guru
Paramahamsa Parivrajakacarya Shrimad Svami Sadananda Sarasvati
Svami Sadananda Sarasvati was a Vedantin of high calibre and belonged to the lineage of the illustrious Bhagavatpada (popularly known as Adi Shankaracharya).
Guruji was an eminent scholar, poet, and Yogi. He was initiated into sannyasa by Shrimat Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Svami Shankarananda Sarasvati. Svamiji practised rigorous austerities in the Himalayas, and a part of this time is reflected in his book, A Solitary Traveller.
After his retreat in the Himalayas, Guruji travelled throughout India, Europe, and America, benefiting many people wherever he went until his Mahasamadhi in 1983.
His profound philosophical insight became apparent in his teachings, articles, and commentaries on the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Vedantasara, and other texts.
Widely known for his in-depth knowledge of the mundane and the divine, Guruji would define objects and concepts with a rare scientific precision.
His qualities as a writer, poet, philosopher, and saint, flowing together on the currents of his innate wit and humour, together with his lovingness and care for his fellow beings, were washed and refined by the depth of his renunciation, and his discerning intelligence and wisdom.
Paramahamsa Parivrajakacarya Shrimat Svami Turiyananda Sarasvati
Svamiji is the disciple of Guruji and was initiated into sannyasa in India by Guruji. Svamiji became spiritual head of Abhedashram in Wales in 1983, and spent the following 20 years teaching Yoga and Vedanta, attaining Mahasamadhi in 2003.
The teachings that Svamiji gave, whether personal or in satsangas, always struck to the heart of the matter, and with tremendous relevance. Svamiji gave innumerable satsangas on many texts including the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Sutras.
No words can adequately express the value of Svamiji’s contribution to so many people’s lives. Svamiji lives still – for in Reality there is no death – in the hearts of all whom were touched, perhaps even more so now that the mantle of the body has been dropped.
Maheshvara Caitanya
Maheshvaraji is the current Spiritual Head of Abhedashram and UCYL Netherlands. He is initiated by both Guruji and Svamiji and has been trained and resident in the ashram since 1983. Besides the vigorous training in the ashram he also has academic qualifications in these subjects as well. He currently teaches in the ashram, at invited events around the UK, in Netherlands, Europe and occasionally in India too. The teaching is in accordance to what was taught both by Guruji and Svamiji in line with Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and Adi Shankara's Advaita Vedanta, focusing on the practical application of this philosophy in daily life.
Abhedashram was established to uphold and promote the teaching, study and practice of Yoga and Vedanta and to enhance spirituality and wellbeing in daily life. The Yoga taught is based on the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali and the Vedanta is in the tradition of Sri Bhagavatpada Shankaracharya’s Advaita.
These are delivered through Satsanga (spiritual discourses), meditation and Hatha Yoga courses, youth, retreats and Hatha Yoga teachers’ training courses. Please check Upcoming Events for event dates.
UCYL Trust was established in the continent in 1972 and 1981 in Great Britian. None of the programmes or facilities would have been possible without the invaluable efforts and teaching of the esteemed founder Shrimad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Svami Sadananda Sarasvati, of the Sri Shankaracharya lineage.
All are welcome to join us in our aim, lifestyle and practice regardless of caste, creed, colour, gender, age, religion or nationality.
Our charitable work for the benefit of social upliftment includes physical and mental health and wellbeing, spiritual guidance, personal and community empowerment, housing provision, tackling poverty, hunger and unemployment and environmental projects. We have helped disadvantaged children and families, single parents, domestic, drug and alcohol abuse victims, homeless and unemployed people, LGBT members, health care professionals, armed forces police and many more.
We are a registered charity in England and Wales with the registration number of 1051590; funded only by devotees’ dakshina (donations), Hatha Yoga fees, programme fees, income from rentals and everyone's selfless service.
Nobody teaching here receives a salary, wages or stipend; we work fully on a Seva (voluntary) basis. Your generous pledge of support in the form of one time/monthly donations or regular Seva/ selfless service will enable us to reduce suffering in society.