In the collections of spiritual leaders, few have captured the imagination quite like Swami Vishnudevananda of Sivananda Yoga, fondly known as the “Flying Swami.” His life story is not just one of spiritual enlightenment but also of remarkable adventures, where the sky became as much a canvas for his mission of peace as the yoga mat was for his teachings.
Discovering Yoga:
Born as Kuttan Nair in 1927 in Kerala, India, Swami Vishnudevananda’s journey began in the humble surroundings of his village. His path to spirituality started at an early age, influenced by the teachings of Swami Sivananda, whom he met in Rishikesh. Under Sivananda’s guidance, he embraced sannyasa, taking vows of renunciation and adopting the name Vishnudevananda, meaning “bliss of Lord Vishnu.”
As a young boy he exhibited his strong will and determination towards life. In his teenage years without much financial resources for a university education, he joined the army. It was by accident that a piece of paper about the yoga guru Swami Sivananda got his attention.
A pamphlet from Swami Sivananda which began by saying: “An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory” inspired Swami Vishnu to meet with him personally. The practicality and inherent power of these simple words lead Swami Vishnu to travel across India during a 36-hour leave to meet Swami Sivananda in the far north of India in Rishsikesh in the Himalayas. On his second visit, Swami Sivananda invited the young man to remain at the Ashram to study and practice Yoga and with no hesitation Swami Vishnu accepted the offer.
Becoming the World Teacher:
After years of rigorous Hatha-Yoga practice and Karma yoga (selfless service), his master Swami Sivananda was convinced that Swami Vishnu was the chosen one to bring the message of peace , health and wellness to the world. With Swami Sivananda’s blessing, Swami Vishnu traveled to the West and spread his teachings as Sivananda Yoga for the benefit of humanity. Swami Vishnu’s limitless energy, knowledge and profound inspiration for peace, harmony and well-being has captured the imagination of tens of thousands of people around the world.
The Mission of Peace:
Swami Vishnudevananda’s dedication to peace was profound. His concern for global harmony led him to unconventional methods to spread his message. In 1971, he embarked on a unique mission that would earn him his nickname. He flew over conflict zones like the Berlin Wall, Belfast, and the Suez Canal, dropping flowers and peace leaflets from his small aircraft. This act of symbolic peace-making was not just a demonstration of his commitment but also a dramatic statement to the world about the need for unity and understanding beyond borders.
Political instability and global conflict mobilised Swami Vishnu’s plan for more peace flights. In September 1983 Swami Vishnu flew over the Berlin Wall from West to East and landed an ultralight glider in an East Berlin field. He held a Global Village Peace Festival alongside the Berlin Wall in which he walked across hot coals to demonstrate strength of mind. After his flight in West Berlin he said in a statement that “The only hope for peace is when we recognise the unity of mankind”.
He neither had passport nor visa, nor did he have permission of the authorities for his flight in a red and yellow Quicksilver ultralight aircraft. When asked why travel without a passport he said “Birds fly from country to country without recognising state borders and without passports and visas”.
International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center:
Swami Vishnudevananda was a prolific teacher of Sivananda Yoga. He established the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, which eventually grew into a global network of ashrams and centers dedicated to the practice of yoga and Vedanta philosophy. His book, “The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga,” became a cornerstone for many Western practitioners, introducing millions to the benefits of yoga.
The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, is today a global organization with its head quarters in Val-Morin, Quebec, Canada. It has 20 yoga centres, 9 ashrams and several affiliated centres across the world.
Swami Vishnudevananda’s message of peace, unity, and spiritual health continues to resonate across Sivananda Yoga centers around the world. His approach combined physical yoga practices with philosophical teachings, aiming not just for personal enlightenment but also for global peace. His life exemplifies how spiritual practices can transcend traditional boundaries, both physical and ideological, to foster a message of universal love and harmony.
The story of the Flying Swami is more than just an account of a man who flew over war zones to drop flowers. It’s a narrative about the lengths one might go to promote peace, the integration of spiritual life with worldly action, and the enduring legacy of a teacher whose methods were as unconventional as his message was profound. His flights over troubled lands were not only acts of peace but also acts of spiritual defiance against the divisions of the world, making him a unique figure in the tapestry of modern spiritual leaders