Meditation Class Testimonials

Group Meditation 

Clayton Yoga Shala - California 

May 25, 2017 

Thank you Neel for our 2nd year of teacher training in the Shala! You’ve been a great asset to our community in teaching Authentic Yoga - something not too easily found these days. It has been my great pleasure to attend your workshops, read your books, listen to your lectures and chanting, and to learn the AdhiYoga system. Mostly I am happy to have such a bright and pure soul like yours to call my friend and teacher! I am so impressed with your knowledge and experience, and the way you present the ancient and esoteric information in such concise and clear manner. Your understanding of the philosophy and tradition of Yoga is astounding. I look forward to many years of work and friendship and learning together. 

Thank you, thank you for all you do - for all of us serious students of Yoga! 

Hanna Mae Owens, Psychology Student, Virginia, U.S.A. 

Neel, Thank you so much for everything you have done to help me and teach me on this trip. I am very lucky to he able to learn from you. I am amazed by your knowledge and generosity. I look forward to learning from you in the future. 

January 2012 

Ashka Soni, Chemical Engineering Student, Pune, India 

I personally feel that neel's class is very special since it not only gives u fitness but he also helps to give emotional stability in your life . Also he is a inspiration to us all since he is a very hardworking person himself . Apart from all that whenever he makes you feel that you are part of family . A lot of places can give you weight loss or whatever else you are looking for but he teaches you to always keep smiling . thank u neel 

27 December 2011 

Ashna Bhatia, Chemical Engineering Student, Pune, India 

I think Neel is very nice as a person . He is not just a yoga teacher in my life but my mentor ,who gave my life new aspects .He is a keen observer .I am a very careless person from my nature and I never used to accept my mistakes. Within the one hour daily class Neel observed all these flaws in me and helped me to get rid of them . I am really blessed to have him in my life.... 

28 December 2011 

Ashna Bhatia 

Cécile Poyet, Virginia and California, USA 

"Neel has been my yoga instructor since 2007. He has taught me the most fundamental yoga concepts and practices. This has deeply changed my life – changes that will stay with me forever. Besides the most visible benefits related to better quality of sleep and healthier eating habits, I have seen myself becoming a calmer, more balanced, peaceful and satisfied person. Every day, I enjoy exploring my spirituality and divine nature further. These evolutions would not have been possible without Neel’s dedication, patience and teachings. I am very grateful to him for being my yoga instructor and to life for having made our paths cross. May every person on a spiritual path find such a helpful source of inspiration and universal love." 

24 December 2011 

Hi Neel, Thank you so much for offering me a special last yoga class. I am sorry I had to miss your class today and had not been able to say goodbye properly. However, I would like you to know that it does not change anything to the wonderful teaching you have been giving to me over the past months. Many things have been changing in my life in a very positive way since I started yoga classes with you. And I know I still have many things to learn, which is great. I feel very lucky I met you and Nancy. You are both very special people and you really became my "yoga family", as Nancy once said. I have been enjoying every time I have been sharing with you. Thank you very much again for offering me a yoga class tonight or tomorrow. I will not be able to make it, not only because I have to finish packing my stuff and have no car anymore, but also because I do not like goodbyes much :-) Take great care of you both of you. I will certainly give you news from California. 

Namaste, Cecile June 21, 2008 

Before starting yoga courses with Neel, I had been thinking for more than one year about doing yoga. I probably did not dare to try because I was aware that it could open things in me that would be over my control, like when I studied philosophy in college. 

Finally, after moving to Northern Virginia, and knowing that I would stay in the area for a little while, I though that I should really give a try. I had a look on Internet and found Neel’s website. I sent him an e-mail and, ten days later, had my first course of yoga. I liked it right away. At that time in my life, I was looking for a new approach about food, exercise, and mental balance. I read Neel’s book and understood right away that yoga could help me significantly. I also understood that everyone has to find his/her own approach. Yoga is something really personal and individual. 

