Nayaswami Jyotish Novak has studied, practiced and taught meditation around the world for over forty years. He came onto the spiritual path when he met Swami Kriyananda in 1966. Jyotish was a founding member of Ananda World Brotherhood Village in Nevada City, California in 1968, and serves as the Spiritual Director of Ananda Sangha Worldwide.

During the first ten years, Jyotish served as General Manager of Ananda Village. He and his wife Devi started the first city ashram for Ananda Sangha Worldwide in San Francisco in 1979. In 1984 Jyotish expanded Ananda's outreach and helped start the work in Europe. Jyotish currently serves as the Spiritual Director of Ananda Sangha Worldwide.

Jyotish, who holds a BA in psychology, is the author of the best-selling book How to Meditate, along with 30 Day Essentials for Career and 30 Day Essentials for Marriage. He is the creator of Meditation TherapyTM and a dvd including these topics: Stress & Change, Relationships, and Health and Healing. He is also a painter, the title Stand Unshaken! features his works.