With gratitude and reverence, we honor these beloved teachers, friends, and pillars of the Ashram community. Each one offered their time, devotion, and presence in ways that shaped this place and touched countless lives.
Their contributions continue to live in the teachings shared, the music sung, the meditations practiced, and the quiet strength of the community they helped sustain.
In Memoriam
Ma Bhaskarananda
Ma Bhaskarananda, lovingly known as Ma Bha, was a long-time devotee and student of Ashram Founder and Guru, Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, and a cherished member of both Ananda Ashram and Brahmananda Ashram in San Francisco.
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Ma Bhaskarananda
Ma Bhaskarananda, lovingly known as Ma Bha, was a long-time devotee and student of Ashram Founder and Guru, Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, and a cherished member of both Ananda Ashram and Brahmananda Ashram in San Francisco.
LEARN MORE +
Having received Sannyāsa initiation from Guruji in 1986, she lived a life devoted to service and spiritual practice. Over many years, she taught Meditation, Yoga-Vedānta philosophy, and the Sanskrit language at our Ashrams, across centers in the United States, and internationally. She introduced countless individuals to the beauty of these timeless teachings, and her wisdom, love, and compassion continue to inspire all who knew her. Ma Bha was also deeply involved in promotion, publications, and administrative service within the Ashrams.
Ma Bhaskarananda left her body on the evening of February 12, 2016. While her physical presence is deeply missed, all who were fortunate to know her feel her spirit lives on, as strong and radiant as ever.
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Acharya Roop Verma
Acharya Roop Verma was an internationally respected sitarist, composer, and teacher of Indian classical and sacred music. Trained by Maestros Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan, he carried forward a tradition of depth, discipline, and refined artistry.
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Acharya Roop Verma
Acharya Roop Verma was an internationally respected sitarist, composer, and teacher of Indian classical and sacred music. Trained by Maestros Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan, he carried forward a tradition of depth, discipline, and refined artistry.
LEARN MORE +
He performed in major concert halls across three continents and composed works for orchestra, film, and commemorative events, including music written for the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations in Geneva. His Concerto for Sitar and Orchestra and his score for Dalai Lama Renaissance remain part of his enduring contribution.
A devoted educator, he taught at institutions including the Eastman School of Music and Oberlin Conservatory, and served as Director of the East-West School of Music at Ananda Ashram in Monroe, New York. Through performance and teaching, he emphasized music as both science and spiritual practice.
He left his body on March 11, 2017. His music continues to resonate with clarity, peace, and quiet strength.
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Joan Suval
A founding member of Ananda Ashram, Joan Suval was a senior disciple of Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, who lovingly referred to her as “Mother of the Ashram.”
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Joan Suval
A founding member of Ananda Ashram, Joan Suval was a senior disciple of Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, who lovingly referred to her as “Mother of the Ashram.”
LEARN MORE +
She was also directed by Shri Brahmananda in the recording of his Blue Sky Meditations. Over the years, Joan presented her program, Readings from the Masters, in cities throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to her work within the Ashram community, she served on the staff of the Post Graduate Center for Mental Health in New York City, where she developed the Center’s first meditation and stress reduction program.
All of her programs were offered by donation, reflecting her spirit of service and dedication to the teachings. On Friday, April 24, 2020, Joan peacefully left her body. She is deeply missed by her devoted students, friends, and the extended Ashram community. Her clarity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to transmitting the teachings continue to inspire all who were touched by her life and work.
CLOSE
George Bailin
George Bailin was a founding member of Ananda Ashram (1964) as well as an original signatory to the charters of the Yoga Society of New York, incorporated in 1958. A prolific poet and published author, George Bailin was a high school English professor in New York City for three decades. He was also co-editor of many of the Guru’s writings and later published numerous articles about him in his monthly Newsletters, as well as a book titled Sage of Ananda.
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George Bailin
George Bailin was a founding member of Ananda Ashram (1964) as well as an original signatory to the charters of the Yoga Society of New York, incorporated in 1958. A prolific poet and published author, George Bailin was a high school English professor in New York City for three decades. He was also co-editor of many of the Guru’s writings and later published numerous articles about him in his monthly Newsletters, as well as a book titled Sage of Ananda.
LEARN MORE +
He stayed in close contact with Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati until his—mahasamadhi—and remained actively involved with the Yoga Society for several years thereafter. In more recent times, his life became increasingly contemplative. He passed away peacefully on December 2, 2020, at age 92 in his home near the Ashram.
George was also the first president of the International Schools of East-West Unity (Gurukula), Inc., established at Ananda Ashram by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati. In 1993, the Guru wrote about him: “George Bailin is the symbol of unity on all levels. He is working with me since 1957 day and night. He is beyond all religion, a poet, scientist and linguist. ‘Beyond all religion’ means that he has love for every religion – in fact, for all of existence.
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Dr. Scott Moss (Kamala Kanta)
Dr. Scott Moss, known to many of us as Kamala Kanta, was a devoted member of the Ashram community whose quiet strength and gentle spirit left a lasting imprint on all who knew him.
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Dr. Scott Moss (Kamala Kanta)
Dr. Scott Moss, known to many of us as Kamala Kanta, was a devoted member of the Ashram community whose quiet strength and gentle spirit left a lasting imprint on all who knew him.
