The Master Said .... 26 - Swami Sivananda

13/03/2017.

Speech delivered by Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj on the 26th December 1954, at Sivanandashram, Rishikesh, for the celebration of the 34th birthday of Sri Swami Venkatesanandaji.

    Jyotishaamapi tat jyotih tamasah paramuchyate
    Jnaanan Jneyam Jnaanagamyam hridi sarvasya vishthitam

    (That, the Light of all lights, is said to be beyond darkness; knowledge, the knowable and the goal of knowledge, seated in the hearts of all.)

I.
I told Venkatesanandaji, when I was at Roorkee: “Don’t always refer to me as Gurudev, in your talks; just say Swamiji, that will do.” He said: “If I say ‘Swamiji,’ it does not express the Bhav of my heart; it creates an illusion of equality with Gurudev.” Then I allowed him to continue to refer to me as Gurudev.

II.
    The work he does, other people won’t be able to do. So many books and pamphlets are coming out of the press—all through his work only. He has written my day-to-day talks in Four Volumes, yet to be published; he has also written my life-sketch and the “Bhagavad Gita for Students” which is very much appreciated by all. He has performed much austerity, Tapas, in previous births also; and he has rendered selfless service to Yogis, sages and great people. This has taken the shape of his talents, his kindness, good qualities and good Samskaras. I have seen people here; when they have a little talent, their head swells. Whoever may come, I make him a lecturer, the cashier and most important man, in order to encourage him, the new inmate. But some people’s heads swell. Venkatesanandaji is not like that. He is humble and egoless. Similarly, Swami Chidanandaji also; therefore, everybody loves him.

III.
    He, Swami Chidanandaji and the others, are the people to continue the work of the Divine Life Society. Every man is useful; and Venkatesanandaji is useful in his own way. Just as in the body there are so many cells, tissues, etc., and life is sustained by their harmonious working, similarly if all of you work harmoniously, together, you can do grand service to the world.

IV.
    He is overworked, and there is nobody to help him. The work he does is very great. During the All-India Tour, Venkatesanandaji was working day and night. He was given a small room in the Tourist Car. He had not even a proper place to sit and work. Yet he has produced the huge volume “Sivananda’s Lectures: All-India Tour.” But for him this book would not have come out at all. Saradanandaji also contributed a lot to this book. He used to ascend trees and buildings in order to take photographs. He is also working in his own way; and he is a genius. Thus is the work carried on by all these people. May God bless them all with health, long life, peace and Eternal Bliss!

The end.