Neem
Karoli Baba
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"Cleanse the mirror of the heart and you will see God." "Total
truth is necessary. |
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About Govindas
Govindas is the founder of the “Soul Yoga.” “Soul Yoga” is the result of 16 years of personal study of Yoga, Bhakti, Meditation, Ayurveda, and Life. Govindas's journey led him to an in-depth study of Vinyasa Yoga in Los Angeles, under pioneer teachers Bryan Kest and Saul David Raye. Since then, 4 times he has deepened his understanding of Yoga through pilgrimages to India, studying and living in the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, guru of his teachers Ram Dass, Krishna Das, and Jai Uttal.
He writes, " I was diagnosed with a disease called ulcerative colitis in 1995. This is what drew me deep into Yoga. In the midst of our greatest challenges frequently lie our greatest gifts. Being only 24 at the time it was very difficult and confusing for me. It is still something that I work with every day because the symptoms can get quite intense. It has been a living teacher for me. The western approach is to handle the symptoms with chemical drugs. For me, this just doesn't feel right. I have put my faith in healing practices like yoga, Ayurveda and natural healing remedies from Mother Earth."
"The Eastern philosophies see the body is made up of complex energy systems like chakras, nadis, meridians, marma and acupressure points. The western perspective looks at things only from a scientific physical plane view~ which is a major part of it all, yet it is quite limited. The eastern perspective is ancient, thousands of years old and views on a subtler realm. This, they say, is where our imbalances lie. Our emotions, particularly beliefs associated with fear can block disrupt the natural intelligence of the the body and block the flow of the life force. In this subtler realm is where the spark of healing first occurs. The healing of the physical body follows. This is where I have been searching in my own healing process."
Govindas's classes are described as “Soulful Vinyasa Style.” The tone is richly dynamic, full of strength and power, yet complemented with softness and receptivity. Poetic, meditative, deep, and intelligent, he creates liquid flowing asana sequences eloquently strung together with breath. With care and gentleness, he guides students to listen to their intuitive voice and live their highest purpose. What makes Govindas's teaching most unique is his “bhakti” (open heartedness, devotion, and love), and “jnana” (liberating wisdom for daily living), which have both blossomed directly from his commitment to his own inner and outer journey. He is also known for playing harmonium and singing traditional kirtans or devotional songs in class, which are said to awaken joy in the core of the heart.
Govindas feels deeply grateful to his teachers, guides, family and friends who have helped him in his journey. He teaches group classes daily in Santa Monica, California, leads workshops nationally and retreats throughout the world. He lives on the coast in Malibu, California with his wife Radha and kitty cat named “Namaste.”
Blessings! May All Beings Be Happy! Om Shanti!
Contact: Govindas 310 804 9290
E-mail GovindasAll Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2002-2007 Soul Yoga Practice
