A founding member of Ananda Ashram, Joan Suval is a senior disciple of Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, who called her “Mother of the Ashram.” Since 1964, authorized by Shri Brahmananda, Joan has offered meditation and Yoga-Vedanta programs for the Yoga Society of New York, both at Ananda Ashram and in NYC. Shri Brahmananda also directed Joan Suval in the recording of his “Blue Sky Meditations.” Over the years, she has accepted invitations to present her program, “Readings from the Masters,” in San Diego, Los Angeles, Nashville, Ireland and Switzerland.

Karuna Devi met her Guru Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati in 1972 and has been a lover of Sanskrit and the practice and art of meditation since that time. She has also been deeply influenced by her study of Indian classical music with Acharya Roop Verma, and Zen Buddhist practice under the guidance of Eido Shimano Roshi. Karuna has served as a staff member and teacher at Ananda Ashram for many years. She specializes in Bhagavad Gita studies.

Ma Bhaskarananda (Ma Bha) studied directly with Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati for more than fifteen years, receiving intensive training in meditation, Sanskrit language and Yoga-Vedanta philosophy. She was a longtime resident teacher at Ananda Ashram and earlier served as a teacher and director at its sister organization, Brahmananda Ashram in San Francisco. Ma Bha was also on the faculty at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque for eight years, and in addition she offered classes and workshops at other centers in the U.S., Europe and India.