Student Expressions
Acharya Shunya has always been the bright, unwavering flame leading Ayurveda students into truth. The world doesn't see Ayurveda through her eyes. And for people like Acharya Shunya, their path is lonely. Just ask Gandhi, Ammachi, or Mother Teresa. It is not easy to tread the path that few follow. But that lonely path touches far more people and brings the type of change this world needs. There is a hunger for this knowledge in its pure, unfiltered form. I've always loved this Robert Frost poem. The line, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference" is all about Acharya Shunya.
Alexandra Krasne
Acharya Shunya has a special gift for translating these ancient principles into our modern-day life experiences, drawing upon her experience as a mother (of a teenage son and a pet dog), wife, daughter-in-law, etc., and often using her trademark sense of humor to illustrate her points in a more vivid way. I have appreciated Acharya Shunya's unshakable belief in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, which is so strong that she encourages her students to not take her word for any teaching, but rather to apply the teachings in their own lives and see how it makes a difference.
Acharya Shunya’s teachings are also genuine; in addition to her signature sense of humor, I have also witnessed her being moved to tears; she is incredibly humble and sincere and expresses her truth in the present moment without regards to what others might think of her. I particularly appreciate her willingness to openly share the challenges she has faced and overcome over the course of her own spiritual journey. Having overcome those challenges herself, she has a tremendous sense of empathy, compassion and understanding towards any bumps in the road that her students encounter. Acharya Shunya's sincerity has allowed me to tap more deeply into my own authentic voice to speak my truth even when it is uncomfortable and for that I am deeply grateful.
Sreedev M. Newman
Studying Ayurveda with Acharya Shunya has changed every facet of my life. In the first 9 months of my studies alone, I lost 13 lbs., regulated my hormones naturally, stopped getting frequently sick and my whole emotional outlook has improved. I am continually amazed at the beauty and simplicity of these teachings and how easily I can apply them to my daily life. I highly recommend that anyone interested in increased health, vitality and joy begin this journey for themselves.
Amy Lewis, Massage Therapist, Energy Worker, Life Coach, Entrepreneur
A personal transformation studying with Acharya Shunya inspired me to bring Ayurveda to Stanford, juvenile halls, and write for millions of readers online.
Ananta Ripa Ajmera, Founder of Whole Yoga & Ayurveda
When I think of Acharya Shunya, my heart swells with so much gratitude it’s as if it will burst. I was suffering in body and mind and soul, stuck in a life where I could not commit to anything but overworking and simply struggling to survive my mounting health problems. I can tell you now, that within a short span of time, I have lost 40 pounds, improved the quality of my skin, and eliminated 5 previous years of severe hives, high cholesterol, and pre-diabetes.
Through that unhealthy period of my life (and even longer than that really) I was looking for relief, but more importantly guidance, knowledge, and hopefully answers. And as the proverb goes, “When you are ready, the teacher appears”. And “Wow!” what a teacher came into my vicinity. The sheer love and passion she held for Ayurveda and Vedanta, the wisdom that moved, motivated, and animated her, first led me to study with Acharya Shunya, and my body and mind began to rapidly improve. In 2011, I became a full-time student, ready to incorporate this science into my life full-time.
Acharya Shunya does not let you forget the bigger picture; it is your soul that leads you to knowledge like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedanta. Throughout all my health problems, my soul never forgot that the goal is to be happy without reason, to be successful, and to be a participant in this game called humanity. My good fortune has led me to many teachers that helped move me through the dark times, but Acharya Shunya is one of those teachers that gave me the necessary tools to access my own strength, power and purpose.
Acharya Shunya is a powerful, honest, true-to-life teacher too. She speaks from the heart, leads by example, and is not afraid to look into her own life to teach through those savory or unsavory examples. These qualities have always been an important aspect in my search for teachers. To be taught by Acharya Shunya is to be in the presence of the Sun. Any remorse, guilt, or fear melts away the ice from the mind when listening to her speak and you begin to understand that darkness cannot survive the presence of light; unconsciousness can’t survive in the presence of consciousness. She moves you with her ability to expound the scientific and complicated knowledge of the Shastra (ancient textual knowledge) in accessible and modern ways. She also draws deeply from the accumulated knowledge of her own ancestral lineage. The lessons she gives are not based in “maybes”, she works with students from the ground up so that one can use their own discrimination and experience to see that these Shastras ARE true.
