Meherwan Sheriar Irani (Meher Baba)

Meherwan Sheriar Irani (Meher Baba) was born in Pune, India in February 1894. His parents were of Persian origin. He was first educated in Dastur Girls’ School and later in St. Vincent High School, from where he was matriculated. In 1913, while in his first year at Deccan College he came in contact with Hazrat Babajan, one of the five Perfect Masters of the Age, who by a kiss on his forehead awakened him to the experience of what one may call God-realization.

During the course of subsequent seven years Upasani Maharaj, another Perfect Master of the age gave him knowledge of his infinite state and integrated his God-consciousness with the consciousness of the gross world, preparing him thus for his role.

He was reported to have met the other three perfect Masters of the time before he came in contact with Upasani Maharaj, but no record of what happened in such meeting is available, except that Sai Baba of Shirdi uttered “Parvardigar” on seeing him.
Link: Web Page, Web Site1, Web Site2

Narayan Maharaj

Narayan Maharaj was born on 20th May 1885, at Bagalkot in Karnataka. His early childhood was full of calamities. He lost his father, when he was hardly 14 months old and lost his mother when he was four. As a worldly duty his grandmother looked after him. His sacred thread ceremony was performed at the age of nine. His grandmother was planning to appoint Narayan as her heir, but it created problems with the other relations and he was also not interested in any material acquisition. He left his grandmother's place and all his relations, as he was keen on establishing the only relationship with Lord Dattatreya. After leaving home he took rest for the night in Shiva's temple, but no one came to enquire about him.This proved to be an important event to break all the worldly ties for him. Whatever is destined to take place must take place. Suffering is a great blessing in disguise, it has the ultimate objective to bring sufferer on the path of love and realisation. His life was full of hardships, trials and traumas but he had the absolute and unflinching faith and devotion for Lord Dattatreya, hence he had no fear of any kind.

Link: Web Page

Hazrat Tajuddin Baba

Hazrat Tajuddin Baba was one of the five Perfect Masters (Sadgurus) of his Age. Such is the play of nature known as maya (illusion) that this Perfect Master was declared a lunatic and kept in confinement in the Nagpur Lunatic Asylum for more than sixteen years. However, Baba Tajuddin started his divine play from this place and virtually converted the asylum to a place of worship. Baba Tajuddin was born on the 21st of January in the year 1861 at a place called Kamthi situated near Nagpur in the state of Maharastra.

From the birth itself, there was something unusual about the child, for the new-born baby would not at all cry. He would, at times, open his eyes and look at people and again go to sleep. All normal methods to induce the child to cry having failed, the parents took recourse to a traditional shock method of touching hot iron to the forehead and ear of the child. With the application of this method the child jerked out of its stupor and started crying. The burnt marks thus made on the head and ears of the child remained on his body till the last.
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Shankar Maharaj

Shankar Maharaj was a Perfect Master in the tradition of Nath Siddhas.Different stories are told about the birth and early life of Shankar Maharaj. But the following story of his birth and initiation by his guru appears to be most authentic, having been told by Maharaj himself to his prime disciple Dr. Nagesh Dhaneshwar of Nagar, about 200 kms from Pune.

Once Dr. Dhaneshwar asked Maharaj his age. Instead of answering, he asked him to judge his age from physical examination since he was a medical doctor.

Dr. Dhaneshwar judged his age to be more than 125 years. Maharaj agreed with him and told him that he was born in about 1800 at Mangalwedha (near Pandharpur) in the family named Upasani.

http://www.shreeswami.org/shankar-maharaj-of-pune.htm

Shri Gondavalekar Maharaj

In the 19th and early 20th century India was undergoing an enormous change in its educational system and its political and religious beliefs. The entire social structure was shaken and the age-old values were getting lost in Modern Times. This state of affairs of instability in every walk of life brought about renaissance in political thinking, education, abolition of Caste System and more importantly in spiritual thinking. In India, this period of approximately hundred and fifty years saw luminous Spiritual Masters, Gurus and Saints of different religions working silently in and through the masses for spiritual uplifting and realization of the ‘Ultimate Truth’. Shri Gondavalekar Maharaj was one of such galaxy of saints who did specific work for spiritual uplifting through an ancient but re-defined Sadhana (spiritual practice) of Namasmaran (Chanting of Holy Name).
Shrigondavalekar.org

