Swami SivanandaHis autobiography and his teaching on the Guru

I AM BORN

The Blessed Advent—Sri Dikshitar

On this blessed earth from which alone one can strive for and obtain Mukti, in which even Devas wish and have to be born for getting their final beatitude, appear, from time to time, some rare great Mahatmas, whose sole object of existence is to radiate love, light, joy and mercy all around, to serve the poor and the helpless, to bring solace to the forlorn and the depressed, to uplift the ignorant, to disseminate spiritual knowledge among the people and to bring unalloyed felicity and happiness to suffering humanity. These are the Saints and Sages, Arhats and Buddhas, Fakirs and Bhagavatas, Swamis and Yogins who have adorned this earth, at different times and in different climes. The Bhagavad Gita says:

“Having attained to the worlds of the pure doing and having dwelt there for immemorial years, he who fell from Yoga is reborn in a pure and blessed house. Or he may be born in a family of wise Yogins; but such a birth as that is most difficult to obtain in this world.” (Chap. VI—41, 42)

Sri Appaya Dikshitar was one such. I have had the privilege to be born in such a great saint’s family. Sri Appaya Dikshitar was born in Adaipalam near Arni, North Arcot District.

A Giant Among Geniuses

Sri Appaya Dikshitar, one of the greatest names in the annals of South India, is the reputed author of more than 104 works, embracing the various branches of knowledge in the Sanskrit language. The height of his intellectual eminence is evidenced by his works on Vedanta and all the Schools of Vedanta have drawn inspiration from his unique and unrivalled works. Of his Vedanta works, the ‘Chaturmatasarasangraha’ is justly famous for the scrupulous fairness with which he has expounded the tenets of the four great schools, Dvaita, Visishtadvaita, Siva-advaita and Advaita, respectively in his ‘Nyayamuktavali’, ‘Nyamayukhamalika’, ‘Nyayamanimala’, and ‘Nyayamanjari’ (which together form the Chaturmatasarasangraha).

In almost all the branches of Sanskrit literature, poetry, rhetoric, philosophy, he was peerless not only among his contemporaries but even among scholars of several decades before and after him. ‘Kuvalayananda’ is generally regarded as one of the best works on rhetoric. His poems in praise of Siva are great favourites with worshippers of Siva. He has also written a learned commentary, entitled ‘Parimala’, on the Vedanta; it is a unique monument of philosophic erudition.

Sri Appaya Dikshitar’s was a mighty intellect. Great is the reverence paid to him even now. He was equally revered in his own days. Once he went to a village, which was the birthplace of his wife. A grand reception was accorded to him by the villagers who were proud of calling him as one of themselves. There was a great excitement: “The Great Dikshitar is coming to us.” The distinguished guest—Dikshitar—was greeted by crowds of people who flocked to have a sight of the great “Lion of Vedanta.” An old dame, curious to a degree, came out, staff in hand, to see the “phenomenon.” With the freedom that is conceded to her age, she made her way easily through the crowd and looked at Sri Appaya steadily for some minutes. Dim recollections of a known face floated in her mind. She mused I have seen this face somewhere and suddenly cried out, “Wait, O yes, are you not the husband of Achcha?” The great scholar confirmed her surmise with a smile. The good lady was disappointed; with her face and spirits fallen, she retraced her steps homewards remarking: “What ado they make, why it is only Achcha’s husband! Sri Appaya summarised a world of wisdom when he perpetuated the incident in a half verse—‘Asmin Grame Achcha Prasiddha’—In this village name and precedence are Achcha’s.

Great Spiritual Luminary

Sri Appaya is considered by many to be an Avatara of Lord Siva. When he went to Tirupati temple, in South India, the Vaishnavas refused him admission, as he was a Saiva. But, lo! In the morning the Vishnu Murti was found to have changed into the form of Siva. The Mahant was astounded and, begging Dikshitar’s pardon, prayed to him to change the Murti again into Vishnu, which needless to say, the great saint did.

Sri Dikshitar lived in the middle of the 16th century. He was a great rival of Panditaraja Jagannatha in the field of poetry. He had no independent views on the doctrinal side of Sankara-Vedanta but carried on fierce controversies with the followers of Vallabha at Jaypore and other places. His ‘Siddhantalesha’ is the most admirable digest of the doctrinal differences among the followers of Sankara. He was one among the greatest spiritual luminaries India has ever produced. Though a detailed account of his life-history is lacking, his works remain as sufficient testimony to his greatness.

