Talk:Amrit Desai

Promotional material
This entire article appears to have been copied from promotional material. There is no real autobiographical information, there are no sources and there is no balanced mention of the uncomfortable parts of his biography (i.e. allegations of sexual misconduct leading to his resignation from Kripalu). — Preceding unsigned comment added by Physteacher (talk • contribs) 20:48, 25 May 2015 (UTC)

Buddhist or Hindu
I don't think Amrit Desai is a Buddhist. As far as I know he's Hindu. For example, if you google his site, you get  a  few  hits for Hindu ( for example ), but none for Buddhism. Are there any references to him being a Buddhist besides Ray Kurzweil (whom I don't regard as an expert)? --ErikStewart 21:45, 17 November 2005 (UTC)


 * Desai is certainly Hindu, not Buddhist. Lpgeffen 20:46, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

WikiProject class rating
This article was automatically assessed because at least one WikiProject had rated the article as stub, and the rating on other projects was brought up to Stub class. BetacommandBot 17:02, 9 November 2007 (UTC)

removed proposed deletion
I removed the proposed deletion for now, mainly because the infoboxes indicate the page is maintained by the Gujarat workgroup, and they should be consulted at least for improvements to the article or evaluation of the proposed deletion before it comes down; particularly, to make sure something that seems "not notable" to Westerners but might indeed be perceived as notable by those more knowledgeable about the topic have a hand in its fate. It's worth taking extra precautions to keep WP from the systemic Western-culture sampling bias that would naturally tend from its domination of Western editors. If someone feels a pressing need to delete this article, I think they should do a regular AfD and post notice to the members of the Gujarat workgroup and a notice on the Wikiproject India. - Reaverdrop ( talk / nl ) 04:05, 9 July 2008 (UTC)


 * While reviewing the contested prod, I replaced the primarysources that was accidentally removed with the prod. The main problem with this article is there are no claims of notably in the article and there are no references supporting any notability.  I had actually considered this under criteria A7 for speedy delete WP:CSD.  A quick review for potential secondary references brought back a lot of hits, but nothing jumped out as a Reliable source.  I leave the potential for WP:AFD or showing WP:N to others.  Jeepday (talk) 17:47, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

Yoga in the West Gurudev Yogi Amrit Desai is recognized as one of the pioneers of the authentic teachings of yoga in the West. He has been repeatedly honored for following in the footsteps of many of the great spiritual Masters such as Paramahansa Yogananada and Swami Vivekenand in spreading the profound depth of the ancient teachings of India to the world. In 1893, when Swami Vivekanand addressed a gathering of 7,000 people at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, his presence marked the beginning of Western interest in the ancient spiritual teachings of India.

In 1986 in New Delhi, Gurudev was awarded the title of World Teacher (Jagadacharya) by this prestigious organization established by Swami Vivekenand. Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, author of “The Autobiography of a Yogi”, brought the inner depth of spiritual teachings of the east and touched the hearts of millions of people in America from 1946-1952. Similarly, Gurudev is recognized as a spiritual ambassador of the ancient wisdom of India to the West and for his unique contribution to the integrated practice of Hatha and Raja yoga into one holistic experience of the classical eight limbed (Ashtanga) yoga which is missing from the popular practice of yoga today.

Gurudev arrived in America in February of 1960. In 1966, he founded the Yoga Society of Pennsylvania where more than 2500 students were taking yoga classes every week.

This grew into residential yoga centers at Sumneytown and Summit Station, offering in-depth teachings through a yogic lifestyle. In 1983, the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health expanded to Lenox, MA and grew to be the largest holistic health center in North America. Gurudev has been repeatedly recognized both in the U.S. and abroad with rare titles such as Doctor of Yoga and the Vishwa Yoga Ratna awarded by the President of India. Today his approach is practiced by thousands around the world, with more than 5000 certified teachers in 40 countries.

Evolution of Kripalu Yoga and the Amrit Method The initiation Gurudev received from Bapuji led to an awakening that totally transformed his life and infused his teachings, making him the carrier of this ancient, mystical Lineage of Lord Lakulish and Swami Kripalu to the Western world. The unique approach he called Kripalu Yoga, Meditation in Motion, shattered the notion of yoga as solely a physical discipline and opened a way for practitioners to access the liberation of consciousness.

Gurudev refined the core principles of Kripalu Yoga into the Amrit Method®, an innovative, experiential and synergistic system that allows practitioners to use the challenges of modern life as opportunities to awaken consciousness. Amrit Method practices enable even the novice student to experience the deepest levels of tranquility and stillness and enter into harmony with whatever life brings.

Kripalu and Amrit Method practices are now taught by more than 5,000 certified teachers in 40 countries. Gurudev has authored many books, articles, and essays and continues to teach today, constantly developing his approach in order to make these practices easily accessible for the benefit of all. It is a rare and special privilege to study with a living yoga master, to be so close to the source of this powerful lineage of Shaktipat Kundalini Yoga, and to perpetuate its potential through our own sadhana and service.

Our Lineage Gurudev received the age-old secrets of yoga directly from his guru, Swami Shri Kripalvanandji, who was the chosen disciple of Lord Lakulish, the 28th incarnation of Shiva. The life of Swami Kripalu, lovingly known as Bapuji by his followers, is an amazing story of unswerving devotion, marked by more than 30 years of sadhana, silence and meditation. Swami Kripalu reached to the highest state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi and is known as one of the greatest yoga masters of the 20th century. Gurudev met Bapuji when he was just a boy of 16 and has followed his teachings for the last 61 years. The special bond of love they shared brought Bapuji to America for 4 and ¼ years, during which time he blessed thousands of seekers through his teachings and his presence.

Just months after his return to India in 1981, Bapuji left his body. His legacy of love, service, and surrender continues today through thousands of disciples and practitioners of Kripalu and Amrit Yoga. In 1971, Bapuji bestowed upon Gurudev a rare and special blessing known as Shaktipat, empowering him to impart the energetic experience of yoga through direct transmission. This gift allows Gurudev to instantly enter a state of deep meditation, during which he steps out of the time-bound dimension of body and mind. This presence enfolds everyone in a palpable field of stillness and peace that is a catalyst for profound shifts in consciousness in those who are receptive. Gurudev’s joyful way of being demonstrates the application of spiritual values from moment to moment.

The Amrit Yoga Institute is an experiential learning center dedicated to the ancient Yogic tradition of discovering the truths and mysteries of life through study, practice, service, and direct perception. Located in Salt Springs, Florida, the Amrit Yoga Institute is set in the tranquil beauty of the Ocala National Forest, on the shores of spring-fed Lake Kerr. Our serene, secluded 6-acre property nestles beneath a towering canopy of Live Oaks. Lush gardens, Chattahoochee stone decks and walkways, and marvelous handcrafted woodwork inside our buildings provide a restful, natural setting that is ideal for restoring your health and reconnecting to Source. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Williameager (talk • contribs) 05:34, 24 February 2010 (UTC)