Swami Chidananda Saraswati President of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, India§
All the Hindus of our global Hindu brotherhood are verily indebted to Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami for his super compendium of Hinduism, so carefully compiled, classified, carefully arranged, edited and published. Today it can be unhesitatingly proclaimed that he is a genius of Hinduism. He has put millions under a deep debt of gratitude by his unprecedented literary work. This marvelous practical guidebook is a most comprehensive and almost complete summary. True, books have been produced to present to the public knowledge of our religion, but most of them have been limited in scope. ¶This second edition of Living with Siva is a super publication which will doubtlessly girdle the globe. Once upon a time the saying that was current declared, “The sun never sets upon the British Empire.” Even so, the light of Hinduism will never stop shining all over the world as long as this great book remains in circulation. The very praiseworthy feature of this book from the Hindu Monastery of Kauai is the interesting way it has been presented in four parts and in the form of 365 lessons for a systematic perusal which makes for easy reading. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has broken new ground and become a pioneer in the field of religious and socio-cultural literature, even as Sir Edmund Hillary and the renowned Sherpa Tensing Norkay in the field of mountaineering and scaling of unscaled peaks. Nevertheless, inspite of the greatness of this achievement, it is inspiring to note his great humility as a chela, or disciple, of his worshipful guru, Satguru His Holiness Sri Siva Yogaswami of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, who was a living guru even till the year 1963 when he attained mahasamadhi. ¶What greatly enhances the value of Living with Siva is that its pages do not merely constitute a learned dissertation upon a subject, but rather they address themselves to the reader, i.e. the devout religious minded Hindu individual living his life in the framework of Hindu society as well as human society as a whole and carrying on his daily duties and activities as a brahmachari, or a grihastha, or a retired vanaprasthi, or as a monastic sannyasin even, in the true spirit of Saivism and of Hinduism. The ideals of all four of these stages, or ashrams, just mentioned are brought and presented in a nice manner so as to constitute a guideline for the individual reader to live up to it. ¶I warmly congratulate revered Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami for this gift to 21st-century mankind and wish the book the widest possible circulation that it richly deserves. May God bless you. Aum Namah Sivaya.§
Karan Singh, Ph.D. Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), former Indian Ambassador to the US, Chancellor of the Banaras Hindu University and son of Kashmir’s last Maharaja, New Delhi, India§
With the publication of Living with Siva, Hinduism’s Contemporary Culture, Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has completed a remarkable trilogy which includes Dancing with Siva and Merging with Siva. These three volumes taken together comprise a rich and invaluable source of inspiration for Hindus around the world. Written with great depth of thought, clarity of exposition and based upon his personal experience, these volumes should find an honored place in Hindu homes around the world. In addition, they are a valuable source material for studies in Hinduism and comparative religion and will, therefore, be of considerable value for universities, academic institutions and public libraries around the world. I warmly commend this book to all seekers, students and sadhakas around the world.§
Swami Asimatmananda for Srimat Swami Ranganathanandaji, President of the Belur Ramakrishna Math and Mission, West Bengal, India§
Maharaj found the praise of Siva presented in the book very inspiring. He himself has been a devotee of Siva from his boyhood days when he regularly used to visit the beautiful cave temple of Siva in the village of his birth. Maharaj hopes that Living with Siva will inspire many people in their devotion to Siva. Maharaj conveys his love to Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswamiji as also to all other mathavasis of the Hindu Monastery at Kauai. He remembers his meeting with Satguru Yogaswami, whom he had visited along with the late Swami Prematmanandaji, the then Head of the Ramakrishna Mission, Colombo, during one of his visits to Jaffna, many years ago.§
H.H. Sri La Sri Arunagirinatha Sri Gnanasambanda Desikar Paramacharya Swamigal, Aadheenakarthar and 292nd Guru Mahasannidhanam of Madurai Aadheenam, Madurai, India§
The book Living with Siva is the greatest book ever written. It is a book of divine instruction. It offers comfort in sorrow, guidance in perplexity, advice for our problems, rebuke for our sins and daily inspiration for our every need. This is not simply one book. It is an entire library of books covering the whole range of literature. It includes history, poetry, drama, biography, prophecy, philosophy, science and inspirational reading. ¶Living with Siva alone truly answers the greatest questions that men of all ages have asked: “Where have I come from?”, “Where am I going?”, “Why am I going?”, “Why am I here?”, “How can I know the Truth?” Living with Siva reveals the truth about God, explains the origin of man, points out the only way to salvation and eternal life and explains the age-old problem of sin and suffering. Living with Siva discovers sin and confronts us with it, helps cleanse us from the pollution of sin, imparts strength, provides us with a sword for victory over sin, makes our lives fruitful and gives us power to pray.§
