Testimonials
Starting at the beginning of 2012, I had the pleasure to attend a five-month introductory course on Ayurveda, the sister discipline to yoga. Yoga - of course - is concerned with achieving self-realization through spiritual disciplines, while Ayurveda's ancient teachings are aimed at establishing the mind-body in perfect harmony and health, creating the necessary conditions to encourage self-realization. When I first studied Ayurveda, I found the course material to be difficult to absorb. Though perfect health and the easing of suffering is the goal of all healing, Ayurveda looks at anatomy, healing, and medicine differently from Western understandings. I found myself immersed in a study that was rich, sometimes difficult, and foreign to me. It was Swami Gananathamritananda's patience and clarity of communication during the course that helped me understand, and better yet, apply the teachings to my own life. His understanding of Ayurveda philosophy, principles, diagnoses, and practice is top-drawer. I highly recommend his courses and teaching abilities.
Wyatt Portz
Yoga and Meditation Teacher
Urbana, Virginia
The Ayurveda training for Yoga teachers is transformational. Theoretical and practical application of the Vedic wisdom is provided through reading, discussion, therapeutic yoga practice, learning to assess doshas, and to treat imbalances.
If you want to take your yoga and meditation deeper to explore concepts of metaphysics, the energetic connection between mind/body/spirit and the universe, and living with wellness then this course is for you.
Your yoga students will appreciate the therapeutic approach to practicing the asanas and prescribing asanas targeted to correct alignment and ease muscular pain and tension.
Study and absorb as much as you can from Swami Jii and his class offerings. I cannot emphasize the potential for positively impacting your life and giving yourself a treasure chest of new found wisdom. Call this the class of enlightenment.
Janine Schoonover
Yoga Teacher
The very first time I saw Swamiji, something stirred in my heart and I was drawn to be near him and learn from him. The amount of knowledge that he possesses is incredible, and I have learned so much from him that I relate to my own students, as well as apply to my own life and healing.
Swamiji has an immense amount of compassion and this has been made evident to me on many occasions. Most recently, my eight year-old daughter was suffering from a great deal of fear and anxiety. Swamiji sat patiently with her, talked to her in terms that she could understand, and helped her to deal with her fear. To a mother that feels helpless watching her child shriveling in fear, this was nothing short of a miracle.
Through Swamiji, I have been able to use the discipline of the Yoga practice to open myself up to spirituality in a very beautiful way. Last year, I took an Ayurvedic Anatomy for Yoga Teachers course with Swamiji and I learned many facets of this fascinating science and that have enabled me to better relate the science of Ayurveda to my Yoga Teacher Trainees. Swamiji taught this sometimes difficult subject matter by relating the esoteric to the everyday.
Swamiji has taught me the Sanskrit Varna Mala (alphabet) which has allowed me to practice Mantra Yoga and effected great healing in my life. When my father was enduring his last illness, I chanted for hours upon hours at his hospital bedside. Many times I saw a peaceful look come over his face as I chanted, and he would often smile just hearing me “singing”. I believe that my praying for his peaceful and easy transition from his body helped him. I know that it helped me.
I believe that the Soma Matha Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Course for Yoga Teachers will allow the dedicated participants to distinguish themselves amongst their peers as teachers with true knowledge of healing using the technologies of both Yoga and Ayurveda. This knowledge would allow many additional opportunities for teaching and healing, and would increase a Yoga teacher’s salary many-fold. It is my sincere hope that many Yoga teachers consider studies with Swamiji to further their knowledge and help them to uncover their true spirit, which is Bliss.
Iffet Padmaakshi Cochran, E-RYT 200
Director, Lead-Teacher KARUNA Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training Program
4025 Yoga and Wellness, Richmond, Virginia
Wyatt Portz
Yoga and Meditation Teacher
Urbana, Virginia
The Ayurveda training for Yoga teachers is transformational. Theoretical and practical application of the Vedic wisdom is provided through reading, discussion, therapeutic yoga practice, learning to assess doshas, and to treat imbalances.
If you want to take your yoga and meditation deeper to explore concepts of metaphysics, the energetic connection between mind/body/spirit and the universe, and living with wellness then this course is for you.
Your yoga students will appreciate the therapeutic approach to practicing the asanas and prescribing asanas targeted to correct alignment and ease muscular pain and tension.
Study and absorb as much as you can from Swami Jii and his class offerings. I cannot emphasize the potential for positively impacting your life and giving yourself a treasure chest of new found wisdom. Call this the class of enlightenment.
Janine Schoonover
Yoga Teacher
The very first time I saw Swamiji, something stirred in my heart and I was drawn to be near him and learn from him. The amount of knowledge that he possesses is incredible, and I have learned so much from him that I relate to my own students, as well as apply to my own life and healing.
Swamiji has an immense amount of compassion and this has been made evident to me on many occasions. Most recently, my eight year-old daughter was suffering from a great deal of fear and anxiety. Swamiji sat patiently with her, talked to her in terms that she could understand, and helped her to deal with her fear. To a mother that feels helpless watching her child shriveling in fear, this was nothing short of a miracle.
Through Swamiji, I have been able to use the discipline of the Yoga practice to open myself up to spirituality in a very beautiful way. Last year, I took an Ayurvedic Anatomy for Yoga Teachers course with Swamiji and I learned many facets of this fascinating science and that have enabled me to better relate the science of Ayurveda to my Yoga Teacher Trainees. Swamiji taught this sometimes difficult subject matter by relating the esoteric to the everyday.
Swamiji has taught me the Sanskrit Varna Mala (alphabet) which has allowed me to practice Mantra Yoga and effected great healing in my life. When my father was enduring his last illness, I chanted for hours upon hours at his hospital bedside. Many times I saw a peaceful look come over his face as I chanted, and he would often smile just hearing me “singing”. I believe that my praying for his peaceful and easy transition from his body helped him. I know that it helped me.
I believe that the Soma Matha Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Course for Yoga Teachers will allow the dedicated participants to distinguish themselves amongst their peers as teachers with true knowledge of healing using the technologies of both Yoga and Ayurveda. This knowledge would allow many additional opportunities for teaching and healing, and would increase a Yoga teacher’s salary many-fold. It is my sincere hope that many Yoga teachers consider studies with Swamiji to further their knowledge and help them to uncover their true spirit, which is Bliss.
Iffet Padmaakshi Cochran, E-RYT 200
Director, Lead-Teacher KARUNA Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training Program
4025 Yoga and Wellness, Richmond, Virginia
