Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji
Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is revered in India as a great yogi, master and accomplished musician. Yet his influence extends far beyond the borders of India. Through his tours and seminars around the world, people have the opportunity to see, hear and experience him – and this is also the case in Europe.
Sri Swamiji is committed to promoting peace and tolerance throughout the world; he respects and honours all religions, all faiths and people from all walks of life, and leads by example in this regard.
Sri Swamiji conveys a significant part of his message through his music, but also through courses and seminars, such as Kriya Yoga and Vedanta (Advaita Vedanta, the philosophical doctrine of ‘non-duality’). He encourages people to cherish their own traditions whilst reflecting on the essential values in life. He radiates the soothing calm and compassion-filled strength of an enlightened master who is in a state of complete awareness.
It is now 50 years since Sri Swamiji first travelled to Germany and Switzerland.
Music
Sri Swamiji has developed a musical system based on the ancient Indian tradition of ‘Raga Ragini Vidya’, in which specific ragas (melodic modes) are associated with, amongst other things, specific parts of the body and elements. The music is performed according to the rules of the Indian musical notation system using classical Indian instruments such as the violin, flute, ghatam, mridangam and tabla.
Sri Swamiji himself plays a specially modified synthesiser, which he compares to the ancient Indian vina. His musical output comprises over 200 albums and concert videos featuring instrumental music, bhajans and mantras, all of which are available to download from major providers. He has been awarded honorary doctorates in recognition of his achievements in music.
For over 30 years, Sri Swamiji and his musicians have been delighting audiences worldwide at renowned concert venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Centre in New York, the Esplanade in Singapore, the Tonhalle in Zurich, the concert hall at the Berlin University of the Arts, and many others.
Listeners report that this music has a refreshing, soothing and relaxing effect. The experiences gained during this musical encounter can serve as a foundation for inner growth, peace and balance.
Yoga
Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, who hails from Mysuru in southern India, is renowned worldwide for his concerts and for his teaching in the fields of yoga and philosophy.
His teachings are based on the traditional yoga systems and include Datta Kriya Yoga, the philosophical teachings of Advaita Vedanta, and the practice of Mauna, or silence, which he teaches in Mauna seminars (silent retreats).
Datta Kriya Yoga is a form of yoga that is popular in the West. The breathing exercises (pranayama) practised in this tradition stimulate the life force (prana). They have an invigorating and refreshing effect and can promote physical and mental well-being.
When practised regularly, they can lead to inner peace and naturally induce a state of meditation. Through the philosophical questions of Advaita Vedanta, such as ‘Who am I?’, or through his commentaries on various classical works of Indian spiritual literature, Sri Swamiji provides answers to fundamental questions about life and its meaning. His talks are very lively and full of humour.
Humanitarian work
Sri Swamiji supports and maintains many social welfare institutions in India, such as two primary schools in Mysore itself, a school for children with learning difficulties (Vagdevi School) and a home for destitute widows (Ammavodi).
The Datta Peetham, which he heads, runs a hospital that provides free medical care to all and regularly distributes food to thousands (Annadanam).
The Datta Peetham Trust also supports existing social institutions with financial or material donations, such as ambulances for public hospitals, and regularly provides items to help people facing social or health-related challenges to cope with daily life, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, sewing machines and tools.
For more information, click here.
Care for nature
Sri Swamiji is committed to protecting nature and runs his own bird sanctuary, which includes a bird hospital where endangered species and injured birds can find refuge.
Shuka Vana Bird Park has been awarded a Guinness World Record as the aviary with the most parrot species in the world (468 species). A bonsai garden protects tree species threatened with extinction (Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden).