Remembering Sally Kempton 1943–2023

Sally Kempton, the much-beloved Yoga master and spiritual teacher, passed away on July 10, 2023. Sally was a shining light in the Yoga community and her loss is being mourned by so many. Sally’s spiritual roots were in the Kashmiri Saivism tradition and she devoted herself, serving as Swami Durgananda for twenty years. She was a direct disciple of Swami Muktananda (Siddha Yoga). Sally immersed herself in the profound teachings of Kashmir Saivism, classical Saiva Sakta Tantra and Advaita and shared these teachings and practices with her many students.

She authored many inspiring books, including Awakening Shakti and Meditation for the Love of It. Sally also had an illustrious career as a journalist, lending her talent to renowned publications such as Esquire, New York magazine, the Village Voice, among others.

Sally taught meditation classes on Glo and elsewhere. Integral Yoga Magazine contributor Philip Goldberg has a wonderful interview with Sally on his podcast Spirit Matters Talk.  This past week, the global community of yogis and meditators who have joined together in chanting of mantra (renowned meditation teacher Scott Schwenk can be heard chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra on her website) to honor her passing.

Sally’s physical presence will be greatly missed. Her contributions to the Yoga world are immense and her Light will shine through these and through all her students. Jai Sally!