Sri Sri Swami Bua Ji Maharaj, age 112, founder and head of the Indo-American Yoga-Vedanta Society in New York, teacher of Sanatana Dharma in South America and elsewhere§
The hands of a clock are powered from the center no matter where they point. Likewise, Siva’s followers, wherever they are, whatever direction they look at, are powered by Siva from the universal center and guided by the satguru. But these days the digital clocks have come up. So, the center as well as the hands have become invisible. It does not mean that they do not exist. It is only more difficult to visualize the center and the hands. ¶At this juncture, there is a proclamation in the form of a book that says God is within you and you are in God. The hands have merged with the center. We see only the movements—only the dance—only the change in the digits. ¶This is an ardent attempt to break the misconception that if you worship God Siva, He will take everything away from you. This is not true. God Siva gives everything. “Living with Siva is living with love.” ¶We seekers of the present day who can read English are highly fortunate since Gurudeva has decided to release this second edition wherein he has included about 800 pages of his inspired speeches which cover all the subjects on the Earth, varying from marriage, abortion, suicide, television, computers… is there anything else which is left out? ¶The traditional path of dharma is elucidated—methods and techniques which will be helpful to everyone to find God within themselves are enumerated in this book. The four progressive stages of life are defined. The normal human life span is specified as 120 years with transitions at 40 and 80. The student stage is from 12 to 24, the householder stage is from 24 to 48; the stage of respected elder is from 48 to 72 and the stage of the religious solitaire after 72 years of age. How wonderful it would be if the human race understands these stages and regulates their lives accordingly! In the modern world, there are many who become householders around twenty by losing brahmacharya and become disrespected elders around sixty-five! ¶Starting from the purpose of life, the 365 Nandinatha Sutras unfold one after the other with stunning simplicity and astonishing brightness like pearls. Defining discipline, touching on theology, they specify ethics showing care for the world, they examine life and death. There are instructions for everybody, for every situation—for men, women, parents, husbands, wives, business men, politicians, scientists—none is forgotten or left out. ¶Some have called these sutras a modern Tirukural. I would like to call these a “Parallel Tirukural”—parallel because these convey the same messages in similar formats of aram, porul, veedu and inbam in short precise sentences loaded with essence. ¶The language used is very simple, direct and does not need any interpreter. Each sutra emanates religious fragrance to Saiva followers. This book which is an excellent compilation of ethical rules, moral directives, saintly instructions and Godly guidance, should reach far and wide and become the pride possession of many, transforming this land worthy of living.§
Pundit K.N. Navaratnam, M.A.F.A., F.A.A., Jaffna Tamil elder, Jyotisha Marthand and National Astrologer of Australia, Sivathondan Center, Hallam, Australia§
Living with Siva is the latest monumental spiritual work from our beloved Gurudeva. In this time of spiritual darkness his teachings are like the cooling rains on a parched summer afternoon. Following directly in the lineage of Tirumular, who gave us three thousand verses of wisdom, Gurudeva has blessed us with another thousand pages of insight that is akin to being hit over the head with a hammer to awaken us from our spiritual slumber. This work is medicine for a sick and diseased world where the darkness of maya has led many people away from God. God consciousness cannot be explained in words but must be uncovered inside oneself by oneself. Gurudeva explains how to remove the maya of the world and conditioning of the mind like peeling the layers off an onion. ¶In all his works, Gurudeva shows the path that must be walked. It is a path that must be walked alone, although we can take great reassurance he is always with us like a divine guide pointing in the right direction and offering advice and encouragement. All seekers are urged to join us on this great journey. The road is tough and full of dangers and pitfalls, but once on it we must follow it to the end. It is so reassuring Gurudeva is here to provide the much needed religious insight in our technologically advanced and ever-changing world. He is like a shining diamond spreading his divine wisdom to all corners of the world.§
Sri Sri Swami Pragyanand, Founder and Patron of Sai Pragya Dham, Pragya Mission International, Pragya Mitra Pariwar and Pragya Yoga Foundation, New Delhi, and Vishwa Mata Gayatri Trust, Delhi, India§