Kalavati Devi

There are many backward communities in India. One such community called the Boharis lived in Angol, Belgaum. Until 1940's there was no hope of improvement in their poor way of living. This was partly because of society's indifference towards their needs and development. They contributed their part by accepting hopelessness, lack of will power and reluctance to change. They lived in huts with poor sanitation. They lacked sense of personal hygiene and took bath once a week. Their language was indecent. Due to lack of education and any goals in life their young ones became vagabonds. The adults indulged in drinking, gambling, and fighting for trivial reasons. Now you see a profound change in their social status. They now regularly attend the three prayer sessions in the nearby Shri Harimandir [7am-8:30am, 5:30pm-7pm and 9pm-10pm]. Since it is customary to go to prayers after a bath, clean & tidy they inculcated a sense of personal hygiene. As they started enjoying the prayers they would not miss them at any cost. If they ran out of fuel to warm the water for bath they would resort to cold-water bath. The night session of prayers kept them away from alcohol and gambling
Through the spiritual discourses and sincere prayers their reluctance to change gradually waned. They developed an awareness that God is pleased only through universal love and compassion towards all creatures. They gave up their age-old primitive way of worship involving sacrifices of animals without any hesitation. There was a radical change in their thought process, language and conduct. They became cultured in true sense with higher lofty goals in life [spiritual]. Secondarily, material gains and social upliftment went with it. This is in sharp contrast to traditional education which results in great material gains but loss of higher spiritual values. This is the only reason why we see degeneration of humanity and utter chaos in the world today. No wonder sincere prayers and genuinely holy men can bring about miracles in real life, a fact to which this community bear ample testimony.
Who was the inspiration behind this incredible transformation? It was none other than a humble lady saint by name Kalavati Devi, who is called by Her devotees as Param Pujya Aai or the Holy Mother. India is lucky to be endowed with innumerable great saints throughout the ages who have kept the path of Bhakti [Devotion] vibrant. This Holy Mother was one such unique saint [1908-1978]. She carried out her mission through Shri Harimandir, the main headquarter in Angol, Belgaum, Karnataka State. With a remarkable ease she fostered Bhakti in the hearts of millions bringing Joy and Hope in their lives. Thus runs the life story of a great soul.
http://www.shriharimandir.org/

Sadguru Shri Siddharudh Swamiji

His Holiness Sadguru Shri Siddharudh Swamiji hailing from Hubli city of Karnataka State devoted and dedicated his entire life.(A.D. 1836 to A.D. 1929) for the noble cause of soul-stirring dynamic spiritualism and universal brotherhood. Shri Sadguru Sidhharudh Swami was the incarnation of Lord Shiva. In the galaxy of his followers and diciples stand out the names of enlightened Maharaja's of the erstwhile States (Sansthans). Such as Sandur, Kolhapur, Akkalkot etc. National leaders of freedom movement viz Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma gandhi had sought his blessings

http://www.siddharudh.org/

Sri Yogaswami

Sri Yogaswami was born in Sri Lanka in May 1872. Originally known as Sadasivan, he led a normal life till 1905, when he met his Guru with whom he stayed till the latter passed away in 1911. He spent the next few years in intense meditation. Soon his fame spread and people started visiting him. He started the journal named Sivathondan, meaning the servant of Siva, which became a popular vehicle of his messages. He travelled to India in 1940 and visited Kashi. He also met Ramana Maharshi. In 1961 an accident confined him to the indoors of his Ashram in Jaffna. Three years later, at the ripe age of 91, much to the chagrin of his devotees, the Swamiji passed away, leaving behind him a legacy that continues even today

