After travelling for eight years, Sri Swamiji settled in Munger and in 1963 founded the Bihar School of Yoga. Sri Swamiji explained:
In the beginning, I would have fifteen-day courses in which I was the teacher, the cook, the administrator and the guru. I also established a yoga research library and became the librarian. My plan was correct, as I really understood human psychology. Almost immediately, I had hundreds of students. People came and slept on the lawn if they did not have a place in the yoga hall. They came from any distance, at any cost, with any inconvenience. They knew that the yoga I had to offer was for their benefit.
My guru asked me to give yoga a distinguished place and sent me from Rishikesh. That has been done by the Bihar School of Yoga, so I have accomplished the task given by my guru. I have given yoga a place of respect.
It was in 1968 that I went on a world tour for the first time. I realized that people everywhere in the world are searching for themselves.
The first world tour that Swami Satyananda undertook was a landmark event which led to a massive interest and impetus to the worldwide yoga movement. He travelled at a time when there were no modern gadgets around, with just a shoulder bag, a few dhotis and a pair of wooden sandals, not for five days but five continuous months, with not even a day’s worth of rest in between! Sri Swami Satyananda described the beginning of this great undertaking almost thirty years after the tour in these words:
I never dreamt of establishing an ashram. Never for a moment did I think of going overseas. Everything just happened on its own. Once, I had a big program in Bombay which was inaugurated by the governor. A high-ranking officer of the Tata company was also present. He wanted me to inaugurate the new Tata fertilizer factory set up near Dwarka in Gujarat. He had also arranged for me to travel in the Tatas’ private plane.
On 23rd February, I went to Porbander, Gujarat, for a day. In the aeroplane, I was sitting on the seat next to the pilot. In my younger days, I had learnt how to fly an airplane at the Lucknow Flying Club. I hadn’t completed the full course; with the impetuosity of youth, I had only learnt for a couple of months. After a while, I asked the pilot seated next to me what his name was. I remembered that name from my days at the flying club. I gave my previous name to him and asked, “Did you know someone by this name?” He answered, “Yes.” I said, “That’s me.” Upon hearing that, he said, “Then you should take over the controls.” I said, “No, I’ve forgotten everything.” However, he just left the controls and said, “Now you are in charge.”
As I took hold of the controls, I suddenly got a clear glimpse of the future! I could see the entire scene passing before my eyes: taking the flight to the West, meeting different people there and giving lectures at various places. That very moment I took the decision to go overseas. I returned to Bombay that day and asked an acquaintance to arrange a passport. He arranged for my passport, booked two round-the-world tickets and in two months, I along with my secretary departed India. When we started on our first overseas trip, I and my secretary did not know anything. What a visa was, where to go, how to go: we were both totally ignorant. If I’d ever thought of going overseas, then I might have known these things. What would you call this if not God and Guru’s grace? I did not put in any effort at all. Whenever and wherever I went, I was sent there by God.
Before proceeding on this landmark tour, Swamiji sought his Guru’s mandate and blessings as well. He took a big group, including Swami Niranjan along on this visit to his Guru’s ashram. Swami Niranjan wrote of this visit while still a young boy:
Before his first trip overseas in April 1968, Swamiji went to Rishikesh for fifteen days. He wished to have darshan of his Guru’s samadhi and receive his blessings. The nine-month teacher training course participants also went with him, so did Ammaji and myself. We reached Rishikesh on 3rd April. When we went to Swami Sivananda’s kutir, we all felt something special there. We saw his chair, bed, meditation area, typewriter and his books too.
Swamiji was telling us many anecdotes about his guru. I noticed that sometimes his eyes were shining brightly, sometimes they would be searching for something, at other times his throat would choke up and suddenly he would stare into the distance. Suddenly I felt as if Swamiji became Swami Sivananda and I became Swamiji. Swamiji was saying to me, “O Swami Satyanandaji, give the books to everyone” and I got startled . . .
On the morning of the 6th, Ammaji and I were wandering along the banks of the Ganga. Soon we came close to Swami Sivananda’s kutir. There are many boulders and it is also quite deep in that place so people do not bathe there. When I looked in the direction of the kutir, I saw a bright light near the desolate riverbank. I ran ahead and then came back to tell Ammaji, “I can see Swami Sivananda’s light! Come quickly!” I took hold of her hand and pointed in that direction, “Look, there it is!” She said in a soft voice, “That is not Swami Sivananda, it is our Swamiji. He is meditating.” Then as we walked on she told me, “On many occasions, when giving mantra to aspirants a similar light would emanate from Swami Sivananda’s face. Swamiji must be meditating upon his guru, this light could either be from his meditation or from Gurudev’s blessings . . .”
Having received his Guru’s mandate and blessings for his epic journey, Swami Satyananda Saraswati left the shores of his beloved motherland on 26th April 1968. Swamiji explained:
The purpose of my journey is to promote world peace and universal brotherhood, restoring the dignity of man through the glorious medium of yoga. Society is rapidly disintegrating and the survival of humanity is in question. I am compelled to go.
