A Satyanarayana Shastri

A Satyanarayana Shastri (June 2, 1925 – January 14, 2004) was an Indian philosopher. After completing his BSc in 1943 and MSc, he served as a lecturer and then a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Vijaya College for 18 years. He later contributed to Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, becoming the Chief Adviser for the Deemed University Vivekananda Yoga Mahavidyapeetham of VYTASA. He also presided over Advaita Samsodhana Pratisthana, chaired by Sri Arun Kumar. Shastri's philosophical work centered on the Upanishads and Sadhana, with a particular interest in the concept of Dharma. He was recognized as a dedicated 'sadhak' and believed to have turned to spirituality to find solutions for his own tensions and anxieties. His teachings, particularly his popular exposition of Yoga Vasistha, often incorporated practical examples from contemporary life. His lectures emphasized the message of the Upanishads and Sadhana, focusing on the concept of Dharma through Sukha Duhkha Pariksa. He famously stated that 'Sukha is silence and deeper the prasamana, greater the happiness. Slowing of thoughts and expansion of mind are the key components of all yoga sadhana.' Shastri passed away on January 14, 2004, in Bangalore, survived by his wife and seven children.