http://www.himalayanacademy.com/satgurus/yogaswami/

Neem Karoli Baba

Originally named as Lakshmi Narayan, and known by many other names, Neem Karoli Baba was born at Akbarpur in presentday UP, probably around 1900 AD. At a very young age he went to Gujarath where he lived at a place called Bavania, by the side of a lake at a little temple. Later he shifted his residence to various other places. During his life time he built many temples, helped many people and was visited by many people. In the western world he was made popular by Baba Ram Dass and Bhagavan Das through such works as "Be here now" and "It is here now". Though he left his physical body at Vrindavan in 1973, many of his devotees still experience his physical presence and receive his blessings and guidance

http://www.neemkarolibaba.com/

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri is a elder disciple of and as well the 1st disciple who accepted sanyasa from Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. He's also the vice-chairman of Mata Amritanandamayi Math Asram Formerly known as Balu,

Swami Amrithaswarupananda Puri 1st connected with Amma in 1979 and afterward became Brahmachari Amritatma Chaitanya. In Oct 1989, he was ceremonially started in Sanyasa. Ammai gave him the name Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri. Addressing to the assembled devotees,

Amritanandamayi told, "Today Mother is pleased as she could dedicate a son for the beneficial of the world. Now that he has been given Sannyasa, he has become the son of the world. Hereinafter, he is not my son. Today the God Almighty has given me the good fortune to dedicate one son to the world. At this instant Mother remembers his father and mother and salutes them also. Children, all of you pray for this son. Pray for him to gain strength. From now onward he is not Amritatma Chaitanya, but Amritaswarupananda Puri"

Ammas website http://amritapuri.org

Nataraja Guru

Nataraja Guru was the 2nd boy birthed to a medical stalwart addressed, doctor. Palpu (Padmanabhan) who had been educated and civilized in England. His living was devoted to serve the cause of the deprived billions who were socially, culturally, economically and literally struggling in the nineteenth and twentieth centreds.

Natarajan was shown how to toe the spiritual path of pilgrim's journey early in life by Narayana Guru, who also inspired him to be an educator of his contemporaries. Nataraja Guru was academically educated in Geology, Zoology and Educational psychological science. He received his DLitt from the Sorbonne in Paris and started his career in 1930 as a physics teacher for five years at the International Fellowship School in Geneve, Switzerland. Later he built Narayana Gurukula, contemplative educational centers in India, the first of which was in Fernhill, Nilgiris.

Incorporating ancient wiseness with advanced scientific exactness was accepted up as his life's mission. He clearly enunciated a common epistemology of all life interests of people to liberate themselves from social complexities and live their natural assess visions. The Narayana Gurukulas which he accomplished in many countries of the world create a network of islands of good cheer and redressal in the vast ocean of confusion and lack of direction. His many Good Book* in English language, French and Malayalam comprise a good probe into the basic principle of life so that the reader can simplify his or her own problems of domestic entanglements and clouded value vision. They're guides to gaining methodological efficiency in attaining the higher truth that can bring excellence in life. Nataraja Guru died in 1973.

Guru Nitya chaitanya yati

Nitya was born Nov II, 1923, as the 1st son of Pandalam Raghava Panickker, a poet and master instructor in Kerala. Afterward his matriculation, he departed home as a wandering mendicant to familiarise himself with the land and people of his nation of birth. In those days, Bharat was undivided. His wanderings took him to every nooks and crannies of the subcontinent, both metropolises and village, of almost all parts of what is now India, West Pakisthan and Bangla Desh.

He got together all the great people of the subcontinent including great leaders like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and poets of high repute. He sat at the feet of a lot of spiritual masters, including Sufi faqirs, Jain munis and Buddhistic monks, and Hindustani teachers such as Ramana Maharshi and Nityananda. In 1947 he joined the University College, Alwaye, to stay on his academic studies. Afterwards specializing in Philosophy and psychological science he tutored these subjects in two bharat Universities.


