What led you towards becoming a Swami?
It was God's plan. I was too young to have made any sort of a rational decision. I was touched by the Divine Hand at the age of 8 and that is when I knew that this was the path for me. I have never looked back.

What was your family's reaction?
They were very supportive and they felt very blessed. My nickname at home when I was a young child was "Sant", meaning "Saint". They all knew that something was different about me from the beginning, so no one was surprised.

How did you acquire the nickname, Muniji?
A "muni" is one who observes great periods of silence and performs arduous tapasya. My near decade in the forest and jungles was full of divine austerities and years of silence. Even today I observe 14 out of 24 hours a day in silence. There are so many "Swamiji"s, that one always is looking for a way to distinguish, "which Swamiji" so people began using Muniji as a way to distinguish. I don't use the name very much now any more. Now people mostly use Swami Chidanandji.

What, in your opinion, is the most important teaching of Hinduism?
To love all and respect all. To heal all and hurt none. To give and give and give. The 10 commandments of Hinduism are the 10 yamas and niyamas of Patanjali's yoga sutras. The first is ahimsa. Ahimsa is the foundation upon which our entire spiritual practice - from asana to Samadhi - is based.

Having travelled significantly outside of India, what are your thoughts on Western society?
I love the West because the people are so straightforward. If they do not believe what you are saying or if they are not inclined toward spirituality, they will say it. They will not take part in programs or activities that they do not feel "called" toward. So, if they are there, if they are sitting in front of you listening, if there are tears in their eyes, you know it is 100% for real. They will not sit there, close their eyes beatifically and nod their heads pretending to be in perfect sync with you while making grocery lists in their heads. So, I love that part of the West - how straightforward and transparent most of them are, particularly those on a spiritual path. However, the focus in Western society is off. The priorities are off. They are too focused on external fulfillment - money, appearances, possessions, etc. They do not, in general, devote enough time to spiritual pursuits. However, this is changing more and more. I am seeing more and more Westerners who have seen it all and now realize "Bahoot hogaya" and are turning deeply and fully to spirituality.

What do you feel about the direction that modern-India is travelling in?
In some ways it is wonderful. Technologically and scientifically India is on a great path. India is showing the world truly how brilliant the Indian mind is. If you look at NASA, at Silicon Valley major companies, at Fortune 500 companies, you will see more and more Indian names each year. Yet, as our attention shifts more and more external, Indians tend to forget the internal. I can see a trend also of moving away from one's culture, away from spirituality, away from one's roots which I feel is tragic. However, I have faith that it will not last for long. Those who have turned away will come back, full circle. They will realize that unless they stay anchored deeply and strongly to their roots, heritage, culture and spirituality, all of the external success will not bring true happiness, joy or peace.

In your opinion, can a person who is not a Hindu by birth become a Hindu?
It is not a question of becoming Hindu. It is a question of becoming good people. I have so many people of other religions come to me for guidance and I never tell them "Become Hindu." Rather, I always try to help them find the way, within their own tradition, to find peace and spirituality. Hindu rites, rituals and teachings can benefit all. They are universal and for all. One does not have to convert to Hinduism to be benefited. However, occasionally there will be someone who really, deeply and strongly feels called to convert. In that case, there is a certain puja which can be performed, but I feel that - except in certain rare cases - it is really not necessary.

Recently, a white American was fined for entering the Jagannath Temple in Orissa. Do you think this is over the top and unfair on outsiders who wish to learn more about Hindu spirituality?
I am against discrimination of all kinds - discrimination against women, discrimination against lower castes and discrimination against foreigners. I believe that God is for everyone and that He is just as happy to see a Dalit, a lady and an American enter His abode as an Indian, male Brahmin. As long as we allow ourselves to be divided by borders and boundaries we will never be able to take the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to the world. How can we say "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - You are my family, but you're not allowed in my temple?

Has the Hinduism Encyclopaedia come near to completion ? Can you elaborate on the project?
By the grace of God, the project is nearing completion. We are signing a publishing contract with a very large, prestigious, academic publishing house based in Europe. It is a wonderful step for us and we are very optimistic.

Swamiji a world campaign is being started here in the West to save the Ram sethu ? Do you back such a campaign and what are your views on this?

I think it is very important to preserve this, both as a religious monument and as a historical landmark. At 1.7 million years old it is probably one of the oldest still-existing structures in the world today. Even without its deep spiritual significance, it is a major historical site. Further, given that the scientists agree it was built 1.7 millions of years ago, it is also an archeological miracle that it still exists. As a religious and spiritual monument is sacred. Lord Rama's feet walked across that bridge to dispel the darkness of evil with the light of divinity. Also, it is great evidence of the ancientness of Hindu culture and tradition. We definitely must preserve it.

With the current dangers of Global warming and other dangers to the environment Would you say that Hinduism may have the solutions to how man and and his environment can live in harmony?
Hinduism has, not only the solution, but also the prevention!! If Hindu tenets were followed the current environmental situation would not exist. Our scriptures speak about the sacredness of the rivers, the mountains, the plants, the oceans. We bow to the tulsi plant before plucking her leaves. We perform worship ceremonies on the banks of rivers. If these sanctions were truly taken to heart by Hindus and others, we would not have reached the dire situation we now find ourselves in.

However, in terms of solutions, yes we also have solutions. Protection of the environment is called for in our scriptures. We pray "may there be peace to the heavens, peace to the atmosphere, peace to the Earth, peace to the plants, peace to the animals, to the water, peace to all beings."

Also, if we look again at our number one commandment - ahimsa - that, in and of itself could save our environment. If we truly become non-violent in our actions and our habits (both those we directly perform and those which we support others performing through our consumer choices) the environment could be preserved. Being a vegetarian (the epitome of non-violence) is actually the greatest thing any person who cares about the environment can do. The amount of carbon dioxide your car releases into the atmosphere in nearly a month of driving is the same amount released by the production of one hamburger! The amount of water you use in two months of bathing is the same amount that goes into the production of one serving of chicken! The fish farming industry is literally destroying our oceans. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that if we take even one aspect of Hinduism - ahimsa - and implement it truly and thoroughly, we will make a huge, positive impact.

Have you got any special message for Hindu youth who may be reading this interview?
Never give up. You CAN do it all. You CAN be successful and also spiritual, professional and also pious, courageous and also compassionate. You do not have to forsake your rich, beautiful, ancient tradition in order to succeed and thrive in the West. In fact, it is your anchor to your Indian and Hindu roots which will provide you with the deep, inner happiness and meaning in your life to parallel your external success and prosperity. You have a great amount to share with the world. Let yourself be strongly rooted in your divine spiritual and cultural tradition, and you will prosper, thrive and succeed in every area of life. May God bless you all.

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