from Marie-Michel Tasse
Letter to Ācārya
In the late 1990s, while attending University in my early twenties, I needed additional physical education credits to graduate. At that time, I was a ski racer, and I decided to fulfill this requirement by taking a college yoga class, thinking it would complement my training. This introduction to yoga marked the beginning of a lifelong practice for me. Over the years, I found my focus shifting from the physical aspects of yoga to its more subtle effects on the mind. I became increasingly interested in Sanskrit terms, chanting, and eventually delved into the yoga sutras. This transformation was gradual but represented a significant progression for me.
In my early thirties, during my two pregnancies, I found myself remarkably disciplined in my yoga practice—perhaps the presence of my unborn babies focused my attention. Shortly after my children were born, I enrolled in a Western yoga teacher training program. This led me to pursue further training in yoga therapy, and I discovered a deep desire to continue my studies indefinitely. Fortunately, I found Jivana, initially presented as a 7-year program which later extended to 12 years, eventually realizing it was a lifelong journey. This prospect was both wonderful and exactly what I longed for. The more I learned, the more I realized how little I knew, and my thirst for knowledge grew as I understood that yoga encompassed far more than just physical postures.
Fortune smiled upon me when I met Gillian, who introduced me to Kristin, and through her, I discovered Acarya’s book which I ordered even before its official release. In Sebastopol California, I began listening to Acarya’s lectures and was grappling with both his words and his accent. I was struggling to fully grasp his language and the meaning of his lessons but I sensed deep within that I needed to continue to listen to the lectures. I could feel that even though this pursuit was foreign and quite puzzling, I was exactly where I needed to be, and that I should continue to immerse myself in the teachings as best I could. It seemed a natural progression that I would meet Acarya in person in India eventually.
Serendipity brought me to India in 2015, where I had the profound privilege of meeting Acarya in person. Having studied yoga under Western teachers for more than a decade, I quickly realized that Acarya was more than just a yoga instructor. From the moment we met, my heart resonated deeply, and I knew my quest for a teacher had reached its culmination; I had found the true mentor my soul had been seeking. I grew to deeply appreciate the profound depth of wisdom that Acarya imparted through his masterful teaching. Since this first encounter, I have returned to India every year knowing that contact with Acarya was my best learning tool.
Although my understanding remains superficial, I’ve observed that with each listening of Acarya’s lecture, I uncover new dimensions in my understanding. Gradually, it appears that these teachings are taking root, deepening my comprehension over time. When I first met Acarya, he emphasized the importance of patience and long-term dedication, reassuring me that progress in this journey would unfold gradually over many years.
Through the Jivana yoga library, I feel grateful for the opportunity to revisit the teachings regularly. These reminders are essential for my personal growth. I consider myself a slow learner, requiring frequent reinforcement. That’s why I keep Acarya’s quotes on my desk, in my journals, and even on my refrigerator. I read and reread them to absorb the teachings fully and to strengthen my commitment to living a yogic lifestyle.
Since meeting Acarya, my life journey has traversed many challenging paths, with ups and downs over rough terrain. I feel fortunate to continually return to the purpose of life. Amidst the drama that sometimes consumes me, I’ve learned to step back, observe, and breathe, calming my mind. Through this practice, I’ve come to realize that none of these external affairs need to be taken too seriously, for there exists a greater truth and purpose in life.
The ultimate goal of this existence is realization, and I strive to align all my actions toward this aim. I approach my responsibilities with dedication and love, maintaining detachment from the outcomes. Armed with this understanding, I navigate both hardships and joys with greater equanimity and resilience. Acarya’s presence in my life instills me with faith that I am on the right path and well guided.
I feel immensely blessed and grateful for the good fortune in this lifetime—to have encountered my true teacher, recognized his impact on my life, and remained open to receiving his invaluable teachings.
I am thankful for the divine orchestration that led me to Acarya, as well as for all the supporters and well-wishers who facilitated this connection. Thank you to all the co-passengers on this path as this journey is enriched and made more meaningful with you alongside.
Namaste
