Pandit Ananta (Dan Richey) born 26 March 1951 in Minnesota, harboured the ambitions to become a Catholic monk in his teen years. Then at the age of 20 he joined Swami Veda Bharati’s (then Dr. Usharbudh Arya’s) Ashram at the Meditation Center, Minneapolis.
Then there was no turning back. Later he spent many years under our Gurudeva Swami Rama at Honesdale, training, serving, teaching. For the past 36 years he has done nothing but
serve the mission of his teacher (Swami Veda Bharati) and Guru (Swami Rama).
One of the few select teachers of meditation, an exceptionally effective retreat guide, the spiritual presence at the Meditation Center since 1990, he has been traveling and teaching internationally for the past six years, teaching as far away as Europe, China, Hong Kong, Korea, and numerous other places. In addition, he has been a much appreciated presence as an advanced teacher at Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam in Swami Veda’s new Ashram in Rishikesh.
Pandit Ananta’s selfless service is well known. He labours silently, sometimes without sleeping or eating for days on end when the work for the Guru so demands—and no one knows that he has not slept or eaten.
A man of few words when he is articulate, and no words when he is not so articulate, silence has been his inspiring—and to some irritating—hallmark.
Right in the middle of the deliberations and celebrations going on at the SRSG Ashram, Pandit Ananta will be locked up in Swami Veda’s sacred fire hut at Swami Rama Ashram on 14th February and will emerge to take his vows on 16th morning, the year’s sacred day, Shivaratri (the night of Shiva). His three beloved children have given their consent to this elevation and will be present.
Also another Ashram resident, Vanaprasthi Satya Narayan will take his Swami vows.
A number of others will take preliminary vows (being conferred yellow shawls) at the same time.
Friends everywhere, be prepared to welcome a new Swami of our Tradition as he travels.
Welcome to the saffron community, Ananta!
Rishikesh, India – 22 January 2007