Let this book be a source of inspiration for the devotees of Lord Ganesha, helping them to deepen their faith and love for him.
Sri Sri Mata Amritanandamayi, President/Founder,
Mata Amritanandamayi Trust; Kerala, India

Reading Merging with Siva I really felt raised to a heavenly sphere and was aware of the presence and brightness of this blissful, very lively Deity. In this book Satguru Subramuniyaswami proves his profound knowledge, his deep intuition and wisdom and his heartfelt devotion and love of Lord Ganesha, the Guardian of the Sanatana Dharma, the Remover of Obstacles, the Patron of Arts and Sciences, the Mediator and Intercessor between Man and God. He is the God on our side, our friend indeed, our protector and benefactor. In an excellent, clear and cultivated style, with simple words and a refreshing, subtle sense of humor the Great Ganesha is introduced to the reader. Each and every aspect, relation, symbol and meaning of Lord Ganesha has been explained and detailed skillfully, along with mantras, prayers and pujas to pay reverence to the merciful elephant-faced God. Many may think of Lord Ganesha as a little-over-weight, pompous, elephant-headed Deity Who belongs somehow to the Hindu pantheon, but with Whom he never really has gotten acquainted. If this has been your case, then Merging with Siva has come to you in just the right time to get the right answers to all your questions and bring you closer to the magnificent and charming Ganapati, the Treasurer of all Knowledge and Great Ruler of the Universe. I express my heartiest thanks to Satguruji Subramuniyaswami for this wonderful book from which pours forth an abundance of divine nectar, wisdom and bliss. May all readers be bestowed with happiness, prosperity and the divine protection of the merciful, Merging with Siva!
Sri Sri Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, International Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship; Vienna, Austria

It is with a feeling of deep satisfaction and great joy that I read Gurudeva's new book entitled Merging with Siva. Hindus around the world pray to Lord Ganesha for help and guidance. All Hindus regardless of their sectarian position seek His able assistance in all things they do, as their first Ishta Devata, the chosen God. In this book Gurudeva has brought forth a special interpretive insight, a powerful and persuasive presentation. It is a deeply felt, powerfully conceived and a beautifully explained work. I would strongly recommend this book to all students interested in Hinduism. It will occupy a significant place in the intellectual and spiritual life of Hindus for a long time to come.
YB Dato Seri S. Samy Vellu, President of Malaysian Indian Congress,
Member of Parliament, Minister of Works; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Hindu, by understanding the philosophy and meaning of the forms, symbols and festivals of Ganesha explained in this book, so rich with pictorial illustrations, becomes more devout and attached to his religion and to Ganesha. Aspiring Hindus and the many non-Hindus in the Western world, increasingly becoming interested in vegetarianism, ahimsa, karma, rebirth and other concepts of Hindu religion, will find useful information and explanations to remove many misconceptions and misinformation about Hindu religion and Hindu worship. The large number of Hindus living in the Western world, cut off from their roots in India and Sri Lanka, will find the book inspiring to refresh their religion and make them proud of their rich culture. Many quotations from the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Tirumantiram, Tirukural, Auvaiyar, Yogaswami and other scriptures make the book a religious and literary treatise worthy of study by scholars and savants. The glossary explains many words and phrases to help the understanding of the text. This book should find a place in every Hindu home and library.
Tiru M. Arumugam, Chairman, Siva Thondan Nilayam
(Yogaswami Centre); London, U.K.

Millions of Hindus around the world invoke Ganesha, the divine Remover of Obstacles. Millions of Hindus should study this book and benefit from the esteemed author's knowledge, wisdom and human warmth. It is a wonderful cornucopia of those wishing to deepen their understanding of and strengthen their faith in Lord Ganesha. A high-quality, practical and very readable volume.
Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., author of Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga and Wholeness and Transcendence; Lower Lake, California

In putting this book Merging with Siva together, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has done an outstanding and encyclopedic work, especially for the benefit of Westerners interested in Hindu thought and second-generation Indian Hindus growing up in the West. Several aspects of Ganesha that are not popularly known are included. These will tend to strengthen the faith of the readers in Lord Ganesha and make their prayers to Him come from deep within and hence be more fruitful. In addition to covering the various aspects of Ganesha, Swamiji has also included several other topics of common interest. These will prove very valuable to the readers in developing clarity about Hindu thought and in adopting more meaningful things in their daily lives.
Dr. Deendayal Khandelwal, Chairman, Board of Directors, Hindu
University of America, Orlando, Florida

I have gone through Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami's new book, Merging with Siva, and I find that it is very true to our scriptural heritage. It is well written and at the same time presents Hinduism in a simple way. A copy of Merging with Siva should be placed in every library and Hindu home. In fact, I am going to recommend to the Council of Hindu Temples in the United Kingdom that they acquire this book in quantity and distribute it freely among the devotees.
Sri Om Prakash Sharma, President, National Council of Hindu Temples; Wolverhampton, U.K.

