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Welcome to the Natural Meditation Resource Site

This site is dedicated to preserving and sharing the teachings of natural meditation as taught by Yogeshwar Muni and Swami Kripalvananda. Here, you will find a rich collection of writings, books, articles, and images that document their profound approach to meditation and self-realization.

Natural meditation invites you to delve deeply into the essence of your being, offering the possibility of transformation and liberation. It is a path that calls for dedication, patience, and a sincere desire to uncover truth. The journey will be challenging, and while guidance from an experienced teacher is invaluable, we recognize that such guidance may not always be readily available. It is important to remember that the Guru can take many forms—God, scripture, or an individual who possesses deep experience and wisdom.

Practitioner, Beware! This path is not without its challenges, and it requires a firm commitment to self-inquiry and personal growth. While some may feel drawn to immerse themselves fully in this practice, others may find that simply engaging with the teachings in their own way is beneficial. Proceed with caution, sincerity, and an open heart.

This site is not a teaching platform but rather an educational, memorial, and inspirational resource. It has been created to present the history, teachers, and writings associated with natural meditation. People who knew Swami Kripalvananda and Yogeshwar Muni will appreciate the opportunity to revisit their legacy, while others who encounter this site may discover new insights that resonate with their own sadhanas. For some, these teachings may deepen an existing practice or spark a desire to explore this path in their own unique way.

Whether you are familiar with these teachings or encountering them for the first time, we hope this site serves as a meaningful resource and a source of inspiration.

Lineage & Historical Context

Shri Lakulisha and origins of teachings.

Lord Lakulisha, revered as the 28th incarnation of Lord Shiva, is a pivotal figure in the history of Shaivism, particularly as the founder of the Pashupata sect. According to legend, he was born in Gujarat and was divinely chosen to revive the esoteric teachings of Lord Shiva. Lakulisha, whose name means “Lord with a Club,” is said to have manifested to guide humanity on the path of liberation through intense yogic discipline and devotion. His teachings were codified in the Pashupata Sutras, which laid the foundation for the Pashupata sect, one of the oldest Shaivite traditions. This sect emphasized asceticism, meditation, and devotion to Shiva, spreading widely across India, especially in regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of the Deccan. The legend of his divine presence was reaffirmed centuries later when a sacred linga, believed to be associated with him, was unearthed by a farmer plowing his field in Gujarat. Recognizing its spiritual significance, devotees enshrined the linga at the ancient temple of Kayavarohana, a site long revered as the place where Lakulisha first preached his teachings. This sacred site remains an important center of pilgrimage, where seekers come to honor the saint and practice the spiritual path he revived.

The divine influence of Lakulisha extended far beyond his historical time, as he continued to guide sincere seekers through direct revelation. One of the most remarkable accounts of his spiritual presence occurred in the 20th century when he appeared to Swami Kripalvananda as Pranava, his revered teacher. Swami Kripalvananda, a dedicated yogi and spiritual master, received profound insights into the practice of Kundalini Yoga and natural meditation under Pranava’s guidance. It was only later that Swami Kripalvananda realized that Pranava was none other than Lord Lakulisha himself, transmitting the ancient wisdom of the Pashupata lineage. Through this divine encounter, the teachings of Lakulisha were preserved and continued to inspire spiritual seekers in modern times. The Pashupata tradition, though not as widely practiced today, remains a powerful link to the early Shaivite paths of intense devotion and self-discipline. The story of Lakulisha’s reincarnation as a teacher and his continued presence through divine revelation affirms the timeless relevance of his teachings. His legacy endures in the spiritual practices he established, the sacred site of Kayavarohana, and the yogic wisdom passed down through Swami Kripalvananda.

Life & teachings.

