I’m often asked how to find a Yoga teacher to study with. I too have mentioned the importance of studying with ‘your’ teacher multiple times in my talks and blogs. Lots can be said about this topic, but for now here are some clarifications & tips.
Yoga is not a Do-It-Yourself project. Yes, one can learn from the internet & books initially, but a time comes when all that knowledge needs to be personalized. As one matures on the Yoga path, the study is undertaken not for intellectual curiosity but for inner exploration. This is where one needs the guidance of a teacher, ‘your’ teacher. This is a very important step on the Yoga path.
When I say ‘your’ teacher, I mean a teacher who you can study with, over a long period of time, with reverence, dedication & trust. The term ‘your’ entails a mutually recognized teacher-student relation
Here are some tips on how to find ‘your’ teacher–
1) First, deeply reflect on what subject matter or dimension of Yoga interests you. This requires clarity cuz’ we live in times where there is too much on offer, enough to confuse anyone. So, finding clarity in what one wants to study is a good first step
2) Then, start looking for teacher/s that can teach & guide you on that subject. This will be like finding a needle in a haystack
3) This process is refined by trial &error. You will have to approach different teachers & experience their teachings, till you find specific one/s that give you what’s needed & you feel connected with them. This too will be a process of filtration, at times misleading, not always a happy one, but it will refine your search nevertheless
4) Gradually, by process of elimination, you will end up with one or a couple of teachers with whom you will want to study consistently. This clarity will help you create a dedicated relationship. The reason why I have mentioned one or two teachers max is that by the time one reaches this stage, one has filtered through the overwhelm of wanting to study multiple things. One is content with a single or a few teachers to learn specific things
5) Once you find such teacher/s, commit to them wholeheartedly with dedication, trust, reverence & humility
6) Note: Your teacher may or may not be your spiritual Guru. But about that, some other time
