Many years ago I found a brilliant teacher named Sri Dharma Mittra while I lived in NYC. He taught a Yoga Class that had the authentic spiritual roots that I never seemed to find in any other Yoga Center in the western world. It was a complete 8 Limb practice, and went beyond the common physical exercises that many would teach as yoga. As an Indian, I appreciated the authenticity, the wisdom, and I had so many spiritual awakening experiences while in his class. While I loved taking the Master Class, I also found myself taking Gentle Level Yoga, and Level 1 classes, because I just loved being in the East Side location, surrounded by loving pictures of Spiritual Masters, and around the energy of Sri Dharma Mittra.
Over time, I wanted to take the Dharma Mittra LOAY Yoga Teacher Training Course. I saved up money to enroll, submit my application, and paid my deposit, but wound up cancelling. At the time I broke my toe, and a studio where I taught asked that I lead my 200Hr Yoga Teacher Training Course there. I figured there would be another time for it to happen for me. In my Riya Yoga Course, (previously called Zoga Yoga), it is a requirement for students to attend Master Class with Sri Dharma Mittra, and I still request this of all students.
I left NYC to embark on traveling the globe and teaching Yoga, Ayurveda, Reiki and Yoga Teacher Trainings, as well as getting certified in Ashtanga Yoga while in India. It has been an amazing experience, and somehow I missed taking class with Sri Dharma. He has an incredible way of bringing spirituality into yoga asana classes that would often remind me of my beloved departed mother, who was my first guru. I had the Maha Sadhana DVD, and on occasion would practice with it, but it was not really the same. This year after completing my P.h.D. in Alternative Medicine with the focus on Yoga and Ayurveda, I knew I wanted to enroll in another Yoga Course either in India or with Sri Dharma Mittra. While I love to teach, and share yoga with people, I also love to be a student to the practice itself. Just as I was considering enrolling in the LOAY program, I traveled to Europe to teach yoga and wound up breaking my toe AGAIN. Same toe, different spot.
I was grateful to only have broken my toe, considering a fell down a flight of stairs, it could have been much worse, but it discouraged me from enrolling in the course. The healing process was slower, pain was more intense and my yoga practice was on the back burner, while the Belgium chocolates inspired a more cuddle worthy body frame. When I conjured up the courage to get back on the yoga mat, I decided to enroll in the LOAY course. I was a late entrant, but I was accepted into the program. I knew the physical asana would be a challenge and modifications would be necessary. Since I have nearly broken or fractured every bone in my body, I am accustomed to modifications, and my asana practice is always a moving prayer, which is always encouraged by Sri Dharma Mittra as he often quotes from the Bhagavad Gita and reminds us to make our practice an offering.
From September 7-14, I was immersed in the first module of the "Life of a Yogi" experience with 67 other Sadhakas under the guidance of Sri Dharma Mittra and brilliant mentors. We had beautiful long days with asana classes, pranyama, dhyana, spiritual discourse, anatomy, and practice teaching sessions. We were drenched in sweat and wrapped in bliss. We were asked to embrace Mouna (Yogic Silence) during the training, which is something I also require of students who study with me, so I was happy to oblige as best I could. It is amazing how much inner healing one can find in silence. Despite choosing to be quiet, the energy of love and unity was resounding in the hearts, eyes, and smiles of my fellow yogis.
With my toe still bandaged, only recently gaining minor mobility, and a cervical spine injury that challenges my inversion practice, I was so grateful to be in the Dharma Mittra center once again. I was home. I released all expectations in terms of my asana practice and felt an incredible wave of gratitude. I would lay my yoga mat in the same corner every day, with Sri Dharma and Hanuman's image on one side, and Lord Shiva on the other.
I decided to go the route of fasting for the week of training, and because the daily asana classes are challenging, I allowed myself to have water, coconut water and an apple during the day. On 2 occasions I added a vegan health bar to my day, but I wanted to do fasting during the day as much as possible. One night I was missing the comforting tastes of Indian cuisine, so I opted for a Palak Channa Roti (Spinach and Chick Pea), which somehow was not prepared so well and led to food poisoning the next day. Nothing beats fever, abdominal pain, and running to the bathroom frequently while immersed in multiple intense asana classes during the day. This truly was purification. Every day, my heart was brimming with even more gratitude than I thought possible.
Daily spiritual discourse and Master Class with Sri Dharma Mittra, beautiful Kirtan led by Adam Frei and other Dharma yogis, Anatomy with the beautiful Jessica Crow, and daily pranyama and asana classes under the guidance of Yoshio Hama (Active Meditation), Mark Kan, Andrew Jones, Kim Jeblick, and Lori Bebber, we were all feeling incredibly blessed with every breath during this week. We also had a beautiful inversion workshop with Yoshio.
During the week, we spent time in small groups where we had the chance to practice teaching under the guidance of our mentor. I am very grateful for my mentor, Benjamin Smielowitz and group members that made this first week an incredible experience. We all learned from each other.
I am not sure what I did in a past life to have been so lucky to learn from Sri Dharma Mittra, but I am overflowing with gratitude.
