Our Story
Samata International was established in 1980 by Larry Payne, Ph.D. The word “samata” in Sanskrit means “balance.” The style of Yoga taught at Samata is inspired by the teachings of T.K.V. Desikachar, son of the late professor Sri T. Krishnamacharya of Mysore, India who was perhaps the most knowledgeable Yoga teacher of the 20th century. Krishnamacharya taught that Yoga postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) should be adapted to respect individual differences in age, physical and mental health, culture, religion, philosophy and occupation. Some of Krishnamacharya’s other popular Yoga students in America include B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, Indra Devi, and A.G. Mohan.
Samata International is based at Samata Garden in Marina del Rey, where we host private yoga therapy sessions and weekly Prime of Life Yoga® classes in our studio. Samata's founder Larry Payne is also the founder of the Yoga Therapy Rx™ program at Loyola Marymount University Extension, training today & tomorrow's leaders of the Yoga Therapy community.