This is the reason why Neel is doing a fantastic job. He is able to share with his students his own knowledge of yoga, to provide them guidelines and, ultimately, to help them find their own way. He is always willing to answer their questions: questions directly linked to practice, but also questions about the more global discipline that yoga is – life, death, sleep, emotions...while having a realistic and wide enough approach so everyone can find his/her own way. Philosophy lessons are, in that regard, a privileged time to exchange ideas and develop a wider understanding of yoga. I personally found many answers and formulated many questions while reading Neel’s book, Health and Yoga Aphorisms, of Saee Tech, The Authentic Yoga School with Commentary. 

I am currently traveling extensively for my job. I miss Neel’s courses but I was lucky enough to meet him at a calmer time in my life during which I built the ability to practice on my own. I am also very lucky I read his book. I come from France and, after more than 

one year in the US, I was still not satisfied with the way I was feeding myself. Speaking with Neel and reading his book opened my eyes. I understood that the purpose for me should not be to fight calories and pounds but, instead, to make sure that I feed my body properly. The same thing was true about my mind. I understood that activity, although everywhere in our society, was not necessarily what I should be looking for all the time. I learnt how to relax, close my eyes, pay attention to my body, ear how I feel inside. For me, it has been the first step to a more balanced life. 

The exciting thing is that I know I still have many things to learn from Neel. Yoga can be an entire life. I want to explore the very wide possibilities it offers for a more satisfying and meaningful life. I know Neel will help me in this project. 

Cécile Poyet Boston, 12/14/2007 

Cécile Poyet 

Denny Grossman, Ecology Scientist, Vienna, Virginia, U.S.A. 

"Neel has continued to provide valuable guidance to my yoga practice over the past year. Neel is a unique teacher with comprehensive knowledge of yoga philosophy, tradition and practice. I am grateful for the opportunity to study with him." 

Namaste, Denny 01/07/2009 

I have been a yoga student with Neel over the past year. His breadth and depth of knowledge regarding the history and philosopy of yoga represent the generations
of dedicated practice in this family. I have benefited from general class instruction and individual training. My energy, strength, flexibility and overall health have significantly improved as a direct result from his intstructions. I am forturnate to have found this knowledgeable, helpful and friendly yoga teacher in Vienna. I strongly recommend Neel as a yoga teacher for any serious student. 

Denny Grossman February 2007 

Denny Grossman 

Dr. Sue Ann Lewin, Yoga Teacher Trainee, Stress Reduction Specialist, Doctor of Chropractic, Virginia, U.S.A. 

I’ve been an athlete my whole life ... running, martial arts, triathlon, step aerobics, etc. When my spiritual path took a turn towards the East, back in the 70’s, it seemed that yoga would be a perfect fit, so I tried it. I hated it. Classes were either boring, or frustrating, or sometimes both. I didn’t stay with it. 

I tried again in college while getting my degree in exercise physiology. I still hated it. When I became a chiropractor, 20 years ago, I tried again. I knew I should be doing yoga, but I just didn’t resonate. I kept trying, though. I never found a class I liked. 

Finally, a few years ago a new yoga studio opened up nearby and I tried again. This time I was really impressed with the approach of these teachers. After a few years, when I made it to an “advanced class”, I met Neel. 

Neel was very different from the other teachers. I liked his style of teaching right away. He teaches for people who are serious about yoga. I have found it difficult to take classes from other people now. For several reasons. 

Many yoga teachers seem to place a lot of emphasis on knowing the Sanskrit names of the poses. Neel (who is a Sanskrit scholar) never uses those names. He just shows us what to do and we did it. It seems much more efficient to me. 

Other teachers would tell me that yoga was about self discovery, and then give me all kinds of information about the poses, what I should be feeling, how it should be done, even telling me at which yoga workshop they learned that specific piece of information. Neel would say, “Do this pose for a while and you will learn something”. He teaches concepts, not details. As long as I’m doing yoga according to the concepts, the details will come. 

