Universal Yoga and the Florida Vedic Institute was founded by Yogi Baba Premacharya.  He is one of only a few westerners to be recognized in the traditional systems from India.  He is one of the few westerners to have received the title of Veda Kovid and then Vedavisharada in the traditional gurukual system, he has studied with renowned Vedacharya, Acharya Sri Vamadeva Shastri.  In 2010, he was initiated as an Acharya by Maha Avatar Babaji.  Previously, he received the traditional titles of Vedakovid and Vedavisharada for his study in the Vedas.  He graduated from the United Yoga Institute with a diploma in Karma, Bhakti, Hatha, Raja and Kundalini yoga systems. He was accepted by Mahavatar Babaji as his student, after being declared a master of Shakti and Naad Yoga systems by Gurudeep, whom he studied with for many years.  His Vedic teacher (Vedacharya) is Sri Pandit Vamadeva Shastri (David Frawley).

"Baba Prem is one of the best trained and most articulate spokesmen of Hindu Dharma born in the West. He brings to his teachings a deep study and practice of Yoga, Ayurveda and Jyotish as well as a clear understanding of the principles of Sanatana Dharma and the cultural heritage of India." --Dr. David Frawley (Sri Pandit Vamadeva Shastri)

He is recognized as one of the leading spokesmen for Hindu Dharma born in the west. His papers have offered insight and tackled some of the more difficult issues facing Hinduism and students of spirituality. Currently he is working on projects that address areas of confusion amongst western students of eastern spirituality. He is also writing extensively on the Vedas and their relevance within each person's life and spiritual practice.

Yogi Baba Prem online on the Radio.  Yogi Baba Prem can be heard monthly on his radio program at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yogi-baba-prem

Yogi Baba Prem has been published in:

• New Global Indian Magazine--with readership in 16 countries.  Published 2010.

• Bimonthly, his articles appear in the online magazine for the American Institute of Vedic Studies.

• Vedic Astrology Magazine in India. 

• His book, "Understanding the Kundalini" has been published in India.  Listed in the top 100 books on the kundalini by Ramesh Chandra Shukla.  This book is also carried at the Smt. Hansa Mehta Library.

On the Internet, his articles have appeared in:

• Boloji

• Hindupad

• Journal of Yoga

• Yoga Age

• Spirithit

• Vedic Friends Newsletter

• Hindu Wisdom

• and many more.

Universal Yoga and the Florida Vedic Institute were founded by Yogi Baba Premacharya Tom Beal CYI, C.ay, C.va. He graduated from the United Yoga Institute with a diploma in Karma, Bhakti, Hatha, Raja and Kundalini yoga systems. He was accepted by Maha Avatar Babaji as his student, after being declared a master of Shakti and Naad Yoga systems by Gurudeep. His Vedic teacher (Vedacharya) is Sri Pandit Vamadeva Shastri (David Frawley).

He has given hundreds of lectures and taught thousands of people over the years. He teaches one of the most authentic and spiritually compelling forms of yoga and spirituality available anywhere outside of India. Providing a practical western approach to a vast and complicated system of eastern spirituality. This approach allows Baba Prem to teach beginner students and advanced students by understanding their unique needs and perspectives toward spiritual growth.

Yogi Baba Premacharya has studied Sanskrit (the language that many of the ancient texts of yoga and Ayurveda are written in). In 2006, he was awarded the traditional title of Vedavisharada, which means comprehensive knowledge of the Vedas. He has completed over 3400 hours of study through the American Institute of Vedic Studies. He was previously awarded the title of Vedakovid meaning proficient in Vedic Studies. His Vedic studies has included areas such as Tantra, Vedic history, Vedic texts, Ayurveda, Vedic astrology, select Brahmanas, Aranykas, Upanishads, select Puranas, and related fields. He is one of the few but growing number of westerners to receive this title through the traditional systems of India. He is also knowledgeable in some forms of Puja, Homas, and Yajnas.

He has studied Ayurveda through programs offered by and Dr. David Frawley, and Dr. Vasant Lad. He has received certificates from the American Institute of Vedic Studies crediting him with over 600 hours of Ayurvedic study and served as a Diplomat with the American Ayurvedic Association. He was also awarded the title of “Ayurvedic Practitioner”. Yogi Baba Premacharya has been invited to lecture at such institutions as Rollins College and Seminole Community College. He has been invited to India as well. He has received a Hindu string initiation through our local Hindu Mandir.

He is qualified in Vedic counseling, as a Vedic educator, Vedic yoga, and to teach Vedic philosophy. He is recognized as teaching mantras, and yoga practices in an authentic Vedic manner. He is also available to provide insight into the relationships between classical Vedic teachings and Ayurveda (Indian health science), Yoga, and Vedic astrology.  He is a spiritual teacher, as well. 

His study has been primarily through the traditional gurukula system, which emphasizes direct contact and guided instruction with the teacher. Such a traditional study of Vedic knowledge is at a practitioner level and provides a level of instruction much deeper than mere academic studies of the subject.

Some Yogi's and Guru's from India have described him as a "man of god".

"Baba Prem is one of the best trained and most articulate spokesmen of Hindu Dharma born in the West. He brings to his teachings a deep study and practice of Yoga, Ayurveda and Jyotish as well as a clear understanding of the principles of Sanatana Dharma and the cultural heritage of India." --Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri)

Please support the work of Yogi Baba Prem.--Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya:

"It is rare to meet a westerner that has knowledge such as Yogi Baba Prem does pertaining to these teachings." --Sri Shivabalayogi

He is a writer and lecturer with the Vedic Friends Organization, a national organization for the preservation and education of Vedic teachings, and appears regularly in the VFA Journal. In 2004, he chaired a committee on the preservation of Dharma at the VFA conference with Swami Dayananda. He has written numerous books and produced a large number of CD’s. He currently serves as an editor for AIVS newsletter.

He is director of Universal Yoga. Programs or sessions are offered in:
       

Vedic Yoga	Shakti Healing	Vedanta	Jnana Yoga
Vedic Astrology	Kundalini Yoga	Chanting	Sanskrit
Vedic Studies	Ayurveda	Meditation	Homa/Puja
Shabda Mantra Brahma Yoga	Eastern Philosophy	Vedanta	Yajna

In-depth and specialized programs are offered throughout the year. Private sessions are also available with Yogi Baba Prem. The center is not open to the public, but appointments can be made to visit.  For more information on private sessions, e-mail us.


Formal Educational History and awards:

2010-Recognition as an Acharya by Maha Avatar Babaji.

American Institute of Vedic Studies 2006-- Title of Veda Visharada credited with 3400 hours of study.

American Institute of Vedic Studies 2003-- Title of Vedakovid credited with 2200 hours of study.

American Institute of Vedic Studies 2000-- Certificate in Vedic Astrology with 200 hours of study.

American Institute of Vedic Studies 2000-- Certification in Ayurveda with 600 hours of study.

Awarded Diplomat status with the American Ayurvedic Association 2000.

American Institute of Vedic Studies-- Certificate in Ayurveda with 250 hours of study.

The Ayurvedic Institute-- Certificate in Ayurveda 1991.

Awarded the title of Master of Shakti Yoga 1991.

Awarded the title of Master of Naad Yoga 1990.

Award for completion for Shakti Healing in the traditional Gurukural style.

United Yoga Institute-- Diploma in Hatha, Karma, Bhakti, Raja, and Kundalini Yoga systems 1989.

United Yoga Institute-- awarded title of CYI 1987.