Tracy Cunningham
Ayurveda classes with Acharya Shunya have helped me reconnect with myself. I feel more unified in terms of mind, body and soul. I am more at peace with my blessings as well as my imperfections. I am more content and happy. I am looking forward to incorporate more practices from her Ayurvedic teachings. She has helped me in bringing the best out of me. I am blessed to be a part of this Ayurvedic journey with Acharya Shunya.
Anuprita Khare
One of the biggest changes I have experienced with implementing Ayurvedic practices is that I cook much more often, even if it is often just a simple meal of kitchari. It has been an interesting experience trying to have more forethought to soak mung beans and rice the night before and timing my day so that I have time to cook 30 minutes to an hour before meal times. It often feels that my life revolves around when I am going to eat next, but it has brought a nice routine to my day.
I look forward to continuing these practices. I started with just a few practices and cooking a few meals, and surprised myself by slowly adopting more practices including making my own beauty products and tooth powder, which I thought I wouldn’t have the time to ever do.
Deborah Oh
There are two keywords that come to mind: trust and calmness;Trust towards my body that it will heal and retain health, and Calmness of my mind.
I am no longer paranoid with any and every symptom that pops up in my body leading me to navigate to webMd and such sites to look up what are the potential diseases I might be prone to. Rather a trust has developed that my body will heal and is getting better with the right kind of foods and herbs I am ingesting. This has in turn led to a calm state of mind; an attitude with is helping me even with my relationships and people around me.
These two things are the most profound changes I have experienced since Ayurveda entered my life. And this is what keeps me going to align myself more towards the nature's rhythm(my sankalp). There is definitely an improvement in my routine in terms of my waking and sleeping hours, oiling of my body, having meals on time and acclimating to the changing seasons but a lot of work needs to be done before I can call myself healthy.
The knowledge of herbs is my favorite part of the course. After every video I feel more humbled towards these plants and nature.
Shivani Gupta, Atlanta
The most important thing I learned with Acharya Shunya was to trust deeply in the natural unfolding of this human life. During my first year of studies, I was going through a very difficult time, battling with a serious physical illness, depression, and massive anxiety about the future. Petrified of making the “wrong choice” in life, I was unable to take a step in any direction. I remember coming up to Acharya Shunya one day after a class with tears streaming down my face. I just looked up at her like a lost puppy. I couldn’t even speak because nothing felt true anymore. I had been trying to define myself all of my life. Forcing myself into these tiny little boxes, so I could try and make sense of it all.
Being immersed in Ayurveda, Vedanta, Yoga, while studying with her, I found that my boxes were disintegrating at a rapid rate, and I felt naked and scared. If I wasn’t all of these things I used to define myself by, who was I? Acharya Shunya just sat with me in silence for some time and looked into my eyes with deep compassion. Then she gave me a mantra, “Om Tat Sat,” which means “truth always is.” She told me to repeat this mantra whenever I thought of it, especially if I was feeling sad or anxious. Sometimes, I would chant this mantra 108 times, and other times, I would just think about it. It always reminded me to trust in the great unfolding of the universe.
The seeking never stops. I am always finding new boxes hiding in the corners of the attic. But the difference is that I know the boxes are there, so I am less surprised when I find them. Sometimes it feels like a am a wise old woman looking back at my life, smiling knowingly at all of the times I thought I was failing at life when, in reality, it was just leading me to something better. Like a snake who is shedding its skin, we must allow our misperceptions to fall away naturally, until what we are left with is truth.
Around that time I was diagnosed with a chronic digestive disease called Ulcerative Colitis. Studying with Acharya Shunya, I experienced firsthand the effectiveness and transformational power of this 5,000-year-old system of healing and to my amazement watched my body heal completely from my so called 'incurable disease.'
Brittany Barrett, Founder of Daily Ayurveda
If 4 years ago anyone told me that there would come a day when I understood the root of health issues I had been experiencing, let alone be able to improve them and ultimately resolve them I most likely wouldn’t believe that person, until it actually happened…….
