Integral Yoga Podcast: Mataji

In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, senior Integral Yoga monk Swami Gurucharanananda (Mataji) shares insights into her life journey and spiritual path, first as a Catholic nun and later meeting her Guru, Swami Satchidananda. Born in Washington DC on April Fool’s Day, she considers her birth a blessing. Reflecting on her childhood, Mataji recalls her cheerful disposition and love for quiet introspection and learning. She discusses her upbringing in a household that valued curiosity, art, and science.

In this discussion with host Avi Gordon (director of the Integral Yoga Teachers Association) Mataji also delves into her spiritual journey, influenced by encounters with Swami Satchidananda and her Catholic background. Throughout the conversation, Mataji emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and cultivating love and understanding in a rapidly changing world. She lives at Yogaville and serves on the Sannyas Board. Mataji is a guided meditation leader and Hatha Yoga teacher, an inspiring speaker, Integral Yoga® mentor, and private retreat guide. She loves to offer pujas (worship service), read Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidananda’s teachings at lunch, and play the violin as a wake-up call in the dorms! In 2014 she was awarded the Swami Satchidananda Lifetime Service Award.