Reflections Of A Master Teacher

In our bi-weekly Reflections of Master Teachers series, YogaCity NYC interviews living legends about their practice, teaching, and philosophies. Kathleen Kraft begins with Swami Asokananda of Integral Yoga, started in 1966—one of the first yoga schools in New York City to offer classes.

A monk since 1973, Swami Asokananda’s teaching comes out of his own practice and experience as a devout disciple of his guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda, which began when he was 19. For 40 years, he has taught the practical wisdom of yogic philosophy, especially the Bhagavad Gita, and is currently at work on a new translation.

When asked about studying with him, Lakshmi Scalise, a seasoned Integral teacher and “gong master” said, “I love how disciplined he is, at times I wish I was like that. And his presence lights up the room.”