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I am observing fast on Ekadasi days. I hear that fasting will cut short the life of man. Is it a fact?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 14, 2012 at 6:00pm

Certainly not. By fasting, the body, mind, Prana and nerves will be renovated, vivified.
All the impurities will be destroyed. One can develop easily Sattvic qualities. The mind
becomes calm and peaceful. All the diseases can be destroyed by fasting. If a glutton takes to
fasting, he will find it difficult. A man of Mitahara will take great pleasure in fasting. He can
live for a longer period. Constant fasts for long periods should be avoided. Gradual practice is
necessary. In the beginning, observe

It has been said against reincarnation that there are more people now in comparison with the past world population.

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 13, 2012 at 6:00pm

It is not necessary that the same persons are reborn into this earth and none else. In the
process of evolution into human life, many from lower births also come up to the human level.
All these are controlled by superhuman powers or by the Divinity, God or Isvara Himself.
Further, rebirth need not necessarily be on this earth plane alone. It can take place anywhere in
the universe.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine

To have an attitude of power is to be free from physical pain.

Posted by VISHNU ER on January 13, 2012 at 3:18am

To have an attitude of power is to be free from physical pain.Expression: When there is a problem in the body, there is naturally pain experienced. The one who is caught up with the pain is not able to take the mind beyond it. Such a person usually continues to describe the pain and tends to focus on it more and more. So there is inability to use the power of the mind to relieve oneself from the pain.Experience: When there is the ability to make the mind strong even when there is a problem in th

Why do we not remember our past lives?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 12, 2012 at 6:00pm

Such remembrance under our existing limitations would considerably complicate our
present life. Therefore, the wise and beneficent Lord has so ordered our mental evolution that we
cannot recall our past lives until such time as it is good and helpful for us to remember. Such
instances may well form a cycle which is all clear to us when we come to the end of it, when we
see a whole rosary of lives threaded upon the one personality.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informat

What is the easiest way for concentration?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 11, 2012 at 6:00pm

Japa of the Name of the Lord. And a very important point to bear in mind in this
connection is that perfect concentration is not achieved in just a day; you should never despair
and give up your efforts. Be calm. Be patient. Do not worry yourself if the mind wanders. Be
regular in your Japa; stick to the meditation hour. Slowly the mind will automatically turn
Godward. And once it tastes the bliss of the Lord, nothing will be able to shake it.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963).

The Hindus worship the phallus or the sex organ. They are ignorant people. They have no philosophy.

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 10, 2012 at 6:00pm

This is the sarcastic statement of a curious, passionate, impure foreigner of little
understanding or intelligence. When a foreigner tries to learn the Tamil or the Hindustani
language, he first tries to pick up some vulgar words. This is his curiosity nature. Even so, the
curious foreigner tries to find out some defects in the worship of symbols. The Linga is only the
outward symbol of the formless being, Lord Siva.
Linga means ‘mark’ in Sanskrit. It is a symbol which points to an inference. When yo

Meditation And Health

Posted by VISHNU ER on January 10, 2012 at 4:08am

Meditation And HealthThe soul has seven original positive qualities - peace, joy, love, bliss, wisdom, purity and power. In meditation, we create an awareness of ourselves as a soul, which leads to an experience of these qualities. The non-physical soul is closely connected with each cell of the physical body. These qualities of the soul flow as spiritual energy to each cell and nourish them. The mind acts as a sieve (mesh) between this spiritual energy and the body. When the mind creates negati

How can I find out if I have got Chitta Suddhi or not?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 9, 2012 at 6:00pm

Sexual thoughts, worldly desires, unholy ideas, sexual Vasanas, anger, vanity, hypocrisy,
egoism, greed, jealousy, etc. will not arise in your mind if you have Chitta Suddhi. You will
have no attraction for sensual objects. You will have sustained and lasting Vairagya. Even in
dreams you will not entertain evil thoughts. You will possess all the virtuous divine qualities
such as mercy, cosmic love, forgiveness, harmony and balance of mind. These are the signs to
indicate that you have attained Chitta

