The following is reprinted by permission from the Sangha Shantivanam Oblate Newsletter, through Fr. Dorathick. This was sent to the community March 21, the 75th Anniversary of Saccidananda Ashram, India.
Dear friends, today in gratitude and reverence we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Saccidananda Ashram, a sacred sanctuary of peace, prayer, and divine encounter. This milestone is not merely a reflection of time passed but a testimony to the unceasing grace of God, the dedication of its founders, monks and the countless souls who have sought and found spiritual nourishment here. Saccidananda Ashram stands as a beacon of contemplative living, interfaith dialogue, and the harmony of diverse spiritual traditions rooted in the love of God.
The Vision and Founding of Saccidananda Ashram
To appreciate the significance of this occasion, we must journey back to the origins of the ashram. Founded in 1950 by Fr Jules Monchanin and Fr Henri Le Saux, Saccidananda Ashram was born out of a vision that sought to integrate the rich spiritual heritage of India with the profound Christian tradition.
The name itself—Saccidananda—draws from the Sanskrit words Sat (Being), Chit (Consciousness), and Ananda (Bliss), which beautifully resonate with our understanding of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This reflects the core mission of the ashram: to become a living testimony of God’s presence, where East meets West, and where seekers of truth find solace in divine wisdom. Firmly grounded in the teachings of Christ and church, the ashram reflects His love through silence, simplicity, and selfless service. It is a home for all seekers, where faith is deepened, hearts are transformed, and the Spirit of God is encountered in profound stillness. The mission of the ashram has never been about conversion but about communion - a journey of seeking God in silence, simplicity, and love. However, at times, this mission has been misinterpreted or misunderstood. Our path is one of deepening faith, not changing it. It is of recognizing God’s presence in all and fostering unity beyond divisions. We continue to walk this path with gratitude, welcoming all who seek truth, peace, and divine love.
For seventy-five years, this ashram has been a witness to the transformative power of contemplation. In a world that often moves at a restless pace, Saccidananda Ashram remains a place of silence, where the whisper of God is heard in stillness, and where the depths of the human soul encounter the mystery of divine love. Jesus Himself exemplified the importance of contemplation. Before every significant moment of His ministry, He withdrew to pray. His communion with the Father was the wellspring of His mission. In the same way, this ashram has nurtured countless hearts, drawing them into deeper intimacy with God through meditation, prayer, and reflection.
Yet, Saccidananda Ashram does not exist in isolation. Rather, it serves as a bridge between faith traditions, fostering a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect. The ashram reflects the words of Christ in John 17:21: "That they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us." By embracing the spiritual wealth of Hinduism, Buddhism, and other traditions, while remaining firmly rooted in Christ, the ashram embodies the universal call to unity and love.
Seventy-five years ago, the founders of Saccidananda Ashram could not have foreseen the world we live in today—a world marked by rapid technological advancements but also deep spiritual hunger. In our times, many are searching for meaning beyond material success. The ashram offers a sacred space for renewal, inviting individuals to step away from the distractions of modern life and immerse themselves in divine presence.
In our polarized world, where divisions arise from religious, cultural, and ideological differences, the ashram stands as a testament to the power of love and reconciliation. It reminds us that beyond theological debates and doctrinal differences, there is a universal longing for God. This is what the ashram nurtures—a common ground where all are invited to encounter the Divine.
This anniversary calls us to honour the past and contribute to Saccidananda Ashram's future. We are invited to become living extensions of its mission by cultivating contemplative prayer in our lives, embracing interfaith understanding, and practising the radical love of Christ. The spiritual heritage of this ashram extends beyond its physical space to all who have sought its wisdom. Whether we are laypersons, clergy, or seekers of truth, we are all called to be instruments of God’s peace, living witnesses of divine love.
As we give thanks for the past 75 years, we also look forward with hope and faith. May Saccidananda Ashram continue to be a place where souls are nourished, where the love of Christ shines brightly, and where the spirit of contemplation leads all to the eternal embrace of God.
Let us pray: Lord, we thank You for the gift of Saccidananda Ashram, for the vision of its founders, and for the countless lives transformed by its mission. May we, too, become seekers of truth, instruments of peace, and bearers of Your infinite love. Amen.
With hearts full of gratitude, we thank all our friends, benefactors, oblates, and well-wishers who have supported Saccidananda Ashram (Shantivanam) on its sacred journey of 75 years. Your love, prayers, and generosity have been a blessing, sustaining this spiritual home as a beacon of peace, unity, and divine presence.
As we celebrate this milestone, we lift you all in our prayers, asking that God’s grace, joy, and boundless love fill your lives. May you continue to walk in the light of truth and compassion, sharing in the deep peace that flows from the Eternal.
With heartfelt gratitude and prayers,
Shantivanam community
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