Richard Shaw Brown, the founder of Astral Gemstone Talismans, was born in 1947 as the only son of Col. Richard S. Brown, Sr. (USAF retired) and Elizabeth "Bette" Mae Brown (family photos). Richard experienced his first taste of fame as the lead singer and song writer of the innovative international rock group "The Misunderstood," which rose to stardom in London during the late Sixties.

The Misunderstood - in London, 1966 L-R: Rick Moe, Rick Brown, Glenn Campbell, Tony Hill and Steve Whiting

Currently available albums by the Misunderstood Recorded in UK & USA 1966-1967

Just as major success was assured, the group was forced to disband when the Vietnam war draft claimed lead singer Rick Brown. Richard was already a pacifist and a vegetarian, so he chose to leave America to study and practice Vedic religion <<<(see Richard's old ashram) at the holy pilgrimage town of Vrindavan, India.

Under the exalted guidance of Sat-Guru Paramahamsa Tridandi Swami Bhakti Hridaya Vana Maharaj he lived the ascetic life of a traditional monk for seven years, devoting himself entirely to religious practice and public service. During that time he became proficient in Sanskrit, Hindi & Bengali languages, studied under great saints such as Avadhuta Radha Charan Das Babaji, Namacharya Krishnadas Babaji, Jagat-Guru Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, etc; he also established the Richard Shaw Brown Schools for Asia Foundation and helped build 4 schools, and was befriended by India's President, Chief Justice, and other prominent Indian dignitaries.

Richard Brown as a monk in India 1968-1974

H.E. Sri V.V. Giri, President of India, receives Richard Brown at Rastrapati Bhavan, India,1971

By a strange twist of fate he became involved in a new ruby mine located in Southern India. This experience sparked his interest in gems and inspired him to undertake an in-depth study of the ancient Sanskrit classics dealing with gemology. Combining technical knowledge of gems with the planetary aspects revealed in the ancient texts, Richard Brown began to develop his own unique system of designing auspicious Astral Gemstone Talismans.

In 1979, after 12 years in Asia, he returned to America to complete his formal training at the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.). He then returned to Thailand, where he has firmly established himself as an international authority on planetary gemology and a renowned designer of astral gemstone talisman jewelry. Richard has opened a new headquarters in Bangkok featuring the World's 1st Sri Navaratna Museum, Hrisikesh Plaza (below)....

Richard Shaw Brown is also the author of several books on astral gemstones and their powers, including "Chintamani Astro Jewels" the "Handbook of Planetary Gemology" and "Ancient Astrological Gemstones and Talismans." His first book on gems, "Chinta-mani," was published in 1975. Richard has also written four books on Vedic mysticism, viz., "Sri Bepin Sakhi Vilas," "Bhakti Culture," "A Devotee's Guide to Vraja-dham," and "Vraja Rasa Bindu." A large archives of spiritually related articles written by Richard may be seen by clicking Mystic Articles . To download Richard's latest name card click CARD He has lectured extensively throughout the world on topics of planetary gemology at conventions and seminars sponsored by gemological, cultural, as well as astrological, metaphysical and occult associations. RichardShaw Brown is a co-founder of the PGA (Planetary Gemologists Association) with the WWW's largest list of Planetary Gemology Service Providers. The PGA is the World's leading Institute of Vedic Gemology. Click HERE to see all 6 of Richard's Design Books

Richard Shaw Brown is a resident of Thailand where he lives with his wife Kanitha and their son Jiva.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously accepts an offering from Richard Shaw Brown at the Chitrlada Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. 1997

Thai Royal Privy Counsel Chairman, Statesman and former Premiere H.E. General Prem Tinsulanonda receives Richard Shaw Brown and family at his residence in Bangkok. 1998