Patrick Beldio

Patrick Beldio is a scholar of comparative religion and theology with a focus on Hindu-Christian studies, the Integral Yoga of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Meher Baba and the Chishti Sufi lineage in the West, and Franciscan Spirituality, with sub-interests in art, gender, and sustainability studies. His current book project is Mirra Alfassa: Mother & Child of the Divine of Tomorrow (working title), which critically analyzes the role and influence of Mirra (aka the Mother, 1878-1973) on the Integral Yoga that she and Aurobindo Ghose (aka Sri Aurobindo, 1872-1950) co-created. The book evaluates Mirra’s influence on Aurobindo’s spiritual practice and teaching and critically describes the nature of their relationship, intellectually and spiritually. It also focuses on how Aurobindo influenced Mirra’s teaching in Pondicherry, India and how she developed their yoga tradition after his passing and then explores her relevance today. Beldio is also a professional sacred artist with a studio at the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, DC. His sculptures are in private and public collections across the USA.