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Featured Teacher: Deva
With a diploma in Yoga Therapy, Deva is an expert on the remedial benefits of this ancient practice originating from his birthplace of India. His dedication is unwavering and impressive, having taught yoga for a quarter of a century and continuing to relish helping others through it.
Where are you originally from?
I was born and brought up in India
How long have you been teaching?
25 years
Who was your very first yoga teacher and what was he/she like?
Mr. Nabin Chandra Das, I remember his politeness the most.
How long have you been practising?
I started imitating my father's yoga postures before I learned to walk.
Originally, what attracted you to yoga?
First for health, later for getting my yoga championship.
What motivates you to practise today?
I practise yoga, I practise being in the present moment, which applies to my every action.
How would you describe your personal practice?
Everything is yoga, I am practising every moment
Before you became a yoga teacher, what did you do?
Apart from academic study, I have taught and studied yoga my whole life.
What do you love about teaching?
Teaching in India, I love that I can help the patients. Teaching in Hong Kong, I love to share our ancient knowledge abroad.
What do you find challenging about teaching?
I find it a challenge to make flexible from stiff, powerful from less powerful, and balanced from imbalanced. It is especially challenging to deal with patients who suffer from a combination of psycho and somatic problems - that's where yoga therapy comes in.
Describe your ideal class (as a teacher).
Students all come to receive knowledge and trust the teacher.
What teacher has had the biggest impact on your practice?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
What is your most embarrassing moment in the studio (as a teacher or student)?
I've never been embarrassed!
Where is the strangest place you've practised yoga?
In Netarhat, a remote hilly forest in eastern India that is full of wild animals.
Aside from yoga, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
Music, painting, travelling and making friends
Describe your most profound yoga experience.
When I was holding the trophy of the champion of champions in All India Yoga Competition 1987.
If you weren't a yoga teacher, what would you be?
I would be a yoga practitioner.
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