About Us
Prem Chaitanya
Prem Chaitanya, affectionately known as Premji, is a distinguished figure whose life journey embodies resilience, spiritual growth, and a commitment to guiding others towards self-discovery and inner peace. Hailing from the vibrant city of Johor Bahru, Premji's academic pursuits in Journalism at the esteemed Academy TV3 (MIIM) set the stage for a career in the media industry.
However, it was his deep-seated interest in spirituality that led him to The Divine Life Society (DLS) Malaysia, A spiritual organisation founded by Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj in Rishikesh; where he played a pivotal role as the head Youth Coordinator, overseeing significant programs and Ashram activities under the mentorship of Swami Guhabhaktananda who was the President of the DLS at that time in Kuala Lumpur.
The name Prem Chaitanya was initiated By Pujya Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj The direct disciple of Swami Sivananda in the year 2006. He served the organisation for almost a decade in various departments, the main committee and its branches throughout Malaysia.
Immersing himself in the teachings of Vedanta, Premji expanded his spiritual horizons through a rigorous Vedanta course at the Chinmaya Mission Vedanta School Bombay, India under the direct tutelage of Acharya Swami Advaitanandaji Maharaj, paving the way for his transition into a freelance speaker specializing in spiritual science and Vedanta studies. His in-depth understanding of the Bhagavad Gita, coupled with empowerment programs and Meditation classes, has resonated with audiences not only nationwide but also in international settings such as Perth, Australia, and Singapore. Premji is also a registered member of the World Yoga Alliance Federation.
Apart from his spiritual pursuits, Premji is a skilled Carnatic music singer, honing his craft under the tutelage of Dr. Shailaja Panthulu at the prestigious Venkat Academy in Bangalore, India. Leveraging his musical talents, he extends his passion for classical singing by imparting knowledge to aspiring young musicians inclined towards devotional music.
Upon his return to Malaysia in the year 2018, Premji founded the “Soul Search” movement as the nucleus of his spiritual endeavors, under the registered entity named Sadhanalaya Seekers Resources. This platform is dedicated to facilitating seekers from diverse backgrounds on their unique paths towards self-realization and enlightenment. Through Soul Search, Premji offers a welcoming sanctuary for individuals to embark on a transformative journey of self-exploration, devoid of imposed beliefs, fostering a harmonious space for personal growth and spiritual evolution.
Lineage
Premji's spiritual education journey has been rich and diverse. Initially, he received teachings from Swami Guhabhaktananda, the President of Divine Life Society Malaysia. Under Swami Guhabhaktananda's guidance, Premji immersed himself in various facets of spiritual practice such as the puja system, different upasana methods, bhajans, and hymns. He also delved into Tamil scriptures like Shiva Purana and Thevarams, gaining a profound understanding of their teachings.
Subsequently, his quest for knowledge led him to train under Swami Advaitananda of Chinmaya Mission Bombay, where he deepened his understanding of Advaita philosophy, Upanishad, Bhagavad Gita, Prakarana Granthas and expanded his exposure to various scriptures. Along his spiritual journey, Premji also sought teachings from other spiritual movements like the Vetatri Maharaj Movement (SKY YOGA) for meditation practices, Paramahansa Yogananda Movement for self-discovery techniques, and several other yoga Gurus specializing in different religious branches.
Belonging to the Saraswati Parampara of Adi Shankara's lineage, Premji's spiritual lineage is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of India, guiding his quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Special Thanks
The Universe operates in mysterious ways, orchestrating encounters between kindred spirits with distinct ambitions and perspectives. When these individuals converge, they generate a unique and harmonious symphony that resonates profoundly. It is amidst this serendipitous interplay that the Soul Search Station for Self-Discovery and Inner Peace took root.
Premji, the luminary behind this sacred haven, envisions it as a refuge for seekers from diverse backgrounds to introspect, learn, and evolve their minds on a journey towards a deeper connection with their authentic selves. Endowed with extensive experience in spiritual disciplines, Premji aspires to leverage his wisdom to mentor others on their paths to self-realization and healing.
