About the Author§
Once in a while on this Earth there arises a soul who, by living his tradition rightly and wholly, perfects his path and becomes a light to the world. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (1927-2001) was such a being, a shining
example of awakening and wisdom, a leader recognized worldwide as one of Hinduism’s foremost ministers. ¶In 1947, as a young man of 20, he journeyed to India and Sri Lanka and two years later was initiated into sannyāsa by the renowned siddha yogī and worshiper of Śiva, Jnanaguru Yogaswami of Sri Lanka, regarded as one of the 20th century’s most remarkable mystics. For over five decades, Subramuniyaswami, affectionately known as Gurudeva, taught Hinduism to Hindus and seekers from all faiths. Known as one of the strictest gurus in the world, he was the 162nd successor of the Nandinātha Kailāsa lineage and founding satguru of Kauai Aadheenam, a 458-acre temple-monastery complex on Hawaii’s Garden Island of Kauai. From this verdant Polynesian ashram on a river bank near the foot of an extinct volcano, his monastics, under the direction of his successor, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, continue to live their cherished vision, following a contemplative and joyous existence, building a jewel-like white granite Śiva temple, meditating together in the hours before dawn, then working to promote the dharma together through Śaiva Siddhānta Church, Himālayan Academy and Hindu Heritage Endowment. ¶His Church nurtures its membership and local missions on five continents and serves, personally and through books and courses, the community of Hindus of all sects. Its mission is to protect, preserve and promote the Śaivite Hindu religion as expressed through three pillars: temples, satgurus and scripture. Its congregation is a disciplined, global fellowship of family initiates, monastics and students who are taught to follow the sādhana mārga, the path of yogic striving and personal transformation. The recognized hereditary guru of 2.5 million Sri Lankan Hindus, Gurudeva proclaimed his Church a Jaffna-Tamil-based organization which branched out from the Sri Subramuniya Ashram in Alaveddy to meet the needs of the growing Hindu diaspora of this century. It gently oversees some forty temples worldwide. ¶HINDUISM TODAY is the influential, award-winning, international quarterly magazine founded by Gurudeva in 1979. It is a public service of his monastic order, created to strengthen all Hindu traditions by uplifting and informing followers of dharma everywhere. Gurudeva’s numerous books present his unique and practical insights on Hindu metaphysics, mysticism, culture, philosophy and yoga. His Śaivite Hindu Religion children’s course is taught in many schools, preserving the teachings among thousands of youths. Hindu Heritage Endowment is the public service trust founded by Gurudeva in 1995. It seeks to establish and maintain permanent sources of income for Hindu institutions worldwide. ¶In 1986 he founded the Spiritual Park in Mauritius. That same year, New Delhi’s World Religious Parliament named him one of five modern-day Jagadāchāryas, world teachers, for his international efforts in promoting a Hindu renaissance. Then in 1995, in Delhi, the Parliament bestowed on him the title of Dharmachakra for his remarkable publications. The Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders for Human Survival chose Subramuniyaswami as a Hindu representative at its unique conferences. At Chicago’s historic centenary Parliament of the World’s Religions in September, 1993, Subramuniyaswami was elected one of three presidents to represent Hinduism at the Presidents’ Assembly, a core group of 25 men and women voicing the needs of world faiths. In 1996 Gurudeva upgraded the newspaper HINDUISM TODAY to a magazine, a quantum leap that placed it on newsstands everywhere. From 1996 to 2001 Gurudeva was a key member of Vision Kauai 2020, a group of inspirers (including the Mayor and county council, business and education leaders) that met to fashion the island’s future based on spiritual values. On August 25, 2000, Gurudeva received the prestigious United Nations U Thant Peace Award in New York (previously awarded to the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope John Paul and Mother Teresa), and he addressed 1,200 spiritual leaders gathered for the UN Millennium Peace Summit. ¶Learning on October 9, 2001, that he had advanced intestinal cancer, Gurudeva decided to follow the Indian yogic practice, called prāyopaveśa in Sanskrit scripture, to abstain from nourishment and take water only from that day on. In the first weeks of his fast, Gurudeva seamlessly transferred his duties and responsibilities to his chosen successor, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, then 59, a disciple for 37 years. He left his body peacefully on the 32nd day of his self-declared fast, at 11:54 pm on November 12, 2001, surrounded by his twenty-three monastics. ¶If you ask people what was so special about Gurudeva, they may point to his incredible power to inspire others toward God, to change their lives, to be a light on their path toward God, a father and mother to all who drew near.§