I wonder how deep is Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s knowledge about the great Hindu Gods Ganesha and Siva. These volumes have made him an institution in himself rather than an individual. While reading Living with Siva, I feel that Swamiji has completely engaged himself with Lord Siva and, through deep meditation, he has actually visualized what he has written in the book. He has actually attained in reality all that a saint aspires to achieve. With his thoughts and writings, Swamiji has rendered valuable service to humanity all over the world, not only to Hindus. Swamiji is a living, legendary scholar, and he has influenced the entire galaxy of saints the world over. The saintly world is highly proud of him. ¶I have not come across any other publication so deep in thought, devotion and vision as this, except Swamiji’s earlier treatise Dancing with Siva. The book is a testimony of his communion with Lord Siva, as just a thinker, whatever his intellect, cannot give this kind of disclosure. ¶The subject matter embodied in Living with Siva is so diversified and comprehensive that it leaves out no aspect of present day life and the prevailing distortions in society. The book is a practical guide to individuals as to how to be pure in thoughts and actions. I would like to particularly draw the attention of the truth seeker readers to the 365 Nandinatha Sutras for right living. If practiced, the individual will elevate himself and the society to where there will be no misdeeds, no violence, no social tensions, no hatred, no cold wars, no fear, no greed and no lust for power. It will be a society without any kind of evil. There would be a mutual tolerance, nonviolence, unity, equality, love, international peace and brotherhood. ¶Humanity is on the brink of its self-annihilation and self-destruction. It is crying and groaning. There is darkness all around. International brutalities, terrorism and blood thrust have made the Earth a hell. The path shown by Living with Siva is the only hope. It is the silver lining in the thick and dark clouds.§
Tiru A. Kandiah, Ph.D Jaffna Tamil elder, Author of Malarum Manamum; Former Head of the Department of Tamil, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, Former Professor at the University of London, now living in Sydney, Australia§
If a person studies these lessons every day for a year, he or she will have completed a profound sadhana, a personal odyssey into the interior life of him or herself and into the depths of Hinduism, a practice sufficient to change their lives by transforming the way they look at life itself.§
H.H. Dada J.P. Vaswani Head of the worldwide Sadhu Vaswani Mission, renowned Sindhi religious leader and eloquent lecturer, Pune, India§
Living with Siva, Hinduism’s Contemporary Culture deals with some of the profound issues of our time concerning God, family life, money, food, religion and culture. The Western materialistic goal is personal fulfillment. The Eastern religious ideal is fulfillment of one’s duty towards parents, children, society, country and religion. When the children of Eastern families encounter Western values, in many cases personal fulfillment overrides duty, threatening to cut at the very roots of our culture. Taking India and the West as two poles for comparison, this wonderful book analyzes the cause of the cultural crisis and its ethical, philosophical and social implications. ¶Living with Siva is the fruit of Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s years of study and experience. It is a reflection on the fundamentals of Hinduism, the religion which, like the sun, is ever ancient and ever new, the religion that rises up after every upheaval like a center-of-gravity doll. What does Hinduism have to say about the issues relating to traditional family life and their relevance to modern times? How far are Hinduism’s ideas about God, family life, money, food and culture different from those of other faiths? This lucid, impressive and highly readable book draws our attention, among other things, to the focus of Hinduism on dharma and its deep-rooted faith in the theory of karma. When dharma is the shared ideal of every family member, as opposed to self-fulfillment or socio-economic objectives, it is easier to navigate troubled waters. Faith in karma, the law by which our thoughts, words and deeds reap their natural reactions helps hold the family together. ¶At a time when we are facing a global failure of the traditional family unit and find ourselves at a loss in coping with the by-products of such a failure, this timely book emerges as a breath of fresh air, reminding us of our rich cultural heritage. Here is a book that is waiting to embrace into its fold millions of Hindus who are waiting to be converted into true Hindus.§
Shiva Pasupati Jaffna Tamil elder, President’s Counsel and Former Attorney General of Sri Lanka, President of the Australian Tamil Foundation, Sydney, Australia§
One of the greatest challenges facing modern society, particularly in the more “developed” countries, is the need to reestablish the family unit, the disintegration of which has largely contributed to the increase in crime, the misuse of drugs and other evils. In Living with Siva, Gurudeva has revealed very lucidly all aspects of Hinduism’s contemporary culture, drawing on the experiences of over 6000 years of Hindu family history. There is now an urgent need to preserve and practice the Hindu culture, which has displayed resilience and an ability to survive many of the ravages of modern society. It is not only Hindus, but all seekers of wisdom, truth and knowledge living in different parts of the world, who will be inspired and guided by this remarkable masterpiece.§
V. Canaganayagam Former manager of Gurudeva’s Sri Subramuniya Ashram in Alaveddy, Sri Lanka§
