Before I went to Swami Sivananda in 1943, I had met many gurus, but when I found him, I found the light. I feel proud that I lived with him up to 1956. It was a fantastic time. I had read about Christ many times, but never believed that such a man could live in this world. Compassion, love and consideration for others are difficult qualities to find, but in Swami Sivananda I found such a man.
He had no attachments, yet he loved everybody. He was
large-hearted, yet disciplined, and his life was a constant
sacrifice. Anyone coming to him for anything received. He
was powerful. Thousands came to him for relief from sickness.
He healed millions, yet never proclaimed it. At the time of
his death, his disciples asked him, “What is your message to
humanity?” He did not speak, but took out a pen and wrote his
final message to humankind: ‘God prays with you. Everything
else is unimportant.’
This year, 8 September 1987 marks the 100th anniversary
of Swami Sivananda’s birth.
At this time, yoga teachers, yoga professors, research scholars and yoga-minded people will assemble to pay homage to this great man, who is no longer in his physical body, but who still lives in the hearts of millions of people all over the world.
When he lived, he led a life of completeness and homogeneity, and possessed what could rightly be called an integrated personality. To this day, the whole world is obliged to him for the great knowledge of the path he has shown to millions of seekers in every part of the globe.