Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville was founded by Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev), an esteemed spiritual leader whose message of peace has been heard around the globe. Sri Gurudev dedicated his life to the cause of peace – both individual and universal – and to religious harmony among all people. His teachings are the Ashram’s guiding principles and Integral Yoga®.
Swami Satchidananda received many honors for his public service including, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, the Juliet Hollister Interfaith Award and the U Thant Peace Award. In 1999, the 50th anniversary of his ministerial ordination was commemorated during the interfaith service prior to the opening of the 54th General Assembly of the United Nations. Swami Satchidananda dedicated his life to the cause of peace – both individual and universal – and to unity and harmony among all people.
Witnessing the genuine peace and joy experienced by all who participated in these gatherings, Sri Gurudev was inspired to create a permanent place where all people could come to realize their essential oneness. Built in Yogaville, in Central Virginia, the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (known as LOTUS) is unique in the world because it has altars for all the world faiths. Dedicated to the Light of all faiths and to world peace, the LOTUS is an enduring symbol of unity in diversity. It was completed in 1986 and is open to the public.
Sri Swami Satchidananda took Mahasamadhi on August 19, 2002 in South India. Shortly before leaving the body, he told many people: “I will always be with you in Spirit. Even if my body is not there, you will never be without me.” That is the reason we refer to his “having dropped the body” or as having “left the body.” That is what the Yoga tradition teaches us about the ongoing relationship with one’s Satguru.
The teachings and practices of Integral Yoga®, as taught by Sri Swami Satchidananda, integrate the various branches of Yoga in order to help one find inner peace and joy. These teachings are the foundation of Dr. Dean Ornish’s work in reversing heart disease at the Preventive Medicine Research Institute and Dr. Michael Lerner’s notable work with cancer patients at the Commonweal Cancer Help program.
Sri Swami Satchidananda authored many books, among them: Integral Yoga Hatha, To Know Your Self, The Living Gita, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and The Golden Present. He is the subject of two biographies, Sri Swami Satchidananda – Apostle of Peace and Portrait of a Modern Sage, and the film Living Yoga: The life and teachings of Swami Satchidananda.
For an in depth look into Swami Satchidananda’s life, works and accomplishments please visit the official Swami Satchidananda website at www.SwamiSatchidananda.org.
Swami Satchidananda enriched the lives of countless others and his efforts made a positive difference to our world and our future. – President and Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton
I have met some truly great men in my life, but none greater than Swami Satchidananda, for his life is dedicated to service and the cause of peace–both individual and universal–and to fostering religious harmony among all people. – Dean Ornish, MD, author
“Swami Satchidananda has been and continues to be our great teacher and God’s special messenger.” – The Very Rev. James Parks Morton
“I consider Swami Satchidananda one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time.” – Richard Gere
“There are teachers who guide their students to mystical experience. There are others, too, who inspire their students to loving service. What I admire in Swami Satchidananda is the consistency with which he bonds these two together.” – Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB, www.Gratefulness.org
