Our Guru Dev, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati
Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, our Guru Dev, was a highly revered spiritual teacher and the Shankaracharya of the Jyotir Math, one of the four principal seats of the tradition established by Adi Shankaracharya. His life and teachings played a significant role in the revival and promotion of Vedic knowledge and practices.
Brief overview of the history of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati:
Birth and Early Life:
Swami Brahmananda Saraswati was born December 20, 1868 in the village of Parayakadavu in Kerala, India.
Even from a young age, he displayed a deep inclination toward spirituality and a natural mastery of Vedic scriptures.
Spiritual Journey:
Swami Brahmananda Saraswati entered monastic life and, under the guidance of his guru, Swami Krishnananda Saraswati, delved into the study and practice of Vedanta, Yoga, and other ancient Indian philosophies.
Leadership as Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math (1941-1953):
In 1941, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati was appointed as the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, the northern seat of the Shankaracharya tradition, succeeding Swami Krishnananda Saraswati.
His leadership brought renewed emphasis on the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya and the preservation of Vedic knowledge.
Transition:
Swami Brahmananda Saraswati left his physical form in 1953. After his passing, the responsibility of the Shankaracharya seat was passed on to his disciple, Swami Shantanand Saraswati (1953-1980, d. 1997).
Vishnudevananda Saraswati (1980-1990. D 1993)
disciple of Brahmananda; predeceased SantanandaLegacy:
Swami Brahmananda Saraswati is revered as a great spiritual luminary. His teachings and influence continue to inspire spiritual seekers and practitioners worldwide and was the inspiration for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to bring this knowledge to the West. He arrived in LA 1958 and the rest is, as we like to say, History!
Ultimately, this knowledge culminated into Vedic Meditation, as imparted to us through our Guru ji, Thom Knoles. We recognize him as Maharishi Vyasanand Saraswati, which literally means the enlightened Vyasa of this age.Our Direct Connection to the Lineage:
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Thom’s Guru Ji, was a devoted disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati for 13 years.
After Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, our Guru Dev, dropped his body, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi when into silence for two years before emerging as the prolific teacher of “the Grace of Guru Dev” we remember him today.
Listen to Thom’s Retelling of this story
Through this lineage, the profound knowledge reaches us today, embodied by our Guru Ji, Thom Knoles, Maharishi Vyasanand Saraswati, as Vedic Meditation.
The teachings and spiritual lineage of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Vedic philosophy.This legacy continues to thrive through the living knowledge of Vedic Meditation and our growing community of meditators.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Family given name: Mahesh Prasad Varma
Born: January 12, 1918, Rajim, India
Died: February 5, 2008, Vlodrop, Netherlands
With Love & Jai Guru Deva,
SJ