Gurani Anjali Joseph1 from Calcutta, India began teaching classical Yoga on the south shore of New York’s Long Island in the 1960s. With the support of family and a growing group of dedicated students she established Yoga Anand Ashram, a not-for-profit educational and philosophical organization, in 1972. The Ashram was honored to support her in the position of Director until her passing in 2001.
She was one of the first wave of Indian Yoga teachers to arrive for the 1960s Eastern spiritual movement, along with Swami Vishnudevananda, Swami Satchitananda, Amrit Desai, Sri Chinmoy, and Swami Rama.
During her prolific life she wrote several books, dozens of educational essays, composed scores of songs and poems and conducted countless meditations, lectures, seminars and classes.
While drawing inspiration from her insights into the depths of Yogic spiritual wisdom, she developed a direct teaching style geared toward addressing the complexities of the American lifestyle as seen through the embodiment of a Master in Yoga.
All who met her were embraced in the warmth of her compassion, the strength of her commitment, and the intensity of her spiritual vision that compelled her towards elevating the Yogic Vision in all situations and circumstances. She guided her many students in their spiritual journey by lovingly redirecting their intention away from the ignorance of selfishness and unexamined cultural conditioning towards the freedom, responsibility and sacredness that lies at the foundation of all.
On March 11, 2001 Gurani Anjali attained Maha Samadhi (Great Union). Her passing was marked by a series of meditations and memorial services where students, members, Pillars, friends and family members all gathered to reflect on her life and pay respect to a rare life of serving the spiritual evolution and dignity of all mankind. Although she will continue to be missed, her life and vision remains embodied in the Ashram she founded and the lives she touched.
GuraniAnjali.org is dedicated to the preservation of the Yogic spiritual wisdom that Gurani Anjali shared with the thousands that she directly affected in her lifetime. May her legacy of compassion, love, wisdom and selfless dedication continue through those that follow in her footsteps.
1. Gurani is a title for a female guru.