VFA Vedic Friends Association

Stephen Knapp

Padma Shri Awardee 2025. (Sri Nandanandana Dasa) is an American author, spiritual practitioner, researcher, and lecturer on Vedic culture and philosophy. Author of over 50 books on Vedic wisdom.

Dr. David Frawley

Padma Bhushan awardee 2015. (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is an acclaimed Vedacharya and has made immense contributions to the field of Vedic knowledge and understanding worldwide.

Jeffrey Armstrong

(Kavindra Rishi) ICCR Distinguished Indologist: Author, Speaker, Jyotish, Linguist & Poet. Sought after speaker on many Vedic topics & host on Citti Media. Author of 1st decolonized Gita: The Bhagavad Gita Comes Alive

Benny Tillman

(Balabhadra dāsa) is the first African American President of VFA, and a long-time leader, teacher, and advocate for Vedic culture, who has helped shape VFA’s global mission with NEW vision and heart.

Subash Kak

Padma Shri awardee in 2019, Subhash Kak is an Indian-American computer scientist and historical revisionist whose topics are: the history of science, the philosophy of science, ancient astronomy, and the history of mathematics.

Maria Wirth

A German psychologist, and a fearless advocate for Hindu Dharma. She has authored numerous insightful articles and books—both in German and English—on Vedic wisdom and culture. Author of Why Hindu Dharma is under attack by Muslims, Christians and the Left.

Philip Goldberg

Author, speaker and workshop leader; a spiritual counselor, meditation teacher and ordained Interfaith Minister.Author Karmic Relief: Harnessing the Laws of Cause and Effect for a Joyful, Meaningful Life.

MIchael cremo

(Drutakarmā dāsa) A speaker & Independent researcher, Author of Forbidden Archeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race. Cremo appeared in a History Channel series Ancient Aliens & then followed it with a mini series Ancient Aliens.

Shobha Swamy

Hindu American educator, speaker, dedicated to youth empowerment, and wellness through Vedanta, yoga, and nutrition. She co-founded CoHNA and actively supports civic and charitable initiatives.

Andy Fraenkel

(Sankirtana das) Author, Workshop Leader, Vedic Storytelling of the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Krishna Katha. He is a Theater Director and presenter of Vaishnava/Krishna Tradition.

Horacio Francisco Arganis Juarez PhD

(Hare Krishna Dasa) Speaks in Spanish on the Bhagavatam. Academic Researcher, Cultural Promoter at IBCH Emeritus of the International University-Dharma College International.

Jeffery D. Long PhD

A Carl W. Zeigler Professor; scholar of Jain/Hindu thought; UN speaker; Recipient HAF Dharma Seva, Ranck, and International Ahimsa awards; Guest on PBS & History Chanel; frequent Vedānta Society guest. Author of Jainism an Introduction, Hinduism in America, and Discovering Indian Philosophy.

Mark Cohen PHD

Teacher of Transcendental Meditation and the TM-Sidhi program for over 53 years, sharing these practices with thousands worldwide. Trained directly by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, he earned a PhD in Maharishi Vedic Science (Maharishi Vedic University, Vlodrop)

Ram Bhakt

A yoga educator, author of A Seeker’s Guide to the Yoga Sutras, and entrepreneur. He founded Long Beach School of Yoga and My Yoga Network, bringing yoga and wellness to hospitality, healthcare, schools, and businesses across the United States.

Vrndavan Brannon Parker

Author, Writer, Researcher, Editor, Coordinator at Vedic Empire Productions. Author of 3 books; His book The Serpent The Eagle The Lion and The Disk is on ancient sacred symbols. Vrin currently lives in Hawaii. He speaks 5 languages.