Lawrence Vijay Girard (Swami Vijay) Bio

In 1969 at the age of seventeen, Lawrence Vijay Girard became a disciple of the Indian Master of Yoga, Paramhansa Yogananda (author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi). In 1972 he became associated with Ananda Sangha and was in 1978 ordained as a minister by his friend and spiritual guide Swami Kriyananda – one of Yogananda’s foremost direct disciples. He has shared the Yoga Teachings and Path of Self-Realization internationally.

Along the way he also served as step father to a son and daughter from his wife’s previous marriage, the father of twins – son and daughter – soccer coach, scout leader and martial arts instructor. Along with writing he is a musician/composer, horseman, surfer, snowboarder, wakeborder, racquetball player, martial artist, auto mechanic, all aspects of construction worker, videographer, recording engineer, a/v tech, computer builder and website designer, gardener, heavy equipment driver and general “Do-it-yourselfer”. His business career has included construction, sales, video production and ownership of a full line music store.

So far he has published 10 books with number 11 scheduled for publication this year. In November 2009 he was inducted into the Nayaswami Order which was started by Swami Kriyananda and took the name Nayaswami Vijay, or more simply, Swami Vijay.

He has been practicing and sharing the application of spiritual principles to the challenges of daily life for over 55 years, including 13 years in India. As a sharer of the ancient yoga traditions of India he has, through his training by Swami Kriyananda, been able to communicate the inspiration and practicality of a spiritual approach to all aspects of life.