My first impression of Sri Dharma Mittra was that he was Humble, Smiling and Super Strong. He has become a bit softer through the years – practice is at a slower pace to suit the current students and their limitations – but Dharma-ji is also less tolerant with disobedient students.

Unlike some of the other studios where I teach, the Dharma Yoga Center holds tremendous spiritual vibrations. DYC has the traditional yoga setting and I feel Yogi Gupta’s presence when I come there. It’s incredible how asanas just come more automatically with Dharma-ji than anywhere else.

I have observed that Yoga has become more shallow and less traditional. The spiritual component is being lost with every passing year. It seems that people are okay with practicing Yoga without the Ahimsa component, or the Yamas and Niyamas. But Dharma teachers are still trying to keep the old traditions alive, though with a “modern twist.”

Passing my learning on to my students, I tell them to be consistent in their practice and to keep learning and practicing on and off the mat. At any age you can do all the poses! Dharma-ji really has set high standards in teaching Yoga. It is important to be Vegan or at least vegetarian if you want to be a serious yogi. Do your Karmi yogi part, too – help others. I plan in the future to open up my own studio and it will be gladly tied to Sri Dharma’s Teachings.

This post was written by Rashilla Devi Om (Amin)
Dharma Yoga LOAY 500 hour certified | New York, NY