In a world where modern lifestyles are often fast-paced and convenience-driven, Swami Sivananda, a revered Indian monk, has adopted a life of simplicity and discipline that many find inspiring. At the age of 128, according to his claims, Swami Sivananda’s lifestyle is not just about long life, but about living it with purpose and health.
A Life of Simplicity and Discipline
Swami Sivananda, born on August 8, 1896, is one of the recipients of the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Known for his devotion to yoga and his disciplined life, Swami Sivananda has been a teacher of yoga for decades. In 2022, when he was conferred the Padma Shri, he humbly prostrated before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President.
His lifestyle has sparked intrigue, especially considering his claim to be one of the oldest people alive, a title that would place him above even the oldest living individuals recorded. However, there are no official verifications of his birth year, though reports suggest that Swami Sivananda has submitted documentation to the Guinness Book of Records.
A Vegetarian Monk with Simple Dietary Choices
Known for his preference for simple food, Swami Sivananda’s meals are a testament to his disciplined lifestyle. He primarily consumes boiled rice and lentils, without any spices or oils. He also refrains from eating fruits and milk, considering them “fancy.” According to an interview with AFP in 2016, he explained that his meals consist of “only boiled food, rice, and boiled daal (lentil stew), with a couple of green chilies.”
In a world where dairy products and fruits are often seen as nutritious staples, Swami Sivananda believes in a minimalist approach to diet. While milk is a commonly consumed item, it can sometimes cause health issues for those who are lactose intolerant, leading to digestive problems and other complications. Swami’s choice to avoid milk and fruits is rooted in his commitment to a simple and healthy life.
The Benefits of Early Rising and Yoga
An early riser, Swami Sivananda wakes up at 3 a.m. every day, following a routine that aligns his mind and body. This early morning practice has numerous health benefits, such as boosting energy levels, improving mental clarity, and supporting the body’s natural rhythms. Exposure to morning sunlight helps the body synthesize vitamin D, essential for several biological processes.
For many years, Swami Sivananda taught yoga beside the holy river Ganga in Varanasi. Yoga, meditation, and a healthy lifestyle are central to his teachings, and he remains an influential figure for his followers. The mind-body connection he promotes is a testament to his belief in natural well-being over modern medical practices.
A Journey from Sylhet to Varanasi
Swami Sivananda’s life journey began in the Sylhet District of Bengal Presidency (modern-day Bangladesh). Orphaned at the age of 6, he moved to Varanasi, where he learned yoga and meditation under the guidance of Guru Omkarananda. This transformative period in his life shaped the foundation of the teachings that Swami Sivananda shares with the world today.
Swami Sivananda: A Model of Health and Longevity
Despite the debate surrounding his exact age, Swami Sivananda’s lifestyle continues to inspire many. His commitment to yoga, simple living, and disciplined eating serves as a reminder that a healthy life is about balance, not indulgence. Whether his age claims are verified or not, Swami Sivananda remains a beacon of well-being and longevity, proving that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most impactful.
As the world continues to grapple with health issues and a fast-paced lifestyle, figures like Swami Sivananda remind us of the value in slowing down, focusing on what truly matters, and living with intention.
