Swami Dayananda Saraswati

Swami Dayananda Saraswati, from the very first moment, has been very enthusiastic about the initiatives being taken by Dharma Civilization Foundation. He has taken a keen interest in the Foundation's activities, and has guided DCF to take up a comprehensive relationship with the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati is a profound thinker, philosopher, teacher and writer. From humble beginnings in Manjakkudi, a village on the Kaveri delta, in 1930, he is today a world renowned spiritual leader. He has taken centre stage at the United Nations, ordained hundreds of disciples dedicated to teaching Vedanta, founded Arsha Vidya Gurukulams in India and the US, and created students spread across the world, from Australia to South America, from Canada and the US to the Reunion Islands. The list would by no means be exhaustive.

A sweeping look at his contribution to humanity as a whole encompasses many dimensions – strengthening spirituality as a civilizational value; continuing and strengthening the great teaching tradition of Vedanta; creating an official voice for Hindu consciousness through the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha; striving for mutual respect, equality and freedom for all religions through dialogues at the international level; promoting the understanding of diverse cultures as the key to global peace; creating avenues to reach help to people in need in rural and tribal areas of India; and initiating projects to strengthen Vedic dharma and culture. Truly, Swamiji is a modern master, whose concern and vision encompasses the individual, the nation, and the world.

Swamiji does not believe in a centralized organization, encouraging his large circle of disciples and devotees to think for themselves, to be who they are. He says, “Only when we give freedom to others, can we be really free.” His clarity of thinking enables him to view a topic from different points, objectively, without prejudice or emotional bias. In his teaching and meditation sessions, he focuses on developing objectivity and reducing subjectivity.

Among his many contributions to the teaching tradition, the Bhagavad Gita Home Study Programme requires special mention. For the younger generation, the Vedic lifestyle and culture are interestingly presented in a series called “Purna Vidya.” His efforts to strengthen Hindu dharma led him to bring together all the heads of Hindu religious organizations and sampradayas under the umbrella of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha — a historic first in the history of Sanatana Dharma.