The Teacher's Path: My Journey in Ashtanga Yoga
Yoga is more than just poses. This collection captures my evolution from a student in the Mysore shalas to a teacher, bridging ancient traditions with the beautiful, messy reality of modern life.
With my teacher, Sharath Jois, in Mysore. In an age of endless online information, the role of a teacher is more important than ever. A teacher provides support, shares their experience, and helps you see your own potential.
An altar I created in memory of my teacher, Sharath Jois. The global Ashtanga community felt his loss personally, but we also found compassion in supporting each other. In the end, we were doing more than just asanas.
A shrine in India. The passing of Sharath Jois made me realize how much he was behind the transformative journeys so many of us had in Mysore. He maintained a special place for us to explore our spirit.
A depiction of Guru's feet, adorned with flowers. Sharath Jois preserved the Ashtanga method for millions of people. His life was a huge gift, and for me, a lesson in interdependence.
Another memory with Sharath Jois. During his conferences, he would always turn our attention away from idle chatter and back to the purpose of our practice. I am grateful for his guidance.
The steps leading up to a temple. This path reminds me of the journey of yoga, a step-by-step process of dedication and discovery.
A photo of my late teacher, Paramaguru Sharath Jois. His contribution to the worldwide Ashtanga community is his legacy. We will always remember him.
A photo of my Buddhist teacher, Geshe Tsering, as a young monk. He fled Tibet on foot through the Himalayas to study, and now he generously shares his wisdom with everyone. I am deeply grateful for his teachings.
Meditating in front of a depiction of Shiva. Through mindfulness, I was able to solve a persistent physical pain I experienced during breastfeeding by noticing a small, repetitive habit. Yoga and meditation teach you to become aware of your body and its signals.
With my dear friend and fellow practitioner in India. We have shared so many journeys together, from meditating at the Mahabodhi Temple to attending teachings by the Dalai Lama.
About The Teacher's Path
You will notice many photos here with my mentors, particularly from my time in Mysore, because the lineage of Ashtanga is the anchor for everything I teach. When we work together, I do not just ask you to mimic shapes. Whether you are struggling to find your breath in a drop-back or feeling stuck in your personal practice, we look at the technical mechanics—the exact muscular engagement and drishti—that help you move past those walls safely.
The images here are a visual diary of what it means to be both a student and a guide. For years, I chased the idea of the 'perfect' practitioner, only to realize that the most profound lessons happen when the practice is short, squeezed into a busy day, or messy.
My approach to teaching is built on these experiences. Whether you are looking for private in-person sessions in Delhi or join me online from across the globe, the goal remains the same: to strip away the pretense and get to the core of your Ashtanga practice.
We focus on:
- Technical Clarity: I help you break down complex poses like arm balances and backbends. If you have hit a plateau, we look at where your alignment is losing tension or your breath is losing its rhythm.
- Sustainable Movement: I teach with an emphasis on yogatherapy. If you are dealing with injury, post-partum recovery, or simple wear and tear, we adapt the Ashtanga method to suit your body's current reality, not an idealized version of it.
- Mindful Integration: Beyond the physical, I incorporate the Buddhist philosophy that has shaped my life. We use meditation and breathwork to manage the mind, just as much as we use asanas to build the body.
This path is not about becoming a contortionist. It is about building a foundation that stays with you off the mat, long after our session ends. I am here to help you own your practice.
Tanya Lymar
I’m Tanya. My life is a blend of Ukrainian roots and Indian spirit, currently navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood alongside my daily Ashtanga practice. I teach because I believe yoga should be real, raw, and accessible—whether you are training in my Delhi studio or joining me via Zoom.
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