My Yoga Philosophy and Ashtanga Lineage
Yoga is a journey of self-discovery, not a performance. My teaching is grounded in the authentic Ashtanga tradition, focused on showing up and embracing the process.
Get to know me and the vision behind The Shala. In this short Q&A, I share what yoga means to me, what inspired me to create this community space, and my advice for anyone new to the practice.
Wisdom from my Guru, Sharath Jois: "Don't try to see all these crazy backbending or handstand videos... Just do whatever you can. Every day being on the mat is most important." His words are a constant reminder to focus on the practice, not the pose.
The presence of a Guru is not confined by time or place. Even in his physical absence, the essence of my teacher, Sharath Jois, guides and inspires every practice. This is him, sharing his infectious joy.
A Guru is a mirror who shows you the light within yourself. I am forever grateful for the moments I had to learn from Sharath Jois, for his guidance that gently walks you toward your own truth.
Learning under the watchful eye of my Guru. His presence in the room was transformative, teaching us so much more than asana. He taught with humility, humor, and profound wisdom.
A moment of gratitude with my teacher, Sharath Jois. The gift of this practice that he has bestowed upon us is eternal, and his teachings continue to shape my life and my teaching.
With my Guru, Sharath Jois. His guidance shaped my life when I was completely lost, and I am eternally grateful to have been his student.
At a workshop with Sharath Jois in Pune. Every opportunity to practice with him was a blessing and a chance to deepen my connection to the Ashtanga lineage.
Sharathji has been a guiding light for so many of us. The humility and humor with which he taught made the practice transformative. He taught us so much more than asana.
With my teacher, Sharathji. His presence shaped my life, and the gift of this practice he bestowed upon us is eternal. He will always be our teacher.
About My Teaching Philosophy & Lineage
My teaching is rooted in the traditional Ashtanga practice I learned from my Guru, Sharath Jois. But here is the reality of our studio: we do not fixate on advanced backbends or social media-ready postures. When you step onto the mat, we focus on the breath and your internal shift. Whether you are nervous about your first day or have been practicing for years, I am here to help you build a practice that feels honest to your body rather than chasing a perfect aesthetic.
A Practice of Showing Up
When I founded The Shala, I wanted to move away from the idea that yoga is a quick fix or a display of physical prowess. My lineage comes from the Ashtanga tradition, which emphasizes discipline, but I share this practice with the understanding that we are all human, messy, and evolving. You will find that our classes in Delhi are not about being the most flexible person in the room. They are about consistent attendance and the quiet courage it takes to work through discomfort.
Why Lineage Matters
Learning from my Guru, Sharath Jois, taught me that a teacher’s role is to act as a mirror, helping you see yourself more clearly. This is why you won’t find overly crowded halls here. We keep our sessions intimate so I can offer hands-on adjustments and ensure you are working safely within your own limits. The tradition I share is not just about sequences; it is about respecting the sanctity of the space we create together.
What to Expect
- Traditional Ashtanga: We follow the Mysore and Led styles. It is a structured way to practice, but it leaves plenty of room for your individual pace.
- Safe Alignment: We emphasize understanding anatomy over forcing postures. If a pose doesn't work for your body, we find a variation that does.
- Community Support: You are not just practicing alone in a corner. We are a community that supports each other, whether that is through shared breathwork sessions or simply checking in after class.
Yoga is not something you leave behind when you roll up your mat. It is a way of living. If you are ready to stop performing and start practicing, I invite you to join us.
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