Merging with Siva, by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, is a most monumental work on Lord Ganesha. It is so comprehensive as to not leave out any aspect or idea relating to Him. Illustrations of 32 forms of Ganesha depicting different postures and bhavanas make the book not only more attractive, but also useful, since each illustration gives the reader knowledge as to what form Lord Ganesha takes while performing various functions, and which form the reader should select to get a particular wish fulfilled and problem solved. In-between other pictures and illustrations, japa mantras make the book manifoldly useful -- all in one, so handy, so magnetic, so magnificent and so full of utility. The analysis of Hinduism as the greatest religion in the world leaves no doubt in the reader's mind. It is factual, motivational and directional. There can be no more precise and exact description of Hinduism as to say "within Hinduism is a place for everyone." It encompasses the whole universe. Hindu Dharma, better called Sanatana Dharma, stands for perfect peace of mind, tolerance, nonviolence, mutuality, sacrifice and universal brotherhood. It emphasizes "Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam" -- "The whole universe is one family." God is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. Hindu rishis devoted their whole life to find the truth about atman and Paramatman, soul and Gods, how to reach God after death. Hinduism is self-discipline and self-denial. It provides several ways to achieve the ultimate goal -- moksha, salvation from janma and mrityu, birth and death, both being most painful. In a nutshell, after having gone through the book, I feel that Gurudeva Subramuniyaswami is not an ordinary writer, but is knowledgeable unparalled and is a rare saint among the galaxy of modern saints. I have known him for the last decade and a half. He is a dedicated and devoted Saiva who has promoted Saivism all over the globe. Lord Siva and Ganesha dwell in his heart, for he is the embodiment of Siva. Such a voluminous book can be written only by a person who has become one with Lord Ganesha, established direct communion with Him. May Lord Ganesha give the longest possible healthy life to Gurudeva Subramuniyaswami. I also bless the publishers who have brought out this volume with dedication.
Sri Sri Swami Pragyanand, Founder/Patron, Sai Pragya Dham, Vishwa Mata Gayatri Trust, Delhi, India; Pragya Mission International;
New Delhi, India

The Satguru is that rare and precious teacher who is able to impart to his students the genuine passion he has for his subject. Simply and eloquently, he explains the devotion of the Hindu to Ganesha, the powerful and gentle elephant-headed God. Illustrations by the swamis of Kauai's Hindu Monastery and the exquisite reproductions of the Rajput paintings accentuate the divine aspect of the text. Whether viewed as instructional or as an affectionate tribute, Merging with Siva is the comprehensive source for those who seek knowledge -- not just information -- of this greatest of Hindu Deities.
Mrs. Patricia Monaco, MA, Reviewer for NAPRA REVIEW
(New Age Publishing and Retailers Alliance), Orcas, Washington

For more than thirty years Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami of Hawaii has been preoccupied with the religious education of his followers, particularly the youth. This is, in fact, the major concern of Hindu communities worldwide. It is not only the lack of knowledge of the Hindu religion that is disturbing but the apathy and liberalism that is being displayed by the Hindu youths of today. Unlike the Western youth, those in the East have had the advantage of being brought up in the age-old Hindu tradition and culture. Yet, many have succumbed to the Western way of life and lead a life that is foreign to their religion and culture. The Satguru, being aware of all this, has spent the major part of his life in the promotion of Hindu religion through the publication of suitable religious literature and textbooks to cater to the needs of all sections of Hindu society. He has also spent large amounts on the free distribution of pamphlets, books and pictures. I believe it is in the above context that the Satguru has toiled to bring out Merging with Siva. Once I started reading it, I found it difficult to put aside. Besides the interesting text, there is Ganesha radiating His benevolence from most of the pages. It is a fantastic book that all Hindus should have in their homes for all family members to read. It is the result of much thought and research, covering not only all aspects of Ganesha but also other salient features on Hinduism. The "Author's Introduction" is unique, something one doesn't find in other books. The Satguru has given us insight into his own spiritual experience and has shown us the path to approach Ganesha and derive the maximum benefit. Another unique feature is the reproduction of three messages that Satguru states he received from Lord Ganesha. He has in his own words described them as "unique messages, couched in exquisite prose and profound philosophy." Besides, the book has covered a wide range of subjects that Hindus ought to know. Because of this, it would be widely sought by interested people all over the world. As a teacher, I have also been involved with education for more than thirty years. Besides teaching in regular schools I have passionately spent my weekends and holidays in teaching moral and religious education to the young and organizing religious seminars and conferences. I find that Merging with Siva not only deals with Ganesha but also many other aspects of Hinduism. Merging with Siva is well written and contains gems of spiritual thought. Every aspirant on the spiritual path, as well as those who like to know more about Hinduism, should own this book. Reading it regularly and following the Satguru's precepts will certainly bring peace and harmony into one's life. Merging with Siva and living with Ganesha will enlighten the soul and give one the peace and ecstasy that all seek.
Tiru R. Rajathurai, Secretary of World Hindu Federation, Nepal,
religious teacher and publisher; Singapore

