H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda was one of the most revered Yoga masters of our time. He was a living example of the teachings of Integral Yoga and its goal of Self-Realization.

He was born in South India in the village of Chettipalayam. As a young man he studied with Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Aurobindo. In l949 he was ordained as a monk by Sri Swami Sivananda of the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh. His achievements include the founding of Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, a spiritual community in Virginia, USA; and he was responsible for the design and building of the LOTUS, a beautiful interfaith shrine dedicated to the Universal Light.



Sri Gurudev did not belong to any one faith, group, or country. Dedicated to the principle that "Truth is One, Paths are Many," he went wherever he was asked to serve. Swamiji was a pioneer in the field of ecumenism and the guiding light for millions of seekers around the world. He was the author of many books, and the founder and director of the worldwide Integral Yoga Institutes.



During his travels he met with spiritual and government leaders and other dignitaries. Among them were: H.H.Pope John Paul VI, H.H. The Dalai Lama, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Mr. U Thant, and former U.S. presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton. He sponsored and spoke at ecumenical symposiums, retreats and worship services all over the world. He was honored with the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award and has been recognized for his peace building efforts worldwide. Sri Gurudev opened the Woodstock music festival, and he taught Yoga to an entire generation of Americans. Through his disciple Dr. Dean Ornish he awakened the worldwide medical community to the healing power of the yogic approach.

His teachings are summarized in his motto: "The dedicated ever enjoy supreme Peace. Therefore, live only to serve."

Sri Gurudev attained his mahasamadhi on August 19, 2002, in Chennai, South India, at the age of 87.