With overflowing joy and profound gratitude, we extend a heartfelt invitation to all members of the Guru’s family to unite in celebration, honouring the birth centenary of our revered Gurudeva, His Holiness Swami Rama. A beacon of ancient wisdom, he seamlessly wove the ancient teachings of yoga meditation from the Himalayan Masters into our lives.  As we celebrate and commemorate the centenary of his earthly presence in 2025, we bow in loving reverence.

In the year of 1969, Swami Rama’s Gurudeva, the venerable Bengali Baba ji, asked him to traverse westward, to share the sacred teachings of the Himalayan Tradition of yoga meditation with the masses. Leaving behind his beloved Himalayan mountains, he journeyed across the globe, igniting the flame of inner transformation within the hearts of countless students and initiates wherever he wandered. This flame continues to radiate brightly within us. His life is a testament to the transformative power of authentic yoga meditation, unfolding through unwavering dedication to one’s sadhana and the pursuit of Truth, under the benevolent guidance of the Guru. His divine wisdom and selfless love have illuminated the meditative path for innumerable souls over many decades, uplifting our spirits and guiding us toward peace, wisdom, and awakening.

This Centennial Year calls upon all initiates of the Himalayan Tradition and all disciples of the Lineage to renew their intention, their commitment, their sankalpa and sadhana to live in the world yet above, to live skilfully and selflessly without attachment embracing life as a means and not an end. Swami Rama taught us the art of joyful living that requires wisdom and courage.

Along with abhyasa and vairagya, this year is dedicated to the Guru by way of Swami Rama’s teachings. He reminded us that life is both fleeting and precious, and not to waste time. He has taught us to translate all desires of life into a desire for the One, to seek Atman, the eternal witness, and to discover the mystery of this life.

This centenary celebration is not merely a time to look back at the blessings and grace we have received from Swami Rama; it’s a sacred opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to this sacred journey. This is also an invitation for us to journey together in the footsteps of our Guru, drawing ever-closer to the ultimate truth and joy that our beloved Guru has illuminated for us.

May this Centenary Year be a time of renewal and transformation for all of us, as we deepen our connection to the divine within and around us. Let us honour Swami Rama’s memory by living with integrity, compassion, and purpose, and by supporting one another on this sacred journey. Together, we can create a world filled with peace, harmony, and understanding, guided by the eternal wisdom of our Gurudeva.

We invite each member of our global spiritual family to take part in the various events and gatherings planned throughout this new year, where we can share our stories, learnings, and experiences. Let us celebrate the profound love Swami Rama has showered upon us and renew our commitment to his vision of a world united in love and peace. In doing so, we ensure that his light continues to shine brightly for generations to come.

Editor’s Note:

Swami Ritavan invites and strongly encourages all initiates and disciples to plan to dedicate this year to the Guru Force with a prayer for a loving transformation within. You may write to him at SwamiRitavanBharati@gmail.com