
KUMI YOGINI
Yoga is a profound journey of self-discovery, empowering us to unlock our inner potential. Armed with the sword of knowledge, we can sever the ties to impurities that hinder our path to our Higher Self. This sacred practice unveils the roots of our challenges, often stemming from confusion about the distinction between Self and non-Self. As we immerse ourselves in the practice of yoga, we tap into a boundless reservoir of potential, enabling us to release what is inauthentic.
To truly embrace this journey, we must cultivate a heightened awareness that transcends the limitations of our minds, facilitating growth across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. I am passionate about the transformative power of yoga and eager to share this journey with others.
There is a sacred Indian chant that serves as a reminder to express gratitude for all the growth opportunities life offers, including the painful experiences that often lead to our most significant advancements.
Maha Mantra
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
"A mantra is mystical energy encased in a sound structure and each mantra contains within its vibrations a certain power. But of all mantras, the maha-mantra (the Hare Krishna mantra) has been prescribed as the easiest and surest way for attaining God Realization in this present age."
~ George Harrison (1943-2001)
BIO
Kumi is short for Ma Nithya Kumudini, a Sanskrit name that translates to "Eternal White Night Lotus." I was given this name during my time at an ashram in India in 2009. Born and raised in New Orleans, my adventurous spirit led me to leave home at 16 to become a foreign exchange student in Basel, Switzerland. Upon returning to the States, I lived in Pensacola, FL, in 1995, then moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1996 to pursue my college education, ultimately settling in Southern California in 2009.
It was in 2001 that my life truly changed for the better. The moment I stepped onto my mat, I felt an immediate sense of connection, and yoga quickly became an integral part of my life. This practice catalyzed significant personal transformation, inspiring me to share the gift with others. I specialize in vinyasa flow, a style that emphasizes the harmony of "one breath, one movement." The dynamic sequences are thoughtfully synchronized with high vibrational music, complemented by themes that resonate with the ancient yogic teachings.
As an E-RYT 500 certified instructor, I have had the privilege of teaching thousands of students all over the world, leading over 40 200-hour teacher training programs, and more recently guiding 300-hour trainings. Throughout my journey, I have been a featured guest at numerous yoga retreats and conferences globally and have served as an ambassador for Lululemon Athletica and Tonic apparel lines. My passion for yoga also led me to create a yoga video for Gaiam, one of the largest fitness DVD distributors in the world, alongside Trevor Tice, the founder and CEO of CorePower Yoga.
My path in yoga continues to be one of profound self-discovery and spiritual growth. In 2010, I was introduced to Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love and devotion, in Laguna Beach, California. Under the guidance of my teacher, Tukaram Prabhu, I have gained a deeper understanding of these sacred Vedic teachings.
After a decade of teaching, freelance graphic design, and managing for CorePower Yoga, I felt inspired to open my own studio in 2014. Veda Yoga is a non-profit organization based in Southern California that focuses on educating the community about the scientific principles of yoga as articulated in the ancient Vedic literatures. My teachings extend beyond the studio; I currently offer yoga, meditation, philosophy classes, workshops, retreats, conferences, and teacher training programs internationally.
My journey into the world of yoga stands as a testament to the transformative power of the practice. My passion for sharing this gift with others is evident in every aspect of my work, and my dedication to the practice has led to opportunities for spreading its wisdom all over the world.
“Every day I am amazed at how much I learn from students and get to share with others my experience. Teaching and affecting the lives of others has had a profound impact on my own spiritual growth. I want nothing more than to pass onto others that which has brought love, compassion and understanding into my own life. May we continue to learn, grown and share together in the light of yoga!”
Some of her most influential teachers are Radhanath Swami, Tukaram Das, Raghunath Das, Bryan Kest, Alanna Kaivalya, Saul David Raye, David Swenson, Dave Porter and Jim (My first yoga teacher at Bally’s on Colorado Blvd in Denver).
