Jyoti was introduced to the Siddha Yoga path by her parents who have been Siddha Yoga students since the 1970s. Her father, Sri Ram, currently serves on staff at the SYDA Foundation. Jyoti and her sister grew up in Shree Muktananda Ashram, so the Siddha Yoga teachings and practices have always been a significant part of her life.

Jyoti has served as a visiting sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram in several departments, including the Garden Department and the Flower Department.

Jyoti has a bachelor of arts degree in Slavic studies from Connecticut College. Following graduation, she taught for a year at the Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University in Russia as a Fulbright Scholar. Currently, she is a freelance writer and also works in a bookstore in San Francisco. Jyoti lives in Oakland, California.