When you are ready,
The mastar appears.
Although we retain no memory of it, it is said that we have been reborn as various living beings millions of times, caught endlessly in that cycle. It takes an unfathomable, seemingly infinite amount of time for the thought "Is this truly enough?" to arise and for a small flame to be kindled within us. Yet, when we encounter the flame of a wise one who sees the truth, we—like someone gazing into a mirror—recall the flame that dwells within ourselves.
Yoga Conference & Sadguru Darshana "Sound, then Truth"
On November 28, 2026, a yoga conference themed "Sound, then Truth" will be held in Nara, a place that serves as the cradle of Japanese history. This yoga gathering does not involve performing difficult physical postures; rather, the practice lies in focusing our awareness on the sound of our breath and calming the mind. Participants will listen to songs and verses that embody the essence of yoga, feel their vibrations, and contemplate their meaning. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are a complete beginner or already have an established practice. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is visiting Japan for the first time in ten years and will grace the gathering with his presence at the conclusion of the event. "Sadguru" signifies a "true master," while "Darshana" refers to the act of seeing or encountering a spiritual master.
One truth
Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji (Sri Swamiji) teaches that spirituality and science are not separate entities. Furthermore, all major religions are simply different expressions of a single truth. Countless spiritual teachers—such as the Buddha, Christ, Muhammad, Sri Rama, and Sri Krishna—have taught this same truth in forms suited to the needs of their respective times and regions. At the heart of the ashram in Mysore, India—Sri Swamiji’s international headquarters—stands a building known as the "Universal Prayer Hall." Symbols from various religions adorn the hall's ceiling, signifying that all teachings share a common foundation. Meanwhile, the pillars supporting the structure feature depictions of various spiritual teachers, symbolizing that they, too, are all part of a single edifice. "Shiveti Shauriti," the first prayer song taught by Sri Swamiji, is a hymn addressed to the One God—Existence, Consciousness, and Bliss—who is known by countless names and forms and possesses infinite virtuous qualities. Truth is one with Mother Nature and, like the sky or space, encompasses all things.
Piano performance of "Shiveti Shauriti" (performed by Yoko Saraswati) and a discourse by Sri Swamiji.
The Importance of the Master
The importance of the Guru is beyond words to fully express. Even when attempting to introduce the true Guru—Sadguru Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji—no words can adequately capture his essence, for he transcends our understanding. Here, we present Sri Swamiji’s own words explaining the nature of the Guru: "One must always keep the Guru in one’s heart. Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth and prosperity), Kama (desire and love), and Moksha (liberation) are the four primary goals of human life. To enable the attainment of these, the Guru first expounds the essence of the scriptures. He then imparts the proper methods for undertaking pilgrimages, teaching what virtuous deeds should be performed, as well as where, when, and how to carry them out. Furthermore, for those who practice austerities, rituals, and Yoga, he reveals the inner mysteries and guides them toward success. In this way, the Guru properly guides and shapes the disciple."
Sri Swamiji's Yoga
The goal of Yoga is to remove suffering from the mind and body and attain a state of peace known as "Samadhi"; it is far more than mere physical fitness or mental and physical relaxation. Sri Swamiji teaches "Datta Kriya Yoga," a practice centered on twelve specific breathing techniques. He states, "Datta Kriya Yoga is crucial for confronting and overcoming all manner of problems to ultimately achieve success." While there are various forms of Yoga—such as "Karma Yoga" (the yoga of action), "Bhakti Yoga" (the yoga of devotion), "Jnana Yoga" (the yoga of wisdom), and "Raja Yoga" (the yoga of meditation)—the Yoga taught by Sri Swamiji integrates and encompasses them all. Practices such as Datta Kriya Yoga, "Bhajan" (devotional songs), the study of the "Bhagavad Gita", and "Puja" (ritual worship) cover this broad spectrum of Yoga; choosing any one of them means embracing the entirety of the path. Furthermore, "sound" plays a vital role in all of these practices.