He again sat at the feet of extremely reputed sanyasis to learn Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, bharat poetics and literature. In 1951, he admitted Nataraja Guru as his spiritual preceptor and afterward Nataraja Guru left his body, Guru Nitya functioned as the continuator of Narayana Guru and Nataraja Guru as Guru and guide of Narayana Gurukula. As Narayana Gurukula is a world community, the Guru has to act as a liaison 'tween all members of the Gurukula at an interpersonal level in the teacher-taught context and as the enunciator of programs from time to time to spur the Gurukula community to work in unison, to help everyone to understand his or her integral value vision (svadharma). Guru Nitya published over 120 books in Malayalam and 80 books in English language, as well as innumerous articles on philosophy, psychological science, social ethics and aesthetics. He also functioned as the chairperson of the East-West University, as the Commissioner for World Education and as a committed sponsor of the World Government of World Citizens. He accomplished his mahasamadhi on May 14, 1999 and his legacy of love and wisdom keeps going in his written material and in his disciples.

Swami Krishnananda

Revered Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj took birth on the 25th of April, 1922, and was named as Subbaraya. He was eldest son of a family of five children of a highly religious and orthodox Brahmin family, well versed in the Sanskrit language, the influence of which was very profound on the young boy. He had a high school education at Puttur (South Kanara Dist., Karnataka State) and stood first in the class in all the subjects. Not being satisfied with what was taught in the classroom, young Subbaraya took to earnest self-study of Sanskrit with the aid of Amara-Kosa and other scriptural texts. While still a boy he studied and memorised the entire Bhagavad Gita, and his simple way of doing it was not having breakfast or even lunch until a prescribed number of verses were memorised. Thus within months Subbaraya memorised the whole of the Gita and recited it, in full, every day. Such was his eagerness to study scripture. Reading from the Srimad Bhagavata that Lord Narayana lives in sacred Badrinath Dham, the young boy literally believed it and entertained a secret pious wish to go to the Himalayas, where Badrinath is located, and see the Lord there.

By the study of Sanskrit works like the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, etc., Subbaraya was rooted more and more in the Advaita philosophy of Sanakaracharya, though he belonged to the traditional Madhva sect which follows the philosophy of dualism. His inner longing for Advaitic experience and renunciation grew stronger every day. In 1943 Subbaraya took up government service at Hospet in Bellary District, which however did not last long. Before the end of the same year he left for Varanasi, where he studied the Vedas and other scriptures. But the longing for seclusion and the unknown call from the Master pulled him to Rishikesh, and he arrived there in the summer of 1944. When he met Swami Sivananda and fell prostrate before him, the saint said: "Stay here till death; I will make kings and ministers fall at your feet." The prophecy of the saint's statement came true to this young man who wondered within himself how this could ever happen. Swami Sivananda initiated young Subbaraya into the holy order of Sannyasa on the sacred day of Makara-Sankranti, the 14th of January, 1946, and he was named Swami Krishnananda.

Sri Gurudev Swami Sivananda found that Swami Krishnananda was suitable for work of correspondence, letter writing, writing messages and even assisting in compiling books, editing them, etc. Later on Swamiji was given the work of putting into typewritten form the handwritten manuscripts of Sri Gurudev, which he used to bring to him every day. For instance, the entire volume of the Brahma Sutras of Sri Gurudev, which he wrote by hand, was typewritten by Swami Krishnananda. He confined himself mostly to the literary side and never had any kind of relationship with visitors, so that people who came from outside never knew he existed in the Ashram. It was in the year 1948 that Gurudev asked Swamiji to do more work along the lines of writing books in philosophy and religion, which he took up with earnestness. It can be safely said that from that year onwards, Swamiji was more absorbed in writing and conducting classes, holding lectures, etc., as per the instructions of Sri Gurudev. The first book Swamiji wrote was The Realisation of the Absolute which was written in merely 14 days and is still his best book - terse, direct and stimulating.

When it became necessary for the Ashram to co-opt assistance from other members in the work of management, Swami Krishnananda was asked to collaborate with the Working Committee which was formed in the year 1957. At that time Swamiji became the Secretary especially concerned with the management of finance. This continued until 1961 when, due to the absence for a protracted period of the General Secretary, Gurudev nominated Swamiji as General Secretary of the Divine Life Society, which position Swamiji held until 2001. It can very safely be stated that in the history of the Divine Life Society none ever held, nor is likely to hold, that responsible and taxing position of General Secretary for four decades.