The Boeing 747 that took off from Bombay carrying him was painted in a saffron hue and there were replicas of Ajanta murals all over its interior. It appeared as if Swamiji was reclining his head on cushions made of clouds and floating in the silent expanse of an endless sky.
The first stop on the global tour was Singapore, an independent state predominantly Chinese in ethnic character. At the airport, Swamiji was received by important dignitaries, among them yoga teachers from various yoga institutions, the proprietor of Dalamal & Sons, host of Swamiji’s stay in Singapore, and many members of the Indian business community. Swamiji was garlanded with flowers and the members of the press who were there asked for an immediate conference. Following the conference, Swamiji was escorted to the Malaysia Hotel, situated in the centre of the city, and there he remained comfortably throughout his stay.
Most of the trained yoga teachers in Singapore spent hours with Swamiji at the hotel, inspired by his concise conception of yoga, and the methods and techniques involved. Meditation classes were conducted for the key students who came regularly to absorb his teachings. Every evening different programs were arranged at various locations and Swamiji spoke with a dynamic fervour, stimulating an enthusiastic response to the practice of yoga.
Interviewed by Singapore radio, Swamiji’s talk was relayed throughout the country. His discourse at the Singapore Yoga Health Centre was a notable occasion during his Malaysian visit. Many yoga teachers from various institutions attended this lecture. Swamiji spoke at length on the need for meditation and the benefits of hatha yoga, combining physical and mental discipline towards an integration of the human personality. He talked of the need for understanding clearly the techniques of yoga before actually putting them into practice. Following the discourse, the president and members of the centre gave Swamiji splendid reception, where he was honoured as a very special guest.
Another memorable occasion for Swamiji was at Johor Bahru, a sanctified location in Malaysia not far from Singapore where Swami Sivananda had lived and practised medicine. Swamiji was deeply moved to be in the exact place where his beloved guru had once lived and worked selflessly for humanity.
Among those most deeply inspired by Swamiji was yoga teacher Miss Margaret Wong (Indira Devi) who followed Swamiji’s instructions implicitly and attended all his lectures, becoming one of his ardent disciples, dedicated to Swamiji’s yoga mission in Singapore. Her oneness with Indian culture and the great yoga tradition was extensive, and Swamiji felt she had much to contribute in Singapore.
Seven days after his arrival and stay in Singapore, Swamiji left for Hong Kong. He was accompanied on this trip by Indira Devi.
On 3rd May 1968, Swamiji arrived in Hong Kong along with Mr Wadhumal Dalamal, a leading sponsor of Swamiji’s global tour. At the airport Swamiji was enthusiastically received and was escorted to the airport VIP room, where press reporters awaited him.
After the press interview Swamiji was taken to the Mandarin Hotel. The next day news of Swamiji’s arrival was broadcast on radio throughout Hong Kong and for five successive days Swamiji held meditation classes at the South China Athletic Association, arranged by the Divine Life Society of Hong Kong. These classes were highly stimulating for the students who, until Swamiji’s arrival, had practised only hatha yoga.
The specific technique of ujjayi pranayama was well received and was a great help in the practice of fundamental meditation. Yoga asana demonstrations were given throughout by Indira Devi. For two days, in the afternoon and in the evenings, Swamiji met the Indian community of Hong Kong, giving them practical knowledge in the science of yoga and how to apply this science in their own lives.
On 8th May, the day of his departure, a formal reception was given for Swamiji by the Hindu Association at the Mandarin Hotel. Over 200 enthusiastic students, devotees and admirers came to pay their respects.
“Hong Kong,” Swamiji said, “is spiritually aware, but teachers must be sent here for the further training and further development of the people.”
The success of the Australian program was mainly due to Swami Nirmalananda (Miss Roma Blair), an ardent disciple and devotee of Swamiji. Swami Nirmalananda had spent time with Swamiji in India training with him at the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, attending the International Yoga Conferences and taking every opportunity to absorb the many teachings of her guru. A tireless worker, Nirmalananda had done a great service to the cause of yoga, spreading its message throughout Australia through the medium of television and radio. Swamiji was also given maximum exposure to a large segment of the Sydney population by means of television and radio programs.
In Australia enthusiasm for yoga ran high. There were over 1,000 trained hatha yoga instructors at the time and, therefore, the reception to Swamiji’s presence was great.
Swamiji arrived in Sydney on 9th May 1968. At the airport he was welcomed by Swami Nirmalananda with a group of her yoga teachers, John and Patricia Mumford and Mr Kriplani, a proprietor of Dalamal and Sons. The press were on hand to give Swamiji extensive interview coverage and, in the afternoon of the same day, live radio interviews, broadcast throughout Australia, gave the news of Swamiji’s arrival. Then began Swamiji’s whirlwind Sydney tour!
