2607:FEA8:A1E4:AB00:C98:8E3B:E825:4EE at 21:20, 11 August 2021

2021-08-11T21:20:45Z

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{{Infobox Hindu leader
| name = Swami Mukundananda
| image = Swami Mukundananda profile image.jpg
| religion = [[Sanatana Dharma]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1960|12|19|df=y}} (age 60)
| birth_place = India
| nationality = [[India|Indian]]
| guru = [[Kripalu Maharaj]]
| philosophy = [[Bhakti yoga]]
| founder = JKYog, JKYog India, [[Radha Krishna Temple, Dallas]]
| footnotes =
| website = {{url|swamimukundananda.org}}
}}

{{Vaishnavism}}
{{Hindu philosophy}}
'''Swami Mukundananda ''' (born December 19, 1962) is a global spiritual leader, best selling author, Vedic scholar, and authority on mind management. He is the founder of JKYog ([[Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog]]) India, a nonprofit organization based in [[Cuttack, Odisha]] and JKYog, a nonprofit organization based in [[Dallas, Texas]], which offers a unique Yogic system, also known as Yoga for the Body, Mind and Soul.<ref name=JKYog /> <ref name=IITSwamiji>[http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-10-02/news/30235215_1_iit-education-iit-kharagpur-iit-training "IITian swamijis? Meet the unusual engineers Anshuman Mishra (B.Tech-CSE) & Shantanu Nandan Sharma"]. ''The Economic Times'', Oct 2, 2011</ref> <ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/business/millions-turn-to-jkyog-for-wellness-and-inspiration-during-covid-1920200528121653/ |title= Millions turn to JKYog for wellness and inspiration during COVID-19 |publisher= ANI News |date= |access-date=2020-05-28}}</ref>

==Biography==

=== Early life and education ===

As a child, Swami Mukundananda spent long hours in meditation and contemplation.<ref name=6bridgesInterview>[http://www.6bridges.com/Content.asp?chk=1&DataID=2334&ShowAll=1 "The Saint and the Sciences"]</ref> He graduated from the [[IIT Delhi]] with a degree in engineering<ref name=IITSwamiji1>[http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-10-02/news/30235215_1_iit-education-iit-landghat-iit-training "IITian swamijis? Meet the unusual engineers Anshuman Mishra (B.Tech-CSE) & Shantanu Nandan Sharma"]. ''The Economic Times'', Oct 2, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.iitdalumni.com/news/offbeat-route-success-article-iitd-alumni "Offbeat route to success - An Article on IITJ Alumni"]. ''IIT Alumni News'', By Janani Rajeswari S, 23 Oct 2010.</ref> and received a postgraduate degree from the [[Indian Institute of Management Calcutta | IIM Calcutta]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sohrabji |first1=Sunita |title=Techie Swami Mukundananda Embarks On 7-Month US Tour |journal=India – West |volume=36 |issue=25 |date=May 2011 |page=13B }}</ref><ref>[http://abc7news.com/archive/8294069/ "Spiritual leader visits Rolling Meadows"]. ''ABC7 News''.
August 7, 2011</ref>

After that, he worked for some time with one of the India's most topmost industrial houses. He left a career in business<ref>[http://www.newsgram.com/guru-saves-fallen-souls-and-makes-them-eligible-to-meet-god-swami-mukundananda/ "Newsgram Interview"]</ref> to join the order of [[Sannyas]],<ref name ="indoamerican">[http://www.indoamerican-news.com/the-body-mind-soul-relationship/ " Swami Mukundananda Enlightens Devotees through Lecture Series Across America"]. ''Indo American News'', August 2, 2012.</ref> dedicating his time to devotional pursuits<ref name=6bridgesInterview /> and travelled throughout India as a Sanyasi.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Essence of Hinduism|last=Mukundananda|first=Swami|publisher=Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog|year=2011|isbn=978-0-9826675-8-3|location=Plano, TX|pages=7, 8, 9}}</ref> Under the guidance of ''[[guru]]' ' [[Kripalu Maharaj|Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj]] who is lovingly called "Maharajji" by his devotees,<ref name="6bridgesInterview" /><ref name=":0" /> Mukundananda studied the [[Vedas|Vedic scriptures]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Indian Diaspora: Socio-Cultural and Religious Worlds|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AftyBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA105%7Cdate%3D30+January+2015%7Cpublisher%3DBRILL%7Cisbn%3D978-90-04-28806-5%7Cpages%3D105%E2%80%93%7D%7D%3C%2Fref%3E|date=30 January 2015|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-28806-5|pages=105–}}</ref> [[Indian philosophy|Indian]] and [[Western philosophy]], and [[Bhakti yoga|Bhakti Yog]]. [[Kripalu Maharaj|Kripaluji Maharaj]] entrusted him with the key task of spreading Vedic knowledge around the globe.<ref name=6bridgesInterview />

