12/29/2025
At 7:01 Costa Rica time, my mentor, teacher, and dear friend, Viktoras Kulvinskas left this earth in a beautiful, conscious transition, as those of us who knew him would expect. He rose out of bed, stood on his own, and hugged his son and daughter-in-law, telling them how much he loved them before laying back down and taking his last breath. He was victorious in death as he was in life. Viktoras was a man of extraordinary brilliance, humility, and unwavering devotion to the well-being of life on this planet.
Viktoras is widely regarded as the grandfather of the living foods movement. In 1970, at a time when very few people were even asking questions about the relationship between food and health, he courageously stepped away from a successful consulting career that included work with the Apollo Mission, MIT, the Smithsonian, and Harvard. He chose instead to follow a deeper calling—one rooted in healing, consciousness, and compassion.
Alongside my remarkable teacher, Ann Wigmore, Viktoras co-founded the Hippocrates Health Institute in Boston, where he developed the original live food program. That program has since helped millions of people—and even their beloved animals—restore their health through the power of living, enzyme-rich foods. His work did not simply introduce a new way of eating; it awakened a movement and offered hope to those who had run out of options.
A man of sharp intellect and intuitive genius, Viktoras is also a prolific and generous author. His seminal book, Survival in the 21st Century, first published in 1971, became the foundational text. Known as the “Bible” of raw and living foods, with over 400 medical journal references and more than half a million copies in print, it remains a guiding light for those seeking a natural, conscious, and empowered way of living. When I first encountered his work, it felt like a door opening to a truth my heart already knew.
Over more than five decades, Viktoras has worn many hats: educator, researcher, chef, author, retreat center director, nutritional director for the Dick Gregory Obesity and Substance Abuse Center, and ordained Bishop of the First Christian Essene Church. Together with his beloved wife Youkta, he operated a retreat center in Arkansas, continuing his life’s work of healing and education with grace and devotion.
Perhaps most meaningful to me is his role as a mentor. Viktoras has lovingly guided and inspired generations of teachers and leaders, including Gabriel Cousens, M.D., Dick Gregory, Dr. Brian Clement, Dr. Edward Howell, David Wolfe—and myself. His encouragement and belief in me were instrumental in my founding Living Light Culinary Arts Institute and in my decision to train and empower raw vegan chefs around the world. I carry his teachings not only in my work, but in my heart.
Viktoras was also a mentor and tremendous influence on my husband Dan, who met Viktoras in the late 90’s. Viktoras encouraged Dan to attend the Hippocrates Health Educator Certification Program, where in addition to his other training, he had the opportunity to listen to many hours of Viktoras’ lectures. This had a major impact on his life journey for which he will be eternally grateful.
Even well into his later years, while living near us in Montezuma, Costa Rica, Viktoras has remained active—lecturing, attending raw food festivals, and sharing wisdom globally with the same warmth, curiosity, and humility that have always defined him. He has never sought the spotlight, yet his light shines everywhere.
Viktoras Kulvinskas is more than a pioneer. He is a living example of what it means to live in service—to truth, to health, to the Earth, and to one another. I am endlessly grateful for his presence in my life and for the seeds he planted that continue to nourish the world.