Visit Gurudeva’s legacy on the web: www.gurudeva.org§
There are a few unusual men who have had enough of worldliness and choose to dance, live and merge with Śiva as Hindu monks.§
These rare souls follow the path of the traditional Hindu monastic, vowed to poverty, humility, obedience, purity and confidence. They pursue the disciplines of charyā, kriyā, yoga and jñāna that lead to Self Realization. Knowing God is their only goal in life, the power that drives them tirelessly on, they live with other maṭhavāsis like themselves in monasteries, apart from worldliness, to worship, meditate, serve and realize the truths of the Vedas and Śaiva Āgamas.§
Guided by Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, successor to Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, and headquartered at Kauai Aadheenam in Hawaii, USA, on the beautiful Garden Island of Kauai, the Saiva Siddhanta Yoga Order is among the world’s foremost traditional Śaivite Hindu monastic orders, accepting candidates from every nation on Earth. It is an advaitic Śaiva Siddhānta order, a living stream of the ancient Nandinātha Sampradāya, originally deriving from India, and in recent centuries based in Sri Lanka. Young men under the age of 25 considering the renunciate path who strongly believe they have found their spiritual calling in this lineage are encouraged to write to Bodhinatha, sharing their personal history, spiritual aspirations, thoughts and experiences. Holy orders of sannyāsa may be conferred on those who qualify after ten to twelve years of training. Write to:§
Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami§
Guru Mahāsannidhānam, Kauai Aadheenam§
107 Kaholalele Road, Kapaa, Hawaii 96746-9304 USA§
E-mail: bodhi@hindu.org; World Wide Web: www.gurudeva.org§
Hail, O sannyāsin, love’s embodiment! Does any power exist apart from love? Diffuse thyself throughout the happy world. Let painful māyā cease and never return. Day and night give praise unto the Lord. Pour forth a stream of songs to melt the very stones. Attain the sight where night is not, nor day. See Śiva everywhere and rest in bliss. Live without interest in worldly gain. Here, as thou hast ever been, remain.§
SATGURU SIVA YOGASWAMI§
The Hindu Heritage Endowment§
Hindu thought and culture thread through almost every civilization on the planet, weaving a subtle tapestry of lofty philosophy and earthy, pragmatic wisdom. Whose life has not been touched? Some have been raised in India and enjoy memories of warm extended families and cool temples resounding with ancient mantras. Others find peace of mind in Hindu yoga practices. Many find solace in the concepts of karma, dharma and reincarnation, which express their own inner findings and beliefs. If you are one who has been touched by Hindu thought and culture, you may wish to further enrich your life by giving back to Sanātana Dharma in countries around the globe and helping preserve its rich heritage for future generations. ¶Hindu Heritage Endowment (HHE) provides such an opportunity. A public charitable trust recognized by the United States government, HHE was created to maintain permanent endowments for Hindu projects and institutions worldwide. Its endowments benefit orphanages, children’s schools, āśramas and temples. They support priests and publish books, and they are designed to continue giving that financial support year after year, decade after decade, century after century. The staff at HHE is one-pointed in their dedication to seeing that qualified donations will be used effectively for the purposes intended. Each beneficiary must give a detailed yearly report on its income from HHE and a schedule of how the next year’s funds will be spent before funds are issued. We take it as a sādhana to see that your gifts meet their purpose. Please place Hindu Heritage Endowment in your will, your year-end giving and/or your monthly budget. Whether you are inspired to give a few dollars to support orphanages or bequest millions in your will, write, give us a call or look us up on the Internet. Find out how to enrich your life by helping to preserve the treasures of a profound heritage for generations now living or as yet unborn.§
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami§
Hindu Heritage Endowment, Kauai’s Hindu Monastery,
107 Kaholalele Road, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-9304, USA. Phone: (800) 890-1008;
outside of the US: (808) 822-3012, ext. 224; fax: (808) 822-3152
E-mail: hhe@hindu.org World Wide Web: http://www.hheonline.org/§
The Mini-Mela Bookshop§
For all our books, visit www.minimela.com§
Merging with Śiva§
Hinduism’s Contemporary Catechism,
Book One of The Master Course Trilogy
By Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami§
Here is the ultimate text for the serious seeker. It may well go down in history as the richest and most inspired statement of meditation and God Realization ever, in any language. Yet, it’s user-friendly, easy to follow, sensible and nonacademic! Merging with Śiva is 365 daily lessons about the core of your own being. It’s about God, about the mystical realm of the fourteen chakras, the human aura, karma, force fields, thought and the states of mind, the two paths, samādhi and so much more. Illustrated with fifty original South Indian paintings. Second edition, 2002, 1,000 pages, 7" x 10", case bound (ISBN 0-945497-99-7), US$59.95.§
Dancing with Śiva§
Hinduism’s Contemporary Metaphysics
Book Three of The Master Course Trilogy
By Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami§
This remarkable 1,000-page sourcebook covers every subject, answers every question and quenches the thirst of the soul for knowledge of God and the Self. Clearly written and lavishly illustrated, expertly woven with 600 verses from the Vedas, Āgamas and other holy texts, 165 South Indian paintings, 40 original graphics, a 25-page timeline of India’s history and a 100-plus-page lexicon of English, Sanskrit and Tamil. A spiritual gem and great value at twice the price. “The most comprehensive and sensitive introduction to the living spiritual tradition of Hinduism …a feast for the heart and the mind (Georg Feuerstein).” Sixth edition, 2001, 7” x 10”, case bound (ISBN 0-945497-96-2) US$59.95.§
Living with Śiva§
Hinduism’s Contemporary Culture
Book 2 of The Master Course Trilogy
By Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami§
In the same bold, candid style of Merging with Śiva, Gurudeva focuses here on Hinduism’s twenty restraints and observances that when dynamically applied bring order in life and establish a foundation for spirit uality, meditation and realization. He addresses frankly and offers sound advice on the various problematic areas of modern living. The book is conveniently structured in 365 daily lessons disclosing how to approach family, money, relationships, technology, food, worship, yoga and karma to live a truly spiritual life. Second edition, beautiful full color art throughout. Second edition, 2001, 7" x 10", case bound (ISBN 978-0-945497-98-1), US$59.95.§
How to Become a Better Hindu§
A Guide for Seekers and Born Hindus
By Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami§
Hundreds of thousands of half-Hindus, having received a first name of a God or Goddess from their yoga teacher or a swami, want to enter the religion fully. Because of Hinduism’s liberal doctrine, it is left to the individual as a “do-it-yourself conversion.” How to Become a Hindu explains how the six steps of ethical conversion have enhanced the lives of many in the East and West. Here Americans, Canadians and Europeans tell their stories of passage from Western faiths to Hinduism. The book raises and convincingly settles the debate about non-Hindus entering the religion. “This elucidative book will provide immense help to those who wish to enter the Hindu fold, and also the younger generation of Hindus living outside India” (Puri Shankaracharya). First edition, 2000, 496 pages, 5½” x 8½, softcover (ISBN 0-945497-82-2), US$27.95.§
Weaver’s Wisdom§
Ancient Precepts for a Perfect Life
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami§
A finely crafted American English translation of a beloved 2,200-year-old Tamil classic, Tirukural, by the weaver saint, Tiruvalluvar—yet, it’s all about today’s world, business, family, relationships, money, enemies, personal fears, gambling, politics, diet and health. Arguably the world’s ultimate ethical guide, its pithy, often humorous, aphorisms offer an earthy assessment of human nature. In South India this scripture is sworn on in courts of law. Quote from it freely. Read from it to your children to train their minds and guide them along the path of dharma. Over 100 illustrations, 1,080 verses. First edition, 1999, 408 pages, 5½" x 8½", softcover (ISBN 0-945497-76-9), US$19.95. Hardcover version, US$29.85. Hardcover, full-color edition with English and modern Tamil translations, 600 pages (ISBN 81-7017-390-6), US$49.95.§
The Guru Chronicles§
By the Swamis of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery§
Here is an adventure into the rarely divulged world of spiritual masters, full of extraordinary stories, insights and spiritual encounters. At its heart is the untold life of Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, who founded HINDUISM TODAY, his guru Siva Yogaswami and five preceding masters of the spiritual lineage. Illustrated by the South Indian genius, S. Rajam. “Deeply captivating. The book has a musical magic, a beautifully lyrical story that happens at once in the past and the present, with the promise of an ever-deepening future of awakening for the reader. It brings so vibrantly to life the simple life and deep spiritual culture of India and Sri Lanka. S. Rajam’s art adds to the musical quality, as his work is rhythmic and lyrical, too” (Gayatri Rajan, California). First edition, 2011, 832-pages, 7" x 10", hardcover, fully illustrated, $59.95, (ISBN 978-1-934145-39-5). Now also available in audio book form! Go to: himalayanacademy.com/tgc§
