Photo: © Robert Altman - 1976

"On 19 August 2002, our Beloved Sri Gurudev, His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidananda, attained Mahasamadhi- a God-realized soul's conscious final exit from the body. He promised that His eternal and infinite spirit is there to guide us, now and always. He spoke to a number of people before He left the body and He consistently said: "Remember I will always be with you." He further explained that the ills of His physical body were limiting Him. He said that what real freedom means to Him is to be able to serve millions without the restrictions of this physical body which was tying Him down now. He wanted to have the blessing of departing in India, the land where He was born and then He would "go back to America."

Swami Satchidananda was, no, is, a great part of my life and so many, many others. I first met and studied with him when I was in my early twenties in New York. I can never begin to evaluate nor put into words what an immeasurable influence his being added to my life. He was a great teacher; an enlightened master, friend and a corny jokester to boot. Go to God my beloved Gurudev.

A 1966 photo of myself and beloved teacher.

Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville Home Page