Several years ago I started experiencing quite severe digestive issues that nobody seemed to find the answer to. Weeks of searching and experimenting with various cures turned into months and then years. Countless doctors, practitioners of various disciplines, clinics seen and resources spent for the promise of cure only to find myself feeling quite much worse and deeper entrenched in physical and emotional pain. I was depressed, scared and hopeless…..But something deep down didn’t make sense, something deep down was telling me to keep searching, that abundant health was possible.
About 1.5 years ago I came across a book written by Acharya Shunya called “Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom.” I was immediately captivated by her storytelling and completely taken by the empowering ancient wisdom that was reaching out to me through the words of this teacher. I felt as if my entire body knew that I found something much deeper, something that made more sense to me than any healing approach ever did. I started seeing positive changes while applying everything I learned from the book so I wanted to know more. I reached out to Vedika Global and found out that I could take a self healing class on Ayurveda that offered deeper studies and interaction with Acharya Shunya herself. I signed up for the class and never looked back!
For me, Ayurveda Self Healing course has been a magical journey deep into the wisdom of Nature who is my first Mother, as well as a journey deep into the Mind-Body-Spirit being that I am. I have learned to understand Nature, her cycles and how they affect me. I have learned to see what an incredibly generous provider and healer Mother Nature is if only I allow her, if only I respect her rhythms and follow them. I have learned to re-connect with her and to respect her. And I am truly in awe to have discovered such a deep and rich world, to have learned so much about my body, my mind, my spirit and how deeply all that is intertwined!
I have learned to see my body for what it truly is - an incredible creation of Mother Nature, that is capable of powerful transformation and healing if listened to and allowed!
While going through the class and applying things I have learned I have observed that my sleep has improved, my elimination has improved, my skin has improved, my digestion has improved. I have more energy. I have a better outlook on life! I feel empowered that I can understand Nature and her ways and since I am her creation therefore the ways of my body and mind.
Cooking and eating which was a dreadful and difficult ordeal filled with anxiety and physical pain due to sickness transformed into a favorite fun activity where I feel as if I am a magician creating delicious and healing, yet simple elixirs for my body and mind.
Although there is still much work to do with recovery from illness, I feel so much better than I did even a year ago, let alone 4 years ago when the disease started. When a relapse happens due to my own overindulgence in food I know exactly what caused it and I know exactly what to do to quickly remedy it and get back on course towards healing.
I am deeply grateful for this wisdom, this Science of Life and Acharya Shunya who brought it into my life! It gave me much more than hope, it gave me deep understanding and tools to create my own radiant health.
Mara Cummings
Studying the timeless teachings of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with Acharya Shunya has brought an enormous expansion in how I live my life. I surprise myself with a new-found, but very grounded understanding of my own capacity for healing, joy and equanimity.
Amrita Wasowski
Of particular note for me is the space Acharya Shunya lands, particularly when she is passing the wisdom of her phenomenal lineage. It is exquisite!
The other teachers are also excellent. They have an infectious enthusiasm and use slides, examples and anecdotes to make learning easy and fun. And I am learning so much! I am paying much more attention to the seasons and gradually incorporating more and more practices into my daily life.
Anne Sone
Since January 2019, I have been participating in Acharya Shunya's ayurveda course. This past year has been one of many transitions for me:
chronic dilapidating back pain (preventing me from working), separating from my partner into single motherhood and an ebb and flow of questionable mental states.
This course and the knowledge that Acharya Shunya shares has helped me in the best way possible. It has given me hope. I can feel the sun on my face and know everything is alright. I see the magic in every little plant. i know in my heart i am worthy of love and health and peace. Shunya gifts us with this knowledge in such a beautiful and simple, yet eloquent, way. Not to mention funny! I giggle in every class. It was a big financial investment for me - but worth every penny and more. I will carry this knowledge with me forever and hopefully pass the wisdom of ayurveda to my children.
Alexis Fletcher
I don’t have the language to describe the nature of my experience in studying with Acharya Shunya... or what it truly means to me. What I can say is that there is something unspeakable within me that is growing, by the grace of this wisdom & practice. A remembrance is rising in my heart & in my life. I am grateful to my dear teacher & to her lineage. I know there is no looking back from here....