=== The journey ===

For more than quarter century, Swami Mukundananda has been travelling around the world, awakening thousands of minds by spreading profound knowledge of the [[Vedas]]. He has unveiled the way to explain the hardest meaning of the Vedas in the modern context using the perfect logic, simple-yet-scientific approach.

== JKYog ==

=== Teachings and philosophy ===
Swami Mukundananda formulated JKYog, a system of yoga that incorporates elements of both [[Hatha yoga]] and [[Bhakti yoga]],<ref name=JKYog /><ref name=fivesciences>[http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/04/prweb3916774.htm "US Tour"] http://www.prweb.com/</ref> and founded a nonprofit organization of the same name to promote the practice throughout the United States and India.<ref name=JKYog>[http://irvingblog.dallasnews.com/2013/07/page/3/ "Monthly Archives: July 2013: The Swami and the mayor"]. Deborah Fleck, Staff Writer, July 23, 2013. ''Irving Blog, the Dallas News''.</ref><ref>[https://www.jkyog.org/all-satsang-centers/ "Satsang Centers"] JKYog.org</ref><ref>[https://www.jkyog.org/all-satsang-centers/] India Satsang Centers</ref> JKYog is headquartered at the [[Radha Krishna Temple, Dallas|Radha Krishna Temple]] in [[Allen, Texas]].<ref name="RKTInauguration1">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.indoamerican-news.com/radha-krishna-temple-inaugural-ceremony/ |title=Radha Krishna Temple Inaugural Ceremony |publisher=Indo American News|date= |access-date=2017-07-29}}</ref><ref name="RKTInauguration2">{{cite web|url=http://india-herald.com/radha-krishna-temple-opens-in-dallas-p5832-56.htm |title=Radha Krishna Temple opens in Dallas |website=India-herald.com |date= |access-date=2017-07-25}}</ref> In May 2020, Swami Mukundananda launched the expansion of JKYog activities beyond USA to many major cities across the globe. <ref>{{cite web |last1=Bureau |first1=Indian Speaker |title=Swami Mukundananda {{!}} Speaker, Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality Guru {{!}} JKYog |url=https://www.indianspeakerbureau.com/speaker_profile/swami-mukundananda |website=Indian Speaker Bureau |access-date=16 May 2020 |ref=https://www.aninews.in/news/business/swami-mukundananda-launches-expansion-of-jkyog-worldwide-headquarters20200515150016/}}</ref>

