Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)

Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) is the founder and director of the Light of the Spirit Monastery (Atma Jyoti Ashram) in Cedar Crest, NM, USA.

In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.

In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.

For many years, Swami Nirmalananda has been engaged in deep study of the spiritual unity (actual identity) of Jesus Christ and his teachings with India and Sanatana Dharma. It is his conviction that original Christianity (not contemporary “Churchianity”) and original Yoga are not just compatible, they are essentially one; that Jesus lived in India for most of his life, being a Sanatana Dharma missionary to the West, and that after his resurrection he returned to India and lived the rest of his life in the Himalayas.

He has written extensively on these and other topics, many of which are posted here at OCOY.org. Of major significance are: The Christ of India, Soham Yoga: Its Theory and Practice, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening and his various commentaries on spiritual texts which you can explore in the Dharma for Awakening section.

Most of his writings available here at OCOY.org are also available in print and ebook formats at Amazon and other online book outlets.

How Karmic Debt is Used by Great Masters Such as Jesus

To someone who asked how Jesus could have a personal karmic debt requiring the crucifixion for its expiation if he had become Christ and was in total conscious union with the Absolute. This was part of the Great Sacrifice made by Jesus. Definitely he had … Continue reading

The Important Need for “Reincarnational Health”

Q: I want to ask you if you know how one can communicate with family members that have passed on, and if you can offer any pointers in that direction. It is very important–necessary, actually–that after a certain time in earthly incarnation the human being … Continue reading

Who Is the Krishna of the Bhagavad Gita?

It is time for us to understand who the figure of Krishna really is–and what the Gita really is, as well. First we must understand the context of the Gita. The Gita is seven hundred verses within an epic poem known as The Mahabharata, that … Continue reading

Is Initiation Necessary? Does Initiation Empower a Mantra?

Q:I am wondering if the So’ham mantra requires initiation, as many mantras do. I am also wondering if the Om Namah Shivaya mantra requires initiation. A: Certainly neither So’ham nor Om require initiation because they are innate in each sentient being. As far as ishta mantras … Continue reading

Understanding Karma as the Basis of Reincarnation | Podcast

In a followup interview with Bianca Vlahos of PBA FM radio in Adelaide, Australia, Abbot George discusses the importance of understanding karma as the basis of reincarnation. With this understanding, we can begin to comprehend our present situation in life, and we can become empowered to … Continue reading

Reincarnation: Its Causes and Consequences | Podcast

Last month our friend Bianca Vlahos of the Australian radio station PBA-FM interviewed Abbot George Burke on the broad topic of reincarnation. They discussed the source of reincarnation (karma—our actions, both positive and negative) and the purpose of reincarnation: our spiritual evolution and growth. Abbot George likened … Continue reading

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