Paul Emerson PhD. began his practice of hatha yoga in 1969 and started teaching in 1975 through the Meditation Center in Minneapolis-MN at the behest of Swami Veda Bharati.  Having spent 8 years in the Physiology department during his graduate studies, he currently holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota where he also teaches part time.  Paul has worked in various positions as a research scientist, a manager of clinical research with a major biomedical company and a software engineer. He holds patents on breath sensor applications in pacemakers and ventilators and has a special interest in the application of breath in behavioral medicine.

Shashi Saigal, MD is an initiate within Himalayan Yoga and Meditation tradition of Swami Rama. She is a meditator and a student within the Himalayan tradition. She is a physician and practices family medicine in Palatine. Dr. Saigal teaches anatomy and physiology to TTP students.  She also teaches workshops on holistic living for physical and mental well being, and fundamentals of Indian cooking.

Stephen Parker Psy.D. specializes in counseling psychology and serves on the teaching faculties of several Universities in Minneapolis-St. Paul area. He studied Sanskrit at University of Minnesota under Swami Veda. Dr. Parker has been a teacher of yoga and meditation for over 30 years and is a grandparented Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500 hour level of the Yoga Alliance. A member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, he serves on the faculties of the Meditation Center in Minneapolis and the Sadhanamandir and Sadhaka Gram ashrams in Rishikesh, India. He is also a senior faculty member of the International Himalayan Yoga Teachers’ Association. He has lectured on yoga, meditation and spiritual practice throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as in Carribean countries, Holland, South Africa, Korea, Hong Kong and India. In 2004 he helped originate and teach the first course on yoga in an American medical school at the University of Minnesota Academic Medical Center. He is a Sanskrit scholar, and has been the chief editor of Swami Veda’s commentaries on Yoga Sutras.

Dr. Parker was initiated in the Himalayan Tradition in 1971 by Swami Veda Bharati (formerly Dr. Usharbudh Arya), and was given the initiate name Stoma. He served for a year in the ashram at the Meditation Center in Minneapolis, MN. He is among the first teachers certified by the Himalayan International Teachers’ Association H.I.T.A., and he began teaching hatha-yoga in 1974.

In the beginning of my life journey, Yoga was my hobby and I tried it for fun in college. At that time, I was practicing strictly physical Yoga (Hatha) and I knew, that something was missing. I met many wonderful people and visited places, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to learn more about yoga, the knowledge which comes with it, so as to know how to help myself and others to be better, stronger with their bodies and minds.

Since I moved to the US, I’ve tried many different kinds of Yoga and I’ve met many great teachers, who showed me a whole new meaning of yoga practice. I learned that yoga is so much more than asanas and relaxation. It is a deeply spiritual and meditative path leading to much more selfless, earth conscious and intuitive living. It has taught me how life is unpredictable, yet it is gentle and precious. It has shown me how important it is to be in the present and to be appreciative of every moment of our life. Yoga has showed me how patience can lead us to deal with any of the life’s obstacles.

I have been practicing yoga for eight years. This path has led me to completing my 200 hours teacher training program at the Himalayan Center in 2019. I have been teaching yoga part time since my graduation.

Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. is a certified yoga teacher and Ayurvedic educator trained in the Himalayan tradition. Initiated in 1979, he received his teaching certificate from the Himalayan Institute Teachers Association in 1988. Since then, Gary has received certification as an Ayurvedic educator from the Ayurvedic Institute of Albuquerque in 1991 and from the American Ayurvedic Association in 2000. He writes the Ayurveda column for Yoga Chicago Magazine and is co-director of Annapurna Holistic Services. His blog can be found at ayurvedalessons.com.

I started practicing yoga on and off during my 20’s. I was experimenting with yoga, because I was not certain yoga was a right fit for me.

After going through some minor health issues five years ago, I was re-introduced to yoga and pranayama techniques. This was the start of a new chapter in my life. I was finding relief and strength from within by practicing yoga more often.

After being exposed to a healer that utilizes ancient shamanic techniques, my own spirit guides, revealed that I should pursue yoga. After that experience, I signed up for the 200 teacher training program at the Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Center. This path has been a life altering path for me. I learned many techniques in the Hatha style program. I have found peace, serenity, and divine connection from meditation and mantras.

During the time I was completing the 200 level program, I was exposed to the shamanic healing techniques from the same healer I met before. I decided to study under this person and was revealed similar capabilities to connect with the Divine and help those in need. To make a long story short, I have decided to walk the path of leading, teaching, and offering healing to others. My next adventure is to continue the yoga training program at the Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Center for the 300 level. In addition, to experience my first vision quest in 2017.

My classes will be based on the level I and level II Hatha practice. The practice will focus on pranayama, asanas (yoga postures), and meditation for optimal physical benefits.