He has been invited to speak at various institutions namely [[Google]], [[Oracle Corporation|Oracle]], [[Yahoo]], [[Verizon]], [[University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center|M.D. Anderson Cancer Center]], [[United Nations]], [[Stanford University]], [[Princeton University]], [[MIT]], [[Kellogg School of Management]] and [[Duke University]].<ref name ="indoamerican" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/business/sanya-malhotra-joins-hands-with-swami-mukundananda-to-promote-yoga20190522123359/|title= Sanya Malhotra joins hands with Swami Mukundananda to promote yoga|work=aninews.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://india-herald.com/swami-mukundananda-to-visit-houston-p3493-1.htm|title=Swami Mukundananda to visit Houston|work=india-herald.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://toostep.com/insight/swami-mukundananda-leads-the-the-path-to-god-realization|title=Swami Mukundananda Leads the "The Path to God Realization"|author=TooStep|work=toostep.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dharmacafe.com/index.php/news-briefs/article/inspiring-discourses-by-swami-mukundananda/|title=Inspiring Discourses by Swami Mukundananda|work=dharmacafe.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiapost.com/with-who-am-i-begins-the-quest-for-spiritual-knowledge/|title=With 'Who am I' begins the quest for spiritual knowledge|work=indiapost.com|date=March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiapost.com/swami-mukundananda-answers-questions-on-spirituality-2/|title=Swami Mukundananda answers questions on Spirituality|work=indiapost.com|date=7 February 2013}}</ref>

=== Temples and Congregation centres ===

Swami Mukundananda travels to many cities in [[United States]] and India every year to conduct week-long programs that incorporate [[Yoga| yoga sessions]], [[meditation]] sessions and spiritual discourses.<ref>[http://www.indoamerican-news.com/the-body-mind-soul-relationship/ "The Body, Mind and Soul Relationship"]</ref><ref>[https://indiacurrents.com/swami-mukundananda-talk-yoga-meditation-7-mindsets-success-life-beyond/ "7 Mindsets for Success in Life and Beyond"]</ref>

He has founded the Radha Krishna temple of [[Dallas]] in [[Allen, Texas]].<ref>[http://india-herald.com/radha-krishna-temple-opens-in-dallas-p5832-56.htm "Radha Krishna Temple Inauguration"]</ref>

He has also established several congregation centres in different cities of [[United States]] and [[India]].

The main ashram of Swami Mukundananda in [[India]] is located in Banara, [[Cuttack]], [[India]], and is spread over 100 acres of land. There is also a fully functional charitable hospital and a naturopathy hospital on the same campus.

=== Jagadguru Kripalu University ===

The government of [[Odisha]] approved the Jagadguru Kripalu University in April 2018. Swami Mukundananda is the president of the University, which is presently under construction. In the first phase, the university will offer higher learning in [[Sanskrit]], [[Yoga]], [[Naturopathy]], Health Administration, [[Philosophy]], [[Religion]] and Comparative Religion.<ref>[https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/state-editions/govt-gives-nod-for-kripalu-university.html "Jagadguru Kripalu University"]</ref>

== Recent engagement ==

Swami Mukundananda was invited by Madras Management Association (MMA) to deliver the Keynote Address during the MMA Annual Convention 2020 where he delivered a talk on 'Mindsets for True Success'.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9y_xXSGmzE "Swami Mukundananda at MMA"]</ref>

Due to the Covid-19 situation, in 2020 Swami Mukundananda conducted an online event to celebrate the [[International Day of Yoga]] (June 20th, 2020 - June 26th, 2020), where over 100 sessions were organized including [[yoga]], [[pranayama]], holistic health, health and wellness seminars and workshops.<ref name="InternationalYogaDay">{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.americanbazaaronline.com/2020/06/18/indian-american-teacher-launching-free-online-worldwide-yoga-festival-441502/ |title= Indian American spiritual guru launching free online worldwide yoga festival |publisher= www.americanbazaaronline.com/|date= 18 June 2020|access-date=2020-07-18}}</ref>

== Good mental health in a post-pandemic world ==

Considering the [[mental health]] problems that have resulted from [[COVID-19]] pandemic around the globe, in the 2021 International Yoga festival Swami Mukundananda discussed the link between [[Yoga]] and good mental health. He said, “When facing a calamity, one of the biggest virtues is strength. Perceive these unusual circumstances as a window of opportunity to grow from within. Try to nurture your inner character, integrity, well-being, and divinity. The pandemic gave people an opportunity to rethink priorities in life – to shift from running from external accomplishments to growing from within. People who strengthened the foundation of their inner divine qualities during the lockdown have become more capable of tackling the challenges of the post-pandemic external world."
In his discussion, he emphasized on three key points to help overcome mental health problems: 1. First, establish a daily routine of [[Yoga]]; 2. Second, set aside time for the practice of [[Pranayama]]; 3. Third, engage in [[Meditation]] as a spiritual practice to keep the body and mind relaxed and in a positive state.<ref name="InternationalFestivalYoga">{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/health/yoga-as-a-means-to-improve-post-pandemic-mental-health/2278277/ |title= Yoga as a means to improve post-pandemic mental health |publisher= www.financialexpress.com/|date= 25 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-25}}</ref>