Hinduism Today§
The International Magazine§
Enjoy a spiritual experience with the foremost international journal on Sanātana Dharma, published by Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami and the swamis of the Saiva Siddhanta Yoga Order. Breaking news, ancient wisdom, modern trends, world-class photos, family resources, humor—you will treasure every issue! “HINDUISM TODAY is a beautiful example of the positive possibility of the media being fulfilled, a bright ray of light in a darkened world” (Anne Shannon, Portland). Introductory offer (US only): one-year subscription, four stunning issues, for US$35! And yes, the author of this book founded this global magazine and guided it for 20 years. ISSN 0896-0801; UPC: 0-74470-12134-3. Visit: www.hinduismtoday.com§
Lemurian Scrolls§
Angelic Prophecies Revealing Human Origins
By Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami§
Enliven your spiritual quest with this clairvoyant revelation of mankind’s journey to Earth millions of years ago from the Pleiades and other planets to further the soul’s unfoldment. Learn about the ensuing challenges and experiences faced in evolving from spiritual bodies of light into human form and the profound practices followed and awakenings achieved in ancient Lemuria. These angelic prophecies, read by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami from ākāśic records written two million years ago, will overwhelm you with a sense of your divine origin, purpose and destiny and motivate a profound rededication to your spiritual quest. An extraordinary metaphysical book which answers the great questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Second Edition, 2006, 7" x 10", 400 pages, beautifully illustrated with original color paintings, hardcover (ISBN 0-945497-79-2),US$39.95.§
The History of Hindu India§
From Ancient to Modern Times
By the Editors of Hinduism Today
and Dr. Shiva Bajpai§
In this book, we pick up the threads of Hindu practice evident in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization, which was the largest and in many ways the most advanced of the ancient civilizations. From there we trace Hinduism through the early empires of India, a time of great advances in science, architecture, art and literature. Then came the years of trial by invasion, followed by colonization and finally, in the 20th century, independence from the British Crown. Throughout these periods, we highlight the people, philosophical ideas and religious practices that are key to Hindu religion today. While the text is written for sixth grade social studies classes in US schools, it is also suitable for high school classes. It has even been used in college course work, due to its refreshingly accurate, terse but comprehensive presentation of the world’s most ancient faith. First edition, 2011, 128 pages, 8½" x 10½", hardcover (ISBN 978-1-934145-38-8), US$25.00.§
Path to Siva§
A Catechism for Youth
By Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami§
Path to Siva presents all of the important teachings of the Saivite religion in 68 one page lessons. It is written with youth in mind, but is also ideal for anyone wanting a condensed version of Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s 3,000-page Master Course. Here are answers to questions about God, Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan and the devas—how they can help us in our lives and how to contact them through temple worship and home puja. You will find clear explanations of karma, dharma and reincarnation, and how to use japa, meditation and affirmations to make your life better. The lessons include insights on home life, getting along with others, religious tolerance, vegetarianism and caring for the environment. They cover challenging philosophical areas, such as death and dying, sin and evil. Discussing one lesson a week can keep the family conversation going for more than a year. First edition, 2018, 96 pages, 81/4” x 10½”, hardcover (ISBN 978-1-934145-72-2), US$25.00.§
Free Resource Materials§
Today at Kauai Aadheenam, TAKA, is our monastery’s daily chronicle of activities in words, pictures, sounds and videos. If you want to follow our temple progress, see who’s visiting or just check in on what’s happening, go to: www.gurudeva.org/taka/.§
Browse through our audio library of over 800 talks given by Gurudeva and Bodhinatha. Listen to talks on family, personal transformation, yoga, spiritual practices, relationships and more. Go to: www.himalayanacademy.com/looklisten/talksindex.
