The Sevakāmaṇḍala: A Circle of Servants
Nityananda Sampradāya ~ Rudrananda Panthāḥ
Swami Khecaranatha and Ācārya Rudraya are two authentic lineage carriers initiated by Swami Rudrananda. These "brothers in Rudi" continue to teach and also train ācāryas and teachers to serve their branches of the lineage.
The Ācāryas of Heart of Consciousness
Swami Khecaranatha is the ācāryamaṇḍaleśvara - leader of the circle of ācāryas. He teaches at Nityakash (Maui), in the S.F. East Bay Area, and periodically at the local centers. Initiated as a teacher by Rudi on May 10, 1972, he is one of the few remaining teachers directly initiated and trained by Rudi. Swamiji carries the responsibility of ensuring that the lineage continues by empowering new teachers to carry it forward to future generations.
Ācārya Sadashiva (Stephen Hynson) - Maui, Hawaii
Teaching in-person. Email [email protected] or call 808.268.2946
I was introduced to Kuṇḍalinī Sādhana in 1973 and it has been a part of my life ever since. It is with the Grace of God, the support of my teacher, and my own intention that I now find myself with the opportunity to share my passion with others. My path to this moment was not a straight trajectory but there has been the constancy of a longing for the Divine paired with the cultivation of our practices of an inner awareness, that guides and informs my daily life. It is a daily life filled with my practice, my marriage, my children and grandchildren, my work as studio furniture artist, and my work in counseling as a depth psychologist.
Ācārya Sodasi Devi (Sonia Foscoli) - Maui, Hawaii
Teaching in-person.
I have been immersed in the teachings of this lineage for over thirty years and still watch in wonder as my inner growth blossoms under the guidance of my loving partner and Guru, Swami Khecaranatha. He initiated me as an ācārya in our lineage in 2004, and I serve the community by contributing to the management of our beautiful retreat and immersion center at Nityakash, Maui.
Kuṇḍalinī Sādhana continues to inform every aspect of my life. I bow to the Grace that initiated my spiritual journey and lay myself at its feet.
Ācārya Shambhu (Niko) - Kauai, Hawaii
Teaching by Zoom and in person 3 times a week. All classes are free. Email [email protected]
Visit his website, the Light of the Heart.
I strive to express “depth over time" in all aspects of my life: as a student and teacher in this practice; in a professional realm, where I hold an MBA from UC Berkeley and work in finance; and in all my relationships, including being a father. I have been a student of Swami Khecaranatha since 2002, was initiated into the teacher-training program in 2014, and started teaching in 2017.
I am an ardent student of all traditions of Kashmir Shaivism and make this knowledge available during my classes and with my first book Sacred Repose which is an in-depth exploration of the teachings and practices of stillness of the five traditions in Kashmir Shaivism. Originally from Bulgaria, I am currently a resident of Kauai. I enjoy spending time with my daughter, gardening (growing veggies, trees, lotuses, and water lilies), playing tennis, practicing chi gong, snorkeling, hiking, traveling, and reading.
Ācārya Purnata (Michael Small) - Lead Teacher, SF Bay Area
Teaching on most Wednesdays at Rudrakash. Email [email protected]
In our tradition, we understand that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. This was my experience, when in 2010, I had a spiritual awakening that led me to seek out and find Swami Khecaranatha. The teachings of this lineage and the guidance of a Guru have allowed me to deepen my connection to my heart and to my own divinity. I furthered my commitment by taking vows as an Acharya in 2017.
In my classes, I intend to be a clear channel for the grace of this lineage to be shared with those who seek it. My classes include guided meditation, śakti transmission, and discussion.
Ācārya Amrita Devi (Ellen Jefferds) - Main Center - Rudrakash, Richmond, CA
Teaching on some Wednesday nights at Rudrakash. Email [email protected]
I began my sādhana by learning TM on Valentine’s Day, 1970, and started teaching that practice in 1971. In 2007 my desire for further growth lead me to Swami Khecaranatha, and as soon as I attended my first classes with him, I knew I’d come home. Nathaji initiated me as a teacher in 2011 and as an ācarya in 2017.
My experience is that Heart of Consciousness provides a wonderful, direct means to deepening spiritual growth. This is what has motivated me to become an ācārya and share the grace of this lineage. In addition to teaching, I have edited some of Nathaji’s books, assist him in managing our programs, and handle the finances of our organizations in Berkeley and Hawaii.
