I've spent most of my adult life struggling to reach the mystical goal of God-realization. After more than thirty-five years of study and meditation, including a career bridging disputes between unions and management, the goal still seemed distant. Then I settled on a unique approach to meditation, and at last the Great Secret finally revealed itself. But not wishing to draw attention to myself, I kept the knowledge close and told no one.

However, given my brush with death five years ago, and my timely heart transplant, I have come to understand and accept that my duty in this last part of my life is to speak about my private practice in an effort to help others also realize Self-knowledge. Therefore, if you are open to it, I will try to spare you my years of painful searching by helping you understand and apply what I have named Awareness Yoga.

My given birth name is Michael. When I perform the function of Awareness Guide, I use my self-chosen last name of Prayag, being the original name of what today is the city of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, India. That city is the site of the Sangam - the convergence of three rivers: the Ganges; the Yamuna; and the mythic Saraswati. It is the location where I was privileged to immerse myself in the Ganges in a ceremony of great personal significance. So, using the name Prayag serves to remind me both of that joyous occasion, and also of the great debt I owe to that River of Knowledge - the long line of Vedic teachers that include, Adi Shankara (8th century CE}, Shri H.W.L. Poonja (late 20th century CE), and especially my first teacher, Dr. Paul Hourihan. They are shown to the right in their named order from top to bottom.

I bring you the truth that Nirvana is not dependent on ritual, mantras, chants, trips to ashrams in India, bathing in the Ganges, initiation, or submission to a guru.

To help Seekers reach the goal, I teach a type of Jnana Yoga that I have named Awareness Yoga. This approach was first referenced 3000 years ago in the ancient scriptures of India as "neti-neti" or in English "not this, not this". I have validated it by my own practice and am therefore blessed to understand this path.

I present the path in a manner suited for Western seekers. My message is intended for those who enjoy using their intellect, who have had significant life-experience, and who continue to have responsibilities in the world. This is not an escape from the world of activity.

Some previous exposure to Advaita Vedanta or non-dualism would be an advantage but is not a necessity.

The only faith you need is the strong belief that you yourself can realize the mystic knowledge just as others have in the past.

Oh, and I title myself Awareness Guide to emphasize that I am a temporary help who provides you information. In no way do I wish to place myself between you and The Absolute; rather, I strive to have you experience as soon as possible The Absolute for yourself.