Page 187 - Adhiyoga Purana

David Jaroch – Michigan, USA
David Jaroch’s journey with Adhiyogi began quite unexpectedly during a trip to California. At the time, David was enrolled in a Yoga Teacher Training program in Michigan, but his schedule was interrupted by a visit to the West Coast. By chance, the Clayton Yoga Shala arranged for him to attend two weekend classes with a visiting yoga master from India — Adhiyogi.
From the very first session, David knew something had shifted. Adhiyogi’s approach was unlike anything he had experienced. The classes were not just about learning poses; they were about understanding the authentic, complete form of yoga — encompassing posture, breath, focus, and philosophy as one integrated whole. In a world where many students spend weeks or months trying to perfect a pose, Adhiyogi ensured his students learned it correctly the first time. Beyond group sessions, he devoted individual time to address each trainee’s unique challenges, building them into confident teachers. David left California with a renewed awareness of the incredible possibilities of being a yoga teacher, inspired to share the world that Adhiyogi had opened to him in just a few weeks.
That spark grew over the years. Six years after that first meeting, David completed his 500-hour certification under Adhiyogi’s guidance — a journey that began in Clayton but matured in Pune, India. His training during the pandemic was partly online, but the highlight was an in-country program in India with Adhiyogi and a small group of yoga adventurers. Those months were not just about certification; they were about experiencing yoga as a living, breathing culture. He saw in Adhiyogi the embodiment of the tradition — raised in a yoga family, educated deeply, and dedicated to sharing his knowledge with authenticity and joy.
One of David’s most cherished learning experiences came from a specialized course Adhiyogi offered: how to incorporate yoga philosophy into regular yoga classes. The program began with an introduction to Indian philosophy, tracing its evolution to the present day. Focusing on yoga philosophy, Adhiyogi taught how to weave these timeless principles into a class in a natural, non-threatening way — leaving space for each student to choose their own path, knowing that all paths ultimately lead to the union of the individual soul with the universal soul, Purusha.
Throughout the training, Adhiyogi encouraged questions, answering them with patience, kindness, and depth. David and his fellow teachers began applying these insights immediately, enriching their classes with not just physical practice but also the wisdom that underpins yoga.
Over time, David and Adhiyogi developed an unusual and enduring friendship that has lasted for more than a decade. While Adhiyogi remains his yoga teacher, David noticed something rare — Adhiyogi is always open to listening to any productive advice from him. This humility and mutual respect have deepened their bond, creating a relationship built not only on the teacher- student connection but on shared trust, honest dialogue, and the joy of lifelong learning from one another. What began as a chance meeting in California became a ten-year journey of learning, friendship, and transformation.
OM Shantiḥ.
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