Our shared culture
Swami Shantanand Saraswati (Swamiji), and Bibbulmen Noongar Elder, Uncle Ken Colbung, 1998
“We are very happy that once again after Gondwanaland, we now meet again here ... And we are happy that you have come and that you bring such wonderful, beautiful culture back to us that we have been holding for you to come meet us in this Gondwanaland”
It all started when…
Our founder and Guru, Swami Shantanand Saraswati (Swamiji), and Bibbulmen Noongar Elder, Uncle Ken Colbung, first met during the Dance India Taste India Festival in 1998 that was held by the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan - Perth's Swan River.
The Elder presented Swamiji with a didjeridoo on which the Waugle - Rainbow Serpent and the Cobra had been carved. Uncle Ken explained that this was the story of the 'two camps', Australia meeting up with India. An audience of more than three thousand people witnessed the Elder and Swamiji embrace the connections between India and Australia. Their vision and belief continues to inspire SMV to explore the ancient relationships between the two continents, peoples and traditional world views.
“May we pray to the divine spirit the Swan River, one day she will bless us more and more interaction between India and Australia and Indians and Australians. That is fellow human beings from long, long time ago, we were together…once again the cycle completes itself. We will start again and again a new, great, beautiful journey is my humble prayer.’”
SMV is also committed to inquiring, building and sustaining relationships amongst all cultures and peoples. Such traditions of learning, sharing and perpetuating wisdom are inspired by our Guru, Swami Shantanand Saraswati.