50 years of the TTC Avatara of Lord Vishnu The Spice of Life Janma Samadhi Yatra The Great Vision 5 Meditation Poses - Sivananda Yoga Seminarhaus
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Spring 2019
50 years of the TTC Janma Samadhi Yatra
Avatara of Lord Vishnu The Great Vision
The Spice of Life 5 Meditation Poses
Serve Love Give Purify Meditate Realise
YOGALife Spring 2019 1
EDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR’S LETTER
SIVANANDA
Ashram Yoga Retreat
BAHAMAS International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres
Swami Sivananda (1887 – 1963) Swami Vishnudevananda (1927 – 1993)
Swami Sivananda Swami Vishnudevananda The spiritual strength behind the Sivananda Born in South India in 1927, Swami
(1887 – 1963) (1927 – 1993)
Yoga Vedanta Centres, Swami Sivananda’s Vishnudevananda entered the ashram
teachings are a synthesis of all the formal of Swami Sivananda at the age of 18.
doctrines of yoga. Author of more than A world famous authority on Hatha and
300 books on yoga, Swami Sivananda was Raja Yoga, Swami Vishnudevananda founded
a medical doctor before renouncing worldly life the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
for the spiritual path. He founded the Divine Life Centres in 1957 and was author of
Society and the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy, The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga,
Rishikesh, Himalayas. His main message was: Meditation and Mantras, Karma and Disease
Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise. In 1957 he sent one of his and a commentary on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Swami Vishnudevananda
foremost disciples, Swami Vishnudevananda to the West to spread the ideals entered Mahasamadhi on November 9th, 1993.
of yoga. Swami Sivananda entered Mahasamadhi on July 14th 1963.
The Executive Board
The Executive Board of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres is comprised of senior
disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda, personally chosen and trained by him to
direct the organisation after his departure. Each of them has had many years’
experience in teaching all aspects of yoga. They are renowned for their devotion to
Swami Vishnudevananda and Swami Sivananda and for their profound knowledge Swami Durgananda Swami Swaroopananda Srinivasan Prahlad a
and inspirational teaching and guidance, wisdom imparted to many thousands of
students throughout the world. We welcome Kanti Devi, Acharya for the South
American Centres and Prahlad, Acharya for the Indian and Canadian Centres, as
new members on the executive board.
Swami Durgananda Swami Kailasananda
Swami Swaroopananda Swami Sitaramananda
Srinivasan Kanti Devi
Swami Sivadasananda Prahlada Swami Sivadasananda Swami Kailasananda Swami Sitaramananda Kanti Devi
Welcome
Welcome
Sivananda Yoga, a gateway to yourhomes
Selfenriched with this gift from Swamiji and taken the an-
The years 2018 and 2019 have been and continue to be spe-
cient wisdom of yoga and vedanta to all corners of the globe
cial years for the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres organisa-
tion. In the latter part of 2018 we celebrated the silver jubilee
In 2017, we will celebrate 60 years of Sivananda Yoga Worldwide. This milestone
(page 44). As part of the celebration we are publishing a new
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres continue to carry this powerful message
of unity: yoga is for all and can help humanity overcome the consciousness crisis it is
is the opportunity to assess where we are standing as an international spiritual
oforganisation
Swami teaching
Vishnudevananda’s
yoga to hundred ofmahasamadhi
thousands of people,with a six-week going through. Great Vision, which tells the inspirational story of
book, The
Expand your horizons...
to define afresh our
pilgrimage through
dharma and mission, based India,
on the very visiting templeslaidand
strong foundations holy
by our places,
Masters. Swami Vishnudevananda’s
What people need now are practicalmission,guidelines aonpreview
how to make ofchanges
whichinistheir on
giving talks,
For this seminars,
reason conferences,
several of the yoga
articles in this issue aredemonstrations
dedicated to dharma, to andthe pageIt is9.becoming
lives. This year verywill
clearalso see
that for thisthe
worldpublication
to overcome the of huge
Swamiji's
challengeThe it is
facing, the changes must come from individuals. This is exactly what yoga can give:
satsangs in cities, towns and villages along the way, continu-
ethical principles of yoga and the vision of Swami Vishnudevananda of how yoga can
Complete
guidance on howIllustrated
to live a meaningful Book of Yoga
and successful in China
life. We need a newin Chinese,
definition
help humanity overcome the crisis it is going through.
ing The
Swamiji’s mission of bringing yoga to as wide a public as another
of indication
success. Success if not inof how possession
material the teachings and power areoverspreading.
others. It is in
Join us this year for courses in Vedanta, residential foundation of our teachings lays in the vision of the great sage and yogi,
possible (page who30). We hope this edition of YogaLife, full of articles onare.
allOnce
aspects
s
ur Ho riz on
Ex pa nd Yo harmon ising ourselves and reaching a clear understanding of who we we
Shankaracharya, reformulated Vedanta, the ancient philosophy of India, in the
study, devotional kirtan, detox cleanses, and more. This year, 2019, wewith
areauthority
celebrating
that our the 60thisyear of the open-
understand that we are the all powerful Self, fear disappears, and if there is no fear,
of yogacan oneandharmallied
anyone?topics,
This willwill
solve continue to inspire youconflicts,
in your
8th century. He asserted true nature universal Self and that
how religious conflicts, environment
ing of the organisation’s first city centre in Montreal in 1959
separation between beings is based on a limited perspective of reality. Swami
practice.
addiction andMay the blessings
depression problems. Peopleof the Gurus
will regain selfand God
esteem and behopeupon
for theus
2019 28-day Teacher Training Courses Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda inherited these teachings and interpreted
(page
them for60)theand theworld.
50thBeing
yearboth
of visionaries,
the first Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ all.
future. They will sense that their true roots are not in a country or a religion, but that
modern they foresaw the evolution of the the grounding and stability they are seeking comes from a clear sense of identity. This
January 4, February 3, March 5, April 4, May 4, Training
world towardsCourse—held in 1969—and
more conflict, chaos the first
and loss of meaning. Theyto be held
breathed new inlife the
into Omsense
new Shantiof goal will bring focus, positivity and fresh energy. This will in turn affect
June 3, July 3, November 4, December 4 West. Swami Vishnudevananda was an innovator and pio-
the practical side of Vedanta philosophy, yoga, and opened this ancient practice, so Thehealth
their International
positively. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres
far kept for a small group of recluses, to the world.
neer. He was instrumental in bringing yoga to a world-wide May we bring forth the true message of yoga with full power, authenticity and
Swami Vishnudevananda came to the West in 1957 and further adapted the
2019 Advanced Teacher Training Courses JANUAR
19
Y–JUNE 20 training
• teacher
tions • cou
rses
audience
teachings of which continues
yoga to the western world,to creating
flourish and expand
a remarkable each year.
bridge between East
humility, remembering that we are only instruments of the cosmic being, and be ever
Front cover: The first Sivananda Yoga Teachers' Training
grateful for the opportunity to serve in His grand plan for the evolution of the world.
Nearly
and West.50,000
He taughtstudents
young and have
old, mengraduated from all the
walksinternation- Course, 1969
yoga vaca s.org mas.org | 567 1
abahama
800.123.4
sivanand
baha
and women from of life and
sivananda
January 4, April 4, November 4 The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres
ally-renowned
religions, equally. course, teachers who have returned to their
Get inspired. Browse HEADQUARTERS The
The International Sivananda
International Sivananda Yoga
Yoga Vedanta
Vedanta Centres,
Centres, founded
founded by Swami
by Swami Vishnudevananda
Vishnudevananda is a non-profit
is a non-profit organisation organisation
whose purpose whose purpose
is to propagate is practising
the teachings of yoga and
our new online catalog. SIVANANDA ASHRAM YOGA CAMP
Eighth Avenue, Val Morin, Quebec, Canada JOT 2RO teaching
and vedantatheasancient
a meansyogic knowledge
of achieving for health,
physical, mental peace, Unitywell-being
and spiritual in Diversity
andand
sivanandabahamas.org Self-realisation.
