“Serving Those Who Serve”

Yogi Bhajan founded the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association in 1994, on the 25th anniversary of 3HO. He said, “It is very fortunate you have this Association. When I’ll be physically gone, search me out spiritually. You’ll need to sit together to do it.”(1)

With over 600 people on the initial roster, the need for a consolidated teachers organization was evident. In June of 1994 under the direction of Nam Kaur Khalsa, they held the first annual Kundalini Yoga Teachers Conference, coming together to network and gain inspiration from each other, share information, and spend time with the Siri Singh Sahib. (2)

When Yogi Bhajan first heard the acronym IKYTA, he pronounced it “ik-ta,” and said, “Perfect, it means Oneness.” Yogi Bhajan said there was one IKYTA and that all teachers belonged to it, and that “the fundamental principle of Kundalini Yoga is to Unite.” He saw the National Associations as key parts of the one IKYTA. He stated that IKYTA belonged to all teachers and was a place of inclusion for all teachers.

IKYTA’s mission is to uplift, nurture and serve Kundalini Yoga teachers through programs, resources, benefits and educational offerings that encourage self-development, support community building, highlight professionalism, and inspire positive social change through service. This work is guided by teaching, practicing and sharing Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

IKYTA is part of 3HO Foundation International which is devoted to inspiring everyone, everywhere to live a Healthy, Happy, and Holy life through the Teachings of Yogi Bhajan. 3HO hosts four main events each year: Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, International Women’s Camp and Khalsa Youth Camp. People come together from around the world to experience the 3HO lifestyle based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan. These events inspire and fortify the spirit so we can “keep up” throughout the year. (1)

1) This information was provided courtesy of the IKYTA website. Read more about IKYTA here. 

2.) The History of Sikh Dharma of the Western Heimsphere, p. 179-80

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