YOGMATA IN NEW YORK

A SPIRITUAL ICON BRINGS PEACE, PRESENCE & PURPOSE TO THE CITY

By Clara Morgan | VITAL NYC

In a city that thrives on momentum, Yogmata Keiko Aikawa’s return offers something rare: a full week devoted to reflection, harmony, and the quiet power of inner awareness. This November, New York became the backdrop for her mission of global peace and personal enlightenment as she led meditations, cultural gatherings, and a landmark United Nations appearance.

A SAINT RETURNS TO THE CITY
World-renowned spiritual leader Yogmata Keiko Aikawa—celebrated as the first female Siddha Master and a Himalayan Great Saint—returns to New York for a week of high-profile engagements blending diplomacy, spirituality, and cultural connection. Her visit culminated on November 14, 2025, when she led a “Moment of Silence for Global Peace” at the United Nations WEDO Summit, offering a guided meditation to delegates from around the world.

This extraordinary appearance continued Yogmata’s long-standing relationship with the United Nations, where she has previously spoken on International Yoga Day and conducted meditations dedicated to global harmony. Her presence has consistently brought ancient Himalayan spiritual traditions to international audiences, cementing her role as a rare bridge between sacred practice and modern global dialogue.

A WEEK OF PEACE-FOCUSED ENGAGEMENTS
Yogmata’s journey began on Saturday, November 8th, as she arrived in New York to prepare for a full schedule of workshops, cultural gatherings, and philanthropic meetings across the city. On Sunday, November 9th, she leads a workshop at the Japanese American Association, offering New Yorkers a rare opportunity to engage with her Himalayan meditation techniques in an intimate setting.

Her week continued with private meetings and cultural exchanges, followed by a refined evening gathering at the French Consulate General on Tuesday, November 11th. Each engagement highlighted a different facet of Yogmata’s mission: nurturing peace, deepening cross-cultural understanding, and strengthening relationships between global communities.

A PRIVATE DOJO OPENS IN MANHATTAN
A major highlight of the visit is the debut of Yogmata’s first dedicated New York meditation dojo. On Wednesday, November 12th, she hosted a private opening celebration for select guests and media.

With this space, she deepens her commitment to guiding New Yorkers toward inner clarity, spiritual development, and authentic Himalayan meditation practice. The dojo will serve as a home base for future workshops, teachings, and gatherings.

UNITED NATIONS LEADERSHIP & GLOBAL IMPACT
On Thursday, November 13th, Yogmata joined the Women Empowerment & Development Organization’s (WEDO) dinner before making her cornerstone appearance the next morning at the UN Headquarters. There, from 10:05 a.m. to 10:13 a.m., she led delegates in a meditation for peace—eight minutes of global stillness amid a world often defined by turbulence.

Her participation reflected decades of dedication: since 1991, she has performed Public Samadhi 18 times in India, an exceedingly rare demonstration recognized as evidence of enlightenment. Her teachings and global travels continue to inspire audiences seeking purposeful, grounded, and spiritually enriched lives.

A LIFE DEVOTED TO ENLIGHTENMENT
Born in Yamanashi, Japan in 1945, Yogmata began studying yoga and meditation as a teenager, eventually becoming a widely respected instructor. Her path transformed at age 39 when she met Pilot Babaji, a revered Himalayan master who later trained her in the mountains. Through this journey, she achieved Samadhi, the supreme state of yogic consciousness.

Today, she is not only a spiritual teacher but also an acclaimed author with more than one million books sold worldwide, and a frequent presence at global peace events—including esteemed appearances at the United Nations in 2016 and 2017.

CONCLUDING A TRANSFORMATIVE WEEK
Yogmata’s New York visit concluded with the WEDO Brunch & Closing Dinner on Saturday, November 15th, before she departs the city on Sunday. For New Yorkers, her weeklong presence is a reminder that peace begins with intention, clarity, and the courage to pause—even in the busiest city in the world.

For more info, visit: japanese-meditation.com
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