It may be recorded to Swamiji's credit, without fear of the least exaggeration, that it is Swami Krishnananda, the genius and master of scriptures, who alone expounded practically all the major scriptures of Vedanta. These discourses were given the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy of the Society during the early morning sessions, afternoon classes and the regular three-month courses. Most of them have been brought out in book form and are authentic commentaries covering the philosophy, psychology and practice of the various disciplines of Yoga. Swami Krishnananda is thus the author of nearly fifty books, each one a masterpiece in itself. Only a genius of Swamiji's caliber could do this in the midst of the enormous day-to-day volume of work as the General Secretary of a large Institution. Swamiji is a rare blend of Karma and Jnana Yogas, a living example of the Bhagavad Gita's teachings.

Such was Swami Krishnananda's literary skill and understanding of the entire gamut of the works of Swami Sivananda, numbering about three hundred, that when the Sivananda Literature Research Institute was formed on the 8th of September, 1958, Sri Gurudev himself made Swamiji the President. Again it was Swami Krishnananda who was appointed as the President of the Sivananda Literature Dissemination Committee, which was formed to bring out translations of Sri Gurudev's works in the major Indian languages. From September 1961, Swamiji was made the Editor of the Society's official monthly organ, 'The Divine Life', which he did efficiently for nearly two decades.

Swami Krishnananda was a master of practically every system of Indian thought and Western philosophy. "Many Sankaras are rolled into one Krishnananda," said Sri Gurudev, in a cryptic statement, which he himself has amplified in his article, He is a Wonder to Me! Swamiji lived in God-consciousness and guided countless seekers on the path to self-realisation. Swamiji attained Mahasamadhi on 23rd November, 2001

Nayanan swami

Marutwamala, a hill near kanyakumari fomous for herbals

Nayanan swami, avadoodha in kanyakumari

This is a short description of an avadoodha, who lived in kanyakumari in 1980’s.Since no clear information available of the avadoodha ( self realized yogi pretends to be mad or childish) Nayanan swami, this is part adapted from Swami paramatmananda’s ( sri matha amrithanandamayi’s senior discipline, incharge of amma’s American asram centre ) autobiography.part2.Amma meets with Nayanan swami on her way with disciplines to kanyakumari. On the way to kanyakumari they stayed near Marutwamala, a hill place famous for herbals. It was heard that there is a yogi named Nayanan swami, amma decided to visit him.After some enquiries they found the yogis place.In swami paramatmanandas words-After reaching the yogis place, amma and us entered his room, There was mere light in that room.We saw an old man sitting on the floor by spitting on the wall!!.Someone there said to us that the yogi had his bath before ten years!!By seeing him in such an uncleaned manner, for us It is easy to believe.

Amma sat next to him, it was unexpected, that the yogi hit on ammas face, we all felt shocked and got anger, but amma told us to stay cool. The yogi scolded me in a language only known to him!!.We all were eager to get out of there, but our amma stayed there for about 20minutes, After leaving him in his room amma told us that he was in the super most blissful state.At first We were not able to believe ammas words super most state!! May be he is mad!!. Amma said that a person in that state can only be identified by another one, who also in the same state.We all thought that, if that was the supreme state, we don’t need that.

After meeting another yogini mayi amma in kanyakumari, we started our way back to asram, On the way we reached nayanan swami’s place, suddenly we saw the yogi standing on the road as he was waiting for us!. Amma said to stop the vehicle, The thought of going back to him made us uncomfortable.Again we entered his room, yogi was sitting in the same place. Amma sat near to him, we all prepared to see another shock!.Amma started to touching his feet and she herself started moving.The yogi was calm this time and was watching amma silently.Tears were flowing from ammas eyes, we watched all this in curiosity.