On 10th May, he gave newsreel interviews, then had a private interview with Sir Roden Cutler, Governor of New South Wales. This was followed by a lecture at Sydney University and then a private interview with Archbishop Sloane. In the evening he paid a visit to The Hebrew Temple, which was hosted by Dr Rabbi Brasch.
On 11th May, Swamiji gave a lecture at Patricia Cameron School of Yoga which was followed by a lecture at Triad School of Yoga.
On 12th May, he visited the Bahai Temple, the Anzac Auditorium and a Divine Life Society gathering. The attendees there received satsang and spiritual guidance from Swamiji. In the evening, a lecture was arranged at the Wayside Chapel.
On 13th May, a large meeting of yoga teachers was organized at Swami Nirmalananda’s studio in the Sydney area. Swamiji also gave a live television interview on the Hazel Phillips show on yogic relaxation. Later in the day Swamiji gave a lecture at the studio of Swami Karmananda.
On 14th May, Swamiji gave a lecture at Sydney University on the topic ‘Relaxation through Meditation’. Later he appeared live on television on The Tonight Show on Channel 9.
On 15th May, he left for Melbourne, where he gave lectures and practical instruction at the Gita School of Yoga. His hostess there was Margaret Segesman. He returned to Sydney on 16th evening.
On 17th May, Swamiji had a private interview with Cardinal Gilroy, thereafter he gave afternoon and evening lectures at the studio of Swami Nirmalananda.
After this lightning tour of Australia Swamiji observed:
Australia has the beginning of a spiritually awakened country and now hundreds more will be drawn to the more advanced stages of yoga through meditation. It is up to the many yoga teachers in the Sydney area to continue the yoga teachings of meditation, as well as instructions on hatha yoga, so that this spiritual awakening will be permanent and effective. The seeds have been sown and the foundations are firm. Australia will develop rapidly.
Swamiji arrived at the Tokyo International Airport during the afternoon of 18th May, where he was met by a throng of Japanese admirers, led by Archbishop Okano, president of Kodo Kyodan Buddhist Fellowship and Mr Wadhumal Dalamal. That evening, the Indian Club of Yokohama gave a special dinner for its members to which Swamiji was invited as guest of honour. About a hundred people gathered around Swamiji as he entered the room. They were grateful for this opportunity to meet him and to be reminded of the holy traditions of their beloved homeland.
The next day Swamiji was taken to the Kodo Kyodan Buddhist Fellowship. There he saw the original bone relics of Lord Buddha.
The members of the institution conducted themselves with the greatest dignity and discipline, sitting quietly in vajrasana without moving throughout the entire lecture. Over 1,500 people were there, awaiting the arrival and discourse of the great Indian spiritual master, Swami Satyananda. He then gave a talk on yoga and the modern world. At the end of the talk, the film of the International Teachers Training Course in Munger was shown.
On Monday, Swamiji lectured at the Tokyo University. This program was arranged by the President of the Japan-India Society, Dr Hajime Nakamura. A press interview followed his lecture and Swamiji was requested to give a series of vedic chants which were recorded.
On Tuesday, 21st May, the students of Tokyo University welcomed Swamiji’s return visit to their campus. There he gave a talk on the principles underlying yoga philosophy which was followed by questions and answers. This program was arranged by Professor Doi, Japanese National Scholar of Hindi and Sanskrit, and the Director of the Indian Philosophy Department of Tokyo University.
That evening Swamiji left by train for Kobe where he stayed for two days, lecturing at both the Indian Club and Indian Association of Kobe. A private dinner for over 150 was given in honour of Swamiji’s visit.
Swamiji returned to Tokyo on 24th May to lecture at the Kodo Kyodan Buddhist Fellowship. There more than 2,000 people gathered to hear him speak.
In the evening, Swamiji addressed members of the Indian Embassy of Tokyo, speaking on the need for meditation to relieve the tensions of modern man. Professor Doi of Tokyo University and the President of the Japan-India Society in Tokyo, were co-hosts.
On Saturday, 25th May, a reception in honour of his departure was given at the new Grand Hotel by Mr and Mrs Okan of the Kodo Kyodan Buddhist Fellowship. Later, at the airport, Swamiji was given a hearty send off.
Swamiji arrived in Honolulu in the morning of 25th May and was taken directly to the Princess Kauilani Hotel situated on Waikiki Beach.
In the evening Swamiji addressed a large gathering of students at the Hawaii University. There, many questions were put to him regarding the higher aspects of spiritual life and how to find real peace and tranquillity within.
An interview with Swamiji on the Honolulu radio network resulted in many people coming to Swamiji’s two evening satsangs at the residence of Mrs Sundri Watumal, hostess for these informal discussions.
In Honolulu, Swamiji encountered the hippie community for the first time, many of whom attended his lectures. Through the hippies and through the many young people in Honolulu, Swamiji sensed a tremendous need for proper spiritual guidance. Swamiji was impressed with their enthusiasm and as he boarded the plane on 28th May for the United States, he expressed his regret at having to leave so soon:
Sincere, serious and receptive, these young people search for values and a higher means of self-expression. They are eager to learn and practise the teachings of yoga. I want these young people to have further yoga training. They are the ones who will shape the future for all mankind.
