Swami Chidananda
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Chidananda Saraswati (24 September 1916 – 28 August 2008) was president of the
Divine Life Society The Divine Life Society (DLS) is a Hinduism, Hindu spiritual organization and an ashram, founded by Swami Sivananda Saraswati in 1936, at Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, India. The Society has branches around the world, with its headquarters in Rishi ...
,
Rishikesh Rishikesh, also spelt as Hrishikesh, is a city near Dehradun in the Indian state Uttarakhand. The northern part of Rishikesh is in the Dehradun district while the southern part is in the Tehri Garhwal district. It is situated on the right bank ...
, India. He is well known in India as a yogi and spiritual leader. He succeeded as president of the Divine Life Society in 1963, after the death of his predecessor,
Sivananda Saraswati Swami Sivananda Saraswati (; 8 September 1887 – 14 July 1963), also called Swami Sivananda, was a yoga guru, a Hindu spiritual teacher, and a proponent of ''Vedanta''. Sivananda was born in Pattamadai, in the Tirunelveli district of mode ...
, who founded the Society.Biography of Swami Chidananda Saraswati
Divine Life Society HQ website.
Chidananda's birth name was Sridhar Rao. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Loyola College, Chennai Loyola College is a government aided private Catholic higher education institution run by the Society of Jesus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was founded in 1925 by the France, French Jesuits, Jesuit priest, Francis Bertram, along with other ...
. He pursued a life of renunciation in 1936 and joined the
Sivananda Ashram Swami Sivananda Saraswati (; 8 September 1887 – 14 July 1963), also called Swami Sivananda, was a yoga guru, a Hindu spiritual teacher, and a proponent of ''Vedanta''. Sivananda was born in Pattamadai, in the Tirunelveli district of modern ...
run by Sivananda Saraswati in Rishikesh in 1943. He was appointed as General Secretary of the Divine Life Society in 1948. He was initiated into the
Sannyas ''Sannyasa'' (), sometimes spelled ''sanyasa'', is the fourth stage within the Hindu system of four life stages known as '' ashramas'', the first three being ''brahmacharya'' (celibate student), ''grihastha'' (householder) and '' vanaprastha' ...
order by his guru, Sivananda, on the day of
Guru Purnima Guru Purnima () is a religious festival dedicated to offering respect to all the spiritual and academic gurus. It is celebrated as a festival in India, Nepal and Bhutan by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists. This festival is traditionally observed t ...
, 10 July 1949. It was then that he received his monastic name "Chidananda," meaning "one who is consciousness and bliss". He was elected as president of the Divine Life Society in August 1963, upon the death of Sivananda. Chidananda Saraswati died on 28 August 2008, at 20:11 pm.