Medgar Marcus Rogers, Instructor, Adult Developmental Issues
I have never participated in a program that addresses your body mind and soul simultaneously and encourages the best self care so that you can become the best practitioner, full of experiential knowledge and compassion to deal with mental and physical issues. My Ayurvedic journey with Acharya Shunya has filled me with confidence and self love.
Laurie Alessandra Das, CMT
It is with deep gratitude and love that I write this testimonial. As a Holistic Nurse Practitioner who has had years of schooling, both traditional and non-traditional, I must say there is no comparison to what I have received as Acharya Shunya’s student. It has been the most holistic, heartfelt approach to living a healthy, well balanced, spiritual life. All aspects of our wellbeing were addressed in a forum of unconditional love and wisdom, touching my inner being, and allowing me to accept and grow with the knowledge I have been receiving. Yes, transformation has occurred, slowly but surely. I think the greatest change that has happened is I feel I have become a more conscious being who feels connected to a greater source of Health, Light and Love. I have learned how to care for my body, mind, and spirit in a more conscious way through the guidance of Acharya Shunya’s Ayurveda teachings and her many blessings. I am her dedicated student of more than six years now, and this path only continues to grow and evolve. Many people comment on my appearance lately. It’s not the physical aspect, but something else, a glow or beauty of some type. I know this is an opening of the heart and Shakti, an inner strength that carries me along my path of Dharma. What an amazing experience it has been. We are so fortunate and blessed to have Acharya Shunya blazing the Path of Transformation for Humanity.
Kamala Debra Reaghard, Holistic Nurse Practitioner
Acharya Shunya has been my Ayurveda teacher and spiritual guide for more than a decade now. Through her guidance and wisdom she helped me overcome and surpass obstacles with a grace and dignity that will never allow me to carry such burdens again.
When I met Shunya, I had both physical and emotional troubles that I lived with every day - heavy burdens I carried around with me everywhere with much confusion as to why they were presented to me. I was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and scared. I was clinging to past grievances and life's disappointments while quietly managing day-to-day anxiety and anger. It was difficult to separate one of these emotions from the other. At the time I saw two options: break free from my suffering or learn better skills and Ayurveda tools to endure the ongoing angst. I could not conceive of any other way out. I only knew thoughts of slaying or living with my perceived demons. Shunya taught me another way of being that required no struggle or fleeing. Rather than push or pull at how our life unfolds, there is an option to consciously accept, and truly find peace, with life's unfolding.
Before Acharya Shunya began teaching me, or even counseling me, she modeled how one can live with a chronic health issue and thrive beautifully. She models this every day - for every single day I have known her over these years; I have traveled with her, I have lived with her for a month at a time - and there is no wavering. For this reason I deeply respected her firm words to counsel and teach me the importance of properly caring for myself - physically, emotionally, spiritually - all equally valued. Through her guidance she gently put me in touch with my own capacity to heal my body and mind, igniting a slow steady flame of knowledge. As I felt the draw to becoming a dedicated student of this knowledge I had a feeling of deep relief and falling, or surrendering, into the wisdom of Ayurveda and Vedanta, as unfolded by her. Decades of deep effort to change were transforming into an ease of acceptance.
Today, many years later writing this, I am reminded of the gift of Ayurvedic self healing Shunya's soul put before me - like a wonderful birthday present all wrapped up. I eagerly opened it and relished in the newness, the potential, the appeal of it. Shunya guided me over the years and made sure I knew how to use the wisdom tools properly, how to take care of my body and nurture it over time, in it's "ever changing and evolving state". And to acknowledge it each day and take it everywhere I go. She encouraged me to expand how I use my body and explained the significance of sharing myt health and knowledge opportunity with others Today, I continue to sit at her feet and learn (even as I gratefully give back as her teaching assistant), and enjoy my gift of the lived wisdom of Ayurveda and Vedanta. I need not do anything in return other than to remain open and receptive to receiving the teachings of this wisdom. I am grateful to write such a story of a revealed and quiet health and happiness from within.
