An interview with Dada J.P. Vaswani revered spiritual leader and guru

By Deborah Radloff

Swami Dada with Deb and Jim of Bite Size Yoga

When those of us in the yoga world think of Gurus, we think of the great yoga teachers: Satchidananda, T. Krishnamacharya, Dharma Mittra, B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and the list goes on. However spiritual teachers like Dada J.P. Vaswani, offer an insight to the other limbs of yoga that we westerners often ignore: spirituality and connecting to the lord. Dada J.P. Vaswani speaks universally to all religions. He believes love in God (whatever god that may be) is the most important thing, the rest is just detail.

We all know Swami Satchidananda from the yoga sutras. I met with Dada J.P. Vaswani (whose uncle, the revered Sadhu Vaswani, was dear friends with Swami Satchidananda). Dada has carried out the spiritual teachings of his uncle, and created centers in his honor all over the world. Meeting this young 91-year-old is looking into the face of pure happiness, or as Dada says, “happiness incarnate”.

Dada met with a crowd of yogis and spiritual devotees alike at Integral Yoga on Friday, May 15th to discuss and share his wisdom on spirituality, and finding ways to our own personal happiness.

Being a yoga instructor, and lover of yoga myself, I enjoyed what Dada had to say in response to how we westerners view yoga. Dada had this to say:

“There is an over-empasis on asana and pranayama. Patanjali’s Ashtanga yoga is an 8-limbed path. One limb leads to the other. When you have moved on to the next step, you do not need the one before.”

Dada brought joy to me when I saw him, and I know he is such a great inspiration to the many who love him and follow his teachings. He is humble and beautiful.  Here is what he had to say to some of my questions, and the questions of yogis around me:

Q: What is the quickest way to become enlightened?

Dada: The quickest way to become enlightened is to not worry about becoming enlightened.

Q: Is there any right age to start meditation?

Dada: In the womb. It’s the best place to meditate. If only we could re-create the circumstances!

Q: Our site is interested in promoting yoga as a way to laugh and enjoy each moment and to be light hearted. What brings you joy & laughter?

Dada: Being here, with all of you.

Q: It is often hard for us as people to deal with terrible happenings in our life. What should we do to help cope?

Dada: Change your perspective. This is Karma. Be happy, your load is lighter. With every bad action be grateful, it’s free laundry.

Q: If you could leave the westerners with one lesson, What would it be?

Dada: To this class- Be firm in your practice. To the rest of America: Slow down.

Dada added after this last question: “Except the althletes. I don’t want athletes to slow down their pace. Be still in the mind.”

Dada was a delight to behold. He spoke of Karma yoga ( the yoga of action), Raja Yoga (the yoga of wisdom), and Bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion). Dada has the most beautiful Bhakti yoga practice that I have ever seen.