Page 78 - Adhiyoga Purana

A Deep Bond of Yoga: The Story of Amara Whitfield and Adhiyogi
Amara Whitfield, a yoga teacher from Virginia, reflects on a pivotal chapter of her yogic journey—her transformative experience studying under the guidance of Adhiyogi. For Amara, discovering his teachings was nothing short of a profound blessing. She expressed, time and again, how grateful she was for the strong and authentic foundation Adhiyogi had given her in classical Indian Yoga.
Though Amara had previously turned to books and videos to develop her asana practice, she found that method limiting. Her attempts to learn from even the most respected yoga texts, including works by T.K.V. Desikachar, were frustratingly incomplete without the presence of a live, deeply rooted teacher. What she sought wasn't simply instruction—it was spiritual congruence. She desired a teacher whose upbringing, discipline, and philosophy mirrored the deep, ancient lineage of yoga. In Adhiyogi, she found exactly that: a master born and raised in a yogic family, a man immersed in the sacred practices of yoga since childhood.
Amara especially appreciated the depth Adhiyogi brought to the lesser-emphasized, yet deeply significant, practices of yoga—such as chanting. His workshops illuminated the historical and spiritual richness of Sanskrit chanting, and his inclusion of chant memorization in teacher training opened new doors for her as both a student and an instructor. She found joy in memorizing the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and often noted how her students were touched by the Prayer to Patanjali, which she learned was attributed to the poet Bhartruhari, as explained in Adhiyogi’s book.
Listening to Adhiyogi’s beautifully recorded chants became a regular part of Amara's life. The vibrations brought her peace and relaxation, and her appreciation deepened when she read his book Adhiyoga: Authentic Yoga System of Adhiyogi, which presented an in-depth exploration of chanting’s vital place within the yogic tradition. The book became one of her most treasured resources.
As Amara dove deeper into the classical texts—guided by Adhiyogi’s precise knowledge of Sanskrit and the original scriptures—she came to understand the immense variation and complexity found in their translations. Adhiyogi had emphasized this point early in their studies, warning that one must know not only the text but also the lineage and perspective of the teacher interpreting it. His detailed clarification about how certain terms might be used differently—even within the same text—proved invaluable. Amara recalled how she once questioned his use of a term in his recent book, only to be swiftly directed to the explanatory notes at the front. That moment, like many in their study, was a reminder of the importance of intellectual humility and deep study.
Of course, Amara also recognized that their relationship was multifaceted. Beyond the teacher- student dynamics, there were layers of cultural difference and the nuances of friendship. Yet, these distinctions only enriched their journey. Their exchanges—sometimes challenging, sometimes lighthearted—were always full of reflection, life, and mutual respect.
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