Vimala, Teaching Assistant - Alchemy through Ayurveda Course, Former Board Member, California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM)
Acharya Shunya is my teacher. She has guided me in a gradual transformation via spiritual awareness, mental health, social consciousness, and improved physical health. Her amazing teachings, as well as her personal interaction, have always felt genuine, and have naturally seemed to make sense - I was not expected to make a leap of faith. Based on having Acharya Shunya as my teacher, I have achieved a greater sense of peace and calm, and a confidence that life can get better and better, largely based on a greater understanding of who I am, and the nature of the world we live in. I feel like I have acquired knowledge and tools to help others, as well as myself. As an example, I remember Acharya Shunya’s first lecture on Ayurvedic Psychology, where she began with the basic framework on how an individual can approach his or her life, both in terms of what he likes about his life, as well as in terms of aspects of his life he finds more negative, unsettling, and disturbing. Just in hearing her talk, I achieved a peaceful state, and in fact, one I was searching for when I majored in Psychology at the university level. I can honestly say that I learned more useful information in how to approach my own life in Acharya Shunya’s opening teachings during the first hour than I did in my entire study of Psychology that covered several years.
Steve Longbotham, Operations & IT Consultant
After 10 long years of depression, insomnia, vertigo, along with inability to lose weight, Ayurveda, the science of life, gave me the answers I needed to get on the road to recovery.
Romny French, Founder of Seva Wellness
I met Acharya Shunya when I was about to turn 60. I wasn't looking for a teacher, or at least that wasn't my conscious intention. My heart had been torn apart that year when my 19-year old son had been hospitalized and my world just didn't hang together in the same way it had before that incident. But, that was the good news! Because when I met Acharya Shunya, my heart was more open than usual, and her presence seemed to call out for me to listen in a new way. I had heard of Ayurveda medicine, but knew next to nothing about its principles. The first two months of studying Ayurveda with Acharya Shunya put me on a path of healing that was anchored in day-to-day practices, like getting up early, eating at regular mealtimes, or drinking hot water upon arising in the morning. My mind calmed down, as I changed my diet to include Ayurveda meals cooked with ghee. I lost 10 pounds with no effort, and began to trust that taking care of my physical body would have great benefits over time. In this case, “trust” was just as important as the recipes we were given in each class. The dietary recommendations were not given blindly, but in the context of an ancient science that explained how and why human beings prosper when doing certain things, and suffer more when they go against some basic principles of health and well-being. It sounds pretty logical, but, in fact, the teachings healed a place in my heart, while they reached my rational mind, too.
The process of listening and contemplating on the knowledge Acharya Shunya was delivering was like receiving pure mountain water, after having been accustomed to drinking chemically altered recycled water from a reservoir, having forgotten how the essence of real water is almost a magic elixir.
In truth, the practices of Ayurveda are very ordinary. The wonder is that they are drawn from a complete system that emphasizes positive measures that prevent disease from taking hold in the body. I cannot say strongly enough how thankful I am that I met Acharya Shunya and participated in the classes she designed to give us the best chance ever of integrating practices that were aimed at each student's own healing. Thank you, Baba (her grandfather and teacher) for recognizing that Acharya Shunya would grow into your lineage holder and bring classical Ayurveda to California. And thank you, Acharya Shunya , for saying yes, so many times in the face of odds that, on the surface, may have seemed intimidating, and for sharing your love and knowledge with so many dedicated students.
​Suzanne Saucy, Retired Language Teacher
I first met Acharya Shunya at a bookstore in Mountain View in 2009. At the end of the session, I walked to the stage to say hello to her and funny enough, I was in tears. I couldn’t quite understand what the tears were about but now I know. Acharya Shunya gives a deep sense of security to anyone who walks up to her. It is a similar feeling that one has in a temple where we surrender and know that we are in a safe space and no one is judging us. She looked straight in my eye and said, “I was waiting for you. We have a long way to go together.” I couldn’t understand or rather process it in that moment. I was married only for 2 years at that time, had a full-time job, and had grown up in a business-driven family. To summarize, I’d say I had “everything” I needed except for the purpose of my life. That is a question I have always wanted to answer. What am I born to do or solve? I realize now that such a question is by no means unique to me, and people of all cultures grapple with this question.