For our small video library, go to:
www.youtube.com/user/kauaiaadheenam/videos.§
On our publication resource page, you will find Gurudeva’s legacy of spiritual teachings, 3,000 pages of the Master Course Trilogy, three decades of our international magazine, children’s courses, the Vedas and more. Go to: www.himalayanacademy.com/readlearn/books. All of our publications are available there, to read or download for free. The following might be of particular interest: 14 Questions People Ask About Hinduism, My Friend Lord Ganesha, Home Puja, Hatha Yoga, Four Facts, Nine Beliefs, Four Denominations, What Is Hinduism?, The History of Hindu India, Ten Tales (I & II), Growing Up Hindu, Life Skills for Hindu Teens, A Character Building Workbook.§
The following free e-mail resources are available at: www.himalayanacademy.com/email-news/.§
The Master Course Daily Lesson§
Inspiring Daily Verses from the Vedas, mankind’s most ancient scripture§
Verses from the Tirukural, one of Hinduism’s greatest ethical scriptures§
Hindu Press International, a daily news summary for journalists, educators, researchers, writers, religious leaders and interested Hindus worldwide§
Kauai’s Hindu Monastery Monthly Newsletter§
Hindu Heritage Endowment News§
Sri Sri Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, International Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship; Vienna, Austria§
Reading Loving Ganesha I really felt raised to a heavenly sphere and was aware of the presence and brightness of this blissful, very lively Deity. In this book Satguru Subramuniyaswami proves his profound knowledge, his deep intuition and wisdom and his heartfelt devotion and love of Lord Ganesha, the Guardian of the Sanatana Dharma, the Remover of Obstacles, the Patron of Arts and Sciences, the Mediator and Intercessor between Man and God. He is the God on our side, our friend indeed, our protector and benefactor. In an excellent, clear and cultivated style, with simple words and a refreshing, subtle sense of humor the Great Ganesha is introduced to the reader. Each and every aspect, relation, symbol and meaning of Lord Ganesha has been explained and detailed skillfully, along with mantras, prayers and pujas to pay reverence to the merciful elephant-faced God. Many may think of Lord Ganesha as a little-over-weight, pompous, elephant-headed Deity Who belongs somehow to the Hindu pantheon, but with Whom he never really has gotten acquainted. If this has been your case, then Loving Ganesha has come to you in just the right time to get the right answers to all your questions and bring you closer to the magnificent and charming Ganapati, the Treasurer of all Knowledge and Great Ruler of the Universe. I express my heartiest thanks to Satguruji Subramuniyaswami for this wonderful book from which pours forth an abundance of divine nectar, wisdom and bliss. May all readers be bestowed with happiness, prosperity and the divine protection of the merciful, loving Ganesha!§
YB Dato Seri S. Samy Vellu, President of Malaysian Indian Congress, Member of Parliament, Minister of Works; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia§
It is with a feeling of deep satisfaction and great joy that I read Gurudeva’s new book entitled Loving Ganesha. Hindus around the world pray to Lord Ganesha for help and guidance. All Hindus regardless of their sectarian position seek His able assistance in all things they do, as their first Ishta Devata, the chosen God. In this book Gurudeva has brought forth a special interpretive insight, a powerful and persuasive presentation. It is a deeply felt, powerfully conceived and a beautifully explained work. I would strongly recommend this book to all students interested in Hinduism. It will occupy a significant place in the intellectual and spiritual life of Hindus for a long time to come.§
Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi, President/Founder,
Mata Amritanandamayi Trust; Kerala, India§
Let this book be a source of inspiration for the devotees of Lord Ganesha, helping them to deepen their faith and love for him.§
Pandit Satyapal Sharma, Sanskrit Scholar, Vice Chancellor, Vedic University of America; San Diego, California§
