Joseph H. Pereira
Firmly rooted in the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, Father Joe’s workshops deepen one’s understanding of the spiritual dimension. He guides practitioners from the outer body (through physiology and neurology) towards the subtle layers of consciousness and what he refers to as the third dimension of the Antaratma, or soul consciousness.
Such teachings are rarely shared and often lost in translation in the West. His work is profound yet entirely accessible to everyone, regardless of worldview, spiritual belief, or yoga experience.
Father Joe's story
Father Joseph H. Pereira is the Founder Trustee of the Kripa Foundation and the creator of the Kripa Module of rehabilitation, addressing addiction in its physical, mental, spiritual and psycho‑social dimensions.
Born in 1942 in Vasai, Maharashtra, Fr. Joe holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Bombay, a Licentiate in Divinity from Bombay and Poona, and certifications in Counselling Theory and Practice (Carkuff Model). His work is also informed by training at the Hazelden Institute in Minnesota.
Fr. Joe has been immersed in yoga for decades - initially as a patient, then as a practitioner, certified trainer, and ultimately as a close associate and International Mentor of the B.K.S. Iyengar School of Yoga, Pune. He serves as Adjunct Professor in Yoga Philosophy and Psychology at several Indian universities, Catholic institutions, and regional seminaries in Bombay, Goa, Pune and Nagpur.
His contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including: • International Yoga Journal – Karma Yogi of the Year (2003) • Mother Teresa Memorial National Award (2008) • Padma Shri Award (2009) • Lifetime Achievement Award (2022) for over 50 years of uninterrupted yoga practice, service and teaching in Canada