Dhirendra Brahmachari biography
Dhirendra Brahmachari (1924 – 1994) was an Indian Yoga teacher, born as Dhirendra Choudhary in Basaith Chanpura, Madhubani, Bihar. Brahmachari developed an early interest in spirituality and physical fitness. He was the yoga teacher who developed ‘Yogic Sukshma Vyayama’ and had mastery over these micro circulation yogic practices. He was a yoga teacher and expert, combining his knowledge of yoga and Sukshma Vyayama to promote health and wellness through yoga. He was the yoga mentor of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and powered heavy political clout in his favour. He travelled to the U.S.S.R. in the 1960s and taught yoga to Soviet cosmonauts. He was the disciple of Maharshi Kartikeya, a famous yoga guru from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Dhirendra Brahmachari Ashrams
- He started Vishwayatan Yogashram, now known as Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in Delhi, a premier yoga institute in India and worldwide for yoga teaching, training, research and International Day of Yoga-related activities.
- Bhondsi, Gurugram
- Jammu
- Katra
- Mantalai wahadirstrips, hangar and a zoo.
Dhirendra Brahmachari Books
Brahmachari was also a prolific writer, authoring several books on yoga, including “Yoga for Health and Happiness” and “The Science of Yoga.” He was a strong advocate for integrating modern medicine and worked closely with doctors and healthcare professionals to incorporate the principles of yoga into their practices. His influential books are:
- Yogic Sukshma Vyayama
- Yogasana Vijnana
Pioneer in Sukshma and Kundalini yoga
He mastered Yogic Sukshma Vyayama, ‘Hath’ & Kundalini yoga. He popularised these techniques to ordinary people through his program named “Yogabhyaas”, telecasted on Doordarshan in1970s and later films on Sukshma Yoga. He introduced yoga as a subject of study in state and central government schools (Kendriya Vidyalayas). Brahmachari believed that yoga was a physical exercise, a way to achieve spiritual enlightenment, and a healthier lifestyle. He played a prominent role in popularising “sukshma vyayama”. He taught that by incorporating yoga into one’s daily routine, individuals could experience a profound sense of peace, happiness, and well-being.
Brahmachari contributions
Brahmachari was recognised for his contributions to the field of yoga and received several awards, including the Padma Shri in 1983. He was also honoured with the title of “Yoga Ratna” by the Indian government. In addition to his contributions to yoga, Brahmachari was also known for his philanthropic efforts, and he established several schools and hospitals in India to serve the poor and underprivileged.
Brahmachari’s speciality
Brahmachari, a speciality in yoga therapy, believed that yoga could treat many physical and mental conditions, including stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. He developed a unique approach to yoga therapy that combined traditional yoga practices with modern medical knowledge, and the medical community highly respected this approach.
Brahmachari’s teachings
Brahmachari’s teachings and legacy continue to influence the practice of yoga in India and around the world. His institute remains one of the leading centres for studying and practising yoga, and his books continue to be widely read and respected. Today, many people worldwide attribute their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to Dhirendra Brahmachari’s teachings and the impact of his work on their lives.