Can a man of my type at the age of 45 enter into the Hatha Yogic practices? How can I get full vigour and vitality at this stage?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 8, 2012 at 6:00pm

Yes. You must have sincerity, earnestness, faith, vigour and vitality. You must proceed
cautiously, step by step. Over-exertion should be avoided. The Yogic practices will give you
success if you observe Mouna, Mitahara and practice of Japa and meditation. Success in Asan,
Pranayam, etc., depends upon the constitution. There are different exercises to suit different
people.
If you want vigour and vitality, become a true Brahmachari from this very moment. Be
established in mental and physical Brahmacha

Whenever I try to concentrate on the Trikuti, I get a slight headache. Is there any remedy?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 7, 2012 at 6:00pm

If concentration at the Trikuti produces headache, have Nasikagra Drishti, gazing at the
tip of the nose. This will relieve you. Do not struggle with your mind. Take rest for half an
hour. If you still feel the headache, close your eyes and then meditate.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda

I feel a burning sensation in my eyes and my mind is restless; and so I am unable to meditate. Is there any effective remedy?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 6, 2012 at 6:00pm

It is a sign to show that your system is heated. Apply Amalaka oil or butter to the head
for fifteen minutes in the early morning and then take a bath. Take Sattvic food. Whenever you
feel thirsty, drink a cup of Misri Sharbat (water in which sugar-candy is dissolved). Take a cup
of pure cow’s milk in the early morning and at night before going to bed. Regulate your food.
Take bath twice a day. That will cool the system.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Sw

The mind is fickle in me and the flesh is weak. Attempts at concentration are sometimes successful, but often end in disappointment. Kindly help me.

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 5, 2012 at 6:00pm

First of all, take care of your health. Become strong by proper food and mild exercises of
Asan and Pranayam. Observe Brahmacharya. Then destroy desires, worries, anxieties, building
castles and vicious qualities. Lead a contented life. Reduce your Vyavahara. Live in a spiritual
atmosphere like in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, etc. Observe Mouna for full three months.
You can easily control the mind.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on

Can I take Sannyas when I have my wife and young children ? Is it not a sin to avoid these dependents when they are in a helpless condition?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 4, 2012 at 6:00pm

If you have intense and real Vairagya born of Titiksha and Viveka and if you have
strong Mumukshutva, you can take Sannyas. The Srutis declare: “Renounce the world on the
very day you get Vairagya”. If you have Moha for your wife and children, you cannot get any
spiritual progress, as your mind will be always thinking of them. Therefore, destroy Moha first.
Possess real Vairagya.
When you are in the world, do a lot of Japa and meditation. When you advance a bit, go
to a far-off place, live in seclusio

I am retired from service. I have fixed up my sons in service. What should I do now to lead the life of a Yogi?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 3, 2012 at 6:00pm

Moha is very difficult to eradicate. It is a strong weapon of Maya. It is Moha that creates
the idea of mineness and the feeling of egoism. It creates infatuated love for children. You have
not destroyed Moha in your heart of hearts. Cut off all connection with your wife, children,
friends and relatives. Do not write letters. Go in for a Yatra and visit the Mahatmas in the places
of pilgrimage. Develop Vairagya. You have found out from your own experience that you
cannot get supreme peace and happine

Can I have mental Shanti and can I feel the spiritual vibrations if I come to Rishikesh?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 2, 2012 at 6:00pm

Yes. You can. When you come here, come alone. If you come here with your company
of friends, you will create the same worldly atmosphere with all sorts of talks. Come and have
the Darshan of Mahatmas. Hear their spiritual instructions. Live with them. Observe Mouna
and practice concentration and meditation. Then only will you enjoy peace.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivanand

True love brings constant benefit.

