Gurudev Stories – Online
with Swami Asokananda, E-RYT 500, Swami Divyananda Ma, E-RYT 500, Swami Hamsananda and Asangan Binstock
August 17 - September 7, 2021
Tuesdays: Aug. 17, 24, 31, and Sep. 7
Join four longtime students and devotees of the esteemed spiritual teacher Sri Swami Satchidananda, known affectionately as Gurudev, as they share enlightening personal experiences from their decades spent with a spiritual master. You will be captivated by the fun-filled, revelatory, and transformative stories of the beloved teacher who founded Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville and the system of Integral Yoga.
Sri Gurudev first came to the U.S. in the 1960s, bringing the teachings of Yoga to the West and sharing a message of peace, selfless service, and interfaith understanding. Every encounter with the beloved Swami Satchidananda was a precious moment outside of time that lifted students out of their minds’ limits to experience themselves closer to Divine essence. Put another way, whenever Gurudev entered the room, every molecule of that space was changed forever. This was not just the special privilege of a few disciples. That light of wisdom continues to grace us all, now and into the future. Some of the best Gurudev stories are happening right now or are yet to be experienced.
Sessions
- August 17: Swami Asokananda – How Swami Satchidanandaji Changed My Life
- August 24: Swami Divyananda Ma – Stranger in Paradise
- August 31: Swami Hamsananda and Swami Divyananda – Treasured Hours; Precious Words
- September 7: Asangan Binstock
Live sessions on Tuesdays at 7:30–8:45 pm ET.
You will have access to the video recordings.
In addition, you will have access to the Ashram’s Live Hatha Yoga classes at 5 pm ET and access to an online social community to connect and communicate with other participants about this course.
Testimonials
Treat yourself to living legends of Integral Yoga who studied at the feet of my Guru and their Guru Swami Satchidananda. — Manorama Rakhmanov
Swami Asokananda is such a joy to learn from; the energy and lessons from Gurudev spring from his every word! His guidance has been my jumping off point to deepen my yogic journey. — Jeremiah S.
Swami Divyananda is a national treasure. Fantastically knowledgeable—a terrific example of what a Yogi should be. I met Swami Satchidananda about 45 years ago and being in Swami Divyananda’s (online) presence is very much like being in the presence of Swami Satchidananda. Very very grateful to have had the experience. — Past Participant
Presenters
Swami Asokananda, a monk since 1975, is one of Integral Yoga’s® (IY) foremost teachers—known for his warmth, intelligence, and good humor. His teaching comes out of his own practice and experience while absorbing the wisdom of his Guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda. While he enjoys sharing the practical wisdom of yogic philosophy (especially the great Indian scripture, the Bhagavad Gita), he also loves his practice of Hatha Yoga. He is one of Yogaville’s primary instructors for Intermediate and Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher Trainings. He presently serves as president of the IY Institute in New York City. Before this position, he served…
Learn more about Swami Asokananda, E-RYT 500
Swami Divyananda Ma, E-RYT 500, has had a wealth of experience teaching Integral Yoga around the world since 1973. She has taught at corporations, universities, the Commonwealth Cancer Center, and for the Dr. Dean Ornish Reversing Heart Disease programs. She has also served as one of Integral Yoga’s Basic Hatha teacher trainers. Swami Divyananda Ma took monastic vows in 1975 from the great saint and yogi, Sri Swami Satchidananda. Over the years she has served as the director of the Integral Yoga Institutes in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and as Ashram Manager at Yogaville. She also served for ten years…
Learn more about Swami Divyananda Ma, E-RYT 500
Swami Hamsananda is a senior disciple and sannyasin of Swami Satchidananda since 1975. She compiled The Golden Present, one of the most known books of Gurudev’s teachings. Swami Hamsananda is currently living and serving at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville where she often shares her humor and wisdom in inspirational and spiritual talks. Her advice to all is to, “Just have faith, and identify with the true self. That’s it!”
Learn more about Swami Hamsananda
Asangan Binstock and his wife Karuna have been students of Swami Satchidananda for 50 years and served in various roles to further the teachings of Integral Yoga. Recently retired, the Binstocks built a house and art studio in Yogaville. In the future, they plan to donate some of Asangan’s spectacular sculptures to further beautify the grounds of Yogaville. Asangan was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. His formal fine arts education began in New York’s High School of Music and Art, followed by undergraduate studies in fine art at Hunter College. After teaching fine arts in a South Bronx…
Learn more about Asangan Binstock