All of a sudden amma entered in kalis form, started dancing showing mudra, we all amazed by watching this all.We had no idea what was happening.After sometime Amma came back from that state, she was in eternal bliss. Nayanan swami said YOUR SON!! YOUR SON!!, by looking at the boy with us ( it was true that the boy, shakthiprasad was born to his parents in blessings of amma!! ).From this we came to know that he was not mad as he seems to be. He knew everything.After leaving the yogi, we continued our journey.On the way amma explained what was happened.In ammas words, Nayanan swami knew who am I, and was willing to see me in kali bhava, so it was for him amma entered in kali’s state.Amma said that he was a self realized yogi and not a mad man. Avadoodha is named to a yogi in supermost blissful state and always pretends to be mad or childish. Amma says they are not mad people and their activities will have an internal meaning known only by a self realized yogi.

Another story related to nayanan swami, once swami gave a coin to one of his disciplines and asked to keep it life time, the man who got blessed with the coin became rich!

beg your pardon,if my English makes you irritating

Nisargadatta maharaj

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj was born in March 1897, on the day the birthday of Lord Hanuman. In honor of Lord Hanuman, he was given the name 'Maruti'. Nisargadatta's father, Shivrampant, worked as a domestic servant in Mumbai and later as a petty farmer in Kandalgaon, a small village in the back-woods of Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Mariti's family followed the traditional Hindu culture. At the tender age of 18, in the year 1915, Maruti's father passed away. After the death of his father, Maruti followed his oldest brother to Bombay.

Mariti started working as a small-time clerk in an office near Bombay, but soon opened a small goods store selling bidis (leaf-rolled cigarettes). He became successful in this venture. In 1924 he married Sumatibai. They had three daughters and a son.

Maruti had a wise friend named Yashwantrao Bagkar. They often would have spiritual discussions. One day Yashwantrao brought Maruti to meet Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj, his future guru. Sri Siddharameshwar Maharaj, was then the head of the Inchegeri branch of the Navnath Sampradaya. Maruti was given a Mantra, which is totally in keeping with the Navnath tradition, and instructions on how to meditate. His guru told him to concentrate on the feeling "I Am" and to remain in that state. Maruti did not follow any particular course of breathing, or meditation, or study of scriptures. He mearly followed his gurus instruction of concentrating on the feeling "I am", and within three years, the realization dawned on him and he got Self-awareness.

Sri Siddharameshwar died in 1936 and evoked in Maruti a strong feeling of renunciation which he acted upon. He abandoned his family and bidi businesses and took off for the Himalayas. Srikant Gogte and P.T. Phadol, in the introduction of Sri Nisargadatta's book "I am That" say of this, "On his way to the Himalayas, where he was planning to spend the rest of his life, he met a brother-disciple, who convinced him about the shortcomings of a totally unworldly life and the greater spiritual fruitfulness of dispassion in action." When he returned he found that out of six shops only one remained, but that was enough for the sustenance of his family, Maruti adopted the name of Nisargadatta and inherited membership into the Navnath Sampradaya sect. He devoting all his free time to meditation on his guru’s instruction.

Sri Nisargadatta continued to live the life of an ordinary Indian working-man but his teaching, which he set out in his master-work "I Am That" and which are rooted in the ancient Upanishadic tradition, made a significant philosophical break from contemporary thought. Devotees traveled from all over the world to hear Nisargadatta's unique message until his death. Maharaj left his mortal frame in 1981, suffering with throat cancer.

An example of one who was moved by his works is Aziz Kristof, billed as a non-traditional Advaita Zen master, who, upon reading Nisargadatta's book I Am That, writes most eloquently:

"At that moment, I knew that I found my master. He spoke to my essence, his spirit deeply touched my heart. From him I realised the necessity of stabilising the State Presence to which I was already awakened. He called this the I Am-ness. For the first time, I received clarity regarding the Path and recognised the necessity of the right effort. Maintaining the State of Presence became a new task; it was a new challenge. I went for long walks, attempting not to lose the State, not for a single moment."

Teachings

He explained that the purpose of advanced spirituality is to simply know who you are. Through his many talks given in his humble flat in the slums of Bombay, he showed a direct way in which one could become aware of one's original nature. Many of these talks were recorded, and these recordings form the basis of I Am That and his other books. His words are free from cultural and religious trappings, and the knowledge he expounds is stripped bare of all that is unnecessary.

