Vedic Study Members Enter Above
The Evolution of a Timeless Legacy
The Sarayu Veda Sampradaya
Our Story
Our story begins on the banks of India’s sacred river—the Sarayu River. This is a story of wisdom that first echoed through the ancient forests, passed down orally from sage to disciple, before being etched into texts that have withstood the test of time. It speaks of a light that once illuminated the earth through the footsteps of those ancient seers and continues to shine across the world today, reaching every corner and awaiting your discovery.
The Timeless Transmission of Vedic Knowledge
For centuries, Vedic knowledge has been passed down through a direct, intimate exchange between teacher and student—heart to heart and mind to mind. This sacred transmission traditionally took place in Gurukulams, the teacher's home, where devoted students gathered for extended periods, sometimes for a lifetime, to learn under the wise and often parental guidance of their teachers.
The Living Tradition of Sampradaya
Certain families, known as ‘Sampradaya,’ have dedicated themselves to the spiritual education of sincere seekers. In Sanskrit, Sampradaya refers to a spiritual lineage—a living tradition of Vedic wisdom. This lineage is maintained through an unbroken chain of teachers and students, known as the ‘Guru–Shishya Parampara.’ These connections go beyond familial ties; they are deeply rooted in the continuity and transmission of sacred knowledge, ensuring that the light of truth continues to illuminate the path for all who seek it.
Acharya Shunya's lineage journey from the sacred rivers of India to the shores of the West, is one of perseverance, devotion, and the timeless quest for knowledge. Today, this living tradition is alive and vibrant, inviting you to become a part of this ancient yet ever-evolving story. Join me, and let the light of Vedic wisdom guide you on your own path of discovery and spiritual growth.
Continuing the Lineage: The Role of Ancestors
An Unbroken Chain of Wisdom: From Ancient Sages to Modern Times
The lineage, rooted in the non-dual teachings of Advaita Vedanta, traces its spiritual heritage back to revered sages such as Rishi Vashishtha and Rishika Arundhati, and continues through a succession of enlightened teachers. This includes Gaudapada, Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, and his four main disciples in the 9th century. The lineage further extends to later luminaries such as Vachaspati Mishra in the 16th century, Ananda Giri, Acharya Vidyaranya, Sadananda Yogindra, and many others who carried forward these teachings throughout the centuries, bridging the time between those mentioned and those who came after them.
Honoring the Bloodline: Guardians of the Tradition
While our lineage boasts a rich tapestry of spiritual wisdom passed down through revered sages, it is the dedicated family members—the blood ancestors—who have been the true guardians of these teachings, ensuring their continuity and relevance. Each generation within my family has played a vital role in upholding this spiritual heritage, passing down the sacred knowledge with unwavering devotion and commitment. These were not just wisdom links but also bonds of blood, uniting our family in a shared mission of preserving and transmitting Vedic teachings.
Not every ancestor in my lineage may have reached enlightenment, but all were deeply committed to the rigorous study, preservation, and sharing of Vedic wisdom. Notable ancestors within our direct bloodline include Sadhu Satyadev (late 11th to early 12th century), Acharya Atmananda Prakash (12th century), Sadhu Dharma Nath (late 12th to early 13th century), and Sadhu Summan Lal, my great-great-grandfather (late 17th to 18th century). There are countless other family members whose names are too numerous to list here but who were equally dedicated to sustaining our spiritual tradition.There are many more dedicated teachers in my family’s history whose names cannot all be listed here due to space, but each played a vital role in maintaining the continuity of our tradition, passing down the teachings that have shaped our spiritual path.
Recent Custodians of Tradition: Adapting Ancient Wisdom for Today
In more recent times, my great-grandfather, Acharya Shanti Prakash, and my grandfather, Baba Ayodhya Nath, were pivotal in adapting and transmitting the teachings within our family. They played crucial roles in making these teachings more accessible, opening them up to seekers from from far and wide, reflecting a more inclusive approach that was revolutionary for their time. This inclusivity prepared the way for my own leadership as the first female head of the lineage.
My father, Padma Shri Daya Prakash Sinha, a renowned Vedic scholar, playwright, and cultural figure, has also been a significant influence on my spiritual journey. His deep understanding of Vedic wisdom and his cultural contributions have greatly inspired me. While he has been an important spiritual figure in his own right, the direct line of transmission from my grandfather, Baba Ayodhya Nath, flowed directly to me. It was my grandfather who chose me as the next custodian of our lineage, recognizing in me the readiness to carry forward the teachings of the Sarayu Veda Sampradaya.
