Mukundananda

Swami Mukundananda (born December 19, 1960) is a spiritual leader, best-selling author, Vedic scholar, and authority on mind management from India.[2] He is the founder of JKYog (Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog), a nonprofit organization based in Dallas, Texas and JKYog India, a non-profit organization based in Cuttack, Odisha, which offers a unique Yogic system, also known as Yoga for the Body, Mind and Soul.[3][4]

Swami Mukundananda
Personal
Born(1960-12-19)19 December 1960[1] (age 63)
India
ReligionHinduism
NationalityIndian
EducationIndian Institute of Technology, Delhi (B Tech)
Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (MBA)
Founder ofJKYog, JKYog India, Radha Krishna Temple, Dallas
PhilosophyBhakti yoga
Religious career
GuruJagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Websiteswamimukundananda.org
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Vaishnavism
Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet.
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Major texts
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Biography

Early life and education

As a child, Swami Mukundananda spent long hours in meditation and contemplation.[5][6] He completed his undergraduate degree in B.Tech from the IIT Delhi.[7] He received a postgraduate degree from the IIM Calcutta.[8][9] Afterwards, he joined the order of Sannyas,[10] dedicating his time to devotional pursuits[5] and travelled throughout India as a Sanyasi.[11] Under the guidance of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj,[5][11] Swami Mukundananda studied the Vedic scriptures,[12] and became a well-known spiritual leader and published author. He has written a commentary on Bhagavad Gita.

JKYog

JKYog, a revered non-profit charitable organization, operates under the visionary leadership of its founder, Swami Mukundananda. Established in 2008 in India as Jagadguru Kripalu Yog Trust (JKYog India) and later in 2009 in the USA as Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog, JKYog is dedicated to the comprehensive development of society.

With headquarters at the tranquil Jagadguru Kripalu University Campus in Banara, Odisha, India, and the Radha Krishna Temple in Dallas, Texas, USA, JKYog diligently imparts profound knowledge from the Vedic scriptures, including the Upanishads, Puranas, Ramayan, and Bhagavad Gita.

Under the sagacious guidance of Swami Mukundananda, JKYog strives to foster spiritual growth, inner peace, and societal harmony. Through its teachings and charitable initiatives, JKYog continues to inspire individuals globally, guiding them toward a life enriched with spirituality, wisdom, and purpose.

Teachings and Philosophy

Swami Mukundananda is the founder of the unique Yogic system, JKYog, “Jagadguru Kripalu Yog” also known as Yoga for the Body, Mind and Soul that incorporates physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.[13]

Swami Mukundananda, in his discourses as well as books, presents deep esoteric concepts of the Vedic scriptures in an easy-to-understand and logical manner relevant to modern-day living.[14] Being a Bhakti Saint, his core philosophy is based on developing selfless devotion and service to God.[15] He propagates wisdom on purification of the mind to elevate the quality of our thoughts to lead a fulfilling life.

Temples and Congregation Centres

Swami Mukundananda has established multiple satsang centers in India and USA. He has founded the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas,[16] USA; Radha Krishna Temple, Bay Area, USA; and Radha Krishna Mandir, Cuttack, Odisha, India. He has also instituted the JKYog Ashram, Banara, Odisha, India; Purushottam Vatika, Puri, Odisha, India; and Shree Radha Nikunj Bihari Ashram, Sambalpur, Odisha, India.

Life Transformation Programs (LTPs) and Spiritual Retreats

Swami Mukundananda conducts Life Transformation Programs (LTPs) in multiple cities in the USA and India. These week-long programs include intellectual discourses and meditation sessions.[17][14]

In addition, Swami Mukundananda conducts spiritual retreats[18] in the USA and India for the holistic upliftment of the body, mind, and soul. These retreats consist of yoga and meditation, knowledge sessions, chanting, festival celebrations, kids/youth classes, and question and answer sessions.

Swami Mukundananda Exclusive (SMExclusive)

Swami Mukundananda Exclusive is an online community of people who have a yearning to enhance the quality of their lives and help others grow with them. With SMEx membership, people from around the world can join regular LIVE interaction with Swami Mukundananda to learn how to live a fulfilling life through his discourses, and get their doubts clarified through the interactive question and answer segment. There is also exclusive content created for community members on the SMEx website.

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.[19]

Events

Due to the COVID-19 situation, in 2020 Swami Mukundananda conducted an online event to celebrate the International Day of Yoga (June 20–26, 2020), where over 100 sessions were organized including yoga, pranayama, holistic health, health and wellness seminars and workshops.[20]

Swami Mukundananda was a distinguished speaker at his alma mater IIT Delhi on the occasion of its Diamond jubilee celebrations.[21]

Swami Mukundananda Ji, was one of the speakers in the Bhagavad Gita Summit (from 10–14 December 2021) during Gita Jayanti at Dallas, Texas, US along with other notable personalities such as Dr. Menas Kafatos, Mr. Shiv Khera, Kiran Bedi, Brahmacharini Gloria Arieira, Dantu Muralikrishna and others.[22][23]

The Science of Mind Management

In 2020, Swami Mukundananda authored his second book on mind management, called 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.[24][25][26][27]

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 Vedic scriptures, he gently guides readers on the road to winning their inner battle.[24][26]

The book was ranked second in the Hindustan Times Nielsen's bestseller list.[28]