All teachers encouraged a home practice. Neel always started the class by asking if there were any questions. At first, I wondered why he didn’t wait until the end of class. Then I realized that the questions would come from a doing yoga at home. It was a subtle and effective way of encouraging a home practice. I noticed that whenever I asked a question, no matter how profound or trivial or seemingly “non-yogic”, Neel would usually be able to quote a passage from the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali that was directly related. Later on I realized that by having a question and doing the practice, I frequently got the answer on my own. 

There are several yoga studios closer to my home, with classes at more convenient times. I was never really tempted to try them out. I have come to realize what a unique individual Neel is and how fortunate I am that he teaches in my area. This year when Neel announced that he and Nancy were moving to India, I tried to define for myself why that is. I do like the way he teaches, but it’s much more than that. It’s because of who he is. 

I have taken many yoga classes with other great teachers. I may be making this up, but I have always felt that some level, probably subconsciously and some more blatantly than others every one of them was trying to get me to realize how great they are. I always feel that Neel is trying to get me to realize how great I am. 

01/03/2009 

When Neel told me his teacher training was 14 classes, I was intrigued. There are thousands of asanas. How could he teach me every one, and how to teach them all in just 14 weeks? It's impossible.
I learned so much more. From the first class, I knew I was in the right place. By teaching me the concepts for teaching in the Authentic Yoga System, Neel taught me a simple and effective method to teach what I already know. I realized that my whole life became the teacher training. 

Thank you, Neel.
Dr. Sue Ann Lewine, Stress Reduction Specialist ad Doctor of Chiropractic, Virginia, USA 01 /20/2006 

Dr. Sue Ann Lewin 

Ellen H, School Teacher, Vienna, Virginia, USA 

Hi Neel,
Tuesday evening Yoga at Evolution: Yoga not only helps strengthen the body but nurtures the spirit. It is a wonderful discipline for young and old alike.
-Ellen 

11/29/2007 

Hi Neel,
Many thanks for your kind note. Yes, I must ascribe some of the credit to your Yoga class! There is an authenticity to your class which makes it a meaningful experience. It has, indeed, helped me to improve my mental and physical well being. There is much to learn...
Kind regards,
Ellen H 

4/15/2007 

Ellen H 

George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.A. - Summer 2007 

I decided to join this Yoga class hoping that it would help release my stress, stretch my body and probably fix the bone problems that I have had. It turns out that I have learnt a lot more than I expected. I learnt an original context of how Yoga was practiced and that Meditation plays a significant role in our class. After long hours of work, I sometimes got lazy to come to the class. But, I pushed myself to come, which I did not regret. The class is really awesome. I definitely will join the class again in the Fall. 

Win, pinalaiwo@gmu.edu 

This class has surprised me in a very positive way. Yoga is what the instructor makes of it, and Neel makes it a deep and enrichment experience that goes into the roots of Yoga. This class is more than a fitness series of postures. It is as he calls it, "Authentic Yoga". 

Gloria, Post Doctoral Researcher in Psychology 

This is my first Yoga class and it has been great. Some of the exercises were difficult for me, but i suppose in time, I shall get better. Great class! 

Jessica, Ph.D. Computer Science 

This was a good class. i liked the chanting and exercises both. I would like to do more activities on the feet. The class was well organized. 

Al Rao, Software Engineer 

George Mason University 

George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.A. - Spring 2007 

I am still new to yoga but have always been passionate about it. I have had some great teachers in the past but working with Neel was a wondrous pleasure. His class really felt personal and the student teacher relationship was very strong. This class has become the highlight of my week! I spend days looking forward to the next time. No matter what I will never forget the time spent doing yoga with Neel. 

Miguet Schwab, GMU Student. 

I took the Authentic Yoga Teacher Training program this year. If you are interested in yoga, this is a class worth taking because it goes really in depth. The class helps to focus on the areas you’re most interested in improving and the results can be seen after few months. Overall it was an enjoyable experience. I always left class feeling energized and content. 

