Shivabalayogi explains that a yogi is one who is God realized (God and Self are the same) through tapas, meditation in samadhi (enlightenment). The great spiritual masters of the world -- Buddha, Jesus and Mohammed, for example -- are yogis. Such yogis do not undertake tapas for themselves but for the sake of creation. Through the powers they attain from tapas, they evoke enlightenment in others, including avatars (divine incarnations).

Shivabalayogi completed twelve years of tapas, from age 14 to 26. He meditated 23 hours a day for eight years, then at least 12 hours a day for another four years. There were periods when he did not return to ordinary consciousness for months at a time.

Shivabalayogi emerged from his tapas on August 7, 1961. For the next three decades he traveled throughout India, then 1987-1991 in the West, giving darshan (the blessings of his presence) and empowering people to meditate. His only verbal teaching is to encourage people to meditate. He dropped his physical body on March 28, 1994, but his spiritual presence remains even stronger.

"Know truth through meditation, then you yourself will know who you are, your religion, your purpose in life, and your nature. Do not believe what others say and become a slave to religious prejudices."

"Meditation is your religion. Meditation is your purpose. Meditation is your path."

Forf more information about Shri Swamiji, see www.handloom.org. For information about Shivabalayogi, see www.shiva.org.