Tel: +1 819 322 3226 Self-realisation.
email: hq@sivananda.org
Est 1957 84 for addresses
With ashrams and centres located around the world see page 60
2 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 3
4 YOGALife |Autumn/Winter 2016
CONTENTS
Sivananda Yoga Retreat House SIVANANDA
CONTENTS
Swami Sivananda
Reith near Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria Swami Vishnudevananda
6 24 30
(1887 – 1963) (1927 – 1993)
Spring 2019
YO G A – A L I F E S T Y L E
6
10
Life and its Purpose By Swami Sivananda
Celebrating 60 years of Swami Vishnudevananda’s
INTERNATIONAL SIVANANDA YOGA FURTHER EDUCATION 10 Teachings Worldwide
TEACHERS’ TRAINING COURSES FOR PRACTITIONERS RENEW YOURSELF WITH YOGA
Reith/Kitzbühel, Austria Study and practice classical yoga
A different vacation in an alpine oasis 20 How to Overcome your Inner Limitations By Swami Durgananda
May 25 – June 23, 2019, German models supported by insights from
Western and Eastern health sciences.
Mittersill/Salzburg, near Großglockner
Mountain, Austria
24 How to Love without Attachment By Swami Swaroopananda
June 28 – July 26, 2019, English, German
July 28 – Aug 25, 2019, English, German
Many of these 3-6 day courses are 28 April – 19 May 2019 28 Mental Strength in the Asana Class By Swami Sivadasananda
supported by expert guest teachers 27 October – 24 November 2019
Sept 1 – Sept 29, 2019, English, German from around the world. 30 Yoga for a Relaxed Pregnancy By Ursula Mäder and Hildegard Pätzold
Dec 14, 2019 – Jan 12, 2020, English, German
January 1 – February 2, 2020, German AYURVEDA AND YOGA 34 Yama and Niyama – Living Truth By Srinivasan
28
For radiant physical, Vimana – Temple Super Structure, Flying Chariot and Personal Meditation
FURTHER TRAINING mental and spiritual 38 Space per Vaastu Shastra By Mandodari (Olga Sokolova)
FOR YOGA TEACHERS health.
A variety of practical Running Away – The Guru knows more than the disciple
Strengthen your practice, fine-tune
your teaching skills, expand your courses with Indian 42 An incident during Swami Vishnudevananda’s early training with Swami Sivananda.
By Kamala Devi
horizons A variety of three-day- as well local teachers Simple Living by Swami Sivananda 6 Charitable Works in India by Kalyani 52
Based on the new Sivananda book, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha:
intensive courses are offered
throughout the year. Practical Ayurveda. 48 The Vision—A
The Great Four Great new
Goalspublication
of Life By David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva
9 How Shastri)
to Learn from the Spiritual Masters
by Swami Sitaramananda 56
51 The
Follow theYoga of Relationships
Thread by Swami Sivananda
By Kaivalya (Carmel Johnson)
13
The Spice of Life 58
From Karma to Dharma:
54Third Dimension by Swami Durgananda
The 14
The way to peace and true happiness By Swami Sitaramananda
38
60 Years Ago, Montreal 60
Distractions and Friends by Srinivas Pulluri 18
Personal Experiences of the Sivananda Teachers’ Oxygen-Nerve Impulse-Prana-Thought
58 TrainingofCourse
The Eternity Time from the Yoga Vasistha 21 by Swami Sivadasananda 64
Ayurveda
Home,and Diet An
60 that
Reaching Finding introduction to Ayurveda and three delicious recipes
Peace
can help the body to maintain balance during the changing seasons
How Sweet is Honey by Swami Sivananda 66
by Swami Swaroopananda 22
64 Six Chanting Practice Tips By Jody Tull (Jyoti) 5 Meditation Poses by Swami Vishnudevananda 67
The Ten Avatara of Lord Vishnu 26
68 Prison Yoga Outreach Project Report By Swami Paramananda
Take the Pulses of India 28
The Three Gurubhais 68
Sivananda Ashram and Centre News Dear to Me, Amritashtakam from Bhagavad Gita 69
70 Updates
Janma Samadhi on newYatra, 2018
developments in Ashrams and Centres around the30 world
The Fire of Life by Dr P.R. Vishnu 70
Karma,AUnity
Tribute& toFreedom
Dr Sastry by PhD
Srinivasan 32
74 DrofSastry
A Year for many
had been a close friend and supporter of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Celebration, Swami
years. He is fondly Gayatriananda
remembered by two students who had37
King and Queen of Asana by P.C. Kapoor
The Centres
studied with him.
72
YEAR ROUND YOGA VACATIONS Reminiscence 74
Sivananda by Ashram
Swami and Centre Addresses
Sivananda
Free choice of arrival and departure dates.
WIDE CHOICE OF SEMINARS 76 A listing of Sivananda Ashrams, Centres and teachers worldwide Healing Power of Temple by Dr. M. Rajaram
Yoga Sadhana 38
76
All programmes in English and German I Stood in My Shoes by Suren Rao 40
Chair Yoga by Michael Hutkins 78
Prison Project Update
In Memory of a Dear Friend
41
43
Ashram and Centre News
Ashram and Centre Addresses
60 80
84
50 Years of the Teachers’ Training Course 44
Sivananda Yoga Retreat House Booking: tyrol-reception@sivananda.net
Founder: Swami Vishnudevananda, est. 1957 Tel: + 43 5356 / 6 74 04 50 Years Ago 46
Bichlach 40, Reith near Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria www.sivananda.at • www.sivananda.eu YOGALife |Autumn/Winter 2016 5
4 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 5
Simple Living In dress, in food, in character, in manners, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.... Swami Sivananda Photograph of a bicycle taken outside a house next to Swami Sivananda’s home in Pattamadai, Tamil Nadu in 2017 and a photograph of Swami Sivananda in the late 1950s. 6 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 7
RUDRAPRAYAG New Publication T his is th
e
pioneer an stor y of Swami V
d fo
organisatio under of the wor
ishnudev
H I M A L AYA S I N D I A
an
n. It is th ld-renowne anda, peace activ
humility d ist
and integr e stor y of a sim Sivananda Yoga Ve and yoga
•
THE GREA
ancient te ity, who ple man, da
achings of dedicated of iron w nta Centre
THE GRE
Swami Sivananda Swami Vishnudevananda his life to ill
Swami V
ishnudeva yoga without any the propag , tenacious
T VISION
form and nanda ex personal ation of
(1887–1963) (1927–1993) selfless m pres gain. The the
anner are sed of the ancien example
that
of untold t yoga teac
value to hings in pu
today’s stu re
dent of yo
ga.
The Sto
ry of Sw
ami Vis
hnud evanan
da
AT V I S I O N
International Sivananda
Teachers’ Training Courses
Sivananda
23 February – 24 March 2019
19 October – 17 November 2019
Yoga Veda
21 February – 22 March 2020
nta Centr
Sadhana Intensive ISBN 978
099187033
2
90000 >
e
28 October – 12 November 2019
28 October – 12 November 2020
9 780991
870332
Internatio
Advanced hatha yoga practice following nal Sivan
anda Yog
a Vedanta
the instructions of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika Centre
International Sivananda
Advanced Yoga Teachers’
Training Course
22 February – 22 March 2020
All courses in English with
simultaneous translation into
German, French and Spanish.
