Page 205 - Adhiyoga Purana

Stefania Cavallaro – Italy
Stefania’s journey with Adhiyogi began five years ago, in what seemed like a fated encounter. At the time, she had the honor of helping him translate a lecture from English to Italian during a yoga workshop. She was immediately struck by his deep knowledge of yoga and philosophy, and by the simplicity with which he made even the most complex concepts accessible to everyone. As a token of gratitude for her help, Adhiyogi presented her with his own yoga mat — a symbolic gift that soon became her most precious companion in daily practice.
Back then, Stefania had been practicing yoga for a few years, but she felt a strong inner calling to deepen her practice and philosophical understanding. The universe seemed to have listened, sending her a teacher who would open vast new dimensions of knowledge. Over the following five years, she studied with Adhiyogi in both online and in-person classes, eventually earning her 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification.
Her training covered a wide spectrum — from the origins and history of Indian philosophy, the Samkhya system, and foundational texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Patanjali Yoga Sutras (with the aid of Adhiyogi’s Patanjali Code, a reorganized and clarified presentation of the Sutras) — to pranayama, meditation, yoga therapy, mantras, chanting, nutrition, teaching techniques, and advanced asanas. His method of teaching asanas, with a focus on gradual perfection and precision, revolutionized her personal practice and teaching style.
Adhiyogi’s dedication was unmatched — he adapted class schedules to Stefania’s professional commitments, remained available to answer any question, and shared a structured, practical, and deeply insightful approach to teaching. Stefania also got to know him as a person: attentive, generous, humorous, and always ready to share wisdom and life experiences. His passion for yoga and his tireless global work inspired her profoundly.
Her studies with Adhiyogi went beyond asanas and philosophy. In June 2025, Stefania attended his Basic Ayurveda Course. Though short, it was packed with insights into Ayurveda’s historical origins, philosophical foundations, and practical guidance for daily and seasonal living. She especially appreciated his comparisons between Ayurveda and Yoga, Ayurveda and modern medicine, and Ayurveda and the Adhiyoga system he founded. Even complex philosophical concepts became accessible under his clear and often joyfully delivered explanations.
Over time, Stefania became one of the pillars of Adhiyogi’s mission in Italy. She translated much of his work — including videos on the Adhiyoga System, Ishwarapranidhana Sutras with commentary, Hathayoga Sutras with commentary, his Manual for Spine Corrector Yoga for the Italian Federation, numerous speeches, online classes, and all his teachings in Northern Italy.
In recognition of her dedication, mastery, and contribution, Adhiyogi awarded Stefania the 1000- Hour Teacher Training Certification — the highest certification he has ever given. She is the only student in the world authorized by him to offer Adhiyoga Teacher Training and Certification. In a ceremonial event, he also entrusted her with his complete Yoga Work database so she could preserve and disseminate his vast body of knowledge for future generations.
205