Yogananta Teachers
Teachers at YogAnanta Studio study and train in the methodology of Iyengar Yoga and have an on-going personal practice of many years.
Niren Pandya
CIYT Level 3
“Words cannot convey the value of yoga, it has to be experienced” —Guruji Shri BKS Iyengar
I firmly believe in the above quote by Guruji, and so I am not one to write or talk much about yoga or myself.
I truly believe it is a life-changing subject.
I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to be a student of yoga in my early childhood and continue to be a student till date.
In my childhood I was taught by
Along the way I have had the opportunity to study with Marlene Mawhinney of Yoga Centre Toronto who initiated me into the teacher training program which I completed in 2007 (Level 1 certification).
I moved to India in 2008 and continued studying with Zubin Sir and Parizad ma’am for 7 years.
Zubin Sir and Parizad mentored me to develop further the teaching skills and also gave me the opportunity to teach classes at their institute in Matunga, Mumbai.
It was one of the most memorable and eye opening phases of my studentship.
It is very difficult for me to describe the experience I gained studying with Zubin Sir.
I have also had the opportunity to study with Geetaji and Prashantji on my visits to RIMYI, Pune. (Iyengar Yoga Institute)
I continue to visit RIMYI and study with Abhijata Iyengar and the teachers at the institute.
I teach with my heart and sharing the pearls of wisdom given to me by my illustrious teachers give me a lot of joy.
I share my subjective experience in classes and adapt the classes to the level of the students.
I always try to make the students experience and reach for something out of their comfort zone in a safe, practical and challenging way.
I love to explore the innovations and adaptations of props and sequences in the Iyengar yoga tradition.
I sincerely hope to see you in class and I will always go out of my way to give you a most special experience if you are receptive and ready to learn.
Nehal Pandya
CIYT Level 1
“Yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy.” —BKS Iyengar
As an artist, every time I practice or teach yoga I experience these words. My practice helps my creativity and keeps my teaching fresh, methodical and empowering.
My studies in the lyengar method began with Kobad Variava in 2001, in Mumbai, India. At the time I was going through a difficult period emotionally and I came to yoga on the insistence of my husband Niren. From the very first class with Kobad Sir, yoga brought me so much joy! I experienced the ability of this practice to change how I viewed life and it brought a tremendous sense of mental equanimity.
It was in Toronto, under the mentorship of Marlene Mawhinney, that I earned my Level 1 certification (2019).
Over the years I have had the opportunity to learn from many senior Iyengar yoga teachers like Abhijata Iyengar, George Vaz, Zubin Zarthostimanesh, Parizad Zarthostimanesh and Raya UD. At present, I continue my studies with Niren Pandya and online classes with RIMYI Pune, India .
I am indebted to the in depth teachings of Geeta Iyengar for the women’s practice. During both my pregnancies, I practiced Iyengar yoga. This practice and years of learning with experienced Iyengar teachers gives me a very good understanding of the practice of yoga for women during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause.
My practice of yoga challenges me and pushes my personal limitations. It has allowed me to avoid complacency in life and to venture into new experiences. I love to cook, bake, garden, paint and the practice of yoga keeps my creative juices flowing. I am confident that yoga has the ability to keep the body-mind clear, focused and healthy. I have found that in this ever growing world of technology, as everything around us becomes smarter and more connected and we become more scattered, the need for yoga is even more, to stay connected and in control of our body, breath and mind.
* Gratitude to Ivana Ciric Photography for the wonderful photos.