Living with Siva is an excellent book which lays down the dharmic way in which every Hindu could live his or her life from the beginning to the end. Hindu literature is so vast that it is not possible for everyone to go through it and gather the essence of it. Besides, the language in which it is enshrined may not be familiar to all. To make the spiritual treasures of Hinduism available to all who wish to avail themselves of them and the rendering of them in an international language like English is much to be appreciated. We Hindus value the words of a sage or swami. That the intuition and insight of Gurudeva and the swamis have gone into the making and publication of this book makes it all the more sacred. In a fast-moving world everyone does not find time for so many things, even to know and practice one’s religion. The dedication of this book in memory of Siva Yogaswami of Jaffna makes the Jaffna man proud of his spiritual inheritance.§
Sri Svami Yogananda Giri Founder and Spiritual Head of Unione Induista Italiana, Sanatana Dharma Samgha, Gitananda Ashram, Carcare, Italy§
I read Living with Siva by Satgurudeva with great pleasure and interest. His encyclopedic knowledge expresses its vastness and deepness in this book. It is really extraordinary how Satgurudeva deals with any subject with great ability and wisdom: from ethical to spiritual life, social life with all its sacraments (samskaras), emotional purity, penance (tapas). Actually, every aspect of dharma, sadhana and Hindu religion is dealt with in an illuminating and crystal clear manner. It’s a book for everyone on everything. Satgurudeva takes us by hand lesson after lesson, leading us towards full spiritual emancipation. It is surely a text that any person who aspires to reach spiritual emancipation should read and above all meditate on. May Siva give long life to this representative of Him on Earth so that he may always illumine the path.§
Thiru Satkunendran Jaffna Tamil elder, Assistant Secretary of the Sivathondan Nilayam, Toronto, Ontario, Canada§
What an appropriate book to be released by Gurudeva in this Kali Yuga cycle, when the Tamil diaspora in Europe, North America and Australia are reeling aimlessly, being unable to discriminate between the good and bad, especially our youth, who are caught in the midst of the Western “culture shock.” They do not know how to respect parents, guru, temple and teachers at school. People changing religion for mere financial benefits, breakdown in marriages, family and the dawn of a new culture… “single parent homes!” The author beautifully states that the Western materialistic goal is personal fulfillment, while the Eastern religious ideal is fulfillment of duty to one’s parents, society and country, which includes tradition. However, when children of Eastern families are raised up with Western values, personal fulfillment overrides everything else. This book contains golden advice in easy to understand English, is interesting to read, as each subject is short, and the reader can simply get the message of Gurudeva without the aid of another person to provide explanation. This is written targeting the present and future generations who are desperately seeking the truth, which parents are unable to interpret in a modern way, and this is aptly seen in this brilliant work. Enlightening both to the young and old alike. For the young, all the unanswered questions have meaningful explanations and, for the old, many topics refresh the mind and, of course, answers to the questions of modern times are found only in this invaluable book. The guru is so kind and generous in saying that one needs to read only one lesson a day, as he appreciates our hectic lifestyle. Topics vary from yoga practice to computers, war and peace to reverence for the environment, tobacco and drugs to guidelines for business and money. Guru protocol is a must to be read over, as many devotees are not aware of the do’s and don’ts in the presence of the guru. A first glance at the size of the book will make anyone think, “Oh! Where do I find enough time to read this dictionary?” But once you start reading, it motivates you to read more than one lesson a day! Thank you, Gurudeva, for this wonderful gift.§
Sri Sri Swami Satchidananda, Founder and Spiritual Head of Satchidananda Ashram and its Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS), renowned yoga master and visionary, Yogaville, Virginia§
Gurudeva Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has done it again. Here in this book he clearly guides the reader who would want to follow the Saiva Siddhanta tradition. May all the readers benefit by this great book.§
Swami Shuddhananda Brahmachari Founder of the Lokenath Divine Life Mission, India, and Lokenath Divine Life Fellowship, USA§
In this most useful handbook of daily practice, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswamiji, inspires every Hindu—and seekers in general—to follow the timeless principles of Sanatana Dharma. I am sure, like his previous two books, Dancing with Siva and Merging with Siva, this final book of his creative trilogy, Living with Siva, will guide travelers on the path of Truth towards the ultimate destination of realizing Oneness with Siva.§
Ashwinee Ragoonanan Jyotishi from Banaras Hindu University, Publisher of Kashi ka Patra, President of the Kashika Yog and Meditation Foundation, Trinidad and Tobago§
Sri Adi Sankaracharya was responsible for reestablishing the status of Sanatana Dharma when it was at its lowest ebb. Today, without a doubt, it is safe to say that Gurudeva Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami is an incarnation of Adi Sankaracharya in principle and wisdom, reestablishing and redefining Sanatana Dharma for the present generation and future minds. The gamut of Sanatana Dharma could not be composed in a more lucid and comprehensive manner as it is presented in Living with Siva. Swamiji, in his compilation of Living with Siva, has caught the dynamism of Hinduism to touch the spirit and mind of both the young and the old, the ancient and the modern.§
