Over the years, my approach to yoga has been shaped by a wide range of influences; books, teachers, traditions, and personal experiences that offered valuable insight at different stages of my path.
The Unnamed Path
This was the first tradition that introduced the concept of yoga for me. I studied its literature deeply from the age of 9 and became extremely well versed in its system. However, despite its claims, it was not true yoga. It was a distorted path that spoke openly against classical yoga. Thankfully, through persistent exploration and a naturally inquisitive mind, I was eventually guided toward the paths of authentic yoga that honor the true timeless yogic ideas and ideals.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
One of the earliest turning points was reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda at the age of 15. It was not my introduction to yoga, but a powerful confirmation of something I had long felt: that the physical and energetic dimensions of yoga (as in Kriya), are not lesser than the purely meditative paths. The clarity and reverence with which Yogananda wrote helped dismantle misconceptions I had absorbed early on and validated my instinct that yoga, in all its forms, could be deeply sacred and transformative.
Swami Vivekananda and Bhakti
Through Vivekananda’s writings, I began to understand bhakti, devotion, not as religious sentiment but as a legitimate, structured path of yoga. His ability to convey deep spiritual principles with rational clarity opened the door for me to appreciate the devotional dimension of yogic practice as something intelligent and profound.
The Aghora Trilogy by Dr. Robert Svoboda
This series marked a major turning point in my journey. It challenged and unraveled inherited beliefs about purity, discipline, morality, and duality. The books served as both deconstruction and liberation, revealing how mental constructs and excessive rigidity can obstruct progress. Dr. Svoboda’s way of transmitting Ayurvedic knowledge, ritual science, and esoteric yogic ideas illuminated connections between yoga and energy in a way I had never seen before. His descriptions of fire rituals and their spiritual significance left a lasting impression, one that later found living expression when I experienced them firsthand in the Satyananda tradition.
Satyananda Yoga
After encountering many systems, Satyananda Yoga felt like a return to balance. It embraced both the internal and external aspects of yoga, offering a holistic and disciplined approach that was also accessible. I was fortunate to attend numerous seminars and workshops at the Satyananda Yoga ashram in Greece, where I was introduced to classical hatha yoga, yogic philosophy, mantra chanting, and karma yoga. Although I was never formally trained as a teacher by the tradition, these experiences left a lasting impression and formed the foundation of my personal practice for many years. The literature of Satyananda Yoga is used all over the world by teachers because of its analytical, pragmatic and extensive approach towards Yoga. Spending time in Satyanandaashram is always a sacred, rejuvenating and full of surprises experience!
Isha Yoga and Inner Engineering
In recent years, I began practicing with the Isha Yoga system and completed the Inner Engineering program. I found the kriyas and structured practices particularly compatible with my lifestyle, and they offered a new wave of healing and clarity during a challenging time. The time when the covid pandemic hit and we couldn’t travel for years. I consider this tradition an authentic path and a valuable part of my journey.
Other Sources of Insight
At different points in time, I explored Ayurveda through Dr. Svoboda’s home-study course, studied pranic healing (completing three certifications), and took part in seminars on smile meditation and other wellness modalities. While not all of these remained in my long-term path, they contributed to my understanding of yoga and its sister sciences.
The Influence of Dance and Discipline
My background in classical ballet continues to shape my view of structure, effort, and beauty in movement. Through ballet I was able to explore the human body and understand it’s natural alignment and limits. Yoga offered me a constant cosmic source of inspiration and aspiration, but my personal experience of movement and aesthetics that I developed through dance remain integral to how I practice and teach.