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.

The next three and half years, he lived and travelled 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. A 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 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 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

First Batgap interview with Sri M.

Discussion of this in interview in the BatGap Community Facebook group.

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded 7/30/2017

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

00:04:47 - The Beginning of the Journey with Babaji

00:09:25 - Continual Growth and Evolution

00:13:22 - Possibility of Evolved Beings on Other Planets

00:17:44 - The Importance of Having a Guru

00:21:31 - The Significance of Initiation

00:26:21 - Recalling Past Lives

00:30:48 - From Krishna to the Life of a Prostitute

00:35:05 - A Touching Experience with Nisargadatta Maharaj

00:39:39 - Spiritual Integrity in a World of Lies and Deceit

00:43:43 - Meditating in College

00:48:16 - The Importance of Siddhis in Spiritual Growth

00:53:10 - Mind over Physical Phenomenon

00:56:59 - The Slap from Nityananda of Ganeshpuri

01:01:45 - Extraordinary Capacities and Divine Association

01:06:00 - Free will and the capacity for change

01:10:00 - Exploring Deeper Consciousness

01:14:37 - The Shadow of the Bodhisattva

01:18:57 - The Power of Spiritual Armor

01:23:12 - Grounding and balancing spiritual experiences

01:27:15 - The Possibility of Astral Projection

01:31:25 - Spiritual Experiences and Extraterrestrial Encounters

01:35:28 - The Hidden Secrets of the Natural Rock Formation

01:39:37 - The Importance of Physical Health in Spiritual Practice

01:44:11 - The Power of Chanting Aum