I was so drawn to Acharya Shunya that I decided to study Ayurveda with her. She had helped me find my life purpose through Ayurveda.
Shaarayna Geetanjali Chakraborty
I have spent much of my life seeking deeper knowledge. This has inevitably led my journey inwards.Who I am today is reflected not only in the knowledge that I am receiving from my Ayurveda education, but in the manner in which that knowledge is being conveyed to me.
In my studies under Acharya Shunya, Ayurveda self care is being taught in accord with tradition. It is an integrated experience, which starts with unearthing true awareness of the Self, healing our own experience of ourselves, our lives, and our worlds. It is only once we heal ourselves that we have the capacity to heal others, and the insight to apply this venerable tradition to healing our communities.
Our teacher presents us with the opportunity to discover truth for ourselves, to shine the light of Vidya (True Knowledge) on the recesses of our soul, so that it may illuminate every facet of our being. In this way, it encourages an embodiment of the principles of Ayurveda, to apply it as a lived practice. The education itself connects three great sciences, that were never meant to be practiced in isolation: Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedanta. These teachings are offered in such a way that the principles are understood and can be applied to body, mind, and consciousness.
From the moment you begin studying, you enter a classroom environment that is harmoniously congruent with the principles being taught, which is conducive to true higher learning. What’s more is that Acharya Shunya’s teaching style is so warm and inviting! The word ‘teacher’ is not enough to describe our teacher. Our beloved Acharya Shunya carries with her - her Sampradaya, her living lineage of Vedic Truth. She grants us access to a source of wisdom, which has been passed down uninterruptedly from time immemorial to bless us in the here and now, to allow us to rise to our most wondrous heights and find the truth hidden within. May the light of true knowledge through these studies illumine your Being too!
Ryan Kannett
This past year has been a self-healing, self-learning, self-exploring and self-understanding journey for me all thanks to Acharya Shunya’s Ayurveda Program. The great wisdom that has been imparted changed my eating habits, daily routines and most crucial of all, my whole perspective towards how to live a healthy and happy life.
This Ayurveda training not only thought me practical ways to deal with my health issues or lifestyle errors, but also reminded me that the health I have been searching for is actually within me; untouched and pure...
Hearing for the first time that health is my birthright, I felt a deep relief because I was tired of striving to achieve certain goals in life and surely, I didn’t want health to be one of those material goals. This reminder gave me the courage to explore what is already within me.
Furthermore, this program equipped me with the knowledge and tools to manage simple, day-to-day health issues in a very effective way .I can say with confidence that I don’t need to run to a pharmacy or doctor for a headache, stomachache, nausea, indigestion, cold or cough. I can proudly handle these and many more myself.
This program stands out from other Ayurveda programs with its huge content and authenticity. The knowledge that is transmitted is from an unbroken lineage, therefore it is un-manipulated, undiluted wisdom from its very own source. The amount of information and practical tools I have received in the course of this training is enough for a lifetime. Countless cooking recipes, home remedies and beauty tips are continuing to transform my life, all for the better.
All in all, this program is a gift to yourself. As Ayurveda’s ancient and profound teachings penetrate your system, you start to see life with fresh eyes and realize that you have many more options in life other than popping a pill, grabbing whatever food comes your way or lamenting your bad fortune in terms of health.
Acharya Shunya’s Ayurveda training truly gave me the ability to see light even in a pitch-dark room. This the light within me, the light of my spirit which paves the way to physical and mental health.
Ozlem Tokman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
When I just started my educational journey with Acharya Shunya, I had a lot of Tamas (an unconscious quality of the mind that creates inertia). I never had a fixed time of going to bed, I would not wake up on time and felt completely drained in the morning. Many a times, I would not take bath and even skip meals. My existing medical condition, my erratic schedule, and my mental state were not supporting the Ayurvedic herbs that I was taking for my health, and I felt more and more depressed.
So when I started my studies of Ayurveda, I came in with two burning desires; One was to be able to out myself on the right track in terms of my mental and physical, and, the second, was to be able to learn this amazing science of life called Ayurveda.
