I want this centre to be a place where we can collect enough data to aid the study and research of yoga and meditation, as many consider this a non-scientific approach.
-Sri M
Laying the foundation for scientific study of yoga and meditation
Imagine a centre – nestled in a suburb of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – dedicated to exploring and understanding the deeper dimensions of yoga and meditation through modern scientific inquiry. This centre is the International Yoga Research Foundation (IYRF), which was established in 2023 by Sri M under the aegis of The Satsang Foundation.
IYRF’s mission
For thousands of years, yogic wisdom and techniques have served as an experiential science of inner transformation. Through disciplined practice, they offer deep insights into the nature of consciousness, the human mind and its potential evolution. Today, these ancient insights can be documented, explored, and understood comprehensively through systematic scientific inquiry and experimentation, by employing modern scientific tools like EEG, fMRI, biomarkers, and advanced data analytics. The main mission of IYRF is to accomplish this deep understanding of ancient yogic wisdom through contemporary research in neuroscience, psychology, and physiology.
Expansion of research facilities
On 29 January 2026, IYRF marked an important milestone in its journey, when Sri M led a Bhoomi Pooja and Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for its upcoming Research Block and Academy spread over 50,000 sq. ft.
This Research Block and Academy will house a dedicated Research and Data (R&D) Centre, with research laboratories designed to study the physiological and psychological effects of various yogic practices, as well as a comprehensive library housing classical yogic texts and modern scientific literature.
Through establishment of infrastructure starting with the Research Block and Academy, IYRF seeks to contribute meaningfully to its mission of preserving authentic ancient yogic knowledge, deepening its scientific understanding, and creating a lasting resource for future generations.
On the brink of a pivotal moment
Over the past year, our research team has worked ardently to present the findings of its recent studies on the living mystery of water during the largest spiritual congregation on Earth, the MahaKumbh Mela 2025 held at Prayagraj, India.
Delving deep into the structure of water, the studies bridge ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science to explore whether the sacred rituals of the Kumbh imprint measurable changes on water—changes that might explain why these waters have been revered for millennia.
The findings will soon be unveiled at New Delhi in April 2026.
For more details of these studies, visit our website
If you are a researcher interested in this area of inquiry or an interested volunteer, please write to us at yogaresearch@satsang-foundation.org.
Location
Near HLL Life Care R&D Centre
Aakkulam – Sreekariyam Road
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695017