Other European languages
on request.
The story of Swami Vishnudevananda, peace activist and yoga pioneer, master of hatha and raja yoga and
founder of the world-renowned Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organisation. It is the story of a simple man, of iron
will and tenacious humility and integrity, who dedicated his life to the propagation of the ancient teachings of yoga
Founder: Swami Vishnudevananda. Est 1957 without any personal gain. The example that Swami Vishnudevananda expressed of the yoga teachings in pure form
www.sivananda.eu • Contact: rudraprayag-himalayas@sivananda.net and selfless manner are of untold value to today’s student of yoga.
8 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 9
N
THE GREAT VISIO
THE GREAT VISION
udevan anda
Swami Vishn
The Story of
ON
Sivananda Yoga
Vedanta Centre
anta Centre
nanda Yoga Ved
International Siva
10 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 11
Follow the Thread by Swami Sivananda
Sūtra means "string, thread"; it is derived from the Sanskrit root √siv "that which sews or
holds together" and √sū tr "to tie, to thread"
SUTRADefinition of a sū tra BHASHYA
·fरमसमॾv सfरवतd मq खमॾv J
·dभमनवZ च सr oZ सr oदd दq: K प पq .
Alpākṣaram-asandigdham sāravat viśvatomukham | Sūtrārtho varṇyate yatra vākyaiḥ sūtrānusāribhiḥ |
Alpākṣaram-asandigdham sāravat viśvato mukham |
Svapadāni ca varṇyante bhāṣyam bhāshyavido viduḥ ||
Astobham-anavadyam ca sūtram sūtravido viduḥ: ||
astobham-anavadyam cha sūtram sūtravido viduḥ: ||
alpā ksạ ram - concise sūtrārthaḥ — the meaning of the sutra varṇyate – is
asandigdham - without any doubt i.e. unambiguous expounded
A sū tra or an aphorism
sā ravat -is a short formula with the least possibleyatra
meaningful num-– wherever, where
ber of letters, without any ambiguity
vishvatomukham or doubtful
- lit. ‘having assertion,
many faces’; containing
embrac- vākyaiḥ – through sentences
the very essence, embracing all meanings, without any stop or ob-
ing many meanings sūtrānusāribhiḥ – in accordance with the sutra
astobham - devoid of ‘stobha’
struction and absolutely faultless in nature. (fillers in Vedic chant- svapadāni – their (sutras) own words (the words con-
ing) like ‘hA’ or ‘hU’ tained therein)
anavadyam - faultless, blemishless ca — and
sūtram — sūtra (accusative case, object)
Sū tra means "string, thread"; it is derived from the Sanskritvarṇyante root — is expounded
sutravido is in fact (there is sandhi) sūtraviduḥ — the bhāṣyam — bhaṣyam
√siv 'that whichknower
sewsofor holds together' and √sū tr "to tie, tobhāṣyaviduḥ — the knowers of the bhaṣya
sūtra
thread" viduḥ — know, say viduḥ — know, say
Those who are knowledgeable about sutras say Those who are knowledgeable about bhashya say
A sutra must exhibhit allshould
that a sutra six characterists to be called so.
consist of a minimum that a bhashya is one in which the meaning
number of letters, be unambiguous, give of a sutra is expounded through sentences
the essence of the subject-matter, be
Alpā kṣaram - concise which are in accordance with the sutra
asandigdham all-encompassing
- without any (containing
doubt i.e.allunambiguous
the and also the meanings of the words
matters intended to be conveyed), be contained therein.
sā ravat - pithiful, meaningful
free from repetition and faultless.
vishvatomukham - lit. 'having many faces'; embracing many
meanings A Sutra or an aphorism is a short A Bhashya is an elaborate expo-
astobham - devoid
formulaof 'stobha'
with (kind of
the least possible fillers in Vedic chanting)
num- sition, a commentary, on the sutras,
like hA hU ber of letters, without any ambiguity with word-by-word meaning of the
anavadyam - faultless, blemishless
or doubtful assertion, containing the aphoristic precepts, their running trans-
very essence, embracing all meanings, lation, together with the individual views
without any stop or obstruction and ab- of the commentator or the bhashyakara.
solutely faultless in nature. The sutrakara or The best and the exemplary bhashya in San-
the composer of the aphorisms is said to be as skrit literature is written by Patanjali—considered
happy as one would be while getting the first male child, to be the father of bhashyakaras—on the Vyakarana Sutras
if he is but able to reduce one letter in his abstruse sutra of of Panini. This bhashya is so very famous and important that it
words and ideas. The best example of the greatest, the tersest is known as the Mahabhashya. The second in importance is on
and the most perfect of sutra literature is the series of apho- the Mimamsa Sutras written by Sabara-Swamin who learned
risms called the Ashtadhyayi composed by Panini. Panini is the the art from Patanjali. The third important bhashya was writ-
father of all sutrakaras from whom all others seem to have ten by Sankara on the Brahma Sutras. The bhashyas on the six
borrowed the method of composition. The sutras are meant sets of aphorisms dealing with Indian philosophy were written
to explain a big volume of knowledge in short assertions suit- by Vatsyayana, Prasastapada, Vijnanabhikshu, Vyasa, Sabara
able to be kept in memory at all times. The six Vedangas and and Sankara. On the Vedanta or Brahma Sutras, there are
the six systems of Hindu philosophy form the twelve sets of about sixteen bhashyas, such as those by Ramanuja, Madhva,
sutra literature of the world. In addition to these, there are Vallabha and Nimbarka.
later compositions for example
1 the Narada-Bhakti Sutras or
the Sandilya-Bhakti Sutras, which assume an equal form with
the famous sutras mentioned above.
12 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 13
The Third Dimension
An Address to the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course, Ustka, Poland, October 2018
by Swami Durgananda
Faith is an important aspect of the third
dimension.
Teachers’ Training Course. The goal of a yoga teacher is
not to make money. You have to collect some money to
pay for your hall, your food and personal expenses. But
Faith is an important aspect of the third dimension. But your main intention should be to serve. This is how the
Swami Sivananda says path, just as we try to do everything right in the secular
third dimension is purified. You are not doing this for
life. In this way the spiritual dimension is just as intense blind faith is not what is meant here. When Swami
that yoga practitioners are profit, not for the ego. This is the intention for this course.
as the secular dimension. Swami Sivananda points out Vishnudevananda would speak about faith, he would
mostly aware of two say: faith grows if you practise. When you feel the result In this course you are not becoming tired from the activ-
that merely focussing on the secular and spiritual dimen-
dimensions. sions will not really lead us anywhere. of your practice, then faith grows. But if people do not ities themselves. You are getting tired because you are
practise at all, they have no way of developing faith. A facing that third dimension, that which is deeper inside
Swami Sivananda says that yoga lazy or tamasic person has no faith. A passionate or ra- of you and which is being expanded during this course.
