How Yoga Transformed a Brooklyn Kid into a Global Spiritual Leader

Featured, Stories

In this heartfelt and reflective conversation led by host Avi Gordon (director of Integral Yoga Teachers Association), Swami Asokananda (president of the Integral Yoga Institute of New York)  shares his incredible life journey—from his Brooklyn upbringing in a non-religious Jewish family to his path of spiritual awakening and leadership. He recounts transformative moments, including early struggles with identity, his experiences with Yoga and meditation, and the pivotal influences of mentors and life-changing practices. Swami Asokananda opens up about vulnerability, connection, and the wisdom of simply being oneself, offering profound insights into personal growth and the universal quest for meaning. This episode is a rich tapestry of stories and lessons from a life devoted to inner discovery and service.

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