The first Integral Yoga Institute of New Jersey was established in 1969 when a couple from Montclair approached the New York Integral Yoga Institute for assistance in opening a yoga center in New Jersey. Classes were initially held in their home, with John “Margabandhu” Martarano serving as the first teacher.
Later that same year, musician Eddie Brigati of The Rascals generously opened his apartment for yoga classes and kirtan. As interest in Integral Yoga quickly grew, so did the number of students.
In 1970, the Institute moved to a loft in Garfield, which also became home to a thriving food co-op. During this period, the Institute expanded rapidly, with twenty-one teachers offering thirteen classes each week.
By 1984, both the teaching staff and the class schedule had continued to grow, creating the need for a larger facility. The Institute relocated to Broadway in Elmwood Park, where it remained for the next fourteen years.
As the programs continued to expand, another move became necessary. In 1995, the decision was made to purchase the Institute’s present home in Fair Lawn. Through the extraordinary generosity of one of Margabandhu’s longtime students, along with many other devoted supporters, the purchase became possible.
Following a year of extensive renovations, made possible through countless hours of volunteer service, dedication, and the prayers of students, family, and friends, the Institute celebrated its Grand Opening and Dedication. Our beloved Guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda, personally attended the ceremony and blessed the new home. His words of encouragement reminded us that through selfless service, sincere effort, and faith, the Institute would continue to flourish. Gurudev returned to visit many times over the years, and we remain deeply grateful for his inspiration and guidance.
Today, the Integral Yoga Institute of New Jersey continues to thrive as a vibrant spiritual and educational community. More than a dozen dedicated volunteer teachers offer weekly Beginner, Multi-Level, and Intermediate Hatha Yoga classes, as well as weekly group meditation and Meditation Courses. Our teachers also bring Integral Yoga into the wider community through adult education programs, private classes, and special outreach opportunities.
Over the years, the Institute has sponsored numerous teacher training programs, including Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, Intermediate Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, Meditation Teacher Training, Raja Yoga Teacher Training, and Cardiac Yoga Teacher Training. We are also pleased to be expanding our educational offerings with a new Pranayama Teacher Training program.
Throughout the year, the Institute presents workshops and special events focusing on yoga, health, nutrition, healing, meditation, and spiritual living. We have been honored to welcome many respected teachers and guest speakers, including Viktoras Kulvinskas, Reverend Jaganath Carrera, Swami Chidananda, Swami Ramananda, Swami Karunananda, Swami Vidyananda, Swami Asokananda, Garuda Buss, our own John “Margabandhu” Martarano, and many distinguished presenters from around the world through Zoom.
Today and Beyond
While honoring more than five decades of dedicated service, the Integral Yoga Institute of New Jersey continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of today’s students while remaining firmly rooted in the timeless teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda.
Through both in-person and hybrid programming, the Institute now welcomes students from New Jersey and around the world. Live Zoom classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings have made the teachings of Integral Yoga more accessible than ever, allowing students to participate regardless of location while preserving the warmth and personal connection of our sangha.
Community service continues to be at the heart of our mission. Our teachers share Integral Yoga in schools, businesses, healthcare settings, private classes, and community organizations, extending the benefits of yoga beyond the walls of the Institute. We are also blessed to welcome respected teachers, healthcare professionals, spiritual leaders, and subject matter experts from around the world through our online programs and special events. Recent offerings have also included comprehensive programs on conscious living and end-of-life preparation, integrating the physical, emotional, practical, and spiritual dimensions of life’s final journey.
Looking toward the future, the Integral Yoga Institute of New Jersey remains committed to preserving the authentic teachings of Integral Yoga while embracing new opportunities to serve. Guided by the vision of Sri Swami Satchidananda, we strive to help people discover healthier bodies, more peaceful minds, compassionate hearts, and lives dedicated to joyful service.
As our Guru often reminded us:
“The Truth is One, Paths are Many.”
Inspired by these words, we look forward to welcoming future generations into a community where all are accepted, all are encouraged, and all are supported in discovering the peace and joy that are their birthright.