Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

We try to give a strong emphasis on all aspects of yoga, including philosophy, teachings from the saints and sages, meditation, pranayama, and of course lots of fantastic asana (physical postures) teachers. Being on the banks of the rushing Ganga, in the lap of the Himalayas, breathing the air, and bathing in the energies of the saints and sages and rishis who have meditated and attained enlightenment here, sets a perfect stage in which that true “yoga” or union takes place.

OMTIMES: You have also helped create some beautiful books; most recently, “The Encyclopedia of Hinduism.” Please tell us more about your books?

Sadhvi Bhagawati Sarasvati: For the first few years, I wrote books with Pujya Swamiji, channeling his voice into typed words.

Then, two years ago, I wrote his biography, “By God’s Grace,” which was definitely one of my most favorite projects. It gives the inspiring chronology of his life, from his childhood in silent meditation, standing on one leg for eleven hours a day in the jungle, to being a leader in Summits and Parliaments at the U.N. and World Economic Forum, as well as his teachings. The Encyclopedia of Hinduism was an incredible project to be part of. I didn’t write it, but I was the managing editor responsible for reading and editing every single article. It is an eleven-volume, 7000-entry compendium, prepared by more than a thousand scholars, consisting of the depth and breadth of Indian spiritual, cultural history, philosophy, theology, art, architecture, music, medicine, science, and more.

See Also

Linda Joy – Creating Sacred Visibility

OMTIMES: Obviously, not everyone can leave their “life” behind and adapt to Ashram living. What can we do to make a difference in the world? Do you have any words of wisdom for us “lay people” who really care about peace and our world, yet still have our day jobs?

Sadhvi Bhagawati Sarasvati: There is nothing in spirituality that says, “Thou shalt quit thy day job;” or, “Thou shalt abandon all comfort and luxury and sleep on the floor.” The first line of the sacred Upanishads tells us, “The entire universe is pervaded by the Divine. There is nothing which is not pervaded by the Divine.”