Do you know the story of what happened when Swami Vishnu and Swami Sivananda met for the first time? It really makes one wonder…
After a short stint in the army (!), the officer – who only later became Swami Vishnu-devananda – came across a copy of Sadhana Tattwa, spiritual instructions, by Swami Sivananda. By accident? Who knows. He got hooked, immersed himself in the study of yogic scriptures, and eventually was longing to meet the author in person.
He packed his bag and went to Rishikesh (even at the time, everything YOGA seemed to have happened there…), where he was about to have a life-changing experience.
Swami Chinmayananda on his day of Sannyas initiation, with Guru Swami Sivananda and other disciples, Feb 25, 1949, Maha Shivratri Day (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It all took place on the stairs of the ashram where Swami Sivananda was residing, which were leading to the Ganges. Swami Sivananda was walking up the stairs, and people were customarily prostrating to him.
But the young officer did not want to bow his head to anyone. He hid in a doorway thinking nobody would see him, Swami Sivananda would pass by, and he could keep his pride, keep his shell intact.
However, Swami Sivananda did see him. What do you think happened?
He stepped in front of the young man – and prostrated to him. He gave him a lesson much more powerful than any lecture he could have given, any book he could have written. He led by example, giving him a lesson in humility. The first lesson for Swami Vishnu by his guru.
In 1947, at the age of 20, Swami Vishnu took sannyas (became a monk) and entered the Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh. The rest is history, but the lesson remains timeless.
So the question is – has this all been fate? I guess then we need to ask: What is fate? There’s one answer to this question I really love:
Fate is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
What is fate for you?
Be well,
~ Andrea
Categories: Inspiration, Yoga
Yoga & Joyful Living 
I have been poking around your blog and I really love your writing voice. I look forward to reading so much more of your inspiration!
LikeLike
Nice to see the Swami-jis again, wonderful story. Thanks for the post. (www.leroywatson4.wordpress.com)
LikeLike
Catching up on blogs after a vacation and I can’t even begin to tell you how this post speaks to me & where my life is right now. I have read it a dozen times and will keep reading it for many moons. Thanks for this!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on The diary of a yogi and commented:
It’s great to be reminded of this story…
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing Andrea! I personally feel there is a line between fate/karma and personal action…I like the idea of some freedom of choice: “There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I’m going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life-whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing Andrea! I appreciate a certain idea of fate/karma but with a lot of personal choice involved as well: “There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I’m going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life-whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert
LikeLike
Honestly, in all my readings I dont think I had heard (read) that story. Its great! Fate? God Anno? Destined to happen? Who really knows. I love the idea that the universe is always lighting up the path, but sometimes we are so resistant that we miss step or get lost and the Universe has to get in our face to get our attention; or have the Guru bow to us.
In the Movie Gross Point Blank Minni Drivers character told John Cusaks character that what he needed was a Shakabuku, it’s a Buddhist term basically means ‘A swift spiritual kick to the head that alters your life forever’.
Sometimes Fate gives us a pretty rainbow for inspiration, sometimes its Shakabuku, sometimes it’s the Guru reminding us about true humility. Love it!
Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
great story! love it.
LikeLike
Andrea, it’s so good to be reminded of this story. Hari om tat sat x
LikeLike
Andrea, I love being reminded of this story. Har om tat sat. x
LikeLike
Andrea- I LOVE this story! Thank you so much for sharing it. Such perfect timing for me. Learning to bow to more people as a reminder that anyone can be a great teacher. Wendi
LikeLike
i adore this story, and the definition of fate. but i dont think God chooses to be anon… i think it just seems that way because we become closed to the fact that God is on all things. we make God anon…and God uses that to give us more eye opening experiences…so we can become practiced in recognizing God in all. bla bla…anyways! love this 🙂
LikeLike