Our Lineage
About His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidananda
H.H. Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev) is one of the most
revered Yoga Masters of our time. Sri Gurudev's teachings and
spirit guide us toward a life of peace and to religious harmony
among all people. In 1969, he opened the Woodstock Festival and
became known to an entire generation as the Woodstock Guru.
The
peaceful atmosphere that prevailed throughout the event was often
attributed to his message and blessings.
Sri Gurudev founded and is the guiding light for the worldwide Integral Yoga Institutes. Integral Yoga combines various methods of Yoga, including Hatha Yoga, selfless service, meditation, prayer, and a 5,000-year-old philosophy that helps one find the peace and joy within. Integral Yoga is the foundation for Dr. Dean Ornish's landmark work in reversing heart disease and Dr. Michael Lerner's noted Commonweal Cancer Help program.
In 1979, Sri Gurudev was inspired to establish Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville, a large spiritual center in Virginia. Yogaville offers Yoga programs and at its center is the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS), a unique interfaith Shrine that honors the Spirit that unites all the world religions.
Sri Gurudev is the author of many books, including Integral Yoga Hatha, To Know Your Self, The Living Gita, and The Golden Present. He is the subject of three biographies, Apostle of Peace, Portrait of a Modern Sage, and Boundless Giving.
In August 2002, Sri Gurudev attained Mahasamadhi (a God-realized soul's conscious final exit from the body). Chidambaram, his Mahasamadhi Shrine in Yogaville is open for prayer and meditation.
For further information go to: www.swamisatchidananda.org
This is a picture of Vishnu Jayson, the founding director of the Upper West Side Center. The center has served the Upper West Side for 30 years.
Eventually, that page will contain a history of the center as well as information about Swami Satchidananda's teacher, Master Sivananda.