About > Our Tradition

A Path You
Can Trust

You wouldn't trust just anyone to guide you up a mountain. You'd want someone with experience, who's reached the summit, knows how to navigate the terrain, and can help you find your footing. We're here to be your experienced guide on the path to lasting happiness.

A Living
Lineage

Swami Nityananda smiling with hands in Namaste mudra, symbolizing the living lineage of meditation and yoga philosophy at The Awake Yoga Meditation Center

The practices we share come from a long line of teachers who've walked the path of lasting happiness all the way through, and know how to guide others to do the same. This is ancient wisdom that actually works, helping people feel calmer in their minds, more confident in their choices, and more present in their relationships.

Swami Nityananda is the current teacher in an unbroken lineage, offering practical guidance for living with love, presence, and truth in everyday life.

Our Line of Teachers

  • Swami Nityananda smiling with hands in Namaste mudra, current spiritual teacher at The Awake Yoga Meditation Center.

    Swami Nityananda

    2014-present

    Our current spiritual teacher who shares ancient yogic wisdom in ways that feel fresh, practical, and doable in daily life.

  • Swami Shankarananda smiling outdoors, founder of The Awake Yoga Meditation Center, spiritual teacher from 1974 to 2014

    Swami Shankarananda

    1974-2014

    Founder of our community, a joyful, fearless teacher who spent decades guiding others toward peace, truth, and unconditional love.

  • Swami Premananda, spiritual teacher of Swami Shankarananda, shown in black and white portrait

    Swami Premananda

    1928-1995

    A wise and respected teacher whose decades of service brought spiritual depth, insight, and inspiration to countless lives.

  • Paramahansa Yogananda, teacher who introduced yoga and meditation to the West, wearing orange robe, part of The Awake Yoga Meditation Center lineage.

    Paramahansa Yogananda

    1893-1952

    The teacher who introduced millions to yoga and meditation in the West, helping people see that real peace, stillness, and happiness come from within.

  • Swami Sri Yukteswar, teacher of Paramhansa Yogananda, master of clarity and discipline, wearing orange robe, part of The Awake Yoga Meditation Center lineage.

    Swami Sri Yukteswar

    1855-1936

    A master of clarity and discipline who taught that true wisdom means knowing what's real beneath all the noise.

  • Lahiri Mahasaya, householder yogi and teacher in The Awake Yoga Meditation Center lineage, pioneer of making Kriya Yoga accessible to everyday people.

    Lahiri Mahasaya

    1828-1895

    A householder yogi who quietly changed the world by making powerful spiritual practice accessible to everyday people.

  • Babaji, timeless Himalayan master in The Awake Yoga Meditation Center lineage, who revived Kriya Yoga to help the world remember the Divine within.

    Babaji

    The timeless Himalayan master who revived Kriya Yoga to help the world remember the Divine within.