Maya Tiwari, born on April 16, 1952, in Liverpool Village, Guyana, is a renowned humanitarian, world peace leader, and author. Known fondly as “Mother Maya,” she has dedicated her life to teaching Ayurveda, promoting health activism, and spreading messages of peace and harmony worldwide.
As the founder of the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda and the Mother Om Mission, Maya Tiwari’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to human well-being and the preservation of ancient wisdom.
Early Life and Fashion Career of Maya Tiwari
Maya Tiwari’s journey began in the serene village of Liverpool in Guyana, where she was born to Pandit Bhagawan Ramprasad Tiwari, a Brahmin priest with roots in Lucknow, India. Her early life was steeped in Vedic traditions, which later influenced her holistic approach to health and spirituality.
At the young age of 18, Maya moved to New York City, where she embarked on a successful career as a fashion designer. Her boutique, “Maya,” located at 773 Madison Avenue, became a hub for high-profile clients such as Jackie Onassis, Princess Diana, Nureyev, and Patti La Belle. Her designs graced the shelves of prestigious stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and even Harrods in the UK.
The Birth of Wise Earth School of Ayurveda
In 1981, Maya Tiwari shifted her focus from fashion to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. She established the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda, the first of its kind in North America, grounded in the profound knowledge of the Greater Vedas. This institution has since become a beacon for those seeking to learn about holistic health and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
Founding the Mother Om Mission
Maya’s humanitarian spirit led her to create the Mother Om Mission (MOM) on Mother’s Day in 1998. This nonprofit organization provides Ayurveda education and services to at-risk communities in New York’s inner cities and her home country, Guyana. Through MOM, Maya has touched countless lives, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
A Voice for Peace
In December 2009, Maya Tiwari spoke at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, Australia, where she introduced her Living Ahimsa World Peace Tour. This tour has taken her to various countries, where she leads people in taking the Vow of Ahimsa, a commitment to nonviolence in thought, speech, and action.
This vow aims to cultivate inner harmony, which Maya believes is essential for achieving global peace. Over the years, 1,774,112 people have taken the oath, making a tangible impact on the world’s collective consciousness.
The Peace Mandala
One of Maya Tiwari’s most innovative contributions to peace and healing is the Peace Mandala. This program involves creating intricate mandalas from seeds and grains, symbolizing the connection to nature and the memory of wellness and love inherent in every seed.
The Peace Mandala aims to rejuvenate humanity’s memory of inner harmony and highlight the importance of living in cooperation with Mother Earth. With over a million participants in seven countries, the Peace Mandala has become a global movement for peace and ecological awareness.
Inner Medicine Healing and The Cosmic Memory Principle
Central to Maya Tiwari’s teachings is the concept of Inner Medicine Healing, which posits that each individual has the innate ability to heal themselves. This principle forms the core of the Wise Earth Ayurveda curriculum, encouraging self-awareness and self-care.
Additionally, Maya’s Cosmic Memory Principle emphasizes healing through the collective memories of all species and life forms, tapping into the universal wisdom that transcends time and space.
Legacy and Impact
Maya Tiwari’s life and work have left an indelible mark on the world. Her teachings on Ayurveda, her advocacy for peace through the Living Ahimsa World Peace Tour, and her innovative Peace Mandala have inspired millions.
By renouncing her monastic title in 2010, Maya chose to walk a simpler life, making her teachings and presence more accessible to those in need. Her journey from a fashion icon to a global peace leader exemplifies the transformative power of dedication and compassion.
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