practitioners are mostly aware of two dimensions. The
There is a third dimension which Yoga is not what you see. You cannot see the inner di-
jasic person may have faith in his or her own ego or in
first dimension is the outer life. As soon as we are born Swami Sivananda really wants us to look at. “give and take”. In a pure or sattvic person the faith in mension. In many approaches to yoga today the inner
our parents take care of our outer life. They help us also This is the inner life. the third dimension develops, and the result will show: dimension is not considered. It is just secular life and
to connect to the outer life. This includes education: As you think, so you become. There is nobody who can spiritual life – you go for it and you expect things. And
which school I am going to, which teacher can I trust, There is a third dimension which Swami Sivananda re- do this for you, you are the driver of your own system. if that doesn’t work, you go to the next teacher, you do
can I make it to university or not. This is called secular, ally wants us to look at. This is the inner life. It is the Thus, the mind alone is the cause of all bondage and of the next thing. This in itself is a great obstacle. Therefore,
outer or worldly life. In this outer life we interact with life of thoughts, of feelings, of attitudes, of reactions and course it can also be the cause of liberation. And that is the great sages and seers taught methods of how to pay
people, some of them are friends, others are enemies. of countless memories. This dimension lies between the the decision which is made in the third dimension. It is attention to what your thoughts are. It is to be practised
Secular life surrounds us from all sides. secular life and the spiritual life. It is from this dimension also called interim or in-between, as it stands between not only when you meditate, but throughout the day
This outer life values the ego and deals mostly with profit that you decide how your outer life should be, and you the secular and spiritual life. also. When you sit in the evening and look back at how
and loss: how rich do I become, how successful, how also decide what spiritual life you live, or whether you It is easier to do asanas and pranayama. You may say you reacted during the day, you can see again and again
much do people recognise me, what titles do I have, how become an atheist, which in itself is a spiritual choice as that this is also difficult because it requires discipline. But how you put the attitudes of your secular life into your
do I dress, in which part of town do I live. People and well. It is your conclusion about how you want to relate once the discipline is in place, asanas and pranayama are spiritual life.
events push us towards this outer dimension, forcing us to God. easy to do. Whereas this inner life, these inner attitudes There is really nothing new in yoga. It could become very
to act in the way this outer dimension expects us to act. In order to understand Yoga, we need to focus on how are constantly subject to greed, lack of faith, competitive boring as long as you deal with yoga only in the first two
It is very tiring and occupies most of our energy. it relates to this third dimension. It starts with the attitudes, worry about tomorrow and fear of ageing. All dimensions. But if you enter purposefully into the third
yamas and niyamas. The yamas are abstinence from in- these are influences from the outer world. They have ac- dimension, with awareness, then discrimination, viveka,
You may wonder whether there is more to jury and killing, truthfulness, abstinence from theft, con- tually nothing to do with us. Our inner Self is free from will slowly awaken within you, and a whole new inner
tinence, and abstinence from greed. The niyamas consist this. world opens up.
life than this outer dimension.
of cleanliness, contentment, austerity, study of the self You can experience this when you meditate. When you
and self-surrender to God. have a moment of peace inside, where are all these out- Be ready.
You may wonder whether there is more to life than this
The yamas and niyamas purify the third dimension, the er influences? Nowhere! As soon as we shut the door
outer dimension. This is when you enter the second di-
inner psychological life of our attitudes. They bring clarity behind us in our home, we are with our minds. And if Be ready. Then you really need asanas and pranayama,
mension, the spiritual life. Spiritual life is not an easy
into what is positive or negative, justified or unjustified, the third dimension is not tackled properly we become because you will have surprises. You may feel ashamed
dimension because nowadays you have a lot of choice.
wise or unwise. This clearing up of the third dimension restless. Just practising asanas and pranayama cannot that you actually think in certain ways and never knew
In earlier times there was no choice. You were born into
consists mostly of the purification of preconceived ideas. solve this situation. Positive thinking and meditation are it. Now you decide what is favourable for you and what
a religious or into a non-religious family. Traditionally
It is a psychological level of life which is extremely subtle required. is unfavourable for you. Something is not simply good
in India the family would have a guru and the children
and invisible. Helping people to bring awareness into their third di- because somebody was living like this for centuries. You
would go to the same guru. Today with the help of the
media we do not necessarily believe in what our ances- mension—this is an important task for yoga places and have to look at it. You have to look at how you move,
tors believed. This has brought about a big change in the As you think, so you become. organisations. Swami Vishnudevananda would tell the what you eat, how you sleep, how you interact with ev-
society. graduates of the Yoga Teachers’ Training Course: erybody. You really look at life. You do this with your inner
Yoga is one amongst many religious or spiritual belief As you think, so you become—there is much truth in this dimension, as well as with the help of the scriptures. It
systems. It believes in the existence of the atman, the sentence. If we continue to keep thinking the same way “Be like light in the darkness." can be the Bible or any other spiritual book which speaks
Soul, the Eternal. If we engage in spiritual life through as we have in our secular life, picking up our ideas from about the third dimension. The mind needs this mental
yoga we are very busy. In a way we apply the same in- our surroundings and the media, if we do not change our “Be like light in the darkness. You can help many peo- food every day because it has a tendency to forget, be-
tention as in secular life, we try to achieve something. thoughts, our spiritual life will not develop either, and ple.” Personally I have seen how many of these grad- cause it floats back into the old habits. Have you no-
The focus is on asanas, pranayama, awakening of the the third dimension will remain completely untouched. uates continued to evolve and grow and learnt how to ticed? Even after so many years I recognise this in myself.
kundalini. We try to do everything right on the spiritual live well on this planet. This is the intention of the Yoga continued on page 17
14 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 15
THE THIRD DIMENSION
One aspect of laziness or tamas, consists in not entering Everything in this world has positive and negative as-
into the third dimension. You continue to do what you al- pects, every coin has two sides. This should be accepted;
ways did. Even though you may be quite active, it is still it is like that. You know that things are changing, you
tamasic. Because you don’t change. This is the problem should accept the changes. Nothing is permanent, every-
for many people. They all go in the round about. During thing changes.
younger years they experiment with this hair cut or that In today’s fast world there are major changes every three
clothing fashion. But when they are forty, they become to four years. When you are young, you can live with
like their parents. There is no connection to the third di- this, but people who are above fifty years old, they have
mension. The most important thing in yoga is a positive a hard time to keep up. Your parents know how to use a
attitude, a positive vision, a positive approach and a mobile phone, but maybe not everybody knows how to
positive orientation. These are the words of Swami use a computer. Keep your mind open, keep that third
Sivananda: attitude, vision, approach and orientation. dimension open, then you will be able to keep up with
Then things change. The secular life starts changing, the changes, even when you are fifty or sixty years old. When
spiritual life starts changing, you enter a different plat- you try to be open to changes, life is not boring. And
form. Swami Sivananda says as long as you are in your when you had a terrible day, you can start afresh the
body, the old habits will try to pull you. Therefore every next morning.
day has to be a new awakening. This is also true for med- Depending on your own psychological tendency, your
itation. You may have a good meditation today, but this connection with the third dimension corresponds to
does not continue forever. The next day you may be un- a different yoga path. In bhakti yoga we say, God put
successful in meditation, you may fall asleep, there may me in this situation for me to learn, it has a purpose. In
be indigestion, you may hear everything around you, jnana yoga you analyse: What is this? Why is this? Can
your body may itch or you cannot sit still. All this doesn’t I change it? etc., and then you come to a conclusion. In
matter, you sit anyway. Don’t expect anything. Do not raja yoga you understand the function of the thought
have a pessimistic, negative attitude—what does it do waves or vrittis. You look at the vrittis and you change
for me, me, me … Remember faith. Remember to accept them.
things as they are. And continue to work from there. The common point in all these different paths is to
Swami Sivananda Swami Vishnudevananda
change your ego and bring light into this stagnant ego
INTERNATIONAL
(1887–1963) (1927–1993)
Make use of your inner faculties. attitude. We stagnate because we think we are right,
the ego thinks it is right. But what is right? It is so rela-
TEACHERS’ TRAINING COURSE Make use of your inner faculties. Do not simply do things tive and depends on different circumstances. Intelligent
thinking, which is guided by the scriptures, helps you to
IN SUNNY SPAIN for which you were trained, for which you have a degree
or what mother, father or friends taught you. There are truly discriminate, so you can decide your next move,
many more faculties within you which you can develop. step by step.
