Finding purpose in life is the common desire that binds all people. However, many find that the path towards this purpose remains elusive, which leaves them feeling disappointed, unfulfilled, and hopeless. Having experienced this same despair, yet finding the way out of it, Asha Nayaswami has dedicated her life to guiding others to the path of happiness through the lifestyle of yoga.
Like most truth-seekers, she once struggled to find what life is all about. As she desperately sought meaning, she came across Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi and a world-renowned yogi and guru. Kriyananda is also known for founding the spiritual communities movement Ananda. In November 1969, Asha met the man who would become her teacher at a talk he was giving at Stanford University.
At the time, Asha had already dropped out, but she still decided to go back to listen to Swami speak. Looking back on the experience, she shared, “As soon as he walked into the room, before he even spoke, I recognized him as the polestar I was seeking. It came as an inner voice: ‘He has what I want!’ I later understood what he had was joy and freedom.”
The fateful encounter completely changed the 22-year-old Asha’s trajectory. She was motivated to emulate the man of wisdom she calls Swamiji, or, “respected teacher.” Soon after meeting Kriyananda, she moved to the rural community of Ananda, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Eventually, she became a leader in the community and was asked to be a global ambassador for Ananda by Swami Kriyananda in 2012, shortly before his passing.
Because of Asha’s steadfast dedication to the vision, as well as her solid bond with her mentor, he commissioned her to write his biography. In 2019, LIGHTBEARER was published, a first-hand account of more than 40 years of close association with her teacher.
Aside from these accomplishments, Asha has established an excellent reputation as a spiritual mentor. She has delivered thousands of talks over the past five decades in countries around the world. As the pandemic eases, the extraordinary woman has gone back to pursuing her global role, embarking on a 12-country world tour.
Asha’s unique perspective and wisdom, evident in her videos and audio recordings, serve as a spiritual lifeline for people of all faiths worldwide. Through her YouTube channel and Instagram page, her videos have been collectively viewed millions of times.
Asha Nayaswami’s admirable passion for teaching has made her a beloved and respected mentor. “In my many years with Swmaiji I was able to observe, record, practice, and share. This teaching, this way of life, the spiritual practice itself, communion with our own higher reality – this is the key to happiness and fulfillment everyone is seeking. So it would be unthinkable for me to do anything but devote my life to sharing with all who are interested. I’m not here to persuade or convert, however, only to share.”
