Swami Hari Har Das

 My Father, Swami Hari Har Das: A Life of Yoga and Spiritual Devotion

My father, Swami Hari Har Das, was a man whose life was entirely shaped by the ancient teachings of yoga. Born in Varanasi, India, one of the holiest cities in the world, his early life was immersed in spirituality, devotion, and learning. From a young age, he was drawn to the deeper aspects of existence, seeking a path that would help him understand the true nature of the self and the universe. His journey led him to the practice of yoga, a path that became his life’s calling.

He wasn’t just a practitioner of yoga; he lived and breathed it. Yoga, for him, was far more than a series of postures or breathing exercises—it was the essence of his being, the lens through which he understood the world, and the gift he wanted to share with others. His devotion to the teachings of yoga was unwavering, and his dedication to living a life of simplicity, humility, and compassion was a reflection of the depth of his practice.

The Early Years in India

In India, yoga is not merely a physical practice but a spiritual discipline that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Growing up in Varanasi, my father was surrounded by the sacred sounds of chanting, the rituals of puja, and the presence of wise teachers. He spent years studying under various gurus, learning not only the physical postures of Hatha Yoga but also the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings of Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.

My father’s early training was rigorous. He immersed himself in the study of Ayurveda, the ancient science of health and well-being, and Sanskrit scriptures, seeking to understand the deep connection between the body’s energy systems and the mind’s capacity for clarity and enlightenment. His yoga practice was rooted in sadhana—daily spiritual practice—which included meditation, pranayama (breath control), and long periods of silence and reflection. This discipline built a foundation of inner stillness that would carry him throughout his life.

The Path of Hatha Yoga

Though my father studied many branches of yoga, Hatha Yoga held a special place in his heart. Hatha Yoga, often considered the physical aspect of yoga, is much more than a system of postures. It’s a practice designed to bring harmony to the body’s energy channels, balance the mind, and prepare the practitioner for deeper states of meditation and spiritual realization.

For my father, Hatha Yoga was a way to purify the body and mind, to cultivate prana (life force), and to prepare oneself for the ultimate goal of yoga: union with the divine. He believed that through the discipline of asana (postures) and pranayama, one could unlock the potential for spiritual awakening.

His teaching was simple yet profound. He would often remind his students, “The body is a temple. Through yoga, we prepare this temple for higher consciousness.” His practice wasn’t about achieving the perfect pose or pushing the body to its limits; it was about using the body as a vehicle for inner transformation.

My father was meticulous in his approach, spending hours in seated meditation, holding poses for extended periods, and working deeply with the breath. He was a master of pranayama, understanding that controlling the breath could unlock vast reservoirs of energy and lead to heightened states of awareness. His favorite pranayama practice was Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, which he taught as a way to cleanse the nadis (energy channels) and balance the masculine and feminine energies within the body.

Yoga as a Path to Self-Realization

To my father, yoga wasn’t something you did on a mat for an hour each day—it was a way of life. His entire existence was a practice of yoga, whether he was meditating, teaching, or simply going about his daily activities. He saw every moment as an opportunity to practice mindfulness, kindness, and devotion.

He often spoke of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless service, as the most essential practice. He would say, “True yoga is about what you give, not what you take.” His own life was a testament to this. Whether he was tending to a student, offering healing through Ayurveda, or simply sitting in meditation, my father embodied the essence of selfless service. He saw each act as a way to express his devotion to the divine and his love for humanity.

His teaching of yoga went far beyond the physical. He taught his students about the chakras (the body’s energy centers), the koshas (layers of being), and the gunas (qualities of nature), helping them to understand how these elements influenced their lives. He encouraged his students to approach their practice with reverence, to be patient with their bodies, and to allow the deeper aspects of yoga to unfold naturally.

A Life Dedicated to Spiritual Evolution

As a swami, my father had taken vows of renunciation, dedicating his life to spiritual evolution and the service of others. He lived simply, often with only the clothes on his back, a few books, and his meditation cushion. His outward simplicity was a reflection of his inner freedom. He had let go of attachment to material things, recognizing that true happiness and peace could only be found within.

Yet, despite his ascetic lifestyle, my father was full of joy. He had a lightness about him that drew people in. His smile was contagious, and his laugh came easily. He taught me, and those around him, that yoga is not about escaping the world, but rather engaging with it from a place of clarity and compassion.

He often said, “Yoga is not a means to an end, it is the end itself—the union of the individual self with the universal self.” My father’s entire life was devoted to this pursuit of union, and his teachings reflected that deeper spiritual quest.

His Lasting Legacy

Swami Hari Har Das lived with a profound understanding of the world as interconnected. He saw every action, thought, and breath as a part of the divine dance. His dedication to yoga was not just about mastering the body; it was about opening the heart and quieting the mind to experience the eternal truth that lies beneath the surface of all things.

His legacy lives on through the teachings he passed down to his students, the Ayurvedic remedies he shared with those in need of healing, and the wisdom he imparted about living a life in harmony with nature, spirit, and self.

For me, his daughter, Swami Hari Har Das left behind a blueprint for living a life filled with purpose, humility, and grace. His teachings continue to guide me on my own path of yoga, as I strive to carry forward his wisdom in the modern world.

Though he is no longer with us in physical form, his spirit lives on in every breath I take, in every posture I hold, and in every moment of stillness I find within myself. My father’s life was a testament to the transformative power of yoga, and his presence continues to guide all who are touched by his teachings.

~Shanti Freedom Das