With deep sadness I learned only a few days ago that Acharya is no longer in the world. He was very much part of my life for a few years when he had the Day St center. My name was (still is on my passport) Charmian Brian-O’Brien.

Acharya helped me in lots of ways. He helped me find a room in an Indian ladies house, a friend of his, that he either lived in sometimes and certainly he visited frequently and I remember him cooking and helping run errands for her. She was quite old then. I think her name may also have been Mrs Roy. Roy or Raya is very common name. I rented a room there. Acharya and I hung out together I guess you could say. I also lived in a house in Ultimo with him and some of his other students for a while. I met Kathyrn at her house a few times.

Seeing those photocopied pictures of Acharya doing surya namaskar, his own handwriting, that logo, live long, live young, yoga – way of life, suddenly after all these years, i remembered instantly the whole period that I knew him, so familiar, especially seeing him sitting at desk in the reception just before the sadhana room, wow, amazing. Very heartfelt and touching this has been for me.

Then thank you so much to whoever compiled his life in the photos and video. I remember many of those photos. I instantly remembered Sue when I saw the photos of her, like it was yesterday, and when they were about to marry. He was a very simple person, simple at heart. He started something good and I sincerely hope that you will continue to teach yoga in the authentic way that he did.

After a few years of knowing him, I eventually went to stay at Satyananda Ashram in Mangrove Mountain, for about 4-5 years. In 1984-5 I left there and went to see Acharya again, he was already in Pitt Street center. He gave me shelter there for a few days as I had no place to stay. The sequence of events are a bit hazy. Not long after that I went to stay at the Hare Krishna farm in northern New South Wales, I pretty much joined the Hare Krishna’s, much to my own amazement

Then, I travelled to India in 1991, returned to Australia about 3 times and since 2003 I have been staying in India, in Orissa.

I just thought, Acharya is there in Australia. But he didn’t stay as long as he should have. He had a nice big extended family and I’m sure his family in Assam were proud of him. I’m certain remained always in his heart, along with all his wonderful family in Australia. They all look so nice. I wonder about Sue and how she and her children are now.

Dearest Acharya, thank you. Hari Om Tat Sat. Jay Sri Krishna.

And thank you to your students who have provided this space for me to say just something about a beautiful person.

I am on Facebook : mahashakti dasi

I continued to attend Archarya’s classes for many years. Walking down those stairs in Day St. after class was like walking on air. It seemed we were the only occupants on the top floor.

One day, during class, there was a tremendous rain storm. The old guttering had blocked and water was flooding into the class. But we were so relaxed that it was several long seconds before Archarya and I suddenly jumped up, ran out to the outer landing and dislodged the old copper box guttering, where it plumetted 3 floors to the street below below. Luckily nobody was walking by.

From Day St. he moved to the north side of Pitt St. and then eventually settled near Goulburn St. And over all those years he taught me such equinamity. There were so many interesting people of such diverse temperament coming through the centre, but he always maintained an even temper and a good sense of humour. One of the funniest things he ever mentioned to me was a little exchange we had. There was a fellow who attended class very regularly and also regularly taught in Archary’s stead. As he hadn’t been around for some time, I had asked Archarya if he knew what had happened to hiim. Archarya responded: ” Oh, a terrible thing happened to him. He became a Buddhist”.

I moved away from Sydney in ‘92 and much to my regret, even though we spoke over the phone a couple of times, I never returned. But till this day, I have never found a class that would come anywhere near his in results and simplicity. I still practice my yoga using his video tape and can’t help feeling humbled each time I hear him speak at the end. I have always thought highly of him and have never forgotten him; I don’t think I ever will…….

Gino.

Joining Acharyas Yoga was nothing short of life-changing for me. I really found Yoga (or did it find me?) in that I became so super-relaxed in the sessions, and outside of them, which was of incredible benefit to me and those around me, of course!
I feel it is unfortunate that society in general has the impression you “have to be” something to practice Yoga (either flexible, strong, something!!) and yet all one needs to be is present! Its so easy! Anyone can practice Yoga. This is the beauty of the practice.

Especially at Acharya’s, it is very gentle, easy to follow and you can go to varying degrees if you want to go further the option is there. The separation of classes into different levels is useful also. Beginner to regular to Intensive. The Intensive classes are such an adventure.

I will always practice .
Love to you all.
xx Catherine

WHY I LOVE YOGA POSTURES ???

1- Thanks to the spinal twist, I can now park my car in the tiniest of spaces, because I can twist and turn so easily whilst I park.
2- I sleep so well after an evening yoga class.
3- I can relate even better to all the dogs in my family, now that I can join them in dog pose …
4- My swimming has improved, as I now know the beauty of deep breathing.
4- Thanks to camel pose, I will never hunch up my shoulders. .
5- I make my partners children laugh and laugh when I do the “TREE ” pose for them.
6- My partner loves all the strong muscles in my back, which have been as a result of some very hard, long holding poses .
7- I have learnt the most important posture , stillness of my body and stillness for my mind.

” JUST BE ” …
” I AM !!!! ”

Namaste