MICHAEL BAKER
21st May 1941- 20th August 2026
The passing of a Yogi
On 20th August 2026 Michael Baker died, or, as the Yogis would say, he left his body and moved on to the next stage of his evolution. He left behind him a loving family and friends for whom life will never be quite the same again.
After initially working for the Inland Revenue he became a Maths teacher and he continued to teach Maths privately after he retired. An interest in philosophy and psychology led to the discovery of books on Yoga by Hari Prasad Shastri (1882-1956), the founder of Shanti Sadan, – the Centre for Adhyatma Yoga in London. There he attended meetings and lectures and was particularly influenced by Trevor Leggett, one of the senior members of Shanti Sadan. Michael became a member of the sangha (and introduced his sister Susan and brother-in-law John who also became members.
Michael was strongly devotional and his Ishta Deva was Rama. This was the focus of his personal practice until his death. Although Michael left Shanti Sadan after the death of Trevor Leggett he always remained true to H P Shastri as his guru.
After Trevor Leggett’s death in 2000 and the formation of Trevor Leggett Adhyatma Yoga Trust, Michael became a trustee and dedicated himself to developing and maintaining the excellent website (tlayt.org) which included details of Trevor’s life, his books, and his recorded talks on Yoga and Zen. This remained his prime concern right up to his final days. He took an interest in all aspects of the Trust’s work including the important relationships with The Buddhist Society, London and M-Y Books Limited.
It was a privilege for those of us who knew and worked with Michael. His achievements in making knowledge of Trevor Leggett’s works on Yoga and Zen Buddhism available through the website will continue to give great help to many spiritual seekers in the years to come.
September 2026