Boundless Giving: The Life and Service of Sri Swami Satchidananda

Boundless Giving

The Life and Service of Sri Swami Satchidananda

A Commemorative

Published by Integral Yoga Magazine Buckingham, Virginia. U.S.A.

BOUNDLESS GIVING

Rev. Prem Anjali, Ph.D., Editor Sr. Karuna Chaitanya, Designer

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Hymn of Praise to the Holy Master The compassionate Guru whose nature is Satchidananda, the abode of virtues, praiseworthy, beyond gunas, primeval, dispelling ignorance, delighting in right knowledge, the embodiment of good conduct, him I ever remember.

The worshipper of Lord Siva, who is smeared with ash lines, who is dispassionate, free, absorbed in austerity and Yoga, that disciple of Master Sivananda, absorbed in Lord Siva’s bliss, feeling love for the Lord Siva, with joy I meditate about him.

He whose mind is always pure and controlled, who is free from sorrow, delusion, sin and fear, who is peaceful, ever self-restrained, without attachment and endowed with noninjury and the like, that Great One I praise.

He who is neutral, who is seated in the Lotus of bliss, bestowing knowledge, saintly, the source of bliss, that Teacher who is humble and most blissful, very wise and profound, wisely I think of him.

Having realized the Self that is one and the same in all, he who sets all the seekers of liberation free, that Great Soul whose nature is the Self, who is serene, and who discards the non-Self, I worship that Royal Swan.

Affording refuge, worshipful, he whose mind is highly auspicious, who relieves the distress of supplicants and takes away mine-ness, that good-hearted Guru who is the same towards friends and foes, I take refuge in him of Holy Feet, worthy of bow by disciples.

Prostration unto thee, Yogiraj SATCHIDANANDA! Prostration, showerer of abounding compassion! Prostration unto thee, whose Lotus Feet are ever worshipful! Prostration, prostration unto thee, embodiment of good conduct!

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Propitious, be thou propitious, O Master! Fulfilled Yogi! Propitious, be thou propitious. Benefactor of the supplicants! Propitious, be thou propitious.

Abode of a peaceful mind! Propitious, be thou propitious, Bestower of Grace!

With gratitude and pranam, Swami Yogananda, Kaivalya Ashrama, France.

Set in the Bhujanga metre of a serpent-like course, may this Hymn of Praise be coiled round thy Lotus Feet.

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DEDICATION This special Commemorative issue of the Integral Yoga Magazine is lovingly dedicated with boundless devotion and endless gratitude to our Beloved and Revered Sri Gurudev, His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj in honor of Guru Poornima 2003 and the one-year anniversary of his Mahasamadhi.

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Boundless Giving: The Life and Service of Sri Swami Satchidananda Publications by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda: Beyond Words Enlightening Tales as Told by Sri Swami Satchidananda The Golden Present Guru and Disciple The Healthy Vegetarian Integral Yoga Hatha Kailash Journal The Living Gita To Know Your Self The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Satchidananda Sutras

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Publications about H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda: Sri Swami Satchidananda: Apostle of Peace Sri Swami Satchidananda: Portrait of A Modern Sage The Master’s Touch TO SUBSCRIBE: Integral Yoga® Magazine is published quarterly. Subscribe online at www.iymagazine.ORG or mail payment to: IY Magazine, Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville® Buckingham, Virginia 23921 U.S.A. Subscriptions are $20 per year ($36 outside the U.S.A.) ISBN 0-932040-55-1 © Copyright 2003 by Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville® All rights reserved, Integral Yoga® Magazine Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Buckingham, Virginia 23921 U.S.A. www.iymagazine.ORG email: info@iymagazine.ORG

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CONTENTS Donors Acknowledgments

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INTRODUCTION

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PART I

A LIFE OF SERVICE

PART II

The LOTUS: Interfaith Vision

PART III

EAST TO WEST/WEST TO EAST

Decades of Service We Are One by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda A Revolution in Healthcare A Better World by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda Sowing Seeds of Unity by Swami Lalitananda LOTUS Prayer Fulfillment of a Dream by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda The LOTUS Interfaith Dialogue by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda What the LOTUS Means to Me by Children of the Vidyalayam The Yantra and Its Symbols East to West Kailash­ in Yogaville® The Indian Art of Dance Flourishes in USA: The Fine Arts Society West to East Ancient Wisdom—Modern Medicine Integral Yoga Comes Home to South India: IYI Coimbatore Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan

PART IV

SAT CHID ANANDA: A Fully Realized Life

PART V

INTEGRAL YOGA

A Life of Spiritual Vision by Prakash Shakti How I Came to the West by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda H. H. Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj: A Spiritual Giant Woodstock Chidambaram: Abode of the Divine “I Am Always With You” “You Will Never Be Without Me” by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

27 28 30 32 37 38 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 60 64 68 70 72 76 79 82 83 84 86 89 96

PART VI

The SATGURU: Eternal Master

PART VII

COMMEMORATIVE BENEFACTORS PHOTO ALBUM 109

Questions and Answers about The Satguru The Spiritual Teacher by H. H. Sri Swami Krishnananda The Lord of Love by Nalanie Chellaram The Master’s Touch INTEGRAL YOGA® CENTERS LIST

100 104 105 106 119

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Integral Yoga: A Synthesis Integral Yoga Ministry Integral Yoga Teachers and Centers Integral Yoga International If You Want To See Heaven . . . come to Yogaville!

The Teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda: Publications List

4 10 12 14 20

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Integral Yoga® Magazine Donors Integral Yoga® Magazine would like to thank the following donors for their generous support. These donors help to sustain Integral Yoga® Magazine’s mission as a vital vehicle of H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda’s teachings and service around the globe.

Sustainers: Ms. Lindy Chan Lau and the Chan Family Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wadhwani and Family Patrons: Dr. Annette Anandi Annechild The William and Margaret Feldman Philanthropic Fund Dr. and Mrs. N. Pemmaraju Rao Ms. Patricia Rogers Supporters: Mr. and Mrs. Bhagavan Buritz Mr. and Mrs. Heine Costello Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gillotti Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hsi Rev. Subhadra Jyothi The Murray Lender Family Foundation Mr. John Bhaktan Liczwinko Mr. and Mrs. Dickson Pulenthiran Sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Alan Asangan Binstock Ms. Jnanam MacIsaac Sr. Shakti Chaitanya The Scarola Family Ms. Jnanam Viniko

Thank you. Om Shanthi.

BOUNDLESS GIVING

You too can support the publication of this nonprofit magazine. Contact us by email at: info@iymagazine.ORG or phone (434) 969-3121 X242, if you would like to become a donor.

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Acknowledgments We are forever grateful that Sri Gurudev’s yogic example and teachings continue to provide us with a spiritual foundation, giving us the capacity to receive his divine guidance and to experience his eternal presence always.

We are grateful for the magnificent design of what is sure to become a collector’s edition of the Integral Yoga Magazine. Special thanks to all our contributors, including: Lakshmi Barsel, Sita Bordow, Prakash Shakti Capen, the Divine Life Society, Swami Divyanandaji, Swami Lalitanandaji, Swami Sharadanandaji, Swami Yoganandaji, Nalanie Chellaram, Dr. Amrita McLanahan, Chandra Sgammato, and Rev. Jivana Heyman.

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We also thank all who took the dazzling photos of Sri Gurudev including: Dr. Amrita, Swami Dayanandaji, Swami Sharadanandaji, Swami Tyaganandaji, Prashant Hansma, Richard Mangum, Lalita Surrey, Rev. Prem Anjali, and all those whose photos also appear. You know who you are. These photos and articles

by Sri Gurudev would not have been able to be reproduced here without the service of our archival team: Swami Muruganandaji (Sastri/Library), Swami Suddhanandaji (Archives), Swami Vidyanandaji (Shakticom/Archives), Sr. Maji Chaitanya (Archives/Photo Dept); Saraswati Neuman and Dawn Evans (Shakticom); Richard Mangum, Janaka Hogan, Shiva Hervé, and Andrew Rea (Photo/Tech support).

Thank you to Abhaya Thiele for copy-editing and Swami Gangeshwaranandaji for proofreading.

Special thanks to our editorial consultants: Prakash Shakti Capen, Paraman and Lakshmi Barsel, Lakshmi Fjord, and Ganesh MacIsaac. Our appreciation to Brahma Rosenberg, Ram Vignola and IYTA staff, Radha Metro, and Rich Friedel for production assistance.

Three sacred images from the Palani Temple in Tamil Nadu, where Sri Gurudev spent several years undertaking intense spiritual practices.

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Introduction

Yoga is now a household word. Sri Gurudev’s mastery of the means to communicate what had been exotic and esoteric Yoga practices and philosophy into brilliantly precise prescriptions for physical, emotional and spiritual well-being allowed for their dissemination into the very fabric of life in the modern world. Those most directly influenced by his work recognize his contribution to humanity.

For the rest of whole societies to recognize his role in the everyday practices they encounter not only in their treatments for disease, but in the commonplace conversations about the means to health and happiness, Sri Gurudev’s role is akin to a shift in the tides: does the boat know there is a sea change? Or, does it simply follow the tides in the new direction?

We see this clearly in Sri Gurudev’s contributions to the field of interfaith dialogue. His vision—more than 50 years ago—that the need of the hour was a deeper understanding of our essential unity underlying our apparent diversity was groundbreaking. One step inside of the LOTUS, one experience of an universal worship service, one view of the groundswell of interfaith activity in the world, helps one understand his profound contributions.

Through this Commemorative issue, we wish to pay our deepest respect and tribute to our revered Sri Gurudev for his incredible contributions to humanity. We remain indebted to him and committed to propagating his teachings around the globe.

Rev. Prem Anjali, Ph.D. Editor, Integral Yoga® Magazine

BOUNDLESS GIVING

As someone recently commented: “It is the presence of light that dispels darkness. Sri Gurudev has changed the course of the world by spreading the light of Yoga and shining as a beacon on the path to peace and true happiness.” We could not agree more.

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“Through his many years of devotion, he enriched the lives of countless others and served as an example of faith to those in his community. His efforts made a positive difference to our world and our future.”

—President and Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton “I salute Swami Satchidananda for helping to change the course of the world.”

—Dr. Deepak Chopra The Chopra Center “Worshipful Yogiraj Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj is one of the illustrious, far famed and most renowned disciples of our late worshipful Holy Master Gurudev Sri Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj. He is famous all over the world and well-known to millions of people.”

—Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj President, Divine Life Society

“None of my work would have been accomplished were it not for Swami Satchidananda’s inspiration, for which I remain deeply grateful.”

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—Dr. Dean Ornish President, The Preventive Medicine Research Institute

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Part I

A LIFE OF SERVICE BOUNDLESS GIVING 3

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Decades of Service BOUNDLESS GIVING 4

Sri Gurudev’s contribution to our world in the name of Yoga and global peace is monumental. He has been fittingly referred to as a “modern sage.” In this Commemorative issue of Integral Yoga Magazine, we pay tribute to one of the greatest spiritual masters of all time. It is not possible to capture, in these few pages, the vastness of his service and contributions. We hope this article will give the reader an overview of the areas of Sri Gurudev’s service that are detailed further in subsequent articles.

As the reader can see, Sri Gurudev was in no way limited by any one organization, nationality, religion, or region; he was a well-wisher and spiritual guide to thousands in all walks of life around the globe. Through all situations, his service was utterly humble and devoid of the glitter of insubstantial fads and fancies.

He always gave all the credit to God, seeing himself as nothing more than the humblest of instruments in the hands of the Divine.

His palpable love and peace, joy and radiance are still felt by all who love him.

BEGINNING IN INDIA, 1951 Sri Gurudev began his public service in 1951 when H. H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj sent him on an All-India tour. For over a year he traveled throughout India, lecturing on Yoga and demonstrating

Hatha Yoga and pranayama techniques. At the end of the tour, a book was written recounting his lectures and travels.

Soon after his return to Rishikesh, devotees from Sri Lanka asked Pujya Sri Swami Sivanandaji to send Sri Gurudev to open a Divine Life Society branch in their homeland. He arrived in 1953, and within the next few years, Sri Gurudev’s popularity grew, Divine Life Society branches were opened in Colombo and Jaffna, and eventually the first Satchidananda Ashram opened in Kandy. In 1959, Sri Gurudev was invited to lecture in Hong Kong, and then in April of 1961, he was invited to make a more extensive Far Eastern tour, including Japan and the Philippines, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

COMING TO THE WEST In 1965, a young American film director, Conrad Rooks, came to Sri Lanka. Deeply moved by Sri Gurudev’s quiet wisdom, Mr. Rooks quickly became his ardent student. When urgent business called him to Paris and made it impossible for him to return to Sri Lanka, Mr. Rooks sent Sri Gurudev a roundtrip ticket to Paris so that he could continue his study of Yoga. Sri Gurudev felt that Divine Providence had given him this unsolicited invitation and decided go.

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Everywhere he went on his trip to the West—Jerusalem, Rome, Paris, Brussels, London, Berlin—people were moved by his humble demeanor, his practical wisdom, his clear and concise answers to questions. When Mr. Rooks saw how much benefit Westerners were receiving from his instruction, he suggested that Sri Gurudev return to Sri Lanka via the United States. Artist Peter Max, who had just met Sri Gurudev in Paris, was delighted at the prospect of his coming to America and arranged for him to stay with his family for a two-day visit to New York City.

On the first day of his visit, Mr. Max invited a small group of his friends to meet Sri Gurudev. They, like so many other young Americans of the 1960s, were filled with questions about the meaning of existence; they were searching for truth in a tumultuous world that seemed ridden with hypocrisy, injustice, and violence. In Sri Gurudev they found someone with wisdom and deep understanding and who conveyed a sense of balanced peacefulness that they had never before experienced.

Responding to their ardent pleas, he extended his stay from two days to a few weeks and to five months and then to more permanent residency. Quickly, Peter Max’s small apartment could not accommodate the throngs of young people wanting to meet Sri Gurudev, so his new American students rented a place where he could teach Yoga classes and give talks. Soon, the Integral Yoga Institute was founded and there are now more than 50 centers worldwide.

European Union Meanwhile, his European students, who had met Sri Gurudev before he visited the United States, were asking him to return to Europe. They sponsored him to return for a lecture tour in 1967, where he spoke at the “First International Yoga Convention” in Brussels. He returned yearly, and he received more invitations for speaking engagements, including the “Second International Yoga Convention” in Brussels, and programs in Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, England, France, Switzerland, and Italy. On his third trip to London in 1972, the British Wheel of Yoga made him honorary president of their organization.

In addition to serving as Honorary President of the British Wheel, Sri Gurudev was often invited to address gatherings organized by the various Yoga centers throughout Europe. Mr. Gerard Blitz, the President of the European Union of National Yoga Federations (EUNYF) and the founder of Yoga and Health magazine met Sri Gurudev and they became very closely associated. Mr. Blitz invited Sri Gurudev to be a guest speaker at the annual “Academy of Yoga” conference in England and at the EUNYF conference in Zinal, Switzerland each year for more than fifteen years.

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Top: Sri Gurudev surrounded by sincere devotees, Trinconmalee, Sri Lanka, 1953.

Middle: Woodstock Festival, New York, l969.

Bottom: Zinal, Switzerland, 1987.

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Yoga DOWN UNDER In the early 1970s, Sri Gurudev was asked to be an Honorary Patron of the International Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA), with headquarters in Australia. He was invited back throughout the 1970s and 1980s to speak at many IYTA conferences. Also, several Integral Yoga Institutes and Teaching Centers were formed. A senior student, Krishna Koch, founded the Ontos Retreat Centre in Victoria, Australia based on the principles and practices of Integral Yoga.

YOGA AND MEDICINE Sri Gurudev’s contribution to the field of health care and prevention is extensive. He pioneered the inclusion of Yoga in complementary care programs in medical facilities in the United States and Canada.

He was invited to lecture at medical centers, hospitals, research centers, as well as medical and wellness conferences worldwide.

Over many years he trained health practitioners—including Dr. Dean Ornish—in naturopathic and Yoga therapies, using vegetarian diet, cleansing practices, Yoga asanas, and deep relaxation. Currently, many of Sri Gurudev’s students who work in the helping professions are teaching Integral Yoga to heart patients, cancer patients, and children with special needs.

He was named an Honorary Patron, joining the list of luminaries to receive this award such as Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Mother Teresa, H. H. the Dalai Lama, and G. D. Birla, among others. Also attending the function were Coretta Scott King, former President R. Venkataraman, Ambassador Siddhartha Shankar Ray, among others.

During the 1990s, Sri Gurudev expanded his service in India itself.

The Integral Yoga Institute in Coimbatore constructed a large facility and it now conducts many Yoga classes, Yoga Teacher Training programs, and spiritual retreats for local residents as well as visiting foreigners. Also in Sri Gurudev’s name, charitable service is done, including eye and ear surgeries, and implants. A wing in the city’s major hospital is dedicated in Sri Gurudev’s name.

Sri Gurudev’s vision of education was always based on the ideals of a “temple of learning” where Yoga and academic subjects provide the student with a full education along with high moral values. In addition to the school established in Yogaville, Sri Gurudev long had the dream of building a residential school near his birthplace.

In 1997 that dream was realized and Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan (SJN) was opened and now has 600 residential students.

Founding Of Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville As more of his students moved into Integral Yoga Institutes and experienced the benefits of living together as a community, they expressed the desire to create ashrams, in which larger numbers of students could live and work together in a healthy, rural environment, following yogic guidelines. The first Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville was opened in California in April 1972 and then a second in Connecticut a year later.

While in the process of planning the LOTUS, Sri Gurudev evaluated the locations of his two Ashrams. The community needed more room to expand than either Ashram could provide. In 1979 a new property, consisting of nearly 1,000 acres, was purchased in central Virginia on the James River. With Yoga seminars and workshops running each weekend, along with certified Yoga Teacher Training programs, Yogaville hosts thousands of guests each year. A large residential Yoga community surrounds the Ashram. Facilities in Yogaville include: a school, organic garden and orchard, auto repair and other workshops, photo department, audio/video production department, archives, Integral Yoga Publications, Integral Yoga Distribution, graphic design department, Fine Arts Society, Lotus Conference Center, affiliated credit union, and more.

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Sri Gurudev royally received at a South Indian temple, 1983.

EAST-WEST CONNECTION Sri Gurudev tirelessly served the global Indian community; he was invited to numerous conferences and especially to speak to Indian youth living in the West. Sri Gurudev always encouraged the Indian youth to reclaim their heritage and for their families and communities to have strong cultural centers and Yoga programs.

In October 1994, on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Gurudev was honored at a banquet during which he was given the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s highest citation.

Global Interfaith MISSION Over the years, Sri Gurudev became known as an advocate of interfaith understanding. His motto, “Truth is One, Paths are Many” has been celebrated around the world. He organized many interfaith programs, retreats, and conferences. In 1968, Sri Gurudev, along with Rabbi Gelberman; Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Roman Catholic Benedictine monk; and Eido Tai Shimano, a Zen Buddhist monk, cofounded the Center for Spiritual Studies, in which the clergy of different faiths would meet once a month, share their dialogue.

This center grew into the Yoga Ecumenical Seminar that would hold weekend retreats for the followers of different religions wishing to come together in prayer and meditation and to share ideas.

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During these interfaith retreats and symposiums, Sri Gurudev had another innovation: the Yoga Ecumenical Service (now known as the Light Of Truth Universal Service), in which representatives of different faiths gathered together around a circular altar and performed a worship service to a central light. This light—in the form of a lit candle—was adopted as the universal symbol of the Divine. Performing the service were celebrants representing their respective faiths, and offering worship to the central light from their own faith tradition.

Desmond Tutu at the Nobel Peace Laureates’ conference sponsored by the University. After the conference, the Dalai Lama invited Sri Gurudev to attend a plenary session in Washington, D.C. with several other religious leaders to discuss how they could work more closely together toward furthering interreligious dialogue and world peace.

This group formally became the “Interreligious Friendship Group”

Sri Gurudev was also invited to serve on the advisory boards of many interfaith organizations. For over twentyfive years, he lent support to organizations such as The Temple of Understanding, Thanksgiving Square, The Parliament of the World’s Religions, the International Interfaith Centre, The Interfaith Center of New York, and the United Religions Initiative, among others.

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In 1980, the World Thanksgiving Council named Sri Gurudev a “Fellow of World Thanksgiving.” “World Faiths Symposium” during the LOTUS opening ceremonies, l986. Part of the dais (l-r) Sri Sundara Swamigal, In 1994, in recognition of his Rabbi Gelberman, Sri Gurudev, Brother David, Swami Vishnu, and Sri Shantalinga Adigal. tremendous contribution to interfaith dialogue and understanding, Sri Gurudev was chosen and in November 1999, it met for another planning session hosted by to be among the first recipients of an interfaith award presented by President Jimmy Carter at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Temple of Understanding. Sri Gurudev received the Juliet Hollister Award at the United Nations. The two other eminent recipients Also in the Fall of 1999, Sri Gurudev was invited to give the opening were Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan and the Very Rev. James prayers for an interfaith service convened by The Interfaith Center Parks Morton, Dean Emeritus of The Cathedral of St. John the Divine of New York and The Temple of Understanding. This service was and President of The Interfaith Center of New York. In 1996, a celebration of the interfaith community’s commitment to the work Sri Gurudev was asked to be an honorary chair of the second of the United Nations and it marked the opening of the 54th Session presentation of the Juliet Hollister Awards. This time they were of the General Assembly. The Secretary-General of the United given to H. H. the Dalai Lama, Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Ms. Mary Nations, H. E. Kofi Annan and Mrs. Annan, and the President of the General Assembly, H. E. Theo-Ben Gurirab addressed the Robinson of the United Nations Human Rights Commission. gathering. During the program, the Very Rev. James P. Morton gave In November of 1998, Sri Gurudev was invited to Washington, D.C. a tribute in honor of Sri Gurudev’s 50th anniversary of Sannyas to meet President and Mrs. Clinton. During the visit, the Clintons (ordination as a monk), citing his leadership in the field of expressed their appreciation of Sri Gurudev’s continued support interfaith dialogue for these many years. for the administration as well as for his prayers and encouragement during difficult times. He gave the Clintons malas (prayer beads) Then, in April 2002, Sri Chinmoy presented the U Thant Peace along with copies of his books, and joined in a blessing ceremony Award to Sri Gurudev. On behalf of The Peace Meditation at the United Nations. Rev. Morton hosted the occasion at The Interfaith for the President’s godchild.

Center. The U Thant Peace Award is given to individuals and That same month, President John Casteen of the University of Virginia organizations who have exemplified the lofty spiritual ideals of the invited Sri Gurudev to a luncheon at the University with Ms. Betty late United Nation’s Secretary-General U Thant and impleWilliams, Nobel Peace Laureate and children’s rights activist. Following mented those ideals in the tireless pursuit of world peace. Previous the luncheon, he joined H. H. the Dalai Lama and Archbishop recipients of this prestigious award have included,

H. H. Pope John Paul II, M o t h e r T e r e s a , A r c h bishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela.

will continue to flourish in the 21st century and beyond.

The lotus Perhaps the crowning glory of Sri Gurudev’s interfaith work is the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine ( LOTUS)—an interfaith shrine he built in Yogaville in 1986 that celebrates t h e u n i t y b e hind the diversity of the world religions. Open to people of all faiths to meditate and pray, this shrine uses the universal symbol of light as the symbol of the Divine. It is the first shrine ever built to house altars Signing The Parliament of the World’s Religion’s Global Ethic, Chicago, 1993. for every major faith and also faiths less well-known and those not yet known. spiritual guidance, blessings, and grace.

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Golden Jubilee During 1999, the Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary) of Sri Gurudev’s ordination into the Holy Order of Sannyas was celebrated. At Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan, a large multipurpose auditorium named “Satchidananda Jubilee Hall” was built and inaugurated during Sri Gurudev’s 1998-1999 visit to India. At Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville in the U.S.A., more than 500 devotees and well-wishers gathered to felicitate Sri Gurudev on this milestone occasion. Messages flooded in from around the globe including greetings from President and Mrs. Clinton and hundreds of religious leaders and dignitaries from around the globe. Hundreds of devotees attended an inspiring public program in New York organized by the Integral Yoga Institute. The Very Rev. James P. Morton and Dr. P. Jayaraman (Executive Director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, U.S.A.) were among the dignitaries who gave tributes in honor of Sri Gurudev’s 50 years of public service.

Yoga Continues to Flourish During Sri Gurudev’s Golden Jubilee year, the activities of Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville expanded so rapidly that, by the year 2000, Yogaville had the largest number of Yoga training programs offered anywhere in the United States. Integral Yoga is a partner in the Yoga Alliance which is currently setting standards in education and training for all Yoga teachers in North America. In the new millennium, the European Integral Yoga Teachers Association sponsored a reunion and launched a new series of training programs in Portugal.

Integral Yoga Teacher Training Programs and tours are planned for Europe, India and Southeast Asia, Mexico, and South America. With over 50 Integral Yoga Institutes and Centers worldwide, hundreds of Integral Yoga teachers serving in their local communities, and with the blessings of Sri Gurudev, the Integral Yoga organization

Satchidananda AshramYogaville, the Integral Yoga Institutes and Centers will continue to flourish because all the structures f o r t h e i r p r o p e r a d m i n i s tration have long been in place. A new Integral Yoga Teaching Academy has been established in Yogaville and Integral Yoga Centers throughout Europe are expanding their programs. Sri Gurudev has a large group of senior swamis, lay ministers, and Integral Yoga teachers who carry forward his noble service with his

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The first lesson to be learned from Yoga is to lead a dedicated life. The most important thing you can do is to dedicate your life in service. Serve all with your heart and soul; with your life. Serve with your body, mind, and with everything that you possess. Serve the whole universe. Every minute you should remember that you are here to serve others. If you are dedicated in life, you have eternal peace and joy. If service becomes your motto in life, you will always be peaceful and joyful. What more do you need in life? We do everything to find a little peace, find a little joy, but we do it with the wrong attitude. So we don’t find real joy always. Real joy comes by leading a dedicated life. That is what we see in nature. The entire nature exists to serve others. We don’t need teachings for all the other species in life because they already live to serve others. So let your motto be, “I am living to serve others. I am living to serve.” Because everything that you possess was given to you as a gift to be used in service, not to be used for yourself. The most important thing in life is service, service, service. Keep that in mind.

The immediate benefit of that is you are always happy. A person who has dedicated his or her life to service will never find sadness in life. They always will experience peace and joy.

—H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

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We Are One We Are One

by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

W W

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“Toward a Better World”—the interfaith symposium with religious leaders celebrating Sri Gurudev’s 50th Sannyas anniversary, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1999.

hen we forget that we are essentially spiritual beings, we see only the body and mind. It is because we have different bodies and minds that we see all the diversity in people. And wherever there are differences, there can be either fighting or fun. If you learn to appreciate and enjoy the diversity—while realizing the unity—then it will all be fun!

Even to have the capacity to see the same spirit in others, you should recognize that you—as spirit—are utilizing this body and mind. We are all different colors, sizes, and shapes on the outside, but inside the same light shines. We may look different but if we see the spirit we realize, “I am you, you are me, we are one.”

Your true nature is that of a spiritual and divine being; The Bible says that we are made “in the image of God.” But, unfortunately, we don’t seem to recognize that. Instead, we identify with our physical bodies and mental temperaments. We see ourselves as somehow different and distinct from each other rather than as the image of God. It is certainly right and necessary to have a particular identity in order to function in our daily lives and worldly activities. You have to have a name, a country, perhaps a job title and so on. Without these things you cannot even receive your mail! These definitions

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are all parts of the makeup we wear to play our parts in the cosmic drama.

Imagine, if all of a sudden a miracle happens—we all cease to have these differences—we all look the same and we all have the same name. Wherever you look, you see the same face looking back at you. Imagine the confusion! The boyfriend will be looking for the girlfriend. The husband will be trying to figure out, “Oh, who is my wife?” Even if it was possible by any chance, personally I think I would never want that kind of unity or uniformity. The Creator didn’t want it that way. Because God knew how boring and confusing it would be.

But what must we always keep in mind? That behind all this makeup, these identities, there is something that unites us all. We are essentially spiritual beings made in the image of God. The sole purpose of meditation is to remind us of our true identity. And when you realize who you are, then you realize that everyone is equally a spark of the same divinity. You are able to see everyone with the vision of this spark. This is called divya sakshu, the divine vision.

You are not limited to seeing only the physical or mental levels—you see everyone with your spiritual eye.

So, what is it that we should see if we really want peace and a good harmonious coexistence? We should see the one unifying factor: the spirit. If we see the spirit in ourselves, we will realize we are all one. Spiritually speaking, we are all the expressions of that God. God multiplied into various forms and names. As such, all these things that we see—the plant life, insect life, animal life, birds, people, even minute particles, atoms, everything—are nothing but the expression of God. In a way, the entire universe is God. God became the universe. All these varieties are necessary in order for us to communicate with each other, to be interdependent and to make our lives happy.

If there is only one God, then there is only one God who created all of us. So, we can say we are the family of God; we are all sisters and brothers. Then also, like any family, some of the children may be nice and some may be very naughty. But, no father or mother is going to condemn a child because it’s a little different from the other one. And, in a way, no parent expects all the children to be exactly the same. I think the house would be a little boring if that were the case. There should be some differences in temperament, personality, looks, and so on. Some of the kids also should be naughty. Some should be mischievous—to keep the house lively.

God created varieties of people so that life will be fun and interesting.

Don’t we have the expression, “Variety is the spice of life”? In order

We must recognize that we are all of the same essence appearing in many forms, having different names. There’s no doubt about it.

If you realize that true spirit behind everything then you will see that essentially we are one and the same.

Superficially we are all different. We are one and many; we have unity and diversity. What do the modern scientists tell us? They say the same thing. If a scientist comes and sits here and says, “You are all nothing but a bunch of atoms,” would you shout at that person? No. The scientist is telling you the truth. We are all nothing but a big bunch of atoms. This atomic energy is also in inanimate objects like the roof, the wall, the table and chairs. All that you see and you do not see is comprised of atoms.

To work towards that spiritual vision in which you see that we are all one is what you call spiritual life. Lacking that vision, we define and then divide ourselves.

As I said, God endowed us with different dress, different costume, different makeup, and so on to play our parts. We look differently, we behave differently, we have different languages and personalities in order to play our parts. When we forget that and identify ourselves with the superficial differences, we lose sight of the spiritual oneness and we find many reasons to disagree and to fight. But behind these differences we are all one in spirit.

“God created varieties of people so that life will be fun . . .” If you have this kind of un-

derstanding you won’t condemn somebody who does nothing but eating and sleeping. Why? You will understand that maybe God created that person for that purpose. That person is probably there to be an example for others of how not to be! We all can learn by many examples.

Religion asks us to get back to that original state and that spiritual vision. That means you have to remember the oneness and at the same time function in the world of diversity. That is what is meant by finding the unity in the diversity. If that is remembered always, we won’t have any hesitation or any difficulty in accepting everybody.