When you try to do things which you don’t know how Swami Sivananda says that until we reach Self-realisa-
In Aluenda:
a picturesque tiny village to do, you may make a fool of yourself. Because you are tion, every human being remains an individual, a psycho-
of traditional Spain
never the best when you do things you have not done logical being. In other words, we remain different until
Easy access from Madrid before. But you can learn. This also applies to yoga. Some we have merged into that Self, until we allow ourselves
and Barcelona airports
people say: I am not really ready for yoga, I will start to say: Yes, I Am. Not I am so and so, I am that, I am
With international
guest speakers. when I am retired. But when you are sixty, you will have this—this is the psychological state.
many new problems which prevent you from practising.
Spanish and Start now, change now. Those who do volunteer service “I Am That I Am.”
English
Centro de yoga in this organisation continuously have to do things which
Sivananda Madrid
Tel. +34 91 361 51 50
they never did before. That is why sometimes things in Saying “I Am That I Am” means entering into complete
Centro de yoga
TTC-Spain@sivananda.net the Centres and Ashrams are not perfect. peace, because we now no longer differentiate.
Sivananda Madrid
espana.sivananda.eu/en If we are considering this, then we are really in training,
Tel. +34 91 361 51 50
TTC-Spain@sivananda.net You have more talents than you think. and both our secular life and our spiritual life will be il-
espana.sivananda.eu/en lumined by this third dimension. We gain emancipation.
Use your inner faculties. You have more talents than you
think. You cannot even imagine which talents are hiding
within you. Slowly nourish your third dimension. Other-
AUGUST 3 – SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 wise it remains asleep. You will continue to do what you
always did, and you also do your asanas in the same Swami Durgananda is Yoga Acharya (spiritual director) of the
Enjoy sunshine, health, inner learning and spiritual fellowship Founder Swami Vishnudevananda,
1957 way. Where is then the third dimension? Sivananda Yoga Centres in Europe. e-mail: swd@sivananda.net
16 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 17
Distractions & Friends—Antarayah & Sahabhuvah
by Srinivas Pulluri
The great Patanjali Maharshi is considered to be the 5 ālasya = laziness, sloth
grandfather of yoga psychology, through his contribution Aalasya or laziness is an aspirant’s greatest foe. As a result of laziness, we cannot hope
to Yoga Sastra and to mankind, in the form of his Sutras. to attain material well-being, let alone progress on the spiritual path. It is caused by
The goal of Yoga Sastra is to make the practitioner abide an excess of tamas (the dark element amongst the gunas), and is overcome by rajas
in his own real nature, svarupe’vasthānam 1.3, to (activity) and sattva (dynamic goodness). Susruta, the great teacher of Ayurveda, con-
stop the erroneous identification with the thought-waves siders ālasya as a condition which inclines a person more towards pleasure and less
of the mind (vritti), vṛttisārūpyamitaratra 1.4. towards work, even though capable (vide Susruta Samhita Sarirasthana, 4.51).
Patanjali Maharshi states his position in the first four
sutras themselves and elaborates on them in the sutras 6 avirati = worldly-mindedness, stubborn attachment to sense objects
that follow. To abide in one’s own real nature, one Avirati is the absence of the spirit of renunciation. Yoga is defined by Patanjali as
has to restrain the thought-waves of the mind, yogaścittavṛttinirodhaḥ 1.2. citta-vritti-nirodha, control of the modifications of the mind. These modifications
Patanjali advocates two techniques to do this. Their (the thought- continue to rise as long as their causes—in the form of kāma or desire for the
waves) restraint is attained through repeated practice and dispassion, pleasures of the senses—exist. Kāma has to be controlled by virati or dispas-
abhyāsavairāgyābhyāṁ tannirodhaḥ 1.12 and/or through devotion sion, an intense spirit of renunciation.
to Ishwara, īśvarapraṇidhānādvā 1.23.
The word which expresses Ishwara is pranava, tasya (īśvarasya) 7 bhrāntidarśana = false perception, mistaken notion, delusion/ illusion
At the intellectual level, false perception can manifest itself as a misunderstand-
vācakaḥ praṇavaḥ 1.27. This pranava must be repeated with medita- ing of the teachings of the guru and the scriptures. This can be due to dullness,
tion upon its meaning, tat (praṇavaḥ) japastadarthabhāvanam 1.28. perversion of the intellect or self-conceit. At the psychic level, through wrong
Hence comes the realisation of the inner Self and the removal of obstacles methods of practice, false perception can lead to hallucinations. True experience
(takes place), tataḥ pratyakacetanādhigamo’pyantarāyābhāvaśca gives joy and peace whereas one that is false may have little or no impact or may
1.29. cause unhappiness, fear, restlessness and tension. Elimination of this distraction
Maharshi Patanjali outlines the distractions of the mind—antarāyā—which requires great effort and tactful handling. Discussions with the guru in all humility
present as obstacles in yoga sadhana. The word antarāya is derived from can help eradicate these tendencies.
the root aya, to go, with the prefix antar, between; thus antarāyā means to
get in-between, i.e. obstacle. Simply put antarāyā means that which comes in 8 alabdhabhūmikatva = non-attainment of firm ground, non-achievement
between the process of joining the individual self with the Supreme Self. of a state
Despite correct practice of the yoga disciplines, the aspirant fails to attain any of the
There are nine distractions of the mind explained in sutra 1.30: yogabhūmis or planes of psychic and spiritual experience mentioned in the scrip-
vyādhi - styāna - saṁśaya - pramāda - ālasya - avirati - tures. This is due to the negative samskāras or impressions from past lives, which
bhrāntidarśana - alabdhabhūmikatva - anavasthitatvāni drain away the energy generated by yogic practices just as rat-holes in a field drain
away the irrigation water. With the help of the guru and by deep introspection the
1 vyādhi = physical disease aspirant can discover and eliminate these weaknesses.
Ayurveda, the science of health and longevity, categorises vyādhi (disease)
into four groups: Aagantuka (from an external source or accident); Sārīra
9 anavasthitatva = instability, non-maintenance of firm ground
(from disturbance of the balance of the three humours viz., kapha, vāta and
Anavasthitatva is the last and most formidable obstacle. Through assiduous
pitta); Mānasa (from the mind, due to jealousy, anger, lust and so on); and
practice, the yogi succeeds in raising the mind to higher states but through weakness
Svābhāvika (from natural causes, due to hunger, thirst, old age, etc.). These
of mind is unable to sustain the achievement. Lust, love of money, mercurial irritability
diseases may be caused by poor lifestyle and/or by the karma from previous
or crass selfishness are often responsible for this fall. By dispassionate and deep in-
lifetimes.
trospection, consultation with the guru and prayer to Ishwara, the root cause can be
eliminated.
