Curriculum
Vitae
Awards, Titles & Honorary Degrees
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Maharshi Sandipani Encomium 2013
Ujjain Yoga Life Society International – 4th International Conference, Ujjain, India
International Yoga Grand Master 2013
From Padma Shri H.H. Jagat Guru Amrta Suryananda Maharaj
Only previous recipients of this award are:
Padma Shri Dr.H.R. Nagendra, SVYASA University Bangalore
B.K.S. Iyengar
Inaugural Fellow of the Council for Yoga Accreditation International 2012
CYAI recognized 4 inaugural Fellows of the CYAI who have demonstrated
extraordinary achievement and contribution to the field of yoga, Lisbon Portugal
Grand Master of Yoga - World Yoga Day 2012
Conferred by Portuguese Yoga Confederation, Lisbon Portugal
Lifetime Achievement Award 2011
International Ayurveda Academy (IAA), Pune, India; and Tathagat Foundation, Dubai
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Yogiraj Award 2011
from Paramanand Institute of Yoga Sciences & Research – Indore, India
Natural Awakenings Holistic Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award in Yoga 2010
Voted by the readers as one of the top 5 Organizations representing Natural Living
Patanjali Award for Excellence in Yogic Research & Teachings in North America 2010
Presented by the Association of Ayurvedic Practitioners of North America (AAPNA)
Enlightened Mind Award by Yogadhi James Weldon 2008
Paul Harris Fellow Award 2007
Received from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International in Naples, Florida in appreciation
for tangible and significant assistances given for the furtherance of better understanding and
friendly relations among peoples of the world.
Best Foreign Yoga Practitioner as Great Yoga Exponent 2007
Awarded by the World Yoga Society at the 15th All India UNI Yoga Competition ‘07, Kolkata India
Bhaskar Award New Delhi India highest award of Bharat Nirman 1998
in recognition of outstanding services rendered to mankin
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Awarded Membership in the Pan American Yoga Association 1998
American Yoga Council
In recognition of outstanding service in the cause of true yoga
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Global Service Award 1994
Awarded by Kripalu International Network
For the fulfillment of the vision of the whole world is one family
Unity in Yoga Plaque 1993
Presented by Unity in Yoga Teachers Association
Awarded in deep appreciation and honor for years of dedicated service to yoga in America
Celebrating 100 Years of Yoga in America
Yogacharya 1993
Awarded by the Pan-American Yoga Association
Recognized by the Government of Buenos Aires
Padma Vibhushan Nomination 1992
Nominated for the second-highest honor of India by the late Prime Minster,
Shri Chandra Shekhar, with a positive response for the following year from
then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao
Professor of Yoga 1988
Awarded by the Latin American
Confederation and the Union of National Federations of Yoga,
Montevideo, Uruguay
Yogacharya 1987
Conferred at the 19th Convocation of the Vishwa Unnyayan Samsad
Pitambar Bhavan Ananda Ashram
Vishwa Yoga Ratna 1987
Award conferred by the World Development Parliament of India, presented by the
President of Indiain recognition of life long dedication and service in the field of Yoga to
10 world renowned teachers from 10 countries (India, USA, England, Australia, New
Zealand, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, France). Gurudev was selected to represent the USA.
Jagadacharya 1986
Awarded by the World Religious Parliament of India in New Delhi, established in 1894
by Swami Vivekananda; this honorable title was awarded to five world renowned
Teachers for spreading Hindu philosophy and wisdom worldwide.
Maharishi 1982
Awarded by 105-year-old H.H. Ved-Darshanacharya Sadguru Swami Gangeshwaranandji
Maharaj Udasin, Chancellor of Udasin Sanskrit University, Benares
Founder of 12 ashrams in India and 600 Ved Mandirs
Yogacharya 1980
Conferred by Amritji’s guru, H.H. Swami Shri Kripalvanandji, founder of Kayavarohan
Tirtha Shiva Temple And Malov Ashram, and Lord Lakulish Yoga Inst. In honor of years
of intensive study, teachings and practice of philosophy and spiritual principles of yoga.
Acharya Pravaraha 1975
Awarded by Swami Vedavyasanandji
Chancellor of Rishikul Sanskrit University, Haridwar
Doctor of Yoga Science 1974
Awarded by H.H. Jagadaguru Shakaracharya Maharaj (Dwarka), spiritual leader of Hinduism
For outstanding contributions to humanity.
