Our Lineage

The Life Management Yoga Centre (LMYC) stands proudly on the shoulders of a century-old tradition. Our lineage connects Hong Kong practitioners directly to an unbroken history of authentic yogic education, science, and research.

Our Roots: We are proudly affiliated with The Yoga Institute (TYI) in Mumbai, India—the world’s oldest organised yoga institute, established in 1918.

Our Legacy: Our foundation is built upon the visionary teachers who first carried classical yoga from India to the global stage.

Our Guidance: The timeless wisdom, strict discipline, and deep compassion of our founders continue to guide every single class and workshop we offer in Hong Kong.

By practising with us, you are not just taking a yoga class; you are participating in a living, authentic tradition of classical yoga tailored for modern life in the busy district of Hong Kong.

theyogainstitute.org

Dr. Hansaji Yogendra with students at The Yoga Institute, Mumbai — Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Head of the All India Yoga Association

Meet the Masters

Shri Yogendra ji

Founder (1897–1989)

Shri Yogendraji founded The Yoga Institute in 1918, the oldest organized Yoga centre in the world. He is the architect of modern Yoga’s global evolution and introduced the discipline to the West by establishing the first Yoga centre in New York in 1920. He pioneered a scientific approach to Yoga, attracting researchers and scholars worldwide and authored landmark books including Hatha Yoga Simplified, Asana Simplified, Hygiene Simplified, Facts about Yoga and Guide to Meditation.

His heart and soul lay in making Yoga accessible to the common man. He simplified complex practices so that householders could safely adopt them and firmly believed Yoga should serve humanity rather than remain a secret of ascetics. A true yogi who lived in Samadhi for long periods and mastered prana healing under his guru, he demonstrated that spiritual mastery is possible while leading a normal family life.

Paramhamsa Madhavdas ji

Founder Guru (1798–1921)

Born in Bengal in 1798 to the Mukhopadhyaya family, Paramhamsa Madhavdasji developed a deep devotional faith in Yoga from childhood. At the age of 23 he left home to master various Hatha Yoga techniques and devoted his 123-year life to reviving yogic practices that were rapidly disappearing in India at the time. A custodian of multiple Yoga traditions, he selected only two disciples in his lifetime.

After a long search he chose Shri Yogendraji as the one to carry the “Yoga torch” around the world. His outstanding contribution and visionary guidance laid the spiritual foundation for The Yoga Institute and continue to shape the global Yoga movement today.

Smt. Sitadevi Yogendra

Mother (1912–2008)

Smt. Sitadevi Yogendra, affectionately called “Mother,” married Shri Yogendraji in 1927 and became his lifelong partner in spreading Yoga worldwide. She played a pivotal role in establishing and running The Yoga Institute, managing daily operations while pioneering dedicated Yoga programmes for women and children. Through her books, articles, sermons, and practical teaching, she worked tirelessly to dispel the myth that Yoga was only for men and to empower women with knowledge of physical and mental well-being.

Her relentless efforts created a complete Yoga curriculum for women at the Institute. Google India later honoured her outstanding contribution to women’s empowerment. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 97.

Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra

President (1929–2018)

Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, fondly known as Dr. Sahab, served as President of The Yoga Institute and carried forward his father’s legacy with grace and wisdom until he took Samadhi in 2018. He completed his Master’s in Samkhya and Yoga from Mumbai University, India and was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship for his thesis on Moksha Parvan. A true yogi living in the midst of modern life, he never sought publicity and offered simple, practical solutions to life’s complex problems.

He designed the Institute’s flagship Teacher Training Courses, wellness camps and programmes tailored for the common man, integrating attitude-based Yoga concepts into daily life. He founded the International Board of Yoga in 1975 to counter misinformation; edited the monthly journal Yoga & Total Health and was the living embodiment of practising what he preached. Students worldwide continue to draw inspiration from his simplicity, compassion, wit, and unflinching commitment to truth.

Dr. Hansaji Yogendra

Director (b. 1947)

Dr. Hansaji Yogendra is the globally acclaimed Spiritual Yoga Guru and current Director of The Yoga Institute. A mentor to millions, she has conducted over 50,000 sessions on Yoga, wellness and mental health. She has authored or co-authored more than 100 books. She serves on numerous national and international committees shaping Yoga syllabi and policy worldwide. Using her profound knowledge and experience, she has designed specialised health camps and techniques to help people of all ages overcome physical, emotional and life-related challenges.

An epitome of grace and wisdom, she is a global symbol of peace, balanced living, and Yoga. Under her leadership the Institute received the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 2018. Honoured with the Bharat Gaurav Award at the British Parliament (2019) and Woman of the Year (2000) by the American Biographical Institute. She continues to spread Yoga’s benefits through social media and live sessions, touching lives across the globe with grace and light.

Hrishi J Yogendra

Assistant Director (b. 1988)

Born on 5 January 1988 to Dr. Jayadeva and Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Hrishi Jayadeva Hansaji Yogendra represents the third generation of the Yogendra Yoga lineage. As Assistant Director and Secretary of The Yoga Institute, he immersed himself fully in the organisation’s operations and legacy after completing his Master’s studies. Recognising the power of the digital age, he has spearheaded the Institute’s digital and social-media initiatives to take authentic Yoga teachings to millions worldwide.

Today he tirelessly leads all operations with the clear goal of creating a lasting positive impact on humanity mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. He also serves as Vice President of the International Board of Yoga. Under his leadership the Institute has accelerated its reach through various digital reforms, helping millions rise and transform their lives.

Our Homage to the Sage Patanjali