Vimala Krishnapillai, Ph.D Lecturer at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, President of the Sri Ramakrishna Sarada Samithi, Colombo, Joint Trustee of the Siva Yogar Swami Thiruvadi Trust§
Living with Siva is a priceless, monumental text. On reading it, I felt that Lord Siva, transcending time and space, has transmitted His gift of grace, to humanity through Satguru Sivaya Subrumuniyaswami. The presence of the direct communication of truth, so far as it can be put in words, is there on every page. Written in simple words, it is made understandable to all who aspire to walk the Saiva path, Saivaneri. Every aspect of day-to-day living, both secular and religious, family, society, food, health, money management and, above all, God, are touched upon. Step by step, Gurudeva helps one to live a balanced, harmonious life with the goal of raising one’s spiritual consciousness. The tremendous energizing power of the text awakens and arouses one from his or her stupor to keep the inner light aglow. ¶The text contains in essence the whole of Hindu heritage, the Vedas, Upanishads, Agamas and the outpouring of saints and sages down the ages. Herein, Sanatana Dharma, the ancient and eternal path, ever fresh and vibrant, forges forth into international frontiers as the religion of the future. ¶May we express our hearts’ deepest gratitude and praise to Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami for placing this sacred text as samarpanam at the tiruvadi, gracious feet, of his Paramaguru Siva Yogaswamigal of Yalpanam, Sri Lanka, whom we adore and venerate as our ancestral kulaguru.§
H.H. Swami Tejomayananda Spiritual Head of Chinmaya Mission, Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai, India.§
The book becomes interesting since it touches almost all aspects of one’s life, secular and spiritual. It is the lack of such information and knowledge that creates confusion in the minds of people regarding their own duties and understanding of their religion. In this context, this book plays a very important role in educating the Hindus. There are certain topics, like the wisdom of early marriage, which are quite controversial in modern time. Gurudeva has dealt with them beautifully, and I have every hope that people will appreciate the maturity of thought running through these topics.§
Thillaiampalam Visuvalingam, President of the Saiva Sidhdhantha Manram, Managing Editor of Anbu Neri, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada§
Living with Siva is a divine work of Siva Consciousness. These lessons address all the issues confronting a modern person who wishes to follow Sanatana Dharma. This divine work should be in all households for the Saivite Hindus, young and old, to gain the true path of Lord God Siva realization. ¶This is a book on Siva consciousness for all Saivite Hindus, and especially for those who lack faith in themselves and whose faith is undermined by ignorance and indifference. We are all fortunate that such a book has been conceived by Gurudeva to meet the needs of modern men and women. May the almighty Lord Siva bless him with all courage and a long healthy life to continue his divine contribution.§
Brahmacharini Maya Tiwari Spiritual Head of the Wise Earth Monastery, Candler, North Carolina, and the Mother Om Mission, Guyana, South America.§
In this impressive guidebook, Gurudeva’s beneficent voice of universal Truth unearths and reintroduces the Hindu dharmas for living in awareness, integrity and joy. More than a perennial wellspring of Hindu ideals, Living with Siva demonstrates everyday-life ways that help us to become conscious of negative habits and provides us with the means to recognize, acknowledge and rid toxic thoughts and harmful activities from our lives. This guidebook is a masterful blueprint for reclaiming physical, emotional and spiritual health or, as Gurudeva puts it, “the ahimsa home” wherein we may connect our inner experience to the infinite wisdom of the rishis. Living with Siva implies exactly that: cultivating unflinching awareness and adherence to the path of dharma.§
Pandit Rajendra Sharma Priest of the Hindu Worship Society, Houston, Texas.§
Living with Siva is not a book, but a manual of salvation for all humankind! Gurudeva has taken out the nectar supreme from Sanatana scriptures and has presented them here in simple language for the benefit of all living creatures. If I compare this manual to the great Bhagavad Gita, I would not be wrong. Bhagwan Sri Krishna gave the synopsis of the Vedas and Upanishads to Arjun in the simple language of the day, yonder “Prakrit,” for the benefit of the simple-minded people. So has Gurudeva presented this great essence of the Sanatana Dharma for the public of today. A long time ago a great religious and social reformer was born who gave us a great treatise which is known to the modern world as Manu Smriti, and in this modern time we have our own Gurudeva who has made it possible for us by giving the same kind of knowledge for the common people of today. I hereby suggest that this great book of knowledge be kept in all homes and libraries on this Earth.§
Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda Spiritual Head of the Society “Yoga in Daily Life,” Vienna, Austria.§