Honorary Doctor of Philosophy 1971
Florida Research Institute, Melbourne Florida
Title of “Yogi” 1969
Conferred by H.H. Swami Shri Kripalvanandji
For significant knowledge of philosophy, principles and practice of yoga
Winner of 12 prizes in art shows 1962-68
work displayed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (March 19-May 2, 1965)
Publications & Book Awards
Seven Literary Awards: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Master (2012) – Shri Amritji’s biography
1st place in the Yoga and Meditation division from the Living Now Book Awards
Book of the Year Finalist for Biography in the Foreword Reviews
Honorable Mention in five festivals:
Paris Book Festival
New York Book Festival
London Book Festival
Hollywood Book Festival
Southern California Book Festival
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Five Awards: Yoga of Relationships (2015)
Winner of the Nautilus Book Award
1st place in the Great Midwest Book Festival
2nd place in the Spiritual Division in the London Book Festival
Honorable Mention in two festivals:
Southern California Book Festival
Paris Book Festival
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Three Awards: Love and Bliss: Meditations on the Art of Living (2014) – Collection of inspired poetry
2nd place in the poetry division from the Great Midwest Festival
2nd place in the poetry division from the Southern California Book Festival
Honorable Mention in the Florida Book Festival
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Shri Amritji’s books represent a distinctive original approach, filling the gap in what is missing from the popular approach to Hatha Yoga. In addition to the award-winning titles listed above, he is also the author of Kripalu Yoga Meditation in Motion (Books 1 & 2); Amrit Yoga: Explore, Expand Experience, The Spiritual Depth of Yoga; and Amrit Yoga and the Yoga Sutras, as well as the Amrit Yoga and Amrit Yoga Nidra teacher training manuals.
Humanitarian Recognition
Paul Harris Fellow Award received from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
in Naples, Florida in appreciation for tangible and significant assistances given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.
The Yug Prabha newspaper, Halol, India stated in a 2007 article,
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“Yogishri Amrit Desai was honored in his home town of Halol for his humanitarian works known to offer scholarships to the poor, approximately 5,000 women are helped financially through the Bhuriben Trust he established… Helpless and poor patients receive free medicines and medical treatment… [H]e has financed the building of the new children’s school in Halol.”
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Bhuribhen Trust - Established to support children’s education with scholarships and educational supplies, provide for widow’s home industry with sewing machines, and offer medicine and medical treatment to the destitute.
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Lord Lakulish Shiva Temple, Kayavarohan; Kripalu Ashram, Malav (founded by Shri Amritji's guru, H.H. Swami Shri Kripalvanandji) - Provided services and funds to the humanitarian works connected to these organizations.
Ambulance - provided for the town of Halol
Computer College in Halol - Donation of computer equipment
The Urmila Amrit Desai Shrishuvihar - children’s school established in 2009.
Experience
International University of Yoga and Ayurveda in Salt Springs Florida 2014
Co-founder
Amrit Yoga Institute established in Salt Springs, Florida 2002
Current Programs at Amrit Yoga Institute Based on Core Teachings of Yogi Desai
Ayurvedic Treatment and Panchakarma Center with Dr. Vijay Jain 2010
Integrative Amrit method (I AM) Quantum Breath Meditation 2007
Integrative Amrit Method (I AM) Yoga Nidra Professional Trainings 2005
Integrative Amrit Method (I AM) Yoga Teacher Training Level II 2003
with Master’s Degree from Hindu University, Orlando, Florida
Integrative Amrit Method (I AM) Yoga Teacher Training Level 1 2002
Founder of Amrit Yoga and Amrit Yoga Institute 1997
Sumneytown, Pennsylvania
Originator of Amrit Yoga Teacher Certification Trainings leading to
Masters Degree from Hindu University of America.
Promoting advanced education, deepening the authentic values and
principles in the teaching and practice of Amrit Yoga®, plus in-depth
Intensive training in Yoga Nidra and Amrit Yoga
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Founder and Teacher for Foxhollow Leadership Center 1991
Lenox, Massachusetts
Adjunct 230-acre, 37,000-square-foot conference facility with 120
rooms. The Corporate Wellness Center included health spa
amenities, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, sauna, and steam
room. Catering to business executives from companies such as
General Electric, Phillips, IBM, Kellogg’s and Sony
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Founder/Spiritual Director of Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health 1983
Lenox, Massachusetts
350-acre estate in Massachusetts with a 167,000 square-foot- building,
consisting of 435 rooms that accommodated over 900 guests and staff.
