IT is well said that “A prophet is seldom honoured in his own country.” It runs with Mahamandaleshwar Swami Maheshwarananda, who as an ambassador for World Peace has been spreading teachings of Vedic culture and Sanatan Dharma for the past four decades world over. His system “Yoga in Daily Life” renowned worldwide is promoting healthy way of living, the protection of environment, the peaceful coexistence of all religions and nations, cultures and social systems through tolerance, respect and understanding.
On 37th World Peace Tour in March 2009 from Europe travelling to USA, he took part in discussions about the global economic crisis at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York. His message there was loud and clear that the solution to global problems is possible through spirituality, Yoga and inner peace whilst living according to the Vedic culture. Entire Europe, US, Canada, Australia, Austria and Africa in addition to 185 countries have his Yoga centres functional.
Under World Peace Council registered with UN he has been propagating the message of Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Madhavananda (his Guru). He also organiges conferences in different countries every year under this banner.
Interestingly, one of his Australian nationals who remained as a committed disciple of Swamiji for the past 20 years learnt the tradition of Vedic culture and Sanatam Dharma was bestowed upon the title of Mahamandaleshwar of Maha Nirvani Akhara in March last in Haridwar. He is rechristened as Mahamandaleshwar Swami Jasrajpuriji. For giving this important position in the Hindu religion organisation hierarchy to a foreign national, Australian government has expressed its gratitude. Swami Maheshwara-nanda, 60, from Rupawas village under Pali district of Rajasthan has dedicated his life to the service of mankind at eight.
When asked about threat to his life or his mission, he said “First time I received a threat from Australia from Christian Missionary. But people understood Yoga in daily life and it was introduced into school curriculum despite the threats from Catholic Church. In Croatia, Bishops circulated hate letters against me in newspapers.” He has been under constant threat from Catholic missionary. A threat letter he received last year said, “We can eliminate you at any time and your government can not do anything. Your government is a puppet.” About the precaution he has taken he said “It is a sad part of the story that when I approach Indian embassies they categorically refuse to give me protection because they say I am not a politician.” During Maha Kumbh Mela 2010 threat letter were received by police from Muslim fundamentalist organisation to blast Marwah Railway station and his Jardan Ashram, in Rajasthan. It appeared in local newspapers. “I am not scared of death. Only worry is about my disciples who from abroad frequently visit Jardan Ashram for Yoga courses,” he said.
Elaborating on the future of India, he said “India’s future is bright and the best.” But what worries him “Indian are in darkness. They have been in process of converting themselves into different religions. It is a very dangerous trend that different people from different religions are coming here and converting innocent and ignorant poor people and poisoning them against their own religion they belong to.” Supporting the mission of Baba Ramdev he said the message of Baba Ramdev is very clear for the nation and protection of the Indian culture.
Swami Maheshwarananda’s huge project called the “Om Vishwa Deep Gurukul Swami Maheshwarananda Ashram Education & Research Centre in the “OM” form in Jardan, Rajasthan which is near completion will be dedicated to Sanatam Dharma and entire world culture without any dualities. The main purpose of this Centre is to promote the ancient Indian science of Yoga and the invaluable spiritual treasure of Vedic culture. This ecologically managed “OM Ashram” can accommodate up to 500 Yoga students for education in Yoga, Sanskrit and philosophy.
