Vethathiri

Shri Vethathiri Maharishi (August 14 1911 - March 28 2006) founded the World Community Service Center, in 1958 with the aim of bringing peace in the society through peace within the individual.

Biography
Shri Vethathiri was born in 1911 into a weaver's family in Guduvancheri, a village located 30 km south of Chennai, South India. From his youth he was driven by the desire for knowledge and in particular strove to find answers to three questions: "What is God?" "What is life?" and "Why is there poverty in the world?". The search to find these answers as well as the necessity to further his lot in life lead him into various fields of endeavor, including becoming a qualified practitioner of two systems of Indian indigenous medicine, namely Ayurveda and Siddha, and certified in homeopathy as well. Enlightened through several years of intense meditation and introspection, he has written over 2000 poems on topics such as the origin and functions of the cosmos, as well as on all aspects of human life. After his own realization of Truth he dedicated the rest of his lifetime to serving humanity. Through his speeches and writings he conveyed his understanding of the One Supreme Power, its transformation into universe, the evolution of living beings and his vision of world peace based on one world government.

He wrote over 70 books in Tamil and English. In his book entitled World Peace, written in 1957, he reviewed the condition of humanity, identified the problems affecting humankind and delineated a comprehensive plan for bringing about total transformation in society so as to achieve peace and prosperity for all. He has given a system of simple physical exercises for health maintenance, and a meditation technique called "simplified kundalini yoga". He has researched the ancient teachings regarding 'kaya kalpa' (techniques that can promote longevity and sublimate sexual energy to spiritual energy) and synthesized a simple practice that has been widely taught in South India. His teachings and practices are relevant irrespective of class, creed, gender. He has introduced introspection techniques for self-correction of mistakes, such as "neutralisation of anger","moralisation of desire" and "analysis of thought". All his teachings are rational and have a logical consistence; there is no superstition or belief system based on faith.

From 1972 to 1993, he travelled abroad annually lecturing and teaching extensively in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States. His teaching comprises an integrated system of simple daily exercises, meditation, introspection and his philosophy of pantheistic monism. Several universities in India have made Maharishi's philosophy a part of their course curriculum. By unification of science and philosophy Shri Vethathiri made significant contribution to contemporary philosophy, science and literature. Several doctoral theses have been based on Vethathiri Maharishi's philosophy.

On March 28th 2006, nearing the completion of his 95th year, Shri Vethathiri Maharishi attained samadhi.

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