2 styāna = mental laziness, langour, apathy
This is an aspect of mental paralysis according to Sankara, a disinclination
The distractions outlined in the sutra above (1.30) are psychological prob-
toward work which has to be overcome by great will power and self-effort.
lems. The subsequent sutra (1.31) mentions the external manifestations
Swami Sivananda advocates overcoming this obstacle with asana, pran-
of these problems called sahabhuvah, companions of the distractions.
ayama and active habits.
duḥkha = grief, sorrow;
3 saṁśaya = doubt, indecision daurmanasya = despair;
Saṁśaya or doubt is created when two kinds of knowledge opposed
to each other arise in the mind. It is to be overcome by faith in the
aṅgamejayatva = trembling of the body;
scriptures and the teacher. The Bhagavad Gīta (4.40) declares that śvāsa & praśvāsa = irregular breathing
a doubting person loses this world and the next, ultimately leading
to self-destruction. When sorrow, disappointment and despair are not sublimated by discrimi-
nation and will-power, they cause tremendous restlessness in the mind, affect-
4 pramāda = carelessness, lack of enthusiasm, misplaced priorities ing the nervous system, and manifesting as physical restlessness. The aspirant is
Pramāda is heedlessness or carelessness and the blunder that arises thus unable to sit steadily for meditation and frequently changes position. Persisting in
out of it. Once the mind is allowed to slip from the path of yoga due to the practice of yoga, repetition of pranava (OM) and an attitude of surrender to Ishwara will
pramāda, it can result in a total fall (vide Vivekacūdāmani 324). The gradually lessen this disturbance. Irregular breathing patterns can be overcome by the practice of
famous sage Sanatsujāta compares pramāda to mrtyu or death since pranayama.
it leads to samsāra or transmigratory existence (vide Sanatsujatiya 1.4).
Srinivas Pulluri is a traditional teacher of Yoga, Vedanta & Sanskrit and teaches in the Sivananda
Advanced Teachers’ Training Courses worldwide. srinivas@sivananda.org
18 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 19Sivananda Yoga in
Swami Sivananda
1887–1963
Swami Vishnudevananda
1927–1993
Chinese
translation of
2019
CHINA
ASIA The Eternity of Time
Extract from Yoga Vasistha translated by Swami Venkatesananda
CIBY coming
soon! NEW www.sivanandayogachina.org/videos
VIDEO March 27– 30 Chengdu retreat with
Swami Sitaramananda, Swami
Adiparashaktiananda and Dr. Ram Kumar
March 31–April 2 Shanghai programs with
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ananda, and Dr. Ram Kumar
June 13–24 Retreats with Swami Narayanan-
anda in Chengdu and Hanzhou (near Shanghai)
Sept. 7–Oct. 5 Fifth International Yoga Teachers
Training course in Quianfo Mountains, Chengdu,
China in English and Chinese
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April 3–7 Special Yoga programs in Tokyo SYVC
center and Yoga retreat house at Shojiko with
Swami Sitaramananda, Swami Adiparashakti-
ananda and Dr. Ram Kumar
All the hopes of man in this world are consistently de- the universe again and again. Just as even the great and
May 26–June 23, 2020 First time: International
Yoga Teachers Training Course at Sivananda stroyed by Time. Time alone, O Sage, wears everything mighty mountain is rooted on earth, this mighty Time is
Shojiko Yoga Retreat with English and Japanese out in this world; there is nothing in creation which is also established in the absolute Being (Brahman).
translation. Shoji Lake Hotel beyond its reach. Time alone creates innumerable uni-
(http://www.mfi.or.jp/shojilh/) verses, and in a very short time Time destroys everything. Even though Time creates endless universes, it is not
5 minutes away, overlooks wearied, nor does it rejoice; it does not come, nor does it
Shojiko Lake and Mount Fuji See separate Time allows a glimpse of itself through its partial man- go; it does not rise, nor does it set.
ad for activities at our ifestation as the year, the age, and the epoch, but its
beautiful ashram in
TAIWAN VIETNAM
essential nature is hidden. This Time overpowers every- Time, the gourmet sees that the objects of this world
thing. Time is merciless, inexorable, cruel, greedy and in- have been ripened by the fire of the sun, and when he
Feb. 16–17 Special Yoga OPEN YEAR satiable. Time is the greatest magician, full of deceptive finds them fully ripe he consumes them! Each epoch of
programs with Swami ROUND tricks. This Time cannot be analysed; for however much time is decked, as it were, by the lovely jewels of colour-
Jnaneswariananda at Gokula it is divided it still survives, indestructible. It has an insa- ful beings for the pleasure of Time that wipes them all
Affiliated Ashram
tiable appetite for everything—it consumes the small- out playfully.
March 23–25 Special Yoga programs with est insects, the biggest mountains and even the king of
Swami Sitaramananda at Gokula Affiliated heaven! To the lotus of youthfulness, Time is the nightfall; to the
Ashram in Taichung, and Yoga center in elephant of life-span, Time is the lion. In this world there
Taipei, Taiwan Even as a young boy plays with a ball for his pastime, Time is nothing, high or low, that Time does not destroy. Even
uses the two balls known as the sun and the moon for its when all these are destroyed, Time is not destroyed. Just
pastime. It is indeed Time alone that appears as the de- as a man after a day’s activity rests in sleep, as if in ig-
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.sivanandayogavietnam.org stroyer of the universe (Rudra), the creator of the world norance, even so Time after the comic dissolution sleeps
www. sivanandayogachina.org (Brahma), the king of heaven (Indra), the lord of wealth or rests with the creation-potential hidden in it. No one
www.yogafarm.org/taiwan (Kubera), and the nothingness of comic dissolution. It is really knows what this Time is.
www.sivananda.jp (Japan) indeed this Time that successively creates and dissolves
20by Swami
Founded YOGALife Spring 2019 Est. 1957
Vishnudevananda. www.sivanandayogafarm.org YOGALife Spring 2019 21Reaching Home, Finding Peace
pure, the Guru shows up at our doorstep. But this does not We may meet a teacher but may not be sure if he or she
mean that we should sit idle. Rather, we should actively is a true Guru. How can we tell? The best way to test is
search for our Guru. If we wish to learn yoga, we need to through our own spiritual perception, by observing the im-
find a teacher who can teach us yoga. If we wish to realize pact of their spiritual teachings on ourselves. We need to
The Role of the Guru in Our Spiritual Life by Swami Swaroopananda
the Self, we need to find a teacher who has realized the Self take enough time to test the teachings. It may take years,
and who can teach us how to attain this goal. In this pro- but eventually, we will be able to recognize the actual value
cess of searching for a teacher, we meet different teachers. and authenticity of a spiritual teacher. What we wish from
Introduction: What is a Guru? Guru is God Himself They enlighten us and open many gates for us. Eventually, the teacher is not to learn theory, but to learn how to prac-
Swami Sivananda, Swami Vishnude- According to the yogic scriptures, the Guru, the Self, and we reach our Guru. At that moment, we enter the path that tice and experience the teachings. After a few years you
vananda and all the yogic scrip- God are one and the same. The Guru that you see outside leads to freedom, to spiritual liberation. Then we can be can look within and ask, ‘Am I experiencing the teachings?
tures talk about the importance of is identical with your own Self, which is within, and is also certain that we have reached the last leg of our spiritual Did the preceptor fulfill his or her promises to me? Did they
the Guru or spiritual preceptor. The identical with God whom we worship. By saying that the journey. act in a way which is consistent with the teachings?’ If the
word “Guru” literally means the Guru is God, we do not mean that the physical body of the Desiring and searching for a teacher should be combined answer is ‘yes’, then you know that this is a true, authentic,
one who dispels the darkness of ig- Guru is God, but that God reveals Himself to the aspirant with prayer. If you wish to find your teacher, pray to God genuine teacher.
