My original guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda was born in Chettipalayam, South India. This extraordinary "Apostle of Peace," (the title of his biography-Integral Yoga Publications) is a true man of God. How do I know? I can only say that by growing up with him and watching him from my early childhood, I can say that he has never wavered from a state of ending mental balance, equipoise, equanimity, and peace. His enlightened state spills over into the mundane with one-pointed focus in opening a package or when he is addressing thousands. I write further about him in my newest book, "Make Quilts as Life Gives you Scraps!"

He was born in l914 to highly spiritual parents. His mother, so intent on birthing a spiritual son was given a sacred mantra by her guru to bring forward an extraordinary child. Ramaswamy (his former name) was indeed an example of dynamic and wise living even at an early age. He served any and all and was forever engrossed in spiritual pursuits and creative projects. It was not until the death of his wife when he was twenty-eight that Swamiji decided to devote his life entirely to the path of monkhood and renunciation.

After pursuing many teachers and paths, he met his final guru, Swami Sivananda in Rishikeish, India. There, shortly after taking the vows of full monkhood, he attained complete and total enlightenment. Since that time he has served tirelessly to bring the message of Integral Yoga around the world. He has resided in the United States since l966 and now resides in Buckingham, Virginia at the SAYVA Ashram and LOTUS temple.

Integral Yoga is a blend of all aspects of Yoga. A little practice of each fosters balance of body and mind and gradually leads to enlightenment.

In the presence of Swami Satchidananda, one is catapulted into a state of peace and upliftment. A guru like Swamiji is like a lit candle or campfire where people can gather and bathe in light and warmth. His message is that there is nothing that disturbs our peace; it is already within us. We do anything and everything to disturb this inner state. Through yoga and natural living, we gradually dissolve that which blocks us from knowing this exhalted inner state.

Rama Pemmaraju Rao, MD
© August, 2002

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