Swamiji arrived in San Francisco the morning of 29th May and was received by Dr Haridas Chowdhry, president of the Cultural Integral Fellowship of San Francisco. Dr Chowdhry undertook the responsibility of organizing Swamiji’s San Francisco program, turning over the Institute to Swamiji for conducting both practical classes in yoga and holding theoretical lectures.
On 30th May, a large audience attended Swamiji’s lecture. He emphasized the need for the practical application of the yogic techniques. He said:
Actual practice is the only path towards spiritual development.
The discourses on yoga continued at the institute for three more days and Swamiji covered many different aspects of yoga like karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga and raja yoga. Meditation classes with practical instructions followed the discourses.
Two evening meetings on 2nd and 3rd June were held at the Metaphysical Library, where members and the general public would come to read books based on Indian culture and philosophy.
Swamiji dealt with the topics: ‘How to Integrate Yoga in Everyday Life’ and ‘Yoga as a Means to Harmony Within’, emphasizing the devotional aspects of yoga and the path of bhakti yoga along with its methods and practice.
Swamiji’s visit to the hippie community was an interesting experience for him:
Hippies are the neglected children of a divided family system in America, and they have taken to yoga to find a meaning and purpose for their lives.
On the last evening in San Francisco, Swamiji was invited to the residence of Jim Bradley, a great follower of yoga and an ardent devotee of Swamiji. There, Swamiji responded with great dynamism to the questions asked on spiritual life.
The next morning Swamiji left for Los Angeles. At the airport he was received by Mr and Mrs Chaney, directors of the Astara Foundation, an institution for research in mysticism and spiritual healing. From the airport, Swamiji was escorted directly to the International Hotel, Los Altos. Later, Mr and Mrs Chaney took Swamiji on a personal tour of the surrounding area.
The following day Swamiji was interviewed by Los Angeles radio. A visit to Mr and Mrs Chaney’s Astara Foundation in the morning interested Swamiji greatly and he was impressed by the activities of the foundation.
From the Astara Foundation, Swamiji was invited to Ananda Ashram founded by Swami Paramananda, a disciple of Swami Vivekananda.
In the evening, a program was arranged by Mr and Mrs Chaney at the Astara Foundation, where Swamiji addressed a large audience. There, he emphasized the need of yoga psychology for modern man. Mental equilibrium, Swamiji stressed, is a necessary condition for spiritual illumination:
The cure for anxiety, neuroses and mental conflict lies in the proper application of yogic techniques, and japa yoga, a constant remembrance of the name of God, is the real basis for mental peace.
The following day, Swamiji again addressed the Astara Foundation. He explained the mysteries of the mind and the levels of consciousness, stressing the importance of meditation to transcend the mind’s limitations.
On the next day, many people came to Swamiji for personal guidance and mantra diksha. In the afternoon, Swamiji visited Sivananda Yoga Ashram, run by his guru bhai, Swami Vishnudevananda.
In the evening, Dr Judith Tyberg, a disciple of Sri Aurobindo and well versed in Indian philosophy organized a program at the East West Cultural Centre. Swamiji spoke on the meaning of yoga and the union of individual consciousness with Cosmic Consciousness:
Yoga is the only method which will unite all mankind. Yoga is the means to world unity. Yoga is not a religion, but a science. It does not belong to any particular sect, but when practised it brings about complete mental tranquillity and joy within.
On 8th June, Swamiji left Los Angeles for Chicago. He arrived there in the afternoon and was received by Kenneth Tenny and Mr Umrolia. In the evening, he was interviewed by the press, and later addressed the First Liberal Psychic Science Church, speaking on methods, stages and development in meditation.
The next morning Swamiji was received by Swami Bhashyananda of the Vivekananda Vedanta Society. There Swamiji spoke on jnana yoga and its practical application. He stressed one point:
Through yoga and meditation techniques, individual consciousness merges with Cosmic Consciousness, and thus true knowledge becomes self effulgent.
In the evening, Swamiji gave a lecture at the first Progressive Spiritual Church, speaking on bhakti yoga, the path of devotion and love:
Try to develop the heart, as well as the head, in order to come closer to reality. No amount of intellectual knowledge will ever move the soul.
On the evening of 10th June, Swamiji addressed the Unity Unitarian Church and his discourse was very well received. On 11th June, the final day of Swamiji’s program, a lecture was arranged for him by the Theosophical Society at Akbar Hall. The people were impressed by Swamiji’s message – “Yoga, the culture of today and the hope of tomorrow.”
On 12th June, Swamiji arrived at Kennedy Airport and was received by Ma Yogabhakti (Blyth Gilmore), New York representative of the International Yoga Fellowship Movement. After speaking to members of the press he was driven to his hotel.