This lineage, rich with diverse contributions, continues to thrive today, balancing the traditional wisdom of my forebears with the evolving needs of modern seekers.
Acharya Shanti Prakash, 1870-1958
Responding to the Times: A Legacy of Adaptation and Service
Members of my lineage have always adapted their teachings and practices to meet the unique challenges of their times, offering guidance and support to their communities in both spiritual and practical ways.
Shanti Prakash: A Visionary Leader in Turbulent Times
My great-grandfather, Shanti Prakash, deeply understood the suffering endured by Indians during the colonial era. Witnessing the widespread oppression under British rule, he felt a profound calling to provide not just spiritual guidance but also tangible support to those in need. In response, he founded the Sadharan (Universal) Dharma Sabha and Sangha, an institution and a grassroots movement dedicated to both spiritual awakening and social upliftment.
"Sarva Arogyam, Sarva Mukti": A Holistic Approach to Liberation
Acharya Shanti Prakash envisioned this initiative with the motto "Sarva Arogyam, Sarva Mukti"—"Health and Spiritual Liberation for All." This inclusive vision went beyond the individual pursuit of enlightenment, aiming to foster collective well-being and freedom from all forms of suffering, both physical and spiritual. Recognizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, Shanti Prakash also established the Arogya Mandala, a community-based initiative offering holistic healing solutions. By integrating the ancient sciences of Ayurveda and Yoga for practical health benefits with the philosophical teachings of Vedanta, he provided a comprehensive approach to healing that addressed both the inner and outer challenges faced by his community.
Transformative Gatherings: Satsangas that Inspired a Nation
His Satsangas (spiritual gatherings) were more than just meetings—they were transformative experiences that drew seekers from all walks of life, including renowned spiritual leaders like Neem Karoli Baba and Swami Rama Tirtha. These gatherings became pulse centres of hope and resilience, inspiring those under colonial rule to reclaim their inner freedom and sense of purpose.
Literary Contributions: The Adi Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, traditionally known to comprise of 700 verses, has an intriguing counterpart found on ancient palm leaves discovered in India and the Bali islands. This version, known as the "Adi Bhagavad Gita," was decoded and edited by Shanti Prakash, whose contribution made the palm-leaf manuscript accessible to a broader audience. Many consider this text to be the original Gita, with "Adi" meaning "the first." This text distilled essential teachings on living a life grounded in righteousness and spiritual wisdom, offering a path forward for a populace yearning for strength and divine connection during trying times.
Carrying the Light Forward: Baba Ayodhya Nath
Following in his father Shanti Prakash's footsteps, Baba Ayodhya Nath expanded our lineage teachings across India, making them accessible to a broader audience. Baba became a respected spiritual guide and teacher to thousands.
The Himalayan Sojourn: A Journey Inward
Baba’s spiritual depth was shaped by a four-year sojourn in the Himalayas, where he lived in solitude, seeking truth and experiencing profound mystical realizations. These experiences led him to become one with Atman, the true Self, and guided his growth into a spiritual teacher whose Satsangs drew many seekers eager for his transformative insights.
Embracing the Grihastha Path
Returning from the mountains, Baba, despite monastic inclinations, chose to live as a Grihastha Sadhu (householder sage), balancing family responsibilities with his spiritual mission. He worked during the day and led spiritual teachings and gatherings in the mornings and evenings. Baba exemplified the paths of Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga, maintaining peace and detachment even amid personal loss, demonstrating that spirituality can flourish within daily life.
Atma Vidya Sadan: A Center for Inclusive Learning
In 1955, Baba founded the Atma Vidya Sadan, a center for the study of Advaita Vedanta. Here, he opened Vedic education to young girls and students from all castes, breaking societal barriers and embodying the belief that "the One Ultimate Reality Dwells in All." His inclusive approach paved the way for future generations, including my own role as the first female head of the lineage, fostering equality and spiritual access for all.
My Guru My Guide
Under his leadership, the teachings of our lineage were opened up in new and inclusive ways. He recognized the changing needs of the times and had the foresight to prepare me, Acharya Shunya, to lead the lineage into the future. By choosing a female leader in a tradition historically dominated by men, he took a bold step toward greater inclusivity and equality, paving the way for a more modern interpretation of our ancient teachings.
Baba Ayodhya Nath, 1900-1990
The Paramarthika's: A Legacy of Non-Dual Teachings
For generations, my family based teachers internally referred to themselves as the Paramarthika Pantha. The term "Paramarthika" means "ultimate reality" or "highest truth" in Vedantic philosophy, emphasizing the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and understanding the essence of existence. "Pantha" means the path or way (another synonym for sampradaya). This name reflects our deep spiritual heritage and dedication to uncovering and living by the ultimate truths of the Vedas.
