I have always felt that what is human is above the power of money or of desires and that it sometimes hampers love and our capacity to feel and help (give something valuable and useful) to others. I felt and continue to feel that I can develop in a thousand ways more and that the guide is within me (which means that I have to learn to connect with that part of myself that guides me). I only need an external guide to develop my humanity in a natural way (a guide who helps me find this connection), a path that must have been studied by someone. I was in the middle of this search when I decided to take the “Friends of Humanity” training in 2007. It could not have a better title: friend of all humanity, without distinction, without judging who is good or who is bad—that is God’s decision. All I have to do is to reconnect with Him, to receive His guidance; may He guide me in what I cannot see.
During this training I got a clear idea of what the spiritual world means. It was a class on life itself involving the sacred scriptures as well as nutrition and a series of activities and situations to learn where and how we can apply this knowledge. This dimension is apparently simple; I think the maximum value is in applying it.
It is definitively an extraordinary gift for your most beloved ones and for others too. It is a tool that helps every person to have the opportunity of being a little more human, more oneself, closer to this world of pure and divine energy.

Sebastián Echecopar Natteri – Lima, Perú

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To have the possibility of sharing seven days with Swamiji was an enormous blessing because I was able to verify his enormous integrity in each of his actions. It was also beautiful to connect with people from so many countries and look at each other from the heart, knowing that together we are always in the same current, flowing towards the same divine goal. The teachings I received are something that I do not lose and that help me at all times in my daily life, be it in the calmness at the moment of practicing yoga as well as in the bustling about of responsibilities in the city. Marvelous!

Manuel Tonnelier – Buenos Aires, Argentina

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I cannot find words to thank Swamiji for the invitation to participate in the “Friends of Humanity” training, level 1 in Peru in 2007.  The course exceeded all my expectations.  Not only was it impressive to sample Swamiji’s vast knowledge on the Scriptures, yoga and ayurveda and communications, but also to experience the total coherence between the way he lives and is—loving, joyful, kindhearted and generous—with what he teaches. Additionally it was very special to get to know and share with kriyavans from all of Latin America and the United States.

Carmen E. Ortega – Bogota, Colombia

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I had the blessing of attending the Friends of Humanity Training in Miami in July, 2007.  When I first heard about the various subjects our beloved Swamiji would cover I was very much motivated to attend; but I was even more awed when on the first day of the retreat I became aware of the depth and enormous magnitude of what I was about to receive.  The truth is that in these five days I received teachings that I had never had the opportunity to listen to or read anywhere before.  It was extraordinarily full of information and I think it covered EVERYTHING a Kriyavan needs to know. These bases were very profound and truly show the path to follow.  Swamiji demonstrated all his wisdom, his marvelous sense of humor and above all his great love.   This certainly made days go by so nicely! So beautiful!  I was personally filled with strength. It was healing for me. It was an opportunity to heal my heart, body and spirit. 
My Divine Swamiji, I hope to have the joy of attending another marvelous retreat and practice much more to advance on the path!

Amanda Castelblanco – Miami, USA

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This “Friends of Humanity” training in 2008 was a transformative experience with a lot of knowldege. We learned how to lead a life that is “calmly active and actively calm” through yoga, ayurveda, communication and dehypnotization of the mind, entering into silence and opening the heart to a different reality in which we can also help others.

It was beautiful to share all of this with kriyavans from Latin America and the United States. I deeply thank Swamiji for sharing his love, joy and knowledge in this way.

María José Yaipen Llanos – Lima, Peru

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From the moment I heard that Swamiji was organizing the “Friends of Humanity” training in Peru in 2007, something very deep in me wanted to be there. By the grace of Baba I made it, and these were seven marvelous and unforgettable days that left a profound impression in me. I am infinitely grateful to Swamiji for his teachings, his love and infinite patience.

I am especially grateful to Swamiji in this first training for two things: 1) to have transmitted the marvelous knowledge of the metaphorical interpretation of the scriptures by the lineage of the Gurus—that hidden treasure chest only waiting to be discovered, and 2) for having given me the opportunity to know for the first time someone so sincere and truthful who really lives what he says and says what he lives.

Dani Rabanal – Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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To have said ‘yes’ to Swamito’s invitation to participate in his “Friends of Humanity” training Level 1 and 2 was the best decision of my life. The wealth of Swamitoji’s knowledge, discipline, dedication, recreation, devotion, surprises and meditations is highly valuable. His preparation and connection with the divine is like a compass that always points to the right direction.
Do participate in this training and grow, led by the hand like a child who walks with his parents. God Himself will give you His hand! Do not hesitate.
With deepest reverence and gratitude to Swamitoji.
Many thanks.

Patricia Moral de B - Peru

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Magic Peru

I do not know if after the Training I can consider myself a better Friend of Humanity, but I am definitively someone most grateful to life, because I had not received something so beautiful in a long time. 