With this divine work, once more Gurudeva is going to inspire and uplift the consciousness of mankind, especially of the Hindus who live in different parts of the world. After the volumes Dancing with Siva and Merging with Siva, this new publication brings Lord Siva straight into our daily lives. Living with Siva is designed to become an integrated part of everyday life—day-by-day throughout the whole year the reader will get a divine lesson that motivates and encourages him the whole day long. I congratulate the author of this really ingenious guidebook that preserves and makes approachable the eternal values of Sanatana Dharma for our modern civilization in an easily comprehensible way. Especially, I recommend this book to Indian parents living in and outside of India. The children are the future of this Earth, and in order to reveal and establish the ethical fundamentals of Vedic culture and religion to the new generation, this book really should not be missed in any Indian family!§
Tiru Perampalam Saravanamuthu President of the Selangor Wilayah Persekutuan Ceylon Saivites Association, Chairman of the First National Malaysian Saiva Siddhanta Seminar, 1983, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.§
Living with Siva is not a book for keeping in the cupboard of a home library; instead, the book should form an essential item in the prayer room, taking its place with the ritual utensils used for prayer at the altar. The subjects covered are most relevant for not only the adult Saivite Hindu but more for Saivite children for whom the reading of this book should be mandatory, as the present Saivites are faced with new multifarious challenges arising from negative influences prevalent in modern society. It is only through sound knowledge of the tenets of Sanatana Dharma that the community could insulate itself from the onslaught of new-fangled practices that only cater to the base instincts and would attract many rebirths to atone for the bad karmas thus accumulated. Living with Siva is for daily use during prayers, by those present—a lesson a day would keep bad karmas at bay. ¶Living with Siva contains 365 lessons which were originally delivered to the disciples at Kauai Aadheenam and others and, as such, have been tested and tried and found to be very appropriate for all those professing or wanting to learn more about Saivite Hinduism. The author has delved deeply and systematically into the various subjects that constitute the lessons. For example, the ten yamas and the ten niyamas have been expounded upon extensively, so much so that 100 pages give detailed explanations on the ancient scriptural injunction for all aspects of human thought, attitude and behavior, giving no room for any doubts to arise in the mind of the layman. The oft repeated advice is that a family should pray together to be on the spiritual path. ¶The lessons have been flavored and garnished with the occasional Sanskrit or Tamil word to convey the exact meaning and interpretation of the tenets under discussion. But almost every Sanskrit or Tamil word used has been accompanied by its most appropriate English word or phrase. Thus, the object of introducing specific Sanskrit and Tamil words, namely to make their meanings familiar to the reader, has been achieved through this method of repeating the words and thus enabling the reader to learn the word and its meaning through minimum effort. ¶The present lifestyle of many Saivites is based on Western culture, which in some instances runs contradictory to Hindu culture. The adoption of an alien custom and tradition often results in the arousal of negative emotions which destroy not only the individual but the family and the community. The writings in this book cry out to the Saivite reader: Go back to basics. An appeal is also being made to the readers of Living with Siva to study the scriptures and practice the Saivite customs and traditions which have been cleansed in the fire of purification which had been fueled by the logs of love, fasts, sacrifices and experience during the past many millennia, which would lead the devotee to merge with Siva.§
R. Rajathurai Former school teacher, former president of the Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, Singapore.§
The release of this book at this point in time is most appropriate in view of the many challenges faced by the Saivite community. The book contains a wealth of information on various topics within its more than a thousand pages. Anyone reading the 365 lessons, which form the daily sermon for the whole year, would feel His Holiness’ concerns for the multifarious problems faced by the Hindu Saivite community in general and the youth in particular. Rapid progress achieved in the fields of science and technology, especially within the second half of the 20th century, has to some extent warped human thinking. Man now thinks of “playing God” by tinkering and tampering with nature’s creation to improve its quality. This illusion has produced some horrendous results—an example is the mad cow disease. Such new thinking has also affected long established institutions by creating disarray. For example, the holy matrimony normally conducted in a sanctified holy place is now sometimes conducted in odd places—while parachuting, while deep-sea diving and so on—and the consumption of non-sattvic food on such occasions is becoming fashionable. The legal empowerment of women has resulted in a shift of women’s place in creation. God’s natural empowerment of women as creators has now been surrendered to the pill and to the abortionist; the nourishment of children has now largely been surrendered to the udder of the cow, the street hawker and to the school canteen operator. And as for education, it is left entirely to the school which is unable to replace what should rightly be shared with those in the child’s home. The school, furthermore, is at all times competing with the influence of the television on young minds. Beginning at a very tender age, the child could enter an empty house after school while the mother is slaving with the father for additional income to purchase luxuries in their “competition with the Jones.” ¶Living with Siva is a powerful weapon now in the hands of Saivites to combat the evils mentioned under such a scenario, and it is hoped that every Saivite will arm himself or herself with this weapon of destruction of evil and use it every day to save not only oneself but to liberate as many souls as possible from their prarabdha karma by following the advice as enunciated in the lessons and in the Nandinatha Sutras of this book.§