Each person is a child of God. God created each person for a good reason. Everyone is an instrument of God.

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We should rise above all the differences and distinctions and see our spiritual oneness; we should learn to love each other and to appreciate always the nice things that people do. We should not just be pinpointing their mistakes. Whenever we put limitations on our love, we are separating ourselves from others; we are fencing ourselves in. We should just open our minds and hearts. Even just focusing on this one thought: “I belong to the whole world and the entire world is my family” will make one so happy and peaceful.

to have the spiciness, we need diversity. But, it’s when we forget the underlying unity and when we forget that the differences are there to bring us fun, that we fight. Then we don’t enjoy the wonderful diversity that God has created. God never made these divisions or varieties for us to fight about. Differences are not meant to separate or to divide us but rather to have variety for some fun and spice.

“The spiritual teacher Swami Satchidananda was once asked, ‘What’s the difference between illness and wellness?’ He walked over to a blackboard [during Grand Rounds at the University of Virginia Medical Center] and wrote illness and circled the first letter, i. He then wrote wellness and circled the first two letters, we.”

—Dr. Dean Ornish in The Oprah Magazine November 2002.

A Revolution in Healthcare Healthcare

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The Master who changed the face of healthcare: (l-r) Dr. Michael Lerner, Dr. Sandra McLanahan, Sri Gurudev, and Dr. Dean Ornish.

Perhaps one of the most impressive arenas of Sri Gurudev’s service has been his contribution to the field of health and complementary medicine. From the start of his service in the West, Sri Gurudev steadfastly promoted vegetarian diet, stress reduction through the Yoga practices and philosophy, and living in harmony with nature. As a homeopath and naturopath, Sri Gurudev offered a holistic health perspective to the world of Western medicine. He was, at the same time, supportive of the positive aspects of allopathic medicine, and always spoke about the great advances achieved, particularly for acute problems.

Sri Gurudev’s ideas and ideals were radical at the time—chief

among them the notion that disease was essentially—“dis-ease,” or disturbed ease. The chief culprits responsible for those disturbances included: non-vegetarian diet, unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, drug use, wrong thinking (“As you think, so you become,” he would often quote), sedentary life-style and stress. He taught that treating illness from a purely allopathic approach put undue focus on symptoms without going to the root cause of disease. He gave the analogy that treating symptoms alone was like cutting the wires on a home smoke alarm. If you cut the alarm wires and go back to sleep, the fire may take your life. He would often tease the doctors performing bypass surgery that they will only be “bypassing” the real problem which would recur unless addressed. These words

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were prophetic and were to change the face of Western medical approaches to heart disease.

It was September 1972 and 600 people gathered on a hot, dry day in Calistoga, California for the start of a ten day Integral Yoga retreat.

Among them was Sandra McLanahan, M.D., there for her first retreat experience. Finished with her internship she was seeking a deeper understanding of herself and her profession. Sri Gurudev spoke daily at the retreat and was teaching kriyas—the yogic cleansing practices. Dr. McLanahan wanted to approach him but she was shy and it was a silent retreat. On the last day of the retreat, Sri Gurudev came up to her, put his arm around her and said: “So, you’ve come to be my doctor.” And that is exactly what happened. She received the name Amrita (the divine, life-giving nectar), and after completing her residency, she moved into Yogaville East in Connecticut. Later, in 1974, she toured India with Sri Gurudev.

Putting into practice all she was learning from Sri Gurudev on yogic approaches to health and healing, Dr. Amrita opened the Integral Health Center (IHC) in Putnam, Connecticut in 1976. Sri Gurudev’s vision was to bring practitioners of every healing discipline together to individually make assessments and then to jointly diagnose and provide treatment options to the patient. Called a “Comprehensive Evaluation,” this idea of complementary and multimodal treatment was cutting edge in the mid-1970s. Within a short time, Prevention magazine featured IHC in an article entitled, “The Clinic Where Love and Medicine Go Hand in Hand.” Soon, IHC had a 500-patient waiting list!

Just around this time, another groundbreaker-to-be was coming onto the medical scene. Dean Ornish’s sister Laurel was a Yoga enthusiast and student of Sri Gurudev. With all the challenges of medical school, Dean was finding himself extremely stressed and depressed.

Laurel introduced him to Sri Gurudev and Yoga. He felt an immediate benefit. Dean read an article in Integral Yoga Magazine written by Dr. Amrita on the “Medical Benefits of Yoga.” He invited her to his medical school—Baylor College of Medicine—to speak. He also asked her to do research with him on the medical benefits of Yoga on heart disease. Dean came to Yogaville East and spent time with Sri Gurudev and Dr. Amrita, discussing plans for research projects that would attempt to measure the benefits of vegetarian diet, meditation, Hatha Yoga, and exercise.

selfishness in moralistic terms but that sense of separation and isolation that makes you separate from everyone and your essential nature. The sense of ‘I, me, mine’ as Sri Gurudev often said.”

Dr. Michael Lerner, director of Commonweal, a leading health research institute in California, met Dr. Amrita in the 1980s during a conference at which they were both speaking. They soon became good friends and Dr. Amrita invited Dr. Lerner to Yogaville to December 2002, Dr. Phil meet Sri Gurudev. Deeply McGraw interviewing moved by Sri Gurudev and CNN’s Larry King on the Integral Yoga approach the Dr. Phil Show: to well-being, Dr. Lerner Dr. Phil: “You have invited Sri Gurudev to visit had several bypass Commonweal. Inspired by Sri Gurudev’s teachings, surgeries. How do you Dr. Lerner subsequently handle anger?” established the Cancer Help program. This program also Larry King: “Swami has an East Coast center Satchidananda was a which is directed by Shanti great man . . . you’d Norris, one of Sri Gurudev’s have liked him. Swami first personal assistants.

Dr. Amrita remembers teaching Dr. Mamet Oz his first Yoga class. Now, Dr. Oz is a leader in the field of complementary medicine.

At Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, Dr. Oz has a groundbreaking program where he practices Yo g a with his patients before and after they undergo heart surgery and he finds it to be the most powerf u l of all the alternative h e a l t h interventions.

Satchidananda said that when you’re angry, the last thing you get is information. It’s the first thing you want and it’s the last thing you get.

If you’re angry at the clerk at the airport you will not get information. If you’re nice, you will get information. So anger, he said, never pays. It never pays. . . .”

When asked for her assessment of the impact that Sri Gurudev’s teachings have had on the medical field, Dr. Amrita smiled and replied, “All you need to do is look at the covers of Time and Newsweek magazines over the past few years. In 2001, Time had a cover story entitled “The Science of Yoga.” And, in January 2003, Time featured Dr. Mehmet Oz in a special issue entitled, “How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body.” The same week Newsweek’s cover story featured Dr. Dean Ornish!”

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In the mid-1970s, Sri Gurudev spoke at the National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and many other medical institutions. Sri Gurudev often spoke about natural living and how we fall sick when we don’t live according to nature. Dr. Amrita remembered one of these talks when Sri Gurudev said, “The root cause of all illness is selfishness.” And, she also recalled that, “You could have heard a pin drop. The only sound was that of jaws dropping. Sri Gurudev was not talking about

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A number of Sri Gurudev’s students were now working in the medical field and were attempting to integrate his ideas and Yoga teachings into their practices. They were soon procuring invitations to important medical institutions for Sri Gurudev to speak so that others would be able to benefit from his approach.

During the 1980s, Bill Moyers’ popular series “Healing and the Mind” aired on the PBS television station. There were nine students of Sri Gurudev profiled during this series. In the 1990s, Dr. Ornish went on to scientifically prove that heart disease not only could be prevented but even reversed through Yoga. He was President Clinton’s personal physician and Dr. Ornish worked with members of Congress who had heart disease. Currently, Medicare is funding his research on reversing prostate cancer through Yoga and complementary medicine.

A Better World The Juliet Hollister Award recipients: Sri Gurudev and H. H. the Dalai Lama; with Mrs. Juliet Hollister, New York, l996.

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In order to have a better world we must learn to think of the globe as a whole. Our world leaders need to be more selfless and sacrificing. Only by having a universal and spiritual vision can we bring positive change into the political field. A person who is really interested in making positive changes will never resort to violence to effect political reform. The approach has to be nonviolent.

Anything achieved through violence will not last long; it will leave an enemy sitting somewhere plotting against you. If instead, you make a friend, you need not be afraid of the other person; and he or she need not be afraid of you. Permanent peace can never be achieved by violent means.

In war there is no winner. Who creates war? The bombs don’t drop by themselves. It is the people behind them, the human minds that create war. All the wars are in the human mind. A little peace can change the mind, and it doesn’t take that much time. By devoting a few minutes a day to meditation—to peace prayers—you can send out nice vibrations that will go around the globe and influence political leaders.

If we want peace, we cannot constantly talk about others as our enemies. The best way to achieve victory is to see that both parties are victors. How? Make the others your friends; see yourself in everybody. As long as you treat another group as your enemy, you will never find peace. If you want peace, bring friendship. By putting out positive thoughts, you can even make that enemy into a

by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

friend. I know that can be very hard to do. But we don’t necessarily have to treat people who do wrong things as enemies. They should be approached with compassion and friendliness.

Remember, there is no power higher than love. Hatred breeds hatred; violence breeds violence. If we sincerely want world peace, we have to depend on our soul force, not on anything else. When our efforts fail, when we have nothing else, then we think of a Higher Power and turn to that force. And that is what soul force is; that is what prayer is all about. Mahatma Gandhi was a great example of this principle. He demonstrated that, by being a peaceful activist and trusting in soul power, one could liberate an entire country.

That is how India gained her independence. Mahatma Gandhi, U Thant, Martin Luther King, Eleanor Roosevelt, and others were great humanitarians in public life. We need more people like these to lead and inspire.

We need to use the spiritual teachings of our chosen faith to help us have real love for one another. Do you realize that even war is based on love? Unfortunately, that love is misplaced or limited in some way. If you want to throw a bomb on another country, you may feel that you’re doing it for the sake of your country—because you love your country. Fine, you love your country, but don’t you think the other person will love his or her own country in the same way? If your love is universal, how can you bomb someone else?

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We always can make our world a little better, more peaceful. How? If we maintain our own inner peace. We are the creators of the outside world that we see. The world is nothing but your own projection. If your mind is clean, you see a clean world outside. There is nothing bad in this world.

If you are good, everything is good. If you are bad, everything is bad. You project your image onto the world. You don’t have to blame anybody else for making your life or the world the way that it is. What you see outside depends on your vision.

If you wear a pair of green glasses, everything you see will appear green. If you have a jaundiced eye, the whole world will appear yellow. Will you be able to remove the yellow color by scrubbing Sri Gurudev with his great friend Rabbi Joseph Gelberman, 1988.

If we want to be happy, we should work for the happiness of all people everywhere. That is the only way to achieve real peace and contentment. Unless the human mind is freed from greed, jealousy, and hatred, there will be more and more wars. If you free your own mind of all these problems, at least that little part of the world will be free from trouble. If we want a world free from violence, we should free ourselves from every kind of violence—in thought, word, and deed. If we want a peaceful world first we must have a peaceful mind. There is a saying, “As the person, so the world; as the mind, so the person.” Change the mind, you change the person; change the person, you change the community, the society, the nation, or the world.

Above: Sri Gurudev with his brother, David Steindl-Rast, OSB. Left: Two great interfaith leaders: Sri Gurudev and Rev. James P. Morton.

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clean the trees or the person at whom you are looking? No, that will not remove the yellow you see everywhere. You have to clean up your own eye. You have to heal from the jaundice and then your eye will see things as they truly are. So, Yoga is based on self-transformation, self-refinement. If you are a good yogi you will have no problem with the world. You will be able to see things as they are without adding on to that or having a colored vision. You will have a good eye or a God-eye to see the good in everything. You will see God in everything.

My Guru, Swami Sivanandaji, used to say that you should always keep the magic wand of Yoga with you. Touch everything with that wand and you can transform every action into Yoga. Yoga is not only about standing on the head. It should help you to stand better on

are a nice instrument, ready to be used for the good of all. If an instrument wants to perform an operation safely, what should it do? It should first get itself sterilized, is it not so? It should free itself from dangerous viruses and bacteria; then it is fit to operate.

That is what you call “spirituality” or Yoga. It is what helps you rid yourself of undesirable things that only add to the problems you are trying to help. It enables you to go out into the world as a clean instrument.

Then you can really be instrumental in serving the world! You become yogis so that you can serve others better.

You become a good instrument so that you can bring some benefit to somebody. We want to see this happening all over the world. The future of the world is in your hands.

Even a few people can change the whole world. So, go and share it with others and make the world a better place in which to live. You do what you can from your own level and leave the rest to the One who created the world.

H. H. Pope John Paul II and Sri Gurudev in Rome, l984.

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your own two feet. Everything should be done in the yogic spirit. That means that you are a lifelong yogi. That is what real religion is all about. If you are a Catholic, you should not be a Catholic only when you go to church. You should be a Catholic at home, on the road, in the midst of conflicts. If somebody is going slowly, don’t keep on honking the horn at them. Even in the midst of the little botherations of everyday life, you should maintain a consciousness of Yoga and compassion.

Always be conscious of what you are doing. When you talk about peace, everything about you should say, “I am a peaceful person.” You can convert everything that you do into a yogic act. The world needs these kinds of clean actions. That is why I always say that to practice Yoga means to live a peaceful, easeful, and thus useful life. How can you have a better world, if the citizens in the world are not peaceful or easeful? Then they will not be useful but rather they will be nuisances. Don’t we have a law against disturbing the peace? What does that Sri Gurudev and President Clinton at the baby blessing, Washington, 1998. mean? In order to have a nice, harmonious world, we should have peaceful people. Go out into the world with yogic One of the reasons we established Yogaville was to create a village light. Touch everybody and inspire them to become better people. comprised of yogis dedicated to selfless service. We have people When you live like that, you are like a walking lit candle. living here from all walks of life, from various religions, but all living as one family, helping one another. Yogaville is Whomsoever touches you will get lit. an example for our world. Talking about having a better world To make the world right, each individual should find the ease is good, but we wanted to make a small, exemplary world here. and peace in their lives. Once you have that peace, others will find Everyone who comes to live in Yogaville repeats a daily vow. many things for you to do to serve in the world. Think that you This vow serves as a reminder of the ideals they want to

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embrace. The main point is to give up our selfishness. Let’s learn to live a clean life, healthy life, happy life. That’s the very reason why we don’t have any cigarettes, non-vegetarian food, nonpres c r i p tion drugs, or alcohol here.

God didn’t create our lungs for cigarettes.

If God really wanted us to take a little nicotine, it would have been very easy for a little nicotine to have been sprinkled in the air itself. We would not have to go and buy cigarettes. So, we believe in doing things that will preserve our health and happiness, and staying away from everything that would disturb our health and peace. Let’s not allow anything that would disturb our physical health or mental peace. By keeping ourselves in good shape, we can be of service to the community.

Is that the purpose of religion? Do you think our God will be happy with the way we treat each other and what is happening in our world?

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We also realized that if you cannot have communion with your own neighbor, how are you going to find peace anywhere in the world? Your neighbor is God in a visible form. Let us have communion with our own neighbors—next door and around the Sri Gurudev showing Cardinal Arinze plans for LOTUS, Texas, 1985. globe. So, at the very center of Yogaville, we have built a beautiful interfaith shrine, known as the Light In order to have a better world, a more peaceful world, we must have Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). The aim behind LOTUS a universal approach. We don’ t mean uniformity where everyone is to remind ourselves and others that we are all neighbors; thinks and acts the same way. We are saying that we want to learn we are all part of the human family. We can have a better world to love, respect, and honor every human being. We want to when we remember that we are all children of one God. All over celebrate and enjoy the diversity because we recognize the the world we see religious strife. People are fighting one another underlying unity. We feel that the whole world is our home, everyone in the name of God and religion. And all the wars and fighting are is our brother and sister. It’s time to know each other and to live because of a very narrow view of the world. If you think, “Mine as one global family. With that kind of feeling the whole world is the best, yours is the worst,” you are putting others down. We will be a haven and a heaven. are literally destroying ourselves in the name of religion.

Very often people ask me, “How can the world be saved?” My answer is: first of all save yourself; you are a part of the world. Unless and until you do that, you are in no condition to save the rest of the world. Like charity, world peace begins at home. But remember, we are not here to change the whole world. That would be impossible. The world will always be filled with difficulties and challenges. There has never been a time in history—or even prehistory—in which the whole world has been peaceful. God didn’t create an all-peaceful world. We learn our lessons from adversity and that is the purpose of adversity. We create our own problems—whether individual, national, or global—and only through trying to solve those problems do we learn necessary lessons.

At a gathering at which I spoke in Los Angeles, a well-known scientist, the late Mr. Buckminster Fuller, got up and said, “Friends, don’t hesitate to make mistakes. Make as many mistakes as you can and as soon as you can. That’s the only way Sri Gurudev and CNN founder Ted Turner discuss global peace strategies, to learn.” It is very true.

Washington, D.C., 1988.

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United Nations Roundtable: Sri Gurudev, Secretary General U Thant, Under-Secretary General Sri C. V. Narasimhan, 1970.

There always will be calamities, natural or otherwise. There was a to face that stage; that is part of the process of getting rooted in big earthquake in Italy, a volcano erupted in Hawaii, a storm battered the earth. It cannot live in the nursery always. In the same way, the Dominican Republic. Whom would you blame for that? We I see a very bright future for humankind; we are slowly getting have to accept that there’s a cosmic force, a greater force that func- rooted. This itself is the proof of what is to come. I really feel tions in various ways. By accepting that, we keep our minds calm, we are going to see a better world. I don’t think that the end of and with a calm mind we can even think of how better to handle a the world is at hand. It is going to stay many, many thousands of crisis. B e c a u s e years more. We t h e a n swers will can sleep safely. not come if you If you insist that have already disI give a reason turbed the mind. for my feeling, Whatever trying I would say that conditions there I see more and are in our lives or more people in the world, we becoming better should always have people, wanta positive attitude. ing to know the No one knows truth. Why are exactly what is all these people going to happen taking such from one moment a n interest in to the next. But s p i r i t u a l i t y, w o r r y ing about in improving what will happen the e n v i r o n to the w o r l d i s m e n t , caring n o t g o i n g to for the earth, help much. If you leading m o r e allow your mind compassionate to worry, you will l i v e s ? The not be able to think Sri Chinmoy presents Sri Gurudev with the U Thant Award, The Interfaith Center of New York, 2002. consciousness of calmly, plan conpeople is changstructively, live prosperously. ing and they want to know how to lead a better life. We do not need to look forward to a new age; it is already here. If the I don’t believe in all the doomsday predictions. I consider this vision of the new age is to see more and more people living a transitory period. We are witnessing a great change. When a peacefully, living harmoniously, living lovingly, we are seedling is transplanted, at first its leaves wither and fall. It has already seeing it.

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—H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

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My prayer is always that universal love will light our paths.

Every day when you pray, repeat: “May auspiciousness, peace, fullness, prosperity, happiness be unto all. May all see good in everyone, may all be free from suffering. May the whole world be filled with peace and joy, love and light.” When you say this, it’s not just words; you really have to feel it, visualize it. It should be heartfelt when you send your peaceful energy out to the world.

All prayers will bring benefit so let us wholeheartedly pray for our world. Let us each spend at least a few minutes each day in meditation. To me, those are the most important minutes. These peaceful vibrations will help millions of peaceless minds and war-mongers. Your peaceful vibrations, although you may not even realize their effect, will certainly help many people. You will be helping the whole world in some way or another to find peace and joy. And you can carry this peaceful feeling from meditation all through the day, all through the week, all through your life. Even in the midst of a busy life, you can retain this peace.

With this outlook on life, the whole world becomes a beautiful Yogaville. Let the whole world know by your example that you are someone beautiful and divine. Let your actions bring out that cosmic beauty and help to build a better world.

SOWING SEEDS OF UNITY

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by Swami Lalitananda

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The lotus, like all other flowers, begins with a tiny seed which takes root, is nurtured by sun, water, and climate, and finally blossoms into radiant beauty. T h e L O T U S (Light Of Truth Universal Shrine) came into being in the same manner.

We could say that the seed for the LOTUS was planted in Sri Lanka. It was there that Sri Gurudev introduced a seemingly new idea. From the beginning of his service in Sri Lanka, people of all different social classes and religions had looked to him for guidance and instruction. He was sometimes called the “Revolutionary Monk” because of the way he served everyone equally.

In July of 1953, the Divine Life Society members were preparing for Guru Poornima Day, an annual celebration honoring the divine qualities in one’s spiritual teacher. Usually each group has a celebration, honoring only its guru. So, the Sri Lanka Divine Life Society was preparing festivities to venerate Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj.

But Sri Gurudev had a suggestion: “This is supposed to be a day for concentration on the guru and there are many, many gurus for all the different people. While showing our reverence for Master Sivanandaji, let’s show our reverence for the other masters as well.”

Pictures of masters from many different religions were soon collected, and the celebration was proclaimed “All Prophets Day.” It became an annual event where the various heads of Sri Lanka’s religious factions could come together and discourse on the truths behind their faiths.

As an adult, he served for a while with Sri Bikshu Swamigal, a senior swami who conducted a traveling naturopathic treatment camp.

Sri Gurudev was sometimes criticized for treating “untouchables.” The high-caste community didn’t appreciate the flouting of caste rules. They also came to the camp for treatment, and they didn’t want the practitioners who touched them also touching casteless people. They even threatened to burn down the camp. In his firm but loving way, Sri Gurudev persuaded the caste people that they could not enjoy their life-style if it were not for the dedicated labor of the casteless workers, that they were interdependent upon one another, and equally important.

During his fourteen years of service in Sri Lanka, Sri Gurudev often mediated agreements between labor and management on the tea plantations; and he often settled disputes between Tamils and Singhalese. Sri Gurudev was instrumental in bringing many clergy members together and in organizing an

On Sri Gurudev’s first world tour in April 1966 he had a private audience with His Holiness Pope Paul VI in which they discussed the idea of trying to unite all the people of the world, regardless of religion or race. In Jerusalem he visited the Holy Sepulchre and stayed in a Benedictine monastery. While there, he attended Mass, and held discussions for the mission fathers, teaching Hatha Yoga techniques to a number of the monks.

In May of 1967, he also visited with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, at Dharamsala in North India and with Lama Govinda, a well-known scholar of the Tibetan Buddhist religion. His contacts with religious leaders from the various faiths were quickly expanding, and, as he went along, Sri Gurudev was laying the groundwork for his interfaith dream in the form of the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine.

Sri Gurudev arrived in America in 1966 on what was supposed to be a short visit.

Hundreds of eager students, hungry for spiritual teaching, begged him to extend that stay. During his first months in New York City, Sri Gurudev met Rabbi Joseph Gelberman of the Little Synagogue.

Together, they gave a public program called “The Swami and the Rabbi.” It became an annual event. With another good friend, Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk; the Reverend Eido Tai Shimano Roshi; and three lay people, they founded an interfaith organization, the Center for Spiritual Studies. Rabbi Gelberman and Brother David joined Sri Gurudev in conducting many interfaith Yoga retreats over the years. In 1971, Sri Gurudev d i rected a Yoga ecumenical retreat at Annhurst College. There, celebrants from Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic traditions participated in a deeply moving interfaith worship service. A lit candle in the center of the altar symbolized the Light in all faiths. Each celebrant worshipped according to the way of his or her faith. This was the first Light Of Truth Universal Service (then known as the “Yoga Ecumenical Service” or “YES”).

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Opposite: Arriving in New York, l966.

Even at a tender age, he could not understand why people were divided because of caste and religion. Although he respected his elders’ observation of caste laws, he himself was never bound by those rules. In Apostle of Peace, the biography of Sri Gurudev, many beautiful examples of this attitude are given.

Here is a small excerpt: “Once, t h e c h i l d R a m u w a t c h e d a s a t h u n d e r storm began; he also watched the so-called ‘untouchables,’ dressed only in loincloths, continue to work in the fields. He realized that the clothes they had set aside to put on at the end of the day would soon be soaking wet. The boy ran to collect the workers’ clothes and quickly placed them in a safe, dry spot. Ramu’s mother scolded him for contaminating himself by touching something belonging to ‘untouchables.’

Out of respect for her, he gladly went through the required purification ritual before reentering his home; but he never stopped serving the casteless people.”

All-Religions Group. This group met once a month, sometimes at the Ashram, sometimes at the seminary, sometimes at the home of a Buddhist, or at an Islamic mosque.

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However, it wasn’t in Sri Lanka that ecumenism became a part of Sri Gurudev’s philosophy. Even as a young child he saw and served all people as the same. Born and raised in a small rural village to very pious Hindu parents, Sri Gurudev (then known as “Ramu”) was continually immersed in a cultural and spiritual atmosphere.

His father was the unofficial leader of the village, and their home served as the focal point for local activities. Most importantly, it was a stopping place where wandering ascetics and holy men came as

they passed through the area. The family served these holy men directly, rather than giving the job to the household staff. Prior to Sri Gurudev’s birth, his mother fervently prayed that her expected child would be just like these saints, with the qualities of service to all, wisdom, detachment, and love.

Over the years, as Sri Gurudev traveled around the globe, many such interfaith services were conducted. He spent time with people of all faiths and he saw a strong need for people to recognize their spiritual oneness and stop fighting in the name of God and religion. He had always dreamed of a temple which stood for this essential oneness. It

ters of the world gently floating on the top, without ever becoming wet by the water.

The late Father Bede Griffiths of Shantivanam Ashram (India) once said, “I share with Sri Swamiji the view that world peace depends on mutual understanding and unity among the different religions of the world. The only basis for such unity and

in its own unique way. We have to learn to appreciate the differences in the expression of the mystery in each religion while we recognize our own unity in that which transcends all speech and thought.”

Sri Gurudev’s interfaith work increased, as did his worldwide travel in connection with this service. Clergy from all faiths, were drawn to the idea of the LOTUS. Interfaith services became the central focus of major celebrations at Satchidananda Ashram and were the central theme at large interfaith events sponsored by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, The Parliament of the World’s Religions, The Temple o f U n d e r s t a n d ing, the Thanksgiving Square Foundation, and other organizations.

Sri Gurudev, Mother Teresa, and other spiritual leaders present a declaration of religious unity to the United Nations Special Assembly, 1975.

More than ever, Sri Gurudev was asked to speak worldwide about furthering interfaith understanding. Everywhere he traveled, people were fascinated with the concept of the LOTUS. Some would ask why a temple should be built when so

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wouldn’t belong to any one religion; it would be for everyone. People could come there and pray according to their own beliefs but at the same time be reminded that we all come from and return to the same Light. Sri Gurudev began speaking of his dream.

Instead of only having occasional interfaith services at retreats and conferences, a permanent place could be established where all the religions were represented, a house of God where anyone who entered could feel completely comfortable.

Sri Gurudev began to formulate his ideas for the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine. He called it by the acronym LOTUS, because he envisioned it in the shape of a lotus flower surrounded by a large lake. The lotus flower is a symbol of spiritual unfoldment in the Eastern religions. It grows from the muddy bottom of the lake to open its petals in the sun and radiate its inner beauty; it is unstained by the mud. It represents the fully open or integrated being who lives in the wa-

Lighting the one light: the “Unity in Diversity” conference, Seattle, 1982.

understanding is the recognition that there is one transcendent reality which is beyond all word and thought and that every religion seeks to express this transcendent mystery

many members of the world community are starving. Sri Gurudev explained that there really was no need for anyone to go hungry, because there was actually a surplus of food

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in the world. He explained that, greed and mistrust caused countries to hoard or destroy food to keep prices high. He encouraged people to give to the needy, but also to support interfaith cooperation.

This universal outlook, this awareness that we are all part of one family, can make a permanent change. No one would starve in a world where all the global family members loved and took care of the others. The purpose of the LOTUS was to counteract selfish, limited thinking and, instead, proclaim our basic unity.

Vatican was kept informed of Sri Gurudev’s interfaith activities and the LOTUS. In 1984, while Sri Gurudev was in Rome, he had an audience with Pope John Paul II. Sri Gurudev, called “an apostle of peace” by The Very Rev. James Parks Morton, presented the Holy Father with a photo album giv-

Sri Gurudev explained that if charity of food (anna dhanam) is given, people can be helped for a few hours, but then they need food again. This kind of help is good, but it has limitations. If charity of money (swarna dhanam) is given, it may help for a few days, weeks, or months, but then the need will arise once again. Therefore, this approach is also limited. Charity of education (vidya dhanam) is somewhat better, since it will eventually enable people to grow their own food, but even educated people are not always happy, loving, and compassionate.

However, if charity of wisdom (jnanam dhanam) is given, people will know their spiritual oneness. Loving generosity will replace greed, and people will look out for, and care for, one another.

ing an overview of the various interfaith retreats, services, and conferences that Sri Gurudev had conducted throughout the world, as well as an update on the LOTUS project. Pope John Paul II responded: “That is very good. I am so glad to hear about this and I give all my blessings and benedictions to this work.”

In 1985 and 1986, Sri Gurudev was invited to be a “citizen ambassador” on peace missions to Russia (then, the Soviet Union) sponsored by Projects for Planetary Peace and the Center for International Dialogue.

Sri Gurudev was chosen as one of eighty delegates of various fields (clergy, business, journalism, education, medicine, the arts) who met with their Russian counterparts to explore ways to bring peace between the United States and Russia. They met in the

In October 2002, after completion of some considerable exterior repair, a beautiful rededication ceremony took place with elaborate rites and rituals, attended by many devotees from around the world.

Over these many years, thousands of visitors have had the opportunity to experience Sri Gurudev’s message of spiritual unity, universal love and respect for all faiths. With his continued blessings, we hope many more people will have this wonderful experience.

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Swami Lalitanandaji, a senior disciple of Sri Gurudev since 1974, previously served as Ashram President, International IYI Coordinator, and Executive Director of the Coimbatore IYI. She currently resides in South Florida where she teaches emotionally disturbed elementary students in the public school system.

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Sri Gurudev participated in several programs with Cardinal Arinze, the director of the Vatican’s interreligious offices, and for years they exchanged Christmas cards. The

From a seed, Sri Gurudev cultivated the concept with many years of faith, commitment, humility, and untiring service. Finally in July 1986, Sri Gurudev’s dream of a permanent home dedicated to the ideal of harmonious universal understanding came true, manifested as the beautiful LOTUS, situated in the magnificent foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

More than 3,500 people from all over the world came to celebrate with Sri Gurudev the unforgettable t w o - d a y dedicat i o n of this magnificent temple.