To start with, travelling to Peru in 2008 did not seem feasible because my pockets were literally empty; however, my motivation was to start a new year which had been without expectations up to then, and turn it into a magic adventure. “Dear God, altruism is not my best quality, and I so wish to go to Lima, for our good and the good of humanity!” This was my daily prayer.  One thing led to another, and finally the day came when I sat in a Taca plane, with my eyes wide open, because I could not believe it. I felt a sensation of astonishment which I had not felt since I was a child. 

Each day of the training was an intensive experience of reflection and learning about ayurveda, Sanskrit, yoga, the Holy Scriptures, and communication.  It was an incredible opportunity to meditate every day all together in the presence of Swamiji, of listening to all my classmates, of sharing food, dreams, walks and play, all of this as one family.   

And as if this was not enough, the gift did not end here. Afterwards I was able to travel to La Paz, to see the immensity of Lake Titicaca, the Island of the Sun and the Uros, to travel onward to Cusco, to learn about the silence of Machu Picchu, to travel the lands of my ancestors, and to be able to meditate again in Lima with Swamiji and attend his concert and all.  When I came back it seemed that a long time had passed, whereas in fact it had been only three weeks.  I returned to Colombia with Swamiji’s blessings, looking differently at things I already knew.  God blessed me to have arrived with a baby as beautiful as the sun and as lovely as the moon, and with a courageous route companion.

Do not miss this magic experience, it is highly recommendable.

Undoubtedly!

Sandra Calvachi

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Beyond the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience, what touched me deeply in the “Friends of Humanity” training and in the “Island of the Sun” retreat in 2008 was the camaraderie shared with the “brother disciples”, as we call each other affectionately. People who are so different and at the same time so loving and special in their life. I could see myself in each one of them as in a mirror, with all my qualities and limitations. Friends of the Humanity, Friends for eternity… But more important than everything else was the blessing to be able to meditate with Swamiji Sarveshwarananda, whose divine presence is permeated by the energy of Baba Hariharananda and the lineage of masters of Kriya Yoga, and which evolve us at every moment. Deeply inspiring… It would be impossible not to comment also on the beauty of the beaches of Peru, and especially the paradisiacal blue immensity of Lake Titicaca which, combined with the strong and illuminating sunlight, created the perfect background for a winter retreat with the master. -

Andréa Da Costa Aita - Brasilia, Brazil

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Aura Helena Prada G Lima - 2008

The year 2008 was full of contrasts in my life; very beautiful situations at work and on a spiritual level, and really painful difficulties at the family level. But now, when I look back – and thank God the bad times are over – those marvelous days in Peru shine brilliantly, where Kriya Yoga perfected my process. When I think of those days of simplicity and study my heart fills up with joy!! It is strange, that since I came back home in October, I am looking forward to what the training of this year will be like!! And that week shines again, this time in the future! The Sanskrit classes, the interpretation of the scriptures, the daily experience at the dining table, Swamiji’s love and endless source of knowledge, the open hearts of my classmates craving for knowledge and for God… were one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, even during those moments of intense pain. Today, I can only be but grateful for these blessings. I pray to God that He allows me this blessed chance again this year and that more and more people in search of Truth have the opportunity to feel so close to Him and bow to His feet with so much love, even if only for a few days.

Aura Helena Prada G. – Bogota, Colombia

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My experience as a participant of the “Friends of Humanity” training Level 1 in Lima, Peru, in 2008 was enriched by a number of personal experiences that increased tremendously my knowledge and feelings of what the science of Kriya Yoga is.
It all started with a cultural exchange with people from different countries, all related through their practice of Kriya Yoga. The initial reciprocity of feelings and experiences in the practice of Kriya gave me a sense of security and confidence in my path through life, as guided by the teachings of Baba Hariharananda.
The seminar guided by Swamiji was the greatest blessing that I received. At all times, his words illumined with love all the different subjects which constitute the basis of Kriya Yoga. The course had fundamental subjects for understanding Hindu culture and Eastern philosophy, which helped me enrich my knowledge of the classical scriptures of that culture, greatly aided by the classes on Sanskrit which gave me even more sense. The deep knowledge of nutrition through Ayurveda taught me the respect that I should give to my own body and explained the close relationship between body and soul. Communication as a fundamental tool in inter-relationship between human beings was also dealt with in subtle ways and was given the crucial importance it deserves.
All of this was inter-related with the practice of Kriya Yoga, to delve deeper in the life and legacy of Baba Hariharananda. Day by day, each subject enriched our path and I gradually discovered that every subject was part of a whole, of an inseparable union, a universe full of love.
I am grateful of having been able to have this experience and I wish to continue practicing it throughout my life. Thank you Baba for so much love, which I did not feel I deserved.

Aurelio Cáceres A. – Lima, Perú

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To have said ‘yes’ to Swamito’s invitation to participate in his “Friends of Humanity” training Level 1 and 2 was the best decision of my life. The wealth of Swamitoji’s knowledge, discipline, dedication, recreation, devotion, surprises and meditations is highly valuable. His preparation and connection with the divine is like a compass that always points to the right direction.
Do participate in this training and grow, led by the hand like a child who walks with his parents. God Himself will give you His hand! Do not hesitate.
With deepest reverence and gratitude to Swamitoji.
Many thanks.

Patricia Moral de B - Peru