LEARN MORE +
Scott carried himself with humility, kindness, and sincerity. His presence was steady and reassuring. Whether through conversation, shared practice, or simple acts of service, he expressed a deep commitment to the path and to the well-being of others. He embodied the spirit of seva, offering his time and energy without seeking recognition. In his practice, Scott reflected patience and attentiveness. In community life, he was thoughtful and compassionate. He approached the teachings not as ideas, but as principles to be lived.
Though the teachings remind us that the Self is unborn and undying, the absence of a dear spiritual brother is deeply felt. We honor Scott with gratitude for the example he set and the warmth he brought into this shared life.
CLOSE
Ma Bhaskarananda
Ma Bhaskarananda, lovingly known as Ma Bha, was a long-time devotee and student of Ashram Founder and Guru, Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, and a cherished member of both Ananda Ashram and Brahmananda Ashram in San Francisco.
Having received Sannyāsa initiation from Guruji in 1986, she lived a life devoted to service and spiritual practice. Over many years, she taught Meditation, Yoga-Vedānta philosophy, and the Sanskrit language at our Ashrams, across centers in the United States, and internationally. She introduced countless individuals to the beauty of these timeless teachings, and her wisdom, love, and compassion continue to inspire all who knew her. Ma Bha was also deeply involved in promotion, publications, and administrative service within the Ashrams.
Ma Bhaskarananda left her body on the evening of February 12, 2016. While her physical presence is deeply missed, all who were fortunate to know her feel her spirit lives on, as strong and radiant as ever.
Acharya Roop Verma
Acharya Roop Verma was an internationally respected sitarist, composer, and teacher of Indian classical and sacred music. Trained by Maestros Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan, he carried forward a tradition of depth, discipline, and refined artistry.
He performed in major concert halls across three continents and composed works for orchestra, film, and commemorative events, including music written for the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations in Geneva. His Concerto for Sitar and Orchestra and his score for Dalai Lama Renaissance remain part of his enduring contribution.
A devoted educator, he taught at institutions including the Eastman School of Music and Oberlin Conservatory, and served as Director of the East-West School of Music at Ananda Ashram in Monroe, New York. Through performance and teaching, he emphasized music as both science and spiritual practice.
He left his body on March 11, 2017. His music continues to resonate with clarity, peace, and quiet strength.
Joan Suval
A founding member of Ananda Ashram, Joan Suval was a senior disciple of Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, who lovingly referred to her as “Mother of the Ashram.” Beginning in 1964, and with the authorization of Shri Brahmananda, Joan offered meditation and Yoga-Vedanta programs for the Yoga Society of New York at Ananda Ashram and in New York City.
She was also directed by Shri Brahmananda in the recording of his Blue Sky Meditations. Over the years, Joan presented her program, Readings from the Masters, in cities throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to her work within the Ashram community, she served on the staff of the Post Graduate Center for Mental Health in New York City, where she developed the Center’s first meditation and stress reduction program.
All of her programs were offered by donation, reflecting her spirit of service and dedication to the teachings. On Friday, April 24, 2020, Joan peacefully left her body. She is deeply missed by her devoted students, friends, and the extended Ashram community. Her clarity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to transmitting the teachings continue to inspire all who were touched by her life and work.
George Bailin
George Bailin was a founding member of Ananda Ashram (1964) as well as an original signatory to the charters of the Yoga Society of New York, incorporated in 1958. George was the first disciple of our Guru in the West, going back to 1956. He stayed in close contact with Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati until his—mahasamadhi—and remained actively involved with the Yoga Society for several years thereafter. In more recent times, his life became increasingly contemplative. He passed away peacefully on December 2, 2020, at age 92 in his home near the Ashram.
A prolific poet and published author, George Bailin was a high school English professor in New York City for three decades. He was also co-editor of many of the Guru’s writings and later published numerous articles about him in his monthly Newsletters, as well as a book titled Sage of Ananda.
George was also the first president of the International Schools of East-West Unity (Gurukula), Inc., established at Ananda Ashram by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati. In 1993, the Guru wrote about him: “George Bailin is the symbol of unity on all levels. He is working with me since 1957 day and night. He is beyond all religion, a poet, scientist and linguist. ‘Beyond all religion’ means that he has love for every religion – in fact, for all of existence.
Dr. Scott Moss
(Kamala Kanta)
Dr. Scott Moss, known to many of us as Kamala Kanta, was a devoted member of the Ashram community whose quiet strength and gentle spirit left a lasting imprint on all who knew him.
Scott carried himself with humility, kindness, and sincerity. His presence was steady and reassuring. Whether through conversation, shared practice, or simple acts of service, he expressed a deep commitment to the path and to the well-being of others. He embodied the spirit of seva, offering his time and energy without seeking recognition. In his practice, Scott reflected patience and attentiveness. In community life, he was thoughtful and compassionate. He approached the teachings not as ideas, but as principles to be lived.
Though the teachings remind us that the Self is unborn and undying, the absence of a dear spiritual brother is deeply felt. We honor Scott with gratitude for the example he set and the warmth he brought into this shared life.