Welcome

 Swami Venkatesananda has often been described as a modern Yogi, a Sanskrit scholar, the author of numerous books and the translator of some of India's most renowned scriptures. 

While his writings and public talks offer boundless knowledge to scholars and students of Yoga, he made it clear to all who spent time with him, that wisdom can best be appreciated and assimilated by its presence in action. He was tempered in the kiln of his Master, Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, himself an exemplar of wisdom in action. Thus, his life offered a vibrant textbook in practical wisdom, as every word, every action demonstrated a life free from conflict and rooted in harmony. This equanimity diffused into the very atmosphere surrounding him much as a tuning fork transmits its perfect pitch into surrounding space. 

As you explore this website, be alert to the living energy embedded in them. It can be likened to a benevolent virus (his words) ready to be caught by those who are primed and vigilant. In this regard, it will also be useful to remember something he said in his final days with us:

             "All this is description, and no description is ever the same is that which
              is described. Truth is indescribable. It is so indescribably simple
              that every description complicates it." 
               
                    - from The Kingfly Secret, the last talks of Swami Venkatesananda  

                                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note:   Although a new version of this website has been delayed, we hope to have it functional before the end of 2026.  Thank you for your patience.
 


Daily Readings

The next three daily readings are shown below. You may also view a complete listing on our Calendar of Daily Readings.

August 30, 2026
The Yoga Vāsiṣṭha Volume II — VI.II (On Liberation) Chapter 129, Verse 7

On the one hand are the time, place, and activity (repetition of the habit born of the vāsanā); on the other is the vāsanā (mental conditioning) itself. The two (circumstances and vāsanā) act upon each other. Whichever be the stronger wins instantly. 

August 30, 2026
Venkatesa Daily Readings Volume I

By vigilantly and hopefully watching, you bring about this internal maturity, this internal self-development, and this spiritual development. How to do it?

August 30, 2026
Bhagavad Gita - Song of God - Chapter 11: 53-54

The Bhagavad Gītā is a scripture revealed on the battle-field to deal with an urgent situation (eventually with all our urgent situations in life). The repetitions, the loose- ends and the seeming contradictions are themselves proof positive of ...