Merging with Siva demonstrates the good news that sacred scriptures continue to be written for the benefit of spiritual seekers. At the heart of this monumental work are ninety-nine mystical aphorisms together with their commentaries. In the manner of the ancient Vedic seers, both aphorisms and commentaries spontaneously formulated themselves in Satguru Sivaya SubramuniyaswamiÕs yoga-trained mind many years ago.

Building on this revealed wisdom, Merging with Siva expounds in easily assimilated form the highest aspect of the Saiva Siddhanta path to liberation, which is jnana yoga. It consists in recognizing who you truly areÑnot this limited body-mind but the eternal, blissful Self that is seamlessly merged with Siva. For this recognition to be possible, you must first transmute your body and mind into pure vessel through diligent yoga practice. This book discloses many secrets about the actual path and the subtle energetic system whose workings must be understood to achieve success in the noble endeavor of self-purification and self-transmutation.

This magnificent volume is an empowered communication about wisdom and love, which are the two wings by which the human spirit can raise itself above primal ignorance (avidya) and its many baneful byproducts. There is not a page in this scripture that does not contain profound insights or helpful words of encouragement. Merging with Siva is not merely an indispensable source book for practitioners of Saiva Siddhanta, its timeless wisdom also speaks to spiritual seekers within other traditions. May it open the eyes and hearts of countless individuals.

Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D.,

director of the Yoga Research Center and author of thirty books, including The Yoga Tradition, The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga, and Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy.

SILPIS SPEAK ABOUT THEIR CARVING FOR THE IRAIVAN TEMPLE IN BANGALORE
We continue today with more interviews with the stone craftsmen working on the great white temple that will eventually be shipped to Kauai.

Ganesan - (17, the best amongsts the young now working with senior men) says:
"My father took the whole family to stay here at the Iraivan Carving Site. He encouraged me to learn this trade. I have great interest in doing stonework. Even when I was a helper to the blacksmith I used my free time to work on stones with the permission of the Resident Sthapati. I would not say I'm good but it all depends on how we perceive it, whether we believe in ourself. "

V Raman says:
"This is the longest period I have worked in one place in 35 years of my service. Here I am able to work without rush and perfect the carvings. With Gurudeva's blessings we would be able to work and complete this temple. This will be a beautiful temple. It will bring much praise. It is good to do the worship daily together. I will stay on and complete this project."

Muthu (Muslim ) said "Ondre Kulam Oruvane Theivam
"I started stonework in 1965 and served at 15 different worksites. Our Iraivan site provides much peace. The Tiruvadi worship takes place daily. Other works I have seen may not be so detail like what we do here. This will be the first all stone temple I have heard of created overseas. When we put all the carved stones together this will be a beautiful temple and will make everyone fulfilled. This will astonish the world. When I speak I don't separate the Hindus or the Muslims. For me its One World One God. "