During his stay he visited universities, psychic institutions, a women’s prison, Young Women’s Christian Association, and the leading yoga institutes in New York. He lectured at the Universalist Church and the Community Church of New York, and he also visited the Sivananda Yoga camp, in Val Morin, Canada, under the direction of Swami Vishnudevananda, and the Ananda Ashram in Monroe, N.Y., founded by Dr Mishra.
He visited the underprivileged areas of New York, acquainting himself with the hippie and other minority communities in the downtown Village area. He was also interviewed several times on television and radio, the programs reaching a large audience.
The highlight of Swamiji’s visit was the Town Hall lecture given before an audience of over 1,000 people. Dr Joseph Gelberman, rabbi of the Little Synagogue of New York city, was host for the evening. Swami Satchidananda of the Integral Yoga Institute in New York and a gurubhai of Swamiji was also present. Demonstrations were also given as Swamiji described the various benefits of yoga asanas.
Swamiji’s last two days in the New York area were filled with personal interviews every fifteen minutes and practical classes were given every hour.
On 26th June, Swamiji left for London and a large group of devotees was at the airport to bid him farewell.
On 27th June, there were a number of loyal devotees at the airport to receive Swamiji. Among them were Kishu Dalamal, Swamiji’s London host and program organizer, Mr Soudhi, President of the Hindu Centre, and members of the Indian business community.
Press photographers were waiting to cover Swamiji’s arrival and after the photos were taken, Swamiji was escorted to the Maharaja’s Lounge for a press conference.
On 28th July, a lecture was held in the centre of London at Caxton Hall. It was the first in a series given by Swamiji to the people of that city. He spoke of the bright future of yoga in the western world and dispelled existing misconceptions.
On 29th June, Swamiji visited the Sai Baba Centre where he was welcomed by Aji Bai Banarase. He gave a discourse in Hindi, followed by bhajans, before a large and interested group. In the evening, a meeting was held at the Hindu Centre and Swamiji gave an inspired and instructive talk on japa yoga, stressing the importance of remembering God’s name as the shortest and surest way to inner tranquillity.
On 30th June, a meeting was held at the Hindu Centre in Southall. There, Swamiji addressed his brethren in Hindi. His talk was inspiring and the Indian people were pressed to think deeply on their great Hindu culture and the responsibility they have in spreading its uniting message within the London community. In the evening, Swamiji gave a talk at another Hindu Centre in London, founded by Mr Soudhi.
On 1st July, Swamiji addressed members of the Acacia Healing Centre, founded by Mr and Mrs Francis. Swamiji spoke on the path of meditation, emphasizing meditation as a means to developing the mind as a more active and efficient instrument.
2nd July was Swamiji’s last program at Caxton Hall, which was filled to capacity. He gave a talk on meditation.
On 3rd July, Swamiji addressed a group of members at the London Society for Psychic Research.
On 4th July, Swamiji left London for Manchester. In the evening a public meeting was held at the Manchester College of Technology, where a large number of Indian and European people had gathered. When the program ended a number of yoga teachers from the Manchester area came to meet Swamiji and receive spiritual guidance.
On 5th July, Swamiji returned again by air to London and was welcomed at the airport by his devotees.
On 6th July, Swamiji left for Paris and many devotees and friends came to see him off at the airport.
Swamiji was received at Orly airport, Paris, by Swami Devatmananda and many other devotees, and was taken to the house of Dr C. Guinebert. Swamiji received many yoga aspirants and a meditation class was held in the evening.
The next program was at the residence of Dr Donnars, one of the leading physicians of Paris, where over 60 men and women of the medical profession had gathered. Their interest in yoga was great.
On 7th July, Swamiji visited the Ramakrishna Centre in Gretz and met Swamis Ritajananda and Vidyatmananda. Swamiji delivered a lecture on ‘How to find God.’ At night a reception was held at the residence of Mrs Suzanne André.
On 8th July, Swamiji was interviewed on Radio Luxembourg.
The next program was a demonstration on hatha yoga and Swamiji gave a detailed commentary. This was followed by a meditation class.
In the evening Swamiji delivered a lecture at the Musseé de L’Homme to an audience of 1,000. The topic of his talk was ‘The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali’.
On 9th July, Swamiji moved to the residence of Swami Devatmananda and gave private interviews throughout the day. A public meeting took place here which was followed by a meditation class.
In the evening, Swamiji was welcomed at the Centre L’Homme et la Connaissance (Man and Knowledge) by Mrs Suzanne André, a devout enthusiast of Indian culture. Swamiji gave a talk on ‘The Techniques of Meditation – a way to Inner Peace, Harmony and Tranquillity’.
10th July was a holy day for guru and disciples, the sacred day of Guru Poornima. Pooja was performed with fruits, flowers and arati, and Swamiji gave his blessings. In the morning Swamiji gave a talk at the house of Dr Donnars on ‘The Psychological Techniques Involved in Yoga’.
