-pervading essence. He had Cosmic Consciousness. He communed with the all-pervading, formless Lord. And yet, his passion for Lord Rama with bow in His hand did not vanish. When he was at Brindavan, beholding the idol of Lord Krishna with flute in hand, he said, “I will not bow my head to this form.” At once Lord Krishna’s form assumed the form of Lord Rama. Then only he bowed his head.     Tukaram also had the same cosmic experience as that of Tulsidas. He sings in one of his songs: “I see my Lord all-pervading, just as sweetness pervades the sugar-cane”, and yet, he always speaks of his Lord Vittala of Pandharpur with His hands on the hips. Mirabai also realised her identity with the all-pervading Krishna, and yet she was not tired of repeating again and again, “My Giridhar Nagar!” Swami Sivananda  To be continued  ....

Opinion  22/02/2016.  239. Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 16. Sri Swami Sivananda  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 16. Best Books Of Swami Sivananda - Ques: What books of Gurudev do you like most, Swamiji? Ans: It is very, very difficult to say. It is like this. If you are given many dishes to eat— some sweet, some salty and others of Khoya, you may choose one from each variety but cannot possibly say which particular piece is the best. Each has a delicious taste of its own. Similar is the case with Swamiji’s books. Instead of asking me in a general way, if you ask me what book of Gurudev I like best on a particular topic, I may be able to single out a particular book from a number of book

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship -10.1. 10. Vedanta and Idol Worship.1.     A pseudo-Vedantin feels ashamed to bow before an idol in the temple. He feels that his Advaita (attitude of oneness) will evaporate if he prostrates himself. Study the lives of the reputed Tamil saints—Appar, Sundarar, Sambandhar, and others. They all had the highest Advaitic realisation. They saw Lord Shiva everywhere. Yet, they visited all temples of Shiva, prostrated before the idol and sang hymns which are on record till today. The sixty-three Nayanar saints solely practised the worship of the idols of Shiva and attained God-consciousness thereby. They swept the floor of the temple, collected flowers, made garlands for the Lord and put lights in the temple. They were illiterate, but attained the highest realisation. They were practical Yogis and their hearts were saturated with pure devotion. They were embodiments of Karma Yoga. All practised the Yoga of synthesis. The idol w

Opinion  21/02/2016.  234. Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 15. Sri Swami Sivananda   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 15. Whole-Timed Dhyana - Ques: When should an aspirant give up studying books? Ans: An aspirant should give up studying books when his mind becomes wholly inward, when evil Vrittis like anger, desire, fear, greed and lust no longer trouble his mind. Svadhyaya should never be given up all at once. First, the period of Svadhyaya should be gradually lessened. Then, the aspirant should take up just a few books and assiduously cultivate the teachings contained therein. The emphasis should now shift from theory to practice. When the aspirant has, by steady effort, brought the highest spir

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship -9.2. 9. When Idols Become Alive-2. Kanaka Das was a great devotee of Lord Krishna in Udipi, in the district of South Kanara, in South India. He was not allowed to enter the temple on account of his low birth. Kanaka Das went round the temple and saw a small window at the back of the temple. He seated himself in front of the window. He was soon lost in singing songs in praise of Lord Krishna. Many people gathered round him. They were very powerfully attracted by the sweet melody of his music and the depth of his devotion. Lord Krishna turned round to enable Kanaka Das to get His Darshan. The priests were struck with wonder. Even today, pilgrims are shown the window and the place where Kanaka Das sat and sang.     The idol is the same as the Lord, for it is the vehicle of the expression of the Mantra-consciousness which is the Deity. The devotee should regard the idol in the temple with the same attitude of respect and rever

Opinion  20/02/2016.  231. Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 14. Sri Swami Sivananda  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 14. Miscellaneous Study And Meditation - Ques: Is it true, Swamiji, that studying too many books disturbs meditation? Ans: Yes. Study of too many books especially when they are books dealing with different subjects, is not favourable for meditation. Reading diverse books will fill the aspirant’s mind with too many ideas and they will be revived at the time of meditation.  Thus, control of mind will become difficult. As you know, for good meditation, one-pointedness or Ekagrata is the most essential thing. By reading a large number of books, this one-pointedness is disturbed. The best thi