Selected publications
  • Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God (English) ISBN 978-9355204455 (2013)
  • Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God (Hindi) ISBN 978-8193768976 (2020)
  • Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God (Telugu) ISBN 978-8192160580 (2017)
  • The Art and Science of Happiness ISBN 978-0143452348 (2023)
  • Golden Rules for Living Your Best Life ISBN 978-9355207883 (2022)
  • The Power of Thoughts ISBN 978-0143452331 (2022)
  • 7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self (English) ISBN 978-93-9032-708-9 (2020)
  • 7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self (Hindi) ISBN 978-9355210159 (2022)
  • The Science of Mind Management (English): With proper knowledge, training, and discipline, it is possible to unleash the mind's infinite potential ISBN 978-9355204523 (2020)
  • The Science of Mind Management (Gujarati) ISBN 978-9392536083 (2022)
  • The Science of Mind Management (Telugu) ISBN 978-9391019075 (2021)
  • 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment (English) ISBN 978-9355204387 (2019)
  • 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment (Hindi) ISBN 978-9390085675 (2020)
  • 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment (Gujarati) ISBN 978-9355430502 (2022)
  • 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment (Marathi) ISBN 978-9390085705 (2020)
  • 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment (Oriya) ISBN 978-9355430519 (2022)
  • 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment (Telugu) ISBN 978-8192349596 (2022)
  • Spiritual Dialectics (English): Answers to some of the challenging questions on spirituality ISBN 978-0-9826675-9-0 (2011)
  • Spiritual Dialectics (Hindi) ISBN 978-8193768914 (2018)
  • Yoga for the Body, Mind & Soul: Comprehensive book on yogasanas, pranayamas, subtle body relaxation, and meditation ISBN 978-8193768921 (2011)
  • Science of Healthy Diet ISBN 978-0996869317 (2017)
  • Essence of Hinduism: Principles of Hindu philosophy and traditions: A summary of the Vedic scriptures ISBN 978-0-9826675-8-3 (2011)
  • My Wisdom Book: Everyday Shlokas, Mantras, Bhajans and More ISBN 978-9355204509 (2021)
  • Ramayan: The Immortal Story of Duty and Devotion ISBN 978-0996869348 (2018)
  • My Best Friend Krishna: Captivating stories about Lord Krishna and His beautiful childhood ISBN 978-0996869300 (2016)
  • Healthy Body Healthy Mind: Yoga for Children ISBN 978-0983396703 (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)
  • Retreat Lecture
    Retreat Lecture
  • Retreat Discourse
    Retreat Discourse
  • Retreat Yoga
    Retreat Yoga
  • Retreat Bal-Mukund
    Retreat Bal-Mukund
  • Retreat Parikrama
    Retreat Parikrama

References
  1. "Swami Mukundananda". jkuniversity.in. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  2. https://thedailyguardian.com/three-step-solution-to-combat-negative-thoughts/
  3. https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/spirituality/2021/oct/24/practicethe-key-to-mastery-2374375.html
  4. "Millions turn to JKYog for wellness and inspiration during COVID-19". ANI News. Retrieved 2020-05-28.
  5. "The Saint and the Sciences"
  6. "IITian swamijis? Meet the unusual engineers Anshuman Mishra (B.Tech-CSE) & Shantanu Nandan Sharma". The Economic Times, Oct 2, 2011
  7. "Offbeat route to success - An Article on IITJ Alumni". IIT Alumni News, By Janani Rajeswari S, 23 Oct 2010.
  8. Sohrabji, Sunita (May 2011). "Techie Swami Mukundananda Embarks On 7-Month US Tour". India – West. 36 (25): 13B.
  9. "Spiritual leader visits Rolling Meadows". ABC7 News. August 7, 2011
  10. " Swami Mukundananda Enlightens Devotees through Lecture Series Across America". Indo American News, August 2, 2012.
  11. Mukundananda, Swami (2011). Essence of Hinduism. Plano, TX: Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog. pp. 7, 8, 9. ISBN 978-0-9826675-8-3.
  12. Indian Diaspora: Socio-Cultural and Religious Worlds. Brill. 2015. p. 105. ISBN 978-90-04-28806-5.
  13. "The Body, Mind & Soul Relationship | Indo American News". Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  14. "Swami Mukundananda: Lectures on Life Transformation, Science of Happiness | Indo American News". Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  15. "Practice—the key to mastery". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  16. "Radha Krishna Temple Inauguration"
  17. Bhatia, Dr R. L. "World HRD Congress™ | HRD | HR Events | HR Conference | HR Awards". Dr. R. L. Bhatia. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  18. Yog (J.K.Y.), Jagadguru Kripalu. "Yoga-Meditation Sessions & Lectures On 'Art of Mind Management' By Swami Mukundananda At Flushing-NY". PRLog. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  19. "Jagadguru Kripalu University"
  20. "Indian American spiritual guru launching free online worldwide yoga festival". www.americanbazaaronline.com/. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-07-18.
  21. "Swami Mukundananda at IIT Delhi Diamond Jubilee"
  22. "JKYog Bhagavad Gita Summit | RKTemple". adhakrishnatemple.net. Radha Krishna Temple.
  23. "Renowned speakers from all over world to attend JKYog Bhagavad Gita Summit". www.business-standard.com. 10 December 2021.
  24. "The Science of Mind Management by Swami Mukundananda: An extract". indianexpress.com. The Indian Express. 20 September 2020. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  25. Mukundananda, Swami (14 September 2020). The Science of Mind Management. ISBN 978-9389648447.
  26. "Excerpt: The Science of Mind Management by Swami Mukundananda". www.hindustantimes.com. Hindustan Times. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
  27. "Books For The Week". www.deccanherald.com. Deccan Herald. 27 September 2020. Retrieved 2020-09-27.
  28. "The HT Nielsen Bestseller list". www.hindustantimes.com. Hindustan Times. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
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