Fr Joe Pereira. Presenter

Fr. Joe Pereira is a distinguished figure whose life’s work harmonises the principles of Yoga, addiction recovery, and Christianity. Born in India, Fr. Joe is a Catholic priest deeply committed to social service and spiritual growth. He is the founder of the Kripa Foundation, an internationally recognized organisation dedicated to helping individuals struggling with addiction.

Fr. Joe’s journey into Yoga began under the tutelage of B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the foremost yoga teachers. He seamlessly integrates Iyengar Yoga with Christian spirituality, promoting a holistic approach to healing that addresses the body, mind, and spirit. His unique method, known as Kripa Foundation Iyengar Yoga™, is designed to support individuals in recovery, providing them with tools to regain physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual strength.

His work with the Kripa Foundation has transformed countless lives, offering a path to recovery that is both compassionate and rigorous. Fr. Joe believes in the power of Yoga to aid in the recovery process, helping individuals reconnect with their inner selves and the divine.

Fr. Joe Pereira’s contributions extend beyond addiction recovery. He is a sought-after speaker and educator, sharing his insights on the intersections of Yoga, addiction, and Christianity worldwide. His teachings emphasize the importance of love, compassion, and inner transformation, reflecting the deep spiritual principles that guide his life and work.

Fr Joe Pereira talking to Noel Bell about his yoga practice and meditation:

BKS Iyengar Speaks on Fr Joes work:

Publications

• Effectiveness of Yoga in substance abusers within the Kripa Model
• Kripa Foundation- Psychosocial Response to Alcohol Dependence
• Challenges and Approaches to Addiction and HIV/AIDS
• Healing Touch to Addiction and HIV/AIDS
• Impact of Therapeutic Intervention on the Recovery of Alcoholic Employees’ 
• Yoga for the practice of Christian Meditation
•  Yoga and Society: Yoga for the people afflicted with Addiction and Yoga for the practice of Christian Meditation
• Tackling Addiction and HIV – AIDS through Healthy Lifestyles
• The Spiritual Paradox of Addiction
• Vyasanmukti ani Dhyansadhana
• Baseline Study about Basic Facts on HIV AIDS
• Patmos Renewal with Father Joe
• How To Regain Our Innate Immune Power When Fighting Cancer or Immunodeficiency Ailments
• Issues in Handling Mental Health Issues and other Behaviors – Ethical Issues in Handling Mental Health Issues and other Behaviors
• The need for addiction intervention programs at the work place
• Baseline Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices (KABP) related to HIV AIDS in Vasai, Maharashtra, India

 Audio / Visual Releases / Productions:

• 2013 – Audio CD, “I Thank My God”
• 2010 – 4 CD set – ‘Wholeness and Holiness’, WCCM
• 2010 – Two Audio CDs of Meditation – ‘The Whole Person in Prayer’ & ‘Learning to sit in Meditation’
• 2010 – Produced a DVD + Book set – ‘Yoga for the Practice of Meditation’, published by Medio Media International
• 2009 – DVD – ‘Addiction Recovery and Yoga’, Documentary film by Shantigar Foundation and Lindsey Clennell, Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York 
• 2008 –DVD – ‘Yoga for Health: the Iyengar Way’, The Yoga Studio, College of Canada
• 2008 – Featured in a film, ‘Leap of Faith’ that is the story of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar life. 
• 2004 – Featured in the film: ‘India: The Lotus and the Cross’, portraying Christian inculturation in India
• 2004 – Featured in a documentary: ‘Yoga Unveiled’, which showcases the world’s leading yoga instructors

Conference statement

In Contemplative prayer unlike other forms of prayer, one does not need the “intention of the Mind” but rather the “Attention on the breath and the Mantra”. Patanjali said the purpose of Yoga is “Chitta vritti Nirodha-ha” Stopping the chatter of the mind (cessation of the fluctuation of the Mind). This is brought about by the practice of Yoga. When the WCCM (world community for Christian Meditation) celebrated its 25 years at Mt. Orford, Quebec, Canada, the entire community requested me to teach them simple Yoga and breathing that helps Contemplation.

A short description for your presentation

The Antaryamic Nature of Iyengar Yoga: Fr. Joe Pereira, founder of Kripa Foundation and a senior Iyengar Yoga practitioner, emphasizes the “Antaryamic” nature of Iyengar Yoga, which refers to its inward, introspective, and self-exploratory aspects. According to Fr. Joe, Iyengar Yoga goes beyond physical postures (Asanas) and delves into the inner journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Fr. Joe Pereira’s teachings on the antaryamic nature of Iyengar Yoga have been instrumental in the holistic treatment programs at Kripa Foundation. By focusing on the inward journey and the integration of physical and spiritual practices, Kripa Foundation provides a comprehensive approach to healing and personal growth.

Conference Interview

During the conference an extended interview was recorded with each presenter, discussing their motivation and understanding. These interviews will be released in the full program version in the coming period.

BKS Iyengar’s endorsement of the work of Fr Joe and the Kripa foundation