Sri Gurudev Jayanthi

Sri Gurudev Jayanthi is a spiritual celebration marking the birthday of Sri Swami Satchidananda, the founder of Integral Yoga. It takes place at the Sivananda Satsang Hall at Yogaville, the Satchidananda Ashram in Buckingham, Virginia. Students of Integral Yoga, longtime friends of the ashram and anyone drawn to the occasion are welcome, and the celebration is also live-streamed for those who cannot be there in person.

The day is an expression of gratitude for Sri Gurudev's continued spiritual presence and blessings in the lives of those who gather.

What to Expect

The celebration is built around two main gatherings: a morning worship service and a special evening program. The morning service sets the tone of devotion and thanks, and the evening program carries the celebration forward. In addition to the Sivananda Satsang Hall, some of the events are held in other venues at Yogaville, so it helps to stay attentive to where each part of the day takes place.

Everyone is welcome to attend, whether or not you studied directly with Sri Gurudev or practice Integral Yoga. A jayanthi is a birthday observance in the Indian tradition, and here it is held as a shared moment of remembrance and appreciation rather than a performance or a class.

About Swami Satchidananda

Sri Swami Satchidananda was one of the great yoga masters to bring the classical yoga tradition to the West in the 1960s. He taught yoga postures and meditation, and introduced students to a vegetarian diet and a more compassionate lifestyle. His visit to New York City was meant to last two days, but the pop artist Peter Max and a small circle of artist friends invited him to stay so they could learn from him the secret of finding physical health, mental peace and spiritual enlightenment.

In 1969 he gave the official opening remarks at the Woodstock Music and Art Festival, offering a prayer of peace and love and leading a vast crowd in chanting "OM." He became known as "The Woodstock Guru." In his address he told the audience that through music, "we can work wonders."

The Integral Yoga teachings he brought blend the physical discipline of yoga with the spiritual philosophy of India. He is the founder of Integral Yoga, and Yogaville, where this celebration is held, is the ashram that carries his name.

The Setting

The celebration is held at the Sivananda Satsang Hall in Yogaville, Buckingham, Virginia, the home of the Satchidananda Ashram. Because part of the program moves to other venues on the grounds, plan to move between spaces over the course of the day.

Before You Go

All are welcome, and no prior experience with yoga or with Sri Gurudev's teachings is needed. If you cannot travel to Virginia, the program is live-streamed, so you can take part from home.