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The LOTUS is one of Sri Gurudev’s great gifts to the world. It serves to educate people about their spiritual oneness. It is a permanent place where people can come and gain insight and understanding into other faith traditions and see that, although we may call the Divine by different names and worship that Divinity in different ways according to our various customs and cultural traditions, we are truly all worshipping the same One. Only when we truly understand and recognize this oneness will we be able to really share and care, love and give, to everyone in need. Laws cannot make people love each other. Only by imbibing spiritual knowledge will we realize our own spirit and then see that same spirit in others and in everything. Then, we can have unlimited and unconditional love.

heart and spoke from the heart. Wherever he went, Sri Gurudev received a warm, loving reception, and strong encouragement for the idea of the LOTUS. On Ascension Thursday, Sri Gurudev was asked to give the sermon at the Moscow Baptist Church. His words of peace and universal fellowship were translated into Russian and were received with tears of joy by the congregation. A few years later, Sri Gurudev was the official chaplain during the Soviet-American Citizens Peace Summit held in Washington, D.C.

“Sri Swami Satchidananda is one of the true religious leaders I have known in my lifetime.”

—Sister Joan Kirby Temple of Understanding United Nations Office “Until his last breath he continued to pursue his dedication to the cause of the unity of all religions, which is the message of my father and of Gandhi. In the spirit we are united beyond time and space.”

—Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, Spiritual Head, Sufi Order International.

“Gurudev very much reminded me of my blessed Hassidic masters whose characters manifested humility, wisdom, knowledge, experience, love and joy.”

—Rabbi Joseph Gelberman President, All Faiths Seminary International and Rabbi of the New Synagogue “Swami Satchidananda has been and continues to be our great teacher and God’s special messenger.”

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—The Very Reverend James Parks Morton President, The Interfaith Center of New York

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Part II

The LOTUS

Interfaith Vision

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LOTUS Prayer

by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

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O Lord, the Light of Lights, You are the Indweller of the entire Universe.

You are the Light of Awareness.

You are the Light of our Consciousness.

You are the One who enlightens everything and everybody.

You are the One who makes the sun shine, the moon shine, Who makes the stars shine, who makes the fire burn.

Kindly lead us to that Light of Wisdom and remove the darkness of ignorance; enlighten our hearts.

Help us experience that Light within and without.

Help us see the same Light, the same Spirit dwelling everywhere in everything, or to be more accurate, as everything.

Help us to understand You and You alone through all these various forms and names, through all these different approaches and ways of worship.

Help us recognize the central unity. Help us realize we are Your image, Your children, no matter what the differences are.

Let us behold Your Spirit running through all.

Give us the strength and courage and capacity to experience that Peace and Joy and share that experience with everyone.

Help us to get away from these selfish temptations with which we are creating all the differences, all the fights, and all the wars.

We have suffered enough due to our ignorance.

Please guide us to know our brothers and sisters and to know we are all parts of your family.

Enlighten our paths, O the Light of Lights, Lord of Lords. Help us, guide us. 

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Fulfillment of a Dream

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Building LOTUS: Sri Gurudev and Lewis Thompson, foreman.

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Esteemed guests and celebrants of the world faiths, LOTUS dedication, l986.

The LOTUS

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Thousands throng to the LOTUS dedication, l986.

PURPOSE OF The LOTUS The Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS) was dedicated during a two-day ceremony in July 1986. The program included the World Faiths Symposium held at the Charlottesville Performing Arts Center with dignitaries and religious leaders speaking about global harmony. The following day, more than 3,000 people gathered in Yogaville for ceremonies at the LOTUS. Dedicated to the Light of all faiths and to world peace, the LOTUS is unique in the world. It is the first interfaith Shrine to include altars for all faiths known and yet unknown. People of all backgrounds and beliefs can feel at home to pray or meditate inside the LOTUS. The LOTUS serves as a reminder that, while God may be approached through a variety of names and forms, the Truth behind all of them is the same. There is unity in the diversity. The LOTUS exists to show that it is possible for people of

all faiths to come together—without denying anyone’s individual beliefs—to realize their spiritual unity. We can all walk together and live together, enjoying our differences, yet knowing that we are all one in Spirit. It is a sanctuary for silent contemplation and prayer—for everyone.

DESIGN The LOTUS was conceived of and designed by Sri Gurudev. The Shrine is built in the shape of a lotus flower. The lotus lives in the water, gently floating on the top, without becoming wet. This lovely flower is an ancient symbol for the spiritual unfoldment of the soul.

The spiritually-realized person lives in “the waters of the world,” yet is not disturbed or influenced by them. Such a person can beautifully serve the world. The Shrine is set amidst the peace and calm of a 16-acre lake, with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. It is adorned with pools, waterfalls, and a grand

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cupola topped with a golden spire. Breathtaking, panoramic views are available from several overlook sites.

Before entering the Shrine itself, one may visit the Reception Building and the Display Hall. The Reception Building contains an information desk and a gift shop. The Display Hall offers a photographic account of Sri Gurudev’s many interfaith meetings around the world and of the construction of The LOTUS. Two Peace Poles, which were dedicated in July 1988, stand in front of these entry buildings. They are inscribed in eight languages with the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” From this area, the visitor walks through the Grand Archway—with its symbols of the world’s faiths overhead—and along the reflecting pond. Leaving all worldly thoughts behind, one enters the serene, healing atmosphere of the Shrine.

—Cardinal Francis Arinze, President Vatican Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue “It is my pleasure to send greetings on the occasion of the Grand Dedication of the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). I share your commitment to the cause of world peace and unity among all people. You have my best wishes for a successful dedication ceremony.”

—Gerald L. Baliles, Governor Commonwealth of Virginia, 1986

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“I send my greetings on the occasion of the opening of the ‘World Faiths Symposium.’ In today’s divided world, any and all honest efforts to bring persons of various faiths together to explore more deeply the spiritual dimension of human life are to be encouraged and applauded. The concerns of our world are many, as are the needs of the human family today. People are not automatons or machines determined by the forces of biology or history, but responsible agents for building together a better, more humane, more godly world. People of all faiths who recognize this have much to discuss, much to share from their spiritual experience, and much common cause to make on behalf of humanity. I ask God to bless your efforts here today in that direction.”

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INTERIOR SHRINE The ascending light in the sanctuary at the upper level of the Shrine can be seen from the Grand Archway. This column of light rises from the central altar to the top of the dome, where it divides into twelve rays to illuminate altars set within the petals of the LOTUS. Each altar represents a major faith, and resting upon it is a carved inscription about the Light from that faith. Other known faiths and those that are still unknown are also represented. Following the central rising light as it divides to shine on each altar, one is reminded that all faiths have, as their source, the same Light.

Conversely, following the guiding rays of any faith, we are led back to that one, universal Light. The lower level of the Shrine houses the All Faiths Hall, with displays of scriptures, pictures, and other sacred objects from the various faiths. The Shrine’s interior measures 54 feet in diameter and 29 feet in height, with the clerestory and spire rising an additional 17 feet. The exterior measures 108 feet, including the open petals, and appears to be floating in the reflecting pond that encircles it.

Sri Gurudev contemplating the one Light, in the LOTUS Sanctuary.

interfaith

DIALOGUE

by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

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Sri Gurudev honored during interfaith service with Secretary-General Kofi Annan prior to United Nations General Assembly opening, 1999.

Interfaith dialogue is designed to bring people together so that we can remember the unity behind the diversity. It is not saying that there should be one religion to which we should all belong. And it is certainly not asking that you leave your religion to join another religion. It doesn’t believe in that kind of conversion. Just because I love my mother, should I ask you to renounce your mother and only love my mother? I should know that just as I love my mother, you also love your mother. That is why in the name of interfaith dialogue we are saying, “Let us love all our mothers.”

other. It’s happening everywhere. The Hindus and Muslims are wreaking havoc in Sri Lanka. The Sikhs and the Hindus are tearing apart northern India. Catholics and the Christians have fought for years in northern Ireland. Is that the purpose behind religion? Do you think our God will be happy? Because we are one in Spirit, it doesn’t mean that you should renounce your own path or approach.

That is not unity; that is conversion. Real unity means accepting all the various approaches, and that is what interfaith understanding is all about.

We are literally destroying ourselves in the name of religion. We criticize each other’s faiths, proclaiming, “Mine is the best, yours is the worst.” Even the same religious groups have splintered factions. Muslim factions in the Middle East are killing each

Sometimes people ask if the interfaith approach is an effort to have all faiths merge into one. That is not the point. When things become uniform they become boring. If there is only one kind of flower in the garden, it’s no longer a garden. Should the flowers

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fight about their colors, their scents, their shapes, and forms? Should they hate each other for their differences? We seem to appreciate the variety, texture, shapes, and scents of the flowers as they blend together to create a beautiful bouquet of flowers. God created all this variety for us to enjoy and for this beauty to enrich our lives.

Our aim should be to understand the unity and enjoy the variety.

of egoistic groups who are fighting with each other, who are claiming that only their path is right.

If you follow the teachings of one individual, or of one faith, that doesn’t mean that everyone should follow the same thing. The one and same Spirit expresses itself in many names and forms to suit

Interfaith discussions during a Temple of Understanding board meeting. (r-l) Dr. Robert Muller, Fr. Thomas Keating, Dr. Karan Singh, Sri Gurudev, 1984.

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You can be loyal to your parents, your religion, your country, and at the same time you can love and respect another person’s allegiances. We can love our own faith and respect the other person’s faith as well. There is nothing contradictory in that. You don’t have to renounce one to love another. Ultimately, we all aim for the same truth while walking on different paths. So, in the name of interfaith understanding, we are not advocating uniformity, but universality. There are many conferences now being organized worldwide to promote this kind of interfaith perspective.

The World’s Parliament of Religions took place in 1893. The centennial of this great event was commemorated in 1993 with a Parliament in Chicago that included H. H. the Dalai Lama, among other leaders. Pope John Paul II was among the religious leaders who attended the interfaith summit in Assisi, Italy. There are Interfaith delegation with President Bush, Thanksgiving, 1990. so many interfaith gatherings now. Why? The time has come and the world has shrunk. We cannot separate ourselves and deny each other anymore because we the age, time, and place. In one place God is called Yahweh. In are aware, more than ever, that we are a global village. It’s time to another place people may follow Jesus. Another will pray to Buddha. Yet another will believe in Mohammed. There’s no need understand each other better and to live as one global family. to claim that only one should be worshipped.

The purpose of any religion is to educate us about our spiritual unity. However, more people have been killed in the name of God When we fight in the name of religion, we divide ourselves in the and religion than in all of the natural calamities and world wars name of God. This is terribly wrong. It is disconcerting enough combined. That means that religion has gotten caught in the hands that we separate ourselves by country, by region, by race,

by language, by political beliefs, and so on. We have put labels that say, “This is my land, that’s your land.” We have even divided the sea, “my sea,” “your sea” you see? Then we have even divided the sky, “This is our sky. Your flight should not go over our sky.”

How small our vision is, how little-minded we have become. We want to grab everything and label it as “ours.”

If there is only one God, did that God create only the Christians?

Who created the Buddhists, Hindus, or even the atheists? Is there a different God for the atheists, then? No. There’s only one God.

of the religions—the sages and prophets who gave us these beautiful paths—that are dividing us. They want us to be together. It is the people who make use of religion for their own benefit or for political reasons who are literally dividing humanity in the name of that which is supposed to unite us. We must do everything within our capacity to follow the principle that we should not and cannot divide ourselves in the name of God and religion.

The various religions can be looked at like various types of candies. They may have different forms but they are all made of

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Sri Gurudev was named a “Fellow of World Thanksgiving.” Also pictured (far left) are Cardinal Arinze and other religious leaders, Dallas, 1985.

As children of that one God, we are the rightful heirs to the entire world. Everything that God created belongs to all of us and our future generations. The entire world belongs to us, to be shared by us as one family of God. Nobody can put a label and say, “This is mine alone.” All the resources of the world are given to us for our use and we have a responsibility as stewards on this earth. Nobody has ever taken anything with them when they left this world and nobody has brought anything with them when they came into this world. Have you ever seen any baby coming out with a penny in the mouth? Later on that person may become a millionaire. But then how many millions will they take with them when they go?

In between, God has given us the bounty of this earth to make use of for the highest good of all concerned.

So, it should be no surprise that even our God has not escaped from that. One will say, “Krishna is the best.” Another will argue, “No, you are wrong; Jesus is the only way.” Yet another will challenge, “Allah is the best.” This kind of fighting is going on and on and has already killed enough people. It’s not the religions or the founders

the same sugar. Have you ever seen candymakers boiling the same sugar syrup and then pouring it into various molds? One mold will be round-shaped, one will be in the shape of a horse, and so on.

If you see children come along into the candy shop, one may pick out a lollipop in the shape of the horse, while another chooses a multicolored rainbow-shaped pop. The one child will lick the horse-shaped pop and declare, “Yummy. Mine is so good.” The other child might say, “Mine is better than yours.” Then the first child may reply, “No, mine is sweeter than yours.” And a verbal tug of war may continue until the shopkeeper declares, “Hey, wait just a minute. It’s all made of the same sugar. So, don’t fight. You enjoy your pop and you enjoy yours.”

As adults we can listen to this story and laugh at the childishness and limited vision. We realize that the children are young and don’t recognize the truth behind their lollipops—that they are made from the same stuff. We will think that all their fighting is cute or silly.

We may even say, “Kids will be kids.” But if only we could realize that we are all like those kids in the candy store when we go to our

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different places of worship. Rather than criticizing, making fun, or fighting with each other, let’s enjoy our lollipops!

the capacity of seeing the Spirit in others, I should first of all know that I am by nature the Spirit making use of this body and mind.

Truth is one. That is why my motto has always been, “Truth is One, Paths are Many.” The great sages and saints have experienced the same truth but only expressed it in different ways. It does not matter what name you give to the nameless Spirit. Because the Christians called the Spirit as Christ, they say Christ is the only way.

Because Buddhists called the Spirit Buddha, they say the only way is through Buddha. The “only way” is to experience that Spirit—you are free to call it whatever you like. The only way to eternal peace and joy is to realize that Christhood or Buddhahood or Krishnahood. But when we miss that point, we fight in the name of Spirit.

Don’t we see so many different tools in a workshop? Why do we need all different types of tools? Isn’t there one tool to do all the jobs? No, there isn’t. We need pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, chisels, wrenches, and saws. Can we say that one is superior and one is inferior? The chisel may be very straight, polished, and sharp.

Should the chisel laugh at the saw because of its shape? Each tool is designed for a particular use. And even though they have different

There are so many things that can separate and divide us. We often divide ourselves by our definitions. We say, “I’m an American,” or “I’m an Australian.” And, “I am white,” or “I am black.” We also say, “I am fat,” or “I am thin,” “I am a boy,” or “I am a girl.” Further still, we say, “I am Christian,” or “I’m Hindu,” or “I’m a Jew.” My color may be different from your color. Her color may be different from somebody else’s color. We are all of various colors and hues because nature never makes duplicates. There is constant variety throughout the creation. But inside, we all have the same light; we are all made in the image of God. The same light is shining through many different colored lamps. That’s the reason why we look different.

When we look at the outside alone, we will only see differences.

But when we go a little deeper, we see the oneness. Don’t we say that “beauty is only skin deep.” Scratch less than one millimeter beneath the surface and we all have the same color blood. So, if we see the difference, we are different; we are separate. Either we are friends or enemies. But if we see the Spirit, we are same. I am you, you are me; we are not different.

We define ourselves in so many ways. We have all the differences and individual distinctions, but we are so much more. These definitions are what you use in order to function in this world.

The challenge given to each and every one of us is to remember that oneness behind the outer differences.

We can look at another example. Doesn’t a painter have a lot of different color paints? Which color is the most important? Maybe for one painting, the painter uses certain basic colors more often.

One of two of the paints may be left sitting there in their tubeswith nothing to do. These colors need not condemn each other. The colors used more often need not taunt the others saying, “Oh, look at that. The painter never even touched you. You are simply

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What is it that we should see if we really want peace and harmony?

We should see the one unifying factor, the Spirit. If we see the Spirit in us, we realize that we are all one. If we forget the Spirit and see only the body and mind we will see the differences. And wherever there are differences, there is either a fight or fun. Either you are a friend or an enemy. That’s why instead of only seeing the physical and mental frame of the people, also see the Spirit. And even to get

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God gave each of us a different costume, different makeup, a different role, in order to play our part in the world. But behind One of several private audiences with H. H. Pope Paul VI. The Vatican, 1970. all these differences we are all one in Spirit. When we forget that and identify ourselves with the superficial differences, we lose sight of the spiritual oneness. So, religion asks us to get back shapes, colors, and uses, they are all part of a tool set. There is a to that original state. The very meaning of the word “religion” is unity within their diversity. With that understanding, all the tools can coexist in an atmosphere of peace, respect, and harmony. to “bind back;” to get back to your original oneness.

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with nothing to do. These colors need not condemn each other. The colors used more often need not taunt the others saying, “Oh, look at that. The painter never even touched you. You are simply sitting there idly. We are the ones who are being used more.” No. Maybe towards the very end the painter may just take that one unused color to give one stroke to make the whole picture come to life. In the same way, nobody is unwanted or undesirable.

Climber #2 replies, “No, no. You’ve got it all wrong. It’s only this road that leads to the summit.” Climber #1 may get annoyed and say, “You fool, don’t you get it? You are definitely on the wrong path. If mine is the right path, then you’re on the wrong path.” They could keep arguing and never get anywhere at all. But maybe it’s a good idea if they continue their climb on their respective paths.

And when they reach the summit, we might hear a conversation like this: Climber #1, seeing Climber #2, says, “Oh, I see now. Both paths come to the same place. I was shouting and finding fault with you, demanding that you join my path. That would have really delayed your reaching the top because you would have had to work your way back down the mountain and come around to where my path was.”

When you realize that both roads are ultimately going to the same place, you can easily admit, “You are also right. Let’s meet at the summit. You take your route; I’ll take mine.” That is what we mean by universality or ecumenism.

When we argue about what is the right path and whose religion is best, there is something terribly wrong with our approach. We are looking at the superficial side of religion and forgetting to go deep into its foundation.

If we did go deep, we would find that all the religions ultimately talk about the same God, the same Truth; but somehow we ignore that common The Interreligious Task Force meets with President Carter at the Carter Center, 1999. base and continue to fight over the superficial aspects. It is time for us to With this understanding, you won’t condemn anyone. You will recognize that there is one truth and many approaches. As long as realize that everyone has been made by God for a unique purpose. you are a spiritual seeker, follow your spiritual path with your goal Maybe you do not understand what that purpose is at this moment, in mind. Don’t worry about other people’s paths. Whatever path but one day you may know. You may ask me, “What purpose does you choose according to your temperament and taste, stay with that a person who does no good at all fulfill in God’s plan? I would say consistently. Though God can be approached through any form or that, perhaps, that person is given to you as an example of what not name, if you keep changing from one idea of God to another, you to be. We learn by all kinds of examples. won’t progress at all. You can’t travel on ten roads at the same time, even if they’re all going to Rome.

All the different religions are there to help us to achieve peace and communion. They may offer different prayers and practices, So, let us resolve to not fight in the name of religion. When the but all of these are designed to help us to commune with God or understanding comes that essentially we are one appearing as many, a Higher Power. There are many different roads that lead to the then all the other problems—physical and material—will be solved. same goal. Imagine a summit that can be approached by different Until then, they will never be solved because the basic cause for routes. One person starts from the eastern side; the other from the all the world problems is the lack of understanding of this spiritual west. As they are climbing they won’t see each other. But if both unity. Wherever you go say, “We look different, but we are all one had walkie-talkies they might have the following conversation. in Spirit. Hello, brother; hello sister.” We should embrace the Climber #1 might say to the other, “Hey, where are you headed?” entire universe with the understanding that God has a purpose for Climber #2 might respond: “I’m going up to the summit. What about everybody. Nobody is superior and nobody is inferior. No you?” Climber #1 then says, “I am also going to the summit and religion is superior and no religion is inferior. We are all doing the only way to get there is by walking along this road. You seem God’s work. We should learn to live together and work toward one to be on another road, so you should leave that and join this road.” goal: to share and care, love and give.

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What the LOTUS means to me

by Children of the 2002 Vidyalayam

“The LOTUS means to me that from muddy waters grow the most fragrant and beautiful flowers.” —Tara, age 5 “The LOTUS temple is Swamiji’s dream come true. All the different religions are shown inside the temple. Swamiji always says, ‘Truth is one, Paths are Many.” —Purnima, age 12 “The LOTUS tells me that all religions lead to the one God.” —Rani, age 8 “LOTUS is special to me because it makes me feel happy. I can skip stones in the lake and meditate at LOTUS.” —Thor, age 6

“Lotus is a place to worship and meditate.”—Madhuri, age 6 “The LOTUS is a place to pray. All are welcome to meditate in peace. The LOTUS is a colorful flower. The LOTUS Temple looks like a lotus. There are holy symbols in the meditation hall. There are holy books from all the religions. It was Swamiji’s idea to make the LOTUS. Swamiji blessed the LOTUS. And all the Vidyalayam now love to go to the LOTUS.”—Leela, age 8 “I love the LOTUS. It is a petal of love to me. My Sri Gurudev loved the LOTUS.”—Mahi, age 9

and by the Children of the 1990 Vidyalayam “LOTUS is very important to the world. It proves and reminds us that all religions are good. LOTUS is a temple of all religions.

It’s the first place in which all the religions are all together. The LOTUS also brings all different kinds of people from around the world together. The LOTUS means Truth, Light and it’s a universal shrine. The LOTUS is trying to make us all friends. We want to treat everybody equally. LOTUS wants to bring all friends together and have them accept each other for who they are and what religion they practice. We just want Peace.” —Geni Oba, age 10

“What does LOTUS mean? Just another tourist attraction? No! LOTUS is a symbol of peace, a place where all religions have great value, a place to come when you think life has no meaning, a place to come when you want peace. Just walk in, and walk out feeling much better. That’s what it’s there for.” —Dayalan Otto, age 11.

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“LOTUS is important because it unites all religions. It shows that all religions are equal. They all use God as light. It tries to stop fighting in the name of religions. People are prejudiced against one another because of different views. I am sometimes mad at others when they don’t like my ideas. But, I am learning that if we could cooperate and see how much our ideas are the same, we wouldn’t fight so much. LOTUS shows the unity of all the religions.” —Mohan Hansma, age 11

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The Yantra and Its Symbols

The Integral Yoga Yantra (pictured above), a fundamental part of the LOTUS complex, is a geometrical pattern which represents the entire universe and is used for meditation. The symbols of various faiths that are a part of the Yantra are seen inside the LOTUS above the individual altars. The quotations beneath each symbol reproduced here were taken from the altars inside the LOTUS. Close examination of the faiths of the world reveals their basic unity.

There are certain principles and truths on which they all agree. The structural core of every religion is some form of prayer or com-

munion with the Divine, combined with love and service to fellow beings. The essence of every religion is an experience of the heart.

Faiths differ in their exterior forms, ceremonies, and ideas because of cultural, racial, and historical factors.

True religion is a way of life, and a truly religious person of any faith will exhibit the same noble qualities of contentment, joy, love, mercy, and kindness. We are all sparks of Divinity. Since all paths lead to the same goal, let each individual choose and follow any road that leads to that Light.

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YANTRA SYMBOLS These symbols (shown at right), appear on the outermost petals of the Yantra and are the visible indication of the deepest teaching of H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda—that “Truth is One, Paths are Many.”

They represent the twelve faiths on the altars in the upper sanctuary of LOTUS. These altars circle and connect to the central altar honoring the One Light.

The inscriptions at right are found on each of those altars and demonstrate the idea common to all faiths—that of exalting the Universal Light.

There is one Cosmic Essence—all-pervading, all-powerful. This nameless, formless Essence can be approached by any name, any form, any symbol that suits the taste of the individual. Variety is necessary for enjoyment. If life were the same everywhere, it would become monotonous. Follow your religion, but try to understand the real purpose behind all of its rituals and traditions, and experience that Oneness.

HINDUISM “In the effulgent lotus of the heart dwells Brahman, the Light of Lights.”

—Mundaka Upanishad JUDAISM “The Lord is my Light; whom shall I fear?”

—Psalms

ISLAM “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.”

—Holy Koran

CHRISTIANITY “I have come into the world as a light.”

—Holy Bible

BUDDHISM “The radiance of Buddha shines ceaselessly.”

—Dhammapada SIKHISM “God, being Truth, is the one Light of all.”

—Adi Granth

—H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER

AFRICAN FAITHS “God is sun beaming light everywhere.”

—Tribal African

NATIVE AMERICAN “The Light of Wakan-Taka is upon my people.”

—Song of Kablaya OTHER KNOWN FAITHS “Truth is One, Paths are Many.”

FAITHS STILL UNKNOWN

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—H. H. Sri Swami Sivananda

TAOISM “Following the Light, the sage takes care of all.”

—Lao Tsu

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O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love.

Salutations and prostrations unto Thee.

Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent, and Omniscient, Thou art Satchidananda (ExistenceKnowledge-Bliss Absolute), Thou art the Indweller of all beings, Grant us an understanding heart, Equal vision, balanced mind, Faith, devotion and wisdom; Grant us inner spiritual strength To resist temptations and to control the mind; Free us from egoism, lust, greed, anger and hatred; Fill our hearts with divine virtues.

Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms.

Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms.

Let us ever remember Thee.

Let us ever sing Thy glories.

Let Thy Name be ever on our lips.

Let us abide in Thee for ever and ever.

SHINTO “The light of Divine Amaterasu shines forever.”

—Kuosumi Munetada

“Revered Swamiji fulfilled his vision during his lifetime and if there is anything remaining to be done, it will be done through all his dedicated disciples under his divine guidance. He is now everywhere, out of the cage, inspiring many, many admirers. We will of course miss his physical presence but we realize his divine presence all over. Om Shanthi.”

—Dr. Jayaraman, Executive Director Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, U.S.A.

“Swami Satchidananda was verily an ocean of love. Love flowed out of him in an endless, ceaseless stream. His love moved out not merely to human beings, but to all God’s creation. He loved every grain of sand, every drop of water, every ray of sunshine. And his love was unconditional. I bow down to him and seek his blessings”.

—Dada J. P. Vaswani Sadhu Vaswani Mission

“How blessed the world is to have seen such a One, and we rejoice that he himself had such a long and noble life, working right to the very end in promoting peace and uplifting humanity as only he could.”

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—Paramacharya Palaniswami Editor-in-chief, Hinduism Today

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PART III

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Sri Gurudev’s service broke all barriers and limits imposed by long held notions represented by this classic quote: “East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet.” He brought the East to the West and West to the East in an extremely fruitful cross-pollination.

East to West

Over the years Sri Gurudev was a frequent guest speaker and advisor to Indian communities around the world. In the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean islands, he became a principle advisor to Indian communities in planning their temples and cultural centers, often suggesting that Jains, Hindus, and Sikhs combine their funds to build one facility that could be shared by all.

dance form, traditional chanting, and forms of worship, and also spent many informal evenings asking Sri Gurudev questions. As they shared their cares with him, he taught them to respect their heritage and to feel that they belong to both the East and the West.

Since 1983, Sri Gurudev was repeatedly invited to speak at conferences of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the United States. He was a frequent guest at India festivals around the country, including the inauguration of the Festival of India in Washington, D.C., which was also attended by then Vice-President and Mrs. Bush and the late Prime Minister and Mrs. Rajiv Gandhi. In 1993, Sri Gurudev was a special guest speaker at “Vision 2000,” a gathering of three thousand people in honor of the centenary of The World’s Parliament of Religions.

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Most critically, Sri Gurudev was a friend and counselor to Indian children growing up in Western cultures. Often, these children are caught between two cultures, attempting to solve their dilemma by rejecting their Indian heritage. Through his Fine Arts Society, Sri Gurudev was able to give these children a taste of the rich Indian culture in the form of music and dance classes. Since 1988, he provided a Bharata Natyam Summer Camp, taught by the renowned V. P. and Shanta Dhananjayan. Here, the children learned the ancient Indian

Sri C. Subramaniam presents Sri Gurudev with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s highest honor of Honorary Patron, New York, 1994.

Also pictured (far right) is Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Throughout the years, Sri Gurudev and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (the Institute of Indian Culture) held each other in the highest esteem. They shared one another’s dedication to human welfare, a philosophy of education, Hindu values, and world peace. Whenever Sri Gurudev traveled to India, the different branches of the Bhavan would arrange for him to speak to their membership and give public lectures. In l992, when the Bhavan was planning to expand its activities in the United States, they asked Sri Gurudev to be the patron of their organization in this country.

The “Festival of India,” New Jersey 1991. (l-r) Sri Pramukh Swami, Swami Chinmayanandaji, Muni Sushil Kumar, Sri Gurudev.

In 1983, Sri Gurudev accompanied a delegation of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan officials on a tour throughout the United States. On their behalf, he inaugurated the celebrations of “India Week” and “Interfaith Peace Week” in San Francisco, California. Throughout the tour he joined the delegation in discussing proposed projects of the Bhavan with industrialists and dignitaries, including (then) Mayor Diane Feinstein,

Truth Is One Paths Are Many Truth Is One Paths Are Many

former U.S. Ambassador to India Professor Robert Goheen, and then Indian Ambassador Sri Narayana. He attended the inauguration of the New England chapter of the Bhavan in Boston and spoke in Cambridge, Massachusetts at a Harvard School of Divinity seminar on “Moral Implications of Gandhian Thought.” In Baltimore the mayor of the city gave him an honorary award as patron of the Bhavan.

This close relationship between Sri Gurudev and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has continued over the years, with Bhavan organizers inviting him to attend and speak at their programs at the United Nations and all over the world and with Sri Gurudev inviting Bhavan officials to attend programs as well as to lecture and teach at his Ashrams and centers. In 1994, Sri Gurudev was presented with the Bhavan’s highest distinction of “Honorary Patron.”

Most recently, Sri Gurudev was invited to be a keynote speaker at the “2002 Celebration of the Year of Non-Violence” organized by the Bhavan.

Sri Gurudev generously spread the ancient wisdom of Yoga throughout the West, serving the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community, and inspiring a deeper understanding of his culture. He transplanted examples of his beloved heritage to Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville through the Fine Arts Society, the Lord Nataraja Shrine, and various aspects of the Ashram.

Thus, in his gentle, gracious manner, Sri Gurudev was able to impart the value and richness of his spiritual tradition and make it accessible to the Westerner.

Appreciating a Bharat Ratna cover story, Hong Kong, 1995.

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Universal Satchidananda Society for Truth of All Religions

“Service above self:” Addressing the Rotary Club, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, 1989.

On behalf of the Universal Satchidananda Society for Truth of All Religions-Canada, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the religious conference and cultural programme. These programmes not only provide opportunities for us to meet and welcome Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj but also to understand and emulate the teachings of Sri Gurudev.

Our Society is being established in Canada, under the guidance and patronage of Sri Gurudev, with a view to promote the “unity in diversity” which is a very important aspect in a great country such as Canada. Canada is a home to many communities and it is important to have an institution to foster the common ideals that are found in every religion.

