Abha Gupta Ellis

Namaste! I became familiar with Yoga from an early age, spending my formative years in an Indian village. In 1973, I delivered my first English speech in USA, "Yoga is not for yo-yos", and demonstrated several yoga poses. My 7th grade teacher won't remember correcting my pronunciation of "Guru", but the correction reminds me that even sacred concepts that arrive in America get adapted in an Americanized version. Such is the story of "Yog" in today's society.

The American adaptation of Yoga helped me get started, but I go to its “Vedic” root to truly understand its depth and meaning. I have been studying Yoga for over forty years. Due to its vastness, I am a student of Yoga, not a master, Yogi(ni), Guru, Pundit, or Swami.

Teaching Background:

I started teaching Yoga because I've benefited from it. Yoga acts as my pillar and the guiding light. In sharing this powerful gift, I'll accomplish a lot if I help even one person. My teaching has given me this success many times over. Teaching Yoga is a passion, and I'm constantly amazed yet humbled by its many rewards.

Teaching Yoga has not been my full time profession. I studied and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering and an MBA. I have worked in corporate America for over 20 years. Also, I am a mother of two, 21 and 18 yrs. With the many demands of life, I need Yoga.

I started teaching Yoga in 2000. I have conducted more than 1001 formal classes and teach Yoga to over 1001 students (auspicious numbers in the “Vedic” tradition).

In the early years, I regularly taught Gentle “Hatha” Yoga on Saturday and Sunday at a YMCA. My favorite experience was integrating the Yoga philosophy with the simplest poses. I taught "Yoga - Joints & Glands" (inspired by Swami Rama's Research), subtle movements to energize specific areas and gain awareness.

I also taught at Summer Youth Camps, Girl & Boy Scouts, and School for Indian Language and Culture. There I learned that the same teaching techniques can work effectively for youth. Today’s kids can benefit as much as the adults. Most recently, I did private lessons and taught mostly through community education, and conducted special workshops and sessions, retreats, and volunteered my yoga services to several organizations.

Certifications & Training:

My most valuable Yoga training has not rewarded me “Certificates of Completion”; from it "I received nothing I wanted... but I received everything I needed".

Abha Yoga Philosophy:

I respect, practice, and learn “Patanjali” or “Raja” Yoga, the Royal Path and draw from the “Vedic” Indian sciences. Many teachers and practitioners have influenced me. Abha Yoga is my experience and presentation. I do not claim any part of Abha Yoga as a unique modification, design, or sequence.

Abha Yoga or Yoga is based on scientific principles, its depth and comprehensiveness is beyond measure. Practiced in its true spirit it is unlikely to cause injuries, and needs little modifications or demystifications to meet modern health or "fitness" industry standards. My goal is not to bring Yoga to the masses, but to those sincerely wanting to tap into this powerful method of holistic health and wellness.

Namaste!!!

In Service,

Abha Ellis