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
Why yoga works—simply
Ancient yogis knew the benefits that came with regular yoga practice. Today, advancements in technology enable scientists to show precisely how these ancient practices work to benefit the mind and body. Yogis have been passing on the teachings of yoga for nearly 5,000 years.
Most simply, using proper breathing, especially during asana practice, enables the average person to develop the breathing apparatus and strengthen the vital life force. Once that begins, everything else flows from it. Why yoga works is really that simple. Any time you lie on the mat and breathe, the benefits of yoga begin.
There is a saying in yoga that when we control the breath, we control the life force, and when you think about that, it's really true.
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The Universal Prayer by Swami Sivananda
O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love,
Salutations and prostrations unto Thee.
Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniniscient.
Thou art Satchidananda.
Thou art Existence, Knowledge and Bliss Absolute.
Thou art the indweller of all beings.
Grant us an understanding heart, equal vision,
Balanced mind, faith, devotion and wisdom.
Grant us inner spiritual strength to resist temptation
And to control the mind.
Free us from egoism, lust, hunger, greed,
Hatred and jealousy.
Fill our hearts with Divine Virtues.
Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms.
Let us ever remember Thee.
Let us ever sing Thy glories.
Let Thy name bve ever on our lips.
Let us abide in Thee for Ever and Ever.
Om Bolo Sat Guru Sivananda Maharaj Ji Ki! Jaya!
Om Bolo Vishnu Devananda Maharaj Ji Ki! Jaya!
"Health is wealth, peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way." –
“Health is wealth, peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way.”