Became an internationally recognized educational, health and spiritual
retreat center, renowned and highly respected for its excellence in training,
practice and professional certifications. Offering a wide range
of programs in yoga, personal growth and transformation.
The center was operated by 350 full-time volunteer resident staff,
who entered the in-depth practice of spiritual lifestyle and the study
of yoga and ancient scriptures. Established a renunciate order for 10-year
and above resident staff.
20,000 program participants per year
3,000 Kripalu Certified Holistic Health Practitioners
5,000 Certified Kripalu Yoga Teachers worldwide
5,000 Certified Kripalu Massage Therapists worldwide
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Some of the Programs Designed Around the Teachings of Gurudev
Health and Fitness Programs: Health for Life, Fasting, Stress Reduction
Certified Professional Trainings: Kripalu Holistic Health Educator Trainings;
Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training; Bodywork Training; Spiritual Lifestyle Training
Spiritual Life programs: Yoga, Meditation, Sanskrit Training; Self-Discovery Programs
Ashram Residency Program: for spiritual seekers who wish to dedicate their lives to
personal and spiritual development through an in-depth practice of yoga and study.
Selfless service not only integrates the teachings in their lives but plays an important
role in serving humanity. There are Apprenticeship and Summer Residency programs.
Corporate Wellness and Stress Management Trainings and Consultation
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Founder of Kripalu International Network 1993
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—The Whole World is One Family.
Network of professional yoga teachers, massage therapists,
holistic lifestyle teachers and inspiration groups represented
in all 52 states and 30 countries.
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Founder/Management Potentials, Inc. 1979
Summit Station, Pennsylvania
Provided training and consultation services to businesses
in the areas of stress management and corporate wellness.
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Opened Holistic Health Center 1979
Summit Station, Pennsylvania
Provided group programs and individual services in holistic health.
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Established Kripalu Institute 1978
Summit Station, Pennsylvania
Offering Master’s Degree in Yoga, Philosophy and Psychology
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Established Yoga Retreat as Adjunct Facility 1976
280 acres in Summit Station, Pennsylvania
Professional training for yoga teachers, massage therapists,
holistic health practitioners and personal growth.
Resident staff of 170 with accommodations for 150 guests
Inaugurated by Swami Shri Satchidananda and Indian Ambassador
to the United States, Mr. Kaul
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Founder and Director of Kripalu Yoga Ashram in Sumneytown 1971
A non-profit, tax exempt 75-acre facility in Sumneytown, Pennsylvania
Comprising 6 buildings and large dormitories accommodation
70 resident staff and 80 guests.
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Originator of Kripalu Yoga 1970
Pioneering work in spiritualizing Hatha Yoga Practice in America.
Today it is taught by more than 8,000 trained yoga teachers in 45 countries.
Presently continued in the form of Amrit Yoga.
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Kundalini Awakening Experience 1970
from which he redesigned his approach to the practice of yoga
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Founder and Director of Yoga Society of Pennsylvania 1966-71
trained 50 yoga teachers; offered 150 classes per week
More than 2,500 students taught per 10-week semester
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Yoga Teacher 1960-66
Philadelphia and New Jersey Area
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Higher Education
Yogacharya 1980
Intensive study, teaching and practice of the philosophy
and spiritual principles of yoga. Conferred by
H.H. Swami Shri Kripalvanandji
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Advanced Study with H. H. Swami Shri Kripalvanadji 1969
Title of "Yogi" received in recognition of significant knowledge
of philosophy, principles and practice of yoga
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Philadelphia College of Art—B.F.A. 1960-63
Philadelphia, PA
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Training and Education in Yogic Discipline and Scriptures 1948-60
with H.H. Swami Shri Kripalvanandji (part time)
Including asana, pranayama, meditation, bandhas, kriyas, scriptures
Chosen as one of only four disciples to carry on his work
Recipient of shaktipat diksha and empowered to impart shaktipat diksha
GOVERNMENT SERVICE
Indian Air Force 1953-54
Selected as first-class Airman and received
complete military training at Madras.