I would like to mention that Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj, who has established and taught his principles of religious unity in many countries, has established a world community (Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville) and the LOTUS in Virginia, U.S.A. that are dedicated to all humanity.

The Juliet Hollister Award recipients: Sri Gurudev and Maestro Ravi Shankar, New York, l996.

Sri Vyra Karunananthan, President Sri Uthayakaren Thurairajah, Secretary, November 1996 The Universal Satchidananda Society for Truth of All Religions is one example of the many global organizations inspired by Sri Gurudev’s interfaith service.

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Dr. P. Jayaraman, (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan) offers first Ayushya homa in U.S.A. for Sri Gurudev’s long life, Yogaville 1994.

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Our Revered Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj, a world-renowned spiritual leader, has dedicated his life to the cause of peace and to religious harmony among all. We will be honored by the presence of Sri Gurudev. His presence is an inspiration that I am sure will inspire and help us in our endeavour to honour and carry on his message to humanity.

KAILASH in Yogaville

“As long as we r e main in ignorance, we go through suffering under His foot. Then, when we cry for enlightenment, He says, ‘Fear not.

Come unto My raised foot and you will be saved.’”

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–H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda “With the Omniscient dancing, the worlds tremble and shake; The Lord dances knowing the limits of our hearts; With the Omniscient dancing, the many elements are on the move; Deriving pleasure from the dance of the Holy Flame.”

—Tirumantiram, verse 2722

The Lord Siva Nataraja: Vision of the Sacred Dance

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Above: Dedication of the Kailash Shrine, Yogaville, 1991. (l-r) Dr. Seshagiri Rao, Sri Subramuniyaswami’s assistant, Mrs. Hollister, Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, Sri Gurudev, Dr. Singh, Mrs. Singh, Ambassador and Mrs. Mainju.

Left: Sri Gurudev and Dr. Karan Singh place sacred objects in the foundation of Kailash during the Bhoomi Puja, l990.

The site is known as Kailash, named after the holy abode of Lord Siva in the Himalayas. Siva Nataraja, the King of Cosmic Dance, dances within a flaming halo symbolizing the eternal Om. Through the generosity of Sri Dr. Karan Singh, and his wife, Princess Yasho, a magnificent bronze statue of Lord Nataraja adorns the majestic hilltop overlooking the LOTUS. In this befitting tribute, Dr. Karan Singh recalls his long association with Sri Gurudev.

On August 10, 2002, in South India, we sat next to each and addressed the “World Congress on Global Vision and Strategies for Peace, Nonviolence and Harmony.” He brought light and guidance to thousands of people across the globe. Yogaville, of course, is a permanent memorial to this remarkable man, but even more, are all his followers and admirers around the world.

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—Karan Singh New Delhi, India Dr. Karan Singh, M.P., is the former Prince of Kashmir, a former Indian Ambassador to the United States, and former cabinet minister of India. He is a Member of the Parliament of India and a true man of peace.

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Soon thereafter I sent from India a beautiful seven-foot statue of Lord Nataraja, for which Sri Swamiji built a glass temple. The installation in 1991 was indeed a memorable event attended among others by Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, who established the Saiva Siddhanta Church in Hawaii, and Juliet Hollister, the dynamic American woman who founded The Temple of Understanding, a worldwide interfaith organization. A unique feature of the Nataraja Temple at Yogaville is that it is so constructed that the great image

From then on, my contact with Sri Swamiji deepened and I made it a point to visit Yogaville every year as a pilgrimage. I was much impressed by the tremendously rich contribution made by Swamiji in the field of Yoga education classes, publication of books, journals and tapes and his creative participation in many interfaith gatherings. The LOTUS itself is unique, and in the same hall there are niches for all the great religions of the world. This is truly an interfaith temple.

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Sri Swami Satchidananda was a truly remarkable person, having served Hinduism and humanity for almost seven decades in India and the United States. My personal association with him was very warm. During my brief tenure as Ambassador to the United States, I visited his beautiful spiritual community in Yogaville, Virginia, and we decided that a Nataraja temple be constructed at the highest point on the hill overlooking the LOTUS.

of Nataraja actually revolves, surely the only one of its kind anywhere in the world.

The Indian Art of Dance Flourishes in U.S.A.

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Sri Gurudev was committed to the youth of our world as the future citizens of our society. To ensure their spiritual, intellectual, and social d e v e l o p m e n t , h e provided two multilevel international schools, w h i c h a r e “ t e m p l e s o f learning,” based on his own philosophy of education. The goal of the Yogaville Vidyalayam (U.S.A.) and Satchidananda J o t h i Nikethan (in Coimbatore District, I n d i a ) is to produce s a i n t l y people. In addition t o academic teaching, the students learn Yoga, meditation, and the fine arts.

Sri Gurudev knew that classical dance and music were important ways of expressing one’s worship and devotion. He said, “From Vedic times, art in India has been spiritual, developing and flourishing in the precincts of temples, aspiring to reflect the divinity of human beings through their creative faculties; thus, it is regarded as Yoga and as a means of Self-Realization.”

to Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Virginia where she directs the Fine Arts Society (FAS). Mrs. Rasiah, former director of the FAS in Sri Lanka, is renowned for her own musical abilities and dynamic enthusiasm for organization that enabled the FAS to expand and flourish in the West.

The Society is dedicated to promoting the fine arts of music, dance, and drama in all their magnificent forms. But there are hundreds of institutes of fine art in the United States. What sets the FAS apart?

First and foremost, it seeks to promote peace and goodwill and emphasize harmony in its highest sense within and without. The FAS invites artists of all traditions and cultures to perform, thus imparting knowledge in a universal way. In attending FAS events one delights in the experience of the unity of art and religion through the medium of music and dance. In addition to its regular activities, the FAS also sponsors special summer camps and Bharata Natyam Teachers Workshops.

Padmarani Rasiah-Cantu (daughter of Mrs. Rasiah), is the resident dance teacher and choreographer of the FAS. Padmarani was trained in Bharatha Natyam in her native Sri Lanka and also in India under Padmasri Adyar K. Lakshman and Sri and Srimati V. P. Dhananjayan.

Masters of Indian dance at Yogaville: Srimati Shanta and Sri V. P. Dhananjayan.

Toward this end, he integrated these fine art forms into his Integral Yoga centers, even in the West. Sri Gurudev wanted Westerners to be exposed to, and gain an appreciation for, the classical dance form, Bharata Natyam. For this purpose he requested Mrs. Rukmini Rasiah of Sri Lanka, a longtime devotee of Sri Gurudev, to relocate

The Integral Yoga organization sponsored a European and North American dance tour for Padmarani and her brother Dr. Jeyarajan in the early l980s to wide acclaim. Padmarani is a remarkable artiste of international repute, celebrated as one of the most versatile Bharata Natyam dancers of our day. For over 10 years, Padmarani

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has been honored as a selected artist with the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Each year she tours prestigious colleges, schools, cultural and educational institutions to perform and to teach. In this way, more and more Americans have had the opportunity to experience this important dance form in its pure and pristine glory.

In 1988, the V. P. Dhananjayans, world-renowned artistes and directors of Bharata Kalanjali in Chennai, were invited to give a lecture demonstration on Bharatha Natyam at the FAS in Yogaville.

There was such a tremendous response from those attending, that the Dhananjayans were invited to return that summer to conduct a residential camp in Bharata Natyam for young students who were unable to go to India but wanted to study with the finest Indian dance masters. Although the camp had originally been planned as

help the Indian children in America to maintain the link with their cultural heritage.

Kavita, Meera, and Anjana, daughters of Dr. and Mrs. Pathmarajah of Lancaster, California, have been attending the Camp for some years now. They are very enthusiastic about their participation in the camp saying, “The Camp has instilled in us the importance of discipline in controlling our senses and serving the world with love. . . . Our teachers have invoked in us a deep devotion, and have impelled us to dedicate our actions and enhance our devotion and dedication through selfless s e r vice.”

The year 1998 was a very special

“From Vedic times, art in India has been spiritual . . . thus, it is regarded as Yoga and as a means of Self-Realization.” a onetime event, the FAS was literally flooded with requests for this program, particularly from parents of Indian children being raised in the U.S.A. These parents, often desperate to preserve the Hindu heritage of their children, beseeched the FAS and Dhanajayans to continue the camp on a yearly basis which it has done for the past fifteen years.

In 1998, the FAS held a special celebration for its 14th anniversary and the 10th year of the annual Natya Adyayana Gurukulam. To celebrate these occasions, a commemorative dance production, “Satyam Sivam Sundaram,” on an interfaith theme, was specially choreographed by the Dhananjayans and Padmarani. It was performed by the senior students who had been attending the camps regularly, along with live orchestra accompaniment from Bharata Kalanjali, Chennai, India. Sri Gurudev presided over the festivities.

Among the honored invitees were Dr. Karan Singh, Sri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, and Dr. P. Jayaraman, Executive Director of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, U.S.A.

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The Bharata Natyam Camp offers a most ideal and comprehensive learning experience: Yoga, dance, music, chants, lectures on world religions, and question-and-answer sessions with the swamis. Children of all ages enjoy the atmosphere at the Camp where they learn much, and at the end of each camp, say they look forward to the next one.

The annual Natya Adyayana Gurukulam has gone a long way to

The sisters wax poetic about the experience of participating in the Camp as they have grown up, “When we first went there, we were like little seeds planted by our parents, which had grown into the bud of a lotus. As the years have gone by, the bud has been exposed to light, and each individual petal has been bathed in rays of knowledge.”

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Through Mrs. Rasiah’s efforts, a performing arts hall in Yogaville was completed and recently extended as the annual Natya Adyayana Gurukulam (Bharata Natyam Summer Camp) continues to expand to accommodate the waiting list of children from the U.S.A. and abroad. As this Camp celebrated its 14th year in 2002, the Dhananjayans were especially reflective about how proud they feel to be conducting this program. “What I like most about it is that there is total discipline, devotion, and dedication there. There is a home environment, healthy vegetarian food, clean air, good care, plenty of charm, a great communion with nature, and a spiritual quest at Yogaville,” says Sri V. P. Dhanajayan. Shantha Dhananjayan added, “The Fine Arts Society has created a very good standard of classical Indian dance in the U.S.A. and has become a trend-setter for many dance schools there. As a result, the whole system of dance tutoring and learning process has undergone a change in the U.S.A. Every year we look forward to going over and keep aside all other activities in order to be present there every summer. It has now been 14 consecutive years that we have been there. Sri Gurudev’s vibration enlivens the children’s camp life. Our work has been enhanced by Padma’s brilliant work support with total dedication to her craft and her Guru.”

year for sisters Madhulika and Sruti Nataraja. Not only were they to enter college but they attended their 10th year as students of Mohini Shapero: a fully accomplished graduate. the Natya Adyayana Gurukulam. Growing up in Maryland, on the East Coast of the U.S.A., Madhu and Sruti’s parents were eager for their daughters to learn more about their Hindu culture.

West to East After establishing his international headquarters in the United States, Sri Gurudev never forgot his motherland and she did not forget him. At least yearly, he would travel to India.

He was always invited to speak at programs and conferences; he was interviewed by journalists, and visited hospitals and orphanages. He was presented with many honors including: the Peace Award by the Chennai Branch of UNESCO, the honorary title of Perarul Perumunivar (“Grace-filled, Great Sage”) by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, and the Honorary Patron award by the interfaith organization, Divyodaya.

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South Indian megastar Rajni Kant with his “Baba,” and Mrs. Kant.

Sri Gurudev wanted there to be an exchange from West to East as well. He often brought groups of his Western disciples with him during his regular trips to India. They had the opportunity to take part in the numerous conferences and programs that Sri Gurudev attended, and to visit ancient temples and ashrams.

On two occasions, Sri Gurudev brought a team of doctors, including Dr. Ornish and Dr. McLanahan to study and exchange ideas on Yoga and medicine. Through visits to such places as Benares Hindu University, the Madras Medical College, as well as Ayurvedic and Indian nature cure hospitals, Sri Gurudev sought to deepen the participants understanding of natural methods of curing disease and to bridge the gap between Western and Eastern medicine.

President K. R. Narayanan welcomes Sri Gurudev to New Delhi, 2001.

Indian humanitarians: (l-r) Shri D. R. Kaarthikeyan, Dr. Karan Singh, Sri Gurudev, New Delhi, 2001.

During the 1990s Sri Gurudev expanded his service in India. The Integral Yoga Institute in Coimbatore constructed a large facility including a satsang hall to accommodate several hundred people.

With Swami Divyanandaji serving as Executive Secretary and Sri K. Ramaswamy as the President, the IYI is flourishing, offering many Yoga classes, Yoga teacher training programs, and spiritual retreats for local residents and visiting foreigners.

Sri Gurudev’s birthplace in Chettipalayam is being preserved as a holy pilgrimage site and shrine to Sri Gurudev. It will also continue to be the site of charitable services and Yoga programs.

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Bharat Ratna M. S. Subbulakshmi sang enchanting devotional songs for Sri Gurudev’s 75th Jayanthi (birthday), Chennai, India, 1989.

Officially opening The Temple of World Peace with Chief Minister Sri Karunanidhi and Temple founder, Dr. V. G. Santhosam, Chennai, 1999.

The RK Nature Cure Hospital expands; early 1970s. (l-r) Sri Shantalinga Adigal, Sri Gurudev, Sri G. K. Sundaram, Sri Krishnaswamy Gounder.

Loving luminaries: Sri Gurudev and Dada J. P. Vaswani, Pune, India.

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Sri Gurudev and President R. Venkataraman shared many years of warm association and mutual respect. Coimbatore, India, 1995.

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Sri K. Ramaswamy shows Sri Gurudev a beautiful, potential LOTUS site, South India 2001.

Inspired by Sri Gurudev, Dr. Aruna Vishwanathan (next to Sri Gurudev) and family open the Integral Ear Institute, amidst VIPs, Coimbatore, 2001.

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Ancient Wisdom—Modern Medicine

Dr. Aruna and family offer IEI land to build a LOTUS, Coimbatore, 2001.

Dr. Craig Bradley (far right) and the American surgical team are felicitated in Coimbatore, 1999.

Sri Gurudev’s influence in the health field extends around the globe all the way back to India, his native land. Sri Gurudev provided his birthplace and family home in Chettipalayam to be used as a free clinic for a number of years. He arranged for staffing by the Coimbatore Volunteer Doctors Association and the house was also the site for artificial limb services, Ayurvedic clinics, and other services as needed.

services and a wing of the hospital as the “Swami Satchidananda Gastroenterology Unit.” Dr. K. Sundaramoorthy named his opthalmology clinic and research center as the “LOTUS Vision Trust” and performed extensive cataract surgeries and other eye services in Sri Gurudev’s name.

Several devotees in the medical field wanted to offer their service in Sri Gurudev’s name. In the late 1980s, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital, a highly modernized facility, opened in Coimbatore.

Dr. S. Dharmalingam, one of the chief surgeons, dedicated his medical

Dr. Amrita McLanahan introduced a colleague, Dr. Craig Bradley, to Sri Gurudev. In 1999, in consultation with Sri Gurudev, Dr. Bradley and Dr. McLanahan arranged for a team of plastic surgeons to travel from the U.S.A. to South India to perform free lip and cleft palate repairs on children in need. Dr. and Mrs. P. Vishwanathan and

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Sri Gurudev talks with Dr. K. Sundaramoorthy during the LOTUS Vision Research Trust opening, Coimbatore, 1993.

“Sri Gurudev inspired Indian doctors to lead more dedicated One of Sri Gurudev’s many visits to bless patients in local hospitals. lives and to extend their selfless service to the needy.”

—Dr. Amrita McLanahan

Sri Gurudev attends the opening of the Dean Ornish Heart Care and Holistic Health Support Foundation, Coimbatore, India, 1999.

Dr. Dharmalingam names this division of Kovai Medical Center and Hospital for Sri Gurudev, Coimbatore, 1991.

family have been devotees for many years. Their eldest daughter, Dr. Aruna, worked with the surgical team and arranged for them to perform these surgeries at GRG Hospital.

With the increase of heart disease in India, Sri Gurudev felt that Dean Ornish’s program for reversing heart disease should be available throughout India, the birthplace of Yoga. With Sri Gurudev’s assistance, Dr. Ornish’s programs are being offered through Dr. Ramesh Kapadia in Ahmedabad and the Dr. Dean Ornish Holistic Health Foundation (founded by Sri Jayaveerapandian) in Chennai. Additionally, Dr. Ornish’s books are now printed in India, his program is used throughout the country, and several centers training medical staff in this approach have been established.

Soon, Dr. Aruna felt she wanted to do more charitable service to the poor in the region. With Sri Gurudev’s guidance and blessings, she and her family founded the Integral Ear Institute (IEI, named after the IYIs) in 1999. The IEI offers early identification of childhood hearing loss, sound amplification, cochlear implants, and a residential school. It is also at this site outside of Coimbatore (in Golden Falls) that another LOTUS is to be constructed.

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Sri Gurudev with Dr. Bradley in surgery, 1999.

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Chettipalayam, Sri Gurudev’s childhood home and site of various charitable services.

Swami Lalitanandaji teaching Yoga at the Vivekalaya school, Coimbatore, 1993.

Integral Yoga Comes Home to South India The Integral Yoga Institute of Coimbatore was incorporated in l974 with the support of Dr. N. Mahalingam, Justice Sengottuvelan, and others. Over the years, Dr. Dharmalingam, Swamis Vidyanandaji and Vimalanandaji (from Sri Lanka), and Brahma Rosenberg served the IYI. In the following articles, Swami Lalitanandaji traces the acquisition of the first building for the IYI and Swami Divyanandaji, the current director, brings us up to date on current IYI activities.

From the moment I met Sri Gurudev in August of 1974, my childhood desire to live in India was re-awakened. I expressed my thoughts and desires to him shortly after my first trip in December 1975. He looked at me and through me and replied, “OK, we’ll see in the future what happens.” I never mentioned it again, knowing full well he understood the depth of my interest and commitment. However, as I was new to the Ashram, I would need many years of training in all aspects of the Yoga philosophy, as well as knowledge of how to run an IYI before undertaking such a huge endeavor half a world away.

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Finally, in November 1989, Sri Gurudev arranged for me to serve in India. I arrived in Coimbatore and stayed with Sri Gurudev’s cousin, Mr. K. Ramaswamy, and his family. Mr. Ramaswamy had worked tirelessly to obtain proper documentation to sponsor me. He and his family were very eager to have me set up an IYI and start to promote Sri Gurudev’s teachings throughout the area.

Our first function was the following month when we had a grand program in honor of Sri Gurudev’s Jayanthi. It was a huge success and from that point on, the IYI began to grow steadily. I was asked to teach Hatha Yoga classes, kirtan, and meditation, as well as moral instruction classes (based on Sri Gurudev’s teachings), to schools such as Mr. Nachimuthu Chettiar’s School, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and Vivekalaya. More requests came to give lectures and participate in various programs in the colleges, the Rotary Clubs, the Coimbatore Bar Association, and other organizations.

Upon Sri Gurudev’s next trip to India in December 1990, we began looking for a building to house the IYI and found a beautiful one. Over the years, classes increased at the IYI as did the duties involved in its administration. Sri Gurudev saw the work-load growing and marveled, saying “Lalitanandaji, you are doing the work of 10 people! I have to send you some help or your health will break down!” A few months later Swami Divyanandaji came

by Swami Lalitananda

and spent a year at the IYI assisting with classes and various programs.

The following year she returned to Yogaville in Virginia and Sri Gurudev sent Satya and Sadasiva Greenstone to take over the Coimbatore IYI so I could go and begin classes and programs in Madras where he had been requested to start up a branch.

Due to various problems encountered in trying to establish the Madras IYI, we were unable to continue the project at that time. After 6 years living in South India, I knew it was time to return to the United States, knowing that the Coimbatore IYI was well-established and would continue to grow in the future. After one year, the Greenstones went back to America and Swami Divyanandaji returned to Coimbatore where she has been serving ever since.

I am forever grateful to my Beloved Master, H. H. Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj, for giving me such a blessed opportunity in this lifetime to serve him in this endeavor and bring the teachings of Integral Yoga to his family, friends and the entire Coimbatore community.

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Above: Swami Divyanandaji (foreground) welcomes Sri Gurudev to the Integral Yoga Institute. Below: Sri Gurudev gives satsang, Coimbatore, 2001.

IYI Coimbatore: Expansion

by Swami Divyananda

In response to a further need for expansion, a new facility for the IYI was procured in 1996. From our terraced rooftop, one sees the temple of Maruda Malai from the distance. This is where Sri Gurudev’s great uncle, Kuttiappa, experienced the blessings of Lord Muruga. Sri Gurudev’s birthplace, the village of Chettipalayam, lies fifteen kilometers to the south. Also south and a bit to the west of Coimbatore is Perur Temple, where Sri Gurudev served as temple manager for some time. Situated as it is, amidst the landscape of Sri Gurudev’s childhood and in the devotional ambience of the Tamil people, the IYI has flourished.

During the most recent Jayanthi celebration in December 2002, at which the keynote speaker was the renowned actor Sri Rajni Kant, more than 15,000 attended the festivities. The teaching staff now includes 20 people, and on a typical day, more than 100 students attend classes.

The IYI also sponsors social service projects such as medical checkups, Yoga classes for orphaned children, and tree planting. Two of the children who attend Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan are on full scholarship, sponsored by several of Sri Gurudev’s American disciples. Every three months, the IYI, along with the JK Periaswamy Trust, runs a residential, Dean Ornish-style program for heart patients.

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In its own small way, the Coimbatore IYI is a meeting place for two cultures.

Western devotees gain new insight into Sri Gurudev’s teachings— and for many it is also very healing. As one visitor wrote, “I brought my soul home to rest for a while.”

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The IYI also organizes pilgrimages to South Indian temples and ashrams for both Western and Indian devotees. Some of these temples are more than two thousand years old, with mantra recitation going on for many hours each day. Experiencing the Shakti (spiritual energy and vibrations) in these temples is always a high point of our India tours.

Education with a spiritual foundation— one of Sri Gurudev’s gifts to the world for the next generation of leaders in the world’s largest democracy.

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SATCHIDANANDA JOTHI NIKETHAN Truth Is One Paths Are Many Truth Is One Paths Are Many

Yoga is a daily part of the curriculum at the Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan.

Sri Gurudev was born in Chettipalayam and received his education in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. For many years, he had a dream and vision of building a residential school in this area but it had to be in the right location. It was very important to Sri Gurudev that the school be in a location that had fresh air, good water supply, and plenty of open space for the children.

In 1995, a 45-acre site just at the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains, off the Ooty Road and outside of Mettupalayam in the Coimbatore District, was located. The land was lush and vibrant, the view breathtaking, and the property surrounded by all types of wildlife, including elephants in the nearby forest.

Words of encouragement from the SJN Founder, 2001.

Though extremely busy as Managing Director of Roots Industries Ltd. and IYI President, Mr. K. Ramaswamy came forward to head up the project, knowing how very dear it was to Sri Gurudev’s heart. The completion and ongoing success of the school is due, in large part, to the support of Mr. Ramaswamy and his entire family.

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The public function to officially inaugurate the school was held on June 7th and was attended by over 1,200 well-wishers. Among the dignitaries present were: Thavathiru Shanthalinga Ramaswamy Adigalar of the Perur Adheenam; Sri Pongalur N. Palanisamy, Honorable Minister for Forest and Animal Husbandry of Tamil Nadu; Sri D. R. Kaarthikeyan, former Human Rights Commission Director; Sri Krishnaswamy Gounder, founder of the Ramakrishna Nature Cure Hospital; and Srimati Chandrakanthi Govindarajulu, President of PSGR Krishnammal College for Women. Among Sri Gurudev’s longtime devotees who came from abroad were: Dr. Mohan Harilela, representing the entire Harilela family of Hong Kong; Mr. Vasudevan Rasiah, representing the Rasiah family and the Sri Lankan devotees; and Mr. Shankara Bookoff, Treasurer of Satchidananda Charity Funds, representing all of Sri Gurudev’s American devotees.

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Sri Gurudev was present to give his blessing for the construction to begin. On February 11th, 1996, a foundation stone-laying ceremony was held and, just sixteen months later the school opened for the first group of students. The inaugural functions began on May 26th, 1997 with Sri Gurudev in attendance. A Ganapathy homa (fire ceremony) invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha was performed by three Brahmin priests. After the recitation of mantras and offerings to the sacred fire, a holy thread was unraveled from the site of the homa (sacred fire). The thread was extended around the entire circumference of the school site. As Sri Gurudev explained, the purpose of the thread was to distribute

the sacred vibration of the homa throughout the entire school.

importance of having a warm relationship with the students.

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View of the Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan campus with the Nilgiri mountains as a majestic backdrop.

The school will reach its full capacity of 600 students from the 4th to 12th standards soon. The daily schedule begins with a 45-minute Hatha Yoga and meditation class.

All standard academic subjects are taught as well as computer science, South Indian classical music and dance, Western classical music, and drawing. After classes, the students have indoor and outdoor sports act i v i t i e s a n d g a m e s . I n a c c o r dance with the yogic teachings, all meals served are completely vegetarian.

The dignitaries who spoke emphasized the need for a school such The school is founded on the teachings of Sri Gurudev as reflected as this one which would stress honesty, integrity, sincerity, and all in his motto, “Truth is One, Paths are Many.” The children are such moral values and would cultivate the spirit of religious unity among all of the students. They expressed their admiration for Sri Gurudev’s vision in establishing such a school. In addressing the gathering, Sri Gurudev said, “If we impart education to the children at their tender age along with good conduct, character, virtues, and devotion, then that education becomes most useful.” One of the speakers described the school as, “The crest jewel of Sri Gurudev’s already brilliant work” and expressed the hope that it would become a “home away from home for children of all faiths, a unique institution where we can prepare our young people to become better citizens who can build a better world.”

Felicitations poured in from individual well-wishers and organizations from The Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan officially opens with the blessings of Sri Gurudev and dignitaries, 1997.

India and around the world. Among the many messages read on the day itself were greetings from Dr. Karan taught to appreciate all the great faiths, and their scriptures. They Singh; Sri C. Subramaniam, former Indian Finance Minister; and also learn of the noble lives of self-sacrifice which are found in the biographies of saints and sages of all traditions. The motto Dr. P. Jayaraman, of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, U.S.A. given to the SJN students by Sri Gurudev was: “Live and Learn to Sri Gurudev’s vision of education has always been based on the Love and Serve.” This is the guiding principle behind all that the traditional gurukulam model where students and teachers live and children of the SJN are being taught. learn together following the ancient yogic practices and disciplines and where children can “receive proper education with high moral The school complex includes a science and computer lab with 20 values.” Classes commenced on June 11, l997. Sri Gurudev blessed state-of-the-art work stations, a library, hostel building, and an the students on their first day and totally put them at ease with his attached block of apartments for house masters and mistresses. Next warm and jovial presence. Sri Gurudev reassured the students, to the hostel is the building that houses the kitchen, the dining hall, reminding them that the teachers would be as concerned for their and the laundry. Additionally, there are three residential buildings well-being as loving parents. Throughout his visit to the classrooms, for teachers, office staff, and service workers. Among the other Sri Gurudev emphasized to the teachers and administrators the buildings that have been completed are: two new hostels; two

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School, in Mt. Abu, Rajasthan, and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Vikram Vidya Mandir, in Khor, Mattar Pradesh. The Principal, Mr. V. Ganeshan has more than ten years of experience on the faculty of Lawrence School, Lovedale, Oothy, and he directs a staff of young dedicated teachers who have been selected among the top ranks of educators. The SJN welcomes applications from students from all countries who are interested in studying in a yogic environment and in an atmosphere which stresses service to others before oneself. Sri Gurudev encouraged the establishment of several scholarships for promising students whose families cannot meet the full financial fees.

An address by Sri Gurudev is the highlight of the new auditorium’s inauguration, 1998.

annexes with labs for biology, physics, and chemistry; an outdoor, Olympic-size swimming pool; and a hospital/infirmary.

Sri Gurudev has entrusted the administration of the school in the able hands of Sri N. Narayanan, the school Secretary. Sri Narayanan has many years of experience in the field of education, having been Principal of both Gurushikhar Residential Public

In l998, construction of a grand auditorium was completed. The Hall was officially inaugurated during Sri Gurudev’s Jayanthi visit in December of that year. Named, “Sri Swami Satchidananda Golden Jubilee Hall,” it was the site for a special program held to commemorate Sri Gurudev’s 50th Sannyas (monkhood) anniversary.

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Sri Gurudev’s Founder’s Day Message Each December 22nd the SJN celebrates Founder’s Day in honor of H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda’s Jayanthi.

Education is an important part of building human character and ensuring the proper growth and development of our future world citizens. Our ancient scriptures tell us that there are four ways to help people to improve their lives. The first way is anna dhanam, which is charity of food. This is certainly a good service to the poor, but is it enough simply to feed people? A second way to help is swarna dhanam, to give monetary help. Then, people can feed themselves and take care of other necessities for a short time. But these two charities are only temporary. They don’t help people to help themselves throughout their lives.

Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan has achieved many things since its inception, and plans for expansion are well underway. I take this opportunity to congratulate the students on their achievements so far and wish them continued growth and success so that they can become wonderful citizens of India and the world. All of my blessings and prayers are with the students, Trustees, Principal, Teachers and Staff of Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan.

God bless you all. Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi.

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The third type of help is one that is an integral part of what Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan stands for. And that is, vidya dhanam, the gift of knowledge. Through education and knowledge, students are equipped with lifelong skills and abilities that will enable them to build bright futures for themselves and their families. That is certainly very important. But there is still one more dhanam that will ensure peace, happiness, and prosperity in this life and beyond and that is jnana dhanam, the gift of wisdom.

The culmination of education is the knowledge of the Self and

the dawning of wisdom. Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan is committed to the highest quality of education and moral development of each and every student. As such, each child is personally guided and inspired to reach his or her potential. This is the greatest gift that education has to offer. I am glad to see that Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan is fulfilling this commitment to quality education.

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“He dedicated his life to spreading that message of unity, and it is sorely needed in a world where so many divisions prevail. Many have found inspiration in his message that at the core of the world’s many religions lies one universal Truth.”

—Sri Daya Mata President and Sanghamata Self-Realization Fellowship/ Yogoda Satsanga Society of India

“He made a highly significant contribution for the upliftment of humanity and succeeded in spreading the message of universal love and brotherhood to make the world a better place to live.”

—The Harilela Family Hong Kong

“Once in a millennium there are a few rare heavenly human beings who walk among us as great teachers. Those who feel the touch of their spirituality are changed for eternity.

Swamiji shall always be remembered as a beloved spiritual teacher who left his indelible imprint upon our hearts and souls and who was drawn to the West to awaken the spirit of awareness and destiny in the hearts and minds of so many.”

