You Only Live Once : 108 Nuggets of Wisdom by Swami Avdheshanand Giri

Live fearlessly, like a child for whom the world is filled with endless possibilities.

God loves us, no matter what religion we follow.

The mysterious realms of time, nature and karma are open to human understanding.

Swami Avdheshanand Giri, the spiritual head of one of India’s oldest mutts, is an apostle of peace and a bringer of serenity. He has initiated thousands of sannyasis into the Juna Akhara and touched the lives of millions of others through his service to society. This book brings together 108 nuggets of wisdom from Swamiji’s teachings that will help create a balance be- tween excellence in everyday life and spiritual attainment.

By developing an awareness of our subconscious thoughts, he says, we can assume control over our perspectives and actions. Satisfaction comes from gratitude and recognising the blessings in our lives, which helps fight greed and the desire for excess. He advocates a simple yet passionate life, filled with love and kindness for one and all, as a way to be closer to God.

This is timeless wisdom from a sage who has devoted himself to God and to the service of humanity—wisdom that will give you the power to control your thoughts and feelings, and empower you to believe in the best within you.

Swami Avdheshanand Giri is Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara. He is a guru to thousands and an inspiration to millions. He has initiated more than a hundred thousand sannyasis and transformed innumerable lives with his social activities. Swami has faith and respect for all religions. He has a firm belief that all the religions of the world convey the same message of love, peace and brotherhood. However, the ways and means for achieving God may be different due to diverse climatic, cultural, ethnic, regional factors and compulsions; but the ultimate goal is that of God-realisation. He heads the Prabhu Prem Ashram in Haryana and the Samanvaya Seva Trust in Haridwar. Having written extensively on various aspects of Indian spiritual philosophy, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Literature (D. Litt.) by Vikram University in India in 2008.