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 7, 2026
Song of God (Bhagavad Gita) — Chapter XI: 12-13

The divine eye with which Arjuna was able to "see" God was capable of transcending time, space and materiality. Here, in verse 12, we have perhaps a description of the state of the universe at the beginning of the kalpa (the birth of

August 7, 2026
Venkatesa Daily Readings Volume II — Burning Desire

My Guru, Swami Sivananda, was once asked, "Since You did not live with your Guru, since you led an independent life during your sadhana, what were the obstacles that you encountered and how ...

August 7, 2026
The Yoga Vāsiṣṭha Volume II — VI.II (On Liberation) Chapter 98, Verse 3

They are neither atheists nor are they confined to a traditional belief. They do not engage themselves in torturous practices even if they are ordained by the scriptures. Their actions and behaviour are full of common-sense and sweetness, soft (gentle) and affectionate.