Ācārya Nityani Devi (Jenn Chiarelli) - Scottsdale, AZ
Teaching weekly Saturday morning Zoom sessions and bi-monthly in person sessions. Email for details and link. [email protected] Website: anahatasoul.com
I met Nathaji in 2002, near the end of my professional career as a ballerina, and have been committed to my spiritual sādhana with him and the Heart of Consciousness community ever since then. I have the deepest gratitude to my teacher for his constant guidance on my journey.
Through my company, Anahata Soul, I have been training yoga teachers for over 17 years. Currently, I teach yoga and meditation workshops, teacher trainings, classes, and retreats, nationally and internationally. I live in Phoenix with my beloved husband and two children, who have captured my whole heart. It is with this same heart that I encourage my students to explore their sādhana through their own unique expression of personal practice, asana, pranayama, self-reflection, and meditation.
Heart of Consciousness - New Teachers-in-Training
Christine Sheridan
My first meeting with Nathaji in 2010 changed the course of my life. By God’s Grace, my heart spontaneously melted and opened, and I recognized Nathaji as my Guru. Two months later, I took vows of commitment to this practice and lineage, formally asking Nathaji to guide me in my spiritual journey. I’m profoundly grateful for the blessing and opportunity to learn, grow, and serve under Nathaji’s unwavering and loving guidance.
Originally from NYC, I’ve been a professional editor for nearly 40 years, including editing several of Nathaji’s books. In 2001, my husband and I relocated to the SF Bay Area to raise our two beautiful daughters. Our home now serves as the HoC Bay Area center, which Nathaji christened “Rudrakash,” where we host weekly open-eyes meditation class for the local community, and host Nathaji whenever he visits and teaches in California. In addition to this practice, I have a black belt in Shorin-ryu karate and have been an ardent student of dance since 2007, particularly Odissi classical Indian dance.
Melanie Ashton
In 2019, a sudden spiritual awakening led to me receiving a booming instruction to “find a guru.” Soon after, in a further act of grace, Nathaji, my guru appeared. And so began my practice of deepening inner awareness, through connection to my heart, and to my own divinity. I have been immersed in the teachings of this lineage ever since, and bow in deep gratitude to the opportunity to grow and to serve.
I live with my four children in the Loire Valley, France, own a contemporary art gallery in London, where I also convene mediation classes and gatherings, and coach women in deepening connection to themselves.
Christian McClellan
Grace brought Nathaji into my life in 2015 during a period of deep spiritual seeking. His loving guidance and the transformative lineage he carries have been a revelation of divine truths which my heart has always known but were hidden beneath layers of accumulated mental and emotional patterns. The awakening he has nourished in me has transformed every aspect of my life and I am full of gratitude for the opportunity to serve this lineage and to share this life-changing practice with others.
I live in Charleston, SC with my wife and three young boys where I am a Reiki Master and Sound Healing practitioner. You can contact me and learn more about my offerings through my website SacredSomaSpace.com
Kammi Matson
I’ve always been drawn to the truth of things. From studying philosophy in college to practicing as a massage therapist, my curiosity about the nature of mind and body has guided much of my life. Over the past three years, my cold immersion practice has cultivated resilience and discipline—qualities that ultimately led me to Nathaji and the profound path of Kuṇḍalinī Sādhana. Since beginning this journey, I’ve experienced both an acceleration of personal growth and a deep transformation in how I perceive myself and the nature of truth. I feel called to eventually teach only in the sense that my direct, meaningful experiences of truth (from practice and service to this lineage) might enable me to support others walking this path. I’m deeply grateful for the trust, guidance, and support I’ve received along the way.
I currently live in the small fishing town of Homer, Alaska, where raising my two children has been the greatest joy of my life, so far. I work as a graphic designer and spend my free time immersed in nature and creative exploration.
Michael Pace
From an early age I was aware that there was more to life than what I could simply see with my eyes. I had been actively seeking a teacher for quite some time when I learned about Nathaji in 2012, and have been honored and blessed to be able to grow my inner awareness through his presence and teachings. I am deeply grateful for his humble approach and accessibility, and how it is transforming my life.