K.L. Seshagiri Rao, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia, Editor of the quarterly journal World Faiths Encounter, Chief Editor of the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Columbia, South Carolina§
On the threshold of the 21st century, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has presented us with a special gift: Living with Siva: Hinduism’s Contemporary Culture. It is a timely gift to the followers of Saivism and to Hindus all over the world. ¶The author underscores in this work the essential principles of Sanatana Dharma, popularly known as Hinduism, and relates them to the issues and problems of our times and society. Dharma includes a code of conduct in all its aspects: duties to God, to fellow human beings and to creation in general. Deep faith in Siva, God, provides a firm basis for individuals and groups to deal with the problems of life successfully; it leads to the wisdom that discovers right solutions and to the strength that puts them into action in individual and social life. ¶A great deal of attention is given to life and living, here and now, in this technological age. For example, the institution of the family, which is under severe attack these days, is given special attention, and the ways to restore the sacred values of the family to domestic life are discussed. It shows that spiritual life that neglects worldly duties is callous, and worldly life that neglects spiritual values is blind. In the process, many misconceptions about Hinduism are corrected. ¶Human beings become entangled in materialism under conditions of ignorance. Exclusive materialistic endeavors frequently make people aggressive, arrogant, selfish, violent and miserable. The author points out that spiritual nature illumines the intellect and dispels ignorance. Living in divine consciousness releases spiritual values such as love, compassion, service and abiding happiness, which uplift life and bring all peoples together. ¶This is a significant publication; it is not merely informative, but also transformative. While it continues to strengthen Sivasambandham in the spirit of the ancient Tirukural, it is also of ecumenical and contemporary interest . For anyone interested in improving the quality of life, it can serve as a valuable moral and spiritual guide on a daily basis. I hope it will receive the wide attention it deserves.§
Vina Kandavanam Patron of the the Hindu Religious Society of Ontario, Canada, editor of Athmajothy, President of the Tamil Writers Association of Canada and author of 25 literary and religious books.§
Experience is the key word in this holy book. There are 365 well-planned lessons, each of which is an experience. Life and books are shaken and honeyed together in a manner and style suitable for all levels of readers who are inclined towards Sanatana Dharma. By providing the right experience, Gurudeva slowly and steadily paves the way for the readers to open up their minds and elevates them to realize the Siva within themselves and to live with Him thereafter. Once this unique stage of Siva Consciousness is reached, life becomes smooth, peaceful, joyful and meaningful. ¶It is my humble opinion that this sacred book has the power to lighten up the hearts and minds of the readers and cleanse them of all forms of sin, evil thought and desire and put them on the path of Sanatana Dharma. I pray to Lord Siva that all His devotees be able to taste this Saiva fruit, a wonderful gift from Gurudeva.§
Sivanesan Sinniah School Community Advisor with Toronto School Board, President of the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates of Canada, founder member and past president of Sivathondan Center of Toronto.§
This treasure trove of Gurudeva should be in the hands of everyone who is eager to learn or know the Hindu way of life, which is older than five thousand years or more. The traditional Hindu way of living, which has undergone many changes with the advent of scientific advancement, is brought to light by Gurudeva forcefully and in a methodical way. His opening sentences with his guru Siva Yogaswami’s sayings, “See God in everything; you are in God; God is within you; you must have a strong body and a pure mind,“ are apt and thought provoking. This book, with a wealth of knowledge and advice to all Hindus, has come out at the proper time when some Hindus are at a crossroads, having lost their roots, their culture, having been enticed by the Western culture and worldly pleasures. I am delighted to see a well-planned and well-written book of Hindu culture. Hindu philosophy is well explained by simple analogies and anecdotes. ¶This book has many valuable pieces of advice and suggestions for all Hindus to take note of. Go through the daily lessons in the book, digest the messages, follow them diligently, and