Eknath Easwaran (1910-1999) was an Indian-born spiritual teacher, author, and translator. After teaching English literature and law in India, he came to the United States in 1959 as a Fulbright scholar. He founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in Northern California in 1961 and later established Nilgiri Press, which published his numerous books. Easwaran was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and developed a meditation method known as Passage Meditation, which involves the silent repetition of memorized inspirational passages from various religious and spiritual traditions.

His work focused on making ancient Indian spiritual texts accessible to a Western audience. Easwaran translated classics such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Dhammapada, receiving critical acclaim for his renditions. He also authored commentaries on these texts, as well as books detailing his meditation program and its application to daily life. His teachings and writings aimed to promote inner peace, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of life's unity.

Eknath Easwaran developed a unique meditation technique called Passage Meditation. This method involves the silent, internal repetition of memorized inspirational passages drawn from the world's major religious and spiritual traditions. Easwaran's approach emphasized integrating these practices into daily life to cultivate inner resources and manage challenges. His books, such as 'Passage Meditation' and 'Conquest of Mind,' detail this 'Eight Point Program' and its application. He also founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in 1961 and Ramagiri Ashram in 1970, communities dedicated to fostering spiritual growth through these practices.

A significant aspect of Easwaran's work involved translating and interpreting foundational Indian spiritual texts for a Western audience. His critically acclaimed translations include the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Dhammapada. These translations were praised for their clarity and spiritual depth. Easwaran also authored extensive commentaries on these scriptures, such as 'Essence of the Upanishads,' 'Essence of the Bhagavad Gita,' and 'Essence of the Dhammapada,' aiming to illuminate their timeless wisdom and modern relevance. His three translations became best-sellers in the USA.

Beyond his translations and meditation guides, Easwaran authored numerous books exploring various facets of a spiritual life. These include works on cultivating qualities like patience and slowing down, as well as anthologies of sacred literature for meditation, such as 'God Makes the Rivers to Flow.' He also wrote spiritual biographies, notably 'Gandhi the Man,' exploring the spiritual journey of Mahatma Gandhi, and 'Nonviolent Soldier of Islam,' about Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. His works often drew upon his own Indian heritage and spiritual experiences.