Sri M - spiritual guide, social reformer, and educationist – was born into a Muslim family on November 6, 1949, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. His transformational journey, from a young boy to a living yogi, is a fascinating story symbolized by single-minded discipline and dedication.

Entranced by mystical stories of Sufi saints and a brief encounter with a numinous Swami at a relatively young age, he was not only drawn to the ‘truth’ but also the compelling landscape of the snow-clad Himalayas. At the age of nine, his spiritual transformation was initiated by his future Master, Babaji (also known as Maheshwarnath Babaji), who miraculously appeared under a jackfruit tree in the compound of his house in Thiruvananthapuram. Though only fleeting, this meeting definitively set the stage for their future reunion in the Himalayas at Sri M’s age of nineteen.

For the next three and half years, he lived and traveled extensively through the Himalayas with his Master. Maheshwarnath Babaji guided him right through his initiation, his Kundalini awakening, the grueling journey to Tholingmutt and, the eventual meeting with the Grand Master, Sri Guru Babaji also known as Sri Mahavatar Babaji.

Few years after his Master passed away, he received the spiritual go-ahead to commence his mission. In 1998, he started his teachings, eventually leading to the formation of the Satsang Foundation.

In response to a query on the spiritual progress of a person and the path to that evolution, he responds, “Though my parampara is kriya yoga, I don’t think it suits all aspirants. I propound satsang even between two people. It cuts across barriers of caste and creed. Spiritual evolution is not diverse from regular living. Intervals of solitude are necessary but you cannot shut yourself totally. The world around you is your touchstone to spiritual practice.” Conversant with the teachings of most major religions, Sri M says: “Go to the core. Theories are of no use.” His message seeks to transcend the outer-shell of all religions, by exploring their mystical core to nurture the innate goodness in every human being.

Website: satsang-foundation.org

Books:

Journey Continues: A Sequel To Apprenticed To A Himalayan Master

Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi's Autobiography

Wisdom of the Rishis: The Three Upanishads: Ishavasya, Kena & Mandukya

Jewel in the Lotus: Deeper Aspects of Hinduism

The Little Guide To Greater Glory And A Happier Life

Transcript of this interview.

Second Batgap interview with Sri M.

Interview recorded 10/6/2016

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump

00:05:07 - The Sufi Man and the Lesson of Ego

00:10:05 - Cautionary Notes for Spiritual Teachers

00:14:38 - Judging What to Say

00:18:45 - The Limitations of Human Knowledge

00:23:25 - Ramana's Compassion

00:27:50 - The Encounter with Maheshwar Babaji

00:32:07 - The Search for Great Beings in the Himalayas

00:36:13 - A humorous encounter with Babaji

00:40:16 - The Limitless Potential of Spiritual Development

00:44:00 - The Potential for Spiritual Evolution

00:48:38 - Rishabhadeva and the Aim of Life

00:53:25 - Encounter with the Yeti

00:57:54 - Taken to a Mysterious Room

01:02:39 - The Possibility of Life beyond Earth

01:06:45 - Encounter with a Blue Serpent

01:11:35 - Conditions for Teaching Kriya Yoga

01:16:19 - The Mysterious Location of Mauni Baba's Cave

01:21:27 - The Neurological Basis of Mystical Experience

01:25:16 - The Circuit of Energies

01:29:10 - Swadharma and Self-Discovery

01:33:53 - Losing Friends on the Spiritual Path

01:38:06 - Disconnecting from the External World

01:42:39 - The Conundrum of Enlightenment

01:47:32 - The Importance of Spiritual Inclination

01:51:45 - Nourishing Diversity in Life

01:55:44 - Different Schools of Thought on Enlightenment