As a seeker and problem-solver, I am guided by a deep belief in human growth and betterment. I work to develop and build practical solutions, in both the nonprofit and international business sectors, to launch initiatives rooted in community sustainability and social good. I currently head an organization that helps people develop and run charitable projects throughout the U.S. and leads several initiatives across East and West Africa to create sustainable jobs and improve the livelihoods for people in deeply rural communities.
Teachers of the Rudra Center for Enlightened Awareness
Ācārya Rudraya is the leader of the Rudra Center, located in Denton — the longest existing ashram established by Swami Rudrananda. Rudraya continues the assignment Rudi gave him, which was to create a spiritual school, with Rudra Meditation as its foundation. The center is actively connected with Swami Khecaranatha and the Heart of Consciousness.
Ācārya Rudraya (Silver Ra Baker) - Denton, Texas
Teaching in person. Call 940-382-0732
My inner life was activated when I was initiated by Swami Rudrananda (Rudi) in 1971, and he made me a teacher in 1972. Since then, I have dedicated myself to teaching at Rudi’s original ashram in Texas. Over the years I have incorporated other spiritual practices into our offerings, since Rudi had often spoken to me about creating a “Spiritual University” with Rudra Meditation as the foundation.
I am also the principal architect of the Rudra Mandala and the builder of the Stupa of Intrinsic Transformation in Big Indian, New York. I devote myself to the preservation of that part of Rudi’s legacy, where people go on pilgrimage to his Samadhi Shrine. To remain teachable, I took initiation with Nathaji in 2020 and became an ācārya in his practice.
Shankara (Ross DeOtte) - Denton, Texas
Teaching in person. Call 940-382-0732
In 2016, I was graced with a living teacher, Silver Ra (now Ācārya Rudraya), a Spiritual Child of Swami Rudrananda. I continue to live and study with Rudraya at the Rudra Center for Enlightened Awareness in Denton, TX.
I am grateful for God’s open heart, which lives in me, the empowerment of internalizing all of Life’s energies, and this celebration of Life I am living. This practice, Kuṇḍalinī Sādhana, or “Rudi’s Work,” has been the foundation for discovering and experiencing myself in this way. Its continual benefits in my life are my inspiration to continue to practice and teach. My guiding principle is: “God is One, Without a second.”
Vairam (Aaron Bowley) - Denton, Texas
Teaching in person. Call 940-382-0732
I found my way to the Rudra Center in Denton, TX in 2013. I was seeking a new understanding of how to "Work" with my internal mechanism. That need led me to meet Rudraya. I continue to serve, study and reside at The Rudra Center under Rudraya's Guiding Light to this day.
My spiritual foundation is rooted in Rudi's open eye meditation. Additionally, I serve as a spirituality focused Kung Fu, Tai Chi. and Qi Gong instructor and a trainer in Communication (with self, life and others). My focus is to continue to feed my wish to grow while sharing the energetic, soul-focused principles taught to me by my Teachers.
Rudra Center - New Teachers-in-Training
Tara Arrington
I discovered the Rudra Center in December of 2012. At a tumultuous time in my life, I knew that I needed to find something more meaningful: a direction and a purpose. As I entered the gaze of Rudraya, I began the process of uncovering who I truly am, and this process continues to this day.
My foundation practice is the open-eye meditation that was gifted to my Teacher by Swami Rudrananda. This practice has been my saving grace during the more challenging situations in my life and I am eternally grateful. I currently live and serve at the Rudra Center for Enlightened Awareness in Denton, TX. I intend to be a teacher for this lineage to bring the healing power of Kuṇḍalinī Sādhana that I have experienced through this practice and share that with others.
Audrey Werth
I have been practicing Rudra Meditation since 2017, when I experienced my first class with Rudraya. I felt completely seen by the divine, and a seed of spiritual determination began to grow in me. I have since embarked on many adventures with my teacher, Rudraya, including moving into the Rudra Center for Enlightened Awareness, where I continue to study and teach.
I embrace a multidisciplinary approach to spiritual practice, with Rudra Meditation being the foundation that everything else feeds. In 2022 I met Swami Khecaranatha and I continue to learn from him to receive the open-hearted transmission embodied in his teachings. The blessings and transformation Kuṇḍalinī Sādhana brings to my life inspired my decision to be part of Teacher Training with Swami Khecaranatha.