Here is a marvelous book, full of attractive pictures, songs and poems, an enticing encyclopedia about Loving Ganesha written by the honorable satguru of Kauai Aadheenam, Hawaii, a heavenly place on earth and the unique Center of the Universe of Hinduism that is consistently trying to infuse new blood and spirit in children and adults of the society so that Hinduism can regain its past glory as the oldest and the richest religion in the world. His beautiful analysis of Sri Ganesha and His symbols, from a spiritual as well as scientific point of view, is incomparable. Sri Satguru has poured out his heart, and each and every word of the book is full of extreme love, not only for Ganesha but for every human being. He fearlessly repudiates all misconcepts that present Hinduism in a wrong form and removes all doubts with clear and convincing answers. It is actually his own experience flowing through the words, drenching the minds of devotees of Sri Ganesha with showers of happiness, peace and bliss. It is really “all in one” about Sri Ganesha. The author has explained His worship and chants, along with the meaning of mantras. He wishes from the depth of his heart for every Hindu who loves Ganesha to come up as a real Hindu in diet, costume, name and culture. He has beautifully explained the importance of Hindu names and given cultural cues and clues for becoming a real Hindu. Sri Satguru welcomes those who wish to change their hearts to become Hindu and has explained the way one can adopt Hindu Dharma. The Ganesha puzzles for small children have added beauty to the book. The soul of the book, however, is the three letters revealed by the Lord to Sri Gurudeva that have been reproduced verbatim for the benefit of humanity. “I dismay as you retreat to the devilish worlds in the plane beyond My sight. I sit waiting for your return.” What encouraging, inspiring and assuring words from Ganesha! The letters simply melt the heart and bring tears in eyes.§
Tiru M. Arumugam, Chairman, Siva Thoŋndan Nilayam (Yogaswami Centre); London, U.K.§
The Hindu, by understanding the philosophy and meaning of the forms, symbols and festivals of Ganesha explained in this book, so rich with pictorial illustrations, becomes more devout and attached to his religion and to Ganesha. Aspiring Hindus and the many non-Hindus in the Western world, increasingly becoming interested in vegetarianism, ahimsa, karma, rebirth and other concepts of Hindu religion, will find useful information and explanations to remove many misconceptions and misinformation about Hindu religion and Hindu worship. The large number of Hindus living in the Western world, cut off from their roots in India and Sri Lanka, will find the book inspiring to refresh their religion and make them proud of their rich culture. Many quotations from the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Tirumantiram, Tirukural, Auvaiyar, Yogaswami and other scriptures make the book a religious and literary treatise worthy of study by scholars and savants. The glossary explains many words and phrases to help the understanding of the text. This book should find a place in every Hindu home and library.§
Dr. Deendayal Khandelwal, Chairman, Board of Directors, Hindu University of America, Orlando, Florida§
In putting this book together, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has done an outstanding and encyclopedic work, especially for the benefit of Westerners interested in Hindu thought and second-generation Indian Hindus growing up in the West. Several aspects of Ganesha that are not popularly known are included. These will tend to strengthen the faith of the readers in Lord Ganesha and make their prayers to Him come from deep within and hence be more fruitful. In addition to covering the various aspects of Ganesha, Swamiji has also included several other topics of common interest. These will prove very valuable to the readers in developing clarity about Hindu thought and in adopting more meaningful things in their daily lives.§
Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., author of Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga and Wholeness and Transcendence; Lower Lake, California§
Millions of Hindus around the world invoke Ganesha, the divine Remover of Obstacles. Millions of Hindus should study this book and benefit from the esteemed author’s knowledge, wisdom and human warmth. It is a wonderful cornucopia for those wishing to deepen their understanding of and strengthen their faith in Lord Ganesha. A high-quality, practical and very readable volume.§
Sri Om Prakash Sharma, President, National Council of Hindu Temples; Wolverhampton, U.K.§
I have gone through Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s new book, Loving Ganesha, and I find that it is very true to our scriptural heritage. It is well written and at the same time presents Hinduism in a simple way. A copy of Loving Ganesha should be placed in every library and Hindu home. In fact, I am going to recommend to the Council of Hindu Temples in the United Kingdom that they acquire this book in quantity and distribute it freely among the devotees.§