International Seminars & Conferences
India
CYAI Fellow CYAI Meeting Ujjain with Subodh Tiwari, Rajan Narayan 2016
Swami Veda Bharati and representatives from Ananda Ashram
and Svyasa Yoga University
Leader Workshop Kumbha Mela Bhakti Yoga 2016
Leader Workshop Kumbha Mela Third Eye Meditation 2016
Opening Keynote Kumbha Mela, Yoga Life International Convention 2016
Special Guest Simhastha Convention Madhya Pradesh 2016
with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
also attended by Jaggi Vasudev, Swami Ramdev
Prime Minister Modi
Keynote Speaker World Peace Harmony Day hosted by Acharya Lokesh Muni 2016
Vijyan Bhawan New Delhi
Keynote Speaker World Yoga Day, Lisbon, Portugal 2014
Chief Guest Speaker 4th International Yoga Seminar, Ujjain 2014
Keynote Speaker World Ayurveda Conference, Pune 2012
Founding Fellow Council for Yoga Accreditation International CYAI Inaugural 2012
Inaugural Meeting, Lonavala
Keynote Speaker 7th Kaivalydham International Conference Lonavala 2012
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Guest of Honor Bombay Women’s Yoga Competition by Yog Vinayasa Assn. 2010
Featured Guest Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, 2007
Yoga Nidra Seminar for doctors, nurses and staff
Seminar leader Amby Valley, Sahara City 2007
(Mahashtra Chamber of Commerce and Indusind Bank)
Introduction to Amrit Yoga and Yoga Nidra for business leaders
Guest Speaker Mumbai Rotary Club 2007
Seminar Leader Sponsored by World Human Development Center, Mumbai 2007
Speaker Micro Inks Corporation with Executive Staff, Vapi 2007
15th All India Uni Yoga Competition Awarded Best Foreign Yoga Practitioner Calcutta 2007
Seminar Leader Vile Parle Gymkhana Club, Juhu, Mumbai 2004
Seminar Leader Jamnabai Narsee School, Juhu, Mumbai 2004
Featured Speaker International Yoga Festival Government of Pondicherry 1993
Keynote Speaker International Conference on Science and Religion 1988
by Bharat Nirman bringing religion and science together
Special Event H.H. Shri Kripalvanandaji 1971
first public speech after observing12 years of silence;
attended by 25,000 devotees
Keynote Speaker World Conference on Scientific Yoga, New Delhi 1970
Pilgrimage Tours to the sacred seat of Shaktipat Kundalini lineage 1969-present
the Temple of Bhagavan Brahmeshwara Lord Lakulish;
Malav Ashram trainings and darshans with Swami Shri Kripalvanandji
Dubai
Chief Guest International Yoga and Ayurveda Conference 2014
Seminar Leader Young Presidents Organization and 2006
Consultation to employees of The One Company
Costa Rica
Guest speaker Invited by the University of Peace in San Jose for 2000
international radio interview.
Seminar Leader Week-long Seminar, Pura Vida
Mexico
Seminar Leader Explore the Spiritual Power of Yoga, Maya Tulum 2001
Turkey
Seminar Leader Amrit Yoga and Yoga Nidra Workshop, Istanbul 2006
Bali Seminar at Anahata Resort 2007
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Germany
Seminar Leader Seminar Frankfurt 2013
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Portugal
Guest of Honor Sponsored by World Yoga Day Lisbon Portugal 2013
Switzerland
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Keynote Speaker Sponsor: European Yoga Teacher's Association, Switzerland 1982-1986
Workshop Leader Advanced Instruction for 1500 European Yoga Teachers
from 23 countries.
