In traditional yoga, teachings are passed down indidivually from guru to disciple. The student lives with the guru in order to learn from them and to let the yoga teachings permeate every aspect of their life. This can be, and most often is, very challenging -as one's every action and word are under the watchful eye of the guru.

He or she easily recognizes the personal challenges, shortcomings and blindspots that one has; and then provides guidance and opportunities for one to overcome these traits. This often comes in the form of very harsh wake up calls as we humans tend to be stuck in our ways unless something very powerful catches our attention. While it might sound like hell having your individual shortcomings constantly exposed and challenged -and it can feel like that- it is also a unique and beautiful opportunity for self-growth.

For most people, those opportunities come from life itself -through practical challenges and relationships. Becoming a student with a guru is a way to accelarate this process. Like a warrior taking on a quest, we embrace and ask for the challenges with the intention to struggle with them, rise above and ultimately become the best version of oursleves. Or rather, to go beyond selfhood and merge into oneness with the Divine who is all-knowing, all-powerful and omnipresent. Like a drop of water merging with the vastness of the ocean, by dropping our ego we become one with the vastness of the absolute.

In modern times, a true guru is hard to come by, and yoga is usually taught in a group setting. So I feel very fortunate to have had a genuine guru and to have been able to live and work closely with him for 12 years. It's difficult to describe this experience with so many facets resulting in a complete transformation on every level - body, mind, behavior, emotions and personality.

My guru is Victor "Vyasa" Landa, a gentle man who emanated great power and peace at all times. He was ever-ready to help others despite any personal challenges or responsibilities and dedicated his life to helping and serving in any capacity where he saw a need. Guruji made a lasting impression on everyone who met him. He inspired so many to better their lives and to seek fulfillment beyond material pursuits. In yoga tradition we say that true freedom comes when one is no longer pushed here and there by internal impulses. And my guru's work with me was focused on helping me to reach that point of true inner freedom.

Guruji left his body in December 2018. Yet, thanks to his teaching and work with him, I don't feel he has departed. On the contrary, I feel him with me, guiding, supporting and reminding me at every moment. I am eternally grateful for the 12 years we had together in human earthly form and hope that through taking my turn to teach the science of yoga that he cherished and taught, I can do my part to serve to further his mission and his work on the Earth plane.