A little about myself...
I was born and brought up in India, immersed in Vedic tradition, with Yogic teachings and style of life, Sanskrit, Mantras, Meditation and Nada Yoga interwoven into the very fabric of my life. I echo the teachings of the ancient Rishis and Yogis of India, with unmistakable relevance to current times but without any distortion or interpretative coloring.
I am not a dry Yoga-intellectual and do not believe in analyzing Yogic texts and their translations to death and miss their point. In stead, I try to embody Yoga, carry its essence in my heart and convey it through my personality and teachings.
Progress in Yoga is not achieved by reading more books, meeting more teachers or attending more workshops. Books and other means can only give you the anatomy of Yoga. The spirit of Yoga is conveyed only by someone who carries the essence of Yoga in his heart. That is what I aspire to be as a person.
I travel across the globe sharing the teachings of ancient Rishis of India with a modern voice on a variety of forums. My works have been published in print as well as online. I have been on radio as well as TV; taught at many Yoga Festivals such as the Toronto Yoga Conference, Montreal Chant Festival, World Yoga Festival (UK); give talks at Universities such as the University of Bali.
As a Teacher...
I have a deep understanding of the ancient texts, but also pay particular attention to issues such as mis-translations of Sanskrit texts being carried forward since a few centuries, cultural misconceptions from a Western viewpoint. I bring a new light and understanding, a compassionate heart, humility, a fresh perspective, humor and a complete understanding of the ancient texts. For this reason, people of many different experience levels and knowledge in these areas come to me.
Angela D"Namaste Ram, Thank you for a very insightful weekend! I believe you to be a blessing to the yoga community. I have searched for a clear and precise understanding of yoga and I learned more this weekend than ever before. I love how you weave the stories and your own experiences into the presentations."
As a Nada Yogi...
For me, life is music and music is life. My music is spiritual, meditative and has been described by many as immensely healing. Many Massage Therapists, Reiki practitioners, Acupressurists, Acupuncturists and practitioners of other healing modalities use my music during their sessions to help create a healing and soothing environment. Many individuals wrote to me about the health benefits they experienced by listening to music regularly. I am honored to be part of a non-profit organization ‘Music Can Heal‘, which inspires healing through live music, taking music to hospitals, hospices and other venues. As a musician, I have performed at many festivals and events, such as the Stratford Summer Music Festival, Junction Arts Festival, Montreal Chant Festival and World Ecology Festival.
"Thank you so much for the concert last Friday – I just wanted to say how much the three of us who came together had an absolutely wonderful evening, and one of my friends found it very healing – she’s having to deal with a lot of loss at the moment, so it was a particularly meaningful evening for her. I learned a lot and was swept away by the skill and musical creativity of the musicians, as well as the philosophy underlying this musical tradition – I know quite a lot about the Western classical tradition and I’ve done yoga but I’ve never known about or experienced music-as-yoga. It was a really wonderful evening."
G Jones
As a Kirtan Artist...
I bring the power of Mantras and ancient Ragas to listeners through my Kirtan and Mantra Chanting. The chanting is inspiring, energizing and healing. At my Kirtans, you may also hear me telling stories from Puranas and teaching the meanings of Mantras as well as how they relate to these stories and the Deities involved. Meditation is also often involved in these performances as well as my Sitar music, creating a powerful, enriching experience.