you will be a different person. You will be amazed to see the wealth of knowledge this book has to offer to the readers. Most of us are ignorant of our tradition and Hindu culture. It is high time that we realize our roots and start living as true Hindus. ¶Gurudeva has written about all aspects of life and has analyzed them from various angles, traditional and modern: practical advice to parents on managing a home, rearing children, dealing with teens, managing money, eating healthy foods, praying as a family and worshiping in temples. He has explained about the yamas and niyamas, the core of the Hindu disciplines and restraints for individuals, groups, communities and nations. He speaks of untying the malas that bind us, namely anava, karma and maya, of purifying the intellect, transmuting willpower, about vows and vratas, marriage and sanctity. ¶He also speaks of marvels of meditation and consciousness, subconsciousness and superconsciousness, and a whole lot of social issues like women’s liberation and mothers’ neglecting children due to pressure of work in the office and at home. Hence, children miss motherly love and affection. ¶Burning problems of immigrant communities such as interfaith marriages, divorces, cross-national marriages and clashing of cultures are dealt with in this book very carefully. He also mentions about life in the inner world, astral planes, transition, death and rebirth. Lots of interesting facts are given in this book. Hence I feel that it is a must for everyone who is interested in inner peace of mind and spiritual bliss.§
Rajesh K.R. Bali Director of Manufacturing and Service for Lacent Technologies, Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.§
The more times I read Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s Living with Siva, the more attachment I have with our supreme Lord Sada Shiva. All Hindus understand the vastness of Sanatana Dharma and that there are many ways to approach that one Supreme God, Sada Siva. The way Gurudeva has explained Hinduism in his many writings is indeed unique. It allows the individuals to go deeper in their search for their personal Deity. I am certain that there are many followers of Sanatana Dharma who, by merely reading the writings of His Holiness, have been put on the fast track towards attaining liberation. ¶Having gone through some of his writings on Siva confirmed that my spiritual objective on this Earth is to attain the great devotion of Lord Sada Siva. Living with Siva indeed is one scripture that is written in very simple terms. The format is great and it is a practical guidebook for modern Hindus. I absolutely appreciate the 365 lessons on various aspects, e.g. sadhana, siddhanta, ethics, etc. It covers all aspects of human life, and it certainly is a guide in our household. I am certain this book will be well received by devotees at large.§
Dr. David Frawley, O.M.D. (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri), Vedacharya, Director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies, Author of How I Became a Hindu, Santa Fe, New Mexico.§
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has emerged as the most articulate living spokesman for Hindu Dharma in the West and in a modern English idiom. Living with Siva is the latest of his monumental texts on the world’s oldest and most comprehensive religious tradition, covering its enormous depth, beauty and power with both detail and precision. ¶All who want to practice any paths in the field of Hindu Dharma will find much relevant instruction in the book. Those who want to understand what Hinduism really is will find that the book expands their horizons exponentially. In fact, anyone interested in higher knowledge will find the book to be a treasure house of wisdom illuminating all aspects of life, the universe and consciousness in a lucid and compassionate manner. It can bring the very power of Siva into your own mind and heart.§
Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D. Director of the Yoga Research Center, author of The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga, Lower Lake, California.§
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami is today’s foremost spokesman for the living spiritual tradition of Saivism. Like his earlier book Dancing with Siva, the complementary Living with Siva is yet another priceless gift to the world. This comprehensive and easy-to-read work not only gives the reader reliable and deep insight into the practice of Saivism but Hinduism as a whole. Full of wisdom and sane counsel, Living with Siva points a sure way out of the complexities and confusions of conventional life, drawing the reader closer to peace and inner freedom. Even non-Saivites can benefit from this masterful presentation.§
Dr. Mahesh Mehta Professor of Indian Religions and Philosophy, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, University of Windsor, Canada§
Living with Siva is, at its best, about living in the constant consciousness of Siva, that is, living a life divine. Living with Siva is a product of Subramuniyaswami’s profound wisdom and realization. It is written out of a benevolent desire to enable earnest aspirants to achieve their spiritual unfoldment systematically and steadily. The lessons are both secular and spiritual instructions for the inner journey of a sadhaka to the ultimate goal of merging into Siva. Part One is especially significant in that it deals with the cultivation of mental and moral purification and of meditative discipline culminating in seeing the eternal dance of Siva in one’s own Self and in all beings and things.§