Hindus have often hidden their Deities so as not to offend people of other faiths or to appear modern. This has not only weakened them in own their faith, it has deprived the world, which is spiritually starved, of contact with these manifest powers of the Supreme Divinity, who offer a more intimate and personal connection with the Infinite. Merging with Siva, perhaps more than any book, not only reverses but demolishes this trend. It confidently and brilliantly brings forth one of the greatest, and probably the dearest, of Hindu Divinities, Ganesha, the patron Deity of wisdom (buddhi) and accomplishment (siddhi), who dispenses the knowledge and skill necessary to achieve all our goals in life, including the ultimate spiritual goal of Self Realization. Merging with Siva itself is like the love of Ganesha incarnate and the wisdom of Ganesha expressed. Through it Ganesha Himself speaks to the reader, not as a stern master or strange God, but as a loving friend. Like Ganesha, the book has the power to remove the obstacles in one's life and spiritual path and grant one the insight to go fearlessly forward in one's dharma. Lord Ganesha comes to life within these pages at a time when His descent is very much needed. Ganesha grants the ability to master all forms of knowledge and power. At this stage of global crisis, owing to the proliferation of undigested information and wrongly applied technology, He is the divine power most needed to lead us forward and take these forces to a higher level of manifestation. Ganesha, as the book clearly reveals, is the space-age God of Hinduism. His universal knowledge dwarfs any computer system. His universal power makes any technology seem petty. His universal play makes any great media entertainment appear dull and pointless. Yet Merging with Siva is more than a book about Ganesha; it is a book about Hinduism, the Sanatana Dharma, or Eternal Religion of humanity, which is now stirring from its millennial slumber and arising to shake the world back to the proper spiritual path. The book contains in many ways the best introduction to Hinduism, particularly the section "How to Become a Hindu." Like Hinduism, it covers all aspects of life, with particularly well-done chapters on vegetarianism and ayurveda that are important for everyone. With this book Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has made yet another great contribution to the modern literature of Hinduism, whose current renaissance owes a great deal to his untiring efforts.
Vamadeva Shastri (Dr. David Frawley), Vedacharya; author Ayurvedic Healing, The Astrology of the Seers, Gods, Sages and Kings;
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Here is a marvelous book, full of attractive pictures, songs and poems, an enticing encyclopedia about Merging with Siva written by the honorable satguru of Kauai Aadheenam, Hawaii, a heavenly place on earth and the unique Center of the Universe of Hinduism that is consistently trying to infuse new blood and spirit in children and adults of the society so that Hinduism can regain its past glory as the oldest and the richest religion in the world. His beautiful analysis of Sri Ganesha and His symbols, from a spiritual as well as scientific point of view, is incomparable. Sri Satguru has poured out his heart, and each and every word of the book is full of extreme love, not only for Ganesha but for every human being. He fearlessly repudiates all misconcepts that present Hinduism in a wrong form and removes all doubts with clear and convincing answers. It is actually his own experience flowing through the words, drenching the minds of devotees of Sri Ganesha with showers of happiness, peace and bliss. It is really “all in one” about Sri Ganesha. The author has not only explained His worship and chants, along with the meaning of mantras, but has included detailed recipes for preparing prasadam for Him, along with the ayurvedic explanations of vegetables, grains and spices and the significance of vegetarianism. He wishes from the depth of his heart for every Hindu who loves Ganesha to come up as a real Hindu in diet, costume, name and culture. He has beautifully explained the importance of Hindu names and given cultural cues and clues for becoming a real Hindu. Sri Satguru welcomes those who wish to change their hearts to become Hindu and has explained the way one can adopt Hindu Dharma. The Ganesha puzzles and alphabet for small children have added beauty to the book. The soul of the book, however, is the three letters revealed by the Lord to Sri Gurudeva that have been reproduced verbatim for the benefit of humanity. “I dismay as you retreat to the devilish worlds in the plane beyond My sight. I sit waiting for your return.” What encouraging, inspiring and assuring words from Ganesha! The letters simply melt the heart and bring tears in eyes.
Pandit Satyapal Sharma, Sanskrit Scholar, Vice Chancellor,
Vedic University of America; San Diego, California

Merging with Siva captures the true spirit of Ganesha and proceeds to explain in both scientific and spiritual terms the esteemed pedestal He holds in Hindu homage. The pages on vegetarianism and ayurveda deserve commendation. I wish to congratulate Satguru Sivaya Subramuniaswami on this magnificent effort. This invaluable publication will be an asset to the Hindu world.
Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, Minister of Agriculture, Guyana; President, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha; Georgetown, Guyana