Swami Sivananda A Modern Sage (Excerpts from the book ‘Sivananda Upanishad’)

Part III

The Personality of Sivananda

Swami Sivananda was about six feet tall, with a shining copper red complexion. He had broad shoulders and long arms. His head and face were clean shaven. His countenance was child-like. No guile, no gall in it. His eyes sparkled.

In the simplicity of a monk, Sivananda seemed like a monarch. He was a picture of serenity and youth. Swamiji had a vibrant, powerful voice. Often at a meeting, he would gently push aside the microphone, saying, "I don’t need it". His stentorian voice could reach an audience of thousands without the need for amplification.

His walking made no sound. There was poise in his every move. When he spoke, the flow of language was steady and natural, and tongue-slips were conspicuous by their absence. His appearance was quite simple… no colorful marks on the forehead, no matted locks or flowing beard, no rosaries round his neck, no beads or earrings… just enough clothing to protect his person from the weather and to ensure decency in society.

Master never assumed manners or put on airs. He spoke to everyone, referred to everyone in terms of respect. Swamiji always tried to greet a person in the latter’s mother tongue. He was always eager to please people and put them at ease. Thus, besides Tamil, English, Hindi and Malay, which he knew well, he learnt words of greeting, proverbs, poems and songs in many languages, all of which he used to advantage in his contacts with people.

(To be continued in June, 2005 issue)

© "The Divine Life " (September 2000) published by The Divine Life Society, The Sivananda Publication League, Shivanandanagar 249 192, Tehri-Garhwal Dist. Website: www.divinelifesociety.org. Reprinted with permission. Part II of this article appeared in Splendour, April 2005 issue.

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