Dr. Yogi Bikashananda: The Visionary Behind the Manokranti Movement
Early Life and Background
Dr. Yogi Bikashananda’s journey began on July 16, 1962 (2nd of Asar, 2018 BS), when he was discovered as an infant at the Ganesh Temple in Chhetrapati, Kathmandu. Adopted by a childless family, his early years were marked by a mischievous spirit and a disinterest in formal education. Yet, his creative talents shone through, particularly in painting. In 1979, at the age of 17, he traveled to the Soviet Union to participate in an international painting competition, an experience that broadened his horizons and sparked a shift in his ambitions.
Back in Nepal, Bikashananda transitioned from painting to writing and literature, finding words a powerful medium for expression. For three years, he worked as a teacher, editor, and writer, publishing a tri-monthly magazine and a weekly periodical. These ventures not only showcased his versatility but also laid the groundwork for his future mission of inspiring transformation.
Spiritual Awakening and Journey to India
In 1983, at the age of 21, Bikashananda embarked on a life-changing spiritual quest to Kashi (Varanasi), India. Enrolling at Sampurnananda Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, he immersed himself in Sanskrit and philosophy, seeking deeper truths. His initiation into Buddhist practices under Mahasthavira Nanda Dynasty at a Burmese temple introduced him to meditation and mindfulness, while his studies expanded to include yoga and alternative healing methods like Reiki.
A defining moment came in Naraha, Janakpur, during a Brahmamuhurta (sacred pre-dawn period), when Bikashananda experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He described this as merging with the universal consciousness—“Samim Aham Asim Brahman”—unlocking extraordinary abilities such as precognition, courage, and asceticism. This six-year sojourn in India (1983–1989) shaped him into the visionary he would become.
Founding the Ananda Yoga Centre and Early Impact
Returning to Nepal in 1989, Bikashananda established the Ananda Yoga Centre in Kathmandu, a space dedicated to yoga and holistic health counseling. In 1991, he launched Yog-Sadhana, a weekly program on Nepal Television, making yoga accessible to the masses for six months. His innovative approach blended ancient practices with contemporary relevance, earning him a growing following.
By 1994, he was conducting yoga teacher-training courses at the Ananda Yoga Centre in Matatirtha, attracting both Nepali and international students. He introduced Psycho-Cybernetics—a self-improvement methodology—to Nepal in 1985, and in 1996, he pioneered Reiki, becoming a patron of the Reiki Healers Association Nepal and initiating over 5,000 practitioners. These efforts established him as a trailblazer in holistic well-being.
International Outreach and Scientific Validation
Dr. Bikashananda’s influence reached beyond Nepal. In June 1995, he underwent a 14-day Kundalini energy test at NIMHANS in Bangalore, India. EEG results showed simultaneous activity across all four brainwave bands (beta, alpha, theta, delta) during meditation, offering scientific validation of his self-realized state. That same year, he attended the World Yoga Conference in Brazil, teaching yoga and meditation at universities and yoga centers. His work was featured on Brazilian television and in major newspapers, and he founded the Siddhi-Sadhana Group during his three-month stay.
In 1997, he traveled to the United States, conducting workshops on Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Reiki, and Psycho-Cybernetics. His ability to bridge Eastern spirituality with Western practicality resonated globally. In 1998, he received a Doctor of Medicine in Alternative Medicine (M.D. A.M.) from the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines, recognizing his contributions to alternative healing.
The Manokranti Movement: Revolutionizing the Mind
In 1988, Dr. Bikashananda founded the Manokranti Movement, derived from the Sanskrit term Manokranti ("revolution of the mind"). Officially launched in 2045 BS (1988 AD), the movement posits that all problems originate in the mind, and transforming it through consciousness is the solution. Its motto—“Let’s change ourselves to change the world”—encapsulates its core belief in personal transformation as the catalyst for societal progress.
The movement integrates yoga, meditation, Reiki, motivation, and natural living to foster holistic well-being. Bikashananda teaches that consciousness is inherently joyful and powerful, and by aligning with it, individuals can break free from mental limitations. In 2063 BS (2006 AD), a five-year residential program was launched at the Manokranti Matrix in Godavari, Lalitpur, training around 150 individuals who spread the philosophy across Nepal’s 75 districts, Sikkim, and Darjeeling. Today, 15 global branches aim to make Manokranti a worldwide movement.
- Mind as the Root: All suffering and solutions lie within the mind.
- Consciousness as Freedom: The soul’s inherent joy and wisdom liberate us.
- Holistic Living: Yoga, meditation, and Reiki promote complete well-being.
- Change Begins Within: Personal growth drives global improvement.
Literary Works and Media Presence
A prolific author, Dr. Bikashananda has written over 70 books in Nepali, Hindi, English, and Sanskrit, covering yoga, meditation, philosophy, and self-improvement. Titles like Mirtuu Pachi Ke (What Happens After Death?) address existential questions with depth and clarity.
From 1999 to 2001, he hosted discourse programs on Radio Sagarmatha, Image Channel, Metro FM, and Swanig, sharing insights on life and mind technologies. Currently, the Manokranti Centre’s YouTube channel broadcasts daily lectures, while his TV program Avibadan airs every morning at 6:00 AM in Nepal, offering guidance on yoga and personal development.
Philosophical Insights and Sayings
Bikashananda’s philosophy merges Eastern traditions with Western pragmatism, emphasizing mental satisfaction over material gain. He famously said, “Life is neutral. We have our own hand in making life a paradise or a hell.”
Notable sayings include:
- “Those who do not have the courage to face failure are not entitled to success.”
- “Brave is not one who is not afraid, brave is one who can move forward despite fear.”
- “The cheapest medicine is humor, because if it is lacking, you are forced to take the most expensive medicine.”
