Prasad Rangnekar is a E-RYT 500 Yoga educator based in Mumbai, India who teaches Yoga as a science of Mind, Body, Life transformation over last 28 years across the globe. For Prasad, Yoga is more than a pursuit of poses, it is a process of breaking free from our fundamental mind-body limitations to realize who we truly are. With this aim he guides people to transform themselves and inspire others. He is the Founder-Director of Yogaprasad Institute and conducts Yoga Teacher Trainings, mentorship sessions, retreats and workshops to spread the wisdom of Yoga in its traditional sense.
Background:
Prasad often says that he has nothing new to offer in terms of Yoga, all that he offers is that which has been handed down to him by his parents, teachers and Guru.
Prasad’s Yogic exploration started over 38 years ago. As a child of five, he remembers tearing up out of a deep sense of devotion whenever his father would play songs of Yogic mystics. A frail child, who was often in and out of hospitals, Prasad’s Yoga Asana journey started at the age of 8 when his mother admitted him to a month long Yoga training to improve his health and keep him engaged. Over there he was taught Asana, Pranayama and Dhyana very meticulously. This is when his fascination with body, movement, exercise, breath and mind began. At home, every evening, his mother would guide him and his siblings through Bhagavad Gita, Mantra and scripture chanting which would invariably end in a discussion on spiritual and existential topics. These beautiful rituals and teachings provided a firm spiritual foundation to Prasad’s life early on.
At the age of 17 Prasad suffered from a near fatal illness which made him bed ridden for 4 months. During recovery, weak and depressed, he took to reading Yoga philosophy books from his father’s bookshelf. What was mentioned in those books spoke straight to his heart and gave immense comfort to his mind. It brought him home, as if a ship stuck in violent storm had reached the shores. This period of illness was one of the strongest turn-around moments of Prasad’s life that made him approach Yoga philosophically and spiritually.
Over time he secured a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences and a Master’s in Business Studies. But, along with academic and practical pursuits, he made a point to consciously nurture his spiritual side too. He undertook many pilgrimages across India and Nepal, retreating to ashram monasteries in solitude, study and learning different aspects of Yoga under masters from various Yogic traditions.
He has had the blessing of studying under many accomplished Yogic masters, but those who have left a deep impact on his life are Tatambari Avadhoot, Baba Bhola Nath, and Nari Nath. Under their tutelage he had the honor of studying Shaiva Advaita Tantra, Upanishadic Vedanta and the deeper teachings of Natha Hatha Yogis. But, none of the above would have been possible without the blessing and guidance of his Satguru, Shri Swami Samartha Maharaj, who personally revealed to him the direction and purpose of his life.
Prasad’s study and self-exploration of Yoga continues till date. Along with studying Yoga of various orthodox traditions from their authentic sources, he also holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy.
Above all, Prasad’s most profound teacher is silence (Mauna). He takes 4 months off his extensive travel schedule every year, since 2013, to go deeper into silence, meditation and study. Over two years of Mauna Sadhana (silence practice) has made him realize that there is a profound realm of wisdom within us all that reveals itself only when the mental chatter quietens. He drinks from that quiet place within and shares humbly through his work. With an attitude of a student and blessing of his Guru, Prasad keeps learning from Life – The greatest teacher of all.
Work:
Prasad started sharing the wisdom of Yoga in India in 1994, and internationally in 2003. Over last 28 years Prasad’s holistic approach to Yoga has helped thousands of seekers across 15 countries. He has personally mentored over 200 Yoga teachers who are spreading the liberating teachings of Yoga in their own way.
Prasad has been guiding diverse groups, including individuals, athletes, organizations, Yoga teachers and meditation facilitators. He has been repeatedly invited by
- Indian Embassies in Thailand and Israel,
- European Commission – Belgium and
- Organizations like Google and Grand Hyatt to facilitate Yoga as a mind-body transformation modality.
- Prasad also speaks at various Yoga Conferences and leads International Yoga Day celebrations around the world.
- Through his workshops on “Women Yogis of India” Prasad has raised funds to help organizations supporting Women’s causes around the world.
Prasad deeply believes that Yoga is for every-body and should be inclusive. He believes in power of the collective and has been instrumental in creating and guiding Yoga Communities (Sangha) Groups around the world, from Hong kong to Lithuania.
A third generation educator, Prasad deeply believes that education is the key to transforming hearts, mind and societies.