The afternoon was filled with a private audience and there-after a public meeting was held, followed by a meditation class.
On 11th July, Swamiji spent the day at the home of Swami Devatmananda where he gave mantra diksha, private interviews and public satsang. In the evening he gave a lecture on ‘The Technique of Trataka’.
On 12th July, Swamiji was busy with private interviews, public meetings, appointments and an evening meditation class.
The French Film Company filmed for many hours an entire documentary of Swamiji’s varied programs and techniques of meditation given to the people of Paris.
On 13th July, the last day of his stay in Paris, many people came to Swamiji to express their gratitude for the new spiritual life awakened in them through his presence in Paris.
A reception was given at the residence of Swami Devatmananda in the evening by all the devotees. The next day Swamiji left for Brussels by car with Swami Devatmananda.
On July 14th, Swamiji arrived in Brussels. At the Yoga Institute he received a warm welcome from André van Lysbeth, his host and founder of the institute, and many other yoga aspirants. A reception was given at the institute and yoga students gathered around Swamiji as he spoke of his world tour and his recent visit to Paris. In the evening, a large number of people came to the institute to hear a lecture by Swamiji on ‘Methods of Relaxation through Yoga’.
In the evening of the next day, a large crowd assembled at the Yoga Institute to see the International Yoga Teachers Training Course film which was followed by a short talk.
On 16th July, Swamiji had lunch in Ghent at the home of Mme Baertsoen where he was received by the Consul General of India, Mr Robert Desprechins. Following this, Swamiji visited a well known boy’s camp in Drongen. In the evening, in a room filled to capacity, Swamiji delivered his last lecture at the Yoga Institute.
On July 17th, Swamiji left Brussels for Bruges along with Mr Van Seelen. He attended Mass at the beautiful Benedictine monastery of Bruges. The Benedictine Fathers sought his guidance on many spiritual matters and had discussions on the philosophical background of all religions.
In the evening, Swamiji addressed a gathering of yoga aspirants in Bruges. He spoke on ‘The Dynamic Aspects of Yoga Philosophy’ and its application in day-to-day living.
From Bruges, Swamiji and his group drove to Aalst where a great gathering greeted him. On 18th July, three ‘National Yoga Days’ were declared in Aalst where Swamiji stayed with Sita and Ram (Mr Saenih). People came from all over Belgium and stayed throughout the three days to hear the teachings of Swamiji. Swamiji gave lectures and practical classes in the Town Hall, where each session was filled to capacity.
On 21st July, Swamiji arrived in Holland. An enthusiastic reception awaited him at the home of Mr Vunderink, his host.
In the afternoon, Swamiji gave private interviews and in the evening a public reception and period of questions and answers was held, to which members of the press had been invited.
The following day, Swamiji had private interviews and gave spiritual guidance to yoga aspirants, and in the evening he addressed an enthusiastic group of yoga students at Scheveningen, opening a five-day practical yoga course.
The following morning, Swamiji had a long press interview with Amsterdam’s leading newspaper, De Telegraph. Throughout the day, people came to interact with Swamiji.
In the afternoon, he addressed an informal gathering of people from the community of Ede. In the evening he spoke to a gathering at the International Club in Wageningen and spoke briefly on the impressions of his world tour. The film of the First International Teachers Training Course was shown with Swamiji giving the commentary.
The next morning, a meeting was held at the home of Mr Vunderink which was attended by yoga students. In the afternoon Swamiji again received many people individually for spiritual guidance and instruction in sadhana, and in the evening he returned to Ede to address a group of yoga aspirants at the home of Mr Samshuyzen. There, he had an interview which was taped and broadcast the following day.
25th July was filled with interviews, group gatherings and informal talks. Yoga classes began and the home of Mr Vunderink was transformed into a temporary yoga ashram. That evening Swamiji gave a discourse in Utrecht on ‘The Expansion of Consciousness through Meditation,’ followed by questions and answers.
Swamiji went to Scheveningen for the last day of the practical yoga training course. From Scheveningen he was driven to Amsterdam. He visited Fantasio, one of Amsterdam’s hippie strongholds, and stayed for over an hour talking with those who questioned him.
27th July was Swamiji’s last day in Holland, and a lecture and public reception had been arranged. Later that evening, Swamiji again visited one of Amsterdam’s hippie night clubs, Paradiso, where he delivered an informal talk on yoga. By request, he conducted a practical meditation class for over 900 young people. Swamiji said:
You can be sure that out of all these people, at least two or three will take to the path, and it is for these I have come.
Swamiji returned to London on 28th July. Mr and Mrs Francis were among those who welcomed him at the airport and were his hosts for the return visit. In the afternoon, Swamiji addressed a yoga seminar at the Acacia Healing Centre on ‘Inner Silence’.
From 29th July to 3rd August, Swamiji conducted meditation classes at Caxton Hall, where the gatherings were very large. In the five days of practical classes different practices were covered by Swamiji, among them japa yoga, antar mouna and yoga nidra.
