Rama Jyoti Vernon
Biography Information
Biography Information
Rama Jyoti Vernon, internationally acclaimed Yoga instructor, peace mediator, and author, was one of the first Yoga teachers in the United States. In addition to her extensive background in asana and the Yoga Sutras, Rama Jyoti is extremely well versed in the philosophy, lineages and healing benefits of Yoga. Her distinctive method emphasizes opening the body by extending and breathing into each pose as a deeply spiritual offering.
For nearly 50 years, Rama Jyoti’s extraordinary knowledge has shaped the foundation of contemporary Yoga. Her unique approach to teaching yoga evolved from years of study and practice with many great Masters. Rama Jyoti was a dedicated student of B.K.S. Iyengar in India, hosted him on many visits to California, and sponsored the migration of many swamis and gurus from India to North America.
Rama Jyoti founded California Yoga Teachers' Association whose newsletter was the original Yoga Journal. She has devoted much of her life to peace missions throughout the world including the Soviet Union, Israel, and Central America.
Rama's work in Yoga is codified in the ultimate Yoga practice book, Yoga: The Practice of Myth and Sacred Geometry. This is an impressive volume with over 200 pages of photos and instructions, with myths and therapeutic benefits associated with the asanas, and much more. Recently published are her yoga philosophy commentaries, Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, Gateway to Enlightenment.
For nearly 50 years, Rama Jyoti’s extraordinary knowledge has shaped the foundation of contemporary Yoga. Her unique approach to teaching yoga evolved from years of study and practice with many great Masters. Rama Jyoti was a dedicated student of B.K.S. Iyengar in India, hosted him on many visits to California, and sponsored the migration of many swamis and gurus from India to North America.
Rama Jyoti founded California Yoga Teachers' Association whose newsletter was the original Yoga Journal. She has devoted much of her life to peace missions throughout the world including the Soviet Union, Israel, and Central America.
Rama's work in Yoga is codified in the ultimate Yoga practice book, Yoga: The Practice of Myth and Sacred Geometry. This is an impressive volume with over 200 pages of photos and instructions, with myths and therapeutic benefits associated with the asanas, and much more. Recently published are her yoga philosophy commentaries, Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, Gateway to Enlightenment.
Rama Jyoti Vernon
Curricula Vitae
Curricula Vitae
1946 – Los Angeles, California
Began Meditation under the tutelage of Dr. Earnest Holmes, Founder of the Church of Religious Science.
1953 – Los Angeles, California
Received a diploma in Naturopathy from the International School of Professional Arts and Sciences.
1957-1958 – Sacramento, California
Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind from India
Studies in Pranayama and beginning Asana
1959-1960 – Salinas, California
Read Autobiography of a Yogi many times to further the philosophic understanding of Yoga. Began in-depth studies that continued for years in field of zone therapy and reflexology.
1961-1963 – San Francisco, California
Initiated by and studied with Master Kirpal Singh from India.
Attended workshops by Dr. Charon Singh from India.
Studies in Yoga postures, pranayama and philosophy
1964-1967 – San Francisco, California
Walt and Magana Baptiste
Intense studies in Yoga asana, breathing, pranayama, and meditation
1967-1975 – San Francisco, California
California Institute of Integral Studies (formerly known as the California Institute of Asian Studies)
Studied with:
Dr. Haridas Chaudhuri (Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo)
Prof. Rina Sirkar (Buddhism & Vipassana Meditation methodologies)
Dr. David Teplitz (Sanskrit & Sanskrit Terminology)
Sadguru Sant Keshavadas (Bhagavad Gita, Bhakti Yoga,
6 philosophical systems)
Swami Chinmayananda (Vedanta)
Studied East-West Yoga Psychology, Sanskrit, Sanskrit Terminology, Asian Philosophy, Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo, Buddhist studies in varying traditions,
In-depth Vipassana meditation techniques and philosophy, Ayurveda (with visiting teachers).
Studied intensively with visiting teachers of the California Institute of Asian Studies Sant Keshavadas-Bhagavad Gita, Mantra and the Science of Sound, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, Six Philosophical Systems of India, Natha Yoga, Samkyaya Yoga,
in-depth experiential Bhakti and Gnana Yoga.
