Siva Saagarathil Sila Alaigal – S. Ganesa Sarma – Publisher G. Sivaraman, E-Block, Second Floor, Flat No. 1, Sri Jayendra Colony, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Kandan Chavadi, Chennai – 96. Phone 9600015230. Also contact 9443678057 and 9940552516 - Rs. 40.
This slim volume is about the less known younger brother of Paramacharya. Sri Sadasivam, Sivan Sir as he was affectionately addressed, was a siddhapurusha, who captivated the hearts of a close-knit group of followers.
“He was born a Mahan,” Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati seems to have remarked. Followers of both often marvelled at the wavelength the siblings shared. They never actually thought the two were different. The author goes on to say how Sri Sivan, an ace photographer had an encyclopaedic knowledge
Sri Sivan Sir abstained from water – neither bathed nor drank a drop for years. (How can fire and water co-exist? he would laugh). He ate sparsely or not at all. Led the life of a mendicant, travelling most of the time and taking shelter in devotees’ (Padma Subrahmaniam was one of them) houses. Tiruvenkadu was his favourite halt. He indicated the passing of Paramacharya (Waking from meditation at dawn, he uttered, “The world is losing a noble soul.” The day was January 8, 1994). Sivan Sir shed his mortal coil in 1996.
Madhi Buddhi – Thavathiru Omkarananda – Omkara, M-14/2, East Avenue, Korattur, Chennai- 600080. Contact 044-26522525, 9444229535, 9444338118.
The title may roughly be translated as common sense. The author enumerates several points regarding human behaviour, attitude, etc, the fields ranging from health, hospitality, religion, cooking, parenting, and so on. A few examples:
“Do not dabble in something you are not associated with; do not pass comments on something not related to you…”
“Check the pass book for updates as soon as you credit money…”
A word for drivers…
“Take the wheel only after getting enough sleep. Otherwise you will be putting the lives of the passengers and other road-users in jeopardy.”
“Look for old books left by ancestors. They may prove to be treasures. Find them and preserve them.”
Compiled by G.V.
