Published:
11/24/2010 03:54pm
“Ever-smiling Swami” inspires millions worldwide with message of love, healing and enlightenment
Bangalore, India — For most Americans, the words "swami" and "guru" call to mind images of wizened elders bestowing sacred teachings from mountaintop monasteries. So they may be surprised when they learn about Paramahamsa Nithyananda (SAY: Para-ma-ham-sa Nith-ya-nanda).
Nithyananda, (SAY: Nith-ya-nanda), charismatic young leader of 4 million devotees globally, is known as the premier spiritual teacher on YouTube.com. This immense popularity stems from his remarkable ability to express deep spiritual truths in clear modern language.
"Spirituality is a simple welcoming and blissful attitude towards life, yourself and others," says the 32-year-old Nithyananda. "It is an innate intelligence that keeps you aware and sharp as you perform your daily activities."
Nithyananda leads a worldwide movement that offers programs in the United States and India, including his life-transforming 21-day Inner Awakening events. His mission, Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, is now planning for more than 1,000 people to attend the next Inner Awakening Dec. 1-21 near Bangalore, India.
He draws followers with teachings that meld ancient wisdom from his Vedic Hindu tradition with youthful energy and enthusiasm. Using yoga, meditation and instruction in the ancient art of levitation, he helps followers overcome stress, depression and addiction and other barriers to achieving a life of health, wealth and love.
Instead of "airy words spoken in a stereotypically mystical voice to try to awaken kundalini energy, the potential energy in all of us," Nithyananda energizes followers with what's been called "the fastest transformational course on the planet."
"He simply de-mystifies spirituality and makes it so easily relevant for people from any culture, any background, any age," says a follower who has attended Nithyananda'd Inner Awakening and 48-day Living Enlightenment programs. "What is not possible in a lifetime of meditation or yogic practices just happens without any effort."
Nithyananda's mission, Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam (SAY: Nith-ya-nanda Dee ana pee tom), harnesses the full power of the digital age to reach seekers. About 30 percent of Inner Awakening participants learn about the program through YouTube videos such as this one on levitation. It got more than 3,000 hits within 24 hours of being posted and has spread among more than 20,000 of the swami's Facebook friends.
The mission offers a range of products and services, from online communities for followers to free downloads of music and lessons from the swami and programs in the United States and other countries. It is all geared toward helping people achieve the enlightenment and energy they need to overcome common problems so they can live lives of bliss, success and peace.
