...Been There Done That...

(and wishing to go back)

As a wandering sannyasin, Swami Satyananda travelled extensively by foot, car, train and sometimes even by camel throughout India, Afghanistan, Burma, Nepal, Tibet, Ceylon and the entire Asian subcontinent. During his sojourns, he met people from all stratas of society and began formulating his ideas on how to spread yogic techniques. Although his formal education and spiritual tradition was that of the Vedanta, the task of disseminating yoga became his movement. His mission unfolded before him in 1956 when he founded the International Yoga Fellowship Movement with the aim of creating a global fraternity of yoga. Because his mission was revealed to him at Munger, Bihar, he established the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger itself. Before long his teachings were rapidly spreading throughout the world. From 1963 to 1983, Swami Satyananda took yoga to each and every corner of the world, to people of every caste, creed, religion and nationality. He guided millions of seekers in all continents and established centers and ashrams in different countries. His frequent travels took him to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, the Phillipines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, USA, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Yugoslavia, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Russia, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dubai, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Santo Domingo, (Local-Wannabe's Heart), Puerto Rico, Sudan, Egypt, Nairobi, Ghana, Mauritius, Alaska and Iceland. One can easily say that Sri Swamiji hoisted the flag of yoga in every nook and cranny of the world. Nowhere did he face opposition, resistance or criticism. His way was unique. Well versed in all religions and scriptures, he incorporated their wisdom with such a natural flair that people of all faiths were drawn to him. His teaching was not just confined to yoga, but covered the wisdom of many milleniums. From Tantra, the mother of all philosophies, and the most sublime truths of Vedanta, Sri Swamiji brought to light knowledge of the Upanishads and Puranas, of buddhism, Jainishm, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam and Christianity right down to modern scientific analysis of matter and creation. He interpreted, explained and gave precise accurate and systematic explanations of the ancient systems of Tantra and Yoga, revealing practices hitherto unknown. It can be said that Sri Swamiji was a pioneer in the field of yoga because his presentation had a novelty and freshness. Ajapa japa, antar mouna, pawanmuktasana, kriya yoga and prana vidya are just some of the practices he introduced in such a methodical and simple manner that it became possible for each person to delve into valuable and hitherto inaccesible science for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. Yoga Nidra was Sri Swamiji's interpretation of the tantric system of nyasa. With his deep insight into this knowledge, he was able to realize the potential of this practice of nyasa ina manner which gave it a practical utility for each and every individual, rather than just remaining a prerequisite for worship. Yoga nidra is but one example of his acumen and penetrating insight into the ancient systems. Sri Swamiji's outlook was inspiring, uplifting as well as in-depth and penetrating. Yet his language and explanations were always simple and easy to comprehend. During this period he authored over eighty books on yoga and tantra which, due to their authenticity, are accepted as textbooks in schools and universities throughout the world. These books have been translated into Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, Yugoslavian, Chinese, French, Greek, Iranian and most other predominant languages of the world.
People took to his ideas and spiritual seekers of all faiths and nationalities flocked to him. He intitated thousands into mantra and sannyasa, sowing in the the seed to live the divine life. He exhibited tremendous zeal and energy in spreading the light of yoga, and in a short span of twenty years Sri Swamiji fulfilled the mandate of his guru.
...to be continued...