Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the founder and director of the Light of the Spirit Monastery (Atma Jyoti Ashram) in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, USA.
In my many pilgrimages to India, I had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During my first trip to India I was made a member of the ancient Swami Order by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharati Krishna Tirtha.
In the United States I also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York. I was ordained in the Liberal Catholic Church (International) to the priesthood on January 25, 1974, and consecrated a bishop on August 23, 1975.
For many years I have researched the identity of Jesus Christ and his teachings with India and Sanatana Dharma, including Yoga. It is my conclusion that Jesus lived in India for most of his life, and was a yogi and Sanatana Dharma missionary to the West. After his resurrection he returned to India and lived the rest of his life in the Himalayas.
I have written extensively on these and other topics, many of which are posted at www.OCOY.org/
I have six published book through the monastery’s printing arm, Light of the Spirit Press (lightofthespiritpress.com)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is “The Christ of India: The Story of Saint Thomas Christianity” It was inspired by the strong connection between Jesus and India, both historically and philosophically. And his disciple, Saint Thomas, who was the apostle of India, built upon the foundation of that connection. The result is that unique form of Christianity known as Saint Thomas Christianity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Song of God (the translation of the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood), the writings of Swami Sivananda, Paramhansa Yogananda, I. K. Taimni, and others in the spiritual realm have been prime inspirers
What are you working on now?
A new translation of the Bhagavad Gita into English
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Too soon to tell
What are you reading now?
The Gospel of Swami Ramdas
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Author Websites and Profiles
Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) Website