Asha Nayaswami

She met her guru’s direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda, in 1969, when she was a student at Stanford University. She instantly recognized him as her spiritual guide and joined him in founding Ananda Village, a spiritual community based on Yogananda’s vision of world brotherhood colonies. For 45 years, she worked closely with Swami Kriyananda, serving as his personal assistant, correspondence secretary, and editor. She also learned from him the art of spiritual teaching and counseling, which she has been practicing for over five decades.

She has written several books, including Swami Kriyananda As We Have Known Him, a collection of stories and insights from his life; Loved and Protected, a book of divine guidance and protection; Ask Asha, a compilation of answers to questions on various spiritual topics; and Lightbearer, a biography of Swami Kriyananda and his role in spreading Yogananda’s teachings. She also reaches hundreds of thousands of people through her YouTube channel and Instagram account, where she shares her wisdom and inspiration.

Asha is a founding member and spiritual director of Ananda Palo Alto, a spiritual community in the heart of Silicon Valley. She has been living and teaching there for almost 40 years, but now travels the world to share her guru’s teachings with people of all cultures and backgrounds. She offers public lectures, workshops, classes, and retreats on meditation, yoga, and the path of self-realization. She is known for her clear, compassionate, and humorous teaching style, which appeals to people of all backgrounds and experiences. She is a gifted storyteller and a master of applying spiritual principles to everyday life. She is a loving and supportive teacher who has helped countless people find joy, peace, and meaning in their lives.