Early life

Sridhar Rao (name of Chidananda Saraswati before
sannyasa ''Sannyasa'' (), sometimes spelled ''sanyasa'', is the fourth stage within the Hinduism, Hindu system of four life stages known as ''ashrama (stage), ashramas'', the first three being ''brahmacharya'' (celibate student), ''Gṛhastha, grihast ...
) was born to a
South India South India, also known as Southern India or Peninsular India, is the southern part of the Deccan Peninsula in India encompassing the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana as well as the union territories of ...
n
Hindu Hindus (; ; also known as Sanātanīs) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism, also known by its endonym Sanātana Dharma. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pp. 35–37 Historically, the term has also be ...
family in
Mangalore Mangaluru (), formerly called Mangalore ( ), is a major industrial port city in the Indian state of Karnataka and on the west coast of India. It is located between the Laccadive Sea and the Western Ghats about west of Bengaluru, the st ...
. His parents were Sri Srinivasa Rao and Sarojini. Sridhar was born on 24 September 1916 as the second of five children and the eldest son. Sri Srinivasa Rao was a prosperous
Zamindar A zamindar in the Indian subcontinent was an autonomous or semi-autonomous feudal lord of a ''zamindari'' (feudal estate). The term itself came into use during the Mughal Empire, when Persian was the official language; ''zamindar'' is the ...
, a rich landlord owning several villages, extensive lands, and palatial buildings in South India. Sarojini was an ideal Indian mother, noted for her saintliness. At the age of eight, Sridhar Rao's life was influenced by Sri Anantayya, a friend of his grandfather, who used to relate to him stories from the epics,
Ramayana The ''Ramayana'' (; ), also known as ''Valmiki Ramayana'', as traditionally attributed to Valmiki, is a smriti text (also described as a Sanskrit literature, Sanskrit Indian epic poetry, epic) from ancient India, one of the two important epics ...
and
Mahābhārata The ''Mahābhārata'' ( ; , , ) is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India revered as Smriti texts in Hinduism, the other being the '' Rāmāyaṇa''. It narrates the events and aftermath of the Kurukshetra War, a war of succe ...
. Doing
tapas Tapas () are appetisers or snacks in Spanish cuisine. They can be combined to make a full meal and are served cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as , which are battered, fried baby squid; or , spicy potatoes). In some bars ...
(austerities), becoming a
rishi In Indian religions, a ''rishi'' ( ) is an accomplished and enlightened person. They find mention in various Vedic texts. Rishis are believed to have composed hymns of the Vedas. The Post-Vedic tradition of Hinduism regards the rishis as "gre ...
(sage), and having a vision of the Lord became ideals which he cherished. His uncle, Krishna Rao, shielded him from the influences of the materialistic world around him and sowed in him the seeds of the ''nivritti'' life (life of renunciation). This lifestyle was joyously nurtured until, as later events proved, it blossomed into sainthood. His elementary education began at Mangalore. In 1932, he joined the Sir M.Ct. Muthiah Chettiar Higher Secondary School in Madras, where he distinguished himself as a brilliant student. His cheerful personality, exemplary conduct, and extraordinary traits earned him a special place in the hearts of all teachers and students who came into his contact. In 1936, he was admitted to Loyola College, University of Madras, an institution that admits only the most brilliant of students. In 1938, he earned the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The family was noted for its high code of conduct, and this was infused into his life. Charity and service were the glorious ingrained virtues of the members of the family. These virtues were also a part of Sridhar Rao's life. He discovered ways and means of manifesting them. No one who sought his help was sent away without assistance. He gave freely to the needy. Service, especially of the sick, often brought out the fact that he had no idea of his own separate existence as an individual. It seemed as if his body clung loosely to his soul. His service was not limited to human beings. Birds and animals claimed his attention as much as, if not more than, human beings. He understood their language of suffering. His service of a sick dog evoked the admiration of his Guru, Sivananda. He would raise his finger in grim admonition when he saw anyone practicing cruelty to dumb animals in his presence. Quite early in life, although born in a wealthy family, he shunned the pleasures of the world to devote himself to seclusion and contemplation. In the matter of study, it was the spiritual books which had the most appeal to him, more than college books. Even while he was at college, text-books had to take second place to spiritual books. The works of
Ramakrishna Ramakrishna (18 February 1836 – 16 August 1886——— —), also called Ramakrishna Paramahansa (; ; ), born Ramakrishna Chattopadhay,M's original Bengali diary page 661, Saturday, 13 February 1886''More About Ramakrishna'' by Swami Prab ...
,
Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda () (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindus, Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. Vivekananda was a major figu ...
, and Sivananda, took precedence over all others. He shared his knowledge with others, so much so that he virtually became the Guru of the household and the neighborhood, to whom he would talk of honesty, love, purity, service and devotion to God. He would exhort them to perform
japa ''Japa'' () is the meditative repetition of a mantra or a divine name. It is a practice found in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, with parallels found in other religions. ''Japa'' may be performed while sitting in a meditation posture ...
of Rama-Nama. While still in his twenties, he began initiating youngsters into this great Rama Taraka Mantra. He was an ardent admirer of Sri
Ramakrishna Math Ramakrishna Math is the administrative legal organization of the Ramakrishna Order, of Daśanāmi Sampradaya. It was set up by sanyasin disciples of Ramakrishna Paramhansa headed by Swami Vivekananda at Baranagar Math in Baranagar, a place ne ...
at Madras and regularly participated in the
Satsangs ''Satguru'' (), or ''sadguru'' (), means a "true guru" in Sanskrit. The term is distinguished from other forms of gurus, such as musical instructors, scriptural teachers, parents, and so on. A ''satguru'' has some special characteristics that ...
(association with the wise) there. The call of
Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda () (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindus, Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. Vivekananda was a major figu ...
to renounce resounded within his pure heart. He ever thirsted for the darshan (meeting) of Saints and Sadhus (renunciates) visiting the metropolis. In June 1936, he disappeared from home. After a vigorous search by his parents, he was found in the secluded Ashram of a holy sage some miles from the sacred mountain shrine
Tirupati Tirupati () is a city in the Indian States and territories of India, state of Andhra Pradesh and serves as the administrative headquarters of Tirupati district. It is known for its significant religious and cultural heritage, being home to th ...
. He returned home after some persuasion. This temporary separation was but a preparation for the final parting from the world of attachments to family and friends.