Liza D, 04/00/2007 

Hi Mr. Kulkarni,
I have enjoyed taking the Authentic Yoga class with you this semester. I have been able to achieve my short-term goal of learning something new, since I had never been exposed to yoga exercise before your class. I hope I will be able to learn and use more yoga after this semester. I gained several benefits for physical and mental health. Every time I finish each session I feel better mentally and physically. The benefits I have learned and gained from your Authentic Yoga class are increased flexibility, stronger muscles, and a calmer mind. The meditation at the end of each class has helped me feel more relaxed and calm about life. Thank you! 

Helen Kwong 

George Mason University 

Jagadish, IT Professional, Michigan, U.S.A. 

Dear Neel,
I have strictly followed your suggestions for the last three months and I observed significant changes. My sleep quality has improved, and I am more relaxed and balanced now. I thank you very much for your guidance. There is still one issue that is generating stress and anxiety. That is my job. xxxxxxIn the past, I would crumble under stress, but now I am still ok but I can clearly see that it is balancing the benefits I am getting from my practice. What should I do? Could you please suggest anything?
Regards,
Jagadish
4/ 4/2007 

Jagadish 

George Mason University - Fall 2006, Fairax, Virginia, USA 

This semester I acheived both stress relief and weight loss while taking yoga. The classes helped me keep my anxiety and stress level low, helped me clear my mind and also helped my body by aiding me in loosing 7 pounds over the last few months. If you want a class that will challenge you both mentally and physically, I recomend Neel's yoga class. -
Antonia, 21 

Antonia 

George Mason University, Spring 2005, Fairfax, Virginia 

Hello Neel,
I was in your GMU Friday night Yoga class. I enjoyed the class very much. I feel privileged to have learned from such an experienced and knowledgable teacher. The yoga classes helped me in many ways. My friends and family noticed a change in my 

stressful life as I became a happier and more relaxed person. Also, I feel healthier and stronger. I would like to continue taking your classes. Where will you be teaching this summer?
Thank you, 

Neha Shah 

Neel,
Here is my feedback regarding the Yoga class:
(1) After each class I felt quite energized and relaxed. It has been great for both my mind and body. It helped improve my flexibility and control over my mind and body.
(2) I would like to have this class twice a week, to get more practice and more workout. (3) It would be nice to have a quiter room assigned to this Yoga class, which does not face the swimming-pool (if at all possible).
(4) I (finally) managed to listen to the CD with the relaxing techniques..Relaxation For Meditation using Authentic Yoga System. Very effective!
Carlotta
Neel,
Here is the feedback for the GMU class.
"I have been taking Neel's yoga classes for almost 3 years and continue to enjoy individualized exercises; the classes are tailored according to students' needs and goals. Neel got me hooked on yoga. I would prefer GMU yoga classes meeting twice a week. Just once
a week is not sufficient."
SG 

George Mason University 

Katherine A. Banfield, Registered Yoga Teacher, Virginia 

My name is Katie Banfield and I have been studying yoga from Neel for over a year now. I had the good luck of meeting Neel at a point in my practice when I was looking for a teacher who could really offer personal attention and guidance. As a yoga teacher myself and a fairly advanced practitioner of asana, I felt the need for a teacher who understood the science very deeply and could meet me at my level of experience. Neel is not only a great teacher, he is a master practitioner of all aspects of yoga. Just when I think there cant be anymore to uncover, he opens up an immense body of knowledge for me to explore. I have particularly enjoyed the time we have spent together discussing philosophy, chanting, and the culture of India. I feel that I have been blessed to have met such a jewel here in the West. After four trips to India, I was skeptical about finding a competent and authentic teacher outside of Asia, but I have found one here in Virginia. It would take me more than one lifetime to learn the techniques that Neel considers familiar, but I am excited to have begun that process with someone I consider a brother, teacher, spiritual guide and friend. 

Katherine A. Banfield RYT 

Katherine A. Banfield 

John Kokur, Music Major, GMU, Fairfax, Virginia 

"The "Authentic Yoga" class taught on the George Mason campus is a great introduction into the world of Yoga. Neel Kulkarni structures his class around his students and is willing to go out of his way to help you. He has an extensive knowledge of all aspects of Yoga. In one class, you will learn exercises and poses, meditation, philosophy, and 

advice for a healthy lifestyle. In my experience in just the last few months, I have found that daily practice of the exercises taught in this class promotes a definite sense of well- being and physical health. Contemplation of the philosophical ideas (seeking their truth in your life) and meditation practice leads to mental peace. Thank you Neel for sharing your experience and knowledge." 

