in the naad

The Laughing Saint of the Himalayas

His Holiness Swami Advaitananda Giri

In this episode of In the Naad, Taylor Stein sits down with His Holiness Swami Advaitananda Giri—a Himalayan yogi, teacher, and founder of the International Meditation Foundation—for a rare and awe-inspiring conversation on spirit, incarnation, and the subtle anatomy of consciousness. After years of intensive yogic training—including meditation in sacred Himalayan regions—he now shares practical tools for modern transformation. But this isn’t a story of austerity. It’s a story of radiance, of thunder in the valley, and of how joy—especially laughter—is a survival tool on the path to liberation. Guided by invisible teachers and the elemental intelligences of nature, Swamiji offers a rare transmission that bridges the stillness of the cave with the heartbeat of the world. Known globally as The Laughing Monk, Swamiji’s teachings integrate ancient yogic wisdom with present-day tools for healing stress, anxiety, and emotional disconnection—drawing on deep personal experience and a commitment to awakening consciousness across cultures. They talk about: – What happens to the mind, body, and soul in 17 years of cave retreat – Encounters with spirits, guides, ancestors, and elemental beings – The mystical science of the 7-body system – Why laughter is essential for spiritual resilience – How asceticism refines perception and reveals the architecture of incarnation – And what the cave teaches about reality, illusion, and presence This conversation is for seekers, initiates, and anyone ready to move beyond performance and into the frequency of direct knowing.

Learn more about Swamiji:
Instagram: @laughingmonkofficial
Meditation Foundation Website: https://meditation.ca
Contact: info@meditation.ca
Visit his new Los Angeles studio: 1225 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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