Amid the silence of the Calabrian mountains, far from the hustle of modern life, lives a man who chose to renounce everything to embrace a life of simplicity and spirituality. This is the extraordinary story of Svami Atmananda, born Piero Bucciotti, a 75-year-old hermit who has found peace in the infinite stillness of Nature.

Before retreating to his hermitage, Piero lived an intense and adventurous life. In the 60s, he was part of the student revolts, taking part in the barricades of Paris in 1968. The revolutionary spirit that drove him stemmed from a profound inner search, a yearning to answer the universal question: “Who am I?”

A turning point came when he met Don Lorenzo Milani, a priest who taught him the value of non-violence. This encounter marked the beginning of a spiritual journey that, after years of travel around the world, led him to choose a life of hermitage.

Svami Atmananda’s hermitage

In 1984, Piero Bucciotti, now known as Svami Atmananda, settled in a remote spot on the Sila Plateau in Calabria. Here, in a restored ancient shepherd’s hut turned hermitage, he has lived for 40 years in complete solitude, without electricity or running water.

The hermitage overlooks the Gulf of Squillace, which Atmananda calls the “Gulf of Glory.” The breathtaking view and the stillness of Nature are his sources of inspiration and connection with the Divine. In this place, he has discovered a timeless dimension, allowing him to immerse himself fully in his spiritual practice.

The principles of Atmananda’s spiritual life

For Atmananda, detachment from material possessions is essential for spiritual growth. He believes that attachment to money and objects increases worry, dissatisfaction, and craving, hindering a genuine connection with oneself and the Divine. He has chosen to live with only what is strictly necessary, finding in simplicity the key to inner freedom.

Silence is another cornerstone of his philosophy. For Atmananda, it is a tool that calms the mind, dissolves the ego, and paves the way to inner peace. Each day, he dedicates time to contemplation and meditation, viewing silence as a guide to connect with the deepest parts of himself.

A deep connection with Nature forms the third pillar of his spirituality. Atmananda sees Nature as a teacher and a source of healing. Every tree, every sound, every view invites him to rediscover harmony between the outer world and his inner dimension.

Lastly, Atmananda believes in the unity of humanity and divinity. He sees humans as bridges between earth and sky, beings capable of living in balance between matter and spirit, awakening the divine nature within us all.

Atmananda’s advice

Observing the world from his hermitage, Atmananda notes how humanity is often ensnared by frenzy and confusion. According to him, this stems from the dominance of the ego and the desire for power, fame, and success.

His advice to a restless humanity is to slow down, care for the body, and dedicate at least a moment each day to silence and meditation. He believes this is the path to genuine happiness and inner freedom.

The project for an Indo-Christian ashram

Today, Svami Atmananda is working on creating an Indo-Christian ashram, a space dedicated to spirituality and sharing. This project aims to provide a place where anyone can immerse themselves in the practice of silence, meditation, and connection with Nature. The ashram represents the natural evolution of his mission, serving as a meeting point for those embarking on a journey of inner growth.

The project is supported by a campaign on GoFundMe. For more information or to contribute, you can visit the campaign link.

How to meet Atmananda

For those interested in learning from Atmananda and his teachings, visits to the hermitage can be arranged, or one can participate in meditation sessions and spiritual dialogues he conducts. Although he avoids modern technology, he can be contacted through local associations supporting his mission or through events he periodically organizes in the area.

In conclusion

The life of Svami Atmananda tells of a spirituality lived with profound humility and authenticity. His decision to renounce everything in favor of a connection with Nature and the Divine reminds us that true happiness lies in simplicity and deep self-reflection. His example inspires us to slow down, listen to ourselves, and rediscover the value of silence in a world that often pulls us away from who we truly are.