I’m humbled to stand in the light of many teachers who shaped my understanding of yoga, Vedanta, and tantra. Among them are Swami Chinmayananda, whose writings on Vedanta filled me with a longing for truth; the many gurus of Chinmaya Mission, who clarified my doubts and kept the fire of inquiry burning; Yogani, the founder of Advanced Yoga Practices, who helped shape my understanding of yoga; Sri Premananda, who taught me the essence of Sri Vidya; Greg Goode, whose teachings on the Direct Path shifted my perspective in a profound and permanent manner; Sally Kempton and Paul Muller-Ortega, whose teachings on Kashmir Shaivism continue to hone my understanding of non-duality; and Dr. Sumit Kesarkar, who helps me look at Ayurveda and tantra from a fresh perspective.
My special thanks to Greg Goode for being my source of support through this long and sometimes challenging process. Your contagious love for writing, language, and the subject kept my enthusiasm alive, helping blend book writing and spiritual practice into a seamless whole.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to Catherine and Julian Noyce of Non-Duality Press. Catherine, you have been instrumental in helping this project move from an idea to a book. Thank you for trusting me with this task and for your love.
Thank you to my wonderful friends who gave me valuable feedback as this book was taking shape, especially Josh Julius Anderson, Chas Sweeten, Rohini Nellore, Cody Rickett, Gautam Mahanti, Matt Bartlett, and Madhavi Kadiyala. I’m indebted to my wonderful editors Jennifer Holder and Clancy Drake, whose editing acumen helped me hone my writing.
Thank you to my friends, colleagues, and patients, who continually show me Shakti’s form in manifestation. I’m humbled to interact with each of you.
I’m especially grateful to my father, Nataraj, who taught me the meaning of an open heart. My mother, Geetha, and mother-in-law, Indrani, are my constant sources of inspiration for how to move through life with grace and courage. I love you.
My loving thanks to my husband, Arul, who held space for me when I was juggling the roles of a full-time cardiologist, mother, wife, and writer. You are my rock. Thank you to my beautiful daughters, Anya and Annika, who continuously teach me the meaning of love and devotion, and what it means to live an awakened life. You are my light.
Finally, my deep bows to Shakti for revealing herself through this book.