However, a significant spiritual experience in my great-grandfather Shanti Prakash’s life led to a profound transformation in our lineage’s identity.
A Spiritual Rebirth: The Emergence of the Sarayu Veda Sampradaya
In 1896, my great-grandfather Shanti Prakash underwent a profound spiritual awakening following a near-death experience while swimming in the sacred Sarayu River. Submerged underwater for 18 minutes without breathing, he miraculously survived, emerging from what seemed like certain death. During those moments beneath the water, he believed he received Diksha—a spiritual initiation—directly from Mother Sarayu, whom he revered as the embodiment of the Divine Mother.
In Vedic tradition, Diksha is far more than a ritual; it is a sacred transmission of spiritual energy and wisdom from a divine source or guru to a disciple. For Shanti Prakash, this Diksha was not just a step on his spiritual journey but a full and final awakening, leading to a complete realization of his unity with the divine.
In the Advaita Vedanta tradition, the Divine Mother—whether seen as Mother Sarayu or any other form—is ultimately a manifestation of the formless Ishvara, the boundless Brahman or Self that pervades all existence. Shanti Prakash's encounter with Mother Sarayu was, therefore, not just a personal experience but a direct realization of the oneness of all forms with the formless absolute. This understanding aligns with the core Advaitic principle that all names and forms are expressions of the one ultimate reality.
This transformative encounter inspired him to formally rename our lineage as the Sarayu Veda Sampradaya, which we refer to in short as the Sarayu Sampradaya, honoring his profound connection with Mother Sarayu and the divine guidance he received. The new name reflects our lineage's unwavering commitment to the highest spiritual truths, while also acknowledging the sacred connection to the Sarayu River, revered as a divine force that flows from the formless into form, guiding seekers toward the realization of their true Self.
A Tradition Evolving for a New Era: Embracing Oneness and Self-Realization
A Unique Perspective in a 2,000-Year All Male Tradition
As the first female lineage holder of the Sarayu Veda Sampradaya, I offer a unique opportunity to learn from a Vedic teacher who brings a grounded, feminine perspective to these teachings. My oral teachings and writings strive to make Advaita Vedanta accessible and relevant to modern life while remaining deeply rooted in the original texts. I invite seekers to embrace and enjoy their human experience through the wisdom of the Vedas.
The Irrevocable Recognition of Onenesss
The decision to extend the teachings to women was not merely a progressive move but a profound spiritual imperative. Both Shanti Prakash and Baba Ayodhya Nath deeply understood that true spiritual wisdom transcends all social constructs and divisions. They believed that the light of the Vedas and Vedanta should shine for all who earnestly seek it, regardless of social misperception or gender bias. Their vision was grounded in the eternal truth of the Upanishads: "अयं आत्मा ब्रह्म" (Ayam Atma Brahma) — "This Self is Brahman." This principle asserts that the Self within each being is the same universal Self or ultimate reality, beyond any labels or distinctions.
New Frontiers New Possibilities
These transformative actions set the foundation for my own leadership. Today, as the first female head of the Sarayu Veda Sampradaya, I continue to uphold this vision, bringing a fresh, grounded perspective to these timeless teachings. In the 21st century, our lineage stands as a guiding light for seekers worldwide, offering a path that integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary life.
The Householder Tradition: Integrating Spirituality
with Daily Life
Grihastha: The Path of the Householder Yogi
Our family lineage has long followed the Grihastha tradition—the path of the householder—where spiritual wisdom is woven into the fabric of everyday life. This tradition traces back to Sage Vashishtha, a householder yogi and his wife Yogini Arudhati, who together exemplified the blending of spiritual practices with worldly responsibilities. Our lineage reflects a commitment to living spiritual values while fully engaging in the realities of worldly life. Many Vedic teachers, up to Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, embodied this 'householder yogi' approach before Shankaracharya ultimately chose the path of renunciation.
Living Dharma: Spiritual Growth in Everyday Householder Life
Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, underscores the importance of the Grihastha path, valuing a life of dharma (righteousness) and spiritual growth amidst worldly responsibilities. This tradition offers modern seekers a way to achieve spiritual fulfillment without withdrawing from life, blending the sacred with the everyday.
