Integral Yoga Ministry History
Sri Swami Satchidananda founded the Integral Yoga Ministry on July 19, 1980 when he ordained seven ministers under the auspices of Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville in Santa Barbara. Shortly thereafter, twenty-two ministers were ordained at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Virginia. The ministry was inspired by the selfless example of the Integral Yoga sannyasis (monks). It created a pathway for non-monastic Integral Yoga students to deepen and formalize commitments to dedicate their lives to the service of others.
Soon after, as more students wished to join the ministry, the Ministry Board and the Integral Yoga Ministry Seminary were established to facilitate our spiritual growth and service. The Board and Seminary help steer the process of ordination for qualified candidates who wish to deepen their understanding of the precepts of Integral Yoga and their commitment of service to humanity.
Global Organization
Sri Swami Satchidananda established the Integral Yoga organization in 1966. Currently there are twenty-three Integral Yoga centers on six of the seven continents and over 20,000 Integral Yoga teachers and therapists worldwide. The Integral Yoga Ministry is a vital aspect of the service arm of the global organization.
The Integral Yoga system enables the practitioner to integrate Yoga into every aspect of life, bringing about the opportunity for personal transformation and spiritual realization. A synthesis of the six classical branches of Yoga, Integral Yoga blends nondual Yoga theory with practice, offering students a path to their own inner peace. And by promoting interfaith understanding and harmony and by leading service-oriented lives, Integral Yogis seek to foster world peace.
Sri Swami Satchidananda
Integral Yoga Founder
Swami Satchidananda, the founder of Integral Yoga® International, was one of the first Yoga masters to bring the classical Yoga tradition to the West, and he was welcomed as a truly universal spiritual teacher. The distinctive teachings he brought with him blend the physical discipline of Yoga, the spiritual philosophy of India, and the interfaith ideals he pioneered. These techniques and concepts influenced a generation and gave rise to Yoga culture that is flourishing today.
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Inclusiveness
The Integral Yoga organization and Ministry are dedicated to inclusivity and to the interfaith ideals that Swami Satchidananda helped to pioneer through his teaching: “Truth is one, paths are many.” This principle is embodied in the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine. Through diverse paths, all human beings seek peace and happiness. We respect and celebrate this diversity while recognizing the underlying unity that we all share as members of a global family.
Services
Integral Yoga Ministers offer their service through teaching and conducting classes, workshops, retreats, and programs on the teachings and practices of Integral Yoga. Additionally, Integral Yoga Ministers provide the following services:
- Spiritual Mentoring
- Life Challenges Support
- Puja
- Workshop
- Weddings
- Engagement/Vow of Intent Ceremonies
- Death and Dying Services and Memorials
- Interfaith Services
- House Blessings
- Baby Blessings
- Dharma Youth Program
Integral Yoga Ministry Board
- Rev. Bhagavan Metro, Chairman
- Rev. Shankar Fern, Vice Chairman
- Swami. Sarvaananda
- Rev. Dhyani Simonini
- Rev. Rudra Swartz
- Anandi Williams, IYMB Secretary