Swami Rama was a fully enlightened Master of the ancient Himalayan lineage and a pioneer in bridging Eastern spiritual wisdom with Western science. As a keeper of Shri-Vidya—the source of all yogic paths—he dedicated his life to demonstrating the profound mystery of consciousness.

In 1970, he made history at the Menninger Foundation by becoming the first yogi to subject his meditative states to modern scientific testing. His ability to consciously control his autonomic nervous system was documented in prestigious journals like the Encyclopaedia Britannica and Nature Science Annual, proving that ancient yogic mastery could be validated by modern medicine.

A prolific author, philosopher and yogi, Swami Rama’s life embodied the ideal of living fully in the world while remaining spiritually transcendent. His teachings on meditation, breath, and holistic health remain the foundation of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition today.

A Living Tradition

The Himalayan Tradition is not a mere style of yoga; it is a 5,000-year-old stream of wisdom flowing from the cave monasteries of the Himalayas. Brought to the world by the enlightened Master Swami Rama, this lineage bridges ancient spiritual science with modern life. Our practice is rooted in his mission: to conquer internal fears and realise the “Eternal Truth” within.

The Evolution of Pranamaya

In 2011, Ananda Gurung with some enthusiastic yoga practitioners planted the seed of Pranamaya yoga in Kathmandu, creating a sanctuary for seekers of yoga. The mission reached a pivotal turning point when Bhola Shanker Dabral joined the vision, grounding the center in the authentic teachings of the Himalayan Tradition. Both of them share a lifelong bond with Swami Rama, Ananda’s family was personally initiated by him in Nepal, while Bholaji’s family served the lineage for over two decades.

Today, the core team is completed by Ajay, whose vision works in synergy with Bholaji to expand the reach of the tradition. Together, they serve as student of a sanctuary dedicated to the science of living joyfully and selflessly.