Birth Name: Robert Hansen
Born: January 5, 1927, Oakland, California, USA
Died: November 12, 2001, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Spiritual Lineage: Nandinatha Sampradaya, Kailasa Parampara
Founder of: Himalayan Academy, Hinduism Today magazine, Kauai’s Hindu Monastery (Kadavul Temple)

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Born as Robert Hansen in Oakland, California, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami showed early signs of spiritual sensitivity and deep introspection. He studied classical Western dance and later became a professional dancer and choreographer in San Francisco. However, a strong inner calling drew him toward the study of yoga, meditation, and Hindu philosophy.

In his early twenties, he embarked on a pilgrimage to India and Sri Lanka to seek a spiritual guru. During this journey, he met Siva Yogaswami of Jaffna (Sri Lanka)—a renowned sage and mystic—who recognized in him a deep spiritual maturity. Yogaswami initiated him into the ancient Nandinatha Kailasa lineage and gave him the name Subramuniya, meaning “he who is silent in the inner self”.

Establishment of the Monastic Order
After returning to the United States, Subramuniyaswami began teaching yoga and meditation, attracting many Western seekers. In 1957, he founded the Saiva Siddhanta Church in Hawaii and later established Kauai Aadheenam (Kauai’s Hindu Monastery), which became the spiritual headquarters of his global mission.

He took the formal title Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami upon his assumption of the role of guru within his monastic order, guiding monks and householders along the path of Saiva Siddhanta—a philosophical school emphasizing devotion to Lord Siva, self-discipline, meditation, and service.

Teachings and Philosophy
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s teachings centered on the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition, emphasizing:
Meditation and Self-Realization: Attaining direct experience of the Divine through disciplined meditation.
Karma and Dharma: Understanding one’s actions and duties as part of the soul’s evolution.
Gurudeva’s Fourfold Path: Chariya (service), Kriya (worship), Yoga (meditation), and Jnana (wisdom).
Unity of All Faiths: He encouraged harmony among all Hindu sects and respect toward other religions.
He is also credited with establishing a clear and practical framework for Hinduism in the modern world, especially for non-Indian and diaspora communities.

Publications and Literary Work
He was a prolific author and visionary publisher. His major works include:
“Dancing with Siva” – Hinduism’s contemporary catechism
“Living with Siva” – Hinduism’s contemporary culture
“Merging with Siva” – Hinduism’s contemporary metaphysics
(collectively known as The Master Course Trilogy)
“How to Become a Hindu” – A practical guide for Western seekers
“Lemurian Scrolls” – A mystical scripture revealed through deep meditation

He also founded the acclaimed international magazine “Hinduism Today”, which continues to serve as a respected global voice for the Hindu community.

Legacy
Sivaya Subramuniyaswami was instrumental in reviving Hindu identity among diaspora Hindus—especially in North America—and promoting Hindu solidarity worldwide. He successfully combined ancient Saiva disciplines with modern communication and organization.

His monastery in Kauai remains a vibrant center for Hindu spirituality and publishing, continuing his vision through his successor, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami.

Passing and Continuing Mission
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami attained mahasamadhi (conscious departure from the body) on November 12, 2001, after declaring that his life’s mission was complete. His monks continue to uphold his teachings through Himalayan Academy Publications, Hinduism Today, and the preservation of Kauai Aadheenam as a sacred space for meditation and devotion.

In Essence
“Life is meant to be lived joyously. The purpose of life is to realize the Self within.”
— Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami