As yoga teachers, understanding the legacy of those who shaped the practice can deeply enrich our approach to teaching Yoga. We discuss a bit on some during our Yoga Teacher Training.
The following is a journey through the lives of the 10 most influential yogis of the 21st century, whose wisdom and dedication to spirituality have inspired millions worldwide.
Presented in a timeline, these figures encompass the diversity and depth of yogic teachings, blending Eastern philosophy with global spirituality.
10 Most Influential Yogis
1. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886)
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a mystic and spiritual leader, was a key figure in the revival of Hindu spirituality in India. His life centered on the devotion to the goddess Kali, and he experienced divine visions that inspired his students.
Known for his teachings on universal love, Ramakrishna attracted disciples such as Swami Vivekananda and taught that all paths ultimately lead to the same truth. His emphasis on direct spiritual experience over religious rituals remains influential today.
2. Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902)
A disciple of Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda brought yoga and Vedanta philosophy to the West. He emphasized selflessness, discipline, and service, teaching that true spirituality requires the dedication of body and mind for the betterment of others.
His historic address at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893 introduced Hindu philosophy to a global audience, advocating religious tolerance and universal brotherhood. His teachings on Karma Yoga and Raja Yoga continue to inspire yoga teachers worldwide.
3. Annie Besant (1847-1933)
A prominent British theosophist and advocate for Indian independence, Annie Besant played a significant role in popularizing Eastern philosophy in the West. Her deep involvement in Indian spiritual and political life included co-founding the Central Hindu College in Varanasi, which later evolved into the Banaras Hindu University.
Annie Besant's work helped bridge Eastern and Western spiritual thought, introducing aspects of yoga, meditation, and philosophy to Western audiences.
4. Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950)
Sri Aurobindo was a philosopher, yogi, poet, and freedom fighter whose teachings emphasized the evolution of human consciousness. After retiring from politics, he dedicated his life to spirituality, developing Integral Yoga as a holistic practice encompassing body, mind, and soul.
His spiritual partner, Mirra Alfassa (the Mother), established the Aurobindo Ashram and the experimental city of Auroville. Sri Aurobindo’s vision of “Supramental Consciousness” influences contemporary yoga practices focused on self-realization.
Read: The Life Divine of Sri Aurobindo
5. Sister Nivedita (1867-1911)
Born Margaret Elizabeth Noble, Sister Nivedita was a disciple of Swami Vivekananda. She devoted her life to social work and spiritual teaching, advocating for education, women’s rights, and Indian independence.
A bridge between Eastern and Western thought, Sister Nivedita helped spread Vivekananda’s message globally and contributed significantly to Indian society’s spiritual and cultural awakening.
6. Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950)
Ramana Maharshi was a spiritual teacher renowned for his teachings on self-inquiry, or atma-vichara, a path to self-realization through the question, “Who am I?” His guidance encouraged introspection and the dissolution of the ego to experience unity with the divine.
Although he never formally taught yoga, his emphasis on inner silence and self-awareness remains central to contemporary practices in mindfulness and meditation.
7. Swami Sivananda (1887-1963)
Swami Sivananda was a prolific author, teacher, and founder of the Divine Life Society. Known for his holistic approach to yoga, Sivananda formulated the "Yoga of Synthesis," combining Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.
His disciples spread his teachings globally, particularly Swami Vishnudevananda, who founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers. Sivananda’s teachings remain foundational for modern yoga teacher training.
8. Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952)
As the author of Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda is widely credited with popularizing yoga and meditation in the West. He introduced Kriya Yoga, a practice of meditation that seeks direct experience of God.
Through the Self-Realization Fellowship, Yogananda’s teachings emphasize the unity of all religions, the power of meditation, and the importance of self-discipline and devotion.
9. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1918-2008)
The founder of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi popularized meditation in the West in the 1960s. His technique emphasized a simple, secular approach to meditation that could be practiced by anyone, leading to widespread acceptance and adoption of meditation for stress relief and mental clarity.
Maharishi's work paved the way for the inclusion of meditation in both health and wellness spaces and has inspired countless yoga teachers.
10. Swami Dayananda Saraswati (1930-2015)
A renowned teacher of Vedanta and founder of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Swami Dayananda Saraswati was known for his accessible approach to the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. His teachings emphasize self-knowledge and non-dualism, presenting Vedanta as a practical philosophy for living.
Dayananda Saraswati was also an advocate for the preservation of Vedic traditions and worked to protect the rights of Hindu religious practitioners.
Summary
The teachings of these yogis offer a timeless source of inspiration and guidance for modern yoga teachers. Each of them emphasized a unique path, from devotion to self-inquiry, synthesis of practices, meditation, and non-dualism.
By learning about their lives, we enrich our understanding of yoga, grounding our practice in a profound tradition that spans beyond asanas into the realms of spiritual growth, self-discovery, and collective consciousness.