1969 – Bay Area, California
Developed a Yoga Teachers training program independently, and then later in conjunction with the California Institute for Asian Studies (now known as the California Institute for Integral Studies).
Founded the California Yoga Teachers Association (then known as the Bay Area Yoga Teachers Association. Published the Newsletter, “The Word,” which later became, “The Yoga Journal.”
1970 – Bay Area, California
Helped Swami Visnu find and develop the first Shivenanda Yoga Center in San Francisco, and his farm in Grass Valley. Studied with Swami Visnu in Val Morin, Canada. Taught classes and demonstrated for their students.
1971 – India
Traveled to India (3 times)
Taught for:
Indira Ghandi’s cabinet ministers in New Delhi
Panduranga Kutir, Bangalore, India
Shivenanda’s Ashram (Forest Vedanta Academy) – Rishikesh
Received a Certificate from Shivenanda’s Ashram in Rishikesh
Private darshan with Sri Ananda Mayma (the joyful mother in Autobiography of a Yogi)
1971 – Miami, Florida
Studied with Swami Jyotir Mayananda in Vedanta and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (Raja Yoga).
1971-1972 – Bay Area, California
Brought Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar to the West Coast, arranged his seminars and teaching engagements.
Founded his non-profit, “The Light on Yoga Foundation” (now known as the B.K.S. Iyengar Association of Northern California).
1972 – Bay Area, California
Founded the California Institute for Yoga Teachers Training, the first state-certified Yoga teachers training program.
The California Institute for Yoga Teachers Training is now known as the B.K.S. Iyengar Institute for Yoga Teachers Training.
1971-1979 – Bay Area, California
Trained Yoga Teachers (including senior Iyengar teachers).
Studied with:
Swami Satchidananda (satsang)
Swami Vishnu (Hatha & Bhakti)
Baba Haridas (Raja Yoga)
Dr. Ramurti Mishra (Sanskrit & Yoga Psychology)
Fritschof Capra’s teachers (Yoga Sutras)
Swami Muktananda (darshan)
Swami Kriyananda (Kirtana, Meditation, and his presence at dinners, lunches, etc.)
Indra Devi (Hatha, Raja, and Bhakti)
Swami Chinmayananda (Vedanata & Bhagavad Gita)
Dr. David Teplitz (Sanskrit)
Swami Nadabrahmananda (Indian Music and Tabla)
Swami Bhimasen (Durga Pujas)
Pir Valaya Khan (Sufism)
TKV Desichachar (Yoga)
Swami Nitya Chittanyananda (Gnana Yoga)
Kalu Rimpoche (was initiated into Tibetan Buddhism)
Dr. Vasant Ladd (Ayurveda)
Many Vedanta and Buddhist Teachers and many, many other teachers in holistic and alternative health fields, anatomy, psychology, kinesiology, etc.
1971-1980 – Bay Area, California and India
“Intensive” in-depth studies with Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar in U.S. and India.
1979-1980 – England
Taught Iyengar Teachers throughout England. Taught in France and Greece.
1981-1985
Began the formation of “Unity in Yoga” by holding meetings with Yoga teachers throughout the U.S.
Conducted training seminars for Yoga teachers from a variety of schools, systems, and backgrounds throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Studied in-depth Vipassana with Goenka and Prof. Rina Sirkar of the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Continued private studies in Sanskrit and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with Prof. David Teplitz of the California Institute of Integral Studies.
1986
Incorporated Unity in Yoga International, an organization dedicated to bringing together teachers from diverse backgrounds, to build community around the theme of oneness or Unity within the field of Yoga.
Unity in Yoga held conference from 1983 to 1995. It’s non-profit status is now the non-profit umbrella for the Yoga Alliance.
1990
Initiated and organized the 1st Soviet-American Yoga Teachers Conference in Moscow with Soviet counterparts.
1992-1993
Initiated an International Yoga Conference in Costa Rica, “Uniting the Americas through Yoga.”
1995
Initiated and organized Middle East conference with Israeli counterparts, “Yoga for Peace — In the Middle East, In the World,” held in Jerusalem. Brought teachers from around the world, Sr. Desichacharya, Amrit Desai, Dr. Vijay Pratap, Swami Dayananda (Vedantist), Indra Devi, etc.
