TSri Swami Satchidananda (1914–2002) was one of the great Yoga masters to bring the classical Yoga tradition to the West, founding Integral Yoga in 1966. Three years later, he led some half a million American youth in chanting OM, when he delivered the official opening remarks at the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Festival and became known as “the Woodstock Guru.”
The distinctive teachings he brought with him blend the physical discipline of Yoga, the spiritual philosophy of India, and the interfaith ideals he pioneered. These techniques and concepts influenced a generation and spawned a Yoga culture that is flourishing. Today, over 30 Integral Yoga Institutes and Centers on six continents offer classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher training programs. The Integral Yoga global community includes over 5,000 Integral Yoga teachers—many of whom have become leaders in the changing paradigm of modern Yoga and healthcare, as well as founding successful programs for specific populations. Integral Yoga-inspired programs include Dr. Dean Ornish’s landmark work in reversing heart disease, Dr. Michael Lerner’s noted Commonweal Cancer Help program, Yoga Therapy in Cancer & Chronic Illness (founded by Jnani Chapman), and Jivana Heyman’s Accessible Yoga, among many others.
In 1979, Sri Swamiji was inspired to establish Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville. Based on his teachings, it is a place where people of different faiths and backgrounds can come to realize their essential oneness. One of the focal points of Yogaville is the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). This unique interfaith shrine honors the Spirit that unites all the world religions, while celebrating their diversity. People from all over the world come there to meditate and pray.
Over the years, Sri Swamiji received many honors for his public service, including the Juliet Hollister Interfaith Award presented at the United Nations, the U Thant Peace Award, and the James Parks Morton Interfaith Award. In addition, he served on the advisory boards of many Yoga, world peace and interfaith organizations. He is the author of many books on Yoga and is the subject of the documentary, Living Yoga: The Life and Teachings of Swami Satchidananda.