Initiation

The final decision came in 1943. He was already in correspondence with Sivananda Saraswati. He obtained Sivananda's permission to join the Ashram. On arriving at the Ashram, he naturally took charge of the dispensary. He became the man with the healing hand. The growing reputation of his divine healing hand attracted a rush of patients to the Sivananda Charitable Dispensary. Very soon after joining the Ashram, he gave ample evidence of the brilliance of his intellect. He delivered lectures, wrote articles for magazines, and gave spiritual instructions to the visitors. When the Yoga-Vedanta Forest University (now known as the
Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy The Divine Life Society (DLS) is a Hindu spiritual organization and an ashram, founded by Swami Sivananda Saraswati in 1936, at Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, India. The Society has branches around the world, with its headquarters in Rishikesh. Hi ...
) was established in 1948, Sivananda paid Sridhar a fitting tribute by appointing him Vice-Chancellor and Professor of
Raja Yoga Raja (; from , IAST ') is a noble or royal Sanskrit title historically used by some Indian rulers and monarchs and highest-ranking nobles. The title was historically used in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The title has a long ...
. During his first year he inspired the students with his brilliant exposition of Maharishi
Patanjali Patanjali (, , ; also called Gonardiya or Gonikaputra) was the name of one or more author(s), mystic(s) and philosopher(s) in ancient India. His name is recorded as an author and compiler of a number of Sanskrit works. The greatest of these a ...
's ''
Yoga Sutras The ''Yoga Sutras of Patañjali'' (IAST: Patañjali yoga-sūtra) is a compilation "from a variety of sources" of Sanskrit sutras (aphorisms) on the practice of yoga – 195 sutras (according to Vyasa, Vyāsa and Krishnamacharya) and 196 sut ...
''. It was also in the first year of his stay at the Ashram that he wrote his ''magnum opus'' 'Light Fountain', an immortal biography of his Guru Sivananda. Sivananda once remarked: "Sivananda will pass away, but 'Light Fountain' will live". In addition to his multifarious activities and intense Sadhana, he founded, under the guidance of Sivananda, the Yoga Museum in 1947, in which the entire philosophy of
Vedanta ''Vedanta'' (; , ), also known as ''Uttara Mīmāṃsā'', is one of the six orthodox (Āstika and nāstika, ''āstika'') traditions of Hindu philosophy and textual exegesis. The word ''Vedanta'' means 'conclusion of the Vedas', and encompa ...
and all the processes of Yoga Sadhana are depicted in the form of pictures and illustrations. Towards the end of 1948, Sivananda nominated him as the General Secretary of
Divine Life Society The Divine Life Society (DLS) is a Hinduism, Hindu spiritual organization and an ashram, founded by Swami Sivananda Saraswati in 1936, at Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, India. The Society has branches around the world, with its headquarters in Rishi ...
. The great responsibility of the organization fell on his shoulders. From that very moment he spiritualized all his activities by his presence, counsel, and wise leadership. He exhorted all to raise their consciousness to the level of the Divine. On Guru Purnima day, 10 July 1949, he was initiated into the holy order of
Sannyasa ''Sannyasa'' (), sometimes spelled ''sanyasa'', is the fourth stage within the Hinduism, Hindu system of four life stages known as ''ashrama (stage), ashramas'', the first three being ''brahmacharya'' (celibate student), ''Gṛhastha, grihast ...
by Sivananda. He now became known as Chidananda, a name which connotes: "one who is consciousness and bliss".


Accomplishments

Again in 1968, Chidananda undertook the Global Tour at the request of numerous disciples and devotees of Sivananda and visited all countries of the world. Wherever he went, devotees received him cordially and listened to him with rapt attention. In one of his innumerous meetings, Swami Chidananda met
Sri Sri Sitaramdas Omkarnathdev Sitaramdas Omkarnath (17 February 1892 – 6 December 1982) was an Indian saint and spiritual master from Bengal. Addressed as Sri Sri Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath, where " Omkar" signifies the cosmic enlightenment and attaining supreme cons ...
and declared him as Naam Avatara and said "Beloved Babaji is verily Naam Avatara. His entire life and personality is a radiant example and expression of Naam Bhakti and Naam Shakti. I bow down in silent reverence and love at his holy feet." Chidananda Saraswati, right from the beginning, worked and served the cause of Sivananda's mission tirelessly to spread his Divine Life message far and wide, not only in
Bharatavarsha The Republic of India is principally known by two official short names: India and Bharat. An unofficial third name is Hindustan, which is widely used throughout North India. Although these names now refer to the modern country in most context ...
(India) but also in countries outside. He inspired others through the practice of self-discipline. For example, after completing a thirty-day fast while in Canada, Swami Chidananda arranged for resources to be provided to support the founding of a Sivanada Ashram in Vancouver. He practiced a non-denominational, universal form of yoga. He often led satsang (group chanting) that named and elevated all of the prophets and sages of all of the world religions equally (Lord Jesus,
Ahura Mazda Ahura Mazda (; ; or , ),The former is the New Persian rendering of the Avestan form, while the latter derives from Middle Persian. also known as Horomazes (),, is the only creator deity and Sky deity, god of the sky in the ancient Iranian ...
, Lord Buddha, etc.). Saraswati was a
vegetarian Vegetarianism is the practice of abstaining from the Eating, consumption of meat (red meat, poultry, seafood, insects as food, insects, and the flesh of any other animal). It may also include abstaining from eating all by-products of animal slau ...
. He was a speaker at the 24th
World Vegetarian Congress The International Vegetarian Union (IVU) is an international non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote vegetarianism. The IVU was founded in 1908 in Dresden, Germany. It is an umbrella organisation, which includes organisations from ...
in 1977. One of Chidananda Saraswati's disciples was
Lilias Folan ''Lilias, Yoga and You'' (later shortened to ''Lilias!'') is a PBS television show hosted by Lilias Folan, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based practitioner of yoga as exercise. The show first aired on October 5, 1970 on Cincinnati PBS member station WCET and ...
who went on to become popular for teaching yoga on American TV. Her show was called "Lilias, Yoga, and You!" and first aired on public television in 1972.


Books

Books by Chidananda Saraswati:Divine Life Society Book List
#''An Instrument of thy Peace'' #''Awake, Realise your Divinity'' #''Bhaja Govindam'' #''Bliss is Within'' #''Call to Liberation'' #''Chidananda Hun'' #''Daily Swadhyaya'' #''Divine Vision'' #''Eternal Messages'' #''Essentials of Higher Values in Life'' #''Gita Vision'' #''God as Mother'' #''Guide Lines to Illumination'' #''Guide to Noble Living'' #''Lectures on Raja Yoga'' #''Liberation is Possible !'' #''Light on the Yoga Way of Life'' #'' Manache Shlok'' (Translation) #''Message of Swami Chidananda to Mankind'' #''New Beginning'' #''Path Beyond Sorrow'' #''Path to Blessedness'' #''Philosophy, Psychology and Practice of Yoga'' #''Ponder These Truths'' #''Practical Guide to Yoga'' #''Renunciation—a Life of Surrender and Trust'' #''Seek The Beyond'' #''Swami Sivananda—Saint, Sage and Godman'' #''The Quintessence of the Upanishad'' #''The Role of Celibacy in Spiritual Life'' #''The Truth That Liberates'' #''Twenty Important Spiritual Instructions'' #''Ultimate Journey'' #''Verses Addressed to the Mind''


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Chidananda Saraswati 1916 births 2008 deaths Indian Hindu spiritual teachers Loyola College, Chennai alumni People from Rishikesh Writers from Mangalore 20th-century Hindu philosophers and theologians Indian spiritual writers 20th-century Hindu religious leaders 20th-century Indian non-fiction writers Indian yoga gurus