Daily, after these classes, Swamiji addressed groups of devotees at the homes of various Indian families and conducted asana classes at the Acacia Healing centre. For the major part of each day he was engaged in private interviews, mantra diksha and addressing small groups of teenagers.
On 4th August, Swamiji had a busy program. The Hindu Centre in Southall invited him to speak in Hindi to his countrymen at their morning lecture. He spoke on bhakti yoga, the path of devotion, and after the talk he sang bhajans and recited parts of the Ramayana. In the evening he addressed another Hindu Centre, this time in English, with both Indians and Europeans attending.
One of the highlights was his visit to Westminster Abbey. For the very first time in the long history of the Abbey, a sannyasin from India preached before a Christian congregation. Among those present were the Dean and Arch Dean. Swamiji began his discourse in Hindi and after a few opening words, chanted hymns in Sanskrit as requested, followed by his address in the English language:
Yoga is not a religion. Yoga does not belong to any particular sect but to all. Yoga is a science and a way of life. In this present age of turbulence and frustration all should practise yoga to regain mental equilibrium and harmony within.
On 6th August, Swamiji had two programs in the city of Birmingham. The first was arranged by Mr Verma of Gita Bhavan. A large group of the Indian community of Birmingham had gathered to hear Swamiji discourse in Hindi, followed by some kirtans. Later, Swamiji addressed another gathering arranged by the British Yoga School.
On 7th August, Swamiji flew from London to Copenhagen, to be greeted by his disciples Mrs Guni Martin and Sulabha (Elsie Helland), among others. In the afternoon, he gave a press conference and in the evening, a satsang was held.
Throughout the day, people came to receive spiritual guidance in private interviews and through mantra diksha.
A public meeting was arranged by all the yoga teachers in Copenhagen at the National Museum, where over 600 people gathered to hear Swamiji’s discourse. At the end he gave meditation techniques for all to practise so they could experience for themselves this inner tranquillity and profound upliftment.
On 13th August, Swamiji flew from Copenhagen to Hamburg where he was received by Mr P.G. Nebhnani who drove Swamiji to his residence where he remained throughout his stay. On arrival he was interviewed by members of the press.
In the evening, a number of Indian devotees came to pay their respects. He told them that they should not forget their spiritual heritage and should always remember God under all circumstances.
On 14th August, Swamiji gave private interviews during the morning. In the afternoon a television interview took place. That evening, Swamiji lectured at the Lotus Yoga Zentrum where many people had gathered to hear his discourses on yoga.
On 15th August, private interviews were again given. In the evening, there was a lecture at Siemens Hall to a capacity audience, and again the entire program was televised:
Yoga is the union between individual consciousness and Divine Consciousness. Yoga is not a religion but a science which, when practised, brings about tranquillity within. Yoga is an act through which we go inward, that’s all. It is a process of communion with one’s inner self to unite the two different personalities.
The next day a public meeting was held at Hopkens Ruh Hall, Bremen, organized by the Indo-German Society.
On 17th August, Swamiji visited Swami Dev Murti at his ashram in Stuttgart. Swamiji emphasized the importance of japa yoga as the shortest way to inner tranquillity:
A constant remembrance of God thins out mental depression and brings about peace of mind.
The next day Swamiji returned to Hamburg and a satsang was held at the residence of Mr Nebhnani. On 20th August, Swamiji gave a discourse at the Hamburg University, which was arranged by Mr Jain and Professor Bernhard.
21st August was the last day of Swamiji’s program in Hamburg and he addressed a meeting at American House which was televised. The next day he left by air for Zurich.
Swamiji flew to Zürich on 22nd August where devotees gave him a hearty welcome. Mr Karisek was his host and program organizer. Swamiji was taken to the Carlton Hotel where he stayed for three days. In the evening he gave a lecture at the hotel where many from the business community came to hear his discourse on yoga.
The next morning Swamiji left for Basel to visit Mrs Schneider and, in the afternoon, her yoga students came for interviews. In the evening 700 to 800 people gathered at Basel University Hall:
Yoga is not a running away from life, but the proper understanding of it.
On 24th August, many came to see Swamiji for spiritual guidance. In the afternoon he returned by car to Zürich for more private interviews, and in the evening he addressed a small group and gave a few practices on mental relaxation.
On 25th August, Swamiji left by car for Fribourg for his next program, which was arranged by Dr Robert Bosch. Swamiji stayed at the Yoga Ashram Fribourg for three days. The next day he gave a lecture to yoga students in the ashram and explained the benefits of yoga postures. A television interview followed and the entire program was broadcast.
On 27th August, Swamiji addressed a public meeting at Fribourg University.
The following day, Swamiji left for Geneva to address two public meetings arranged by Mr Jean Roost, Swamiji’s host. Press reporters interviewed him and he stressed the need for yoga in the present troubled times. An evening public meeting was held at Sellede Hall.
On 29th August, many came to ask for personal and spiritual guidance. In the evening he gave a meditation class.
