Eknath Easwaran
Eknath Easwaran: A Life of Spiritual Depth and Wisdom
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Eknath Easwaran was born as Natarajan Eknath on October 21, 1910. He is commonly known as Swami Eknath.
#### Birth and Death Dates
October 21, 1910 - June 25, 1996
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Indian spiritual leader, writer, and poet
#### Early Life and Background
Easwaran was born in Kerala, India, to a devout Hindu family. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep interest in spirituality and self-inquiry. He studied at the University of Madras and later earned a master's degree in English literature from the University of Chennai.
In his mid-twenties, Easwaran became disillusioned with the superficiality of modern life and began to seek a more meaningful existence. This led him to embark on an inner journey of self-discovery, exploring various spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. His quest for truth took him to India's sacred sites, where he practiced intense meditation and devotion.
#### Major Accomplishments
Easwaran's most significant contribution was the development of the Eight Point Program, a holistic approach to spiritual growth that integrates meditation, prayer, self-inquiry, and service to others. This program emphasizes cultivating virtues such as love, compassion, and detachment, which he believed were essential for spiritual transformation.
He also founded the Blue Mountain Center for Meditation in California, USA, which became a hub for his teachings and a community of like-minded seekers. Under his guidance, numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds found solace in his wisdom and began to follow the Eight Point Program.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Easwaran's literary legacy is extensive, with over 30 books on spirituality and personal growth to his credit. His most famous works include:
_The Bhagavad Gita: For a New Millennium_ (a modern interpretation of this ancient Indian text)
_The Upanishads_ (a collection of spiritual hymns and dialogues)
* _The Dhammapada: The Way of the Buddha_ (a translation and commentary on this Buddhist scripture)
Through his writings, Easwaran aimed to make spirituality accessible and relevant to modern life. His books have been widely praised for their clarity, depth, and warmth.
#### Impact and Legacy
Eknath Easwaran's impact on contemporary spirituality is immense. His Eight Point Program has inspired countless individuals worldwide to embark on a path of spiritual growth and self-discovery. His emphasis on the importance of meditation, prayer, and service has created a ripple effect, influencing various fields such as psychology, education, and social welfare.
His legacy extends beyond his written works; he also left behind a community of dedicated students who continue to carry forward his teachings. The Blue Mountain Center for Meditation remains an active hub for spiritual exploration and growth, fostering a sense of connection among seekers from diverse backgrounds.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Eknath Easwaran's wisdom and insights have resonated with people from all walks of life. His ability to distill complex spiritual concepts into simple yet profound language has made him a beloved teacher and guide for many.
His quotes, which are often quoted on this website, offer timeless wisdom on topics such as love, compassion, and self-awareness. His words remind us that spirituality is not an abstract concept but a living, breathing reality that can be experienced in our daily lives.
Eknath Easwaran's life serves as a testament to the power of spiritual growth and transformation. His commitment to his inner journey has inspired countless individuals to embark on their own path of self-discovery and growth.
Quotes by Eknath Easwaran
Eknath Easwaran's insights on:
The Buddha said, “When you are walking, walk. When you are sitting, sit. Don’t wobble.
When we do things with only a part of the mind, we are just skimming the surface of life. Nothing sinks in; nothing has real impact. It leads to an empty feeling inside. Unfortunately, it is this very emptiness that drives us to pack in even more, seeking desperately to fill the void in our hearts. What we need to do is just the opposite: to slow down and live completely in the present. Then every moment will be full.
Undivided singleness of mind” is what the Gita means by yoga. It is the complete opposite of the incessant civil warfare among intellect, senses, emotions, and instincts which is our usual state of mind. Yoga is the complete reintegration of all these fragments on every level of the personality. It is the process of becoming whole.
The Lord is a good psychologist: he knows the way our minds run. Turmoil can be the Lord’s way of tapping us on the shoulder and saying, ‘Don’t forget me.’
As long as there are poor people in the world, as long as there are people who are deprived and handicapped in the world, if we are sensitive, we will not load ourselves with unnecessary adornment.
At the first gate, the gatekeeper asks, “Is this true?” At the second gate, he asks, “Is it kind?” And at the third gate, “Is it necessary?” If we applied this proverb strictly, most of us would have very little to say. I am not recommending silence, however, but control over our speech.
There is a tale of a man who found on the road a large stone bearing the words, “Under me lies a great truth.” The man strained to turn the stone over and finally succeeded. On the bottom was written, “Why do you want a new truth when you do not practice what you already know?
I have never been able to understand the compelling phrase, ‘keeping up with the Joneses.’ It does not matter very much whether I keep up with Tom Jones or anybody else; what is important is to keep up with myself by making my today a little better than my yesterday.
To get angry with oneself and reject oneself is not helpful and is not what the Buddha teaches. The best thing is not to say either “I’m all good” or “I’m worthless; I’m no good.” The best thing is not to think about oneself, not talk about oneself, not dwell upon oneself at all – to be neither overconfident nor self-deprecating.
People say that modern life has grown so complicated, so busy, so crowded that we have to hurry even to survive. We need not accept that idea. It is quite possible to live in the midst of a highly developed technological society and keep an easy, relaxed pace while doing a lot of hard work. We have a choice.