now sponsors two temples, both of which were
opened early in the new century. The VISHVA
HINDU PARISHAD has also formed as a coordinat-
ing organization for the various Hindu centers.
The Hindu community is just completing its
first generation in Scandinavia, and forecast-
ing its future is difficult. It may also be noted
that Indian migration to Scandinavia has also
included some Sikhs; as of 2005 five gurudwaras
were operating, two in Norway, two in Sweden,
and one in Denmark.
Further reading: Swami Narayanananda, The Ideal
Life and Moksha (Freedom) (Gylling, Denmark: N. U.
Yoga Trust & Ashrama, 1979); Swami Janakananda
Saraswati, Experience Yoga Nidra: Guided Deep Relax-
ation (Copenhagen: Bindu, 2003); ———, Yoga,
Tantra and Meditation in Daily Life (Westminster,
Md.: Ballantine Books, 1976); Margareta Skog, Det
religiosa Sverige (Örebro, Sweden: Bokforlaget Libris,
2001).
Sekkilar (12th century)
Sekkilar, whose given name was probably Ramat-
evar, is the author of PERIYA PURANAM, the 12th
and final book of the Tamil Shaivite scripture,
the TIRUMURAI. He was a Vellala, a high middle-
caste designation. He is also known as Arun-
molitevar, Sevaikkavalar, and Sekkilarnayanar
(Sekkilar the saint).
Sekkilar was born in the village of Kundratur
in northeastern Tamil Nadu. He was chief min-
ister of the Chola emperor Anapaya Chola. He
is said to have recited the Periya Puranam to the
retired Chola king at the Shaivite sacred shrine of
CHIDAMBARAM.
Further reading: G. Vanmikinathan, Periya Puranam,
a Tamil Classic on the Great Saiva Saints of South India
(Madras: Ramakrishna Math, 1985); Kamil V. Zvelibil,
“Tamil Literature,” in Jan Gonda, ed., The History of
Indian Literature, Vol. 10, Fascicle 1 (Wiesbaden: Otto
Harrassowitz, 1974).
self-realization
Self-realization, or living in constant awareness of
the real Self, AT M A N, is considered the goal of most
Hindu study and practice. Hinduism recognizes
that individual abilities and interests vary con-
siderably among people, so it acknowledges that
self-realization can be achieved through devotion,
study, faith, work in the world, or meditation. In
this way, Hinduism includes disciplines for mind,
emotions, body, and action in the world—all as
valid ways to realization of ultimate reality, the
atman.
See also MOKSHA; SAMADHI.Self-Realization Fellowship (est. 1935)
The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) is an inter-
national religious organization founded in 1935
by Paramahansa YOGANANDA (1893–1952) to
introduce people of all races, cultures, and creeds
to the ancient science and philosophy of YOGA
and MEDITATION. Through its worldwide service,
the society seeks to foster a spirit of greater har-
mony and goodwill among the diverse people and
nations of the world, and a deeper understanding
of the underlying unity of all religions.
SRF traces its beginning to 1861 and the work
of the legendary mahavatar BABAJI, who is said by
Yogananda to have revived the ancient science of
KRIYA YOGA. According to Yogananda, Babaji chose
him to take the teachings to the West. In 1917,
Yogananda founded the Yogoda Satsanga Society
(YSS) of India, headquartered in Dakshineswar
(near Calcutta [Kolkata]). Today the YSS has
more than 20 educational and medical facilities,
including a college of liberal arts and business,
a medical college, several schools for boys and
girls, and both allopathic and homeopathic hos-
pitals and clinics. In 1920 Yogananda traveled
to the United States to attend the tercentenary
anniversary of the International Congress of Reli-
gious Liberals convening in Boston. One of the
last Indians to enter America before the change in
immigration laws limited Asian immigration, heK 392 Sekkilar