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Swami SivanandaIndian monk who is over 123 years old, according to passport data
Date of Birth: 08.08.1896
Country:  India |
Content:
- Swami Shivananda: The Enigma of the 123-Year-Old Monk
- Passport Controversy and Age Verification
- Lifestyle and Secrets of Longevity
- Record Attempts and Verification Challenges
- Comparison to Verified Records
- Philosophical Reflections
Swami Shivananda: The Enigma of the 123-Year-Old Monk
Early Life and OriginSwami Shivananda, an Indian monk from Behala, India, has captivated the world with his extraordinary age. Born on August 8, 1896, as per his passport, he is believed to be the oldest living person on the planet. Orphaned at the tender age of six, Shivananda was raised by a "spiritual guru" with whom he traveled throughout India, eventually settling in Varanasi.
Passport Controversy and Age Verification
Shivananda's passport, which shows his birth date as August 8, 1896, has raised eyebrows. While there is a record of his birth in a temple registry, the authenticity of his age remains debatable. Despite his purported 123 years, Shivananda appears remarkably younger, leading to skepticism among some observers.
Lifestyle and Secrets of Longevity
Shivananda attributes his youthful appearance to yoga, discipline, and celibacy. He follows a simple and regulated diet, consuming only boiled food without oil or spices, rice, and daal (lentil stew) with green chilies. He shuns milk and fruits, claiming to avoid temptations.
His daily routine consists of sleeping on a mattress on the floor and using a wooden plank as a pillow. He prefers to remain self-sufficient, relying solely on his own efforts without the aid of modern technology.
Record Attempts and Verification Challenges
For three years, Shivananda has unsuccessfully attempted to verify his age and claim the Guinness World Record for the oldest living person.
Comparison to Verified Records
Currently, the oldest verified human being of all time is Jeanne Louise Calmen, a French woman who lived for 122 years and 164 days. Another verified record belongs to Kane Tanaka, a Japanese woman who will turn 117 on January 2, 2020.
Philosophical Reflections
Growing up in colonial India, Shivananda witnessed a time devoid of electricity, automobiles, and telephones. He believes that while people had less in the past, they were happier. He laments the unhappiness, ill health, and dishonesty prevalent in modern society.
His ultimate wish is for people to find happiness, health, and peace. He believes that only through inner peace and harmony can true happiness be achieved.