Learning Through Family and Community
Unlike the monastic path, where seekers are known as Swamis or Sannyasis and often leave home at an early age to pursue spiritual goals, householder yogis remain within the fabric of family and community life. This allows them to interact closely with mothers and women, whose nurturing presence and wisdom are vital in shaping a grounded spiritual path.For modern seekers, the householder path offers a way to cultivate spiritual wisdom while fully embracing life's complexities, understanding that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and self-realization
The Influence of Women in Shaping Spiritual Understanding
Therefore, any discussion on teachers would be incomplete without honoring the deep influence of the women in any householder seekers life, including mine, who taught me through their actions and wisdom, even without formal titles and education. My grandmother, mother, aunts, and the many women of my childhood shaped my understanding of spirituality and strength. These women, by embodying the divine feminine in their everyday lives, guided me with their resilience, devotion, fierceness along with compassion and lived wisdom. Their influence has been instrumental in my journey as a feminist teacher and author, leading me to write books like "Roar Like a Goddess," an international bestseller that celebrates the strength and wisdom of the divine feminine.
Their teachings, rooted in love, strength, and compassion, have prepared me to carry forward the legacy of the Sarayu Veda Sampradaya in a way that resonates with both ancient wisdom and contemporary life. It is because of them that I serve as the first female head of our lineage, blending the timeless teachings of our tradition with a modern, inclusive approach that honors both men and women as vital contributors to the spiritual path.
Roles and Titles on the Grihastha Path
Those on the Grihastha path are referred to as Shishyas or Sadasyas (students) and Sadhus (men), Sadhvis (women), or Sadhaka (for all genders) for advanced practitioners. The head teacher, known as Acharya, embodies a leadership role committed to imparting spiritual wisdom while engaging fully with everyday life. This structure allows for a diverse and inclusive community of seekers, each contributing to the spiritual tradition while navigating the responsibilities of worldly life.
The International Chapter: Vedika Global, Inc.
The international chapter of my lineage began when I established my home in the United States and founded Vedika Global, Inc. in 2007, a spiritual and educational not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the wisdom of our lineage, the Sarayu Veda Sampradaya. And to further embrace modern tools and reach a global audience, I also founded the Awakened Self Foundation in 2020, utilizing technology to disseminate ancient Vedic knowledge more broadly.
Through Vedika Global, I created a sacred space for the practices of Satsangha (spiritual study), Seva (selfless service), and Sadhana (spiritual practice), allowing householder seekers from around the world to immerse themselves in Vedic wisdom. After over 15 years of rigorous Vedic education and committed Sadhana, the first Sadhavas were inducted, marking a significant moment in our lineage’s evolution.
Based in the vibrant and diverse community of the San Francisco Bay Area, I continue to impart the timeless teachings of our tradition through my organizations and online, and through my work as a teacher, published author, and speaker. My aim is to make the profound wisdom of the Sarayu Sampradaya accessible to all seekers, helping them integrate these ancient truths into their modern lives, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey.
A Global Continuation: Future Stewards
Sadhvi Ishani, dedicated sadasya since 2009
Sadhvi Aparna, dedicated sadasya since 2009
Sadhvi Ishani and Sadhvi Aparna became the first to embrace this sacred role, reflecting the culmination of years of dedicated study and spiritual practice. Their induction stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the path and opens the door for future generations of seekers to walk this path with devotion and grace. As Sadhvis of the Sarayu Sampradaya, they are dedicated to the core values of Satsanga (spiritual gatherings), Seva (selfless service), and Sadhana (spiritual practice). They continue to learn and grow while they teach, embodying the light they share.
Responding to the Times: A Legacy of Adaptation and Service
The Vedic Study Circle: A Sanctuary for Modern Seekers
To support the spiritual growth of dedicated seekers, I created the Vedic Study Circle, a sacred space where the purest teachings of our lineage are imparted to modern practitioners. Members of this circle, known as Sadasyas, are those who have committed themselves to exploring the depths of Vedic wisdom and Advaita philosophy.
As Sadasyas of the Sarayu Sampradaya, they undertake a transformative journey that mirrors the dedication of seekers from over 2,000 years ago. Here, I unfold the same education that has been passed down through the ages—the same sacred texts, the same concepts of Atma (the Self) and Paramatman (the Supreme Self), and the cultivation of Viveka (discernment) and Vairagya (dispassion) to guide the seeker from Asat (the unreal) to Sat (the real).
For those who love the path of Advaita Vedanta and seek to live a life aligned with the ultimate reality, the Vedic Study Circle offers a unique opportunity to immerse in these timeless teachings and discover how they can illuminate your spiritual path in today's world. Join us, and become part of a living tradition that continues to inspire and transform.