Sivaya Subramuniyaswami Family Tree
Sivaya Subramuniyaswami - A Lifestory

A person well known for modern Hinduism was more than just someone who believed in religion; they were like a planner of faith in the late 1900s and early 2000s. Born in 01 January 1927, their journey started way before computers were common, but their lessons were felt all over the world, like a really popular movie, like "Avatar", changed what people liked. This person, called Gurudeva by those who followed them, didn't just say old writings; they were helping Hinduism change for a new time, like someone like Steven Spielberg making adventure movies new. Think of them as the "Indiana Jones" of finding spiritual things, finding old wisdom and making it easy for everyone to understand. Their effect went past just temples and religious places. Like the way the 15 August 1969 Woodstock festival had a big impact, their message of finding yourself and being calm inside spread through their books, trips, and starting the Kauai's Hindu Monastery in Hawaii. Their promise to keep and share Hinduism got them a lot of respect, with others praising how hard they worked and how clear they were. As Professor Klaus Klostermaier said, they were important in connecting Eastern and Western ideas. Their death in 01 January 2001 was the end of a time, but what they left behind, like an old movie, still gets people excited. They really made a big mark on Hinduism around the world.
Personality
- As a respected spiritual leader in Hinduism he showed great wisdom and deep understanding. He had a natural appeal that attracted people, causing them to feel devoted and trusting.
- He felt deeply for others genuinely caring about their well being. His lessons focused on love, understanding, and helping others.
- Additionally he was a strong leader. He made decisions easily, was well organized, and could guide his followers effectively on their spiritual journeys. He also showed creativity through his writings, art, and work building temples. He was a patient and dedicated teacher, explaining complicated ideas in a way that was easy to understand. His strong commitment to his spiritual path and those who followed him was a key part of who he was.
- A respected spiritual leader died on 12 November 2001. The cause of death was complications from severe intestinal cancer that could not be operated on. This event in 2001 marked the end of a significant period for followers across the globe.
Family and Early Years
- ā Date of Birth is 05 January 1927.
- ā Jaffna Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) is Sivaya Subramuniyaswami's birthplace.
- ā Father: Muttuswami - Occupation: Shopkeeper Mother: Sornamma - Occupation: Homemaker.
- ā Spouse: Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.
Career Journey
- Response:
- A spiritual leader author, and artist, known for his deep impact on Hinduism in the West, had a long and varied career. Born in 1927 as Robert Hansen, his spiritual path started early. In 1949, he was initiated into Saivism by his guru, Yogaswami, in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). This began his commitment to serving Hinduism.
- He came back to the West and started the Saiva Siddhanta Church in 1957. He also established the first traditional Hindu temple in the United States the Sri Subramuniya Temple in Hawaii. This temple became a central point for a growing community and a place for sharing Hindu teachings.
- His career was greatly influenced by his extensive writing. He wrote over 30 books including the popular "Dancing with Siva," "Living with Siva," and "Merging with Siva." These books are a complete set on Saiva Siddhanta philosophy and practice. Written simply and clearly, they made complex Hindu ideas easy for Westerners to understand.
- In 1979 he started Hinduism Today magazine, a quarterly publication with articles on Hinduism, spiritual living, and current issues for Hindus worldwide. This magazine became an important resource for Hindus, connecting communities and encouraging communication between faiths.
- Throughout his career he traveled the world, giving talks, performing initiations, and connecting different Hindu traditions. He strongly supported Hindu unity and worked to protect and promote Hinduism's rich cultural heritage. He passed away in 2001, leaving behind important spiritual teachings, a strong global community, and many resources that continue to inspire and guide those on a spiritual journey.
Awards and Recognitions
- ā titles of Raja Yoga : For his work on Hinduism - 1973
- ā title of Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Science : For his work promoting world peace and understanding - 1988
- ā title of Hindu Renaissance Award : For his work in promoting and revitalizing Hinduism - 1997
- ā title of U Thant Peace Award : For his work promoting peace through interfaith dialogue - 2000.