1996-1997
Taught Yoga asana, pranayama, philosophy, and eastern psychology in Russia for health specialists, doctors, defense industry, and for the Supreme Soviet and Russian Parliament.
1996-2000
Co-Founded the American Yoga College.
Formation and continued development of the College.
Conduct continuous workshops and seminars for the American Yoga College, as well as teach AYC-approved courses throughout the U.S. and other countries.
Continue to teach Yoga teachers throughout the U.S. and other countries from a variety of backgrounds and methodologies. Serve on the Executive Board of Kripalu Yoga Center in Lenox, MA. Continue to teach and speak on Yoga, in conferences and workshops throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Taught in England, Russia, South America, Central America, Cuba, South Africa, India, and the Middle East. Have been asked to bring Yoga to post-war Kosovo and other war-torn zones of the former Yugoslavia.
2000-Present
Continue to teach workshops, seminars, and conferences on Yoga Asana and Yoga Philosophy. Publish a manual of Yoga practice, Yoga: The Practice of Myth and Sacred Geometry, and Yoga philosophy commentaries, Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, Gateway to Enlightenment.
Began Meditation under the tutelage of Dr. Earnest Holmes, Founder of the Church of Religious Science.
1953 – Los Angeles, California
Received a diploma in Naturopathy from the International School of Professional Arts and Sciences.
1957-1958 – Sacramento, California
Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind from India
Studies in Pranayama and beginning Asana
1959-1960 – Salinas, California
Read Autobiography of a Yogi many times to further the philosophic understanding of Yoga. Began in-depth studies that continued for years in field of zone therapy and reflexology.
1961-1963 – San Francisco, California
Initiated by and studied with Master Kirpal Singh from India.
Attended workshops by Dr. Charon Singh from India.
Studies in Yoga postures, pranayama and philosophy
1964-1967 – San Francisco, California
Walt and Magana Baptiste
Intense studies in Yoga asana, breathing, pranayama, and meditation
1967-1975 – San Francisco, California
California Institute of Integral Studies (formerly known as the California Institute of Asian Studies)
Studied with:
Dr. Haridas Chaudhuri (Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo)
Prof. Rina Sirkar (Buddhism & Vipassana Meditation methodologies)
Dr. David Teplitz (Sanskrit & Sanskrit Terminology)
Sadguru Sant Keshavadas (Bhagavad Gita, Bhakti Yoga,
6 philosophical systems)
Swami Chinmayananda (Vedanta)
Studied East-West Yoga Psychology, Sanskrit, Sanskrit Terminology, Asian Philosophy, Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo, Buddhist studies in varying traditions,
In-depth Vipassana meditation techniques and philosophy, Ayurveda (with visiting teachers).
Studied intensively with visiting teachers of the California Institute of Asian Studies Sant Keshavadas-Bhagavad Gita, Mantra and the Science of Sound, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, Six Philosophical Systems of India, Natha Yoga, Samkyaya Yoga,
in-depth experiential Bhakti and Gnana Yoga.
1969 – Bay Area, California
Developed a Yoga Teachers training program independently, and then later in conjunction with the California Institute for Asian Studies (now known as the California Institute for Integral Studies).
Founded the California Yoga Teachers Association (then known as the Bay Area Yoga Teachers Association. Published the Newsletter, “The Word,” which later became, “The Yoga Journal.”
1970 – Bay Area, California
Helped Swami Visnu find and develop the first Shivenanda Yoga Center in San Francisco, and his farm in Grass Valley. Studied with Swami Visnu in Val Morin, Canada. Taught classes and demonstrated for their students.
1971 – India
Traveled to India (3 times)
Taught for:
Indira Ghandi’s cabinet ministers in New Delhi
Panduranga Kutir, Bangalore, India
Shivenanda’s Ashram (Forest Vedanta Academy) – Rishikesh
Received a Certificate from Shivenanda’s Ashram in Rishikesh
Private darshan with Sri Ananda Mayma (the joyful mother in Autobiography of a Yogi)
1971 – Miami, Florida
Studied with Swami Jyotir Mayananda in Vedanta and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (Raja Yoga).
