The Philosopher's Tone
THE WEEK|June 25, 2017

A rare encounter with a revered teacher of Bihar Yoga in the birthplace of Socrates

Diya Mathew/Athens
The Philosopher's Tone

The town of Paiania, east of Athens, is believed to be the birthplace of the philosopher Socrates (469-399 BCE) and the orator Demosthenes (384-322 BCE). Today, little remains of the ancient town, but tourists still visit Paiania—a 30-minute drive from Athens—to see the famous Koutaki cave, which lies on the slopes of Mount Hymettos. Situated close by, is Satyanandashram Hellas, a residential yoga ashram established by Swami Sivamurti Saraswati in 1984.

The ashram’s imposing metal gates stand amidst dense, lush foliage, in brilliant shades of green, reflecting spring in all its glory. The blaring horns and thick smog of Athens are forgotten in the sounds of crickets and birds, and the sweet smell of lavender and pine. There is not a soul in sight and the stillness is intimidating. I press a bell; its shrill sound pierces the silence. A minute later, a peep window set within the gate opens, and a lady’s head pops out and says hello. I explain that I have an appointment with Sivamurti, and she instructs a guard to let me in. I’m then escorted to a patio, set in a small but beautifully manicured garden, and given a chair. As I observe my surroundings, a lady dressed in a simple orange robe approaches and introduces herself as Atmaja. She tells me that I’m extremely lucky to get an appointment with her guru, as she travels most of the time teaching courses, and had only arrived at the ashram the previous day.

A moment later, Sivamurti walks onto the patio, dressed in an orange robe and headgear, and wearing a radiant smile. She is tall, sprightly, and with luminous skin. After exchanging pleasantries, I ask how she, an Australian, came about setting up a yoga ashram in Greece.

This story is from the June 25, 2017 edition of THE WEEK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 25, 2017 edition of THE WEEK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE WEEKView All
Young And Restless...With The Power To Vote
THE WEEK India

Young And Restless...With The Power To Vote

Today's young voters are the first generation to live in partnership with their smartphones and to invest so much time and emotional energy in their virtual selves. They are also the first generation to have been politically socialised in the age of full-throttle hindutva. THE WEEK looks at the themes and forces shaping the politics of young people as India heads to the general election

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 31, 2024
WHAT IS YOUR SLEEP PATTERN?
THE WEEK India

WHAT IS YOUR SLEEP PATTERN?

YOUR SLEEP PATTERN may influence your risk of chronic diseases.

time-read
1 min  |
April 07, 2024
VISION PROBLEMS MAY BE AN EARLY SIGN OF ALZHEIMER'S
THE WEEK India

VISION PROBLEMS MAY BE AN EARLY SIGN OF ALZHEIMER'S

ACCORDING TO A US STUDY published in The Lancet Neurology, a rare eye condition known as posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) could be the first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease in 10 per cent of patients.

time-read
1 min  |
April 07, 2024
ANNUAL BREAST CANCER SCREENING BEGINNING AT 40 SAVES LIVES
THE WEEK India

ANNUAL BREAST CANCER SCREENING BEGINNING AT 40 SAVES LIVES

ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS to screen for breast cancer beginning at age 40 and continuing to at least 79 has the highest reduction in mortality with minimal risks, according to a US study published in the journal Radiology.

time-read
1 min  |
April 07, 2024
SWEETENED DRINKS MAY INCREASE RISK OF AFib
THE WEEK India

SWEETENED DRINKS MAY INCREASE RISK OF AFib

REGULARLY CONSUMING SUGARY or artificially sweetened beverages can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.

time-read
1 min  |
April 07, 2024
MOST EFFECTIVE EXERCISES TO TREAT DEPRESSION
THE WEEK India

MOST EFFECTIVE EXERCISES TO TREAT DEPRESSION

A STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE BMJ says walking, jogging, yoga, strength training and dancing are the most effective exercises to treat depression, especially when intense.

time-read
1 min  |
April 07, 2024
LYING TO YOUR KIDS MAY MAKE THEM LIARS
THE WEEK India

LYING TO YOUR KIDS MAY MAKE THEM LIARS

KIDS WHOSE PARENTS LIE to them are more likely to lie to their parents, even if parents tell only innocent white lies, according to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology.

time-read
1 min  |
April 07, 2024
BAD AIR DAZE
THE WEEK India

BAD AIR DAZE

AIR POLLUTION'S EFFECTS GO BEYOND THE LUNGS, IMPACTING FERTILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH, BESIDES YOUR EYES AND SKIN

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 07, 2024
Women and the big C
THE WEEK India

Women and the big C

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in India. Here, we bust common myths, and outline diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies

time-read
10 mins  |
April 07, 2024
Make genome the norm
THE WEEK India

Make genome the norm

For India to meet its target of TB eradication by 2025, it will have to make rapid strides in using whole genome sequencing to its full potential

time-read
7 mins  |
April 07, 2024