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Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati is an American-born spiritual teacher. She is widely known for her compassionate work, serving those who are suffering, people living with AIDS, the homeless, the poor, and anyone in need. She is most passionate about the importance of service in spiritual life.

Ma teaches from profound inner realization. Her style is very direct and carried by a great love for her students that helps them to untie the knots of the heart and overcome the obstacles of the mind. Hers is a focused and fast path to the liberation of the Self. In her colorful, down-to-earth personality and her superb sense of humor, she is the perfect teacher for those who need spirituality to be practical as well as exalted. To read samples of Ma's teachings on a variety of subjects, click here.

Ma’s teaching is an eclectic mix of the deep spiritual wisdom of all times and places. She teaches that God is ultimately "beyond words" and without form and yet manifests in countless ways to lead us to liberation. She offers a spiritual path alive with color, creativity, love, service, and the rituals of many faiths. She is the Master of Kali Natha Yoga, a path to God uniquely suited to our time. Kali, a Hindu goddess, is the all-embracing Mother; she sacrifices herself for humanity and takes on the pain and suffering of her children. It is the essence of the Mother which permeates the ashram. In the end, Ma urges the seeker to see through all appearances into the deep silence of the heart where God dwells.

Ma grew up in poverty in an Jewish family in Brooklyn. The streets and boardwalk of Coney Island provided Ma with a depth of learning. There she learned to live life fully and gained respect for all of humanity. In 1972 Ma was awakened to spirituality by an experience of Christ who told her to "teach all ways, for all ways are mine." Her personal journey led her to her teacher, the great Indian saint, Swami Nityananda of Ganeshpuri, whose influence created a foundation for her teaching to this day.

In 1973 Ma’s guru, Neem Karoli Baba, appeared to her. This began another chapter in Ma’s life. Her realization was deepened when she was led to share her transformation and love for God with her rapidly growing group of students from all over the world. Through her work, Neem Karoli Baba’s blessings have continuously graced her students' lives. His presence is felt in every aspect of life at Kashi. Among the other saints and sages who have had an influence on Ma's teachings are Ramana Maharshi and Shirdi Sai Baba.

In 1976 Ma moved to Florida and established Kashi Ashram and the Foundation’s several branches. She teaches internationally, and in many cities around the U.S., groups of her students gather to hear her teachings every month by audio darshan. Her interest in bringing together people of diverse faiths has found expression in her nomination as a trustee in the Governing Council of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. She emphasizes individual spiritual growth and does not require her students to embrace any particular set of doctrines or beliefs.