Sadhguru, born Jagadish Vasudev on September 3, 1957, in Mysore, Karnataka, is a renowned Indian yogi, mystic, and spiritual leader. He is the founder of the Isha Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers yoga programs and promotes humanitarian causes on a global scale.
Early Life and Background
Sadhguru was born into a well-educated family. His father was an ophthalmologist with Indian Railways, which led the family to move frequently. From a young age, Sadhguru exhibited a deep connection with nature and a profound sense of curiosity about life. He pursued his education in English literature at the University of Mysore. Despite his academic pursuits, he was deeply drawn to exploring the spiritual and mystical aspects of life.
Spiritual Journey
Sadhguru's transformative spiritual experience occurred at the age of 25 when he was meditating on a rock on the Chamundi Hill in Mysore. He described this experience as a moment of profound inner realization, where he felt a deep sense of unity with the universe. This experience was pivotal in shaping his path as a spiritual leader.
Isha Foundation
In 1992, Sadhguru founded the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The foundation offers a range of programs designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. One of the foundation's flagship programs is the Inner Engineering course, which combines ancient yogic practices with modern science to help individuals achieve inner balance and fulfillment.
Key Initiatives
Rally for Rivers: Launched in 2017, this nationwide campaign aimed to raise awareness about the depleting rivers in India. Sadhguru traveled over 9,300 kilometers across 16 Indian states to gather support for the cause. The campaign led to the drafting of a river revitalization policy, which was submitted to the Indian government.
Cauvery Calling: Another significant environmental initiative, Cauvery Calling, focuses on revitalizing the Cauvery River by encouraging farmers to plant trees on their land. The project aims to plant 2.42 billion trees, covering over 83,000 square kilometers of the river basin.
Save Soil Movement: Sadhguru initiated this global campaign in 2022 to address soil degradation. The movement emphasizes the importance of soil health for sustaining life on Earth and calls for policy changes to increase organic content in soil.
Books and Teachings
Sadhguru is also a prolific author, having written several books on spirituality, self-improvement, and inner well-being. Some of his notable works include:
- "Inner Engineering: A Yogi's Guide to Joy" – A comprehensive guide to achieving inner happiness and fulfillment through yoga and meditation.
- "Mystic's Musings" – A collection of teachings and insights that explore the deeper aspects of life and existence.
- "Death: An Inside Story" – A book that delves into the concept of death from a spiritual perspective, offering a unique understanding of life's end.
Recognition and Influence
Sadhguru's influence extends beyond the spiritual realm. He has been invited to speak at prestigious forums such as the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and leading universities like MIT and Harvard. His teachings attract millions of followers worldwide, and his programs have been attended by people from all walks of life, including celebrities, politicians, and business leaders.
Personal Life
Sadhguru was married to Vijaya Kumari (also known as Vijji), who passed away in 1997 under circumstances that he describes as a voluntary "mahasamadhi," a yogic act of leaving the body consciously. He has one daughter, Radhe Jaggi, who is a classical dancer.
Sadhguru continues to be a prominent figure in both India and the global community, advocating for spiritual growth, environmental sustainability, and human well-being.
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