Now, I wake up almost at the same time daily and I drink some warm water in the morning, I never miss taking a bath. I am regular with my morning prayers, which is the time I ground myself. I eat on time. And before going to sleep, when my mind is rambling, I do Bhramari (a special type of yogic breathing exercise I learnt in the course).
I learned how doshas vary in the environment around us and within us throughout different seasons, and how I can take care of myself as the environment around me changes. I knew as fall was coming that I would have to be extra cautious, as I suffer from issues that get aggravated in the fall season. I knew how I could use food to get a grip on my condition.
Nine months ago, I felt like I was walking in a dark tunnel. Today, even though sometimes I still feel like I am walking in the same tunnel, instead of looking at the darkness, I see a light at the end of it.
Vidya Deepa Gupta, Software Engineer
The first time I saw Acharya Shunya was through a lecture I attended with my wife last year. The subject was Ayurveda. I was overcome by her clarity. I understood everything she said in that event and to me she was an authentic teacher. She touched my heart in a deep way. After having gone to Mother India to find a teacher and encountered many experiences that left me so confused, It was a breath of fresh air holding her hand and looking into her eyes and knowing that I am with a true and compassionate teacher who is authentic. Studying with her has changed my life in every aspect. I feel healthy, not only in my body, bit mind too, emotions too!
Shahdad Shojazadegan, Business Owner
At the beginning of this course we were presented with a quote which said "When diet is correct, medicine is of no need; when diet is incorrect, medicine is of no use." Throughout this past year of studying Ayurveda with Acharya Shunya, this line has begun to make more and more sense to me on a deeper and deeper level. By implementing simple diet and lifestyle practices I have seen dramatic improvement in my energy levels, mental well being and overall health. I initially began the class with the impression that we would be learning various cures for specific afflictions (and we did in fact learn many of these), however, as we continued, I came to realize that in many ways, as the lifestyle practices were adopted, many of my issues disappeared or resolved themselves without any need for specific "remedies" at all. Over this past year I have come to much more deeply understand what Acharya Shunya means when she says that we are not so much battling disease, as we are invoking health. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to study Ayurveda with her and would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is interested or even just curious. It's definitely worth it!
RibhuAnanda Devin Cecil-Wishing, New York
My first encounter with Acharya Shunya was actually through her students at their end of the year graduation ceremony and celebration. I was awed by the lightness and joy that each student radiated- it was beyond the joy of gathering in celebration. When I began my Ayurveda Self-care studies, that same energy was present in the classroom- I knew that I was fortunate to be studying with a teacher who could help people radiate from the inside out. As I learned and applied the basics of Ayurveda, always through the spiritual lens of Vedanta and Yoga, I saw my health transform. I experienced better sleep, loss of weight that I hadn't been able to lose since pregnancy, more physical strength and a clearer mind. Through the wisdom teachings from Acharya Shunya and her lineage, I was able to experience the radiance I had witnessed from other students. Ten years later, Acharya Shunya's Ayurveda teachings are a part of my day-to-day life, care for my child and what I share with my community. I am forever grateful.
Janya Tuere Anderson, LCSW Healthcare Administrator, Oakland, CA
Studying with Acharya Shunya has empowered me to give birth to an Ayurveda skincare business, in which I have felt supported at every step of the way.
Shweta Upadhyaya, Founder of Laavanya Luxury Ayurveda
A rare teacher who walks firmly on untrodden paths, living by the wisdom of her lineage, with a vision that soars and reaches for the highest, like the firmament. A compassionate teacher who cares deeply for each seeker, and in that caring, wants the best and the truth for them.
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She is able to convey the integration of philosophy and practical knowledge that has always existed between Vedanta, Yoga and Ayurveda, in way that brings wellbeing to our body, mind and spirit. Without compromising on the tenets of these ancient life sciences, she helps us to live them in the 21st century. In the years that I have studied with her, I have benefitted through her advice to improve my outlook, interactions, attitude, and wholistic health. With her, I am able to understand the wisdom of living with the cycles of nature, seasons, and adopt a balanced attitude towards the process of life.