Over time, I wanted to take the Dharma Mittra LOAY Yoga Teacher Training Course. I saved up money to enroll, submit my application, and paid my deposit, but wound up cancelling. At the time I broke my toe, and a studio where I taught asked that I lead my 200Hr Yoga Teacher Training Course there. I figured there would be another time for it to happen for me. In my Riya Yoga Course, (previously called Zoga Yoga), it is a requirement for students to attend Master Class with Sri Dharma Mittra, and I still request this of all students.
I left NYC to embark on traveling the globe and teaching Yoga, Ayurveda, Reiki and Yoga Teacher Trainings, as well as getting certified in Ashtanga Yoga while in India. It has been an amazing experience, and somehow I missed taking class with Sri Dharma. He has an incredible way of bringing spirituality into yoga asana classes that would often remind me of my beloved departed mother, who was my first guru. I had the Maha Sadhana DVD, and on occasion would practice with it, but it was not really the same. This year after completing my P.h.D. in Alternative Medicine with the focus on Yoga and Ayurveda, I knew I wanted to enroll in another Yoga Course either in India or with Sri Dharma Mittra. While I love to teach, and share yoga with people, I also love to be a student to the practice itself. Just as I was considering enrolling in the LOAY program, I traveled to Europe to teach yoga and wound up breaking my toe AGAIN. Same toe, different spot.
"When we understand the laws of Karma, we will see that everything is perfect" ~ Sri Dharma Mittra
I was grateful to only have broken my toe, considering a fell down a flight of stairs, it could have been much worse, but it discouraged me from enrolling in the course. The healing process was slower, pain was more intense and my yoga practice was on the back burner, while the Belgium chocolates inspired a more cuddle worthy body frame. When I conjured up the courage to get back on the yoga mat, I decided to enroll in the LOAY course. I was a late entrant, but I was accepted into the program. I knew the physical asana would be a challenge and modifications would be necessary. Since I have nearly broken or fractured every bone in my body, I am accustomed to modifications, and my asana practice is always a moving prayer, which is always encouraged by Sri Dharma Mittra as he often quotes from the Bhagavad Gita and reminds us to make our practice an offering.
"Fix your mind and intelligence on Me alone and ultimately you will come to Me. Of this there is no doubt." ~ Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12: 8
From September 7-14, I was immersed in the first module of the "Life of a Yogi" experience with 67 other Sadhakas under the guidance of Sri Dharma Mittra and brilliant mentors. We had beautiful long days with asana classes, pranyama, dhyana, spiritual discourse, anatomy, and practice teaching sessions. We were drenched in sweat and wrapped in bliss. We were asked to embrace Mouna (Yogic Silence) during the training, which is something I also require of students who study with me, so I was happy to oblige as best I could. It is amazing how much inner healing one can find in silence. Despite choosing to be quiet, the energy of love and unity was resounding in the hearts, eyes, and smiles of my fellow yogis.
With my toe still bandaged, only recently gaining minor mobility, and a cervical spine injury that challenges my inversion practice, I was so grateful to be in the Dharma Mittra center once again. I was home. I released all expectations in terms of my asana practice and felt an incredible wave of gratitude. I would lay my yoga mat in the same corner every day, with Sri Dharma and Hanuman's image on one side, and Lord Shiva on the other.
I decided to go the route of fasting for the week of training, and because the daily asana classes are challenging, I allowed myself to have water, coconut water and an apple during the day. On 2 occasions I added a vegan health bar to my day, but I wanted to do fasting during the day as much as possible. One night I was missing the comforting tastes of Indian cuisine, so I opted for a Palak Channa Roti (Spinach and Chick Pea), which somehow was not prepared so well and led to food poisoning the next day. Nothing beats fever, abdominal pain, and running to the bathroom frequently while immersed in multiple intense asana classes during the day. This truly was purification. Every day, my heart was brimming with even more gratitude than I thought possible.
Daily spiritual discourse and Master Class with Sri Dharma Mittra, beautiful Kirtan led by Adam Frei and other Dharma yogis, Anatomy with the beautiful Jessica Crow, and daily pranyama and asana classes under the guidance of Yoshio Hama (Active Meditation), Mark Kan, Andrew Jones, Kim Jeblick, and Lori Bebber, we were all feeling incredibly blessed with every breath during this week. We also had a beautiful inversion workshop with Yoshio.
I am not sure what I did in a past life to have been so lucky to learn from Sri Dharma Mittra, but I am overflowing with gratitude.
अथ योगानुशासनम् ॥१॥
atha yoga-anuśāsanam ||1||
Yoga in the here and now: an introduction to the study and practice of yoga ||1||
atha yoga-anuśāsanam ||1||
Yoga in the here and now: an introduction to the study and practice of yoga ||1||
With the first module complete, NOW the Life Of a Yogi path to self-realization begins, as we are required to abide by a Sattvic Diet, daily self practice of asana, meditation, pranayama, required reading and journaling. We reunite in November, when we will be so fortunate to have a workshop/performance with Kirtan Guru, Krishna Das. For those interested in deepening their yoga practice or enrolling in a Yoga Teacher Training, the one to learn with is no one other than Sri Dharma Mittra.
Excellent Post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing information of meditation.
Meditation in India