Lawrence Vijay Girard (Swami Vijay)
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 (fellowship) and was in 1978 ordained as a minister by his friend and spiritual guide Swami Kriyananda – one of Yogananda’s foremost direct disciples.
Along the way he also served as the father of twins – son and daughter – soccer coach, scout leader and martial arts instructor and has enjoyed being a musician/composer, horseman, surfer, skier, and snowboarder. His business career has included sales, video production and ownership of a full line music store.
In 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 50 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.
Swami Vijay is currently spiritual director of Kaivalya Hermitage in Elma, Washington, USA.