“ I love all the different styles, approaches and techniques that yoga uses to help us wake up and realize our highest potential. That’s what yoga is about. Integrating body, mind and spirit in healthy and positive way to promote balance and harmony from within. “
teacher training progams CorePower Yoga, Power Yoga (2003), David Swenson Ashtanga Yoga (2004), Amy Ippoliti, Anusara Yoga (2005), Alanna Kaivalya, Jivamukti Yoga (2006), Julia Danas, Viniyoga (2007), Saul David Raye, Holistic Healing Yoga (2009) Ashley Turner, Yoga Psychology (2011) Govind Das, Bhakti Yoga Shala (2015) Raghunath Das, Bhakti Cultural Immersion 300hr YTT (2020)favorite yoga workshops Bryan Kest, Carolyn Myss, Rusty Wells, Janet Stone, Shiva Rea, Ana T. Forrest, Baron Baptiste, Sharon Gannon
favorite books Srîmad Bhâgavatam by Srila VyâsadevaBhagavad Gita by A.C. Bhativedanta Swami PrabhupadaYoga Sutras of Patanjali by Edwin Bryant
favorite music Jonha Kest, Madhavan Kirtan, Jahnavi Harrison, Trevor Hall, DJ Taz, Ben Leinbach, Karnamrita, Gaura Vani, DJ Drez, Marian Hill, Sol RisingClass Schedule
VEDA YOGA - VENICE
9349 Venice Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
Tuesdays: 10:30-11:30 AM (Beginners)
Thursdays: 10:30-11:30 AM (Beginners)
Saturdays: 12-1:30PM (Advanced)
VEDA YOGA - LA CIENEGA
1835 S LA CIENEGA BLVD SUITE 240
LOS ANGELES, CA 90232
Mondays: 11-12PM Gita
12:30-1:30 PM (All Levels)
Wednesdays: 4:30-5:30 PM Gita
6-7PM (All Levels)
Fridays: 11-12PM Gita
12:30-1:30 PM (All Levels)
SPECIALTIES
YOGA GROUP CLASSES
Kumi teaches group class weekly at Veda Yoga from beginners to advanced levels. Her dynamic flow sequences are synchronized with high vibrational music and she provides a theme to compliment the essence of the ancient yogic teachings. Kumi is an E-RYT 500 certified instructor.PRIVATE LESSONS
Kumi is available for private one on one instruction. The benefit to private instruction includes but is not limited to a safer learning environment, feeling more comfortable, focus on personal goals, work around your schedule, make quicker advancement, tailor the classes to your goals.
THAI YOGA MASSAGE
Thai Yoga Massage is a form of bodywork that combines dynamic assisted stretching influenced by Yoga, and physical pressure along energy lines influenced by Chinese acupuncture and Ayurveda.
MARMA THERAPY SESSION
Marma therapy is an ancient healing modality. It was used in the Vedic period by the warrior class to help them heal when they came back from battle. It's a two hour session that includes practices similar to Thai Yoga Massage, acupressure, oil massage and reiki.
YOGA PHILOSPHY
These classes offer an in depth look at different aspects of yoga philosophy. We not only discuss the history of yoga but we dive into the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Yoga Sutras. These are India's most treasured and famous spiritual texts. They teach us about about the human condition and no matter what type of life circumstance you find yourself in, there is guidance and wisdom to be found. With these teachings, you will learn to navigate the waters of material existence with more ease and grace.
SOUNDBATH
A Sound Bath is a deeply-immersive, full-body listening experience that intentionally uses sound to invite gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative processes to nurture your mind and body.
BHAGAVAD GITA
Chapter 2 Verse 20
Translation:
For the soul, there is neither birth nor death at any time. It has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. The soul is birthless, eternal, imperishable and timeless and is never destroyed when the body is destroyed.
THE YOGA PHILOSOPHY
The word "yoga" originated from the Sanskrit root "yuj" which means to join, connect, or unite. Even in its English language cognates like "yoke," we see the idea of connection and bringing two things together.
The primary aim of yoga is to unite our individual consciousness with the Absolute Truth, a fundamental message of the Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture that encapsulates the essence of yoga. Comprising 700 verses, the Gita explores every dimension of the human experience, offering insights that resonate with practitioners at all levels, from beginners to advanced yogis. No matter where you are on your journey, there is a verse in the Gita that can guide you through your seeking.
In this sacred text, we encounter the story of Arjuna, a noble warrior who turns to his friend Krishna for counsel amid the chaos of battle. Faced with the moral dilemma of fratricidal conflict, Arjuna is filled with confusion and uncertainty, prompting him to seek Krishna’s wisdom. It is here that we receive the first profound teaching of yoga: we are not merely the body. While we often identify with our physical form, we are, in essence, souls using our bodies as vehicles for self-realization. This understanding lays the groundwork for liberating Arjuna from doubt, fear, and anxiety in a constantly shifting material existence.
Every breath reminds us of the impermanence of our physical bodies, yet the soul remains unchanged. This realization illuminates the truth that we are not solely physical beings; we are spiritual beings as well. Through yoga, we connect with our true selves and experience the profound union of our individual consciousness with the Absolute Truth.
Yoga transcends religion, culture, and nationality; it is a universal practice that equips us with the tools to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our lives. By reconnecting with our true selves, we can discover peace, clarity, and purpose. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita remind us that we are not alone on this journey; we are all interconnected in our quest for the same ultimate truth.
CONTACT ME
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