In the words of Advaita scholar Dr. Robert Powell:"Like the Zen masters of old, Nisargadatta's style is abrupt, provocative, and immensely profound -- cutting to the core and wasting little effort on inessentials. His terse but potent sayings are known for their ability to trigger shifts in consciousness, just by hearing, or even reading them."

When asked about his biographical details, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj used to say "I was never born", for he does not identify himself with his body. He identified himself only with the eternal and pure beingness. However, here is a shory biogrpahy of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, the person

Want to watch movie 'Tatvamasi' based on Nisardadatta's life Click here

marathi language movie "Nirgunache Bheti.." Click here

Yogi ram surat kumar

Yogi Ramsuratkumar was born in a village near Kashi on December 1, 1918. In his childhood, he loved very much to meet the yogis and monks. He was befriended by a number of holy men who built their huts on the Ganges shore or simply wandered nearby.

He grew up as a Grihasta but eventually, the tugs of spirituality in his heart took over. In search of his "guru", he visited and spent time in the ashrams of both Sri Aurobindo and Ramana Maharishi. He later moved to Kerala at the ashram of Swami Ramdas. In his own assessment, Sri Aurobindo gave him Jnana, Sri Ramana Maharshi blessed him with tapas and Swami Ramadas gave him the nectar of Bhakti. Swami Ramadas initiated him into the holy mantra : " Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram ", by pronouncing it thrice in his ears. Yogi Ramsuratkumar often refers to this instance as his "death", since from this moment on, his ego no longer existed, and he had a profound spiritual experience.

Yogiji travelled across the country from 1952 to 1959. Not much is known about the exact whereabouts of the yogi in this period. He finally reached Tiruvannamalai (a small town in Tamil Nadu which is famous for attracting spiritual seekers worldwide and has had a continuous lineage of enlightened souls) in the Southern India in 1959. He was a "hidden" saint during this early period, with not too many individuals realizing that this "beggar" was someone whoc would bring riches to the lives of countless many. He was seen near the Temple chariot, at the corners of the Road, under the trees of the Temple. As more and more people started acknoleding the divine presence in him, Swamiji then began living in a small house in Sannadhi Street beneath the Temple. He continued to bless the devotees who thronged at thousands to His house at the Sannadhi Street. At a point, his devotees became too many to be handled in a small house and the Devotees wished Him to have an Ashram which He gently accepted after much persuasion for the sake of his devotees. The Yogi Ramsurat kumar Ashram is constructed at Agrahara collai with a total area of 3.5 Acres.

He left his body (Mahasamadhi) on 20th Feb 2001 at Tiruvannamalai in the Ashram premises.

Teachings

Yogi Ramsuratkumar was a true saint and he has affected the lives of thousands of people towards incorporating the divine presence in their lives. To his followers, he assures that the mere thought of him amd meditation with the repetition of the following mantra would address any difficulties that they have in dealing with their day to day problems.

Yogi Ramsuratkumar Yogi Ramsuratkumar
Yogi Ramsuratkumarara Jaya Guru Raya

The following excerpts are taken from one of his addresses to his followers. He often times referred to himself as a "beggar" as a message for followers to not take their egos seriously.

"This beggar learnt at the feet of Swami Ramdas the divine name of Rama, and beg, beg all of you not to forget the divine name Rama. Whatever you do, wherever you are, be like Anjaneya Maruthi thinking of Rama and doing your actions in this world. Live in the world and the problems will be there. If we are remembering the Divine name, we are psychologically sound. May be, we may feel a little some of the problems. Even then the intensity with which we feel if we don't have faith in God is much more than a man of faith - a man who remembers the name of Rama. So this beggar is always begging, begging for food, begging for clothes, begging that you should compose songs on this beggar, build a house for me - a cottage for me - this thing - that thing - so many things. But this beggar will beg of you this also, and you are always giving what this beggar has begged. So this beggar begs please don't forget the name of God. This Divine name has been always of great help to all in the world. You read Kabir, Tulsi, Sur, Appar Swamy, Manickavasaga Swamy - how they emphasized Namasivaya. Don't forget it- this is your heart- this is your soul. Whether it be Om Namasivaya or Om Namo Narayana whether Rama, Siva or Krishna whatever name you choose, whatever form you choose doesn't matter.

