Truth is One, Paths are Many

Sri Gurudev himself 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, bringing together people of all backgrounds and beliefs to learn respect for all the different paths and to realize their common spirit and the universality of their goal.

He dreamed of a permanent place where all can come together to individually realize that one Truth behind all the names and forms. The LOTUS (Light of Truth Universal Shrine) is such a place. Opened in July 1986, the Shrine - inspired and designed by Sri Gurudev - is located in the United States at Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville in Virginia. It is dedicated to the light of all faiths and to world peace and stands as a beautiful example of the universal teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda. He left his body on August 18, 2002.

Family Life

Born to a spiritual family in South India in 1914, Sri Gurudev's childhood was filled with visiting swamis, poets, and artists.

Sri Gurudev spent his early years studying and working in such diverse fields as agriculture, cinematography, and electronics. He was successful in all of them, yet he chose to give up a personal life for a life dedicated to inner peace, spiritual knowledge and communion with God. He studied with some of India's greatest saints and sages: among them, Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Aurobindo, and his own spiritual master, the world-renowned Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj of Rishikesh, Himalayas.

Early Service

When Swami Satchidananda was sent by Swami Sivananda to serve in Sri Lanka, it was not long before the first Satchidananda Ashram was founded by students who wanted to learn more from him.

He spent thirteen years among them. In 1966, he was invited to visit the West, where his deep spiritual realization made a profound and lasting impression. Once again, he was soon surrounded by sincere students inspired to follow in his footsteps. Today Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville is a community dedicated to his teachings, and Integral Yoga Institutes and centers, based on his teachings, can be found throughout the world.

Ecumenism

Sri Gurudev had sponsored innumerable ecumenical symposiums, retreats and worship services all over the world. During several private audiences, H.H. Pope Paul VI praised these efforts to promote interfaith activities.

In his travels around the world, Sri Gurudev advocated harmony among people of all faiths, philosophies, religions, races and nations. He met with spiritual and governmental leaders and other dignitaries, among them: H.H. Pope Paul II, the Dalai Lama, Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, U Thant, members of the American Senate and U.S. Presidents.

Apostle of Peace

He traveled several times to the Soviet Union in an effort to encourage harmonious dialogue between the American and Russian people and to promote world peace. He received many honors for his service including the Martin Buber Award for Outstanding Services to Humanity, the B'Nai Brith Anti-Defamation League's Humanitarian Award; the titles of: Fellow of World Thanksgiving, Honorary Fellow of the World Vegetarian Congress, Fellow of Concordia University and a Peace Award from the United Nations.

The Reverend Sri
Swami Satchidananda

As one of the most revered Yoga Masters of our time, Sri Swami Satchidananda, remains a much-loved teacher, well known for his combination of practical wisdom and spiritual insight.
He gave his life to the service of humanity, demonstrating by his own example the means of finding abiding peace within one's life and within one's self.
His message of peace inside all people and harmony among all faiths and countries has been heard worldwide.

© 2012, Integral Yoga Institute, San Francisco