My Birth-Place

Pattamadai is a lovely place with green paddy fields and mango groves all around; it is ten miles away from Tinnevelly Junction (in Tamil Nadu). A beautiful canal from Tambraparni known as Kanadiankal encircles Pattamadai like a garland just as Sarayu or Kaveri encircles Ayodhya or Srirangam. Tambraparni is known as Dakshina Ganga (Southern Ganga). As it passes through rocky beds which contain copper; it has the significant name, Tambraparni (Tambra means copper). The water is very sweet and health-giving. Pattamadai is famous as the place where the finest grass mats are made. People greatly admire the silk-like mat exhibited at the Sivananda Regalia.

My father Sri P.S. Vengu Iyer of Pattamadai, was descended from Sri Appaya Dikshitar. He was the Tahsildar (revenue officer) of Ettiapuram Estate. He was a virtuous pure soul, a Siva-Bhakta and a Jnani. He was worshipped by the Rajah Sahib of Ettiapuram and the public at large. People used to say: “Vengu Iyer is a Mahan, a Maha Purusha.” Justice Subramania Iyer was his classmate and had the greatest regard for him. He used to shed tears profuse—Ananda-bhashpam—whenever he uttered: “Sivoham, Sivoham.” His grandfather was a big Zamindar of Pattamadai. He was known as Pannai Subbier. Pannaiar means a landlord or Zamindar.

At Pattamadai there is an excellent High School, founded and then conducted by the erudite scholar, late Ramasesha Iyer, B.A., L.T. Another important feature of this place is that all children of the soil of Pattamadai have a good ear for music and can sing well. Pattamadai has produced many eminent musicians.

I was born to Srimati Parvati Ammal and P.S. Vengu Iyer, as their third son, on Thursday the 8th September, 1887, at the time of sunrise, when the Star Bharani was in ascendance. My elder brother, Sri P.V. Veeraraghava Iyer, was the personal assistant to the Rajah of Ettiapuram. My other brother, Sri P.V. Sivarama Iyer, was an Inspector of Post Offices. My uncle Appaya Sivam was a great Sanskrit Scholar. He was much revered by the people in Tinnevelly District. He has written many philosophical books in Sanskrit. Kuppuswamy was the name given to me by my parents.

In my youth I brought flowers and Bael leaves and prepared beautiful garlands and served my parents in their Siva Pooja.

The Budding Phase

Born in the family of devotees, saints and philosophers as a pet child, I was brought up carefully by my parents and received very good training. People used to admire my wonderful physique, well-developed chest and sinewy arms. The Rajah of Ettiapuram was all admiration for my well-developed body, my good manners and habits. I was bold, courageous, carefree and amiable by nature. In former days, especially in villages, there was no room for developing any evil habit at all. The environment and atmosphere were highly favourable for progress in education and culture. I was unusually active as a boy and had a highly pushing nature.

Even now I clearly remember, that when Lord Ampthill, the then Governor of Madras, came to Kurumalai Hills in 1901 for hunting, I was chosen to read the Welcome Address. I also sang a beautiful Welcome Song in English at the station platform of Kumarapuram, next to Koilpatti Railway Station. In the School Annual Prize Distribution, I used to get a lot of books as presents. Once I got the Globe Edition of Shakespeare and Macaulay’s Speeches and Writings. I passed my Matriculation Examination in 1903 from the Rajah’s High School, Ettiapuram. Then I joined the S.P.G. College, Trichinopoly, of which the Rev. H. Packenham Walsh was then Principal, who is now a Bishop.

I was interested in dramatic performances in the College. In 1905, when the Midsummer Night’s Dream of Shakespeare was staged in the College, I played the part of Helena. I passed the Madurai Tamil Sangam examination creditably. I chose the medical course and ran a Medical Journal, Ambrosia, at Trichinopoly, for three years. I was very ambitious and enthusiastic.

I was a tremendously industrious boy in the school. During my studies at the Tanjore Medical Institute, I never used to go home in holidays. I would spend the entire period in the hospital. I had free admission into the operation theatre. I would run about here and there and acquire knowledge of surgery which only a senior student would possess. An old Assistant Surgeon had to appear for a departmental test; he used to make me read his text books for him. This enabled me to compete with the senior students in theoretical proficiency. I was first in all subjects.

I had heard of an enterprising assistant in the Mannargudi Hospital. I wanted to become like him. With all humility I may mention that I possessed greater knowledge than many doctors with covetable degrees. At home my mother and brothers would persuade me to take up some work in some other line, but I was adamant in my resolve to stick to the medical line, as I had a great liking for it. All my leisure hours were spent in studying all kinds of medical books.

In the first year of my study in the Medical School I could answer papers which the final year student could not. I topped the class in all subjects. I studied Osler’s medicine with Dr. Tirumudiswami in my first year. That was a rare privilege for me. Lt.-Col. Hazel Wright, I.M.S. loved me. Dr. Jnanam admired me as an ornament of the Institution. Even during holidays, I worked in the Hospital and learnt many new lessons.

