Sri M - spiritual guide, social reformer and educationist – was born into a Muslim family on November 6, 1949 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. His transformational journey, from a young boy to a living yogi, is a fascinating story symbolized by single-minded discipline and dedication. Entranced by mystical stories of Sufi saints and a brief encounter with a numinous Swami at a relatively young age, he was not only drawn to the ‘truth’ but also the compelling landscape of the snow-clad Himalayas. At the age of nine, his spiritual transformation was initiated by his future Master, Babaji (also known as Maheshwarnath Babaji), who miraculously appeared under a jackfruit tree in the compound of his house in Thiruvananthapuram. Though only fleeting, this meeting definitively set the stage for their future reunion in the Himalayas at Sri M’s age of nineteen. The next three and half years, he lived and travelled extensively through the Himalayas with his Master. Maheshwarnath Babaji guided him right through his initiation, his Kundalini awakening, the grueling journey to Tholingmutt and, the eventual meeting with the Grand Master, Sri Guru Babaji also known as Sri Mahavatar Babaji. A few years after his Master passed away, he received the spiritual go-ahead to commence his mission. In 1998, he started his teachings, eventually leading to formation of the Satsang Foundation. In response to a query on the spiritual progress of a person and the path to that evolution, he responds, “Though, my parampara is kriya yoga, I don’t think it suits all aspirants. I propound satsang even between two people. It cuts across barriers of caste and creed. Spiritual evolution is not diverse from regular living. Intervals of solitude are necessary but you cannot shut yourself totally. The world around you is your touchstone to spiritual practice.” Conversant with teachings of most major religions, Sri M says: “Go to the core. Theories are of no use.” His message seeks to transcend the outer-shell of all religions, by exploring their mystical core to nurture the innate goodness in every human being. Website: satsang-foundation.org Books: Journey Continues: A Sequel To Apprenticed To A Himalayan Master Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi's Autobiography Wisdom of the Rishis: The Three Upanishads: Ishavasya, Kena & Mandukya Jewel in the Lotus: Deeper Aspects of Hinduism The Little Guide To Greater Glory And A Happier Life First Batgap interview with Sri M. Discussion of this in interview in the BatGap Community Facebook group. Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 7/30/2017 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:04:47 - The Beginning of the Journey with Babaji 00:09:25 - Continual Growth and Evolution 00:13:22 - Possibility of Evolved Beings on Other Planets 00:17:44 - The Importance of Having a Guru 00:21:31 - The Significance of Initiation 00:26:21 - Recalling Past Lives 00:30:48 - From Krishna to the Life of a Prostitute 00:35:05 - A Touching Experience with Nisargadatta Maharaj 00:39:39 - Spiritual Integrity in a World of Lies and Deceit 00:43:43 - Meditating in College 00:48:16 - The Importance of Siddhis in Spiritual Growth 00:53:10 - Mind over Physical Phenomenon 00:56:59 - The Slap from Nityananda of Ganeshpuri 01:01:45 - Extraordinary Capacities and Divine Association 01:06:00 - Free will and the capacity for change 01:10:00 - Exploring Deeper Consciousness 01:14:37 - The Shadow of the Bodhisattva 01:18:57 - The Power of Spiritual Armor 01:23:12 - Grounding and balancing spiritual experiences 01:27:15 - The Possibility of Astral Projection 01:31:25 - Spiritual Experiences and Extraterrestrial Encounters 01:35:28 - The Hidden Secrets of the Natural Rock Formation 01:39:37 - The Importance of Physical Health in Spiritual Practice 01:44:11 - The Power of Chanting Aum