== Bibliography ==
* 7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self {{ISBN|978-93-9032-708-9}} (2020)
* The Science of Mind Management : With proper knowledge, training, and discipline, it is possible to unleash the mind’s infinite potential {{ISBN|978-0-9968693-1-7}} (2020)
* 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment (Hindi) {{ISBN|978-9390085675}} (2020)
* 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment (Marathi) {{ISBN|978-9390085705}} (2020)
* 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment (English) {{ISBN|978-9388754392}} (2019)
* Science of Healthy Diet {{ISBN|978-0996869317}} (2017)
* Bhagavad Gita : The Song of God - Important aspects of the knowledge of the Vedas {{ISBN|978-0-9833967-2-7}} (2013)
* Essence of Hinduism: Principles of Hindu philosophy and traditions. A summary of the Vedic scriptures {{ISBN|978-0-9826675-8-3}} (2011)
* Spiritual Dialectics : Answers to some of the challenging questions on spirituality {{ISBN|978-0-9826675-9-0}} (2011)
* Yoga for the Body, Mind and Soul: Comprehensive book on Yogasans, Pranayams, Subtle body relaxation, Meditation {{ISBN|978-0-9833967-1-0}} (2011)
* Inspiring Stories for Children, Vol. 1: {{ISBN|978-0-9826675-0-7}} (2010)
* Inspiring Stories for Children, Vol. 2: {{ISBN|978-0-9826675-1-4}} (2010)
* Inspiring Stories for Children, Vol. 3: {{ISBN|978-0-9826675-2-1}} (2010)
* Inspiring Stories for Children, Vol. 4: {{ISBN|978-0-9826675-3-8}} (2010)
* Bal-Mukund Festivals of India : All major festivals of India and their spiritual, cultural and religious significance {{ISBN|978-0-9826675-4-5}} (2010)
* Bal-Mukund Wisdom Book : Noble values for children's personality development. Verses and chants for children to learn {{ISBN|978-0-9826675-5-2}} (2010)
* Bal-Mukund Saints of India : Great saints of India and their influence on society {{ISBN|978-0-9826675-6-9}} (2010)

=== 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment ===
As Swami Mukundananda emphasizes the importance of mind management in all his talks, so he has authored the book "7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment" that describes how to discover the limitless potential of the mind and live a life of inspiration & Purpose, Forge one's destiny with every thought and learn the secret to stress-free living, utilize the power of habits to transform oneself and let go of the past and live in the present.<ref>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/swami-mukundananda-reveals-7-mindsets-for-success-happiness-and-fulfillment-119092000312_1.html "Swami Mukundananda reveals 7 mindsets for success happiness and fulfillment"]</ref><ref>[https://in.news.yahoo.com/swami-mukundananda-reveals-7-mindsets-success-happiness-fulfillment-055108536.html "7 mindsets for success happiness and fulfillment by Swami Mukundananda"]</ref><ref>[https://www.aninews.in/news/business/swami-mukundananda-reveals-7-mindsets-for-success-happiness-and-fulfillment20190920112108/ "7 mindsets for success happiness and fulfillment"]</ref><ref>[http://www.punjabtribune.com/news/149569-swami-mukundananda-reveals-7-mindsets-for-success-happiness-and-fulfillment.aspx " Swami Mukundananda on 7 mindsets for success happiness and fulfillment"]</ref>

