Swami Sivananda was born in 1887. Originally his name was Dr Kupperswami Iyer. He was an unusual Doctor who saw the light in everyone, treating everyone equally regardless of caste. An example of his compassion is found in the story where he helped a poor, homeless and pregnant woman in distress while going into labour. He stayed with her through the night until the birth was completed, asking for no money. He was a very sympathetic doctor. Many say his ability to heal even the “lost causes” was due to his deeply spiritual love and compassion for all.

One day Swamiji treated a very sick sannyasi (Swami), and in exchange for payment the yogi gave him some very rare manuscripts which contained the highest truths of Vedanta. These were like a spark put to gunpowder for the Doctor, changing his life goal…he immediately went to become a sannyasi himself. He met his guru Swami Viswananda in Rishikesh and was initiated then and there, given the name Swami Sivananda by his guru. His guru left him to return to his own ashram, making it only one day Swamiji had with his guru! But the spark was lit.

Swami Sivananda continued his studies travelling as a pilgrim to other gurus like Ramana Maharishi and Sri Aurobindo, and many more. He felt there was much to learn from many, and found they all had the same common goal - to reach enlightenment, and to know God within. Thus his teachings are vast and diverse, and have a special appeal to the western mind because of such diversity. There is something for everyone in his teaching. This is where he came up with his statement "The paths are many, but the Truth is One."

Swami Sivananda finally established his ashram in Rishikesh along the Ganges River. He continued to use his skills as a doctor, healing many for no charge in the clinic he built. He died in July 1963, leaving behind many disciples who continued his path of yoga with an acceptance of diversity... Swami Vishnudevananda, Swami Venkatesananda, Swami Satchidananda, Swami Sivananda Radha, and Dr. Hari Dickman, to name a few.

The following article is taken from one of the hundreds of books Swami Sivananda wrote: Sure Ways to Success in Life & God Realization

Through our practice of pranayama and other techniques used in our sadhana, we work to build up prana as a source of cosmic energy. As we work hard trying to conserve prana, it is important to realize how we lose it! Physical and mental energy leaks through what Swami Sivananda referred to as the "six rat-holes" in the body. The shutting up of these main holes will bring about the closing of many other minor ones. The yogi shuts out all the apertures that these energies leak out, and transmutes them into Ojas, or spiritual energy. Then the conserved energy can be spent on spiritual pursuits, meditation and the exploration of higher regions of the mind and Atma.

The six rat-holes are:
1) The hole of the reproductive organ
2) The hole of the mouth
3) The four holes of the mind.

The four holes of the mind are:

• the hole through which the energy leaks from unnecessary worry
• the hole through which the energy leaks from unnecessary fear of an imaginary description
• the hole through which the energy leaks from excessive anger
• the hole through which the energy leaks through lustful and idle thoughts.

For the conservation of energy lost through the hole of the reproductive organ, practice brahmacharya, or celibacy. Celibacy is not just the abstaining from sexual activity. It also means moderation, or the channeling of your sexual energy for higher purposes. If you are a householder with a family, then practice moderation in your sexual activity, so there is balance in the sexual energy. Practice to control and direct this energy, rather than allowing it to control you.

Energy leaks through the mouth by idle thoughts, gossiping, unnecessary discussions, too much laughter, etc. Laughter is good, but one with excessive laughter may not be taken seriously and therefore cannot influence others positively. Use measured words while talking. Do not talk too much. Speak politely and with respect. Practice mouna (silence) to help preserve energy. These practices help to develop will and enjoyment of peace.

Unnecessary worrying is a habit. Energy leaks tremendously through this channel. Worry is our own creation. Too many desires bring about worry. Many people develop worry by falsely imagining that they are inferior to others. This is illusory. All differences are unreal. Swami Sivananda says that everything is already fixed by prarabdha (destiny). Have faith that as you live "consciously", you will make the right choices, and through your good choices you will achieve good karma and success.

Unnecessary phobias or fears also leak energy. Ordinary ailments can become severe if one puts energy into them. Rather than fear the ailment, direct your energy into healing visualisations. Do not fear criticism - it is merely sound. Know what is real and what is unreal. Draw courage from within. Courage abounds within us! Do not be timid. Repeat the mantra "Sivoham, Sivoham" for strength. Turn your energy towards the spiritual and you will become fearless. Fears are imaginary. Think of Atma. Draw courage from knowing we are immortal souls ("I'm neither body nor mind, immortal self I am").

By becoming angry over little things, the whole nervous system is irritated and shattered. One can control this anger by love and vichara (right inquiry, or knowing the whole story). We are often swayed by our impulse to anger before we check out the information. Learn to be on the alert and watch your thoughts, in order to gain control over anger. Practice raising an opposing wave of love when you are greeted with anger. Anger is the greatest enemy of humans on this earth. Once you can control your anger, you have already learned to control the mind.

Idle or lustful thoughts are a waste of energy too. An idle mind is no better than an overactive mind. Learn to practice concentration and meditation. If mental energy is conserved you will have a tremendous store of energy at your disposal. You will accomplish mental and physical work with tremendous ease. Entertain good and sublime thoughts. At first this may be a challenge, but with time the mind will reside in these thoughts quite easily.

Practice conserving energy and reducing the losses through these "six rat-holes". By conserving the energy it will be there for higher spiritual achievements in life. Develop your inner faculties, conserve your energy and acquire knowledge of Self. Have faith, interest and perseverance. Peace and joy will abide with you for ever!