Posted by VISHNU ER on January 2, 2012 at 3:48am

True love brings constant benefit.Expression: When there is true love, there is an expression of inner growth - not just for oneself but benefit for others too. When there is true love, there is the ability to express one's own qualities without being negatively influenced by others' negative character traits. To love is to know that what is being given is true.Experience: When I have true love for those around me, I am able to win the hearts of others. Since the expression of my love is consist

If God ordains all, it is impossible that I can kill or steal, unless He wishes to punish my victim through me.....

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 1, 2012 at 6:00pm

The victim’s Karmas have fructified and it is necessary that
he should die, etc. If he does not get killed, the whole structure of this creation falls
through. I am therefore brought in contact with the victim to carry out His behests. An
executioner is paid by the Government for doing his job. Even so, why should I not be
rewarded for carrying out His will, rather than be punished for doing the Papa Karma?
Hitler could not have brought on war and killed so many persons. It is idle to blame him.

God i

haappy and prosperous new year2012

Posted by VISHNU ER on January 1, 2012 at 2:41am

Happy and Prosperous New Year 2012Bidding bye to 2011, forget all waste thoughts and welcome 2012 with determined thoughts to have heartfelt love andcooperation for one and all. May this bring the consciousness of One God, One World and One Family.Wishing you the best of everything this year.

Practise The Three Kinds Of Tapas

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on December 31, 2011 at 7:00pm

Practise Ahimsa and Brahmacharya in thought, word and deed. Practise Saucha and Arjava
(straight forwardness). Try to keep up balanced mind. Be cheerful always. Keep up Shuddha
Bhava. Try these three kinds of Tapas (physical, verbal and mental) and control your actions.
Be careful in your speeches. Speak little. Speak sweet loving words. Never utter any word
of harshness that can affect the feelings of others. Try to speak the truth. Thus put a check on the
Vak Indriya and the impulses of speech.
Kill

Annihilate Ajnana

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on December 30, 2011 at 7:00pm

Lead a life of austerity and meditation. Come out of your small narrow egoistic circle and
have a broad vision. Beware of bad company. Even a sober man begins to drink in the company of
drunkards.
Be patient in difficulties, danger, troubles. Stand adamant and overcome obstacles. Have a
burning desire for liberation. Annihilate Ajnana through Satsanga, Sravana, Manana and
Nididhyasana.
Master your emotions, impulses. Be strong in your determination. Be firm in your
resolution. You will get success in e

Blog Posts

All Posts (2315)

I am observing fast on Ekadasi days. I hear that fasting will cut short the life of man. Is it a fact?

It has been said against reincarnation that there are more people now in comparison with the past world population.

To have an attitude of power is to be free from physical pain.

Why do we not remember our past lives?

What is the easiest way for concentration?

The Hindus worship the phallus or the sex organ. They are ignorant people. They have no philosophy.

Meditation And Health

How can I find out if I have got Chitta Suddhi or not?

Can a man of my type at the age of 45 enter into the Hatha Yogic practices? How can I get full vigour and vitality at this stage?

Whenever I try to concentrate on the Trikuti, I get a slight headache. Is there any remedy?

I feel a burning sensation in my eyes and my mind is restless; and so I am unable to meditate. Is there any effective remedy?

The mind is fickle in me and the flesh is weak. Attempts at concentration are sometimes successful, but often end in disappointment. Kindly help me.

Can I take Sannyas when I have my wife and young children ? Is it not a sin to avoid these dependents when they are in a helpless condition?

I am retired from service. I have fixed up my sons in service. What should I do now to lead the life of a Yogi?

Can I have mental Shanti and can I feel the spiritual vibrations if I come to Rishikesh?

True love brings constant benefit.

If God ordains all, it is impossible that I can kill or steal, unless He wishes to punish my victim through me.....

haappy and prosperous new year2012

Practise The Three Kinds Of Tapas

Annihilate Ajnana

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