Vethathiri Maharishi – The Founder of Simplified Kundalini Yoga
Vethathiri Maharishi was a Tamil spiritual leader, yoga master, philosopher, and social reformer who founded the World Community Service Centre (WCSC) and developed Simplified Kundalini Yoga (SKY).
1. Early Life & Background
- Birth: Born in 1911 in Guduvancheri, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Family: Came from a humble weaver background; faced poverty and dropped out of school early.
- Career: Worked in various roles including clerical jobs and established a textile business with profit-sharing for over 2,000 employees.
2. Spiritual Journey & Awakening
- From a young age, questioned the nature of God and human suffering.
- Studied Siddha, Ayurveda, and Homeopathy, earning formal qualifications in alternative medicine.
- At around age 35, achieved spiritual enlightenment through intense meditation and self-inquiry.
3. Foundation & Global Service
- Founded the World Community Service Centre (WCSC) in 1958 to promote peace through individual transformation.
- Established the Temple of Consciousness and the Yoga & Kaya Kalpa Research Foundation near Coimbatore.
- Created the system of Simplified Kundalini Yoga (SKY) – practical yoga and meditation for daily life.
4. Writings & Teachings
- Authored books such as World Peace, Blueprint for World Peace, and History of Transformation of God (Tamil).
- Promoted rational spirituality, scientific temper, and harmony between body, mind, and soul.
- Delivered lectures in India, USA, Korea, and other countries.
5. Philosophy & Legacy
- Advocated self-realization without renouncing worldly life.
- Emphasized peace, simplicity, vegetarianism, moral living, and universal brotherhood.
- Founded thousands of SKY Yoga centers worldwide.
6. Passing & Remembrance
- Passed away on 28 March 2006 in Coimbatore at the age of 95.
- His body is preserved at WCSC headquarters in Pollachi.
- His teachings continue through yoga centers, spiritual texts, and global followers.
Summary
Vethathiri Maharishi remains a timeless spiritual visionary who brought together science, spirituality, and service. Through SKY Yoga and WCSC, his mission of world peace and inner transformation continues to inspire thousands globally.