Swami Kripalvananda

Svāmī Kṛpālvananda’s Life & Contributions Svāmī Kṛpālvananda, born in 1913 in Dabhoi, Gujarat, India, dedicated his life to the practice and teaching of yoga. He spent most of his life in India, with a brief stay in the United States between 1977 and 1981. Kṛpālvananda revived an ancient form of yoga, passed down to him by his guru, Svāmī Pranavananda, who revealed that he was the incarnation of Śiva in his 28th form. His work with this style of yoga, called natural yoga or kuṇḍalinī yoga, has influenced thousands around the world.
Natural Yoga and the Path to Nirbīja Samādhi Svāmī Kṛpālvananda is regarded as one of the most accomplished kuṇḍalinī yoga masters of modern times. He devoted over 30 years to practicing natural yoga, performing the discipline for 10 hours each day without fail. Through this dedication, he attained nirbīja samādhi, the ultimate goal of yoga. Natural yoga is characterized by spontaneity, where the practitioner surrenders to the Divine, allowing the life energy within the body to awaken. This process leads to the natural occurrence of āsanas, mudrās, prāṇāyāma, sounds, song, dance, thoughts, and feelings—all arising on their own.
The Awakening of Kuṇḍalinī and the Purification of Mind and Body A fundamental aspect of natural yoga is the awakening of the kuṇḍalinī energy, which travels up the spine and activates the body’s energy centers (cakras). As the energy ascends, it purifies both the body and mind, leading to spiritual and physical evolution. Svāmī Kṛpālvananda emphasized the importance of observing this process, rather than controlling it. With the guidance of God or the guru, the kuṇḍalinī’s journey through the chakras allows for deep purification and the attainment of the highest states of consciousness.
The Integration of Science and Spirituality in Yoga Svāmī Kṛpālvananda’s teachings bridged the gap between science and spirituality, viewing yoga as a precise science with its own set of principles. He believed that, like modern sciences, yoga has its own rules that can be understood and followed. For him, yoga was the perfect union of the spiritual and the physical, with both mind and body evolving together, leading to the soul’s ultimate transformation. His teachings invite practitioners to engage with yoga not only as a spiritual practice but as a science of self-transformation.
Talents and Interests Beyond Yoga In addition to his contributions to yoga, Svāmī Kṛpālvananda was a man of many talents and interests. He was an accomplished musician, composer, playwright, poet, orator, storyteller, and writer. His creativity extended beyond spiritual teachings, touching many aspects of human expression. Through his diverse work, he shared his love for life, art, and God with all who encountered him.
The Role of Love in Svāmī Kṛpālvananda’s Teachings Love was central to Svāmī Kṛpālvananda’s teachings. He was known for his deep affection for both God and humanity, emphasizing that love was the key to solving every problem. He believed that the essence of yoga and spirituality lies in love—love for oneself, for others, and for the Divine. His teachings continue to inspire people to lead lives filled with compassion, kindness, and devotion.
His Legacy and Mahāsamādhi Svāmī Kṛpālvananda passed away on December 29, 1981, attaining mahāsamādhi, a state of eternal peace and union with the Divine. His body is interred in the temple dedicated to him in Malav, India, where devotees continue to honor his memory. His teachings live on through the Kripalu Center and countless practitioners around the world, ensuring that his spiritual influence will endure for generations to come.
Svāmī Kṛpālvananda’s Lasting Influence Today, Svāmī Kṛpālvananda’s teachings continue to inspire both novice and experienced meditators. His philosophy of natural yoga, integrating the science of yoga with deep spirituality, offers a path to inner peace and enlightenment. Whether through the practice of kuṇḍalinī yoga, the development of self-awareness, or the cultivation of love, his legacy provides a comprehensive system for personal and spiritual growth. For those seeking to learn or deepen their practice, the teachings of Svāmī Kṛpālvananda remain a vital resource.

Yogeshwar Muni aka H Charles Berner

Swami Kripalvananda called Yogeshwar Muni his foremost Western disciple.

Yogeshwar was born Herman Charles Berner on December 9, 1929. and spent his childhood in Colton, California, U.S.A. As a young man, he became interested in personal growth techniques and studied and practiced several of them. Over several years, he and his wife, Ava, developed communication techniques using the dyad format. This format continues to be used today the world over in many different ways. In l968, Charles founded the Institute of Ability based on his idea that what we are is infinite ability, that we are all the same, and we relate by choice. The institute was a centre for teaching his techniques. It was there that he developed and led the Enlightenment Intensive, which is designed to give participants maximum opportunity to have a direct experience of the Truth of themselves. These intensives continue to be given today in several countries.

At 43, he realised that he had reached the limits of his own growth and needed to find someone else to guide him. He went to India and met many gurus, but he found his spiritual teacher in the last one on his list, Swami Kripalvananda. Kripalu gave him shaktipat on October 26, 1973. He also gave him the name, Yogeshwar Muni. From that time on, with rare exceptions, Yogeshwar did 8-10 hours a day of natural meditation as taught by Kripalu.

In 1977, Yogeshwar founded an ashram and yoga centre called Kayavarohana West in St. Helena, California. Communication techniques and Enlightenment Intensives were given, along with yoga classes, meditation techniques, and daily darshans. Swami Kripalu came for extended visits twice during his stay in America. Yogeshwar also founded a hermitage for those doing sahaja yoga in Australia in 1983.

Yogeshwar Muni left his body on June 24, 2007, in his home in Merimbula, NSW, Australia, surrounded by his loving students.