My Yoga Journey: Teachers and Tradition
My path in yoga is a reflection of the teachers who guided me and the traditions I honor. Here is a glimpse into the roots of my practice at my JP Nagar shala.
A tribute to my Guruji, Sharath Jois. His wisdom, discipline, and dedication to the path of Ashtanga yoga continue to inspire us all. I am deeply grateful for the light he brings into our lives.
A cherished memory of gifting my Guruji a photograph of the Mysore Palace. His simple words of encouragement have stayed with me, reminding me to see life through a lens of wonder and gratitude.
Reflecting on a visit to the Golden Monastery in 2015. My path has been deeply influenced by both my Ashtanga practice with Sharath Jois in Mysore and my studies in Buddhism, which infuse my teaching with compassion and peace.
A self-portrait at Lepakshi Temple. For me, a photograph is a bridge connecting the observer and the observed. This moment of contemplation reminds me to honor the gifts we are given.
A precious opportunity to study in person with my Buddhist meditation teacher, Geshe Namdak. I have been studying online with Jamyang Monastery for years, and meeting him in Bangalore was a true blessing.
A teaser for the first video podcast from The Mindful Initiative, featuring the Grammy-nominated artist Krishna Das. He shares profound wisdom on suffering, attachment, and the death of the ego.
Remembering the opening Homa (fire ceremony) for our shala, performed by the Challekere brothers. I am blessed to have had such an auspicious start with so much support from the community.
A photo of the full moon, a time for our bodies to rest and rejuvenate. On this day, we also celebrate Guru Purab, a time to honor our teachers and the wisdom they share.
A memory from the opening of Jois Ashtanga Yoga Greenwich in 2012. This photo shows practitioners in Paschimottanasana, a deep forward bend that teaches surrender and patience.
My Guruji observing practitioners in Ustrasana (Camel Pose) during the opening of the Greenwich shala. His presence and guidance have been a profound transformational force in my life.
About My Journey: Gratitude, Teachers & Tradition
If you are looking for a space where the practice is treated as a discipline rather than a workout, my shala in JP Nagar may be the right home for you. I offer a structured environment where we focus on breath, alignment, and individual growth, whether you are a complete beginner or looking to deepen your existing sadhana.
My journey with yoga started in 2006, but it truly found its footing when I began my training under Sh. Sharath Jois. His focus on the traditional Ashtanga lineage taught me that yoga is not about perfection, but about the consistency of showing up. Over the years, this discipline has been balanced by my time studying Buddhism, which introduced a necessary layer of compassion to my practice. I have seen how these two paths complement each other, allowing students to build strength on the mat while cultivating stillness in their minds.
When you join my classes in JP Nagar, you are not just signing up for an exercise hour. We treat the studio as a sangha, or community. In the Mysore style sessions, I move between students to provide individual adjustments, ensuring the pace fits your body and your breath. In our Hatha classes, we use props like the ropes wall to make alignment accessible for all, whether you are dealing with desk-job stress or simply looking to slow down. My goal is to create a space that feels like home, where we can practice, breathe, and grow together without the pressure of a gym environment. I invite you to step onto the mat with us and experience a practice that goes beyond the physical.
Nitesh Batra
I do not see myself as a fitness instructor, but as a guide sharing a path that has given me immense peace. At my shala, I prioritize creating a space that feels like home, where we show up for ourselves and each other through honest, disciplined practice.
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