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Sometimes who you are speaks louder than what you say. This is the case with Swami Govindananda. The gentle tone of his voice, his warm manner and his sincerity during our telephone interview spoke volumes about him – matching his credentials as an exponent of Bhakti Yoga.

Originally, Swamiji is from Hawkes Bay. At a young age in 1975 he began practising Bhakti Yoga. After some years he found himself living with his guru – Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj – who surprised him by inviting him to study to become a swami.

Swamiji spent four years living closely with his guru in India absorbing as much of the spiritual life as he could. He saw his guru in many different lights as they travelled around India. They divided their time between Munger and foothills of the Himalayas (near Dehradun).

In 1989, his guru gave him the robes of a swami, named him Swami Govindananda and sent him home to New Zealand. He taught here for a year before being invited to Australia where he established the Bhakti Yoga Foundation in 1990.

Nowadays, Swamiji mostly visits the Indian community in New Zealand, but he also takes time to speak in yoga centres across the country. He is keen to talk about the origins of yoga and how hatha yoga can be augmented with traditional philosophical and spiritual knowledge. As a Kiwi he can present traditional Eastern knowledge in a way that is easy to assimilate.

His approach to spirituality is both liberal and traditional. He recognises the needs of modern people and doesn’t ask anyone to adopt rules, regulations or disciplines. He describes this approach as Raganuga Bhakti. He says that as one approaches the heart of spiritual practice directly, one’s behaviour and attitudes naturally begin to change. This is in contrast to Vaidhi Bhakti which moves towards the heart of spiritual practice by way of external rules and disciplines.

Swamiji is a devotee of Radha/Krishna, though he makes it clear that he has no association the Hare Krishnas that we see in the street. He suggests Radha/Krishna as a form to meditate on, but he says it is not essential and recognises the value of other forms. He explains with a quote from the Vedas, “God has uncountable names and uncountable forms.” He says that having a form to meditate on, and the sentiments that go with it, is the key – that is the essence of spiritual practice.

When talking with groups he also discusses Karma Yoga – which is about action, cause and effect, and consequences. He also speaks about Gyan Yoga – the consciousness aspect of spiritual life – and the power of the mind to create your character and destiny. His knowledge has its foundation in the traditional wisdom of India.

Swamiji approaches satsang with humour and is keen to answer any questions that may arise. He wants to help people find their own place in their spiritual journey.

Here at Ashram Yoga we are very happy to host Swamiji and we expect this satsang (and kirtan) to be a very enjoyable evening. We hope you will join us.