April 15, 2005 

John Kokur 

Carla Vercoe, Pilates Instructor, Oakton, Virginia 

Neel, 

I originally starting taking classes from you at Authentic Yoga School once a week with the intention of “undoing” all the damage I do to my body during the week. With running and spinning my body truly needs the extra attention that yoga gives me in addition to my pilates training. After just a couple of months, I realized that my once a week yoga class was the one thing I do that I truly looked forward to. In addition to a great workout, I get a feeling of inner peace and contentment and I try to keep that feeling throughout the day. 

Your teaching method is personable and your students are always pleasant and make the experience complete. After my two personal training sessions at the end of last year, I have begun my own home practice which I try to do 3 to 5 times a week. After just a couple of weeks of your personalized training, my husband and associates noticed improvement in my back and posture. I am having less back pain and am able to sit and stand much straighter than I have in the past. My scoliosis is on it’s way to being corrected. In addition to my new posture, I have made new friends at Authentic Yoga School. 

Carla Vercoe 03/08/2005 

Carla Vercoe 

Pamela McDonald, Alexandria, Virginia 

About your Yoga school-- I see that what you offer is much more than what the "marketed" American yoga schools offer. You provide a complete teaching--an awakened way of being that includes Raja, Karma, Jnana, Bhakti, and Hatha yoga. I experience you as a spiritual teacher who uses yoga as the means or path to an awakened life. I immediately experienced a transmission upon meeting you--that which cannot be put into words--but is what I translated into an "inner knowing" that I had found the right teacher for me. I feel that transmission every time I am in your presence. The beauty of being a student of Authentic Yoga is that I feel completely accepted and known from a very deep place in you. I realize that I trust you completely without hesitation from a place of inner knowing in me (and that sense of deep trust is rare for me). Your knowledge of yoga and the spirit is not book knowledge, it comes from within you and that is very special and rare. I believe the "right" students will find you and that your job may be to find a way to let them know you are here. 

19 October 2004 

Pamela McDonald 

George Mason University, Fall 2004, Fairfax, Virginia 

Pruneh (prafat1@yahoo.com) - My objective was to be able to relax and this class helped me in relaxing. Also, the Relaxation for Meditation CD was very helpful and helped me in practing at home. 

Hardeep Grover (hgrover@gmu.edu) - Have loved everything so far. 

SG - Some improvement in flexibility. Need longer class with more exercise. Can not live without Yoga. 

Joan Pollaci (JoanPollaci@netzero.com) - Your Yoga class has helped me in the following ways: a) gained more flexibility b)improved my postures c)gained strength d)felt more relaxed e)learnt new postures. 

Christine San (dvaleo@yahoo.com) - I find Yoga is so hard. I was discouraged in the first three classes, especially during the Headstand. But then, it got a little easier. So, I hope to stay for the next session if I begin to get used to the strenuous strength exercises. 

George Mason University 

Drs. Menetta Myers, Clinical Psychologist, Virginia 

Feedback: I have thoroughly enjoyed being a student of yoga under the direction of Neel Kulkarni. His dedication to a yoga lifestyle comes across in his knowledge of philosophy, meditation, Hatha yoga, and a variety of other subjects. Yoga has helped me to feel more centered and better able to manage stress. I also feel physically stronger and healthier. I would recommend Authentic Yoga to anybody interested in learning yoga from a true Yogi. Neel can adjust his teachings to any experience level and any special need-even in a classroom with several students. 

