Devoted to the teachings of Swami Kripalu
His holiness Swami Shri Kripalvananda, affectionately known as Bapuji (dear father), was one of the world’s greatest masters of Kundalini Yoga. For the last thirty years of his life, he devoted over 10 hours a day to the practice of Kundalini Yoga meditation. For 22 of those years he practiced total silence, speaking only on rare public occasions. Kripalvananda means “Blissful giver of grace.” He expressed this grace as a compassionate saint, scholar, musician and poet.
"The path of love is ancient.
When I was born I received the initiation of love. Now, with the same love, I initiate everyone else."
Swami Kripalu
Sustainers of KYI
Our Board of Directors
The purposes of the Corporation are religious and educational. Specifically to promote study and appreciation of the teachings of Swami Kripalvanandji; to preserve and maintain the place of his U.S. abode, Muktidham, in Sumneytown, Pennsylvania; to promote yogic teaching and awareness generally; and to engage in any and all other lawful activities as will, at the discretion of the Board, be determined to facilitate and contribute to the foregoing purposes.
Founder of KYI
Hari Sharana Zandler
Hari is a direct disciple of Bapuji Kripalu. He received shaktipat initiation in 1974 in India and was given the name Hari Sharana.
Over a two year period there, he studied and did his sadhana in Bapuji’s ashrams.
He also studied Sanskrit and Ayurveda with Brahmin priests, Indian classical music with Kripalu’s nephew, and rendered some of Swami
Kripalu’s bhajans into English. He assisted Bapuji in editing The Science of Meditation, presenting for the first time in English yogic meditation as a systematic science. After Bapuji came to the US, Hari spent many wonderful personal moments with him in
Muktidham, Summit Station, Canada and California.
In 2005, Muktidham was listed for sale on the open market and was likely headed for demolition.
By modest means and more by faith, Hari purchased the sanctuary in order preserve it as a spiritual oasis for all those wishing to connect with Swami Kripalu’s teachings. With the help of the Kripalu community, Hari created KYI, a non-profit entity
to ensure the future of Muktidham. Since that time Hari has continuously conducted yoga retreats and satsangs at Muktidham.
It is with his deep love and commitment to the lineage, that Hari has worked tirelessly
to preserve the property for future generations.
In 2023, Muktidham was officially transferred to KYI and approved by the state as a religious non-profit organization, through the great efforts of Bob Rodini. In addition, Todd and Lisa Hoover generously paid off the mortgage for Muktidham, which has
made the continuation of the property possible. After fifty years of dedicated daily sadhana practice, Hari is still inspired to share the
shakti energy, love, and teachings of his Guru. In the same period, Hari has also been sharing the teachings at several educational institutions: St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia University-Jefferson U, Haverford College, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and
Mainline School Night. Hari continues to lead satsangs and community events regularly at Muktidham and online.
Lisa Bryan
Bob Rodini
Bob was drawn to Bapuji through his disciples’ Amrit Desai and Hari Sharana. When the teacher’s students inspire their students, you realize the power of the teaching. Bapuji’s most powerful teaching is that we are all one family.
Shambhu
(Paul) Herzer
Shambhu has served all of the organizations close to Swami Kripalu in America and visited all of the sites from Swami Kripalu’s life in India. From North Carolina he always questioned how he ended up in Pennsylvania until he was asked to serve on KYI’s board.
Gail Fulop
An E-RYT 500 Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Lisa has been blessed by the graces of Muktidam since 2005. Desiring a deep integration of Yoga with mystical Christianity, she has an MA in Holistic Spirituality/Spiritual Direction since 2013. Lisa seeks to be of service to the many expressions of Swami Kripalu’s legacy. Jai Bhagwan!
An E-RYT 500 Kripalu Yoga Teacher and our Board's sole Canadian, one of Gail's most memorable experiences was visiting Muktidham in 2020. Her attraction to the lineage began in 2008 through Jody Myers (AYTT, Nova Scotia), then amplified with Amrit Desai in 2014. She has remained connected to the lineage because of its spiritual depth, and Bapuji's priority of LOVE. She is the founder of www.aninspiredpath.ca.​
"After many lifetimes, the man of wisdom finally turns to God, realizing that he is all that is. Rare, indeed, is that great soul."
Bhagavad Gita 7:19
Swami Kripalvananda
