Eknath Easwaran was a spiritual writer and meditation teacher who was born in 1910 in Kerala, India. He was raised in a traditional Hindu family and was deeply influenced by his mother's devotion to the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text. From a young age, Easwaran showed an interest in spirituality and would often spend hours reading and discussing spiritual texts with his mother.

Easwaran's upbringing was heavily influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a close family friend. Gandhi's principles of nonviolence, simplicity, and selfless service left a lasting impression on Easwaran and shaped his own spiritual journey.

In his early years, Easwaran excelled in academics and went on to study at the University of Nagpur, where he earned a degree in literature and law. However, his true passion lay in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and understanding.

In 1936, Easwaran joined the Gandhi-founded Sevagram Ashram, where he lived and worked for two years. It was during this time that he deepened his understanding of Gandhi's teachings and developed a strong commitment to living a simple and selfless life.

After leaving the ashram, Easwaran continued to study and practice various spiritual disciplines, including yoga and meditation. In 1959, he moved to the United States to pursue a doctorate in English literature at the University of California, Berkeley. It was here that he began teaching meditation and sharing his spiritual insights with others.

Easwaran's teachings were heavily influenced by the Bhagavad Gita and the practice of passage meditation, which he developed based on his own experiences and understanding of the text. He believed that by focusing on a passage from a sacred text, one could train the mind and cultivate inner peace and clarity.

Throughout his life, Easwaran wrote over 30 books on meditation, spiritual living, and the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. He also founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in California, which continues to spread his teachings and promote the practice of passage meditation.

Eknath Easwaran's background and upbringing played a significant role in shaping his spiritual journey and teachings. His deep connection to his Indian roots, his exposure to Gandhi's principles, and his personal experiences with meditation all contributed to his unique perspective on spirituality and personal growth.