Menetta Myers 03/22/2004 

I have been practicing yoga (including meditation and philosophy) under the guidance of Neel for almost 3 years now. Initially, I forced myself to go because I needed an outlet for work related stress and a friend suggested that yoga might be beneficial. Currently, I am much more motivated to attend class, partly because of the benefits I have noticed and partly because of Neel's enthusiasm and dedication to the teaching of yoga. Neel has taken me under his wing and provided me with encouragement and support while gently nudging me to push my limits and work toward my goal. He is extremely attentive to the needs of each of his students and he develops the overall goal of the class based on the personal goals of each student. He caters his lectures and practice to the class goal and he is flexible when new topics are suggested by his students. He is knowledgeable on a variety of subjects and he is able communicate complex philosophical concepts in an easily understandable manner. From my observations, he is willing and able to answer any questions from his students and address any concerns that are presented to him. In between classes or for private concerns, he is accessible by email and will respond promptly. Neel is genuinely invested in yoga as a lifestyle and it shows in his style of teaching and his interactions with his students. I feel fortunate that my introduction to yoga was with Neel and I plan to continue this journey with him as my guide. 

05/05/2003 

I have been practicing Yoga under Neel's supervision for approximately two years. I appreciate the individual attention I receive from Neel, even in group classes. He helps each student to identify and attain their goals. My personal goal is stress reduction and I have been able to reach and maintain that goal by practicing with Neel regularly and listening to the information he offers on Nutrition, Yoga Practice, Meditation, and Philosophy. He has a vast knowledge base and he has a way of pushing me to stay motivated without making me feel overwhelmed. I am very pleased with the progress I have made and surprised by what I have been able to get my body to do! 

10/15/2002 

Drs. Menetta Myers 

Kelly McFarland, Nurse, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 

My goal at the onset of the class was to increase concentration of mind. Build more mind control over body. I have achieved more flexibility and concentration. Though I do not practice very regularly, after grauduation, I hope to incorporate the practice into my daily routine. Great Instruction!!!! Thank you. 

04/23/2003 

Kelly McFarland
George Mason University 

Basketball Team, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 

As a college basketball coach for the last thirty-two years, I have spent a great deal of time trying to learn more and more about strength development, conditioning, and flexibility. We have had an outstanding basketball program with players who have been in great shape. However, this year we made the decision to include yoga in our pre-season workouts and are extremely pleased that we did. The yoga classes were a tremendous help to my team. Neel Kulkarni did an outstanding job of explaining, teaching, and demonstrating what yoga is all about. We saw excellent improvement with all our players in the areas of flexibility, relaxation, breathing, focus, and strength during the ten-week ten session program. Neel’s simple explanations and demonstrations were very impressive. Flexibility is so important and our players learned so much about how to relax, visualize, and stay focused. I was so impressed I also shared this information with my wife and the two of us have now begun yoga exercises at home daily. I would recommend Neel to anyone interested in learning about yoga. His enthusiasm and obvious yoga talent makes it very enjoyable to work with him. 

Sincerely, 

Jim Larranaga,
Head Basketball Coach 

01/29/2003 

Jim Larranaga
George Mason University 

Cathy Andrews, Government Admin, Alexandria, Virginia 

For the past year, I have attended Neel's Hatha Yoga/Meditation/Philosophy/Chanting class. The class is very challenging, informative, and interesting. It is a multi-level class 

and Neel manages to tax us all to our full capacity! The meal Neel provides at the end of class is always tasty, nutritious, and welcome. When I began studying with Neel, my goals were to decrease asthmatic symptoms, lose weight, increase strength and flexibility, and to heal a knee injury. I no longer take any asthma medications, have lost 30 lbs, and have increased my strength and flexibility. 

My knee has been slow to heal but, with the progress I've made thus far, I am still hopeful. While I attend classes faithfully, I must admit my actual practice outside the classroom has been sporadic. Thus, one of my new goals is discipline. I enjoy Neel's classes immensely. Neel is knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects and has a gentle, peaceful, patient spirit about him. I continue to recommend his classes and instructional aids to my friends, family, and co-workers. Really, I would recommend his classes to everyone. I wish you peace. 

