MM Swami Shankarananda (Swamiji or Guruji) is a spiritual master who has been guiding students for over 40 years with warmth, humour and depth. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and is a graduate of both Columbia and New York universities and began a promising career in English literature at Indiana University. He now carries the energy of one of the most powerful mystical lineages of India, and has awakened thousands of seekers to the spiritual path. He studied with his Guru, Baba Muktananda of Ganeshpuri. 

Swamiji is regarded as an authority on meditation, Self-inquiry and Kashmir Shaivism (a philosophy of Consciousness). A prolific writer, he is the author of Australian best-seller Happy for No Good Reason, Self-Inquiry: Using Your Awareness to Unblock Your Life, Consciousness Is Everything, Carrot in My Ear: Questions and Answers on Living with Awareness, and Muktananda Siddha Guru.

He created and developed a unique form of Self-inquiry known as The Shiva Process Method, with Devi Ma Saraswati’s help and guidance. Swamiji first found the beginnings of Shiva Process during his sadhana with his Guru Baba, in Ganeshpuri.

In 1996 Swamiji founded The Ashram in Mount Eliza, near Melbourne, where he is now based. He has frequently toured interstate and internationally, and has trained many teachers to participate in his work.

In 2010 Swamiji received the prestigious Hindu title Mahamandaleshwar, meaning ‘great teacher’, in recognition of his contribution to the spiritual community. Known among his students for his great sense of humour, Swamiji’s teachings are wise and practical, giving the inspiration and tools to bring spirituality into everyday life.