Swami Krishnananda Shashtyabdapurti Mahotsava Commemoration Volume
A Souvenir released on Swami Krishnananda's 60th Birthday
A True Sannyasin
by Suryakant B. Shah
As a literary personality, Swami Krishnanandaji is extremely well-versed not only in Yoga and Vedanta, but also in all the Shastras of Hinduism. Besides, he has done comparative studies of all religions, which is quite evident from his sober writings and illuminating speeches. Sometimes it is rather very difficult to understand him, but he is always logical and drives at the point to its perfection and we get completely convinced. Swamiji is a philosopher of a very high category and is also an orator who is able to keep his audience spellbound.
Swamiji is a perfect Sannyasin and adheres to the rules and regulations of the Order in all its phases and does not budge an inch in observing all the ceremonies required of a true Sannyasin. Looking to the present-day circumstances, some may think of him as being orthodox, but his disciplined life is truly laudable.
A rare quality which I have observed in Swamiji is his administrative ability. To administer the affairs of a vast institution like the Divine Life Society as its General Secretary is no joke. It is an international institution with its branches spread throughout the world. When it becomes rather difficult for a householder even to run a small house, how much more difficult it would be to manage the affairs of such an organisation! I am really wonderstruck at the ability and capacity of Swamiji. How ably he runs the show! Swamiji is a Sannyasin first and foremost. He has his daily spiritual routine as a Sannyasin. He does his Sadhana and writes books as well on philosophical subjects and gives lectures also. Over and above all these, he looks after the affairs of the Ashram, gives replies to the letters coming to him daily and tries his best to satisfy all concerned
In spite of indifferent health, he does all this and remains quite cheerful. I have been seeing and marking all these for last thirty years and am really surprised as to how Swamiji is able to withstand such a stress and strain in spite of his simple Ashram food and his simple living with limited facilities. This is nothing but the blessings of God and Gurudev.
Swami Krishnanandaji wishes from the bottom of his heart that everyone imbibe divinity and that all the activities of the Divine Life Society should aim at fostering divinity in man in the best interests of all concerned.
On this auspicious occasion of the Shashtyabdapurti of His Holiness, led us take a leaf from his life and enrich ourselves as advised by him. Let us follow the adage of "Simple living and high thinking". Swamiji also stresses one very important point and that is: "There is thing except God". So, let us remember God every moment.
In this small article it is not possible to delineate all the qualities and facets of Shri Swamiji. Though crowned with literary, administrative and other abilities, his modesty, meekness, wisdom and generosity mark him out primarily as a great Sannyasin.
We, the members of the family of the Divine Life Society, Ahmedabad, extent heartiest our felicitations to His Holiness this auspicious occasion and wish and pray that he may live long to guide us and the public at large. May the choicest blessings of God and Satgurudev Maharaj be showered upon His Holiness.