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—MSS Guru Amrit Kaur Khalsa Secretary General of Sikh Dharma

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Part IV

sat chid ananda: A Fully Realized Life

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A Life of Spiritual Vision

by Prakash Shakti

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“The dedicated ever enjoy Supreme Peace.

Therefore, live only to serve.”

H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda often said these words in talks all over the world.

These two beautiful sentences of guiding light are even more powerful coming from this being who lived them every day of his life.

Sri Gurudev was born on December 22nd in 1914, during the month known as

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Margali, the Dawn of the Devas. He was the second son of Sri K a l y a n a -sundaram Gounder and his wife Srimati Velammai.

Their home had always been a meet1915 ing place for poets, musicians, philosophers and astrologers.

Sadhus and sannyasis passing through the area were directed to the home 1924 of Sri Kalyanasundaram and Srimati Velammai for free food and lodging. Srimati Velammai was inspired by the holy men and decided that her next child should be this type of person. She and her husband traveled sixty miles to Palani, the holy hill, to the Ashram of Sri Sadhu Swamigal where she was given a mantra to invoke the Divine Light as manifested in the Sun. She repeated it constantly, developing a vibration conducive to receiving the type of soul she desired.

From the time he was a little boy, Sri Gurudev (then known as (“Ramaswamy”) was deeply spiritual. Even as a young child, he spoke truths and displayed insights far beyond his years. His devotion to God was strong, and he looked at people of all castes and faiths with an equal eye, always recognizing the same light within every being.That recognition of light remained as he grew to adulthood, became a businessman and a husband.

being. Finally, in the spring of 1949, Ramaswamy met his guru.

Sri Swami Sivanandaji was at once not at all what 1949 Ramaswamy had expected and was much, much more than he ever imagined. In July of that year, he was blessed with sannyas diksha (initiation into monkhood) from his spiritual master and was given the name Swami Satchidananda.

And so began a new level of dynamic service for Sri Gurudev. Sri Swami Sivanandaji did not let this disciple linger in the Rishikesh Ashram for 1935 long. He recognized the gift his newly-initiated sannyasin had to touch the lives of others. Soon, he sent Swami Satchidananda to serve in various parts of India and Sri Lanka. That led to Sri Gurudev’s service in many other countries, and eventually—at the insistence of many American students—to his moving to the United States as well as the founding of Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Virginia and the Integral Yoga Institutes around the world.

Always, his message emphasized harmony among people of all races, countries, persuasions and faiths.

In her extensive article on the life of Sri Gurudev, anthropologist Dr. Lakshmi Barsel said:

With Sri Swami Sivanandaji, c. 1951.

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Through all the studies with these great beings, he continued to feel drawn to one particular saint. Although he had never seen Sri Swami Sivanandaji of Rishikesh, the young sadhu knew he must meet this great

“Sri Swami Satchidananda believed that the essence of every individual is one universal Spirit, which some refer to as God, others as the true Self or the Void, and which he often refers to as Inner Peace. It is this essence that forms the source of permanent happiness for the individual. One is cut off from one’s true nature by identifying only with the limited mind and body, seeing oneself as separate, believing that happiness is something to be gained by fulfilling desires, holding onto possessions, or avoiding that which is unpleasant.

To become reestablished in permanent happiness and peace, one must look within and calm the mind by purifying it of selfish desires so that it can act as a mirror and reflect one’s own divine nature.

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When his young wife died, he turned his attention to the life of a sadhu and studied with many great spiritual masters. In Palani, he studied with Sri Sadhu Swamigal, Sri Swami Badagara Sivananda, Sri Swami Ranga Nath, and other great siddhas. He spent time at the Ramakrishna Mission at Tirupurraiturai under the direction of Sri Swami Chidbhavanandaji. He served, with Sri Bikshu Swamigal, at the Nature Cure Camp of Saraswati Sangam, Chennai. He had darshan of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and he spent time at the holy feet of Sri Ramana Maharshi.

“It is upon this belief in the inner spiritual Satchidananda based his interfaith philosophy. His motto is: ‘Truth is One, Paths are Many.’ He believed that we are all one in Spirit and that, throughout history, great spiritual masters, such as Buddha, Moses, and Jesus, have come forward to teach the people of the world about this spiritual oneness and show them how to come into harmony with it and experience it. Even though the essence of their message is the same, the methods they taught differ according to the needs of their followers. . . .

famous program for the reversal of heart disease. His guidance and inspiration made possible the Commonweal Cancer Help Program.

He trained several senior disciples to serve people with HIV/AIDS. His teachings have helped prison inmates, sick children, and people challenged by a variety of disabilities. Many people attribute cures in their seeminglyincurable conditions to Sri Gurudev.

Hospitals, clinics, schools, teaching centers and temples have all been opened in the name of Sri Gurudev. He received many awards and honors and traveled around the world many times. He met with

“Sri Swami Satchidananda’s understanding of ecumenism went beyond finding and promoting unity among

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people of different religions. He applied his ecumenism to all people who divide themselves in the name of caste, race, sex, political philosophy, ethnic group, and language. Wherever there is division, he sought to help others rise above all the man-made differences and realize their spiritual oneness.”

In 1986, one of Sri Gurudev’s grandest dreams became a reality. The Light Of Truth Universal Shrine—a place where people of all faiths could pray and meditate in their own way under one roof—was opened in Buckingham, Virginia. This beautiful temple is a perfect representation of Sri Gurudev’s life work and sits serenely amidst mountains and lakes, a dynamic symbol of his loving message to all people.

Top: Interfaith meeting, Sri Lanka, early l950’s Middle Left: The “Woodstock Guru” and his beloved hippies, California, early l970s.

popes and presidents, presided at the openings of monuments and great buildings. He spoke at famous cathedrals and great halls of learning.

Among his thousands of students, are many celebrities, politicians, and others in powerful positions.

Yet, through it all, Sri Gurudev always recognized and revered that Light in each being. He stopped to gently rescue an insect trapped in a pool of water. He lovingly brought forth even the shyest person to shine with newly enhanced self-esteem.

Sri Gurudev was a keynote speaker at the Parliament of the World’s Religions held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World’s Parliament of Religions held in Chicago and opened by Sri Swami Vivekanandaji. Standing before the hundreds who filled the hall, Sri Gurudev spoke on the theme, “Spiritual Unity and Global Harmony” and said: “As we all very

Middle Right: On the “Mike Douglas Show” with Peter Max, l969.

Bottom: Inspecting a frog, Yogaville Connecticut, late l970s.

Sri Gurudev’s work around the world is evident in many areas.

He was the guiding light behind every step of Dr. Dean Ornish’s now-

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well know, millions of lives have been lost in the name of God and religion. This number is more than those killed by any of the other calamities, natural or man-made.

It’s in the name of religion, but it’s not the mistake of the religion at all. It is the improper understanding of the religion.

“We must never deny anybody—no matter how that person looks, no matter whether that person is black, white, rich, poor, and so on. That person is like you at heart. Love him or her as yourself. The Bible says simply ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

It doesn’t go on to say, ‘Love him only if he is like you, if he agrees with you.’ No. The neighbor may be a buffalo; it doesn’t matter. The key is to know yourself. Learn to love yourself first and then love your neighbor as yourself. Know who you are; then, you can see your own Self in your neighbor. It begins with you. Spiritual unity begins with you. You realize your spirit,

“Spiritual unity is already there. We are all one in spirit, even though we are many in minds and bodies. All the manifestations are purposely made to look different from each other; but, in spirit, we are all one.

It’s only a matter of remembering it, realizing it. We must rise

above the body-mind differences and see the unity in diversity. That is the message given by all the religions.

and then, you see the same spirit in others.

You have to use what the Hindus call divya sakshu, the spiritual eye, the divine eye. Develop that eye, then use that spiritual eye to look upon all with love. It begins with you.”

“We have to liberate ourselves from identities.

‘I am this.’ ‘I am that.’ That liberation doesn’t mean discarding the differences. Keep them, but don’t get caught in them.

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Prakash Shakti Capen was editor-in-chief of Integral Yoga Publications and Integral Yoga Magazine for 15 years. She directed the D.C., San Francisco, and Boston IYI’s and developed Yoga support programs for people with HIV/AIDS. Now, a writer and spiritual life coach, she lives in Yogaville.

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Top: Harilela family, Sri Gurudev; LOTUS, l985.

Middle Left: Sri Gurudev receives U. S. citizenship, 1976.

Middle Right: The Chinese Yoga Federation welcomes Sri Gurudev to Taipei, l985.

Bottom: Sri Gurudev, H. M. Queen Noor, the Very Rev. James P. Morton, United Nations, 1994.

Sri Swami Satchidananda exemplified this teaching. His beautiful message is that we can too.

BOUNDLESS GIVING

“All the religions seem to agree with Shakespeare. ‘All the world’s a stage.’ We are all players—actors on the stage. We have the same spiritual identity. We pick up different makeup and costumes and play our parts. But, behind the play, we are always one. Remember that always. If only we could remember that, there would be no problem with global harmony. We are already in harmony with each other; we just need to know that. That is the purpose of all the religions. It doesn’t matter w hat the individual labels are.

The word ‘religion’ itself means to return to your source.

As Sri Gurudev said himself in the quote above, after we have found that Spirit within ourselves, we will always recognize it in others. Then, we truly have power to help heal the world.

WEST

HOW I CAME TO THE As many of you know, when Sri Gurudev was in residence at Yogaville, he answered questions at Saturday evening satsangs. During the satsang that was held on April 11, 1987, just nine months after the opening of the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS), someone asked Sri Gurudev: “Would you tell us about your background?” At first, Sri Gurudev jokingly responded: “My background, hmm? I don’t know whether I have any ground at all!” And then he warmly yielded to the request.

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I can just say that I am fortunate, in a way, to have been born into a family of pious parents. Mother and father were my first teachers.

They instilled faith in God in my heart. And, somehow, from then on, I never worried about anything. Everything just fell into the proper places. Even while I was a little student, I always felt that God was guiding me.

Even after that, I had no idea of going out to do anything—preaching, teaching. No. It just simply happened.

Some devotees who came to Rishikesh, Himalayas, saw me. I don’t know what they saw in me. But they wanted me to come to their country, Sri Lanka. Maybe they Parents visit Sri Lanka, thought that I could c. 1953. speak their language [Tamil] well. For some reason, they called me to come for a few months. I went there and got stuck for thirteen years! And from there, I was invited to Japan, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, and other places. I went only by invitation. I went and came back.

From school I went into business. There, again, one after the other, I got my hands into everything—jack of all trades and, even today, master of none. Yes; I got my hands into everything: automobile engineering, electronic engineering, cinematography, temple management, the agricultural field; a little bit of everything. Then everything just naturally dropped away. One after the other. Luckily, our home was a place where almost all the sages and saints who walked that way used to come and stay. That’s another great benefit that I got. Any time After I had been in Sri Lanka for thirteen someone walked years, a filmmaker from America came to the into my childhood area. You see how Providence works? The house, that person filmmaker, Conrad Rooks [Siddhartha], happened to be staying in a nearby hotel, and would always see Portrait of the Yogiraj with his Guru after a Yoga class, c. 1949. some saintly perhe had been casually asking the hotel owner, son staying there.

“Is there anybody who can teach me a little Yoga?” The hotel owner was the mayor of the city, Kandy, and he We were able to serve these people, and they, in turn, were able to said, “Why, yes; I do know of someone. I practice Yoga with him, bless us or instill in us a little more of God’s knowledge. So, natu- and I can introduce you.” And that’s how Conrad Rooks came to rally, when all my worldly jobs were over, I automatically went to know me. He was sort of a skeptical and naughty boy. You know, the places of these saints and sages. I sat at their feet and learned a 1960s hippie. He called me and said, “I’m not going to take much lot. For eight years, I stayed in various places, at the feet of many of your time; fifteen minutes is enough. I have just one or two quessages and saints. Ultimately, I heard of another great saint in the tions about kundalini and this and that.” I said, “Well, fine; come.

Himalayas. I went there to see him and that was, more or less, the After 10 o’clock everyone at the Ashram goes to bed, and I can culmination of my search. Swami Sivanandaji, was well-known all give you a little time.” So, he punctually arrived at 10 o’clock. For over the world. He was a great ecumenist. People of all religions fifteen minutes, I thought. And we started talking and talking and used to go to his Ashram. talking. All of a sudden, he looked at his watch; it was 4 o’clock in

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the morning. Something had happened. He wanted to stay with me; he didn’t want to go back. Then, his lawyers, who had business in Paris, sent telegrams asking him to come back because there were some problems there.

He went back, and after three or four weeks, without even asking me, he sent me a ticket to Paris. British Airlines phoned me and said, “There is a ticket waiting for you to go to Paris. When are you going?”

I said, “I don’t know; who sent the ticket?” The man told me the name, and I said, “All right. But I can’t just leave everything and come right away. Give me two weeks.” He replied, “Okay; anytime you say, we’ll book you.” So, after two weeks, I came, thinking that maybe I would spend a month in Paris. But then, Conrad wanted me to visit other places, to meet all his friends. He wanted me to go to New York. I was to come to New York for two days.

But the two days became five months.

Still, I couldn’t stay c o n t i n u ously, even though they insisted, because my ticket was to expire. I couldn’t stay any longer; the time for my departure was nearing. Everyone agreed that I had to go, but they said that they Arrival in Hong Kong, early l950s. would see to it that I would return. I flew to Colombo, and who was there to receive me? The American Ambassador to Sri Lanka himself, who was a close friend of mine. He said, “I don’t know what you have done to our people in America. They have sent me letters and telegrams asking me to pack you up and send you back there.”

Immediately, everyone, including some rabbis, Protestant ministers, and Catholic priests, started writing to the Immigration Department.

They all became close to me. There must have been about 600 letters sent, a very big pile. As a result, the director of the department felt that he should at least see me in person, so he called me to come for an interview, and I went.

The director felt so bad about that, that he said, “Well, I will send the pile of letters, the whole file, to the federal government.

Let them decide, because I don’t want

Poster that advertised Conrad Rooks’ film Chappaqua, 1966.

to open a new channel.” Probably, by that time, the federal government knew about my work here, so as soon as the file went to their offices, someone called the director of the Immigration Department and said, “Please ask the Swami to stay here; we are processing his visa.”

I’m not telling you this to brag about my greatness or anything like that. I’m simply telling you about my background and how I came here. What brought me here? You, God, Providence.

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At the interview, the first question asked was: “Why do you want to live in this country?” I answered, “Sir, to be honest, I am not very

The director said, “Do you know that in the history of American immigration, we have never come across a man like you, applying to come yet saying that you are not keen in having this visa.” Then, of course, we had a longer conversation, during which time he said, “I have a little difficulty, because, thus far, we have been sending missionaries to other parts of the world. We have never gotten any missionaries here. We don’t need that. And if I say yes to you, I will have to answer to many of the people here, and I don’t want to do that.” I said, “Then, sir, if you don’t want to say yes, then say no; I will not be at all unhappy. You are not saying no to me. You are saying no to the others.

There are other people who are looking for me to come to their countries.”

BOUNDLESS GIVING

And that’s how I came to America. It was not anything that I did.

Something, Providence, pushed me, pushed me. Even after I returned to America, the students, as sponsors, could have easily gotten me a visa. But they went crazy, saying, “No, No. You should be here as a minister, on your own merit.” So, they applied for a special category, that of religious minister. The American government had never before opened that channel to anybody.

After a few months of dodging the issue, the Immigration Department finally replied: “According to our understanding. Yoga is not a religion, so he cannot be considered a religious minister, and we cannot issue the visa.” That was the reply that came from them.

keen about that.” Exactly those words. The director responded, “What?!!! Am I hearing right? Are you speaking correct English?”

“Yes, Sir,” I said. “Then why did you apply?” I explained, “Sir, it’s not me. All these people filled out the form. They wanted me to sign it, so I signed it. It’s because of their pressure that I signed and requested to live here. It’s not that I want to come and stay here or do anything. I am nothing.”

Sincerely, I am nothing. In fact, compared to many people, I am not even a great scholar or a big man or even a thinker. All I know is that some unseen power is just making me do things and I am doing. I’m comfortable that way. That way, I never have any room for anxiety, worry, or depression, or, even the other side of that, for excitement. Now, you might say, “Oh, here is this big community, Yogaville, with this big hall, filled with lots of people.” Do you think that I’m excited about that? I still have the old suitcase that I came with. Who knows? At any moment, they can say, “Hey, get out; we don’t need you any more!”

For me it’s whatever God wants. Even all these organizations. I never go out to start something.

Even the LOTUS.

BOUNDLESS GIVING 66

The one thing that I can say is that wherever I went, even to Sri Lanka, I became a very close friend of many other religious people, clergy. We used to gather now and then. I always felt terribly bad to see the world fighting in the name of God and religion. In fact, world statistics clearly prove that more people have been killed in the name of God and religion than for any other reason. It’s a fact.

as soon as I came to America, within the very first week, I became good friends with Rabbi Gelberman. Then, Brother David SteindlRast, a Benedictine monk, also became a great brother. And, then, I became close to many members of the clergy; we used to gather and talk. During one of the retreats that we attended, we even organized an ecumenical service, which we called the “Yoga Ecumenical Service,” [now the Light Of Truth Universal Service]. We arranged an altar, and right in the middle of the altar, we placed a candle, one light as a symbol of God for everybody. All the various clergymen and clergywomen sat around the altar, offering service to that one light.

We held these services for s e v eral years.

Then, at some point, we wanted to have a permanent place, a sort of s y m b o l ; a n d , somehow, the idea came that this place should be in the form The Rabbi, The Swami, The Brother, of a lotus. Soon, New York, 1970. someone asked me, “Why in the form of a lotus?” I had thought that a flower is something beautiful and that the lotus flower is accepted as a symbol by many religions. So, the idea came: Why not make the lotus into an acronym and say LOTUS? And, then, I started calling it the “Light Of Truth Universal Shrine.” And that’s how the idea of the LOTUS came to be.

Is that what we want? Is that why we look for God and religion? No. If there is anything that could save the world, it is only God and religion. But, unfortunately, it is God and religion that are destroying the world.

Every problem is based on the attitude, “My religion, you Even then, there was something celestial happening. religion. Even Searching for a site, we located various places. We tried within the same Santa Barbara, California, but it didn’t work out there. religion, it is, Then, we started to work on a LOTUS at the Ashram in “My sect, your Pomfret, Connecticut. That didn’t work out. We looked at sect.” Look at Singer/songwriter Carole King helped make Yogaville, Virvarious locations in the southeast, but we weren’t happy what’s happen- ginia a reality (pictured at LOTUS dedication, 1986). with any of them. On the way home, I was taken by a ing in the Islamic small plane to the location in Buckingham, Virginia, that world, the Sunis and the Shiites. In Ireland, both Catholics and Protestants read the is now Yogaville. As we flew over this place, I saw the river and same Bible, yet they have been killing each other. In Hinduism, a Siva said, “Hey, this river seems to be attracting me. Is there any place worshipper might kill a Narayana worshipper. Nobody is bad. So like this close to the river?” The realtor, who was also in the plane, replied, “Swami, this very land will be coming on the market within why this insanity? Because we don’t understand what religion is. a week.” Immediately, we landed there, somewhere on the farm. We It is religion that should help us to understand the spiritual oneness, searched to find the owner before he put the property on the market. to make us feel more at home as one family. If there is anyone who “We’ll buy it,” we said. Somehow, Virginia had become the place. separates another individual, saying to that person, “You are different God brought us here. from me,” using religion to make that claim, then he or she is not a religious person at all; forget it. Thinking about these kinds of But where would the money come from? Previously, the great singer, situations has made me pray, “God, use me in any way you want. I Carole King, had donated her beautiful Connecticut ranch. I now would like to see that in Your name we become one family.” Luckily, told her that I would like to sell that property to buy the property in

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Virginia. She said, “Do whatever you want.” Thus, the money was provided, the land was provided, everything just came.

an ordinary dry leaf to show His Glory. Even at this minute, I’m not expecting anything. “God, guide me.” The next minute, “Make me do; I am doing; that’s all. If you don’t want me to do anything, I’ll be happy to sit and sleep.”

Ode to Joy: World faith leaders celebrate opening of the LOTUS, Virginia, 1986.

And then there was the LOTUS. Without even a cent in our hands, we began digging the lake. Some of you might think that when I dug the lake, I found some treasure. True. As we were digging the lake, I was digging into the hearts of many people. Many people simply heard about the LOTUS and appreciated it without even knowing me. They said, “This is what we want!”

Contributions came from various places—from $1 to $100,000.

Even today, I don’t know who sent that $108,000 from Canada.

It was an anonymous contribution. And, like that, contributions came from India, from Europe. For example, there was a gentleman whose wife came to one of my retreats in Switzerland. He had been against her coming to the retreat. When he came to fetch her at the end of the retreat, he was introduced to me. He said, “Swami, you must be a good guy.” I asked him, “Why do you say so?” And he answered, “You know, my wife insisted on going to this retreat. I used my pendulum, and the pendulum went around and around over your name in the brochure; so, I thought that you must be a good person” See? So not only did this man allow her to come, but he also came to fetch her. And he told me, “I have heard all about the LOTUS; I want to collect some funds for the project.” Even without my doing anything, he collected some money in Switzerland, Germany, and other places.

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So, every minute, I see the Glory of God. Look what He can do with a simple, ordinary individual like me. That is God’s Glory. If God had picked up an M.A., a Ph.D., a big scholar of theology, this and that, then it would have been nothing unusual. God just picked up

Even this morning, someone asked, “Is that what you call “retiring?” That m a k e s me feel: Who am I to retire? Whatever God wants me to do I should do. Even retiring is not in my hands. If God feels that I have done enough, that I am no good any more, then He will put me aside. So, my entire life is guided by that.

Just give yourself in the hands of God; you don’t have to worry about anything. Don’t even worry about your toothbrush. God will bring it to you. Yes. I have seen that. Simply because I would say, “Ah, that’s a nice toothbrush,” and the At the feet of Lord Nataraja, Perur Temple, next day, somebody Coimbatore, India, early l970s. would give it to me.

Yes. In my own life, in my own little, humble experience, I have seen this. The more you give yourself to God, the more you are free, the more you are peaceful, the more you are happy. And God can do beautiful, beautiful things through you. Just don’t put your ego forward: “I can do something. God, I will do this. You will do that.” No. It’s either all you or all God. Better that way. And I am for all God. That’s my ground. Whether it’s background or foreground or middle ground. I don’t know.”

BOUNDLESS GIVING

What does it all mean? If you start something that is dear to God and beneficial to humanity, it is God’s business to take care of it. That’s all I can say. Otherwise, who am I to build such a beautiful monument as this. It’s unique in all the world. Nowhere in this world is there anything like it. Even the contractors had said, “You’re crazy.

We don’t even know how the architecture will work out. We have never seen a building shaped like this.” I told them, “You start. And, at any point, if you convince me that you cannot do any more, we’ll stop it there. Even if it’s halfway done, it doesn’t matter, because it is not my work; it is His work.”

In fact, sometimes my ego comes in. For the past few months, I decided not to do anything much here, and I told everyone, “You all take over and do everything. Let me just retire, and I’ll sit and watch you.” In a way, that’s what I’m thinking that I’m doing. But, I’m surprised to see that my itinerary is fully booked. Just because I said, “I am not going to do anything more,” now, within the coming few months, I have to travel to all the islands in Hawaii, come back, go to New York, come back, go to Boston, come back, go to Montreal, come back.

A SPIRITUAL GIANT H. H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj

Pujya Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji was a great spiritual giant. India had four great spiritual giants at one time. These saints represent the four different Yogas. Papa Ramdas of South India represented the path of Bhakti Yoga. He was a great devotee of Lord Rama. Papa Ramdas would say, “It’s all Rama’s will.” He would tell anyone who approached him, “Whatever you say or do, you are Rama. Without Rama you cannot do anything, you cannot say anything.” He was a pure example of total surrender.

by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

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Sri Ramana Maharshi, of Thiruvanamalai, was the great sage of Jnana Yoga.

His constant practice was to question, “Who am I?” That’s what he would always say, “Question yourself; who are you?” Sri Aurobindo of Pondicherry was the great Raja Yogi. All the way to the north, there was Sri Swami Sivanandaji, a Poorna Yogi.

You can see all the various Yogas in him.

have known them. Nobody has really known Swami Sivanandaji completely other than himself. We all see the different aspects according to our coloring. But he is all and above. That is Swami Sivanandaji’s prayer, “Grant us an understanding heart, equal vision.” That is our aim in spiritual life.

If anybody wants to show something of his or her greatness, he or she would pick up an ordinary thing and make it great. And that’s what Sivanandaji did.

He picked me up; a person who never read much, who never even thought much, who was just an empty vessel. I’m not ashamed to say that. Often I have said that. I never read, I never write, I never think. Why should I? When somebody is going to do everything through me, I don’t have to worry.

It is impossible to put Swami Sivanandaji in one bottle, in one category. Sometimes you will see him as a great Jnana Yogi. Another time he is the embodiment of total bhakti with a surrendering attitude.

Another time, he is an example of Raja Yoga—practicing asana, pranayama, concentration, meditation. And, yet another time, you will see him so innocent, playing with the children. He will be just like a baby, as if he knew nothing. So that is why I say it’s very hard to define him. He was non-definable.

Because I knew a little Tamil, Gurudev used to ask me to read his Tamil letters and answer them.

Because I happened to be a Tamil man, probably that was the reason he permitted me to go to Sri Lanka [where many Tamils live]. Swami Satchidananda Mataji asked for me and Swami Sivanandaji was glad to send me out. But before going I told him, “Swamiji, you are going to bring a bad name for yourself by sending me. Because when I go there they will come to know what kind of disciples you have. Don’t get a bad name in sending me. I refuse to go.”

That is what Thaimanavar Swamigal and other seers said about these types of saintly beings. You cannot fathom them. You cannot even imagine who they are. And with all that, we seem to think that we

But he insisted, “Okay, Mataji is insisting. She wants you. Go!” I said, “Then it is your responsibility, Swamiji. You are asking me to go, I go. So, you take care of everything.” He assured me, “Okay,

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don’t worry about all that. Just go.”

Still, I had a doubt, “Are you sure, Swamiji?” But there was no doubt. “I am sure. I’ll take care of it; go.”

It is on that word that I went to Sri Lanka. From that minute on, I could say I never had any problem. I never worried about what to do, where to go, what to talk, what not to talk.

Every minute he took care of that.

If you want to know his greatness, just look at me. This kind of goodfor-nothing fellow could be used for something to happen. He is great in that. He makes the lame to walk, makes the dumb to become eloquent.

You know, before I went, he gave me a title also: “Yogiraj.” Imagine. I was laughing at it.

Torchbearers of Divine Life: (l-r) Sri Gurudev, Sri Swami Krishnanandaji, Sri Swami Chidanandaji, Sri Swami Madhavanandaji, Rishikesh, India, late l960s.

Swami Sivanandaji has done many miracles, many miracles. Sitting in that small kutir [cottage] in Rishikesh, not going out anywhere, he conquered the entire globe. Now probably he is conquering other planets also. It’s impossible to fathom his greatness. Even to be able to call ourselves devotees and disciples and followers of him, that itself makes us lucky people.

Loving prayers at Sri Swami Sivanandaji’s kutir, Rishikesh, 1987.

BOUNDLESS GIVING

We don’t have to do anything. He will take care of everything. He will perform miracles in our life.

Complete surrender at his feet. Lose ourselves unto his feet. We don’t have to learn much, do much. All we should do is to surrender ourselves, surrender our little ego. Total surrender. True devotees would do that. Others cling to their egos. And as long as that “I, me, mine,”—the ego—is there, it is our responsibility.

They can’t help us much. That’s what. Great Mahatmas are ready to take care of us and to work through us if we can only abolish our ego and say, “I am Thine. All is Thine. Thy Will be done.”

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Reunion at Rishikesh: Sri Swami Sivanandaji’s 100th Birth Centenary festivities. (l-r) Sri Gurudev, Sri Swami Chidanandaji, Sri Swami Madhavanandaji, Sri Swami Krishnanandaji, 1987.

woodstock The peaceful atmosphere that prevailed throughout the Festival was often attributed to his blessings and message.

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My Beloved Brothers and Sisters: I am overwhelmed with joy to see the entire youth of America gathered here in the name of the fine art of music. In fact, through the music we can work wonders.

Music is a celestial sound and it is the sound that controls the whole universe, not atomic vibrations. Sound energy, sound power, is much, much greater than any other power in this world. And, one thing I would very much wish you all to remember. With sound we can make and, at the same time, break. Even in the war-field, to make the tender heart an animal, sound is used. Without that war band, that terrific sound, man will not become animal to kill his own brethren. So that proves that you can break with sound and if we care, we can make also. So I am very happy to see that we are all here gathered to create some sounds—to find that peace and joy through the celestial music. And I am really very much honored for having been given this opportunity of opening this great, great music Festival. I should have come a little earlier to do that job, but as you all know, thousands of brothers and sisters are on the way and it’s not that easy to reach here.

America leads the whole world in several ways. Very recently when I was in the East, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi met me and asked me what’s happening in America and I said, “America is becoming a whole.

America is helping everybody in the material field, but the time has come for America to help the whole world with spirituality also.” And, that’s why from the length and breadth, we see people—thousands of people, yoga-minded, spiritual-minded. The whole of last month I was in Hawaii and I was on the West Coast and witnessed it again.

So let all our actions and all our arts express Yoga. Through that sacred art of music, let us find peace that will pervade all over the globe. Often we hear groups of people shouting, “Fight for Peace.” I still don’t understand how they are going to fight and then find peace. Therefore, let us not fight for peace, but let us find peace within ourselves first. And the future of the whole world is in your hands. You can make or break. But, you are really here to make the world

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and not to break it. I am seeing it. There is a dynamic manpower here. The hearts are meeting. Just yesterday I was in Princeton, at Stony Brook, in a monastery, where about 200-300 Catholic monks and nuns met and they asked me to talk to them under the heading of “East and West—One Heart.” Here, I really wonder whether I am in the East or West. If these pictures or the films are going to be shown in India, they would certainly never believe that this is taken in America. For here the East has come into the West. And with all my heart I wish a great, great success in this music Festival to pave the way for many more festivals, in many other parts of this country.

seed words or the mystic words to formulate the chants.

And if you all join wholeheartedly, after the chant we are going to at least one whole minute of absolute silence.

Not even the cameras will click at that time. And in that silent period, that one minute of silence, you are going to feel the great, great power of that sound and the wonderful peace that it can bring in you and into the whole world. Let us have a sample of that now. The words will be: “Hari” is one word. “Om” is another word. The first chant will have these two words, “Hari Om Hari Om, Hari Hari Hari Om.” The second line will be “Hari Om, Hari Om, Hari Hari Om.”

