Dr. David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri) – Renowned Vedacharya, Author & Vedic Scholar

Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is a Vedacharya and one of the foremost global scholars presenting Vedic knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach. The American Institute of Vedic Studies, founded by him, serves as the primary platform for his work, offering online courses alongside his extensive published writings.

His contributions are widely respected by students, followers, and institutions across the world. In recognition of his outstanding service to India, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2015. He has also received the National Eminence Award from the South India Education Society (SIES).

Dr. Frawley holds a D.Litt. (Doctor of Letters)—the highest academic title in Yoga and Vedic sciences—from SVYASA University, as well as a second D.Litt. from Ram Manohar Lohia Ayodhya University. His dedication to education is reflected not only in his academic achievements but also in the 50+ books he has authored and his comprehensive online programs through the American Institute of Vedic Studies.

Over the last four decades, Dr. Frawley has been one of the key pioneers introducing Ayurveda, Jyotisha (Vedic Astrology), the deeper dimensions of Yoga and Vedanta, and the yogic interpretation of the Vedas to the Western world. He is regarded as the most honored Vedacharya from the West, widely respected both in India and internationally.

In India, his translations and interpretations of ancient Vedic teachings from the original Sanskrit have been praised by scholars and spiritual leaders alike. He has devoted his life to teaching, writing, lecturing, research, and helping establish institutions and associations dedicated to Vedic knowledge across the globe.

Dr. Frawley regularly writes for educational platforms, print media, social media, Indian educational institutions, television, and international Vedic organizations, spreading awareness of the relevance of Vedic knowledge in modern society.

Pandit, Vedacharya, and Professor

In 1994, Vamadeva received a Pandit award under the Brahmacharya Vishvanathji annual honors in Mumbai. His stature as a Vedic scholar and teacher has been recognized by numerous spiritual and educational organizations, including:

• Swaminarayan (BAPS)
• Sri Ramanashram (Ramana Maharshi)
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
• Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (Swami Dayananda)
• Chinmaya Mission (Swami Mitrananda)
• Shringeri Shankaracharya Math
• Kanchi Shankaracharya Math

The titles of Pandit and Vedacharya traditionally signify deep mastery over the four Vedas and the Upanishads—an expertise reflected in Vamadeva’s extensive scholarly works and original Sanskrit translations, starting with the Rigveda.

Dr. Frawley’s influence in India is highlighted in the book “The Mind of the Guru: Conversations with Spiritual Masters” (Viking, India, 2003) by Rajiv Mehrotra of the Dalai Lama Foundation, featuring twenty modern spiritual teachers with a foreword by the Dalai Lama. He has also been associated for over a decade with the prestigious India Foundation, contributing to events that include leading thinkers, policymakers, diplomats, journalists, and educators.

Vedic Research Work

Dr. Frawley founded the Vedic Research Center in 1980, based on his studies of the Vedas since 1970 and his writings for Indian publications since 1977.

His early work—over a thousand pages—focused on Vedic knowledge and its yogic dimensions, developed in connection with Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Ramanashram, and Sri Sri Anandamayi Ma, with whom he corresponded between 1976 and 1982. This included extensive translations of the Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Upanishads, published through Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

In 1988, he expanded the center into the American Institute of Vedic Studies, promoting Yoga, Vedanta, Ayurveda, and Vedic Astrology as integral Vedic knowledge systems supported by his research and publications.

In 2015, Dr. Frawley received the Padma Bhushan from President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was also honored with the National Eminence Award from SIES. https://www.vedanet.com/