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 15, 2026
Venkatesa Daily Readings Volume 1- August 15

Early in 1961, I had the darshan for the last time of Swami Puroshottamananda, a very holy sage. This wonderful man had lived for a long time in a cave on the Himalayan hillside. He led a type of ascetic and simple life, which I don't think many of you can even visualize, because ...

August 15, 2026
Insights & Inspirations (Venkatesa Daily Readings Vol 2) — Spiritual Renewal

When will ‘I’ leave 'me'? But why should I pick it up at all? Why do I pick it up? 

August 15, 2026
Bhagavad Gita - Song of God - Chapter 11: 28-29

These are the two courses open to each human being. The wise one chooses the former which The Kaṭhopanisad calls ‘śreyo mārga’ It implies turning away from the objects of the senses, daring to defy obstacles (just as the river encounters obst