Jayaji

Jayaji, known to many as Jaya, is the pen name of James Roland Hillcoat, a contemporary contemplative, minstrel, and mystic originally from Australia. His teaching is non-dogmatic, universally inclusive, and not bound to any single tradition. Through deep listening, presence, and meditation, he guides people toward awakening to their true nature.

Jaya has spent the last twelve years in Guatemala, guiding ceremonies, rituals, and retreats and sharing his teachings both locally and internationally. He teaches an interspiritual approach to plant medicines, meditation, sound philosophy, and counselling. He serves as spiritual director of The Forest Path, Casa Floresta Temple & Retreat Center, Floresta Atitlán, and the Sound Ceremony Academy. His Insight Timer page describes a approach grounded in the Non-Dual understanding of reality, and says he has taught meditation and contemplation for the better part of 15 years.

His own path weaves across traditions, including Santo Daime, Umbanda, Buddhism, Vedanta, Christian and Islamic mysticism, and the indigenous wisdoms of North and South America and Australia. He is a qualified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist and an ordained minister, and is completing a Master's in Divinity.

Jaya is also a prolific writer and musician. His books include the poetry collections Two Mirrors, Living with Love, Light of Heart, Sacred Secrets, and Garden of the Stars, along with Walking the Forest Path, a collection of ceremonial teachings and transmissions. He has compiled several songbooks for The Forest Path, alongside a personal collection of songs and prayers that numbers in the hundreds. His YouTube channel shares contemplative readings.