Page 56 - Adhiyoga Purana

The Winter Term That Breathed Stillness
In the heart of Fairfax, Virginia, where the gentle rhythm of community life beat steadily, a unique event unfolded during the winter of 2006 — one that left a lasting imprint on the minds and hearts of lifelong learners.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), known for its thriving program and dedication to intellectual curiosity, had seen many courses grace its halls. But that season, a new kind of stillness arrived — not empty, but full. It came through a series titled “Authentic Yoga”, taught not by a celebrity or celebrity-chaser, but by a humble yogi named Adhiyogi.
There were no advertisements, no exaggerated promises — just a deep offering of wisdom rooted in tradition. Adhiyogi didn’t simply teach yoga as a form of exercise. He taught Adhiyoga — the kind that went beyond poses and postures, reaching into the ancient breath of India’s spiritual heritage.
Each session drew together minds seasoned by life but open as ever to growth. They gathered, not for stretch or sweat, but to explore inner alignment. They moved slowly, breathed mindfully, and listened as Adhiyogi spoke not only of movement, but of meaning — how breath becomes a bridge, how silence is a teacher, how the self, when observed, reveals timeless truths.
The gratitude was real and quiet, like the classes themselves. On February 28, 2006, Charles Duggan, then President of OLLI, penned a heartfelt letter:
“It always amazes me that we are able to put on a superior program when every single course is taught by a volunteer... Thank you for donating your time, energy and expertise.”
The words echoed what everyone felt — that in a world constantly rushing, Adhiyoga had given them a moment to pause. A space not just for posture, but for presence.
And in that winter term, the warmth of a Adhiyogi's offering lit a fire of self-discovery in the hearts of many.
OM Shantiḥ
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