“They are all searching for But the entire success is in your hands, not the necklace in the hands of a few organizers. Naturally, they have come forward to do some job. I that’s around have met them. I admire them. But still their necks,” in your hands, the success lies. The entire world is going to watch this. The entire Sri Gurudev world is going to know that what the American youth can do to the humanity. said of the So every one of you should be responsible Woodstock for the success of this Festival. generation.

And, before I conclude my talk, I would like you all to join me and our group here “Eventually in repeating a very simple chant. As I was they’ll look in reminding you of the sound power, there are certain mystical sounds which the Sanskrit the mirror and terminology says are the bijakshara or the “seed words.” We are going to use three see it.”

There will be another chant afterwards: just one word, “Ram.” We’ll be repeating: “Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama Ram.” It’s a sample. It’s very easy to follow with everybody and we’ll have a gentle clapping also. So now we’ll begin in a slow rhythm and gradually build it up. Now I will request all of my friends to join me. We will repeat the line once, then allow you to follow. (“Hari Om” chanting) Thank you all very much and once again let me express my sincere wish and prayers for the success and peace of this celebration. Thank you.  —Text of Sri Gurudev’s message that opened the Woodstock Festival, 1969.

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BOUNDLESS GIVING

[Swami] Satchidananda created the vibration at the Woodstock Festival. They flew him in by helicopter when they were afraid the kids would break down the fences and create a riot, if they weren’t let in. He felt the real purpose behind the aspirations of the performing artists and the huge public at that Festival and mirrored it back for all. He sat there quietly in front of everyone, observing the whole thing. This interlude of quiet was followed by Swamiji’s statement about his amazement at being there—that he was so grateful to be in a place where hundreds of thousands of people were gathered in the name of love and sharing of creative artistic expression, and in peacefulness. He said he didn’t know why he was brought there. He was so humbly honored they had invited him. He said not even the big spiritual Kumbha Mela Festival (for some 50,000 people), which takes place in India only once in 10 or 15 years, was to compare with this event. Finally after more quiet, he asked everyone to light a candle for world peace.

There must have been hundreds of thousands of those little lights. And to close, came the peace chant: “Om Shanthi.” After that nothing was the same. Instead of just another commercial event, the promoters got into the spirit and took down all the fences—all the ‘walls’—and so many, many people joyously celebrated together. It was an event that may well be ‘referred to in the centuries to come.’ And my teacher in his quiet modesty and dignity made it all look like it came from them, that he was only lucky to be there, as an ‘observer.’

—Excerpted from: Memoirs of a Musical Pesty Mystic by Burton Greene, 2001.

Chidambaram: Abode of the Divine

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Deity worshipped in Chidambaram is the Lord Nataraja.

Born in South India in 1914, Sri Gurudev grew up as a devout Hindu.

Sri Gurudev attained And, as is the custom in Mahasamadhi on Authe Hindu faith, he had gust 19, 2002 in South an Ishta Devata, or choIndia. Shortly before sen Deity. Sri Gurudev’s leaving the body, Sri Ishta Devata was Lord Gurudev told many Nataraja, a magnificent people: I will always form of Lord Siva. In be with you in Spirit. the Hindu faith, there Even if my body is not is a belief in one God there, you will never who can manifest in nube without me. That is merous forms. The edithe reason we do not tor of Hinduism Today refer to him as havexplains: “ T h e p r o ing died, but rather as found understandhaving dropped or left i n g a n d universal the body. That is what accept a n c e that are o u r Yo g a t r a d i t i o n unique in Hinduism are teaches us about the reflected in this faculty ongoing relationship for a c c o m m o d a t i n g with one’s Satguru. d i f f e r ent approaches to the Divine, allowSri Gurudev’s body ing for different names was interred inside Chiand forms of God to dambaram, Yogaville, be worshipped side by according to elaboside within the temple rate Vedic rituals on walls. It may even hapA devotee is pictured leaving Chidambaram in Yogaville.

August 22, 2002. Trapen that one may adopt a ditional c e r e m o n i e s different personal Deity were conducted by Swami Maruthachalam Adigal, junior abbot through the years according to one’s spiritual unfoldment and of the Perur Adheenam in India, who came specially for that inner needs.” purpose. Ancient rites and ongoing pujas, along with the grace During the mid-1980s, Sri Gurudev spoke more specifically about of the Satguru, ensure that the holy vibration and spiritual power the time when he would leave the body. When his disciples asked of the Satguru’s spiritual attainments—that personification how to best plan for this, he guided them in the construction of a of Sat-Chid-Ananda (Existence-Knowledge-Bliss) pervade building at Yogaville to house his body after his Mahasamadhi (a the Shrine for all time.

God-realized soul’s conscious final exit from the body). This building was situated in perfect alignment between the LOTUS and Kailash Sri Gurudev spoke about the special blessings that would emaaccording to Sri Gurudev’s instructions. When asked what to call nate from his Mahasamadhi Shrine and told devotees, “When the building, he replied: “Chidambaram.” In the heart of Tamil the day comes that I leave the body, you will be able to come Nadu, there is an ancient Temple named Chidambaram. The here to receive the answers to your questions and the solution to your problems.”

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My God is the melter of my heart of love. Let all adore my God, the Lord of primal love, first of all beings, my Siva, who again and again melts my heart. May He render me His love in foremost measure! Praise Him but once, the Pure and Holy One, and He will be your escort to heaven. He, Lord Siva, decked in honeyed konrai blossoms, sits enthroned in my love, steadfast and free.

Tirumantiram, verses 274-275

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The Temple of Sri Nataraja in Chidambaram, India The Temple of Sri Nataraja in Chidambaram, India, mingles piety, tradition, history and art to a remarkable extent. It is held in reverence by millions of Hindus. The art lavished on it is supreme. It has been at the center of Tamil spiritual life for generations. The Temple at Chidambaram proclaims to the whole world the mythological event of the Cosmic Dance.

Nataraja, as the Lord of the Dance, is one of the great philosophical concepts of Tamil Hinduism. The Lord is dancing on the remains of evil and ignorance so that His worshipper is free of both. The concept gave rise to the matchless bronzes, mainly of Chola times, which are now recognized in India and abroad as some of the supreme achievements of the Hindu genius.

Who actually made the Nataraja in Chidambaram Temple? Nobody knows. Orthodox opinion believes it was made by the divine architect, Visvakarma. Historical and literary evidence leads us to believe that it must have been there well before the 6th century A.D. The Deity of Chidambaram represents one of the five great elements of nature, ether, or, in other words, the Lord without a form.

—Courtesy of: theindianculture.com

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Tiru Nalai Povar Nayanar (Nandanar) Nandanar was an untouchable by caste.

He was an embodiment of humility and devotion.

Lord Siva was his sole refuge. He would often visit the holy places of pilgrimage and supply drums and such other musical instruments for the temples. When he went near the temples, he always remained outside and worshipped the Lord mentally.

He emerged from the fire with a new holy body, with sacred ashes smeared all over, the holy thread and matted locks. He was then taken inside the temple. In the Kanaka Sabha, he worshipped the Lord. He went into a divine ecstasy and was completely absorbed in the dance of the Lord. A dazzling light was seen in the room, and Nandanar had disappeared. He had become one with Lord Nataraja.

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—Excerpted from: 63 Nayanar Saints, by H. H. Sri Swami Venkatesananda

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One day he actually left his place and went to Chidambaram. He went round the village and, thinking of his low birth, did not want

Nandanar woke up and was highly pleased. At the same time, the Lord appeared before the Brahmins of Tillai, in their dreams, and said: “0 Brahmins, My dearest devotee, Tiru Nalai Povar, has come to Tillai. Prepare a sacred fire. Nandanar will take bath in it and then come to Me.” The next day, the Brahmins prepared the sacred fire. They went to Nandanar, prostrated before him and related their dream. Nandanar went round the fire, and with His Name on his lips and his mind fixed on the lotus feet of the Lord, he jumped into the fire.

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The desire now arose in him that he should go to Chidambaram and have Darshan of Lord Nataraja. The love of the Lord had grown so intense that he would shed tears of love and tell his companions: “I will surely go to Chidambaram tomorrow.” This expression earned for him the name Tiru Nalai Povar, “one who would go tomorrow.”

to enter it. He prayed: “Oh Lord, I want to see your Cosmic Dance in Your Nritya Sabha. But, how can I? On account of my low birth they will not allow me to enter the temple.” For days he went on praying like this. The Lord, pleased with his devotion, appeared in his dream and said: “Oh noble soul, do not grieve. You will come to Me. Take a fire bath. Then come to My Kanaka Sabha along with the Brahmins.”

“Two years ago at Kailash, we were having a photo session in front of the Nataraja shrine. From nowhere, Sri Swamiji drove in there and joined us in the photo session and asked me to do a classical dance piece right in front of Nataraja. At that time—pointing toward the Chidambaram shrine down below—Sri Swamiji said, ‘Like that Nandanar, I am also craving permission to enter this Chidambaram.’ Later, while watching the Mahasamadhi rituals at Chidambaram on August 22nd, we were reminded of his saying that and felt like he is saying now, ‘Yes I got the permission to enter Chidambaram.’ So, it was a beautiful feeling when I performed, as an offering, that same dance piece on the evening of August 22nd that I had performed two years earlier, while my wife, Shanta, accompanied me with emotional singing.”  —Sri V. P. Dhananjayan

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“I have had the incredible grace and blessing to serve Sri Gurudev as his personal assistant and as the executive director of his international secretariat for the past 24 years. In addition to serving Sri Gurudev in the Ashrams, I traveled extensively with him, serving him and his global mission to the best of my ability.

“During the past few years, there were occasions when Sri Gurudev traveled, and I did not accompany him. While he was away, I often spoke to him by telephone, apprising him of activities at the Ashram, giving him other news, and discussing various matters. I would often reconfirm his plans and return dates to the Ashram. Soon, this became a sort of very tender interchange where he would tease me and tell me that he would be returning home to the Ashram the next day. It did not matter when he was due home, whether in a week, or a month, he always replied, ‘I will be coming home tomorrow.’

“Soon, he began instructing me before each of these trips to write down the words, ‘I will be coming home tomorrow’ on a piece of paper and to place it on my desk where I could easily see it. Any time I thought of Sri Gurudev and missed his physical presence, I looked at the piece of paper with the words, ‘I will be coming home tomorrow’ and felt comforted.

“Before Sri Gurudev left on what would be his last physical journey, he asked me, ‘Have you written down when I am coming home?’

Dutifully, I replied that I had. ‘Good,” he said. ‘Remember, I will be coming home tomorrow.’ Just prior to his Mahasamadhi, Sri Gurudev repeated those words to me when I spoke to him by telephone. Only later, I realized that those words were echoing those of Nandanar: ‘I will surely go to Chidambaram tomorrow.’ On August 20th, Sri Gurudev’s Holy Body was flown home to Yogaville and placed inside Chidambaram.” —Rev. Prem Anjali

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With the Splendor of a Million Suns Endless is the cycle of birth and death, The limbs are consumed by passion and diseases, I derive no real enjoyment by senses, Lord, my existence has become useless.

The mayavic world has placed stains on my mind, When shall my mind indifferent to everything else arrive at Your Feet ?

Asking thus, I reached the halls at Tillai.

With a single glance, You removed all the doubts, With hands raised high above the head, With tears swelling up in the eyes, With the mind which roamed the forest, conquered by Your sweet glance, The body, blessed with the opportunity to see You dance, fell prostrate on the ground, only to rise and fall again and again.

I roar! Oh, I dance, My heart’s desires have been fulfilled, Since You, my Lord, Infinitely magnificent, Have come to me.

What more do I need?

Other than the worship of the curved foot.

He bears the fire in one hand, the drum in the other, The other two hands depict the “grant grace” and the “fear not” gestures.

Placing His right foot over on Apasmaara With His left foot slightly bending He performs this great dance in the sabha accompanied by Devi.

To the curved foot, I offer my prostrations.

Putting the three lines of ash on His forehead, The hooded snake on His throat, The demon as the pedestal, Ganga flowing from His head, The Lord dances to the witness of all His devotees.

In speech, in thought, In perceptions of mind, In gestures of the body, May the devotion to You always be my companion, At all times and at all places.

With my eyes closed, At the touch of Your Lotus feet, May I rejoice reeling with drunkenness, From the intoxication of Your devotion.

I worship the great Dancer in Chidambaram, Whose glory this world cannot understand.

His lifegiving medicine, panchaksara, Gives good things to the mind.

Swallowing all the Shaktis, And embraced by Shivakamasundari, From which the universe arises, You shine with the splendor of a million suns– Let Your glory shine forth in my Heart.

Whatever form this jiva may take, May I never forget to worship You With the words that makes my heart dance– Na mah Shi vaa ya Aum Aum Aum —Anonymous

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He gives Dharma to people by the beat of His Damaru drum, Wealth by the fire He holds, Love with the gesture of freedom from fear, And Moksha with the upraised Lotus foot.

In doing so, He caters to all kinds of people.

Representing His five activities of srsti, sthiti, samhara, tirobhava, anugraha, being the activities of Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheshvara, and Sadasiva; The Self who manifests as all, Created Brahma for creation of worlds, Hari for their protection, Rudra for their destruction, Maheshvara for concealing and Sadasiva with Parvati beside Him to bless and grace the devotees To His curved foot, I submit myself.

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In their own words, four devotees share the very personal experiences they have had with Sri Gurudev since his Mahasamadhi.

“I Am Always With You.”

—Sri Gurudev

The Guru is not a human being. Don’t think he’s like you or I. It is not so. In the Guru, the divine energy, the love of God, is manifested so much that the Guru’s body is not an ordinary human body.

—Swami Prajnanananda

y connection with Sri Gurudev has been ‘unspoken’ but real and a scarf, then it was just the saffron robe without any wrap. As “forMa long time. Prior to moving to New Zealand in 1985, I visited if to say that the wraps didn’t matter, but he was there. In all of the Ashram and mentally asked Sri Gurudev for permission to go to New Zealand. He looked at me and ‘told’ me that it would be fine. It was at that moment I knew all would be well. Not a word was spoken, but we had communicated. Question asked and answered.

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“I had not been in any contact with anyone connected with Gurudev for about 16 years at this time. Nor did I feel a need to be. I had his teachings and knew what to do to practice them: Discipline.

So I began again a serious disciplined practice. And the effects were wonderful.

I had faith that he was with me, helping me.

“Around June of 2002, I first discovered the Yogaville.org website and became a regular visitor to The Golden Present.

Sometime around July, I emailed the webmasters to thank them for the site and to inquire about Sri Gurudev’s body. I felt I was being drawn close, and yet felt that the time was near.

these visuals, his face was looking right at me and smiling. He was sharing a strong and real feeling that he was with me. It made me feel so cared for. It was so real.

“That morning I went to the web site to see what was going on. I thought something special was up, but there was nothing on the site. It was only a day or two later that the website posted the news that Sri Gurudev left his body. As I worked out the timing of when it was, it turned out to be at exactly the same time as his visit with me.

“Then, on August 22 nd another visit. This time he was larger. One big Gurudev in his orange robes and lovely white beard, being there for me and warming my soul. He stayed with me for a hour or so. Another VERY real visit. This one happened on the same day as the services in Yogaville.

“One thing I try to do is to read Sri Gurudev’s Yoga Sutras daily.

By August, I had read them 3 times or so since the beginning of the year. Each time they seem deeper and more meaningful. So I just keep reading.

“From that time on, I have found my practice growing stronger.

The mysteries of daily life became, and are still, a wonder of magic.

The ability of God, Sri Gurudev, ‘the force,’ Jesus, to show his face—not just in those visions, but in each detail of every day—is so, so inspiring.

“Then, one night, I had a very clear visit from Sri Gurudev. This was very real and warm. Not a ‘dream’ but a visit. He came to me in many ‘wraps/layers,’ smiled at me and made be feel loved.

Visually, he appeared in his saffron robes with a gray wrap coat

“Sri Gurudev’s body may be ‘dead’ but, as he said, he is not the body, not the mind. The Guru is the teachings. They are with us always. But so is the person who taught them to me.”

—Ed Vos, New Zealand

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“On August 7th during Yoga Nidra [deep relaxation] in the morning Hatha class at Yogaville I had a very clear and beautiful vision of a Christ-like figure with a vivid sky-blue robe of light and cloak of shimmering white, edged with gold. The hair was golden brown in color and eyes a penetrating clear blue. I was also shown a golden key. The vision continued through the pranayama portion of the class and I asked what the key was. I received the idea that the key was myself. Then I saw a small gold key lying on the ground.

“After the class I thought maybe I was going to find a key somewhere around the Ashram. Later that day I went to Kailash for 6:00 p.m. meditation and immediately upon sitting down, the Christ figure was there again so clear and this time Sri Gurudev was in front of the figure. I also knew immediately what seeing the key meant—it meant that I had come to Yogaville to find myself! I heard Sri Gurudev’s voice very plainly: ‘Very good.’ Then, Sri Gurudev half turned toward the Christ figure and stretched out his hands in that direction as if motioning me towards the figure. He then turned his head back to me and said ‘Now—you know who I really am!’

“Then it was as if Gurudev’s form began to dissolve before my eyes and I felt a tremendous sense of loss. I wept and sobbed for a long time; I felt that I was losing him. I did not fully understand the significance at that time; I thought Gurudev was saying, as he has done many times before, that we should not rely on his physical form. However, when we heard that Gurudev had taken ill in India I immediately knew that he would not return to Yogaville and that he had given me that message some two weeks previously. I feel so blessed to be at the Beloved Lotus Feet of Sri Gurudev, this Omnipresent Being of Pure Love and Light.”

—V.S., Yogaville

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“I received a call about Sri Gurudev’s Mahasamadhi, and that night I was not able to sleep. I was crying and very distressed, unable to

go to sleep. I looked up and Gurudev appeared before me as I first saw him, [Vijaya knew Sri Gurudev since 1958 when she was a young child] young, with dark hair and beard. It didn’t surprise me that he would appear in his younger form because that is how I knew him and thought of him. I just looked up and my only thought was, ‘Om Swamiji.’ He began to stroke my forehead and hair as he used to do when I was a child and I would be in his lap and he would stroke my head. I felt such peace and the totality of that. I felt a blanket of warmth and love being poured over me. When he appeared, all the turmoil I felt just ceased. I was bathed from the inside out in peace, warmth, love and in the radiance of him. He continued to stroke my forehead and the front of my hair and the next thing I knew it was morning.

I awakened with the thought: We must love each other and we must be good and kind to each other.”

—Vijaya, Virgina

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“Now it is confirmed even more. He was confirming his true nature; “She said, ‘Amma, I saw the Swamiji that came here with you for

lunch five years ago. It was as if he was just coming here to visit or to have lunch—the same, three dimensional.’ She said she sat up in the bed and said, ‘Swamiji!’ He told her, ‘Do you remember the book that I gave you when I came here with Amma? It’s in that closet. Go and get it.’ She had received the book five years ago, but never read it; she had put it away. She didn’t remember where it was but she went to the closet, opened the closet and there was the book.

She brought it out, stood in front of him, and opened the book. She said, ‘Swamiji, just so that I don’t think that this is my imagination, please tell me what you want me to do with this book.’

“Many of you remember my sister, Lourdes. She met Sri Gurudev many years ago. She always had great affection for him and considers him a holy man—like a holy, wonderful, beautiful distant uncle. She always used to say, ‘I feel so happy that Swamiji is in our family because I feel he is protecting us all.’

“The book opened so Gurudev flipped the pages and stopped at one page and pointed there. Lourdes read it and she got the answer to her prayer that she had been praying for months and months.

She said to him, ‘Swamiji, this is the answer to my prayer. Thank you!’ He simply smiled sweetly and started to leave. When he got to the door he turned around and gave her one of those smiles that is a combination of tenderness and all-knowing mischief. She felt that he was telling her, ‘You see, there is nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. It is all taken care of.’ He left, closed the door very softly and she saw the knob turning very gently.

“The most beautiful thing is how Sri Gurudev revealed—through someone who was not his devotee then—the reality of his presence, constant guidance, caring, and love for us; that is absolutely real.”

—Amma Kidd, Virginia

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“Lourdes was going through a very crucial moment in her life. Her husband passed away two years ago. She had to make many, many decisions that were frightening and very important for her future.

Just a few days after the Mahasamadhi, she was in her home in Florida. She has been meditating and praying in the early morning. When she got out of her meditation, she felt stiff and started to stretch. As she was stretching, the knob of her bedroom door turned slowly, the door opens and in walked Satgurudev, Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj. She was telling me this and I said, ‘Stop Lourdes, stop. Tell me exactly what you saw.’

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confirming that and letting me know that his whole appearance has been here only to perform a job and do it well. The Satguru is always present. I remember Gurudev saying to us all the time that, ‘I am always watching you. I know what you think wherever you are.’ While he was in the body he appeared visibly, three-dimensionally, to some people around the world. I know a few of those instances.

Whenever I’d ask Gurudev about those appearances to people he always said, “I don’t know anything about that Amma.” The sun is just the sun. I believe that about Gurudev—he’s just the sun and he appeared wherever, at inner levels.

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“You Will Never Be Without Me.”

by H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

When I leave my body I will continue to guide you from a higher level. When you are in the Guru’s physical presence you think that the guidance is coming from the physical side. No, spiritual help need not depend on the physical body. If that is so, then Lord Jesus and the Buddha will not be helping anybody anymore. On the other hand, it is mostly after their physical death they seem to be doing a lot of work. When the body is not there then you begin to understand something beyond that body. Most of the teachers became well-known and were able to help most of the disciples after their physical death.

Physical death is not the culmination of the journey. Lord Jesus in his own life demonstrates that. It’s the body that got crucified but nobody can touch the astral or spiritual body.

The spiritual body is still in the physical body. It’s almost like I’m wearing a robe. Your perception stops at the robe and you couldn’t go beyond that. But when I take this robe out, then you are able to see something more inside; something more real. Once the physical body is gone, then those who have the capacity to see, will see the spiritual body. It is the spiritual body that is able to go anywhere and everywhere, moving freely.

The time will come when I will no longer be confined in the body and can easily reach everybody. Then you people will see what great things will happen.

You should be able to receive the Guru’s Guidance from a higher level. When would you be able to do that? When you have that communication. You communicate with his astral and spiritual body, with his thoughts, with his Teachings. You may not see me but you know what I would be telling you in a given circumstance, is it not so?

The Guru-disciple relationship never ends. It’s always there. Whether the Guru leaves the body, or the disciple dies. That relationship is eternal, and Guru and disciple can never be separated.

In every incarnation the same Guru may appear in a different form.

That’s why many a time when you meet your Master, or when he meets you, you feel that you have known him for ages. You don’t see him as a new, unknown person. But these memories are not vivid because of the change of the body. But if the mind is very clear you can have vivid memories of that.

Remember you will never be without me, never! The body may go, but I am always with you. Always.

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The Bhagavad Gita clearly states, “The Self cannot be wetted by water, burnt by fire, cut by a sword.” When the body is dead, the spirit is not dead. So here we see the immortal principle, the immortality of the soul. The Thirukkural says, “Death is like a bird breaking the shell and it comes out and flies away.” A bird will not be happy if it is confined in that little eggshell. One day it has to pry it open, break it and fly out. So, a soul wants to soar but the body is a fetter.

Evolved souls, enlightened beings like Lord Jesus and other great sages and saints, when they depart from the body they can easily reach everybody. They can do more great things than they did while they were in the body.

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When we are out of this body we realize how happy we are. We realize the whole universe is ours. You can go wherever you want.

Here in the body, if I want to go from one place to another place, I need a car, a plane, this and that. I can’t even travel easily. If I want to pick up something, I am limited by what is within the reach of my body, that’s all. My hand cannot reach farther. But when I am out of this body I can reach anywhere and everywhere. Space and time mean nothing in that level.

Another example given in the Thirukkural is that the bird was in the cage and people only saw the cage. But when the cage got broken the bird flew away. You may say the bird got resurrected. It was completely covered by the cage. You were not able to see the bird inside. Once the cage got broken you are able to see the bird flying away.

“Swamiji has done more than anyone else to make the riches of the yogic tradition available to Americans of all faiths.”

—Abbot M. Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O.

St. Joseph’s Abbey, Massachusetts “The Board of Directors and Staff of Yoga Alliance would like to pay tribute to one of the most revered Yoga Masters of our time. Sri Swami Satchidananda, founder of Integral Yoga, is known worldwide as a spiritual teacher whose teachings embody the truths found in all the great wisdom traditions. His ecumenical message of peace within all people and harmony among all faiths is manifest in the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS), opened in July 1986. . . . His motto, ‘Truth Is One, Paths Are Many’ aptly describes the foundation of the Yoga Alliance, which he heartily supported from its inception. We, the Yoga community, are deeply indebted to Sri Swami Satchidananda for his substantial contributions toward bringing the ancient teachings of Yoga into our modern context. His teachings will live on in the hearts of millions, and continue to influence the evolution of world peace, to which he dedicated his life.”

—The Board of Directors and Staff of the Yoga Alliance

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Part V

INTEGRAL YOGA ®

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INTEGRAL YOGA: ®

a synthesis

Integral Yoga is a synthesis of the various branches of Yoga. It is a scientific system for the harmonious development of every aspect of the individual. The following are some of its different branches.

RAJA YOGA The path of concentration and meditation. Based on ethical perfection and control of the mind, it leads ultimately to the state of Samadhi, or Super-consciousness.

JAPA YOGA The concentrated repetition of a mantra (a sound vibration representing an aspect of the Divine), leading to awareness of and, attunement to, this vibration.

HATHA YOGA Postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), relaxation, and cleaning practices (kriyas) to purify and strengthen the body and mind.

KARMA YOGA The path of selfless service. By performing duties without attachment to the fruits of the action, the Karma Yogi becomes a conscious instrument of the Divine Will.

BHAKTI YOGA The path of love and devotion to God, to an incarnation of the Divine, or to a spiritual teacher. By transcending the limited personality, one attains union with the Divine.

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JNANA YOGA The path of wisdom. By study, self-analysis and awareness, the Jnana Yogi ceases to identify with the body and mind, and realizes the Oneness.

“The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every individual, is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as a crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy.” —H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

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THE INTEGRAL YOGA MINISTRY ®

If we embrace Sri Gurudev’s teachings that each individual is a masterpiece of spiritual potential and that the earth is a learning center where Spirit interacts with matter and illusion, then it is a great gift to be allowed to serve, because it affirms, and finally teaches us, our interconnectedness.

—Rev. Dhyani Simonini The essence of Sannyas is renunciation. When you have renounced, you are free to serve others totally with love and compassion. When there are no physical, mental, or emotional binds to restrain you, you are free to live a life of dedicated service, and to share the teachings of our Beloved Gurudev with all you meet.

—Swami Chidananda

Lives of dedicated service: (top) Sri Gurudev with his ministers and (bottom) with his monks.

Inspired by Sri Gurudev’s example, some of his senior students have made a formal commitment to a life of selfless service to humanity.

The Path of Service As Ministers of Integral Yoga you

should set an example. Just because you are going to be called “ordained ministers” does not automatically mean you become ministers. You can be ordained, but the only way you can be a minister is to live, love, and serve like one. Don’t think it’s simply that you have the position to perform some functions.

Once you put on a robe or a scarf, people will know you are trying to follow a commitment. You have the responsibility to live according to the commitment you’ve made. If this is kept in mind, then there is nothing more you need to do.

—H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

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Other students of Sri Gurudev, while moved to dedicate themselves formally, did not feel that the monastic path was best suited for them. Therefore, in 1980, Sri Gurudev initiated the Order of Integral Yoga Ministers. These ministers, given the title “Reverend,” may marry and have families if they wish. When performing formal ministry functions, they wear white robes with a gold sash. An Integral Yoga minister vows to grow and serve through living a

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Some students have chosen the path of sannyas or monasticism.

They have the title of “Swami” and are similar to monastics of other traditions. Sannaysis observe vows of renunciation and dedicated service to all. Fully-ordained monks wear orange robes, a symbol of this renunciation. Pre-sannyasis have the title, “Brother” or “Sister,” similar to novices in other traditions. They wear white clothes as a symbol of purity, with an orange scarf indicating they are training in renunciation.

yogic life-style under the spiritual guidance and teachings of Sri Gurudev. The ministers and sannyasis of Integral Yoga serve the public in many ways such as performing ceremonies like weddings, blessings for newborns, and memorial services. The Integral Yoga Ministry is an interfaith ministry. All faiths are respected and all people are served as children of the One God.

Integral Yoga Teachers and Centers ®

We have highlighted two major Integral Yoga Institutes (IYIs) in this section to give an indication of how the IYIs function. The IYI in Coimbatore, India, is described in Part III, in the section on the Indian Community. A complete listing of centers appears at the end of this book.

worldwide. The goal of the IYTA is to provide spiritual inspiration, ongoing training, as well as useful information, and to support the administration of Integral Yoga teaching centers. It provides a forum for Integral Yoga teachers to offer each other mutual support and spiritual fellowship.

The IYTA makes its membership list available to the public through the publication of its Teachers Directory, which is printed, as well as online at the lYTA website (www.iyta.org). Under the guidance of Sri Gurudev, Integral Yoga has been training Yoga teachers since 1969. All certified instructors teach Integral Yoga Hatha postures and relaxation techniques. Some have training in specific fields, such as Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Cardiac Patients, Yoga for Children, Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga, Yoga in Prisons, and Yoga for Stress Management. Many also teach classes in other aspects of Integral Yoga, such as Meditation and Raja Yoga, Some members teach at Integral Yoga Institutes and Centers, while others teach at recreation centers, schools, hospitals, and businesses.

San Francisco IYI

The Integral Yoga Institute was founded in the United States in 1966 and functions under the spiritual guidance of Sri Gurudev. Today, nearly 50 Integral Yoga Institutes (lYls) and Integral Yoga Centers (IYCs) throughout the United States and abroad offer classes, workshops, and trainings in all aspects of Integral Yoga.

From the top of Liberty Hill, overlooking downtown San Francisco, the Int e g r a l Y o g a Institute stands at the intersection of three of San Francisco’s most d i v e r s e neighborhoods, the Mission, the Castro and Noe Valley. Since it was founded in 1970, thousands of people have come through the IYI doors each year to learn about the For over 30 years, this stately building has been as timeless teach- oasis of Yoga in San Francisco. ings of Yoga and the wisdom and compassion of Sri Gurudev. Night after night a spotlight shines through a stained g l a s s Yantra in the building’s cupola, spreading Sri Gurudev’s love and light out over the city and beyond.

The Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) is a membership organization open to the thousands of Integral Yoga teachers

The IYI is run as a small ashram, and all the residents and staff make a commitment to live by the basic yogic principle that when

“A mind free from all disturbance is Yoga.” —The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali The teachings of Integral Yoga are rooted in the classical system of Yoga formalized thousands of years ago by the sage Patanjali. The science of Yoga is based upon the same essential principles that lie at the foundation of all faiths. The true yogi respects all traditions, recognizing that although the paths are many, the Truth is One. The practice of Yoga is based on such moral and ethical precepts as: nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, non-greed, purity, contentment, self-discipline, study of spiritual books, and dedication to God.

