Swami Veda Bharati’s biography
Swami Veda Bharati was a modern-day spiritual teacher who founded the Himalayan Tradition of Yoga and Meditation. Born in 1933 into a Sanskrit-speaking family, Swami Veda Bharti’s father taught him traditional knowledge when he was four. He rose to prominence as a child preacher in Northern India, attracting audiences with the breadth of his understanding and clairvoyant insight into the Vedas and other Hindu and Buddhist writings. Since he was nine, his extensive knowledge of the Vedas and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras has mesmerised audiences. Besides Sanskrit, he was fluent in Pali and other north Indian and European languages.
Veda Bharati guru
In 1970, his guru, Swami Rama, introduced him to the paths of Dhyana Yoga, the highest form of meditation and yoga. He went on to study with several revered spiritual leaders and eventually became a disciple of Swami Rama, the founder of the Himalayan Institute. And in 1992, he was initiated into sannyasa. He was named Swami Veda after his introduction to the monastic life.
Swami Veda Bharati’s teachings
Swami Veda Bharati’s speciality was in the area of meditation and self-awareness. He taught that through meditation, individuals could access the inner wisdom and knowledge necessary for spiritual growth and well-being. He believed meditation was essential for physical and spiritual well-being and the key to achieving inner peace and happiness. Swami Veda stressed the importance of often meditating at home or work during the day as the opportunity presents itself. In addition to his contributions to the field of yoga, Swami Veda Bharati was also known for his philanthropic efforts. He established several schools and hospitals in India to serve the poor and underprivileged.
His disciples in the numerous centres he has founded worldwide know his capacity to lead his audiences to meditative silence and peaceful states.
Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust
Swami Veda Bharati founded several organisations, including the Association for India’s Development and the Yoga International Heritage Foundation. These organisations were established to promote the study and practice of yoga and educate people about its benefits. He served as the spiritual director of the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust in Dehradun, the Sadhana Mandir (Swami Rama’s Ashram), and Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, located in Rishikesh.
Swami Veda Bharati’s publications
Swami Veda Bharati dedicated his life to preserving and reviving the ancient wisdom of yoga and Indian spirituality. He was a prolific writer and author of several books, including “Meditation as a Way of Life,” “The Science of Meditation,” and “Breathing: The Master Key to Self-Healing.” He was also a sought-after speaker invited to conferences and universities worldwide.
Awards
Swami Veda Bharati received several awards and honours throughout his life, including the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards. He was also honoured by the Indian government with the title of “Yoga Shiromani.”
Swami Veda Bharati died on July 14, 2015.