The next day Swamiji left for Lausanne and gave a lecture at Lausanne University Hall. On 31st August Swamiji left for Paris for a four day return visit.
Swamiji arrived in Paris in the afternoon, where a large number of devotees had gathered. He stayed for two days at Sivananda Ashram, the spiritual home of Swami Devatmananda.
On September 1st, Swamiji conducted a meditation class and in the afternoon addressed a group at the Sufi Centre.
The next day Swamiji conducted a yoga nidra class, private interviews followed, and people came for spiritual guidance. In the early evening, he gave practical instructions on ajapa japa at the Sivananda Ashram and later addressed a public meeting at the Institut de Movement.
On the morning of September 3rd, Swamiji spoke on mantra yoga. After the meeting, prominent doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists sat with Swamiji for spiritual guidance. In the evening he addressed a large gathering on kundalini yoga. The next morning Swamiji left by air for Vienna.
When Swamiji reached Vienna on 4th September, a large reception awaited him at the airport. On the 5th, people came for private interviews with Swamiji and in the evening he conducted a meditation class. The Indian Ambassador, Mr Trivedi and his wife were also present.
On the 6th, many came for private interviews and in the evening a yoga seminar was initiated by Swamiji at the Afro-Asiatische Institut Halle, arranged by Mr and Mrs Keyserling.
From the 7th to the 10th, in the mornings, Swamiji taught asanas, pranayama and meditation and in the evenings conducted yoga nidra.
On 11th September, Swamiji arrived in Tehran, where he was met by Mr Wadhumal Dalamal with a number of Indian friends and Mr Hinduji, Swamiji’s Teheran host. Although he was a guest of honour of the Shah of Iran, Swamiji preferred to stay in a Sikh gurudwara.
Swamiji had requested no public meetings, as he had come to spend a few days in seclusion. He spent the next day at the residence of Mr Hinduji where a number of dignitaries came to have private interviews. Swamiji was interviewed by the press and the following day was asked to speak on television for fifteen minutes. After the program was over, the viewers were given a chance to ask questions. Once the questions started coming on the phone, there was no stopping them. They were on subjects like kundalini, chakras, nadis, lokas, mantra, shaktipat and samadhi, and what was supposed to be a fifteen-minute program turned into a two hour one!
Many years later, recounting this visit Swamiji said, “The people in Tehran were very happy with me. They invited me to dinner on the last day of my visit. At that time, I was staying in a Sikh gurudwara. These Sikh brothers had started a langar, free meals for all, in the gurudwara. I invited the Iranians there and that is where the feast was arranged. Roti, tarka, a concoction of pulses, and halwa were served and these three dishes satisfied us all. The Iranian Defence Minister also participated in that dinner. When I arrived they all stood up and said something in Persian, which I could not follow. I could follow the last address, however, which was noukram-chaakaram, meaning they were my servants. Then they asked me to begin eating. So, I remember those people and their country very much.”
On 17th September, Swamiji left by air for India, his tour completed.
Thus, was accomplished Swamiji’s first world tour which lasted from 26th April to 17th September, a duration of 144 days. Incidentally, this is the number of months that Swamiji spent in his Guru’s ashram as well. Who knows, maybe at a subtle level each day on this tour spent in propagating ‘yoga from door to door and shore to shore’ symbolized an offering of a month’s worth of Guru Rin, debt to the guru:
Every disciple who lives with a guru will leave that institute, ashram or gurukul one day, and after going out they will have to repay their debt. Swami Sivananda did not ask me for money. He asked me to repay my debt by teaching yoga and making it popular all over the world. He had full faith in me.
Whether the number is significant or not, one thing is certain. Over the course of five months, Swamiji had ignited the spark of yogic renaissance all over the world. Swamiji conducted programs day and night, in hundreds of places amidst thousands of people. He did not have a moment’s rest, even his meals seemed like interview sessions. During his stay, he even gave a discourse at Westminster Abbey. It was unheard of back then to have an Indian sannyasin, clad in two dhotis, lecturing from the church podium, but such was the force of his personality that his message was readily accepted.
Reaching Delhi on the 17th, he immediately embarked on a tour of India, staying a day each at Porbander, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Khamgaon, Amravati and Nagpur. He stayed in Gondia and Nandgram for three days each. He also visited Bhilai, Raipur, Bilaspur, Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar and Calcutta for a day each! He was accorded a hero’s welcome at all these places.
The extraordinary world tour was followed by many more, as Sri Swami Satyananda continued to spread yoga from ‘door to door and shore to shore’. He divided his time between travels and the development of the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, Bihar. When he felt that his guru’s mandate was fulfilled, he left everything behind to embarked on the next chapter of his life:
In 1963, I asked the Lord to help me fulfil my mission for twenty years, and in 1983 I gave it all up. I had only one goal, to restore yoga to its original status and glory. This was my guru’s order, through me this mission was fulfilled, and yoga was universally accepted.