=== The Science of Mind Management ===
Swami Mukundananda has authored his second book on mind management, called the "The Science of Mind Management". It explains that the quality of our mind determines the quality of the life we lead. The mind can be our greatest ally or our worst adversary. A mind that runs amok could steal our inner peace and undermine our every productive endeavor. Yet, with proper knowledge, training and discipline, it is possible to unleash the mind’s infinite potential.<ref name="ScienceofMindMgtIndExp">{{cite web|author= |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/the-science-of-mind-management-by-swami-mukundananda-an-extract-6603186/ |title= The Science of Mind Management by Swami Mukundananda: An extract |website= indianexpress.com |publisher=[[The Indian Express]]|date= 20 September 2020|access-date=2020-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title= The Science of Mind Management |date= 14 September 2020|isbn = 978-9389648447|last1= Mukundananda |first1= Swami }}</ref><ref name="ScienceofMindMgtHT">{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/excerpt-the-science-of-mind-management-by-swami-mukundananda/story-cbtKV1fLbltCSG2lIJZLyK.html
|title= Excerpt: The Science of Mind Management by Swami Mukundananda |website= www.hindustantimes.com|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]|date= 2 October 2020|access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/special-features/books-for-the-week-sept-27th-to-oct-3rd-893159.html
|title= Books For The Week |website= www.deccanherald.com|publisher=[[Deccan Herald]]|date= 27 September 2020|access-date=2020-09-27}}</ref>

He charts the four different aspects of the human mind and lays down a clear path towards mastering it. Through witty anecdotes, real-life accounts and stories from the [[Vedas | Vedic]] scriptures, he gently guides readers on the road to winning their inner battle.<ref name="ScienceofMindMgtIndExp"></ref><ref name="ScienceofMindMgtHT"></ref>

The book was ranked second in the [[Hindustan Times]] Nielsen’s bestseller list.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/the-ht-nielsen-bestseller-list-for-the-week-ending-26th-september/story-wd7bZdH68BcwPl3Q0TGsnI.html |title= The HT Nielsen Bestseller list|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]|website= www.hindustantimes.com|date= 2 October 2020|access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>

=== 7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self ===
In December 2020, [[HarperCollins]] India published "7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self"
written by Swami Mukundananda. The book explains that like laws regulating physical
phenomena, there are spiritual laws governing the journey of life. Knowledge of them helps us
understand why success comes so easily to some but remains a struggle for others. In this
book, he describes 7 divine laws for a successful life. <ref>{{cite web|author=|url=https://harpercollins.co.in/product/7-divine-laws-for-awakening-your-best-self/
|title= 7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self |publisher=HarperCollins|date=2020}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|author=Swami Mukundananda|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2021/pioneer-health/making-good-choices-is-key.html|title= Making good choices is key |publisher= Daily Pioneer|date= 2021-01-26}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/bookreviews/backflap-199697|title= Book Review |publisher= Tribune India|date= 2021-01-17}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Swami Mukundananda Retreat Lecture.jpg|Retreat Lecture
File:Swami Mukundananda Retreat Discourse.jpg|Retreat Discourse
File:Swami Mukundananda Retreat Yoga.jpg|Retreat Yoga
File:Swami Mukundananda Retreat Bal-Mukund.jpg|Retreat Bal-Mukund
File:Swami Mukundananda Retreat Parikrama.jpg|Retreat Parikrama
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://swamimukundananda.org/}} of Swami Mukundananda
* [http://www.jkyog.org/swami-mukundananda "Swami Mukundananda"]. www.jkyog.org. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
*{{YouTube|user= JagadguruKripaluYog| Swami Mukundananda English}}
*{{YouTube|user= JKY0G| Swami Mukundananda Hindi}}

[[Category:1960 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century Hindu religious leaders]]
[[Category:21st-century Hindu religious leaders]]
[[Category:Devotees of Krishna]]
[[Category:Hindu revivalist writers]]
[[Category:Indian Vaishnavites]]
[[Category:Translators of the Bhagavad Gita]]

Mukundananda - Revision history

2607:FEA8:A1E4:AB00:C98:8E3B:E825:4EE at 21:20, 11 August 2021