Cathy Andrews 05/08/2003 

I met Neel Kulkarni in the summer of 2002 on the heels of an unsuccessful attempt to train for a marathon. It has been an auspicious meeting for me. At the time I was experiencing knee pain and asthma symptoms exacerbated by the training. In response to Neel's question about my goals for the class, I said I wanted more strength, flexibility, and to alleviate the asthmatic symptoms. Regarding the knee pain, Neel said, "Don't worry about it." Regarding the asthma he said, "The asthma can be eradicated in six months. Are you ready to make some changes in your diet?" Thus began my journey into yoga. I stand about 30 pounds lighter and no longer take any asthma medications. (I was taking pills and using an inhaler.) The knee pain is off and on, but lessening. Neel's personalized approach to teaching is most impressive. The exercise classes are challenging. The meditation/philosophy classes are stimulating. A different way of looking at the world than what I am accustomed to. What I enjoy as much as anything about the classes is the interesting people I meet. I would heartily recommend Auhtentic Yoga Classes to anyone. 

10/28/02 

Cathy Andrews 

John Kovac, Harpist and Harpmaker, Front Royal, Virginia 

I have been taking Yoga Instruction with Neel for two years. Prior to this, I have taken Yoga Instruction at health clubs for about 3 years, and I was benefitted by them as well. However, I felt intimidated by keeping with instructors and students who were better at the Yoga Exercises than myself. I went to Neel specifically because I had a severe case of Sciatica and the Acupuncture failed to remedy it. Chiropractics was of some benefit. I derived the maximum and full benefit and recovery due to Neel's individualized Yoga Routine. He was giving me fewer exercises to do but telling me to concentrate and do them well. The exercises were much less stressful, but involved relaxed stretching which was challenging and which I feel, took me to the very basics of Yoga. 

I also like his approach where he asked me what particularly I wanted out of Yoga. Obviously, I wanted to improve my Musical Skills as I am a professional Harpmaker and Harp Player, in addition to recovery from Sciatica. It is difficult to say what Yoga is doing exactly since it benefits us in so many ways, but I am sure that Neel's measured instruction has been of immense benefit to me at many levels, healthwise, mentally, and musically. Neel is very knowledgeable about human body and Yoga, and has obviously devoted his life to the practice of this discipline. This is NOT just a part time thing with Neel. I would highly and unadvisedly recommend Neel to any one who is either beginning 

Yoga, or someone who wants to take it to higher levels. Neel really knows what he is doing. 

10/02/2003 

I am a professional Musician. Thanks to Neel's Authentic Yoga! My teaching and overall Musicianship have benefited immensely. Thanks to Neel's instruction. Also, I suffered from Sciatica pain which the Accupuncture failed to remedy. A few Yoga exercises instructed by Neel helped immensely. John Kovac 

12/20/2002 

John Kovac 

www.johnkovac.com 

Yoanna I. Ganeva-Khanzada , Actress, Chantilly, Virginia 

My goal was to achieve peace of mind and return my body comfort and flexibility. I achieved both with Neel's help and instruction. My work environment is very static-sit all day in front of a computer and I needed to rejuvenate myself to start feeling my body again. Yoga is all about you (the practitioner) and how you feel inside, observe from inside and make changes you want from inside. I felt in touch with myself again especially through meditation. Through Yoga, I felt the comfort of being in my own skin. I started loving myself again. 

10/15/2002 

Yoanna I. Ganeva-Khanzada 

Bill Sachaw, Nurse Scientist, Alexandria, Virginia 

I have been studying for a year now with Neel. He is a very good teacher and is extremely knowledgeable about the benefits of Yoga. I feel that I have made gradual progress in doing the poses so that I get the maximum benefit from them, both physically and spiritually. My ability to focus and my endurance for aerobic exercise have been enhanced by the practice of Yoga. In addition, one of my goals was weight loss, and Yoga has helped me in that respect as well. Yoga has definitely been a welcome addition to my life and has enhanced my overall feeling of well-being. 

