His Holiness Sri Swami Madhavananda Ji who was also my spiritual master. He was ever so strict, but also very loving. He was very disciplined in the practices of Meditation & Hatha Yoga and daily he trained me as well. Until the last months of his life, he always included Khatu Pranam (a version of Surya Namaskar),  Sirshasan and 18 hours of meditation in his routine every day. I learned from him in the authentic tradition of master and disciple, and my beloved uncle, my master, taught me from the most ancient Yoga scriptures, which are the spiritual heritage of my mother country India.

I was only a young boy, but through the daily practice of yoga and meditation, I developed discipline, confidence, will-power and a firm concentration, not to mention great faith and love for God. Each day would begin early, around 4am with meditation and prayers, followed by practice of Asanas. These started with the most simple of postures then progressed to the more advanced. The rest of the day was filled with karma yoga until evening prayers, meditation and worship. By this stage I knew that I wanted to dedicate my entire life to Yoga and the service of God. I knew that the moment I met my uncle for the first time. He was so radiant, peaceful and noble. I wanted to be just like him.

After many years of intense practice in this way, under the constant surveillance of my master, he sent me to Europe in 1970, to inspire others in Yoga. My master believed that Yoga could heal the whole of mankind and bring peace and harmony to the world.

Excerpt from interview with H.H. Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda - founder of Yoga in Daily Life - April 2009

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