'The dedicated ever enjoy Supreme Peace.
Therefore, live only to serve.'
H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev) often said these words in talks all over the world. These two beautiful sentences of guiding light are even more powerful coming from
this being that lived them every day of his life.
Sri Gurudev's message emphasized harmony among people of all races and faiths. His motto was: 'Truth is One, Paths are Many.' He believed that we are all one in Spirit and that throughout
history great spiritual masters, such as Buddha, Moses, and Jesus, have come forward to teach the people of the world how to experience this spiritual oneness. After we have found that
Spirit within ourselves, we will always recognize it in others. Then, we truly have power to help heal the world. Sri Gurudev exemplified these teachings. His beautiful message is that we,
too, can exemplify them.
Not limited to any one organization, religion or country, Sri Gurudev received invitations for over fifty years from around the world to speak about the way to peace. He served on the
advisory boards numerous Yoga, interfaith and world peace organizations.
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.
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.
'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
'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. |