Lecturer World Academy of Yoga 1986
European Union of Yoga Federations
Royal Holloway College, England
Various other conferences and yoga associations
Iceland
Workshop Leader Seminars and lectures in Reykjavik 1990, 2007
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Russia
Keynote Speaker Invited by Soviet Ministry of Health to speak at first 1990
Soviet-American Conference on Yoga and Meditation,
Leningrad and Moscow. Attended by over 700 people
Japan
Lectures/Seminars Tokyo,Yamaguchi, Kanazawa, Nagasaki, Osaka 1991
and Oguchi where 1,000 attended within 3 days
Consultations With Japanese Government to introduce 1991
Yoga (body/mind fitness) to Japan
China
Workshop Leader Week-long tour and seminars in several cities 1991
sponsored by the Shanghai Youth Federation
Australia
Lecturer University of Sydney, Melbourne, and the Emissary 1991
Community at Yogeshwar Muni Ashram
Singapore
Lecturer Invited by Kala Mandir in Singapore 1991
Lecture Series
Brazil
Special Guest Invited to attend three separate national yoga teachers 1992
conferences in Receife Purnambuco, Rio de Janeiro and
Vitoria, Espirito Santos
Israel
Special Guest Yoga for Peace Conference and Planetary Healing 1995
Taught yoga and meditation to Palestinians and Israelis,
empowering them to foster peace and deal with conflict
issues with consciousness
Various Seminars
England, Belgium, Holland, Portugal, Canada, 1986-present
Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia,
Barbados, St. Croix, St. John, Hong Kong,
Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Sweden, Turkey, Dubai
Keynote Speaker
Repeated invitations to national and international 1966-present
yoga and health conference, world religious
parliaments and Vishwa Hindu Parishad events.
Major u.s. Seminars & Conferences
3rd International Conference on Integrative Medicine
Harvard Medical School - Role of Yoga and Ayurveda
2017
4th International World Yoga Day
Conversations with Yoga Masters on Yoga for Peace
2017
1st International World Yoga Day
represented Southeast USA with Atlanta Embassy
2015
Ayurveda & Yoga Conference
with Shri Shri Ravi Shankar, Boone, NC
2014
Yoga and Psyche Conference
California Institute of Integral Studies Key Note Speaker
2014
Jet (Jeevar Educational Trust) Convention
Orlando Honored Guest
2014
Speaker and Sponsor for Medical Understanding of Yoga Conference AYI
2013
Keynote Speaker with Shri Ramesh Oza
at Swarnin Gujarat Celebration New Jersey attended by 3,000
2010
Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA) Conference
Miami Florida Guest Speaker
2010
International Conference on Total Health-Research Perspectives ;
Modern Medicine, Yoga and Ayurveda Hindu University Orlando Florida,
Guest Speaker
2010
New York Yoga - New Life Expo
Guest Speaker
2008
Gandhi Memorial Lecture, Univ. of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
2008
Inaugural Speech at 7th WAVES Conference University of Central Florida
Attended by Scholars, Professors, Doctors, Swamis
2008
Baroda Medical College Alumni Association Annual Conference
Orlando, Florida
2007
Hindu Temple - Seminar
Tampa, Florida
2007-present
Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville, WV
2005
Midwest Yoga Conference, Ignite Your Spirit Chicago
Keynote Address 30 teachers from various traditions
2004
Hindu University of America, Orlando
2004
Holistic Holiday Cruise
2004-2014
Midwest Yoga Conference, Chicago
Keynote Address 20 workshops by prominent yoga teachers
2003
Global Dharma Conference attended by Gurus Swamis Yogis and Philosophers
Los Angeles Convention Center Yoga Expo
with Bikram Choudhury and Deepak Chopra
2003
Conference of the Yoga Research Society
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
2002
WAVES International Conference, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
Attended by Vedic Scholars, Professors and Swamis
2001, 2002
Chopra Center for Well Being Guest Teacher - Seduction of the Spirit
7-day Seminar with Deepak Chopra
2001
Stone Mountain Evergreen Conference Resort, Georgia
Opening Keynote Address and Special Intensive on Amrit Yoga for teachers
24 workshops offered by teachers from various traditions
2001
Midwest Yoga and Wellness Conference, MI
Keynote Address 33 seminars conducted by prominent yoga teachers
Special guests Deepak Chopra and Gurudev
2001
Southeast Yoga Conference, GA
2001
Three Masters Retreat, Hawaii & NYC
With Deepak Chopra and Bikram Choudry
2001
Yoga Vision Conference, Arizona State Un. Tempe, AZ
Opening Keynote Address Seminars by 22 distinguished yoga teachers
2001
Vraj Bhumi Temple, Summit Station, PA
Seminar with Ramesh Oza and Swami Sri Chidanandji (Muniji) Rishikesh
2001
Deepak Chopra New Millennium Celebration, Guest Teacher
Palm Springs, CA