Swami Sivananda (1887–1963) was one of the great yoga masters of India. In his life he pursued two careers, that of a successful physician and that of a yogi and sage. His work always centred on serving others: “Every type of work that served to heal and relieve human suffering filled me with great joy.” For him, service was “love in expression”. After starting work as a doctor in India, he went to Malaysia where thousands of Indian workers were living under difficult conditions. As the director of a local hospital, he spent much of his time treating the poor, who needed his help the most. Not only would he provide medical care free of charge, but he was also known to send them home with enough pocket money to make up for their lost earnings.
This world is your best teacher. There is a lesson in everything. There is a lesson in each experience. Learn it and become wise. Every failure is a stepping stone to success. Every difficulty or disappointment is a trial of your faith. Every unpleasant incident or temptation is a test of your inner strength. Therefore nil desperandum. March forward hero
Swami Sivananda Foundation
No FoundationsTeachings by Swami Sivananda