He champions questioning as a tool for growth, inspired by figures like Leonardo da Vinci, and believes it unlocks creativity and brain potential, aligning with his advocacy for lifelong learning.
Bikashananda’s practical tools include Scientific Manokranti Yoga (simplified yoga for modern life) and SuperLearning (a memory-enhancement technique introduced in Nepal in 1998), alongside Psycho-Cybernetics and Reiki, forming a robust framework for mental and spiritual growth.
Social Contributions and Recognition
In 2015, Bikashananda delivered a motivational speech at a trauma relief program post the Nepal earthquake, organized by the Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN). His blend of humor and science helped 220 attendees overcome fear, earning widespread appreciation. He received the Shantidoot Samman (Peace Ambassador Award) from the Universal Peace Federation Nepal for his peace-building efforts.
His demonstrations of extraordinary skills—like fire walking and energy transmission during meditation—further highlight his unique approach to transformation.
The Manokranti Matrix
Located in Godavari, Lalitpur, the Manokranti Matrix is a sanctuary for personal growth, offering courses in yoga, Reiki, SuperLearning, Psycho-Cybernetics, and meditation. Its daily schedule includes pranayama, philosophical discussions, and sound nutrition, creating a “positively charged environment” for healing and learning.
Recent Developments and Online Presence
Dr. Bikashananda remains active, with a robust online presence. His Facebook page boasts over 490,000 followers, and the Manokranti Centre’s YouTube channel engages a global audience. His current initiatives focus on expanding the movement’s reach, blending virtual outreach with in-person training at the Matrix.
Conclusion
Dr. Yogi Bikashananda is a visionary whose life exemplifies the power of self-transformation. Through the Manokranti Movement, he has provided a blueprint for revolutionizing the mind, merging ancient wisdom with modern tools to foster happiness and resilience. His legacy—spanning Nepal, India, and beyond—continues to inspire, proving that true change begins within. As a philosopher, teacher, and guide, Dr. Bikashananda’s influence endures, lighting the way for those seeking a meaningful life.
This content is the result of deep research and thoughtful structuring, offering a complete and engaging narrative on Dr. Yogi Bikashananda. It’s ideal for readers seeking an in-depth understanding of his life and work.
1. Who is Dr. Yogi Bikashananda?
- Answer: Dr. Yogi Bikashananda is a Nepali philosopher, yogi, writer, artist, and social reformer born on July 16, 1962, in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is the founder of the Manokranti Movement, a philosophy focused on transforming the mind through mindfulness, yoga, and positive thinking to achieve personal and societal change.
2. What is the Manokranti Movement?
- Answer: The Manokranti Movement, started by Dr. Bikashananda in 1988, is a philosophy that promotes a "revolution of the mind" as the key to solving life’s challenges. It encourages personal transformation through practices like yoga, meditation, and Reiki, with the motto "Let’s change ourselves to change the world."
3. What does "Manokranti" mean?
- Answer: "Manokranti" is a Sanskrit word meaning "revolution of the mind." It represents the movement’s core idea that mental transformation is essential for personal growth and global progress.
4. What are the core principles of the Manokranti Movement?
- Answer: The movement rests on four main ideas:
- All problems and solutions begin in the mind.
- Consciousness is naturally joyful and liberating.
- Holistic practices like yoga and meditation foster well-being.
- Changing oneself is the first step to improving the world.
5. What is Dr. Bikashananda’s educational and spiritual background?
- Answer: Dr. Bikashananda studied Sanskrit and philosophy at Sampurnananda Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya in Varanasi, India, and explored Buddhist practices. He also earned a Doctor of Medicine in Alternative Medicine (M.D. A.M.) from the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines for his work in holistic health.
6. How did Dr. Bikashananda’s spiritual journey begin?
- Answer: His spiritual path started in 1983 when he traveled to India to study Sanskrit and philosophy. A transformative moment came during meditation in Naraha, Janakpur, where he experienced a deep connection with universal consciousness, awakening abilities like precognition and fearlessness.
7. What are some of Dr. Bikashananda’s notable contributions?
- Answer: He brought Reiki and Psycho-Cybernetics to Nepal, founded the Ananda Yoga Centre, and created the Manokranti Matrix in Godavari, Lalitpur. He has also written over 70 books, hosted TV and radio shows, and led international workshops on yoga and meditation.
8. What is the significance of the Manokranti Matrix?
- Answer: The Manokranti Matrix in Godavari, Lalitpur, is a retreat center for personal growth and healing. It offers training in yoga, Reiki, SuperLearning, and meditation, creating a supportive space for those embracing the Manokranti lifestyle.
9. How does Dr. Bikashananda’s philosophy address modern challenges?
- Answer: His teachings combine Eastern wisdom with practical solutions, prioritizing mental peace over material success. He promotes mindfulness, courage, and creativity as ways to tackle modern issues like stress, mental health struggles, and the search for purpose.
10. How can people engage with Dr. Bikashananda’s teachings today?
- Answer: Dr. Bikashananda shares his insights through the Manokranti Centre’s YouTube channel with daily lectures, his morning TV show Avibadan in Nepal, and his Facebook page with over 490,000 followers. The Manokranti Matrix also hosts in-person courses and retreats.
3 Comments
Gurudev is a spiritual master and a practical teacher who is not bound by dogma. In about a dozen videos that I watched, I found myself seeking to listen to him each day the first thing in the morning instead of listening to negative news in my new year 2022. His pleasant personality and laughter and jokes make his discourses more pleasant and touching. I wish to practice Reiki and Yoga under his spiritual guidance.
ReplyDeleteI am great fan of him.
ReplyDeleteम धेरै प्रभावित भएको छु ।
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