Varanasi, an ancient Indian city, has been a hub for meditation and prayer for millennia. Hindu swamis, through these practices, seek eternal life as described in the Yoga Sutras’ Vibhuti Pada. They believe that specific meditative techniques bestow extraordinary powers and even prolong lifespan.
India has a rich history of swamis who have unraveled the mysteries of the universe and their own bodies. Legends persist about long-lived yogis such as Devrahaba and Swami Trilinga, who were observed by Indians and British authorities in the late 19th century. Their remarkable longevity is documented and serves as a testament to their spiritual practices.
Similar narratives exist in other cultures. The Bible tells of figures like Methuselah, Noah, and Adam, said to have lived for hundreds of years. These stories, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, suggest that a profound spiritual connection to the divine can bestow extraordinary knowledge and potentially slow the aging process.
One example is Swami Sivamanta, an apparently 125-year-old Hindu swami who attributes his remarkable longevity to daily meditation and exercise, known as pranayama. These accounts raise intriguing questions about whether a deep spiritual connection grants access to hidden secrets, enabling longer lives.
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Top image: Indian guru: some believe meditation can be the path to immortality. Source: Elena / Adobe Stock.
