Swami Jyotirmayananda was born on February 3, 1931, in a pious family in Dumari Buzurg, District Saran, Bihar, India, a northern province, the holy land of the great Lord Buddha. From his early childhood, he showed various marks of future saintliness. He was calm and reflective, compassionate to all, and a constant source of inspiration to all who came in contact with him. Side by side with his studies and practical duties, he reflected upon life's more profound purpose. An inborn feeling to serve humanity through a spiritual life led him to embrace the ancient order of Sanyasa on February 3, 1953, at the age of 22. Living in the Himalayan retreats by the sacred Ganges River, he practiced intense austerities. In tireless service of his Guru, Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj, Swamiji taught at the Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy as a professor of religion. In addition to giving lectures on the Upanishads, Raja Yoga and all the essential scriptures of India, he was the editor of the Yoga Vedanta Journal.

Ever able to assist international students in their understanding of Yoga and Vedanta, his intuitive perception of their problems endeared him to all. Swamiji's exemplary life, love towards all beings, a high command of spiritual knowledge, and dynamic expositions on Yoga and Vedanta philosophy attracted enormous interest all over India.

He frequently lectured by invitation at the All India Vedanta Conferences in Delhi, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and in other parts of India.

 

In 1962, after many requests, Swami Jyotirmayananda came to the West to spread the knowledge of India. As the founder of Sanatan Dharma Mandir in Puerto Rico (1962-1969), Swamiji rendered unique service to humanity through his regular classes, weekly radio lectures in English and Spanish, and numerous TV appearances. In March 1969, Swamiji moved to Miami, Florida, and established the ashram that has become the center for the international activities of the Yoga Research Foundation. Branches of this organization now exist throughout the world and spread the teachings of yoga to aspirants everywhere. In 1985, Swamiji founded the Loni Ashram near New Delhi, India. The Ashram offers yoga classes, assisting the needy at its medical clinic, and the education of children at Bal Divya Jyoti Public School. The Loni Ashram also publish monthly the Hindi Journal, Yoganjali to promote yoga lifestyle. 

 

In February 2016, Swami Ji founded Jyotirmaya Yoga Kendra in Wadenswil, Switzerland. The Kendra offers satsanga, hatha yoga, and meditation classes. The Kendra focuses on promoting the humanitarian efforts in India and around the world. In 2017, the Kendra relocated back to Sunrise, Florida. JYK is presently working with the local community to promote positive actions through its services. 

 

Swami Jyotirmayananda is well-recognized as the foremost proponent of Integral Yoga. He exemplifies a way of life that synthesizes the various aspects of the ancient yoga tradition to fit modern times. He is the embodiment of Yoga with his words, compassion, and truthful nature. Let us aspire to be a Yogi.