SWAMI PREM SAMDARSHI was born as Shri Rakesh Nanda in 1961 in Banda (near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, India), the oldest son of a cloth merchant. He instinctively knew the meditation technique of Vipassana and practiced it on his own until after meeting his Master, Osho, he learnt that what he had been practicing was an age old potent meditation technique. In 1983, he was initiated into sannyas by Osho, after which He spent considerable time in Osho’s presence. Years of intense meditation followed during which He also tried variety of meditation techniques, but ultimately resorting to Vipassana.

After 7 years of intense sadhana, He attained enlightenment on April 2nd, 1990. Depicting the experience Swami Samdarshi said: “All the knowledge of existence showered on me. All my existential questions were answered. My thirst was quenched. Finally, I came home.”

For 6 months after His enlightenment, He remained in silence and then returned to work for two years to conduct His family business. During this period, touched by His silence and presence, people started assembling around Him and felt impelled to go on their inner journey.

Gradually seekers kept coming in contact with the Master and presently He tours extensively in India, Europe, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other countries to help seekers in realization of the self.

Master Samdarshi presently organizes Satsang retreats in Rishikesh, Manali, Goa (in India) and tours across the globe at various times of the year offering daily Satsang, teaching meditation and answering seekers’ questions.