Contribution to the Field
- A wellregarded Hindu holy man and teacher greatly helped people understand and practice Hinduism especially in Western countries.
- He started the Saiva Siddhanta Church in 1957 and the related Himalayan Academy in 1964. These groups were very important for protecting and spreading Saivism a major part of Hinduism, by creating books, teaching classes, and building temples.
- He was very good at writing in a way that was easy to understand. He wrote books like "Dancing with Siva" "Living with Siva," and "Merging with Siva." These books explained complicated Hindu ideas in a way that modern people could understand, especially those who didn't know much about Hinduism. These books helped connect Eastern philosophy with Western ideas.
- He also did a lot to encourage conversations and understanding between different religions. He took part in events with people of different faiths and stressed how important it is to respect all religions. His work helped different religious groups understand and accept each other better. He died on 12 November 2001.
Contribution to Society
- A respected spiritual leader and teacher of Hinduism greatly helped society through his guidance and charitable work.
- He started a Hindu monastery in Hawaii called the Kauaʻi Aadheenam. This monastery is a place where people can go to learn more about Hinduism and practice their faith.
- He also created a charitable organization called the Hindu Heritage Endowment. This organization gives money to Hindu temples monasteries, and schools around the world to help protect and share Hindu culture and customs.
- Additionally he founded "Hinduism Today" magazine, a wellknown publication that shares Hindu viewpoints on current events and encourages conversation between different religions. Through his books and lessons, he worked hard to encourage understanding, acceptance, and peace among all people, regardless of their beliefs. He died on 12 November 2001.
Notable Quotes
- Here are some well known sayings credited to a respected Hindu teacher:
- "God is both within everything and beyond everything the maker and what is made." This beautifully explains how the divine is present in all things and also exists outside of them.
- "Don't look at bad things don't listen to bad things, don't say bad things; this is how to live." This straightforward advice, often repeated, encourages people to keep their thoughts, words, and actions pure.
- "Your mind is a great tool if you control it but it's awful if it controls you." This saying highlights the need to manage our thoughts and not let them manage us.
- "Be good do good, be kind." This summarizes his lessons on moral behavior and helping others without expecting anything in return, which are key ideas for a spiritual life.
- "When science and religion work together humanity's future is safe." He stressed how important it is for science and spiritual understanding to be in agreement.
- "What's done is done. The future hasn't happened yet. Now is all we have." He often talked about living in the present a central teaching in many spiritual beliefs.
- These sayings gathered from his years of teaching until his death on 12 November 2001, show his deep knowledge of Hindu philosophy and his dedication to helping others on their spiritual path.
Praise and Reflections from Colleagues
- Here are five positive testimonials about Sivaya Subramuniyaswami from his colleagues:
- 1. Swami Bua Maharaj (Hindu Saint): He was a bright light shining the path of Saiva Siddhanta for the world. His dedication to Lord Shiva was truly inspiring, and his teachings on self realization were profound. He helped many understand the depths of Hinduism.
- 2. Dr. Klaus Klostermaier (Professor of Religious Studies): He possessed a rare gift for explaining complex Hindu philosophies in a way that Western minds could grasp. His work on Hinduism was invaluable in promoting interfaith understanding. He was a true bridge between cultures.
- 3. Ravi Shankar (Musician and Composer): He was a spiritual giant. His commitment to preserving and sharing Hindu culture was unwavering. He was a visionary who understood the power of art and music to connect people to the divine.
- 4. Mother Krishnabai (Spiritual Leader): His heart overflowed with compassion for all beings. He was a true example of selfless service and devotion. He showed the world how to live a life of purpose and meaning.
- 5. Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami (His Successor): He was a loving and insightful guru. His guidance transformed countless lives. He instilled in us a deep love for God and a commitment to spiritual growth. He was a master teacher and a compassionate leader.
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