Mrs. Patricia Monaco, MA, Reviewer for NAPRA ReView (New Age Publishing and Retailers Alliance), Orcas, Washington§
The Satguru is that rare and precious teacher who is able to impart to his students the genuine passion he has for his subject. Simply and eloquently, he explains the devotion of the Hindu to Ganesha, the powerful and gentle elephant-headed God. Whether viewed as instructional or as an affectionate tribute, Loving Ganesha is the comprehensive source for those who seek knowledge—not just information—of this greatest of Hindu Deities.§
Sri Sri Swami Pragyanand, Founder/Patron, Sai Pragya Dham, Vishwa Mata Gayatri Trust, Delhi, India; Pragya Mission International; New Delhi, India§
Loving Ganesha, by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, is a most monumental work on Lord Ganesha. It is so comprehensive as to not leave out any aspect or idea relating to Him. Illustrations of 32 forms of Ganesha depicting different postures and bhavanas make the book not only more attractive, but also useful, since each illustration gives the reader knowledge as to what form Lord Ganesha takes while performing various functions, and which form the reader should select to get a particular wish fulfilled and problem solved. In-between other pictures and illustrations, japa mantras make the book manifoldly useful—all in one, so handy, so magnetic, so magnificent and so full of utility. The analysis of Hinduism as the greatest religion in the world leaves no doubt in the reader’s mind. It is factual, motivational and directional. There can be no more precise and exact description of Hinduism as to say “within Hinduism is a place for everyone.” It encompasses the whole universe. Hindu Dharma, better called Sanatana Dharma, stands for perfect peace of mind, tolerance, nonviolence, mutuality, sacrifice and universal brotherhood. It emphasizes “Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam”—“The whole universe is one family.” God is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. Hindu rishis devoted their whole life to finding the truth about atman and Paramatman, soul and Gods, how to reach God after death. Hinduism is self-discipline and self-denial. It provides several ways to achieve the ultimate goal—moksha, salvation from janma and mrityu, birth and death, both being most painful. In a nutshell, after having gone through the book, I feel that Gurudeva Subramuniyaswami is not an ordinary writer, but is knowledgeable unparalled and is a rare saint among the galaxy of modern saints. I have known him for the last decade and a half. He is a dedicated and devoted Saiva who has promoted Saivism all over the globe. Lord Siva and Ganesha dwell in his heart, for he is the embodiment of Siva. Such a voluminous book can be written only by a person who has become one with Lord Ganesha, established direct communion with Him.§
Tiru R. Rajathurai, Secretary of World Hindu Federation, Nepal, religious teacher and publisher; Singapore§
For more than thirty years Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami of Hawaii has been preoccupied with the religious education of his followers, particularly the youth. This is, in fact, the major concern of Hindu communities worldwide. It is not only the lack of knowledge of the Hindu religion that is disturbing but the apathy and liberalism that is being displayed by the Hindu youths of today. Unlike the Western youth, those in the East have had the advantage of being brought up in the age-old Hindu tradition and culture. Yet, many have succumbed to the Western way of life and lead a life that is foreign to their religion and culture. The Satguru, being aware of all this, has spent the major part of his life in the promotion of Hindu religion through the publication of suitable religious literature and textbooks to cater to the needs of all sections of Hindu society. He has also spent large amounts on the free distribution of pamphlets, books and pictures. I believe it is in the above context that the Satguru has toiled to bring out Loving Ganesha. Once I started reading it, I found it difficult to put aside. Besides the interesting text, there is Ganesha radiating His benevolence from most of the pages. It is a fantastic book that all Hindus should have in their homes for all family members to read. It is the result of