Siddha Yoga

The Siddha Yoga path is a set of teachings and spiritual disciplines that, according to the Indian spiritual teacher and Siddha Yoga guru, Swami Muktananda, unfold the God consciousness hidden in human beings. In Siddha Yoga teachings, this divine consciousness (Sanskrit cit and related words) dwells within all things as the universal Self (atman) and is also understood to be an [Page 1173]effective inner power (shakti or kundalini-shakti). Experience of the Self is known to be activated through the agency of a true guru. In this context, such a guru is perfected (siddha) in the awareness of the divine presence within all beings and awakens that awareness in others. This awakening takes place through Shaktipat initiation (the transmission or “descent” of shakti) and is meant to be strengthened and expanded through the practice of spiritual disciplines under the direction of the Guru.

The Siddha Yoga path was founded and named by Swami Muktananda (1908–1982). Having received Shaktipat initiation in 1947 from Bhagawan Nityananda (d. 1961) and succeeding him as guru, Muktananda brought this initiation to seekers throughout India and, then, over the course of three international tours between 1970 and 1981, to thousands of people throughout the world. Shortly before his death in 1982, Muktananda conferred the power and authority to give Shaktipat awakening to Swami Chidvilasananda (b. 1955), also known as Gurumayi, who is the spiritual head of Siddha Yoga. Nityananda, Muktananda, and Chidvilas ananda are the Gurus of the Siddha Yoga lineage.

Essential Siddha Yoga teachings include the following: “God dwells within you as you” and “See God in each other.” The core Siddha Yoga disciplines are meditation, chanting of sacred texts and divine names, selfless service, and giving to support the Siddha Yoga path. Other important practices include study of the Guru's teachings and contemplation.

Siddha Yoga draws on a number of Indian religious traditions: contemplative philosophies and practices presented by Vedantic texts, the experience of divine love presented in songs and other devotional works by poet-saints, and meditative techniques and theologies presented by nondual Shaiva Tantric works from Kashmir.

The SYDA (Siddha Yoga Dham Associates) Foundation, established in 1974, is a not-for-profit religious and charitable organization that protects, preserves, and disseminates Siddha Yoga philosophy and culture.