Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SP)

Abu Dhabi, Oct 8: Swami Sivananda's presence at the Abu Dhabi airport here sent the officials in a tizzy. The fact that this fit, 124-year-old Indian, has all his organs and body parts working fine made them to miss a heartbeat recently.

Is there any secret to his health? Swami Sivananda, who was born in 1896, has a secret. He reveals that he has been able to keep himself fit as a fiddle on account of abstinence from sex, keeping spices at bay, and never failing to perform daily dose of Yogasanas.

Swami Sivananda, who gave up worldly pleasures when very young and guides people on spirituality, was born on August 8, 1896. Even at the age of 124, he is able to perform Yoga for hours on end.

The passport authorities had relied on records maintained by a temple to take down his actual date of birth. He grew at Varanasi, belonged to extremely poor family and adopted the path of leading a life devoid of any luxuries. He has simple advice to anyone who wants to stay young - stay away from sex, adopt discipline, perform Yoga regularly. He confesses that he consumes only boiled rice with dal without oil or spices. He however, uses green chilli during meals along with rice. He wants people to avoid milk and fruits. He says he was accustomed to stay without food for several days on a trot when young because of poverty. He had lost his parents when too young, and was given away by his relatives to a spiritual guide when he was six. He travelled with monks all over the country before settling down in Varanasi.

Sivananda has applied under pressure from his supporters, for recognition as the oldest living person on earth.

His sleeping habits are very simple. He sleeps on a mat laid out on the floor, and uses wooden block his pillow. His habits appear to be very healthy because even at this age, he does not suffer from health complications, travels independently, and does not need any support.

Sivananda seems to drive home the point that if we give up pleasures of life, one can enjoy long, healthy life.