The True Titan of Yoga

” Love all unconditionally without any reservation, including yourself. Begin the day with love, spend the day with love, fill the day with love, and end the day with love, that is the way to God.” Swami Buaji

Around 1996 I happened upon a magazine article about an old Swami who was rumored to be over one hundred years old and still teaching yoga classes in New York City. I was living in New Jersey and sending out vibes to the universe in search of a learned yoga teacher. The article went on to say that this Swami Bua was teaching out of his apartment on West 58th Street and then listed his phone number. On a clear summer morning I drove into the city with no idea as what to expect. I later realized that nothing could have prepared me for meeting this revered yogi.

His apartment, cum yoga studio, was on the 11th floor of a high rise overlooking Columbus Circle. What should have been the living room was left wide open for bodies to stretch and bend. In the center of the room sat the Swami in orange robes, his feet tucked into lotus position and his head resting on one hand propped against the arm of the chair. On the wall behind him were photos of him demonstrating advanced yoga poses taken when he was in his 80′s. It was astonishing to see and all I could do was stare at the photos and take in my surroundings. Once the class was all assembled he looked around the room and pointing to me asked who my teacher was. I told him I had no teacher, but had been practicing for years. “Then you must come to this class as a beginner,” he said. “Do not think you know everything about yoga.” Yes, Swami, I answered; and then the challenge of his class began.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Odile M.

2:54PM PDT on Oct 20, 2010

WOW...What a story...
Thanks for sharing....

October 20
send a green star

Jane R.

5:30PM PDT on Sep 25, 2010

Well, my comment never showed up so I'll try again. Incredible man. You're luck to have know him.

September 25
send a green star

5:21PM PDT on Sep 25, 2010

What a great man he was. Beautiful story.

Vera Y.

2:51PM PDT on Sep 25, 2010

i shouldnt mix god with yoga, because i am an atheist and i think yoga is good for the execise, i dont get all the stuff about meditation.

Susan S.

5:40PM PDT on Sep 18, 2010

If his sincere intention was to bring his students closer to God, then yoga was God's gift of a long and prosperous life so that he could pass on his teachings. Thanks for this article.

September 18
send a green star

KAREN L.

2:19PM PDT on Sep 18, 2010

interesting, thanks

Jelka V.

1:15PM PDT on Sep 18, 2010

Fascinating!

Catherine C.

8:45AM PDT on Sep 18, 2010

WOW... I am so glad to have stumbled on this...
Imagine... it brought a tear to my eye, the gentleness of his soul I can feel that.

Thank you.
Namaste