Episode 16. In this episode with Dr. Rajvi H Mehta we explore the essence of Guru-shishya tradition and the principle of non-duality, and why it is critical for a Yoga teacher to fully incorporate it into their life. Can we have ambitions and goals when it comes to our Yoga practice? What makes a good teacher, and what makes a good student? How does a teacher know that he or she is good at what they are doing? How should we understand the instructions in Iyengar Yoga?

May what you listen to give you encouragement and direction in your Yoga practice.

Glossary (Sanskrit words mentioned in the interview):

• Guru-shishya parampara - the ancient tradition of teaching where teachings are transmitted directly from a Guru (teacher) to a shishya (disciple).This tradition reinstates a sense of belongingness towards one's teacher and a complete surrender to him. It also meant spending the entire duration of education at the abode of the Guru until the student attains perfection at the art or skill he is learning. It could be Yoga, any forms of art, music, spirituality.
• Gurukul - a type of education system in ancient India with shishya (disciple) living near or with the Guru in the same house for a period of time where they learn and get educated by him.

If you are an Iyengar Yoga student yourself and you have a specific question you'd like to ask a senior teacher, feel free to share your question with me on Instagram @thefourthniyama or by email hello@thefourthniyama.com