Samatvam (The Yoga of Equanimity)

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Samatvam, the Yoga of equanimity, means being able to keep the mind steady and balanced in every condition of life. It is the ability to be forever serene, contented, calm and peaceful.

These teachings on samatvam have been compiled from the wisdom of two modern day yogis, Swami Sivaanda Saraswati and Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Together with scriptural references and inspiring satsangs, the reader is offered the essential yogic techniques to acquire the divine qualities of samatvam: freedom from mental distraction and dissipation, the ability to remain cheerful in adverse conditions, the presence of mind and for bearance to bear insult and injury, and realization of the ultimate state of peaces existing within and around everyone.

This book is compiled from the teachings of Swami Sivananda Saraswati and Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It addresses one of the most revered spiritual virtues, samatvam. Samatvam means complete equanimity within oneself and with everybody else, with Nature and with the whole cosmos. It is the state where one's entire being becomes calm and quiet and one is able to think, to decide and to solve the problems of life with absolute tranquility.

Samatvam, the yoga of peace, contentment, equanimity and balance of mind, is a vital need for everyone, whether involved in household life, in business, in politics or in spiritual sadhana. It is an absolute necessity for anyone subjected to the wear and tear of tensions, frustrations and disappoints- ments. It is a basic requirement for the spiritual aspirant trying to develop his higher facilities, and even for those who aspire to Samadhi and the highest states of consciousness. Anyone trying to live a fulfilling life must know how to maintain equanimity under all circumstances and be able to sustain the calmness inherent in that state of mind.

These teachings are full of scriptural references and the revelations of two modern day yogis who have themselves mastered the requisites of samatvam. Their teachings present samatvam as a process of accepting life as it is given, and knowing how to utilize every moment of existence as a means to evolve one's consciousness. Their wisdom echoes the eternal spiritual truths that enlighten humankind's quest to conquer mental and emotional turmoil, that show the way out of entanglement with endless sensual desires and the entrenched idiosyncrasies of the human psyche.

The words of these yogis are an inspiration to improve our quality of awareness, our faith, and our relationships with each and every thing around us. They emphasize that we must sustain a balance between our external and internal worlds; that we should not be all intellect or all emotion, but rather a perfect blend of both. Otherwise, we will have no lasting peace or contentment in life. They show us the ways to uplift and purify our minds, hearts and actions through the practices of selfless service, bhakti and yoga. They tell us of the traditional yogic techniques that will gradually introvert the mind and allow us to experience the stillness and silence of our very own soul. And they encourage us to seek the company of the saints and sages so as to understand why worldly life can never give supreme serenity.

The reader is given the very clear message that to attain the supreme peace of the Eternal there is no need to flee from one's worldly career and hide in a Himalayan cave. Rather, learn to resist unrighteousness, develop divine virtues, and try to attain Self-realization in and through the world. One is to be ever active and at the same time feel inwardly that one is the non-doer and non-enjoyer. Take a deep interest in everything, and yet remain perfectly unattached.

In the words of Swami Satyananda, "Man is the most beautiful and privileged creation of God. His glory is that he can sublimate his natural and irresistible urges for possessions and sensual enjoyments, and transform himself into something noble and divine. And yet, although our ultimate, eternal abode is the seat of Brahman, we all are pilgrims here, and pain and pleasure will come our way. The clouds of calamities may eclipse our inner shrine, but with nothing should we barter the peace of our soul. Only one who considers pain and pleasure as passing phenomena and is always aware of his goal will be really happy."