BIOGRAPHY
Early Life
Borzou Ghaderi, born on May 9, 1970, in Tehran, Iran, is a distinguished thinker, philosopher, and scholar in Eastern studies. His lifelong fascination with mysticism began at a young age, leading him to deeply explore both Sufism and ancient Indian wisdom. He embarked on his spiritual journey at the age of 9. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, he advanced through the stages of practical Sufism within various Sufi orders, including the Uwaisī, Khāksār (Khāksāriyya), and Ahl-e Ḥaqq orders. During this period, he also engaged with mystics like Darvish Noor-ud-Din Modarresi Chahar-Dehi and Darvish Moghaddasian to deepen his understanding of esoteric sciences and Sufi practices. He also had limited interactions with other Sufi orders, such as the Nematollahi Gonabadi Order under the leadership of Reza Ali Shah and the Qādiriyya Order.
Traditional and Scholar Education
Ghaderi’s educational background spans both traditional and scholarly domains. He pursued academic studies in philosophy, with a specialization in Western philosophy. In addition, in the field of theoretical mysticism and Islamic philosophy, his mentors included esteemed scholars such as Dr. Manouchehr Sadoughi Soha and Dr. Abbas Sadri. Driven by a profound interest in the shared mystical roots of Iranian and Indian cultures, he engaged in stimulating dialogues with leading philosophers throughout his academic journey. His postgraduate studies in these areas further honed his intellectual acumen.
His simultaneous interest in Iranian-Islamic philosophy and mysticism, as well as Indian mystical culture, led him to immerse himself in Sufi traditions and embark on numerous journeys to India and Nepal from his late teenage years onward. During this period, he benefited from the teachings of esteemed masters and prominent mystics in Sufi traditions, mysticism, and philosophy, while also visiting various ashrams and receiving guidance from accomplished gurus and swamis on his spiritual path in India and the Himalayas.
Ghaderi’s spiritual and academic journey in the realm of yoga began at the age of 22 when he became a Sadhaka of the Bihar School of Yoga under the tutelage of Paramahansa Satyananda and Swami Niranjananda, where he studied for 12 years. He also became acquainted with various yoga traditions from northern and southern styles, such as Integral Yoga under Swami Satchidananda and Iyengar Yoga. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to deep contemplation and meditation, studying and researching extensively to gain profound insights into the realms of yoga. In this field, he maintained close interactions with Swami Veda Bharati, particularly concerning the Sutras of Patanjali, which had a profound impact on his spiritual path. Additionally, he had meaningful exchanges with spiritual teachers such as Arya Mission, Sri Vats (Yogi Dharmendranath).
Ghaderi also pursued a professional path in learning Iranian and Indian traditional medicine and astrology. He furthered his education in Ayurveda, initially under the guidance of David Frawley, and continued his studies with Dr. Avinash Lele, and Dr. Subhash Ranade, eventually earning recognized certifications from NAMA. Alongside this, he delved into Vedic astrology, learning directly from David Frawley and subsequently collaborating with other experts such as K.S. Charak, J.N. Sharma, and Dr. Dinesh Kumar Sharma to deepen his knowledge. He completed advanced courses in Vedic astrology at centers such as the Council of Vedic Astrology (CVA) and the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences (ICAS), earning titles such as Jyotish Visharad, Veda Kovid, and Jyotish Vachaspati.
His studies in the philosophy of yoga, Vedanta, and the history of yoga were enriched by teachings from David Frawley and George Feuerstein, and he also acquired knowledge in Sanskrit literature from Vyas Houston, the head of the American Sanskrit Institute.
Ghaderi’s interest in integrating various mystical traditions led him to study different schools of thought. Among the many individuals and traditions that influenced him, the Vaishnava tradition of Gomukh Swami and the teachings of Mahayogi Kapil Advait, the Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara, were particularly inspirational. During his years in India, he was associated with various Akharas and spiritual traditions, where he received the spiritual name “Swami Ananda Siddhartha Giri” from the Juna Akhara.
Drawing on his extensive knowledge in both Iranian and Vedic esoteric sciences, Ghaderi sought to synthesize these rich traditions into a cohesive and innovative framework that honors their depth and complexity while presenting them in a contemporary and accessible form. This intellectual and spiritual endeavor was deeply influenced by Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory, which focuses on integrating different dimensions of consciousness, spirituality, and knowledge into a unified whole.
Professional and Research Activities
Ghaderi has made significant contributions to the fields of yoga, Vedic sciences, and Iranian mysticism. He was one of the founders of the “Yoga Association” in Iran and played a key role in co-founding the “Yoga Instructor Training Courses.” He also contributed to the creation of scientifically-oriented yoga curricula, which have been recognized at the university level by the Ministry of Science in Iran.
Furthermore, Ghaderi established the “Iranian Association of Vedic Studies,” introducing Jyotish, Ayurveda, and Sthapatya Veda in Iran. Over the past three decades, he has taught thousands of students in these fields, guiding many towards further studies at reputable institutions. His work has led to a deeper understanding of complementary medicine in Iran, and he has authored several scholarly works, including a book on Vedic astrology that serves as a reference for doctoral studies in traditional medicine in Iran.
He has authored numerous books, articles, and delivered lectures, as well as conducted training courses in the field of Vedic astrology. Through his interactions with traditional masters in Iran, Ghaderi has significantly contributed to the recognition and appreciation of Vedic astrology, particularly its relevance to Iranian traditional medicine. His authored works in this field, including a key reference book for doctoral studies in traditional medicine, have been instrumental in establishing this discipline within the academic landscape of Iran.
The culmination of his efforts led to the successful introduction of Ayurveda in Iran, along with numerous scholarly works authored and translated by him and his disciples. Following the official recognition of traditional Iranian medicine as a university course, Ghaderi was invited to join the Traditional Medicine Committee in the Iranian Elite Association. His work in integrating Ayurveda with Iranian traditional medicine has deepened the understanding of complementary medicine in Iran, with several of his research studies published in Iranian medical journals.
To promote and guide innovative studies and research in ancient philosophies, Ghaderi founded Soura Publications in Iran, where he has published numerous books in Persian, including his own works as well as those of other authors and translators active in these fields. His commitment to fostering harmony between the mystical and philosophical traditions of Iran and India is reflected in his prolific authorship of books, articles, and lectures.
Ghaderi currently serves as the Director of the Department of Vedic Studies at Tesla University, where he continues to innovate in the field. His role includes the development of curricula for both Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Vedic Astrology, with the first cohort of Master’s students having successfully graduated.
