01/04/2024
Do you want to know about the most remarkable person I've ever met as a yoga teacher? 🧘♂️✨
This photo was taken 12 years ago at "Chaurasi Kutiya," also known as the "Beatles Ashram." 📸 At that time, I was working for the Yoga Chakra School in Rishikesh, which focused on Sivananda Hatha Yoga, though I'm not sure if it's still operating. 🏫
Let me share how we met. It might have been in 2008 or 2009, while I was volunteering at the International Yoga & Music Festival in Rishikesh's "Ramjhula." 🎉
If you've ever attended a course at Himalayan Yoga Gurukul or Himalayan Yoga Academy, now known as Nada Yoga School, you might be familiar with the festival they used to organize from November 1st to 14th.
My role involved coordinating with teachers for their sessions, organizing classrooms for students and teachers, assisting teachers during their sessions by providing water, tea, or microphones, and preparing the space for musicians and the audience in the evenings. 🎶 I even managed the sound equipment, tuning it for musicians like a sound engineer (and I remember some funny incidents from this time—ask me in the comments “WHAT” if you're curious, and I'll share more in my next post). 😂
During the festival, I met many yoga teachers from around the world, though most were from Rishikesh itself. It was fascinating to see so many talented individuals sharing their unique approaches to yoga. Among them, one teacher stood out. He wore all white, had a broad smile, calm and clear eyes, and radiated incredible energy. 😊 His teachings were clear, and he was always ready to help students in need.
I remember thinking how wonderful he was as a teacher. After one of his sessions, he approached me and said, "Tara Ji, I'm looking for a good and responsible yoga teacher for my center." I thought to myself, "The perfect teacher is right in front of you," but instead, I told him I was available and willing to help at his yoga center. That was the beginning of my journey with "Om Ji" at the Yoga Chakra School. His name was as simple and profound as his persona. 🌟
From him, I learned not only Sivananda Hatha Yoga but also many life lessons. His simplicity and teaching prowess were unmatched. Unfortunately, many great teachers like him, who don't know how to market themselves, are often forgotten as time passes and new generations remain unaware of their contributions. 🕊️
Today, many yoga students chase after trendy social media figures, stylish yoga practices, and fashionable attire, overlooking the true gems of yoga teaching who may not even have a social media account. 📱💔
I'm committed to bringing these incredible teachers together to help people appreciate authentic yoga practices and teachings.
If you want to be part of this journey or you might be just interested to hear more stories, let me know.
Together, we can bring true yoga authenticity. 🌈🙏
Thank you Om Ji for everything. 🙏✨