much thought and research, covering not only all aspects of Ganesha but also other salient features on Hinduism. The “Author’s Introduction” is unique, something one doesn’t find in other books. The Satguru has given us insight into his own spiritual experience and has shown us the path to approach Ganesha and derive the maximum benefit. Another unique feature is the reproduction of three messages that Satguru states he received from Lord Ganesha. He has in his own words described them as “unique messages, couched in exquisite prose and profound philosophy.” Besides, the book has covered a wide range of subjects that Hindus ought to know. Because of this, it would be widely sought by interested people all over the world. As a teacher, I have also been involved with education for more than thirty years. Besides teaching in regular schools I have passionately spent my weekends and holidays in teaching moral and religious education to the young and organizing religious seminars and conferences. I find that Loving Ganesha not only deals with Ganesha but also many other aspects of Hinduism. Loving Ganesha is well written and contains gems of spiritual thought. Every aspirant on the spiritual path, as well as those who like to know more about Hinduism, should own this book. Reading it regularly and following the Satguru’s precepts will certainly bring peace and harmony into one’s life. Loving Ganesha and living with Ganesha will enlighten the soul and give one the peace and ecstasy that all seek.§
Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, Minister of Agriculture, Guyana; President, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha; Georgetown, Guyana§
Loving Ganesha captures the true spirit of Ganesha and proceeds to explain in both scientific and spiritual terms the esteemed pedestal He holds in Hindu homage. The pages on vegetarianism and ayurveda deserve commendation. I wish to congratulate Satguru Sivaya Subramuniaswami on this magnificent effort. This invaluable publication will be an asset to the Hindu world.§
Vamadeva Shastri (Dr. David Frawley), Vedacharya; author Ayurvedic Healing, The Astrology of the Seers, Gods, Sages and Kings; Santa Fe, New Mexico§
Hindus have often hidden their Deities so as not to offend people of other faiths or to appear modern. This has not only weakened them in their own faith, it has deprived the world, which is spiritually starved, of contact with these manifest powers of the Supreme Divinity, who offer a more intimate and personal connection with the Infinite. Loving Ganesha, perhaps more than any book, not only reverses but demolishes this trend. It confidently and brilliantly brings forth one of the greatest, and probably the dearest, of Hindu Divinities, Ganesha, the patron Deity of wisdom (buddhi) and accomplishment (siddhi), who dispenses the knowledge and skill necessary to achieve all our goals in life, including the ultimate spiritual goal of Self Realization. Loving Ganesha itself is like the love of Ganesha incarnate and the wisdom of Ganesha expressed. Through it Ganesha Himself speaks to the reader, not as a stern master or strange God, but as a loving friend. Like Ganesha, the book has the power to remove the obstacles in one’s life and spiritual path and grant one the insight to go fearlessly forward in one’s dharma. Lord Ganesha comes to life within these pages at a time when His descent is very much needed. Ganesha grants the ability to master all forms of knowledge and power. At this stage of global crisis, owing to the proliferation of undigested information and wrongly applied technology, He is the divine power most needed to lead us forward and take these forces to a higher level of manifestation. Ganesha, as the book clearly reveals, is the space-age God of Hinduism. His universal knowledge dwarfs any computer system. His universal power makes any technology seem petty. His universal play makes any great media entertainment appear dull and pointless. Yet Loving Ganesha is more than a book about Ganesha; it is a book about Hinduism, the Sanatana Dharma, or Eternal Religion of humanity, which is now stirring from its millennial slumber and arising to shake the world back to the proper spiritual path. The book contains in many ways the best introduction to Hinduism, particularly the section “How to Become a Hindu.” With this book Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has made yet another great contribution to the modern literature of Hinduism, whose current renaissance owes a great deal to his untiring efforts.§