Biodata for Stephen Quong

Stephen Quong (Umananda) has studied and practiced astrology in Asia and America since 1970. He has travelled extensively throughout India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, studying with many of the most accomplished contemporary masters of Vedic Astrology and Palmistry.

In addition to his astrological studies, he has come into personal contact with many of the great sages and saints of the Far East, whose spiritual teachings, grace, and personal example have been a major influence in his life and work.

Among the better known Women Saints he has met are: Sri Ma Anandamayi (Brindavan, Kankhal), Mata Krishnabai (Anandashram, Kerala), Godavari Mata (Sakori), Siddhi Devi (Brindavan), Mata Amritanandamayi (Kerala), Shree Maa (Devi Mandir), Shyama Ma (Brindavan), Ma Yoga Shakti, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, Sri Karunamayi Ma, Dr. Rina Sircar, and many other lesser known (but just as blessed) saints.

Well known contemporary teachers include: Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Swami Muktananda, Swami Chidananda, Swami Krishanananda (Divine Life Society,) Swami Akhandananda (Gita Press,Brindavan), Nisargadatta Maharaj (Bombay), Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji (Mysore), Kirpal Singh, Swami Dayananda Saraswati (my Sanskrit teacher); Lakshman Swami, Annamalai Swami, Seshadri Swami, Ram Surat Kumar (Ramanasramam), Pandit Ravi Shankar, and countless others.

Of the thousands of Sadhus he has met, prominent ones include: Sripad Baba and Narayan Swami (Vraj Academy, Brindavan), Devaraha Baba (Deoria), Radha Baba (Gorakhpur), Pilot Baba (Prayag Kumbha Mela, 1989), Radha Charan Das (Brindavan), Narasimha Swami (Saptarishi Ashram), Krishnananda Avadhut (Brahmarishi Sivakuttaswami Ashram). He has met the Shankaracharyas of Sringiri Math, Jyoti Math, and received the personal blessiings of the great Paramacharya of Kanchipuram. Salutations also to the nameless Sadhus of Gangotri.

Prominent Buddhist Teachers include: Taungpulu Sayadaw Peya, Zen Master Soen Sa Neem, Chan Patriarch Hsuan Hua (City of 10,000 Buddhas), Bhikku Sivali (Kandubodha, Sri Lanka), Master Yu Tianjian, Kalu Rinpoche (Tibet), Dalai Lama and countless other Lamas and Rinpoches.

(Full acknowledgments are also given to those countless Spiritual Teachers, Guides and Friends whose names may not be recognized in the West, but whose contributions to the welfare of the world are immeasurable. I give all of you the credit for my success and well-being in life.)

Before resuming a full-time astrology practice in 1991, Stephen Quong worked as a financial consultant for an international investment company (Dean Witter Reynolds, 1987-91), as a public policy and budget analyst for the County government in Santa Cruz, California (1982-87), in the administration of the Chemistry Department at the University of California at Berkeley (1979-81), and as the editorial director of a publisher of books on spiritual topics, Summit Press (1975-78). He has authored and published numerous articles in the fields of astrology, spiritual culture, and environmental health, as well as composing devotional poetry and music. His experience and expertise in the fields of business, finance, marketing, executive management, politics, publishing, and law, are a unique complement to his spiritual interests and pursuits, and add a special dimension to his astrological consultations.

In 1989 he established The Mount Shasta Foundation, for the purpose of promoting spiritual culture in America. In 1993 he was nominated by his astrologer teacher and noted savant, Dr. B.V. Raman, to be a Life Fellow of the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences (the only American Vedic Astrologer to be so honored with this title by the foremost Vedic Astrology organization in the world) and was also awarded the title of Jyotisha Kovida ("Knower of Astrology") for his achievements and contributions to Vedic Astrology. In 1996 he was awarded the title of Jyotisha Vachaspati ("Professor of Astrology") by the I.C.A.S. at the Second All-India Conference on Astrology in Bangalore, India. He has appeared on numerous television and radio shows, and delivered lectures on Vedic Astrology and related subjects at the Whole Life Expo, and at temples, ashrams, yoga schools, and spiritual centers around the world.

In late 2000, Stephen was invited to be a Founding Member of the Planetary Gemologist Association (Bangkok, Thailand), and is also a certified Planetary Gem Advisor. He teaches courses on the estoteric uses of crystals and gemstones for self-healing and spiritual awakening, and is the sole American agent for Astral GemstoneTalismans, the premier designer of spiritual jewelry inspired by Vedic themes.

He is a certified Qi-Mag Feng Shui Consultant, and has received advanced training from Dr. Jes T.Y. Lim, founder and director of the Qi-Mag International Feng Shui and Geobiology Institute, the world's largest school of Feng Shui. In February 2001, Stephen was invited to Penang, Malaysia to teach a 7-day intensive course on Vedic Astrology to the advanced Feng Shui students of Dr. Lim.

Stephen is a practitioner of Pranic Healing, Chinese Energetic Medicine, Tibetan, Shao-Lin, and Qinway Qigong healing arts, and has a special interest in the harmonization of earth energies during this time of planetary transition.

In April 2003 he was certified as a Mastery Level Practitioner of the Yuen Method of Chinese Energetics, taught by the internationally renown Grandmaster of Shaolin Martial Arts and legendary healer, Dr. Kam Yuen.

In January 2006, he was certified as a Level 1 Instructor of Qinway Qigong by Master Qinyin.

For many years he has been a special guest lecturer on the topic of "Astrology, Yoga, and Spirituality" at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers in Europe, Canada, and the USA.

To arrange a personal consultation with Stephen, please go to the web page Astrological Services and Fees. For more information about classes, lectures, and workshops offered worldwide, please visit the web page 2007 Teaching and Travel Schedule.

Stephen Quong / Umananda

Jaya Maa!