10/16/2002 

Bill Sachaw 

Anandi (Sandra) May, Yoga Teacher, Alexandria, Virginia 

I have known Neel for a number of years, meeting him at a satsang at Yogaville. I am a Yoga Teacher since 1992, certified in Integral Yoga and Sampoorna Yoga (Yogi Hari). I must admit that I am totally impressed with the method taught by Mr. Kulkarni. 

I teach from my home and invited Neel to teach on a few occassions. I attended the class myself, and I and my students were very inspired by his style of teaching. He began by talking about Yoga - why we do it and the many benefits derived from the practice of Yoga and the impact on the entire system - body, mind and spirit. The hatha portion was different from what I normally practice, but I felt energized and uplifted. Neel ended the class with a deep relaxation as he played a recording of himself chanting OM shantih. His knowledge of Sanskrit and Vedas is very inspiring. 

Neel's profound dedication to teaching Yoga and its philosophy are something very special, and I feel that Yoga community will greatly benefit by having such an outstanding, unique, and authentic yoga teacher. 

September 18, 2001 

Anandi (Sandra) May 

Linda Lasley, Northern VA Community College, Virginia 

a)Was the objective of the class met? My goal was stress reduction. I achieved this through learning new yoga positions. b) Level of Instructor Knowledge. Superior. c) Ability of Instructor communication. Excellent. Always answered questions and provided additional information. d) Instructor's willingness to communicate. Excellent. Before, after and during class the instructor made himself available to answer questions. e) Would you like to recommend this class to another? Definitely. f) Would you take another class from this instructor. Definitely and have made plans to do so. g) Any other comments. Wonderful class. h) How did you learn about this class. College sent "flyer" to my home regarding available courses. 

11/13/2001 

Linda Lasley 

Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology, Virginia 

Dear Neel, Alongwith students, I would like to voice my appreciation for your efforts this past year to teach Yoga to students at Jefferson. I know it was difficult at times because of the poor setting and short time for the classes, but you always got the students to "make a happy face" and enjoy whatever time they had with you. Thank you again for your generosity of spirit and time. Program Sponsor, TJ. 

Mr. Kulkarni, Thank you very much for taking the time to teach us Yoga. I really enjoyed it. I wish you could teach us next year. I am thinking about taking a class. Thanks again for teaching our Yoga class. Sincerely, A Student, TJ. 

Dear Mr. Kulkarni, You are the coolest Yoga teacher ever. It was a very gracious thing for you to volunteer to teach Yoga and not expect anything in return. I learnt a lot this year and I have better physical and mental health because of the Yoga. Keep on relaxin' brotha' Peace out, A Student, TJ. 

Dear Mr. Kulkarni, Thank you so much for your gracious service throughout the year. It was very nice of you to volunteer your services w/o expecting anything in return. I have learnt a lot this year about Yoga and I am grateful to you for this. My concentration and mental health have also improved, thanks to you. I am very grateful, and I hope to see you again. keep having a happy face. From, A Student, TJ. 

Year 2001 

Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology 

Ashna Bhatia, Chemical Engineering Student, Pune, India 

I think Neel is very nice as a person . He is not just a yoga teacher in my life but my mentor ,who gave my life new aspects .He is a keen observer .I am a very careless 

person from my nature and I never used to accept my mistakes. Within the one hour daily class Neel observed all these flaws in me and helped me to get rid of them . I am really blessed to have him in my life.... 

28 December 2011 

Ashna Bhatia 

Ashka Soni, Chemical Engineering Student, Pune, India 

I personally feel that neel's class is very special since it not only gives u fitness but he also helps to give emotional stability in your life . Also he is a inspiration to us all since he is a very hardworking person himself . Apart from all that whenever he makes you feel that you are part of family . A lot of places can give you weight loss or whatever else you are looking for but he teaches you to always keep smiling . thank u neel 

27 December 2011 

Ashka Soni 

Hanna Mae Owens 

Hanna Mae Owens, Psychology Student, Virginia, U.S.A. 

Neel, Thank you so much for everything you have done to help me and teach me on this trip. I am very lucky to he able to learn from you. I am amazed by your knowledge and generosity. I look forward to learning from you in the future. 

January 2012