Mahaveer Sanglikar
This is a short biography of Acharya Shree Yogeesh, the spiritual guide.
Acharya Shree Yogeesh stands as a profound spiritual guide, distinct from traditional religious gurus as he delineates religion from philosophy and spirituality. His teachings predominantly draw from Jain and Sankhya philosophies.
Acharya Shree Yogeesh: Brief Biography
Acharya Shree Yogeesh was born near Delhi, India, on August 28, 1955, into a family of warriors. He began his spiritual journey at the young age of 14 and has traveled worldwide to promote the message of non-violence.
A highly learned monk, he holds two Master’s Degrees and a Doctorate in Philosophy, with a focus on “The Six Substances of Jainism: A Comparative Study with Buddhist Texts.”
In 1997, he founded the Yogeesh Ashram in California, USA. This non-profit organization is dedicated to teaching Meditation, Yoga, and Spiritual growth.
In 2008, Acharya Shree Yogeesh established Siddhayatan, a sacred Hindu-Jain pilgrimage site and spiritual retreat near Dallas, Texas. Spread across more than 200 acres, this sanctuary is a place for deep soul awakening. It welcomes hundreds of visitors daily, offering not just a traditional pilgrimage experience but a transformative journey for the mind and soul.
Acharya Shree Yogeesh’s Philosophy
Acharya Shree Yogeesh stands apart from traditional Hindu and Jain Gurus, openly questioning established religions and their customary practices. His teachings emphasize spirituality and enlightenment as the highest goals. He believes that true enlightened masters avoid seeking fame or recognition, focusing instead on inner growth and self-discovery.
He is particularly concerned about young people and truth-seekers who may become entangled in religious rituals or misled by untrustworthy guides. He warns that choosing the wrong spiritual teacher can lead one down a misguided path.
For Acharya Shree Yogeesh, spirituality is a gradual journey of awakening the soul. This process involves self-awareness, self-improvement, and meditation. He strongly promotes non-violence and considers vegetarianism an essential part of ethical living.
Inspired by ancient Eastern philosophies, his teachings provide deep insights into the human experience. Some of his notable works include Secrets of Enlightenment Vol. I, Secrets of Enlightenment Vol. II, You Must Die Before You Die, and Reunion with Self.
Some Quotes of Acharya Shree Yogeesh
- I am not here to teach; I am here to share.
- When you do good deeds with expectations, you gather good Karma. But when you do them selflessly, you dissolve your Karma.
- Tomorrow never comes—it is always today.
- Go with the flow. Be true to yourself. Discover who you really are.
- What cannot be achieved through effort can often be achieved through relaxation. Most people get this wrong.
- Ego is like an arrow—it may soar high, but it always falls back down. Crush your ego and stay grounded.
- Attachment and hatred are the roots of illusion and suffering. Free yourself from their grip to achieve liberation.
- Love without conditions.
- Your intention matters more than your actions when it comes to the Karma you create.
- Ignorance is like a cloud covering the sun.
- Be an empty vessel, and meditation will naturally follow.
Disciples of Acharya Shree Yogeesh
Most of his disciples are Americans and Mexicans. They are studying Jain philosophy and practicing meditation. Two of his disciples, Tammy Herbster and Tania Máynez have become Jain Nuns now known as Sadhvi Siddhali Shree and Sadhvi Anubhuti, respectively. Two other disciples are under training and will be initiated into monkhood shortly.
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