The word swami means monk. There are swamis from virtually all known religions. And here lies a very important point; a swami dedicates their life to the absolute Truth, beyond the different forms of religions. Serving others, supporting life in every way without expecting any reward, is akin to the sun shining selflessly onto the world. Some say this is the reason for the customary orange/saffron clothes of a swami. Others say the orange clothes are a reminder of the fire of knowledge that burns away ignorance, the fire of discipline that burns away desire and attachment. As Swami Sivananda joked: “A swami wears orange clothes so that those who seek his teachings can find him easily, and those that don’t can turn away.”