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Integral Yoga, as taught by Sri Gurudev, addresses itself to every aspect of the individual: physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual. It leads to the understanding and mastery of one’s own mind. When the mind becomes clear and balanced, we are able to look within to experience the peace and happiness that is our true nature.

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you calm your mind you will abide in peace. In this way, the staff runs the Institute not as a business but as an environment for spiritual growth.

Forming the backbone of the IYI’s sangha (community) are over sixty members who all teach as Karma Yoga (volunteering their service). Their service enables the Institute to offer Hatha Yoga classes seven days a week, as well as workshops and course classes in all aspects of the science of Yoga. The IYI has 45 open classes per week with approximately 325 students attending. There are many specialty classes including Yoga for people with HIV, Prenatal Yoga, Parent/Baby Yoga, Yoga in Spanish, and more. There are three meditations a day, and guest stays for visiting yogis. Currently, Beginners Level Hatha Yoga Teacher Training is offered two times a year. For continuing education, there are Teacher Trainings in Intermediate Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Gentle Yoga. In 2002, the SF Weekly newspaper honored the Institute for having the most complete and most spiritual approach to Yoga in the Bay Area.

of Yoga. Over the years, the New York IYI has grown into one of the most respected and beloved Yoga centers in the city, an oasis for busy New Yorkers and out-of-town visitors. More than 6,000 students each month attend 125 weekly Hatha Yoga classes at all levels, including Prenatal, Postpartum, Extra Gentle and HIV, taught as Karma Yoga by nearly 200 active teachers. Courses and

The San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute’s goal is simple: to share the teachings of Sri Gurudev. To do this effectively all of the members of the community must work on becoming cleaner instruments themselves. Then they will be teaching by example.

The measure of the Institute’s success is the love and peace found within it’s walls and between the members of its sangha.

—Jivana Heyman

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New York IYI

The Integral Yoga Institute was founded in New York City in a large apartment on the Upper West Side in 1967, a mere fifteen months after Sri Gurudev came to America at the invitation of artist Peter Max.

Sri Gurudev enjoyed inspecting the vitamins in the NYIYI’s apothecary, early 1990s.

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workshops in Meditation and Pranayama, Health and In 1970, a beautiNutrition, and other related teachings create a unique ful brownstone on and rewarding atmosphere of learning and sharing. StuWest 13th Street, dents gather each Tuesday evening for Scripture Study; in Greenwich VilFriday night kirtans and Saturday evening satsangs are lage, was dedifixtures of Greenwich Village life. Over the years, the cated as the New IYI’s renowned Teacher Training program has certified York IYI. Both hundreds of teachers in Hatha I, II and III, Prenatal and an ashram and a Postpartum Yoga, Meditation and Extra Gentle Yoga. teaching center, it became a beacon The Integral Yoga Bookstore is known throughout for spiritual seekers the city for its carefully selected books and beautiful from all over New Yoga products. Integral Yoga Natural Foods has twice York City and is been named New York’s best health food store by the place where Zagat’s restaurant guide. Integral Yoga Natural Vitamins, thousands of also located on 13th Street, is a natural apothecary, people have ex- From 1992 to 1989, Mataji supervised the bookstore considered a key component by many New Yorkers in perienced Yoga and welcomed students to the NYIYI. their natural approach to health and well-being. for the first time.

Many New Yorkers also discovered the joys and benefits of a vegetar- T h e N e w Y o r k I Y I i s t h e l i v i n g e m b o d i m e n t o f ian diet when the Integral Yoga Natural Foods store opened in the build- Sri Gurudev’s teachings, a community where the goal for all people ing in 1972. For a long time, it was the only place in the city to purchase is an easeful, peaceful and useful life. exclusively vegetarian products consistent with the principles —Chandra Jo Sgammato

Integral Yoga International ®

®

From the time that Sri Gurudev embarked on his first All-India tour in the early 1950s, he continually traveled the globe serving humanity. By 2002, he had made eight world tours and logged nearly two million miles. In his footsteps, Integral Yoga International, a worldwide organization, grew with branches on six of the seven continents.

From the green waters and pink houses of Bermuda, to the inland villages of Nigeria, Integral Yoga has taken root around the globe.

How did it all happen? We could say, quite literally, “Only God knows.” The spirit that awakens spirit can not be fathomed by the human mind.

But it can be felt. Every stop in every country, brought devotees flocking. Those first steps on foreign soil made deep impressions in which many seeds were planted. Sri Gurudev came often to water and weed, to love, and nurture.

Sri Gurudev always gave us new opportunities to learn, to practice, to share, to grow. A devotee wanted to introduce everyone he knew to Sri Gurudev—“Fine, great. Why don’t you start teaching some classes? You be my representative,” Sri Gurudev would instruct.

A group of devotees hoped to form an Integral Yoga center some day—“Terrific! Why not begin today itself? Good things should be done right away,” Sri Gurudev would say.

Someone wanted to translate a book. Sri Gurudev’s response?

“When can you start? Don’t delay, the people are waiting.” His books have been translated into Chinese, Farsi, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Tamil to name a few languages!

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Always Sri Gurudev said yes. Yes, to invitations to go to any place, to any organization where he felt sincerity of heart and spirit. He always said, “I don’t belong to any one country or organization.”

Quick growth was never his goal. Always, each devotee’s unfoldment took precedence over the growth of the Integral Yoga organization.

He gave us time to learn to get along with all kinds of people, to find a place for everyone. He patiently waited for us to learn that sacrificing our personal ambitions for the highest good of all would bring us joy.

Today, a new Integral Yoga International is emerging in response to the needs of the times, the sweet fruit of those early seeds. Last year we conducted our first Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program in German, and this year, our first in both Italian and Spanish. Last year, activities in the United Kingdom became so full that the centers instituted a UK Council to oversee them. In 2003, for the first time in our history, a training for Teacher Trainers took place at our center in Portugal.

Jini Chen and the Integral Yogis from Taiwan offer songs for Sri Gurudev during their visit to Yogaville.

After Sri Gurudev’s visit to Europe in August of 2002 for a reunion with devotees, the old has returned to join the new. For the first time since Sri Gurudev retired from traveling to Europe, Integral Yoga will be represented at the annual Zinal Yoga conference. Sri Gurudev’s name and face have once again graced the major British Yoga journals. And we have reconnected with the prestigious British Wheel of Yoga, of which Sri Gurudev was once President.

Many of Sri Gurudev’s senior swamis and teachers are now conducting programs and trainings in various parts of the world including: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bali, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Russia, Brazil, Bermuda, Mexico, and Europe.

Each day the emails and phone calls pour in. In one week alone we had requests for Teacher Trainings, classes, and new centers from Sweden, Argentina, Spain, and Switzerland.

Most recently, some devotees acquired four acres on the moon with the deed in the name of the Sri Swami Satchidananda Ashram. An additional four acres were put in the name of the LOTUS! Would anyone like to start a center in Antarctica?

Thank You, Sri Gurudev, for Your Ever-Present Grace and Guidance!

Jai Sri Satguru Satchidanandaji Maharaj Ki Jai! —Swami Sharadananda

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Swami Sharadanandaji, a senior monastic disciple of Sri Gurudev, is the International Coordinator for Integral Yoga worldwide. She is available to serve the devotees, teachers, centers, and trainers around the globe.

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Blissful yogis receive mantra initiation at the annual UK Integral Yoga Retreat in Dorset. Sudasi (far left), Co-director of the Bath IYC, and Sumukhi (far right), head of the Bournemouth IYC.

Kirana Stover (pictured here), teaching a Hatha Yoga class at her center. Though referred to as the “Barcelona IYC,” it is actually situated in the sunny village of Sant Pere de Ribes, outside the city.

One voice, one heart: Euroreunion, Dorset 2002. Teachers and students from Gibraltar, Portugal, Spain, France, and England lead a soul-stirring kirtan.

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Italy’s Integral Yogis enjoy their satsang. The Yoga center, “Raggio di Sole” (“Ray of Sun”) in Milan, is run by Parvathi Faini (right of Yantra), with her partners Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Falcone (left of Yantra) and Gabriella Orru (right of Parvathi).

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The Integral YogA Centre, Gibraltar ®

The Integral Yoga Centre was registered as a nonprofit charity in Gibraltar in 1996 by its dedicated director, Nalanie Chellaram. In 1998, the Government offered a building to the IYC and recently allocated adjoining premises for a much-needed expansion.

Today, there are 34 fully qualified teachers, offering classes in Prenatal Yoga, Hatha Yoga for Senior Citizens, Children, and Teenagers; Lunchtime De-Stress sessions; Yoga for the Special Child; and Meditation classes for all. In addition, private counseling is available.

As a charity, residing in Government premises, the overhead is very low and surplus funds are used in a variety of ways. The IYC supports a leper colony in So. America and it has two orphanages in India. They have sent money to help victims of the Indian and San Salvador earthquakes, helped build a school for destitute children in Nepal, and assisted Mother Teresa’s work in Morocco and India. Nearer to home, they offer help in Gibraltar and Spain for abused women and their children, for recovering drug and alcohol victims, and for other registered charities in Gibraltar.

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Quinta da Calma, Integral Yoga Training Centre, Portugal ®

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In the sunny Algarve region on the Southern Coast of Portugal lies Quinta da Calma, the “Tranquil Little Farm,” which serves as the home of our Integral Yoga Centre in Portugal. Divyajyothi Sylta Kalmbach has lovingly and generously dedicated this beautiful estate—the personal home of herself and her late husband Al—as the IY Teacher Training (TT) Centre for Europe.

A welcome move it is, as exchange rates and language barriers dictate a need for TT programs outside of the U.S.A., the first residential TT in Europe was held in Portugal in 1988. Then, in 1989 Divyajyothi hosted a Yoga retreat with Sri Gurudev. Well-versed in languages, cultures, and all branches of Yoga, Divyajyothi has since led numerous TTs there herself—deftly switching from one language to as many as four others in the same lecture.

Quinta da Calma also serves as the meeting place for the senior European teachers and trainers, who came together there for the first time as a group in 2001. They came together again in 2003 for a Training for Teacher Trainers.

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It’s impossible for us to transform the whole world overnight. We have to start building a better world somewhere. That is the purpose of Yogaville.

Let one little village become a beautiful one, a heaven on earth. Of course that doesn’t mean that you should not do anything for other parts of the world. But remember, charity begins at home.

“Before I even started LOTUS, I seriously asked myself, ‘Is it necessary? Should we spend money for that? Why can’t we spend that money for the more needy people?’ People sometimes ask me that question. My answer is that I don’t deny the importance of immediate service to the needy, poor, sick and hungry. But why are people poor, sick, or hungry? The reason is that we don’t care and share enough.

“That is why in Yogaville we are trying to lead a life filled with caring and sharing. And a life with the recognition of our spiritual unity. In the name of LOTUS, that’s what we are trying to do. The worst thing is to kill people in the name of religion. It’s not even hunger that killed that many people. Wars fought in the name of God and religion killed that many people. Let’s not forget that. So, what is the cause? We don’t seem to recognize that we are all brothers and sisters in the same spirit. We may look different, but the same spirit runs through us all. The purpose of any religion is to teach us about our spiritual oneness; to help us to live this truth: ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’

“We are trying to prove in Yogaville—in this one little miniature world—that people from various places come together and can live together harmoniously as one family. If we can’t make this little world a happy place to live, a harmonious place to live, there is no point in talking about global harmony, global peace.

“Here, in Yogaville, all are in good company: the company of likeminded people seeking to live easeful, peaceful, and useful lives.

If you are in this kind of good company, your mind is more calm.

When your mind is more calm, you experience your own inner self. It’s as simple as that. Those who find it difficult to follow any spiritual practices will find an immediate benefit by living in such an environment. They will get great benefit just by leaving the bad company behind, just by changing the environment, and by finding the good company.

“That is the purpose of Yogaville. Here we are as one family; as like-minded people. We came from various places. We have various tastes, various temperaments, various faces, various beliefs, but we are living here as one family, helping each other. Everyone is growing and helps others to grow. It takes a lot of understanding, a lot of cooperation, and coordination. That’s what I say when I travel around the globe, ‘If you want to see a heaven, come to Yogaville.’” ­­­­ ­­­­

—H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

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“If you want to see heaven . . .

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e m o c ... ” ! e l l i v a g o Y to

“Let “Let us us all all walk walk together, together, talk talk together, together, love love together, together, and and live live together. together. .. ..

The Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect backdrop, and the rolling hills of rural Central Virginia offer the ideal setting for Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Virginia. Sri Gurudev founded Yogaville as an optimal environment in which to study and live the principles of Integral Yoga. Now, 25 years later, that Yoga village continues to grow, still nurtured by his vibrant and enduring spirit.

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Yogaville is a dynamic community where one will find people of varying ages and backgrounds enjoying all that the Ashram has to offer. In addition to the more than 2,000 guests and program participants who visit each year, 150 residents make this their home.

There is a monastery for the swamis, as well as dormitories for guests and single residents, and many family homes nearby.

Visitors to Yogaville usually start at the Visitors’ Center in Sivananda Hall. This is the place where everyone comes together for delicious vegetarian meals, community gatherings, and satsangs. Right across the lawn of the quadrangle are two dormitories, the warmly welcoming Guest Services department, and several classrooms. A wonderful large full-service library can be found in a building next to the dorms; and Guru Bhavan, the peaceful meditation hall, stands on the opposite side.

Next to Guru Bhavan is the newest addition: The Integral Yoga Teaching Academy which will host more than 15 Teacher Training

programs each year. In addition to Hatha Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training programs, there is a wide variety of advanced and specialized certification courses such as: Cardiac Yoga, Extra Gentle Yoga, Stress Management, Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga, Yoga for the Special Child, and Yoga for Cancer Patients.

Just a short walk away, there are two Lotus Guest Houses—offering private rooms to guests—and the little Lotus Tea House, a place to enjoy refreshments and good company. There are plans to expand these facilities even further.

Also in Sivananda Hall, are the offices of Shakticom, the full-service audio and video studio. The staff of Shakticom has recorded Sri Gurudev’s programs for many years. They continue to produce tapes using these beautiful teachings, and also tapes by disciples of Sri Gurudev. Shakticom, along with the Photo Department and the Archives, is actively involved in preserving the wealth of tapes and films collected from Sri Gurudev’s early days to the present, and in sharing those treasures with the public.

Nearby is the Office Building which houses the Office of the President of the Integral Yoga organization, Swami Asokanandaji, and the administrative offices of Yogaville. It also includes the Programs Department—which plans more than 50 programs throughout the year. A sample of the week-long and weekend

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that’s Yoga.”

Yoga.” .. .. .. that’s

—H. H. H. Sri Sri Swami Swami Satchidananda Satchidananda —H.

workshops include: seasonal Silent Retreats, Meditation Retreats, Yoga and Psychotherapy, Self-Discovery through Hatha Yoga, Yoga Teachers Conferences, and Vegetarian Cooking Courses.

The Office Building also contains the Reservation Center, the Living Yoga Training (LYT) program, the Yogaville Federal Credit Union, graphic design, and Integral Yoga Publications, among other indispensable departments.

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For information on Yogaville® programs, the Integral Yoga® Teaching Academy, guest stays, and day visits, please phone 1-800-858-YOGA or visit us online at www.yogaville.ORG. Contributors to this article: Prakash Shakti Capen, Pushkari Swaine, Mrs. Raji, and Leela Palmer.

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From the earliest days, when Sri Gurudev began speaking about a Yoga village, there was a gleam in his eyes when he mentioned a school for children. Today, the Yogaville Vidyalayam (“Temple of Learning”) provides individual programs for children from ages 5 to 12. This private, nonprofit, parochial school is based on the precepts and teachings of Sri Gurudev, such as truth, nonviolence, dedication, universal brotherhood, interfaith understanding, and the multicultural approach. Sri Gurudev always said, “The purpose of

The three shrines at Yogaville—the LOTUS, Kailash, and Chidambaram—are highlighted in separate articles in this publication. So loved are these shrines, that they are sometimes referred to as the heart of Yogaville. But, there is no one structure or department that can be given this title. The heart of Yogaville will always be the expansive teachings and presence of Sri Gurudev.

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Down the road from Sivananda Hall are the offices of Integral Yoga Distribution, a thriving business which distributes thousands of books, tapes, videos, and other Yoga and wellness-related items to nearly 10,000 bookstores, health food stores, Yoga centers, and individuals. Founded in 1986 in a small corner in the office building basement, Integral Yoga Distribution has grown into its own large building (with warehouse), a staff of 15, and bustling phone lines.

the Vidyalayam is to turn out good people.” We see again and again that our school is doing just that, as students go on to graduate from college with honors and follow their dreams into a variety of impressive professions.

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“Let “Let Us Us Walk Walk Together,” Together,” aa song song by

by Nirmala Nirmala Heriza Heriza

Above: Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville community joins Sri Gurudev for a special photo in front of the LOTUS. Below: The community gathers in Sivananda Hall to enjoy the inspiration of the weekly satsang with Sri Gurudev on a Saturday evening.

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“As Vidyalayam graduates, wherever our lives led us, our successes can be credited to Sri Gurudev’s teachings and all we received at the Vidyalayam. I think it’s no coincidence that such notable Vidyalayam alumni have included: actor Liev Schreiber, musician Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), apprentice editor Scott Dinsmoor (Warner Bros.), musician Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band), film festival director Mohini Shapero (Jewish Museum, NYC), musician Gopal Metro (Bella Morte), author Lakshmi Bertram (Choosing Water Birth).”

The Yogaville Vidyalayam

—Radha Metro, Class of 1990

The most recent group of Vidyalayam “angels” pose with Sri Gurudev during the 2002 Springfest.

Liev, Rivers, Lakshmi, and Radha are among the many accomplished graduates pictured here. See if you can find them in this photo taken in 1979!

xx Let us walk together, let us talk together, let us live together as one . . .

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Mrs. Raji delights in leading her students in song during are of Sri Gurudev’s many visits to the Vidyalayam.

xx

Let us live together in Satchidananda, the time for peace has come. . .

Sri Gurudev consecrates the Guru Bhavan meditation hall and its altar, Yogaville, mid-l980s.

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Let us feel the fullness, let us feel the fullness, let us feel the fullness of the Lord. . .

Comfort and serenity: The Lotus Guest Houses.

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Guests and residents enjoy a vegetarian meal outdoors.

When we feel the fullness of Satchidananda, our hearts will become as one. . .

Celebrating the Spirit: An evening of Sufi dancing.

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Welcome! Visitors’ reception area and bookstore, Sivananda Hall.

Nectar Lane: home of the Integral Health Services, the Fine Arts Society, and the Lotus Conference Center.

Let us serve in silence, let us serve in silence, let us serve in silence and ease. . .

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xx

When we serve in the silence of Satchidananda, the whole world will feel our peace. . .

Nothing brings a smile as easily as a Yoga class in the Shenandoah Valley.

xx

xx

A sprinkling of snow adds winter beauty to Sivananda Hall and the Quad.

Let us love each other, let us love each other, let us love each other as our own. . .

Oasis of peace: Daily meditation inside the magnificent LOTUS.

Sri Gurudev blesses Integral Yoga Distribution’s new building, 2001.

When we love each other in Satchidananda, his heart will become our home.

OM Rama Rama, OM Satchidananda, OM Satchidananda, Rama OM.

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xx

Each weekend, programs on various aspects of Yoga inspire participants.

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Study and contemplation during the Teacher Training program.

The teachings of sri Sri Swami Satchidananda has offered uplifting thoughts and the wisdom of the East through the printed word as well as through audiotapes and videotapes. These are available from www. shakticom.org. Among the many publications, some translated into other languages, are:

Books •The Healthy Vegetarian (also in Tamil) •Integral Yoga Hatha (also in French, Spanish, and Farsi) •Beyond Words (also in Japanese, Chinese, Tamil, German, French, and Mandarin) •To Know Your Self: The Essential Teachings of Swami Satchidananda (also in Spanish, Tamil and French) •Integral Yoga: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (also in Japanese, Portuguese, Tamil, Italian, Farsi, French, and Spanish) •Integral Yoga: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (pocket edition) •Kailash Journal •The Golden Present (also in German, Tamil, Italian, and Spanish) •The Living Gita, (also in Finnish, Russian, and Tamil) •Enlightening Tales (also in German and Tamil)

Booklets and Articles •Meditation (also in Braille, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Tamil) •The Key to Peace •An Evening with Swami Satchidananda •Guru and Disciple (also in Italian and Tamil) •Integral Yoga Hatha for Beginners (also in French, Italian, Tamil, Farsi, Spanish, Japanese, German, and Portuguese) •Integral Yoga Kirtan •Pathways to Peace (also in Tamil) •Gems of Wisdom (also in Tamil) •How to Find Happiness •The Breath of Life: Integral Yoga Pranayama •Integral Yoga for Pregnant Women •Satchidananda Sutras •Truth is One, Paths are Many

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Audiotapes •Integral Yoga: The Sutras of Patanjali •My Real Secret •The Living Gita •Swami Satchidananda Teaches the Sanskrit Slokas •Guided Meditation: Basic Techniques •Guided Relaxation and Affirmations for Inner Peace •Wellness: The Yogic Approach •The Breath of Life: Integral Yoga Pranayama, Level I and II •Sacred Mantram for Meditation •Sacred Mantram for Healing and Protection

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swami satchidananda •Sacred Mantram for Enlightenment •Sacred Siva-Shakti Mantram •Sacred Mantram Invocation of the Goddess •Sacred Universal Mantram •Sacred Mantram for Inner Peace •Sacred Mantram for Divine Light and Power •Kandar Anubhuti •Freedom •Non-Attachment •Healing with Yoga, Visualization, and Affirmation •To Know the Truth •Transcending Anger, Fear and Depression •Deepening Your Meditation •Meditation: The Path to Happiness •Spiritual Help for Addictions •What is the Nature of God? An Ecumenical Exploration •Satchidananda Sampler •Integral Yoga Kirtan

Videotapes Videotapes

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•Mahasamadhi: Ceremonies Ceremonies and and Tributes Tributes •Mahasamadhi: •Yoga with a Master •Yoga with a Master •Yoga for for Children Children •Yoga •Deepening Your Meditation Meditation •Deepening Your •Meditation: The Path to to Happiness Happiness •Meditation: The Path •Guided Meditation: Basic Techniques •Guided Meditation: Basic Techniques •The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali •The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali •Living Selflessly Selflessly •Living •Transcending Anger, Fear Fear and and Depression Depression •Transcending Anger, •Service and Surrender •Service and Surrender •To Know Know the the Truth Truth •To •Healing with Yoga, Visualization, Visualization, and and Affirmation Affirmation •Healing with Yoga, •Essential Teachings for Life •Essential Teachings for Life •The Swami Swami and and the the Rabbi Rabbi •The •Freedom •Freedom •Non-Attachment •Non-Attachment •Spiritual Help Help for for Addictions Addictions •Spiritual •Memories of My Master: Sri Swami Swami Sivananda Sivananda •Memories of My Master: Sri •Pilgrimage to India •Pilgrimage to India •The Mind; Mind; Its Its Mysteries Mysteries and and Control Control •The •In His Footsteps •In His Footsteps •Music Mountain Mountain Satsang, Satsang, 1978 1978 •Music •Address at St. John the Divine, 1983 •Address at St. John the Divine, 1983 •Address at Johns Hopkins Medical School, 1977 1977 •Address at Johns Hopkins Medical School, •Bridges of Trust, Friendship and Love: Soviet Union, 1985 1985 •Bridges of Trust, Friendship and Love: Soviet Union, •Blessing of the Animals: St. John the Divine, l996 •Blessing of the Animals: St. John the Divine, l996 •Building the the LOTUS LOTUS •Building

SATCHIDANANDA (Existence-Knowledge-Bliss) in Devanagari script

yasyaiva sphuranam sadatmakamastakalpârthakam bhâsatê sâkshât tatvamasîti vêdavachasâ yô bodhayatyâshritân | yat sâkshât karanâdbhavênna punarâvrittirbhavâmbhônidhau tasmai srî gurumûrtayê nama idam srî dakshinâmûrtayê || “I offer my salutations to that beneficent being who is incarnate as the preceptor (Guru), the light of whose absolute existence shines forth in the world of appearance, who imparts to the disciple the holy teaching, ‘That Thou Art,’ upon realizing which, the soul never again returns to the ocean of birth and death.”

—Jagatguru Adi Sankaracharya, 8th century A.D.

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Dhyana Moolam Guror Moortim Pooja Moolam Guror Padam Mantra Moolam Guror Vakyam Moksha Moolam Guror Krupa “The root of meditation is the Guru’s Form; The root of worship, the Guru’s Feet; The room of mantra, the Guru’s Word; The root of freedom, the Guru’s Grace”.

—Shri Guru Gita

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Part VI

THE SATGURU: The Eternal Master

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Questions and Answers about

THE

Satguru Q: Where does the word Guru come from?

A: Guru is a Sanskrit term that has become a popularized term in the West, referring to anyone who brings expertise and savvy to a particular subject area: media guru, fitness guru, investment guru etc. The classical meaning of Guru is given in Shri Guru Gita,

soul. The true disciple is the one who has the vision to see who the Guru truly is. Shri Guru Gita declares:

“The syllable ‘Gu’ means darkness, and the syllable, ‘Ru’ means remover.”

Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwaraha.

Guru Saakshaat Param Brahma. Tasmai Sree Gurave Namaha.

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“The Guru is Brahman, the supreme knowledge that swallows up the darkness of ignorance.”

“The Guru creates. The Guru preserves. The Guru dissolves the Universe. The Guru, in fact, is the Absolute. Salutations to the Satguru.

Q: What is the Guru Gita?

Q: Why is it necessary to have a Guru?

A: The most ancient and authoritative scriptural text regarding the Guru-disciple relationship is a portion in the Skanda Purana entitled, Shri Guru Gita. In this Gita, Goddess Parvati requests Lord Siva to initiate her in the knowledge of the Guru. Through three chapters and hundreds of verses, Lord Siva explains the necessity of a Guru and what blessings can flow from the Guru-disciple relationship.

A: In Shri Guru Gita, Lord Siva explains to Goddess Parvathi that finding a true Guru is a great achievement for a spiritual seeker because without a Guru no further attainment is possible.

Q: What is the Satguru?

A: The scriptures explain that the Satguru is an embodiment of wisdom and an ocean of compassion. The Satguru, out of mercy for sincere seekers, takes a human birth and appears as an ordinary human being. Outwardly, the Satguru may seem to live like any other person: to eat, sleep, engage in various activities, head organizations, and so on. However, the Satguru is inwardly established in the state of liberation. He or she is a Jivanmukta, a living, liberated

The Puranas, Vedas, and Shastras (ancient scriptural texts) all declare that without a Satguru it is impossible to achieve the final goal of spiritual liberation. The scriptures further state that even in the case of seekers who have the greatest of discipline and devotion to their spiritual practice, the final goal—realizing God as one’s own Self and as the same Self in all—can only be achieved through the Satguru’s grace.

The story of Namdev, one of the great saints of India illustrates this point. Namdev had the vision of God from early childhood. Yet, as a grown man, he was told by God: “Namdev, you are most dear to me. But it is true that a man does not attain perfection except through the grace of a Guru.” The Lord then directed Namdev to

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Vishobha Kechar, a true Master through whose grace, Namdev attained enlightenment.

Q: What is the role of the Guru in the Guru-disciple relationship?

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna: Tadviddhi pranipatena pariprashnena sevaya Upadekshayanti te jnanam jnaninah tattva-darshinah.

“Seek such a Master who has that True Knowledge. Learn from them by surrender, devoted service and right questioning. Then you come to know the Supreme Truth.”

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Shri Guru Gita states, “Prostrations to the unfailing Guru, who, becoming like a bridge, helps the disciple cross the ocean of samsara, the unfailing fulfiller of the devotees’ works, prostrations to that Chitsukhatma [the unbounded joy that wells up in the heart].”

A: Disciples filled with faith and devotion for their preceptor are promised the benefits of the Guru’s protection, blessings, and divine grace. In Swami Narayanandaji’s commentary on the Shri Guru Gita, he explains, “History has recorded countless instances of disciples who have by their devotion to their Guru attained whatever they wanted.”

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A: The Guru-disciple relationship is the most unique, magnificent, and transcendental relationship that has ever existed. It is beyond compare or understanding for anyone who has not experienced it.

The Guru’s only interest in the disciple is in helping them to overcome the limitations of the ego and to attain the liberation they seek.

Mata Amritanandamayi explains, “The Guru’s aim is only the safety of the disciple. He truly shows us the path. He is filled with love for the disciple. He wants to see the disciple succeed, even if it means hardship for himself. The true Guru is indeed like a mother.”

Q: What is the proper attitude of the disciple toward the Satguru in order to receive maximum benefit?

Q: Is it possible to understand the mystical transmission between Guru and disciple?

A: It is not really possible to intellectually understand the transcendental relationship celebrated in Shri Guru Gita. As Sri Gurudev always said, “It is impossible, because only a Guru can know a Guru. To know your Guru, intellectually, you must be a Guru. It takes a thief to catch a thief. It takes a Guru to catch a Guru.”

Q: Shri Guru Gita speaks about “serving the Feet of the Guru.” What does that mean?

A: Swami Prajnananandaji, a disciple of Sri Swami Hariharanandaji explains some of the mystical aspects of this relationship: “We know about the seven chakras in the human body, but according to yogic scripture there are many more than seven. There is a chakra called the Guru pada chakra. Guru pada literally means, ‘the feet of the Guru.’ That chakra is between the eyebrows and fontanel, inside the brain. To serve the feet of the Guru means that through your meditation, you should go there and feel the presence of the Guru within.”

Q: What is the best practice to help a disciple be as receptive as possible to transmission from the Satguru?

A: Shri Guru Gita states:

“Always remember the Guru’s Form. Constantly repeat the Guru’s Name. Always follow the Guru’s instructions. Be devoted to the Guru and think of nothing else.”

Swami Prajnananandaji gives the following commentary on this sloka: “Meditate on the form of the Guru all the time. You may wonder how it is possible to chant the glory of the Guru all the

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Q: Shri Guru Gita also talks about taking “prasad” from the Guru’s plate as being auspicious. What is the significance of prasad?

A: According to the Yoga tradition, any food or item that has come into contact with the Satguru is considered to be consecrated, holy, and blessed. Swami Prajnananandaji elucidates on the mystical significance as well: “Many people do not realize the inner meaning of prasad. The divine leftovers are whatever is coming out of the mouth of the Realized Master. So, prasad means to follow the teachings of the Guru.”

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time or pray to the Guru continuously without break, in uninterrupted, nonstop meditation and prayer. In the practical world it is not possible. What can you do?

