Page 183 - Adhiyoga Purana

Iva Jean Maguda – California, USA
Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Iva knew there were countless options to earn a yoga teacher certification. Yet, for years, she had little interest in pursuing it. That changed when the yoga studio she attended announced a 100-hour Teacher Training with a visiting master from India, Adhiyogi.
Intrigued, Iva spoke with her studio’s instructors and even purchased and read Adhiyogi’s book Adhiyoga – Authentic Yoga System before his arrival. Something about his approach felt different, authentic, and deeply rooted in tradition while being practical for modern students. At the very last minute, she signed up for the course — a decision that would reshape her yoga journey.
From the first session, Iva realized she had made the right choice. Adhiyogi’s training provided a logical, adaptable structure for teaching yoga that could suit any student level. His method was not about memorizing a rigid sequence but about understanding the logic behind every movement, breath, and cue. He worked individually with each student to align their training with their goals, creating an environment that was educational, personal, and inspiring.
Her first 100-hour training was such a positive experience that Iva decided to continue for a second 100-hour session to complete her 200-hour certification. But during this second phase, she hit a roadblock. Academic-style homework with reading and writing felt overwhelming to her, and she missed two lessons. Adhiyogi noticed her absence and arranged a private meeting. Listening carefully, he understood her concerns and offered an alternative homework plan — one that was more practical and practice-based.
The change worked wonders. Iva threw herself into the training, excelling in the new approach. Her confidence soared. By the time she completed her final hours, she had already been offered a position teaching yoga at a local university — even before receiving her official certification.
Her personal practice deepened as well. She began practicing daily at home, exploring new elements, improving her balance physically and mentally, and gaining the ability to break down poses and teach them clearly.
Beyond the core training, Iva attended Adhiyogi’s workshops on yoga philosophy, meditation, and chanting. In each, he took the time to address individual interests, showing his adaptability and depth of knowledge.
To Iva, Adhiyogi’s gift lies in his rare ability to merge the wisdom of classical yoga with the needs of today’s students. Her journey with him not only made her a confident, but skilled teacher also — it opened the door to a fulfilling new chapter in her life.
OM Shantiḥ.
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