Himalayan monk brings ancient wisdom to Chicago this August
His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda, a Himalayan siddha monk and Sanskrit scholar of global repute, will visit the Chicago area this August to guide a series of spiritual events that bring together yogic breathwork, sacred music, and yogic philosophy.
Hosted by Self Enquiry Life Fellowship, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving Sanskrit heritage and Himalayan meditation traditions, the programs offer rare access to authentic teachings rooted in the rishi lineages of India and Tibet.
The Chicago visit begins on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale with a free public fellowship titled “Self-Empowerment Through Higher Yoga.”
In this evening discourse, Swami Vidyadhishananda will speak on the higher limbs of yoga that transcend physical postures and directly cultivate stillness of mind and clarity of purpose. The session will include chanting, a guided meditation, and a personal greeting line.
“The mind becomes truly empowered not through force, but through sublime repetition and stillness,” said Swami Vidyadhishananda. “Higher yoga is the art of quieting the inner noise to remember who we truly are.”
On the following weekend, Aug. 9-10, Swami Vidyadhishananda will lead a Weekend Himalayan Breathwork Intensive at the ISKCON Temple in Naperville.
This two-day immersive workshop will train participants in Sambhala Ujjāyī breath and a potent inner fire technique akin to Tibetan Tummo. These esoteric practices, taught in progressive stages, activate subtle energy centers, regulate the nervous system, and kindle meditative vitality. Each session includes hands-on guidance, printed resources, and an Ayurvedic vegetarian lunch.
This is one of the only opportunities in North America to study these techniques directly from a Himalayan master.
The series culminates on Saturday, Aug. 16, with a devotional musical fellowship celebrating Sri Krishna Janmashtami at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Aurora.
The program will be graced by the presence of Swami Vidyadhishananda and guest monk Swami Shivajyotishananda of Ajmer, Rajasthan. Accompanied by Carnatic vocalists Sowbhagya Rao and Rama Raghuram, the monks will share philosophical and historical insights from the Bhāgavatam while devotional compositions unfold in an interactive satsanga format. The program is open to the public with free registration.
“This is not just a series of events — it is a sacred offering to the Chicago spiritual community,” said Minakshi Acharya, a board member of Self Enquiry Life Fellowship. “Each gathering is an opportunity to sit in the presence of a living saint, experience Sanskrit-rooted teachings, and reconnect with one’s deeper purpose.”
Swami Vidyadhishananda is the founder of Self Enquiry Life Fellowship and has been recognized with the rare title of Mahāmahopādhyāya (DLitt et Phil) for his meditative interpretation of Sanskrit philosophy. He hails from unbroken lineages of rishi sages and nath yogis.
All events are open to the public. Workshop has a registration fee, while the Aug. 2 and 16 events are free. Full details and registration available at hansavedas.org/chicago.