Swami Satchidananda and Integrative Yoga

"Swami Satchidananda has been a spiritual friend to countless thousands, catalyzing their transformations, and a clear, consistent and peaceful voice for honoring the many paths to the One." - Ram Dass

The Reverend Sri Swami Satchidananda is the founder of the worldwide Integral Yoga Institutes. An esteemed Yoga master, and spiritual leader, Sri Swamiji is regarded by many as an apostle of peace. He is often affectionately referred to as the “Woodstock Guru,” because he inaugurated the famed Woodstock Festival and went on to introduce an entire generation of young people to the benefits of Yoga. Not limited to any one organization, religion or country, Sri Swamiji receives invitations from around the world to speak about pathways to peace. He serves on the advisory boards of the International Yoga Teachers Association, European Union of National Yoga Federations, the British Wheel of Yoga, and numerous peace and interfaith organizations.

Born in India in 1914, Sri Swamiji had the opportunity to be associated with some of the great sages of the 20th century, including Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Aurobindo. He received pre-monastic initiation from Sri Swami Chidbhavanandaji of the Ramakrishna Mission. In 1949, he was ordained as a monk in the Paramahansa Order of Sannyas by the renowned spiritual master, Sri Swami Sivananda of the Divine Life Society, Himalayas. Over the years, Sri Swamiji taught at the Yoga Vedanta Forest University and directed activities at Divine Life Society branches in India, Sri Lanka, and the Far East.

Integral Yoga, as taught by Sri Swamiji, combines various methods of Yoga including Hatha Yoga, breathing practices and relaxation techniques, selfless service, meditation, prayer, and a 5,000 year old philosophy that helps one to find inner peace and joy. The practices and principles of Integral Yoga are at the foundation of Dr. Dean Ornish’s landmark work in reversing heart disease and Dr. Michael Lerner’s noted Commonweal Cancer Help program. He is the author of many books, among them: Integral Yoga Hatha, To Know Yourself, and Beyond Words. He is also the subject of two biographies, Apostle of Peace and Portrait of a Modern Sage.

In 1966, he was invited by filmmaker Conrad Rooks and artist Peter Max to visit the United States. Because of the enthusiastic response to his universal teachings, Sri Swamiji was asked to extend his stay. He was the first person to receive a visa under the title, “Minister of Divine Words,” and eventually became a United States citizen.

Sri Swamiji has sponsored numerous ecumenical symposiums, retreats and worship services. During several private audiences, H.H. Pope Paul VI praised these efforts in promoting interfaith activities. He has also had an audience with H.H. Pope John Paul II and continues to travel around the world promoting religious harmony and meeting with spiritual and governmental leaders, and other dignitaries. Over the years he has met with, among others: Mahatma Gandhi, H.H. the Dalai Lama, U Thant, Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

A physical manifestation of Sri Swamiji’s interfaith work is the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). Dedicated in 1986, this unique ecumenical shrine houses altars for all the major world religions. It lies at the heart of Yogaville, Virginia, a spiritual center that functions under Sri Swamiji’s guidance and is based on the principles of Yoga and ecumenism. Open to all people, LOTUS addresses the need of the hour: the peace and harmony that can come from greater love and compassion for all humanity.

Sri Swamiji has received many honors for his public service. Among these awards are, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, the Anti-Defamation League’s Humanitarian Award, and two honorary doctorates. The Juliet Hollister Interfaith Award was presented to Sri Swamiji at the United Nations in October 1996. In 1998, he was honorary chair for the gala during which H.H. the Dalai Lama received the same award. Sri Swamiji has dedicated his life to the cause of peace both individual and universal and to religious harmony among all people.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satchidananda This valuable book provides a complete manual for the study and practice of Raja Yoga, the path of concentration and meditation. The classic Sutras (thought-threads), at least 4,000 years old, cover the yogic teachings on ethics, meditation, and physical postures, and provide directions for dealing with situations in daily life. The Sutras are presented here in the purest form, with the original Sanskrit and with translation, transliteration, and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda.

Beyond Words is a selection of stories and parables, taken from talks given by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Readers can discover for themselves the peace and joy that lie within us all. More than a hundred drawings by renowned artist Peter Max add an extra delight. The following is from the first chapter of Beyond Words. "Peace and joy is our goal. Whatever we do, we are doing it for that. Not everyone believes in a God. But the real God, the cosmic God who is being searched for by one and all, is that peace and joy."

Integral Yoga Hatha has been in print constantly since 1970. This large format Hatha Yoga instruction guide is now recognized as a classic in its field. Over 160 large photographs show Hatha expert Sri Swami Satchidananda performing more than 80 postures, breathing practices, relaxation, cleansing and concentration techniques. Instructions are easy to follow and describe how the body and mind benefit from each pose. Practice routines for beginning, intermediate and advanced students are suggested.

Yoga Journal is dedicated to the qualities of peace, integrity, clarity, and compassion. It focuses on body/mind approaches to spiritual development including health, holistic healing, transpersonal psychology, bodywork and massage, meditation, Eastern spirituality, and western mysticism.

Yoga International is the authoritative source of information on the practice and philosophy of yoga. It provides the means for achieving and maintaining new levels of physical fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual awareness for both beginners and experts alike.

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