Mr. R. Vivehanantha, a proficient technical aide, assumes the pivotal role of orchestrating the Station's inception and day-to-day functions. Leveraging his expertise in technology and administration, he ensures the seamless and efficient operation of the Station, empowering educators and staff to dedicate themselves to their core mission of aiding others.
The 15 pupils of Bhagavad Gita's Senior Class have been the cornerstone of this Station, offering unwavering belief and steadfast backing throughout the past decade. Through their commitment and diligence, they have been instrumental in realizing Premji's vision, ultimately culminating in the establishment of Soul Search. Their dedication to the Station and its cause serves as a testament to the potency of communal effort and the significance of collaborating towards a shared objective.
Dr. K. Supramaniam, a seasoned medical practitioner, perceives it as his moral obligation to establish a sanctuary where individuals can convene to enhance their mental and spiritual well-being. Drawing upon his profound understanding of the human psyche and physiology, he endeavors to offer a comprehensive approach to healing and vitality.
The late Ms. Pushpavalli Raghavan, was a devoted educator, she was impassioned about assisting individuals in realizing their aspirations and is wholeheartedly devoted to her vocation. Possessing profound knowledge of yoga and meditation, she endeavoured to steer individuals towards a profound comprehension of their physical and mental beings, fostering a sense of calm and serenity.
About Soul Search
The Soul Search emblem, representing a spiritual organization committed to self-discovery and inner tranquility, visually embodies its fundamental principles. It illustrates the profound connection between wisdom, sound, and meditation, delivering a significant symbolic message for individuals seeking spiritual advancement.
Central to the emblem is a tranquil figure, positioned in a meditative stance, symbolizing stillness and inner concentration. The silhouette of the meditating figure contains the intricate image of an inverted tree, with its roots located at the top of the person's head and its branches extending throughout the body.
This tree signifies the tree of life and knowledge, an ancient Vedic symbol linked to the quest for enlightenment. The upside-down orientation illustrates the process of introspection and grounding in higher wisdom, representing the transition from material existence to higher understanding. Encircling the meditative figure is the Sri Yantra, displayed in vibrant blue hues, which serves as the emblem's focal point.
The Sri Yantra, an ancient geometric configuration of interlocking triangles, represents the cosmos and the dynamic interaction between masculine (upward triangles) and feminine (downward triangles) energies, symbolizing the unity of creation and destruction, order and chaos, and reflecting the universe's infinite complexity. The blue shade of the Sri Yantra conveys peace, introspection, and the boundless nature of the spiritual journey, inviting viewers to delve into their consciousness. Additionally, the yellow color represents Chaitanya Sakthi, or the inner light’s power, while the red circle signifies the cosmic elements that vibrate as the seeker’s balancing energy. The white background symbolizes the unblemished Self, free from dualities and limitations, which represents the ultimate goal of liberation for every seeker. The seeker is depicted seated in a lotus pose with fingers in Chin Mudra, symbolizing control, detachment, and withdrawal. Within the layers of the Sri Yantra, concentric patterns represent the organization’s three spiritual paths:
1. The Path of Knowledge (Jnana Yoga) - The positioning of the meditating figure within the Sri Yantra emphasizes the significance of wisdom, urging seekers to pursue higher truths and overcome ignorance. The inverted tree resonates with this path, with its roots representing the source of ultimate knowledge that nurtures the individual’s growth and understanding.
2. The Path of Sound (Nada Yoga) - The emblem implicitly integrates sound symbolism, as the tree’s outward-reaching branches reflect the dissemination of vibrations throughout the universe. This imagery serves as a reminder of sound's healing and transformative properties, aligning individuals with the primordial vibration, or "Om."
3. The Path of Meditation (Dhyana Yoga) - The calm and centered meditating figure signifies the vital role of meditation in the spiritual journey. The inverted tree represents the inner world, wherein meditation fosters exploration of the mind and spirit's unseen dimensions, cultivating self-awareness and harmony.
The entire emblem is placed on a circular base that subtly suggests wholeness, eternity and the cosmos.