Jyotish and Devi Novak
Spiritual Directors of Ananda Worldwide, Kriyacharyas, and Ananda Ministers
What is a nayaswami?
Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi Novak are the Spiritual Directors of Ananda Worldwide. Longtime devotees of Yogananda, Jyotish and Devi have worked closely with Swami Kriyananda since 1969 and before. They have been personally trained by him to guide Ananda's work worldwide and have taught and lectured around the United States, and in Europe, Russia, and India. Jyotish and Devi are both also Kriyacharyas, designated by Swami to initiate people into Kriya Yoga.
We are privileged, at The Expanding Light, to have them as two of our finest teachers. They each bring to their classes over 40 years of meditation and devoted spiritual practice, as well as in-depth study of Yogananda's teachings. Married for over 35 years and parents of a grown son, Jyotish and Devi's marriage is an extraordinary example of spiritual partnership. They lead our largest programs, Spiritual Renewal Week, Inner Renewal Week, and the Kriyaban Retreat. Also, Devi leads a Women's Retreats. Students love these classes as they allow for both inner contemplation and personal interaction.
Jyotish and Devi are both also published authors. Jyotish is the author of a series of books called The 30-day Essentials, a 3-volume video series on Meditation Therapy, and How to Meditate. Devi is the author of Faith is My Armor: The Life of Swami Kriyananda, and the editor of The Light of Superconsciousness and Intuition for Starters, both by Swami Kriyananda. Jyotish and Devi's clear, centered energy and insight combine with a delightful sense of fun and great kindness. If you're new to Ananda, you will feel as though they are old friends you've just met.
They say:
“One of our great joys in being a part of Ananda is the chance we've had to share Yogananda's path with many others. It's so meaningful for us to hear new students say, 'These teachings are so simple and practical. I can really use them to improve my life." People light up when they realize spiritual teachings that they thought were beyond their grasp like the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras are actually both easy to understand and filled with deep understanding of human nature. In sharing these teachings over the years, we've also gained deeper insight into the process that we all go through to find true happiness in life.”
From one of their students:
“Jyotish and Devi are incredible teachers! They speak from the depth of inner experience with truth. Jyotish is full of wisdom and expansive vision, and Devi just fills your heart to capacity with love – a powerful combination that touches you on all levels.”
– P.R., Nevada City, CA
