Serge Raynaud de la Ferriere

At an early age, de la Ferriere investigated man's relationship with the universe, ancient cultures, linguistics, philosophy, medicine, theology, parapsychology, esoterism and metaphysical studies.

[citation needed] During World War II, Dr. de la Ferriere returned to France worked as a psychologist and began his research into the sciences of astronomy and astrology.

As Yoga continued to persist as the central point of his interest, Serge, without discarding his responsibilities, public activities, or scientific investigations, slowly began to partake in various initiations within the science and ancient tradition of the Great Rishis and Yogis of India and Tibet.

In 1946, as President of the International Federation of Scientific Societies, he asked the French Government to financially sponsor a research expedition to study the ancient civilizations of South America; his request was denied.

Once the center for the Universal Great Brotherhood in Caracas was well established, Dr. Serge found a beautiful spot in El Limón, Maracay, in the State of Aragua, Venezuela where he decided to construct an Ashram.

Here he gratuitously offered an education to the public which encompassed the study and practice of ancient traditional teachings with the purpose of spiritual, artistic, and mental development.

In Venezuela Serge met his first and most notable disciples and descendant masters: Jose Manuel Estrada, Juan Victor Mejias and Gil Colmenares ("Elder Brothers").