Dr. David Frawley D. Litt. (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is a western born Hindu teacher or guru in the Vedic tradition. In India, Vamadeva is recognized as a Vedacharya (Vedic teacher), and includes in his scope of studies Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedanta and Vedic astrology, as well as the ancient Vedic texts. He is a rare recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, the third highest civilian award given by the government of India, for his lifelong work as a Vedic educator. He is probably the most well known and honored Vedic teacher in India and in traditional circles. He is the director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies, (www.vedanet.com) which he founded in 1988. His wife Yogini Shambhavi is the co-director. He has authored many books so far illuminating many aspects of Hinduism, Yoga, Vedanta, Jyotisha etc.