1971-1972 – Bay Area, California
Brought Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar to the West Coast, arranged his seminars and teaching engagements.
Founded his non-profit, “The Light on Yoga Foundation” (now known as the B.K.S. Iyengar Association of Northern California).
1972 – Bay Area, California
Founded the California Institute for Yoga Teachers Training, the first state-certified Yoga teachers training program.
The California Institute for Yoga Teachers Training is now known as the B.K.S. Iyengar Institute for Yoga Teachers Training.
1971-1979 – Bay Area, California
Trained Yoga Teachers (including senior Iyengar teachers).
Studied with:
Swami Satchidananda (satsang)
Swami Vishnu (Hatha & Bhakti)
Baba Haridas (Raja Yoga)
Dr. Ramurti Mishra (Sanskrit & Yoga Psychology)
Fritschof Capra’s teachers (Yoga Sutras)
Swami Muktananda (darshan)
Swami Kriyananda (Kirtana, Meditation, and his presence at dinners, lunches, etc.)
Indra Devi (Hatha, Raja, and Bhakti)
Swami Chinmayananda (Vedanata & Bhagavad Gita)
Dr. David Teplitz (Sanskrit)
Swami Nadabrahmananda (Indian Music and Tabla)
Swami Bhimasen (Durga Pujas)
Pir Valaya Khan (Sufism)
TKV Desichachar (Yoga)
Swami Nitya Chittanyananda (Gnana Yoga)
Kalu Rimpoche (was initiated into Tibetan Buddhism)
Dr. Vasant Ladd (Ayurveda)
Many Vedanta and Buddhist Teachers and many, many other teachers in holistic and alternative health fields, anatomy, psychology, kinesiology, etc.
1971-1980 – Bay Area, California and India
“Intensive” in-depth studies with Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar in U.S. and India.
1979-1980 – England
Taught Iyengar Teachers throughout England. Taught in France and Greece.
1981-1985
Began the formation of “Unity in Yoga” by holding meetings with Yoga teachers throughout the U.S.
Conducted training seminars for Yoga teachers from a variety of schools, systems, and backgrounds throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Studied in-depth Vipassana with Goenka and Prof. Rina Sirkar of the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Continued private studies in Sanskrit and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with Prof. David Teplitz of the California Institute of Integral Studies.
1986
Incorporated Unity in Yoga International, an organization dedicated to bringing together teachers from diverse backgrounds, to build community around the theme of oneness or Unity within the field of Yoga.
Unity in Yoga held conference from 1983 to 1995. It’s non-profit status is now the non-profit umbrella for the Yoga Alliance.
1990
Initiated and organized the 1st Soviet-American Yoga Teachers Conference in Moscow with Soviet counterparts.
1992-1993
Initiated an International Yoga Conference in Costa Rica, “Uniting the Americas through Yoga.”
1995
Initiated and organized Middle East conference with Israeli counterparts, “Yoga for Peace — In the Middle East, In the World,” held in Jerusalem. Brought teachers from around the world, Sr. Desichacharya, Amrit Desai, Dr. Vijay Pratap, Swami Dayananda (Vedantist), Indra Devi, etc.
1996-1997
Taught Yoga asana, pranayama, philosophy, and eastern psychology in Russia for health specialists, doctors, defense industry, and for the Supreme Soviet and Russian Parliament.
1996-2000
Co-Founded the American Yoga College.
Formation and continued development of the College.
Conduct continuous workshops and seminars for the American Yoga College, as well as teach AYC-approved courses throughout the U.S. and other countries.
Continue to teach Yoga teachers throughout the U.S. and other countries from a variety of backgrounds and methodologies. Serve on the Executive Board of Kripalu Yoga Center in Lenox, MA. Continue to teach and speak on Yoga, in conferences and workshops throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Taught in England, Russia, South America, Central America, Cuba, South Africa, India, and the Middle East. Have been asked to bring Yoga to post-war Kosovo and other war-torn zones of the former Yugoslavia.
2000-Present
Continue to teach workshops, seminars, and conferences on Yoga Asana and Yoga Philosophy. Publish a manual of Yoga practice, Yoga: The Practice of Myth and Sacred Geometry, and Yoga philosophy commentaries, Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, Gateway to Enlightenment.