MAYA TIWARI is a spiritual teacher, humanitarian, and pioneer of Ayurveda whose life's work centers on awakening the spirit of ahimsa—inner harmony and peaceful living. Born in Guyana under British rule, she moved to New York as a teenager, studied acting with Stella Adler, and quickly became a successful fashion designer before turning toward a deeper spiritual calling. Returning to India, she spent a decade immersed in Sanskrit, Vedanta, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vastu under the guidance of Swami Dayananda Sarasvati, setting the foundation for a lifetime of service, writing, and teaching. She went on to found the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda—the first of its kind in North America—and later the Mother Om Mission, helping thousands of women, families, and communities heal from trauma, disease, and despair. For more than thirty years, Maya has inspired global audiences through her books, teachings, and humanitarian outreach. A former Vedic monk of the revered Veda Vyasa lineage, she has spoken at the Parliament of the World's Religions and major interfaith gatherings worldwide, and is the recipient of the Dhanvatari and Rishi Awards for her contributions to Ayurvedic medicine. In 2010, she renounced her monastic title, choosing instead a simpler, more accessible life devoted to compassionate service and the healing of those most in need. I Am Shakti: Reclaiming Women's Innate Power to Heal Themselves and Restore Balance, Health, Prosperity, and Joy for All Being by Maya Tiwari.
