Amrit Yoga of Sammamish

The essence of Yoga

Yoga has been around for thousands of years. There are many different styles; each with its own unique emphasis. In addition, each style expresses itself uniquely through different yoga teachers. Like other styles of yoga, the yoga sequence in our classes is based upon the series of postures developed by Yogi Pantanjali more than 2000 years ago. The emphasis in our classes is the link between the energetic alignment of the posture and that of the central nervous system. This connection is an energetic expression of mind body union. The Sanskrit word for mind body union is yoga. The techniques and teachings explored can be applied to any style of yoga. Much of what is learned in the class can be applied to life. 

Lights in the world of yoga

Gurudev Amrit Desai: Both Brandy's and James' teaching credentials came from studying with Amrit and his daughter Kamini. They run annual teacher trainings in Salt Springs, FL.

Eric Walrabenstein of Yoga Pura in Phoenix, AZ. Eric's teachings are based in the traditions of Zen and Iyengar yoga. Eric runs one of the top teacher training programs in the country out of Yoga Pura.

Bapuji, Amrit Desai's master: He is the person for which Kripalu Yoga has been named: Swami Kripalvanandji. Kripalu runs one of the top teacher trainings in the world although I have had no training with the current institution in Massachutsetts. 

Dadaji, Bramashvara Lakulish: Bapuji's master is said to have incarnated in the 20th century to train Bapuji in yoga. Bapuji is acknowledged by many to be one of the greatest yoga masters of our time so it's not difficult for me to believe he was trained by an avatar (incarnation of a liberated soul). The institute is located in Gujarat India and I have yet to visit!

Pantanjali: The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali were written a few thousand years ago. Scarcely a pamphlet in the Veda tradition, Pantanjali's codification of yoga influences every yoga tradition.

Jesus' teachings (author opinion) are infused with yogic tradition. To not pay attention to what he has to say is to ignore the wisdom of a great master teacher. Luckily we have a tradition that allows us to connect to his essence and his teachings through experience, not just belief. 

James Dewar, ERYT

James is registered with the Yoga Alliance at the E-RYT 500 Level, with 500 hours of training in methodology, anatomy and physiology, ethics, and practicum. James’ scholarship in the field has also included programs and training sessions with VYASA (Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana research foundation), Yoga Pura, and Hindu University of America. James teaches workshops to groups on stress and anxiety management in Washington, Oregon and California.

Brandy Ritts, RYT

Brandy has been studying with James for the past three years and is also registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level with plans to complete her 500 hour training within the next few years. Ever since coming to her first class, she has remained a consistent and enthusiastic student of yoga and meditation. Her peaceful demeanor allows anyone to feel comfortable immediately.  Brandy also teaches at the Sammamish club and will soon be teaching classes at the YMCA.