But remember the lord with any name, with any form of your choice. Just as when there is heavy rainfall, we take an umbrella, and go on doing our work in the factory, in the field, wherever we go for marketing and catching hold of the umbrella we go though the rain is falling there. But still we work-still we work-do our work. Similarly we have got so many problems all around. This divine name is just like an umbrella in the heavy rainfall. Catch hold of the divine name and go on doing your work in the world. This beggar begs of you and this beggar has received all he has begged of you. So I think none of you will shrink away, when this beggar begs of you, don't forget the divine name. This beggar prays to his father to bless you all who have come here. My Lord Rama blesses you- My Father blesses you. Arunachalaswara blesses you. It doesn't matter to me what name it is. All the blessings of my father for all of you! Well, that is the end. That is all."

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a renowned spiritual leader and multi-faceted humanitarian whose mission of uniting the world into a violence-free family has inspired millions of people worldwide. The icon of non-violence and universal human values, Sri Sri seeks global peace through service and dialogue.

Born in 1956 in southern India, Sri Sri's appeal transcends class, race, religion and nationality. Millions of people revere him as their spiritual leader, and look up to him for inner peace and promoting ecumenical values.

In 1981, Sri Sri started the Art of Living Foundation, an international nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization. The Foundation, now active in more than 140 countries, offers educational and self-development programs designed to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. In Europe and the United States, the Foundation's programs are helping inner city youth turn away from gang violence, drugs and alcohol. Sri Sri's Prison Programs have helped transform the lives of an estimated 150,000 inmates around the world.

In 1997, Sri Sri founded the International Association for Human Values, a humanitarian nonprofit organization that advances human values in political, economic, industrial, and social spheres. In South Asia, South Africa, and Latin America, the Association's sustainable development programs have reached more than 30,000 rural communities.

While his self development programs have popularized traditionally exclusive ancient techniques, Sri Sri's social initiatives address an array of issues such as conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, prisoner rehabilitation, youth leadership, women's empowerment, female foeticide, child labor, and access to education. In Kashmir and Sri Lanka, Sri Sri is working to further dialogue between opposing parties to resolve the conflicts peacefully.

Sri Sri travels to more than 40 countries a year to share his message of social responsibility, and that all great spiritual traditions share common goals and values. His teachings of love, practical wisdom, and service promote harmony among people, and encourage individuals to follow their chosen spiritual path, while honoring other paths.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the creator of the transcendental form of meditation, along with being the leader of the Transcendental Meditation Movement. One of the most renowned spiritual Gurus of India, he is highly influenced by the principles of Adi Shankaracharya. The main aim of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is to promote the use of the Vedic ways in daily life. Read on to explore the biography of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi further…

Maharishi Yogi was born in the year 1911, in Allahabad town (in Uttar Pradesh). After graduating from Allahabad University (in physics), he spent 13 years under the tutelage of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati. During this period, he developed an inclination towards the ancient Vedic Science of consciousness. At the same time, he started practicing intense meditation. He is also credited with making efforts towards the restoration of the thousand-years-old scattered Vedic Literature. He is responsible for organizing it as a complete science of consciousness.

As per the life history of Maharishi Yogi, he assumed the title "Maharishi" in 1955. From then onwards, began his journey as a teacher of traditional meditation technique, now known as Transcendental Meditation.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi aims at developing a society in which there is good all around. The first step that he took towards the fulfillment of his aim was the starting of the Transcendental Meditation Movement. Transcendental Meditation is a mental technique that helps a person in achieving consciousness. It involves the use of a mantra or sound, through which the mind becomes alert, but the body feels relaxed. He has also established a number of foundations to support his movement, one of which is The Spiritual Regeneration Movement, founded in 1957.

Various studies have been conducted throughout the world to ascertain the effects of Transcendental Meditation. It has been found out that the places where even one percent of the population practiced Transcendental Meditation, the crime rate was found to be declining. This phenomenon, where Transcendental Meditation is seen as being negatively related to crime, violence and other negative forces, is known as the Maharishi Effect.