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship -9.1. 9. When Idols Become Alive-1.     For a devotee or a sage, there is no such thing as insentient matter.  Everything is consciousness. The devotee actually beholds the Lord in the idol. Narsi Mehta was put to the test by a king. The king said, “O Narsi! if you are a true, sincere devotee of Lord Krishna, if, as you say, the idol is Lord Krishna Himself, let this idol move.” According to the prayer of Narsi Mehta, the idol did move. The sacred bull, Nandi, standing before Shiva’s idol, took the food offered by Tulsidas. The idol of Krishna played with Mirabai. It was full of life and consciousness for her.     When Appayya Dikshita went to the Tirupati temple in South India, the Vaishnavas refused to grant him admission. The next morning they found that the idol of Lord Vishnu in the temple had changed to the idol of Lord Shiva. The priest was greatly astonished and startled. He asked pardon and prayed to Appayya Dikshi

Opinion  19/02/2016.  228. Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 13. Sri Swami Sivananda  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 13. The Right Attitude : Ques: For deriving maximum benefit, what attitude of mind should the Sadhaka maintain while studying sacred literature? Ans: Three things are necessary—Faith, Receptivity and Devotion. Faith is the most important factor. If a man studies spiritual literature with faith, he will try to live up to the lofty ideas and ideals contained in such literature. It is faith which makes possible what is otherwise impossible. Without faith, full benefits cannot be derived from the reading of any spiritual book. But, however, the very reading of spiritual books creates faith in

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship -8.  8. The Image—A Mass of Consciousness The idol is only a symbol of the Divine. A devotee does not behold therein a block of stone or a mass of metal. It is an emblem of God for him. He visualises the indwelling Presence in the idol. All the sixty-three Nayanar saints of South India attained God-realisation through worship of the Shiva Linga, the image of Lord Shiva. For a devotee, the image is a mass of consciousness. He draws inspiration from it. It guides him. It talks to him. It assumes the human form to help him in a variety of ways.     The image of Lord Shiva in the temple at Madura in South India helped the fuel-cutter and the old woman. The image in the temple at Tirupati assumed a human form and gave witness in the court to help His devotees. These are marvels and mysteries. Only the devotees understand them. Next : 9. When Idols Become Alive Swami Sivananda  To be continued  ....

Opinion  18/02/2016.  224. Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 12. Sri Swami Sivananda  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 12. Question Of Asana : Ques: Swamiji, what Asana will you advice me to sit in while studying spiritual literature? Ans: You may sit in the same Asana as you sit in for Japa and meditation. You need not take to a new Asana, because you will not be able to concentrate on your studies till you learn to sit comfortably and for a long time in the new Asana. If you sit for reading soon after taking your food, you may with advantage sit on Vajrasana for half an hour, since Vajrasana if excellent for improving digestion if practised immediately after meals. Moreover, by sitting in the same Asana f

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship -7. 7- Unveiling the Divinity in the Idol     Regular worship and other modes of demonstrating our inner feeling of recognition of divinity in the idol unveil the Divinity latent in it. This is truly a wonder and a miracle. The picture comes to life. The idol speaks. It will answer your questions and solve your problems. The God in you has the power to awaken the latent Divinity in the idol. It is like a powerful lens that focuses the sun’s rays onto a bundle of cotton. The lens is not fire and the cotton is not fire either, nor can the sun’s rays by themselves burn the cotton. However, when all three are brought together in a particular manner, fire is generated and the cotton is burnt. Similar is the case with the idol, the aspirant, and the all-pervading Divinity. The idol is the lens which brings into focus the all-pervading rays of Divinity and lights up the aspirant with divine illumination.     God is enshrined i

Opinion  17/02/2016.  221. Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 11 Sri Swami Sivananda  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 Best Place : Ques: Where should we sit to study holy literature? Ans: Holy literature, sacred scriptures should be studied also in some holy, sacred, quiet place. A temple, the banks of a holy river and so on or at least just a quiet spot free from the material din and bustle like the cool shade of a tree or some other lonely place are suitable for such study. The atmosphere in a sacred place like the temple is pure and exercises a beneficial influence on our thought-vibrations. We will understand the books better, because our mind will be free from wrong and impure thoughts while