Today (December 31st) is Swami Vishnu-devananda's birthday. To learn more about this remarkable teacher, try visiting this link: http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/swami-vishnudevananda.html

Happy Birthday, Swamiji! And Happy New Year to all, Namaste.

"Health is wealth, peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way." –Swami Vishnu-devananda

Throughout his whole life, Swamiji was deeply concerned about the well being of the world and the constant disaster of wars. This lead him to learn to fly and then personally pilot a small plane over several troubled areas of the world. Not only did he create discussion and awareness in the news media, but he also "bombarded" these war torn areas with flowers and peace pamphlets while repeating the peace Mantra: Om Namo Narayanaya.

"I have given you all I have with all my heart and love. It is for you to give to others. Sometimes I may not know all the answers, and I know that I have a long way to go. If you didn't get anything, that's because of my lower emotional nature. If there was anything good you got, it came from my great Master Sivananda. I don't say that I'm an unemotional person. I scolded and talked endlessly. I acted like a dictator. If I were like my master, or like Jesus, I could wash the feet of my disciples. But for that one must be very high. It can only be done when the ego is gone. If I were to do it, it would be hypocrisy. I'm not that high. Once, some years ago, I prostrated myself before a man to whom I had been rude and impatient. As I was doing it, I was thinking 'How humble I am.' So don't look for an easy way to overcome your ego. For years I've tried. I watch myself as my ego manifests itself. I analyze. But it clings like a leech. When we can't control ourselves, we should offer it to the Lord: 'Oh Lord, I offer it to Thee!' And now, if in any way I hurt your feelings, I ask you with all my heart to pardon me." - Swami Vishnudevananda