Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
The teachings, our practice, the creation of Samahita Retreat are all due to grace, passed on through many Masters and yoga teachers, some direct and others indirect. It is here we must begin this website and honor them with full thanks and respect.
Jai MA ! the force that pervades all.
“I have had the honor to study with many wonderful teachers. They have all been instrumental in my development. Even as I go out and offer the teachings I am always a student. Through their actions and teachings I have been taught on specific parts of the practice and lifted higher by the experience. The work they did has paved the way for my learning. The connection I feel so strong in my heart. I cannot express enough thanks. My words are imperfect and incomplete.” An offering from Paul.
Sri O.P. Tiwari, genuine yogi and master of Pranayama, is one of the principal students of Swami Kuvalayananda, founder of the Kaivalyadhama, himself a disciple of Madhava Das. They have had a tremendous, yet modest, influence on yoga today. The practice of Pranayama has been taught from teacher to student right through this lineage over many years. Additionally all other aspects of yoga have been deeply researched and studied. Their legacy is an informed and thorough understanding of the inner development in yoga and the key Hatha practices, especially Pranayama. This genuine tradition has been passed directly down the lineage to Paul as one of only three senior students of Tiwariji.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois has dedicated his life to the continuous teaching of Ashtanga Yoga and the Vinyasa system. He learned this directly from his teacher, Sri T. Krishnamacharya who learnt it from his teacher, Rama Mohan Brahmachari. This practice has thrived in Mysore, the home of Sri Jois and where Paul spent much time. As a result, Paul is one of a few in the world to have been certified by Sri Jois. This system of Vinyasa in the approach to Asana is profound and widely adaptable if learned properly and understood well. Time, focus and dedication are needed!
Richard Freeman is a true yogi and possesses a unique knowledge of this practice and the yogic process that very few teachers today understand even part of. He is both an influence and inspiration for us.
Leung Poo Daeng, Thai monk and realized master, lived most of his monk life on Koh Samui, a few hundred meters from Samahita Retreat’s current location. Without a doubt we feel his force drawing us to this location and his support and protection from there. The result of his practices and realization sends a force to our teaching and offerings. We are honored to be his “neighbour” and consider him a great master and influence to us and Samahita etreat today.
Ajahn Mun and his disciples Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Maha Boowa, Thai Forest Tradition.
These Thai Buddhist masters are perfect examples of the Dhamma and how to live a life of being fully mindful. Paul has spent time at their monasteries (Wats in Thailand) and personally visited Maha Boowa. Ajahn Mun was a genuine realized Master and his method of practice and approach to mindfulness strongly affects how we teach, live and carry ourselves.
Ramana Maharshi, the sage of Arunachala, lived an exemplary life, a perfect realized master, and a true inspiration.
Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda have had a huge influence on yoga and our growth and path. Ramakrishna was a very advanced soul and his disciple, Vivekananda, was the first to carry and grow the seed of yoga and vedanta to the west when he attended the world’s fair in Chicago in 1893. Since then yoga has grown massively outside of India and we all have these masters to thank.
Paramahansa Yogananda, a beautiful figure of yoga and an incredible inspiration.
Swami Sivananda was Paul’s first main yoga influence. The Sivananda centers all around the world were established by Swami Vishnudevananda in honor of his teacher, Sivananda. Here many years were spent in practices and long stays at the ashrams.