Swami Sankarananda is a simple pilgrim, as well as a wise teacher who radiates peace, love and joy to all he encounters.

Not all that long ago, though, before he was a Swami (Hindu monastic), he was caught up in the madness of the world and the madness of the mind, living a largely self-centered and ultimately unsatisfying life. A life that collapsed when it dawned on him that he would never find happiness by living this way, and he fell into a suicidal depression that lasted several years.

Swami shares this incredible true story, explaining how the light of grace miraculously lifted him out of despair and into true freedom, happiness and love; a happiness and love that is not personal but is inclusive of all.

It is a story that takes us from the jet-setting life of the worldly and influential businessman to an ashram in India learning at the feet of awakened sages and saints to a coast-to-coast walking pilgrimage across the United States cultivating a deeply transformative faith.

It is an illuminating, inspiring and entertaining tale that Swami infuses with amusing anecdotes and insightful observations alongside deeply practical wisdom for how we too can go beyond the limited mind and into the limitless Self.

It is a saga that takes us from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light; finding in the end that the light has always been here, all along.

To contact Swami, or to learn more about him, his mission, and the retreats he offers, visit divinegraceyoga.org.

Swami is active on facebook at facebook.com/shankar.ananda.11, and you can explore his teachings on YouTube at youtube.com/user/ompeaceandlove.

The website for Inflections of the Mystic Message is at mysticalmessenger.com