Keep your mind always encased in truth. Continuously remain absorbed in the thought of Guru, in the meditation on the Guru. In every breath you should remember Guru. Even if you do your ordinary work, never forget. Guru is the protector, Guru is the savior, Guru is the best friend who can save us from the troubles of life.

For our own spiritual upliftment, with true love of the Guru, we get real spiritual liberation. Our life is like a flower; the Guru is the sun.

The lotus of our life will bloom in the light of the Guru-sun.”

Q: Is there a special meditation one can use to meditate upon the Satguru?

A: The entire second chapter of S h r i Guru Gita is devoted to instructions given by Lord Siva on how to meditate upon the Satguru.

Q: Is there a special mantra that can help a sincere seeker?

Brahmaanandam Parama Sugatam Kevalam Jnaana Moortim Dwandwaateetam Gagana Sadrusam Tattwamasyaadi Lakshyam Ekam Nityam Vimalam Achalam Sarvadhee Saakshi Bhootam Bhaavaateetam Triguna Rahitam Satgurum Tam Namaami.

“The greatest bliss, the highest joy, Embodiment of wisdom absolute, non-dual, boundless like the sky, He is the goal of “Thou art That.” One, eternal, pure, and still, Witness of the whole universe.

Beyond mind’s grasp, of gunas free, to that Guru may my worship be.”

—Shri Guru Gita

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A: In the final verses of the last chapter of Shri Guru Gita, Lord Siva gradually reveals to Goddess Parvati the secret mantra that will bestow total bliss and joy. In his commentary on these slokas, Swami Prajnanananda says, “First hear how powerful that mantra

“This word is a mantra, and one who uses this word is free. Let my mouth always speak the glory of my Guru, let my mind always sing the song of my Guru, let my head always be at the Feet of my Guru.”

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Swami Prajnananandaji offers this prayer which summarizes some of this second chapter: “In my heart, in my head, inside the lotus, I perceive the presence of my Guru who is blooming like the light of the moon and ready to give me the blessing of eternity, consciousness and bliss. I bow to my Guru, I sing the glory of my Guru all the time, who is blessing me with bliss in his hands, always cheerful, personification of wisdom, and always absorbed in his own Self.

The greatest Yogi. He’s the physician to treat every person who is suffering from the worldly disease of attachment. In early morning inside my head, experiencing white color like white lotus, I realize my Guru within me, ready to bless me with peace and fearlessness.

There is no one greater than my Guru; there is no one better. He’s here for my self-discipline. Everything I experience is only Shiva, God alone. Guru and God are one. My Guru is near me only to discipline me. Anyone who meditates on Guru in this way, realizes they are free and liberated.”

is and what will happen with it. This is not an ordinary mantra; it is the most powerful mantra, quickly giving success in life. If you have that mantra, you will cross this ocean of the world: you will get liberation. Many divine beings, many saints, and many sages throughout the ages have used this mantra. It removes poverty; mentally it [poverty] will go and spiritually you will be rich. Through this mantra all suffering will disappear.

Using this mantra you will be free from all fears. You will be secure, and have a great protector; this is the great protective power you’ll get from this mantra.

All your mental unhappiness will disappear. I bow to that mantra. It will remove all types of difficulty in life.

Now what is this mantra? It is ‘Guru’—nothing else.

The Spiritual Teacher

by H. H. Sri Swami Krishnananda

is a representative of God on earth. He is Guru Deva, the visible manifestation of God.

The Guru is one who dispels ignorance. One who dispels the darkness of ignorance and stands before us as a luminous sun of knowledge is Guru, and it is God Himself, finally, that appears before us as a human Guru. As a Guru, God shall teach us the necessary spiritual lessons as and when they are needed for our higher evolution, and He may take any form that He requires.

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There is no difference between Guru and Ishvara (God). God and the preceptor become one to the student, and in this inner mystic spiritual relation between the Guru and the disciple the personalities are overcome. The bodily relations are slowly transcended and the disciple never feels that he loses his Guru at any time. There is no such thing as losing a Guru. He never becomes lost. Only he changes his form and he changes also the mode of his working. He works in different manners under different circumstances and at different levels of the students’ consciousness. Sometimes he may be visibly working. Sometimes he may be invisibly working.

There is a very beautiful work called the Guru Gita, and another called the Ribhu Gita, which give us a detailed account of the inner way in which the Guru works for the benefit of the disciple, and the unimaginable manners and the methods which the Guru employs for the good of the disciple. The Guru’s work and duty is to bring about the ultimate good of the disciple and not necessarily what is pleasant to the disciple. Most of the Gurus were hard taskmasters, even as God Himself is. We say Bhagavan (God) is Karuna-Sagara, Kripa-Murti and so on. He is the ocean of compassion. He is more tender than a mother. But when necessity arises, He is hard like a diamond. The saints are like that. They are harder than a diamond and more tender than a lotus-petal. When necessity arises they are law, and when another necessity arises they are love. Law and love work simultaneously in this creation of God, and to us the Guru

We are on a flaming march to perfection. The Guru appears to us at every level. Let us not think therefore that today in this human birth we have a Guru and when we die the Guru is lost to us, or when the Guru disappears from his mortal coil he is lost to us. The Guru is an eternal principle as God. Guru is God and God is Guru, and therefore, there cannot be destruction of Guru, as also no destruction of aspiration.

The sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) is not also a destructible principle.

The Guru is not also a destructible principle. Both are immortal principles, and their relation is an eternal one. The student, the sadhaka, or the disciple is a seat of spiritual aspiration. It is a spark of spiritual fire which can never be extinguished. It has nothing to do with the body of the student, nor has the true Guru anything to do with the body in which he has been invoked or he has condescended to manifest himself for the good of the disciple.

The whole process of spiritual sadhana (spiritual practice) is Jnana Yajna, the sacrifice of the soul in the knowledge of God. In this respect we can say that the Guru is the intermediate principle between Ishvara (God) and Jiva (the individual soul). And inasmuch as He represents to us the knowledge of God, for all practical purposes, from our standpoint at least, He is God. The Guru seeks the disciple, and sometimes he works wonders for our good, if only we are honest, though we are ignorant and not endowed with much of knowledge. And in the Bhakti Yoga Sastras (scriptures) it is also said that if honestly and sincerely a sadhaka takes one step towards God, God comes running towards him taking a hundred steps. The Lord thinks, “Oh, he is coming to Me. I shall go and save him.” Such is the compassion of God. As rivers rush into the ocean, these aspiring centres called the sadhakas try to rush into the ocean of God, and the Guru is something like a delta at which they merge and get expanded, as it were, just before entering the ocean. This is the principle of Guru, the Guru Tattva.

It is the Eternal Being, the Sanatana Tattva, that is before us as the Guru and therefore when we actually crave to have guidance from above, it shall come to us.

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Excerpted from the article: “The Spiritual Teacher,” in The Divine Life magazine (November 2002) with kind permission of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, Himalayas, India. A senior disciple of H. H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and brother monk of Sri Gurudev, H. H. Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi on November 12, 2001.

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The Lord of Love

by Nalanie Chellaram

The Omniscient Love aspect of Parambrahma is Kutastha Chaitanya. The individual Self, being its manifestation, is one with it. . . .

—Sri Yukteswara, The Holy Science, Sutra 50 How can one even understand this “Omniscient Love” without the presence of it in one’s life? To me, that presence, that unconditional love, was felt in the presence of my beloved Guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda.

It is hard to speak of things that touch the spirit; it is even harder to understand intellectually. The mind can only take us to a certain point—but—shraddha, pure faith, comes in the communion of the Guru and disciple relationship.

The Guru ignites the soul, he awakens one from the slumber of self-aggrandizement, self-involvement, self-persecution, and self-indulgence to a world of understanding, awareness and a way out of suffering.

Once ignited, the mind changes its direction from a world of physical awareness to one of spiritual insight.

When one is in the company of a negative person, the vibrations felt are not pleasant and one feels uneasy.

In the presence of a positive person, one feels uplifted.

These feelings are subtle, yet so real. In the presence of a Guru, the vibration lifts one even higher. The Guru’s darshan takes us to another level of reality, that feeling of unconditional love.

The key to freedom is to understand that all things are only vehicle to show us the direction of real happiness. When we see nothing as bad or wrong or awful or hateful but see each challenge as an obstacle to be overcome, a great peace settles in our hearts. We no longer feel like victims of this unkindly world, but instead realize the benevolence and love of the Divine. Om Shanthi

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Nalanie Chellaram has been blessed to know Sri Gurudev since she was five years old. Her family (the beloved Harilela family) first hosted Sri Gurudev in Hong Kong in the late 1950s and he soon became the family’s revered Guru. Nalanie is chairman of the Integral Yoga Centre of Gibraltar which is a registered charity with over 800 members.

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Yes, most certainly, for me, the presence of a Guru was necessary.

It is because of this connection that the whole focus of my life changed. The external world, I finally understood, was really a school of learning and provided the field for the spiritual goal. This mystical path would have appeared too treacherous for me if it were not for the guidance of my beloved Master. And it is only because I was directed to this path that real happiness did not evade me, but became part of me. My Guru also taught me to regard all things as

a teacher, and as a result, a whole new world descended upon me. A whole new field of wonder and joy! To look upon all as his teaching, for this and much more I will be eternally grateful.

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The human mission then becomes clear. The mission is to recognize this love in all and to recognize one Consciousness behind all different forms. Blinded by unreality and ignorance, the search sometimes seems impossible and full of obstacles. However, if we keep practicing the yamas and niyamas and focus our attention on the fact that he has achieved this mission, then we are all lifted by his grace from the mire of delusion.

The Master’s Touch

Excerpted from The Master’s Touch, a collection of stories of Sri Gurudev’s devotees.

A group of devotees was assembled for a photograph with Sri Gurudev. One devotee was instructed to raise up a bit so they could be seen better. Out of respect, this devotee did not want to be at a higher level than Sri Gurudev. Sri Gurudev replied: “That’s okay.

I want my children to be higher and greater than me. They should even excel me.”

Sri Gurudev said: “At a recent conference we were asked to address a point raised by one of the participants. It was: ‘In this era of stress and fear regarding threats of nuclear war, what is the best safeguard?’ Everyone gave their response: some being lengthy and involved, some highlighting the need to take refuge in spiritual communities. When my turn came I asked, ‘Do you really want me to give my opinion?’ They told me they eagerly awaited my response. ‘Are you sure?’ I asked. They said they did.

“I said, ‘I have just two words: Be happy.’ Everyone roared with laughter. Then I told them, ‘Whatever is to be will be and neither you nor I can stop that. Right now we are here and we are happy. Live in the golden present and don’t worry about anything.’”

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A devotee described their first meeting with Sri Gurudev: “When he came in, his presence took over the entire room. He seemed gigantic and overwhelming, so obvious was his spiritual stature. I told him my story and stated my need for spiritual guidance. I told him I was putting my life in his hands.

“After a long pause he said, ‘You are a hungry child, and your hunger is for God. I want you to know that I cannot give you God, nor can anyone else. God is within you.

The only thing that I, and people like me, can do is to point out the way in which you can realize that God within.’

“If love has a face, I know I saw it then. His eyes were universes of brilliant stars in which I comfortably lost myself. There was recognition, there was acceptance, there was trust. It was a royal welcome indeed. And I walked in.”

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I once asked Sri Gurudev what I could do to unfold more quickly. He looked at me, thought for a moment, and said, “Don’t fold up.”

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One morning I went to meet with Sri Gurudev regarding the day’s schedule. Upon entering his room, I was struck with a strong sense of his unchanging, eternal presence. As his personal assistant, I have seen him in all situations and moments, and he is always the same. That morning I was once again filled with feelings of security and confidence upon seeing him.

“Oh, Gurudev,” I asked, “Will you always be here like this?” He glanced at me compassionately and said, ‘If you want to see me, you will always see me.’”

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A devotee asked, “Sri Gurudev, who are you?”

He said, “Who am I?” “Yes, Sri Gurudev, please tell us who you really are.”

“Ask my Boss [God].”

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During the formative years of the Integral Yoga Institutes, our San Francisco IYI had been counseled to incorporate as a religious organization. The executive secretary was doing the necessary research and paperwork for the incorporation. One evening he called to speak with Sri Gurudev about the next step. The secretary explained that he had been asked to draw up a description of the roles of the monks and clergy. “They want to know,” he said, “what services we perform, such as communion, marriages, etc.” At first Gurudev was silent. After a few moments he replied, “Tell them that when our clergy go into a public bathroom and they see papers strewn all over the sink and floor left by earlier occupants, they clean it up. If need be they will clean the toilets.

Tell them that they clean every place they visit and leave it better than it was before. Tell them that they serve whenever and however they can in such a practical way to help make the world just a little bit better.

Tell them that those are our sacraments.”

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A devotee describes a phone call to Sri Gurudev to express their gratitude to him: “I don’t even know what to say to you, but thank you. Thank you for all that we can see, but above all for that we cannot see. Thank you for all that we can understand, but above all for that we cannot understand. . . .”

After one of Sri Gurudev’s famous long telephone silences, he whispered, “Yes, the conscious mind cannot see it all. It can only see a small part of what is happening. The conscious mind cannot see what is really happening.”

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During an informal satsang, a devotee asked Sri Gurudev, “Why don’t you teach us levitation?” He replied, “When your thoughts are elevated, you are levitating.”

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107

A student offered a prayer that Sri Gurudev should enjoy many years of perfect health and live a long, long time. Sri Gurudev accepted the devotion, but at the same time he informed the student, “I can’t reach that many people with my physical body. I can teach more people with my astral body.”

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A devotee of Sri Gurudev was the head of a new Holiday Inn opening in Hong Kong. Gurudev was invited for the opening, as was the Reverend Billy Graham. The two well-known spiritual leaders cut the celebratory ribbons and sat down to dinner together, Sri Gurudev with a vegetarian meal and Mr. Graham with steak and potatoes. Observing a great spiritual truth in this situation, as he does in all situations, Sri Gurudev commented: “We all have individual preferences in what we eat, but we’re all eating to satisfy the same hunger. Spiritual life is like that: We follow different paths, but the hunger they satisfy is the same for one and all.”

One Thousand Moons These thousand moons have marked your life, From birth to celebration.

This common light for all humankind Rose with privilege one thousand moons ago, To ebb and flow with you.

It moved the tides and changed the face Of countless shores and spaces in its eternal journey, Drawing love, awe, constancy, Mystery and admiration.

Many times obscured by clouds, We searched the heavens to await its revelation.

Then with fullness of blessings, It rises to our hopes and dreams, Once again enriching the progress of our lives From its plan in God’s creation.

Your journey has been no less set in motion By the same Creator of our world.

With infinite wisdom your orb was Designed to move in His plan, To bless, nurture and embrace The spirits of your fellow man.

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Can we not rejoice and sing In joy on this occasion; For lives enriched and souls directed, Made whole by this connection?

As your life continues with fullness of purpose, One thousand moons and more. . .

We will share these gifts left on the shores of our hearts With each and one another.

Bless this day, bless this man, One thousand moons and more. . . .

–Prema Huffstutler

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Just as a tree is known by its fruits, so is a Spiritual Master known by the fruits that his teachings bear in the lives of his disciples. Sri Gurudev generously shared the fruits of his wisdom with his spiritual children and they wish to pay tribute to him in the pages that follow. Each of these pages is a donation by a sangha family. Through their generosity, and that of the donors listed in the front, we are able to bring forth this Commemorative issue.

Part VII

With the following pages we start a new tradition. Please join us if you would like to help support the continuation of the Integral Yoga Magazine which Sri Gurudev founded in 1970. Think of this as a spiritual family’s photo album. An album that contains pictures and stories that speak of an age-old relationship which is one of the great joys and miracles a human being can know—the transforming touch of a Spiritual Master.

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Commemorative Benefactors Photo Album

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Sri Krishnaswamy Gounder FAMILY The story of this family begins even before Sri Gurudev’s birth. Sri Gurudev’s mother, Srimati Velammai had a brother, Sri Krishnaswamy Gounder. He, his wife and their three sons all became very close to Sri Gurudev and took his teachings and service to heart. The eldest son, Sri K. Ramaswamy bears Sri Gurudev’s birth name. Sri Ramaswamy is the managing trustee of the SJN and President of the Integral Yoga Institute of Coimbatore. He, along with his wife, sister-in-law, his brothers, and their children all devotedly serve Sri Gurudev’s mission in his motherland.

My sister, Srimati Velammai, was quiet and good-natured.

She was endowed with all of the finest qualities. Only such a woman could bring forth someone of the stature of Sri Swami Satchidanandaji.

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—Sri Krishnaswamy The last photo taken of Sri Gurudev with his maternal uncle, 2002.

Gounder

Sri Gurudev is welcomed to the Gounder home with the traditional greeting offered to a holy person, 1973.

Sri Gurudev lovingly surrounded by Sri Krishnaswamy Gounder’s sons, daughters-in law, and grandchildren.

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The Daryanani family “Gurudev!!! What would our family and our lives have been without your presence and your influence? Imagine a body without breath; a fish without water; a lamp without any light—such would have been our condition.

“Sri Gurudev had been sent to Hong Kong in 1959 by Master Sivanandaji on the instigation of Vashi Daryanani’s wife, Padma. Since childhood, their daughter Sheela had known Sri Gurudev. But, true closeness between her and Sri Gurudev more fully blossomed from 1983 onward. Sri Gurudev then visited her and her parents in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands in 1988. From then on, the entire Indian community there formed a close bond with Sri Gurudev. It was during these visits that Vashi and Padma’s younger daughter Devika too began to get close to Sri Gurudev.

“Vashi and Padma’s son, Satish and his wife Veena, who were already fond of Gurudev, moved to New York where their bond with him strengthened. They would visit the Ashram at Yogaville practically every weekend. One day Gurudev asked them to move to the Ashram. They did exactly that, moving house and business—not an easy task but facilitated by his blessings. Vashi and Padma moved in with them, too, and are living at the Ashram today.

“Satish, Veena, and Sheela accompanied Sri Gurudev on some of his travels.

Sons-in-law, Suneel and Mark, also felt Sri Gurudev’s influence in their lives.

Even the next generation—Sheela’s daughters, Shaina and Shivona, as well as Devika’s daughters, Serena and Rianna—were affected and influenced by Sri Gurudev’s loving presence.

“To say that Sri Gurudev is Father, Teacher, Guide, and Master to the Daryanani Family, and their extended families for three generations would be limiting his importance. His influence has touched the lives of all the members of our family.

His very Essence is interwoven into the fabric of our existence.”

—Sheela Bhojwani

“Gurudev once said that my soul asked to be born as my father’s daughter so that I could come close to Sri Swami Sivanandaji and then become the child of Sri Swami Satchidanandaji.”

[Sheela speaking about Vashi, pictured above]

Veena and Satish pose with Sri Gurudev, Coimbatore, 2001.

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The Daryanani clan, and Mrs. Vaswani (Veena’s mother) with Sri Gurudev in Pune, 2000.

THE HARILELA FAMILY In their own words, the Harilela family express their love and devotion for Sri Gurudev. They hosted his many programs and v isits to Hong Kong .

His presence during occasions over many years was as an important landmark in the life and times of the entire Harilela family globally.

Above: Two Great Souls­—Sri Gurudev with Devibai Harilela, the matriarch of Harilela family and the fount of spirituality from whom the Harilelas inherit a keen sense of adherence to spiritual practice. Also seen, Sandee and Mohan Harilela, 1959.

Left: Heart to heart–Sri Gurudev with Dada George Harilela, (the eldest son) sharing a closeness through several decades of mutual love.

Right: Sri Gurudev with Dr. Hari N. Harilela, GBS, OBE, JP during one of Sri Gurudev’s many visits to Hong Kong.

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Left: Peter and Jyoti Harilela receive blessings from Sri Gurudev at his Lotus Feet.

Above: Sharing a special moment . . . Padma Harilela with Sri Gurudev.

Left: George and Chandra Harilela beaming with joy in Sri Gurudev’s powerful and benevolent aura.

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Right: At the wedding ceremony of Mohan and Kamilla Harilela: Sri Gurudev and Devibai Harilela listen to the prayers attentively, Hong Kong, 1972.

Above: Rani and Ram Hiranand with Gurudev.

Rani, the elder daughter, passed on after a splendid life of high achievement and much brilliance.

Right: Dr. and Mrs. Hari Harilela 50th wedding anniversary.

Sri Gurudev affectionately kisses Hari as Padma proudly looks on.

Left: Sri Gurudev expresses approval of Dr. Bob N. Harilela, JP—Founder of BR International. Sri Gurudev’s teachings are featured in the magazine each month.

Right: The brilliant smiles say it all. Happy in Sri Gurudev’s company are (l-r) Kamal, Sandee, and Gary Harilela

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Right: A proud Papa with his spiritual son: Sri Gurudev and Mohan Harilela.

Above: The Golden Wedding Anniversary of Hari and Padma was a joyous occasion, Bangkok, 1997.

Above: Mohan and Kamilla share the joy with Gurudev—what more could disciples ask for!

Above: Gurudev with Ashwin Utamchandani, as grandparents Mohan and Kamilla flank Gurudev; daughters, Hersha, Lakshmi, and mom Sherina at Sri Gurudev’s Lotus Feet.

Above: Sri Gurudev with George and Chandra Harilela during their daughter Lavina’s marriage to Suneel Mahtani, 1989. (Standing, l-r) Vijay Vaswani, Maj Harilela, Ramesh Mahtani, Sri Gurudev, David Harilela, Shanky Chellaram, Kumar Harilela. (Seated, l-r) Laila Harilela, Mira Mahtani, Dada George, Lavina with her groom Suneel, Bhabhi Chandra, Avisha Harilela, Nalanie Chellaram, Kantu (Pooja) Vaswani.

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Right: Sandee Harilela exults in ecstasy as she kneels before her Gurudev.

Right: Gurudev surrounded by (clockwise from top left) Mira, Ramesh, Shalini, Minal, Sanjay Mahtani. Mira is the eldest daughter of Dada George.

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Right: The 3rd and 4th generation of Harilelas adore their Gurudev. (l-r) Hersha, Krsna, Divia, Lakshmi, Pavitra, Sarita and Tiana Harilela.

Above: Portrait of love and devotion: Hersha Harilela with Sri Gurudev.

Above: “Everything is fun if you know the secret.”–Sri Swami Satchidananda (l-r) Poonam Harilela, Nisheeta Chotirmall, Anita Sadhwani, Sandee Harilela, Kamilla Harilela, Padma Harilela, Manisha Harilela, Kamlesh Kalra, Vini Kohli.

Above: Raju Harilela, an Integral Yoga teacher, entwined in an affectionate embrace with Sri Gurudev.

Right: With Sri Gurudev is Nalanie Chellaram, one of Gurudev’s staunchest devotees and director of the Integral Yoga Centre, Gibraltar.

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Above: (l-r) Hersha, Dali, Roshan, and Sandee Harilela cluster around Gurudev. Their love for Sri Gurudev is clearly expressed in their smiling faces.

THE KARUNANANTHAN FAMILY Mr. Vyra Karunananthan was born and raised in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. His mother was deeply devoted to Sri Gurudev and as a young child of 10, Mr. Karunananthan would accompany her to the Kandy Ashram to see Sri Gurudev. He recalls spending one month at the Ashram in 1963 when he was 11: “My mother was so devoted but I was just going for fun. Yet, I always remember my mother reminding us that everything good that happened in our lives was because of his grace.”

Mr. Karunananthan’s sister’s husband (Mr. Thuraisingam, known as “Thambi”) decided he wanted to join Sri Gurudev at the Kandy Ashram. Once he finished school at age 16, he did go to Kandy and served Sri Gurudev and was always faithfully by his side.

Soon, Mr. Karunananthan, and his wife, Inthu, grew devoted to Sri Gurudev as well. After they moved from Sri Lanka to Canada, the family—including the young children Abira and Vishnu—would leave Toronto immediately after work on Friday and drive all night long in order to spend the weekend with Sri Gurudev in Yogaville.

Pictured on this page: Sri Gurudev with the Karunananthan family during Abira’s Arangetram, Toronto, 1999.

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“In 1999, my family was blessed to have Sri Gurudev at my daughter’s Bharatha Natya Arangetram (graduation). Even with all the stress in traveling to Toronto he sat continuously for six hours watching Abira dance.

Also, in 2001, I lost my job. The company, where I had worked for 14 years, closed down. Who would hire me at my age? There were no jobs available. I phoned Sri Gurudev and he told me, ‘Don’t worry. You will get a better job.’ I thought he was making me feel better. But, very soon I did get a better job. By his grace, everything is happening.”

—Sri V. Karunananthan

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THE metro family

The Metro clan in 1983. Front row (l-r) Sumati, Radha, Gopal, Bhavani holding Poorna. Back row (l-r) Bhagavan, Sri Gurudev, Lakshmi, Sharada.

“Our journey with our Beloved Gurudev began with a life-altering experience the first time we saw him at Loretta Heights College in Denver, March 16th 1973. He spoke of inner peace and ecumenism and chanted ‘Om Shanthi’ in such a way that our hearts were permanently altered.

He embraced our four little girls and told us ‘to take care of his angels!!’ We became very active in the Denver IYI, took mantra initiation and started Satchidananda Ashram, Colorado.

We became IYI ministers in 1980 as a way to express our total dedication to his Holy Feet.

Two years later we moved to Virginia to help build the LOTUS and Yogaville. It has been a ‘beyond words’ experience to have lived here at Yogaville and to have the blessings of our Beloved Gurudev throughout these 30 years.

Our six children attended Vidyalayam and now with our 12 grandchildren here, we are looking forward to seeing his vision continue.”

—Reverends Bhavani and Bhagavan Metro

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The Metro family in 2001 with Sri Gurudev. Now expanded to include many grandchildren!

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Special Thanks to these Sponsors:

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Integral Yoga® Ashrams, Institutes and Centers

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Satchidananda Ashram—Yogaville® Buckingham, VA 434–969–3121 iyi@yogaville.org www.yogaville.ORG California San Francisco IYI 415–821–1117 mail@integralyogasf.org www.integralyogasf.org Santa Monica 310–452–5815 mangalam9@aol.com Connecticut Fairfield 800–372–1865 laurawarfield@aol.com Georgia

Savannah 912–354–9274 Hawaii Kihei, Maui 808–573–1414 angel@angelyoga.com www.angelyoga.com Illinois Deerfield 846–945–1223 shaktima99@hotmail.com Rockford 815–637–4409 d.schandelmeier@worldnet.att.net Massachusetts Watertown 617–923–6312 integralyogacenter@hotmail.com www.integralyogaofma.com New Hampshire Portsmouth 603–433–7266 durgag@aol.com New Jersey Fairlawn IYI 201–796–7585 iyiyoga@aol.com Highland Park 732–545–7050 yogaprema@hotmail.com New York New York IYI 212–929–0586 info@integralyogany.org www.integralyogany.org New York Uptown Center 212–721–4000 maswil@dti.net www.integralyogany.org Pennsylvania New Berlin 570–966–2484 integralyoga@jdweb.com Virginia Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville 434–969–3121 iyi@yogaville.org www.yogaville.org Alexandria 703–998–0813 ishwari@erols.com Charlottesville 434–984–9700 life@spiritandbody.com www.spiritandbody.com Lynchburg 434–969–2633 info@integralyogalynchburg.com www.integralyogalynchburg.com Richmond 804–355–1008 intyoga@erols.com www.integralyogarichmond.org Washington Clinton 360–579–3735 Washington D.C. Alexandria, VA 703–998–0813 ishwari@comcast.net Australia Glen Huntly, Victoria 61–3–9571–8031 miyc@tpg.com.au Belgium Overijse 32–2–657–2210 Bermuda Hamilton 441–295–3355 integralyoga@ibl.bm Brazil Belo Horizonte 55–31–225–5709 yogaintegral@hotmail.com www.yoga.pro.br/yogaintegral Canada Montreal, QC IYI 514–271–1633 winds@total.net Roblin, ONT 613–388–2549 www.metamorphosis2000.com Victoria, BC 250–721–2735 England Bath, Somerset 44–122–542–6102 sudasi@beeb.net Bournemouth, Dorset 44–120–225–1548 yoga@sumuki.co.uk Nine Elms, Swindon 44–785–580–9416 siva@integral-yoga-centre-co.uk www.integral-yoga-centre.co.uk France Fontenay-Sous-Bois 33–48–75–2060 Saint Cyr 33–47–41–1732 Germany Augsburg 49–821–589–9149 highkey@gmx.de Gibraltar Gibraltar 350–77451 nalanie@gibnet.gi www.gibnet.gi/~iycgib Hong Kong Kowloon 852–2338–1010 India Coimbatore IYI 91–422–2542651 hariom@md2.vsnl.net.in Nigeria Port Harcourt, Rivers State 84–612–942 ogene_org@yahoo.com Portugal Algarve 351–289–393–741 info@quintacalm.com www.quintacalm.com Spain San Pere De Ribes 34–938–964–486 milana29@telefonica.net Sri Lanka Satchidananda Ashram, Kandy No telephone available

Guruvaktra-sthitam brahma Prapyate tatprasadatah Guror-dhyanam sada kuryat The supreme knowledge that lies on the Guru’s tongue can be realized through his grace. Always meditate upon the Guru.

Weekly Words of Wisdom from Sri Gurudev

WWW–GURUDEV

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NOW AVAILABLE! Each week receive an inspirational message and a beautiful photo of Sri Gurudev sent to you via email. Enjoy and be uplifted by this “thought for the week” from Sri Gurudev. Subscribe for free to Weekly Words of Wisdom by going to w w w . Y o g a v i l l e . O R G and click on the link. Or you may subscribe by sending an email to: WeeklyWordsWisdom@Yogaville.ORG. Sponsored through the loving generosity of Haris (Harini) Lender and John (Jayadeva) Bancroft of Herb n’ Yoga in St. Petersburg, Florida and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wadhwani of Colonial Textiles, California.

Please contact us at info@iymagazine.org if you would like to become a sponsor of WOW-GURU or WWW–GURUDEV.

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—Shri Guru Gita

9 69 - 4 87 8 WOW GURU

In 1980, Sri Gurudev moved his main residence to his new Ashram in Virginia. He was given a choice of telephone numbers for his residence and he selected 969-4878 because it read “Wow Guru” and was an easy way of remembering the number. He used to tell devotees that when they wanted to reach him to call, “Wow Guru.”

In honor of his 88th Jayanthi, we established the “Sri Gurudev Inspiration Line” with his voice recording.

Simply dial: WOW GURU (969-4878 with the 434 area code if you are long distance) whenever you wish to hear the Voice of the Master.

The Inspiration Line now has pristine sound quality!

The Inspiration Line is sponsored through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Prakash Daswani of Lucky Jewelers in St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wadhwani of Colonial Home Textiles in California. Special thanks to Vijay Lapinski for technical support.

(Note: If someone else is listening to the message when you dial in, the phone will just ring; please call back. The message changes twice monthly, on the 1st and 15th of each month.)

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