SHEN Faculty

Dr Bhuvan Awasthi

Dr Bhuvan Awasthi is a cognitive neuroscientist, with research expertise in the science of human consciousness, emotions and decision making. Dr Bhuvan has degrees in consciousness studies, cognitive science and life sciences from Australian and Indian institutions, as well as yogic and spiritual training from the contemplative traditions of India. In recent years, he has worked across North America (USA, Canada), South America (Uruguay), Europe (UK, Denmark, Russia), Asia (China, India) and Australia with various organisations. 

Over the last two decades, he has been applying cognitive, behavioural and neuroscience research for evidence-informed practices in spirituality and mind-body interventions. His research on meditation, consciousness, cognition, emotion and well-being has been disseminated via international peer-reviewed outlets (journals, conferences), workshops and public talks. 

Dr Bhuvan is based in Ottawa, currently working as a Senior Behavioural Scientist with the Canadian Federal Government. 

Dr. Jivasu MD

Jivasu is an Indian physician and founder of the Somatofulness teachings. Somatofulness is discovering the body’s power to heal trauma, attain mental health, and arrive at self-realization.

Along with his wife Karen, a Canadian doctor, he served in the remote villages of the Indian Himalayas for 11 years. Later he studied acupuncture in Sri Lanka and Canada and mind-body medicine at Harvard Medical School. 

He taught acupuncture, mind-body medicine, Yoga, Meditation, Kundalini Yoga, and Nada Yoga teacher training in Canada, Rishikesh, India, and other countries. 

He is the author of many yoga training manuals and books, including Naturality; Somatofulness or awakening of the body’s power; How to raise a happy, wholesome, and body-wise child in a turbulent world, and Meditation – The art and science of relaxation, awareness, and expansion of awareness.

Dr. Shiv D. Talwar
Dr. Shiv D. Talwar

Dr. Shiv D. Talwar is a founding member of Spiritual Heritage Education Network Inc. He also has served on its Board of Directors as its president since its very inception in year 2000.

Shiv received his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Punjab University in India, Master’s in civil engineering from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo in Ontario. During his professional career, he taught at Thapar College of Engineering in Patiala, India and served as the Coordinator of Civil Engineering at Conestoga College in Kitchener, ON, Canada.

Shiv's education in spiritual and ethical direction began informally in India on early morning walks when his parents used to engage him in discussion on such matters. This informal introduction was followed by some excellent formal education in scheduled courses at school. It is still continuing, thanks to his spiritual mentor Late Swami Vishwatma Bawra.

This education continues to enrich his life and shape his values in a significant way. Shiv researches, develops, delivers and promotes education in the wisdom underlying the religious and scientific heritage of humanity to cultivate the spirit of inclusion and love for all existence. Shiv’s work is intended to be used for raising consciousness for the care of each other and that of the planet on which we live.