norance by bringing in the light of through the form of the Guru. God comes to each one of to send you your teacher. Pray hard, with a sincere heart: But we must keep in mind that the Guru has a human side
knowledge. There are two types of us in a personal way, in the form of our personal Guru. ‘Oh, Lord, help me find my Guru.’ Prayer is a very effective as well as a Divine side. The guidance for the disciple is
knowledge found in the Vedas, or sacred Hindu scriptures. Whoever is the Guru for one person may not be the Guru method. Another method, which is the most important and to focus only on the Divine side of the teacher, never on
The first type of knowledge teaches us how to take care for another person. powerful one, is meditation. In deep meditation, if you sow the human side. For example, your Guru may help you to
of the world, and the second teaches us how to transcend Why does God manifest in our life in the form of the Guru? the seed of finding your teacher, that seed will sprout, and realize the Self, but your Guru may not know mathematics
the world. Without learning how to take care of the world, According to our tradition, the Jiva, the individual soul, is you will find your teacher. If you combine all these meth- or engineering. There may be many things that are worldly
we do not have the foundation for transcending the world. going through a long path, a Divine path of purification that ods - desiring a teacher, praying, meditating, and actively in nature that the Guru does not know. But the Guru can
Thus the study of both topics is essential for our spiritual takes many lifetimes. When the heart is pure enough, the searching - you will soon, if it is within your destiny, find guide you wonderfully on the spiritual path. Thus, we need
life, and the study of both these topics requires a Guru. soul begins to yearn to know the truth, or God. It prays, “O your teacher. When this happens, it seems that we have to remember these two sides of the Guru. If we are disap-
God, please show yourself to me, please come to me.” God finally found our teacher, but truly, it was the teacher who pointed by the fact that the Guru also has a human side,
Who is a True Guru? listens to our prayers and appears in our life in the form of has found us. we may not benefit from his teachings, from his presence,
According to the Upanishads, there are two qualifications the Guru to show us the path to Himself, which is the path and from his Grace.
that a person must have in order to be considered as a to our own true Self. It is said that when the disciple is How to Recognize Your Guru
Sat Guru (perfect Guru). The Guru needs to be a master of ready, the Guru shows up at the disciple’s doorstep. 'Ready' Still people may wonder: ‘How do I recognize a teacher as What Does the Guru Teach?
the scriptures (Brahma-srotriya) and to have a direct real- here means pure. When there is enough purification in the a true teacher, and how do I know that this is my own per- The Guru teaches us how to transcend samsara or the
ization of the Self or Brahman (Brahma-nishtha). Such a heart and the mind the Guru appears. Once the Guru takes sonal teacher?’ You know that you have found your Guru cycle of suffering. The source of all our suffering is ig-
person knows the yogic path from beginning to end and responsibility for a disciple, the Guru will never leave the because in his or her presence you find peace. You feel as norance regarding our true nature. The Guru imparts to
therefore has the capacity to teach it to others. disciple; our Guru will stay with us until we realize the Self, if you have reached home. You were restless, you were us a special kind of knowledge by which this ignorance
Another quality that a Guru must have is love, compas- even if it takes many lifetimes. searching, and finally you found what you were looking for. is removed. When this ignorance is removed, the cause
sion, and caring for other people. Compassion is the only In the presence of your Guru you feel content, you do not for all possible suffering is also removed. Thus, the Guru
motivation for the Guru to teach and transmit spiritual Necessity of a Guru have any other desires or needs. When we were in the pres- gives us a method to rid ourselves of ignorance and pain.
knowledge to others. For a true Guru there is no other People often ask: how important it is to have a Guru? Do ence of Swami Vishnudevananda, we felt like we did not This method has many names. In our tradition we call it
motivation, because a true Guru does not have any per- we really need a Guru to progress on the spiritual path and need anything else. To be with him was enough. Yet, he did ‘yoga’. The word yoga has two primary meanings. In the
sonal desires. Swami Sivananda describes the Guru as the attain the goal? If so, must the Guru be in a physical human not allow us to simply sit in his presence for too long. He Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that “Yoga is the sepa-
richest person in creation, richer than any emperor or king, form? The answer is that having a Guru is essential and ex- always sent us to do some karma yoga. ration from the union with pain.” (Ch. 6, v. 23). The sec-
because in his or her possession is the entire wealth of the tremely important for those who are living a spiritual life. In In the presence of your Guru you begin to flourish, and you ond definition of Yoga is the realization of the oneness of
Lord. The Guru is a person who has fulfilled all possible fact, it is the most important thing. The Upanishads declare are ready to follow the Guru’s instructions. Then you start
the individual consciousness and the Supreme Conscious-
human desires. Having fulfilled all desires, what possible that one who has a Guru knows while one who does not to grow from within. This growth is a long process. It may
ness. Ultimately, we do not accept a real separation; we
motive might they have to teach us other than love and have a Guru does not know. In our tradition, knowledge take your entire life, but you are content because you found
do not believe that the individual consciousness is truly
compassion? They teach because of Grace. By definition, comes only through a Guru, not through books or any other your Guru and you have no doubt. Thus, when people ask
separated from the universal consciousness. We believe
a true Guru must be completely selfless. He or she does means. Thus, we need a living spiritual master in a physical how one knows that they have found their Guru, the an-
that there is only one consciousness, and that separation
not expect anything in return; there is no personal interest form. There are few exceptions to this rule. There are great swer is, ‘When you find your Guru, you know’.
is only an appearance. Yoga is that knowledge which re-
there, only love. yogis and saints like Dattatreya and Ramana Maharshi who
moves the apparent separation between the human being
The Guru can save us from the greatest disease, which is did not have a Guru in a physical form. Yet, these were rare The Characteristics of a True Teacher
and God and the false idea that the Self is different from
perpetual suffering caused by our spiritual ignorance, and exceptions. Most of us need a human Guru in a physical A true teacher is someone who can guide us in such a way
Brahman or God.
so the Guru is our greatest savior. That is why we worship form to guide us to our goal. that we are able to experience the teachings ourselves. Ad-
The Guru teaches us how to realize our true nature, which
the Guru. Yet, the Guru has no desire to be worshipped; the ditionally, there are other characteristics, like purity, hon-
essentially is one with God. This knowledge is not theoret-
need to worship is ours. A Guru will never point us toward How to Find a Guru esty, ethical qualities, wisdom, and skill in guiding others.
ical, but practical. Swami Sivananda teaches that an ounce
himself; rather, he or she always points us towards our own Clearly, a Guru is necessary, but how can we find one? First Most importantly, we should seek a spiritual preceptor who
of practice is worth tons of theory. The most important part
Self. Their only purpose is to direct us towards the knowl- and foremost, we need to desire a Guru. If we truly have a is following the spiritual path from beginning to end, is
in the teaching of the Guru is the practice, because the
edge of our true nature; this is the reason they manifest in powerful desire to find our teacher, eventually we will find skillful in guiding others to do the same and has a direct
practice is the method of attaining the goal of life.
our life.. him or her. It is said that when the heart and the mind are experience of the teachings.
22 YOGALife Spring 2019 YOGALife Spring 2019 23The Guru as “Doctor” you to the point where you start to experience the teach- This made him feel very close to Swami Sivananda. There- great devotion to his teacher. He refused to be called a
The scriptures often use the analogy of medicine. The Guru ings directly. Along the way, there are things that the disci- fore, if you want to get close to your Guru, try to follow his Guru and even scolded us when we did. When we came
is seen as a doctor, the disciple as the patient. The disease ple must learn. This is a very long process that takes many or her instructions as much as you can, even though this is to ask for his blessings, he would say “My blessings are
that needs to be removed is our spiritual ignorance or mis- years. Eventually, a true Guru can take the disciple all the not easy, it may even be extremely difficult. cheap, go to the Master, go to Swami Sivananda.” He did
apprehension of reality: not knowing who we are, and hav- way on the spiritual path, from beginning to end. not call this organization by his own name; he gave it the
ing the wrong notion about ourselves, the world and God. The relationship of the disciple to the Guru is a relationship The Legacy of Swami Vishnudevananda name of his Guru, Swami Sivananda. For him, Swami
The symptom of this disease is our suffering. The medicine of love and devotion. For some, it is love at first sight. For Swami Vishnudevananda was our Guru, and we had the Sivananda was everything, and he himself was nothing.