I hit upon a plan that I should start a medical journal. I soon worked out the details. I got from my mother one hundred rupees for the initial expenses. I used to approach Ayurvedic physicians for articles on Ayurveda. I myself used to write articles on various themes and publish them in the “Ambrosia” under different pseudonyms.

The Magazine quickly gained popularity soon after its inception in 1909. Distinguished contributors started contributing for it. Once my mother wanted to celebrate some festival and was in need of about one hundred and fifty rupees to meet the expenses. I was ready with this sum.

The “Ambrosia” journal was successfully run for four years until I sailed for Malaya. It was of demi-quarto size, thirty-two pages each issue, and was quite beautifully got up. The material that its contents presented to the reader every month was attractive and highly useful to all medical practitioners. A significant spiritual touch could be felt in the pages of the “Ambrosia.” Unlike other medical journals, the entire outlook was based on the teachings of the sages of yore. Spirituality was ingrained in me even in my youth.

Trials in Life

I was not satisfied with the running of the journal. I wanted to take up some job, with a view to maintain myself and to stabilise the journal. I, therefore, left Trichinopoly and went to Madras to join Dr. Haller’s Pharmacy. Here I had to manage the accounts, dispense medicines and attend on the patients. Very hard work I had to do. I would finish all these, and yet find time to continue the editorial and circulation work of the “Ambrosia.” I brought the old copies from Trichinopoly and despatched them to high officials and people of distinction in order to enlist their support. I resolved to seek a better position somewhere else. Finally, I decided to try my luck in the Straits Settlements of Malaya, and wrote to a friend, Dr. Iyengar who had his establishment next to Dr. Haller sometime ago and later settled in Singapore. I wrote to Dr. Iyengar that I was planning to go to Malaya. I left Madras by S.S. “Tara.”

I was unaccustomed to such long travels. I had no idea of the food I was to take on the way, of what preparations I was to make to begin my Career in Malaya, and how much money was needed. I packed my things and did not forget to take a good consignment of sweets which my mother lovingly prepared for me. I belonged to an orthodox family and was frightened to take the non-vegetarian food on board the ship and so I carried a good quantity of sweets. In youth I liked immensely sweet preparations. Throughout the voyage, I managed to live with the sweets and drank plenty of water. Being unaccustomed to this diet, I reached Singapore almost half dead!

It was a bold adventurous bid to throw oneself on the high seas of uncertainty. I had no money to fall back upon in case of a reverse in my expectations. However, I had tremendous hopes and took a plunge to test the mettle of my destiny. Strength of will and a fiery determination played a lot in moulding my life and spiritual career. No easy-going prospect was awaiting me in the distant swamps of Malaya, as I was altogether unknown and friendless, with no financial safeguard whatsoever. I had to start from the very scratch and encounter disappointing setbacks in the beginning. But the later events turned out much in my favour and I felt my position secure.

Immediately after disembarking I went to the residence of Dr. Iyengar. He gave me a letter of introduction to an acquaintance of his, Dr. Harold Parsons, a medical practitioner in Seremban, the capital of Negri Sembilan. When I reached Seremban, I found that Dr. Parsons was absent. By this time, the little money I had was spent away. I was highly optimistic about my getting a job. Dr. Parsons himself did not need an assistant. I was able to impress this physician in such a manner that he took me to Mr. A.G. Robins, the Manager of a nearby Rubber Estate which had its own hospital.

Fortunately for me, Mr. A.G. Robins was just then in need of an assistant to work in the Estate Hospital. He was a terrible man with a violent temper, a giant figure, tall and stout. He asked me: ‘Can you manage a hospital all by yourself?’ I replied: ‘Yes. I can manage even three hospitals.’ I was appointed at once. I had been told by a local Indian resident that I ought not to accept, in accordance with their policy, anything less than a hundred dollars a month. Mr. Robins agreed to give me one hundred and fifty dollars to start with.

The doctor who was in charge of the Estate Hospital had just then left. Moreover, I was told that he was not very competent. I quickly acquired a good knowledge of the hospital equipment and the stock of medicines, and found myself absorbed in the job. Here again hard work awaited me. I had to dispense medicines, in addition to keeping accounts and personally attending on patients as I did for Dr. Haller in Madras. Unusual handicaps began to tell upon me and I felt like resigning the job after some time, but Mr. A.G. Robins did not allow me to go.

Later on, when I was in Johore Medical Office, my assistants used to take too much advantage of my kindness and leniency and were super-lethargic in their duties. I had to do all their work as well. There I could not even complain of overwork lest my employer should be harsh towards them. The problem of my overwork was never solved in Malaya, still I continued in the same job.