that the doctor gives us in order to cure us from this disease others, it is a longer, slower process. For some it is a qui- direct experience of being with him. He was very human He never considered himself to be a yoga master, although
is the teachings. Just as the doctor evaluates the condition et and peaceful relationship of love and devotion, called from many points of view, but he also had a Divine side, so many people all over the world considered him to be a
of the patient and prescribes a remedy that specifically fits Shanta Bhava. They feel the presence of the Guru as pro- and those of us that lived with him could clearly see both great master. As a person, he was very humble; his devo-
the person and his condition, so does the Guru apply a spe- found peace. For others it is more dynamic. Sometimes the sides. His purpose was to help us transcend our own human tion to Swami Sivananda was second to none, and he was
cific remedy for each of us according to our specific needs, disciples feel an ache of longing when they are physically side, our own little ego, to transcend the realm of suffering a supreme practitioner and a great yogi. Still, until the last
condition and level of spiritual progress. far away from the Guru. Other times, even if the Guru is and to move into the realm which is beyond samsara—the moment of his life, everything he did, he did for his Guru,
Swami Vishnudevananda gave general teachings to all, but physically far away, they can still feel the Guru’s presence realm of our true Self. This is what he taught us, and he did his master, Swami Sivananda.
he also offered specific teachings to different individuals within their heart. The disciple’s love for the Guru constant- it in a very marvellous way. He first taught us how to take Swamiji was a wonderful example for all of us of the rela-
according to their needs. The individual teachings were not ly grows and evolves. This is not a normal relationship with care of the world, and then, how to transcend the world. tionship between Guru and disciple. He was an exemplifica-
formal; they came in different ways, many times through a logical progression in which one comes to the Guru in Before leaving his body, he told us to take care of this or- tion of a perfect disciple, and whoever is a perfect disciple
instructions in karma yoga. Thus, the Guru always gives in- order to learn and after a certain number of years the learn- ganization. Just before leaving to India for his last jour- can also be a perfect Guru, a Sat Guru. I personally believe
dividual attention to his disciples. ing is complete. The relationship is spiritual, and it is of the ney, he gathered his senior disciples and he spoke to each that before Swamiji left his body, he realized the goal of his
The Guru heals us from our spiritual disease by offering us nature of bhakti, of love and devotion which manifests in one of us. He went from one person to the other and said: life, and he blessed all of us. When he was asked by one
a series of practices. The purpose of these practices is to our life and which constantly grows. “Be a good acharya, be a good acharya”. We asked him of his disciples, “What should I do in order to realize the
remove the cataract of ignorance and to allow us to see The process is gradual and can also develop through pain. what a good acharya meant and he said: “A good acharya Self?” he said: “Practice karma yoga for thirty years, and
our own Self, the world and reality as they truly are. Then The disciple may have a lot of emotions toward the Guru is one who takes don’t look back,
the causes of suffering and suffering itself disappear, and and these emotions may come with great intensity. But care of this orga- and you will realize
consequently our capacity to help others increases tremen- eventually these emotions will purify, will clear up and will nization.” And we the Self.”
dously. In other words, when we heal, we ourselves become become love or devotion. The connection between the Guru asked, “Why?” He This was his mes-
healers. But there is one important thing to remember: the and the disciple is extremely powerful. It is a deep and long said, “Because this sage: “Don’t think
Guru can only prescribe the medicine, it is still up to us to connection that crosses lifetimes, many lifetimes. organization is my about yourself.
take it, to apply the remedy by practicing the teachings. body.” Whatever you
Even the best doctor cannot heal us if we do not agree to How to Get Close to the Guru What happens do—even your
be healed, if we have no desire to become healthy, if we do The best way to get close to the teacher is to follow his or when we do not own practice, dedi-
not take the medicine. her spiritual instructions. The teachers do not desire for take care of our cate it to the entire
Faith is extremely important in this process. Even in medi- us to be attached to them. Their goal is to introduce us to body? We are un- humanity.” Do ab-
cine, we hear about the placebo effect. Placebo means that our true, Divine nature. They wish to show us the way to able to do the solutely nothing for
when you have faith in something, that faith itself can heal freedom, to introduce us to that reality which is absolute- practices that we your own sake. Do
you. It is not the medicine that heals but the faith in the ly free, which is of the nature of existence, consciousness need to in order everything for oth-
and bliss. Nothing can make them happier than seeing us
medicine that heals. Similarly, in our spiritual life, if we have to realize the Self, ers. Even sadhana.
faith, shraddha, in our Guru and in the teachings, and if we attain this goal. But they also know that there is a long and nor are we able Even your own re-
apply the teachings with faith, we are much more likely often painful process of purification that they must take us to serve others. alization. This was
to succeed. Faith is important because if we lose faith, we through before we can reach the goal. Through their associ- Similarly, Swami his teaching, and
will not apply the teachings. And even if we do try to apply ation and through their guidance we purify and eventually Vishnudevananda this is a wonderful
them, without faith they will not be as effective. attain our goal which is Self-Realization or God-Realization. taught us that if we do not take care of this organization, teaching. When we saw him, we saw his Guru, Swami
Just like a good doctor, the teacher is giving us the medi- Self-realization is not ego realization. On the spiritual path we will neither be able to take care of others, nor we will Sivananda. I never met Swami Sivananda, but seeing
cine and also instructing us how to take it. And along the we are moving from selfishness to selflessness. Therefore, be able to do what is necessary in order to attain our goal Swamiji, I believe I saw Swami Sivananda.
way, the Guru will change the medicine according to our the first instruction that any spiritual teacher will give us in life, which is Self-realization. These were his last words When you see a good disciple, you see the disciple’s Guru,
progress. Slowly, our spiritual preceptor will take us to thewould be the injunction “serve” then “love”, then “give.” to us before leaving for India for the last time and before and this is how it was in the case of Swamiji. And we pray
healthy state, the state in which we realize our oneness These were the first three instructions that Swami Sivananda leaving his body. that all of us will be able, even to a small degree, to emu-
with God, the state in which we realize our true nature and gave to his disciples. For example, he instructed Swami He left us with this heritage to carry on the mission of Swami late the example of our own Guru, Swami Vishnudevananda,
attain spiritual liberation. Vishnudevananda to go to the West as people were waiting Sivananda, which he carried faithfully for so many years. both as a disciple, and as a teacher, as a practitioner, and,
there to receive the teachings. And Swami Vishnudevananda Since he left his body, each one of his disciples has been most importantly from his point of view, as a servant of
How to be a Disciple followed the instruction, even though it was painful for him doing their level best to carry on this mission. We all know humanity.
Once you recognize your Guru and accept him or her as to leave his teacher, to leave his country, to leave the Hima- that our duty is first to realize ourselves what he taught us,
Swami Swaroopananda is the acharya of Sivananda Yoga Centres
your Guru, then you are also ready to accept the Guru’s layas and the Ganges which he loved. But he was a good and then to share with others whatever we received from
and Ashrams in the Middle East and in the Bahamas and is one
spiritual instructions and put them into practice. You spend disciple and he followed the instructions of his beloved him. These are the two things. There is nothing else to be done.
of the foremost disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda.
time with your Guru so that the Guru can guide you and teacher. And until the end of his life, everything thathe did Swami Vishnudevananda is a very good example of a real
correct you. Through a gradual process, the teacher brings was under the guidance of his Guru Swami Sivananda. Guru because of his profound humility and because of his Photo: Swami Vishnudevananda at the shrine of Swami Sivananda, Yoga Camp
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