I served in the Estate Hospital near Seremban for nearly seven years, after which I joined the Johore Medical Office, Ltd., at the instigation of Dr. Parsons who had by then returned from war service. I served in Johore for three years before renouncing the world.

In Malaya I came in direct contact with hundreds of the poor natives and indentured labourers as well as the local citizens. I learnt the Malaya language and conversed with the natives in their own tongue.

I served the workers of the estate nicely and endeared myself to them all. I gained the esteem of the employer and the employee alike. I was always fond of service. This moment I would be in the hospital; and the very next moment in some poor patient’s house to attend on him and his family. Dr. Parsons who was a visiting physician to the estate hospital, loved me very much. I used to assist him in his private work also. Off and on I gave my earnings to help friends and the patients. I even went to the extent of pawning some of my own valuables.

I was a friend of both the management as well as the labourers. If the scavengers went on strike, the estate manager would come only to me. I would somehow run about here and there and bring them back to work. In addition to my own work, I would go about visiting other hospitals and acquire special knowledge in bacteriological and other subjects.

There was not a single available English medical book at that time that I had not read and digested. In addition to all this I would help my assistants too and train them for sometime daily, and then send them to other hospitals with a recommendation letter, providing from my pocket their railway fare as well as some emergency money. Soon I became well-known in Seremban and Johore Bahru. The Bank Manager would oblige me at any time even on holidays, by honouring my cheques. I became everybody’s friend through my sociable disposition and service. I got rapid promotions and with that my salary and private practice increased by leaps and bounds. All this was not achieved in a single day. It meant very hard work, unflagging tenacity, strenuous effort and indomitable faith in the principles of goodness and virtue and their practical application in my daily life.

During my career in Malaya, I contributed many articles on ‘Public Health’ to “Malaya Tribune,” Singapore.

First Lessons in Service to Humanity

I specialised in microscopical study and Tropical Medicine. Subsequently I moved to Johore Bahru, near Singapore, to join Drs. Parsons and Green and lived there for three years. Doctors Parsons, Green, Garlik and Glenny complimented me as highly competent for the medical profession and admired me for my agile, nimble and efficient nature. I was happy, cheerful and contented. I carefully attended on all patients. I never demanded fee from my clients. I felt happy when they were free from disease and trouble. To serve people and to share what I have is my inborn nature.

I used to cheer up people with my wit and humour, and elevate the sick with loving and encouraging words. The sick persons at once felt a new health, hope, spirit, vigour and vitality. Everywhere people declared that I had a special gift from God for the miraculous cure effected in the patients and acclaimed me as a very kind and sympathetic doctor with a charming and majestic personality. In serious cases I used to keep vigil at night. In the company of the sick, I understood their feelings and endeavoured to relieve their sufferings.

I became a Member of the Royal Institute of Public Health (M.R.I.P.H.), London, a Member of the Royal Asiatic Society (M.R.A.S.), London, and an Associate of Royal Sanitary Institute (A.R.San.I.), London. During my stay in Malaya, I published some medical books such as “Household Remedies,” “Fruits and Health” “Diseases and their Tamil Terms,” “Obstetric Ready-Reckoner,” “Fourteen Lectures on Public Health.” I gave shelter to many people during their days of unemployment and gave them food and clothing and fixed them up in one office or another.

I was liberal in my views. The spirit of Sannyasa was ingrained in me. Crookedness, diplomacy, double-dealing, are not known to me. I was very candid, straightforward, simple and open-hearted. I trained many young persons in the Hospital where I worked and fixed them up in various Estate Hospitals. I spent all my energy and time in relieving human sufferings by serving the poor and the sick, day and night, with a sympathetic heart. This kind of selfless service gave me purification of heart and mind, and led me to the spiritual path.

In my youth I had a great liking for high class dress, collection of curious and fancy articles of gold, silver and sandalwood. Sometimes I used to purchase various kinds of gold rings and necklaces and wear them all at a time. When I entered shops, I never used to waste any time in selection. I gathered all that I saw. I did not like haggling and bargaining. I paid the shopkeepers’ bills without any scrutiny. Even now, whenever I enter a book-shop, I purchase a lot of books and add them to the Forest University Library for the benefit of the students in the Ashram.

I had many hats, but never wore them. Sometimes I used my felt cap and the Silk Turban like a Rajput Prince. I prepared my own food for a long period. Biking was my best exercise. I entertained guests and served them with great love and devotion. Malaya was a land of temptation, but nothing could tempt me. I was as pure as a crystal and did my daily worship, prayers, study of scriptures. I used to conduct Nandan Charitram and played on Harmonium and sang Bhajans and Kirtans. Even in Malaya I practised Anahat Laya Yoga and Svara Sadhana.