Shivani Maheshwari, Yoga and Ayurveda Teacher, India
"I am fortunate to have studied Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with Acharya Shunya. Even though I had completed a three year practitioner course at another Ayurvedic institution, I am glad that I took the Ayurveda course from Acharya Shunya. She offers practical applications of the undiluted Vedic knowledge from her lineage that I continue to use in my daily life. Just today, when I ran out of it, I made Ayurvedic tooth powder that I learned to make in one of her classes. That is the only thing I have brushed my teeth with since that class 2 years ago and my dentist can only wonder at the annual teeth cleaning visits how I have lesser plaque than the years before. I still enjoy cooking the Ayurvedic recipes that I have tasted in her classes.
These are just a couple of mundane examples of how I have incorporated the Ayurvedic knowledge imparted by her in my life. Of course, there is much more to Acharya Shunya, She is very generous with sharing her lineal knowledge. She is a rare and gifted teacher and guide. One of her Vedanta Classes inspired my poem, Shadow and Light. She is one of those alchemists who can introduce one to their own limitless potential. If a true leader is one who creates more leaders, Acharya Shunya is truly a leader."
Sukhdeep Kaur, Ayurvedic Practitioner, San Francisco
Studying with Acharya Shunya, I feel inspired and supported and humbled. These are three aspects of having a teacher that I neither knew that I needed, or wanted, or had been missing. With grace and silence, strength and intensity (each in its appropriate moment), Shunya shows the immensity of this practice along the possibility that we can indeed walk it, and find ease and beauty in walking it together.
I had never understood the value of lineage. Like many of us, my goal had been to learn a little about a lot of things and create my own path. When I began studying and living Ayurveda from Acharya Shunya, I realized what I had been missing. The commitment to the depth of this practice and the connection to generations of spiritual teachers that come before her, ignited a new commitment to the study of life itself. From literally the first conscious waking moment of the day, her Ayurveda teachings make me fully alive and awake: which side of my nose is clearer, how do I place my feet on the ground in the morning, what thoughts are guiding my actions, which words do I choose to send into the world? Ayurveda has made my life an art form.
Kate Shankari Sadoswky, Ayurveda Practitioner, Founder of Embodied Health
Ayurveda is an amazing life changing health awakening science, that I can trust to reach my health goals. During my year of studying Ayurveda with Acharya Shunya, I did not experience a single cold, nor have I had a flare-up due to Multiple Sclerosis. I also discontinued use of antidepressants!
Usha Macdaniel, Principal Interior Designer
Unexpected things that happened due to my Ayurveda studies with Acharya Shunya were a paradigm shift in how I cared for myself and my family, finally really enjoying my food, finding balance and enjoyment in motherhood, and freedom from depression and lack of purpose.
Isabelle Boesch
Studying with Acharya Shunya helped me discover which foods, spices, herbs, and practices are appropriate for different seasons according to their qualities, and how they affect each individual.
Serena Arora
Acharya Shunya teaches the complete system of body, mind, and soul healing, with Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedanta. This kind of complete teaching is unheard of elsewhere.
Porchelvi Ramachandran
Studying with Acharya Shunya was a life-changing experience. Not only were we initiated into a love affair with Ayurveda, but we were also given a gift of receiving broader Vedic knowledge that includes Yoga and Vedanta.
Dinara Tashniyazova, Engineer and Herbalist
I was two years out of college, living a vibrant youthful city life, working at jobs where I was learning skills, but were meant to be ‘just for now.’ In the background of my life a discontented feeling was growing that while I couldn’t point to anything that was wrong per se (no illnesses, no severe difficulties, no traumas…) things weren’t quite right. Part of me knew I had to make changes, restructure my life in a way that matched my values, but I didn’t have clarity on what my values were, what kind of question I was seeking to answer. I wanted to live a life of joy, purpose, service, leadership… but where should I look for happiness? meaning? a way to help others?
Ayurveda offered a beautifully complete answer to the multidimensionality of my being. When combined with the soul science of Vedanta, I found a holistic roadmap to physical, mental, social and spiritual health. The common existential crisis of early adulthood, fear of not living up to my ‘potential’ or discovering my ‘life purpose’ in time, was totally answered by Acharya Shunya’s lineage teachings.
Acharya Shunya authentically teaches prescriptions for worldly and mundane problems, like how to cure a cold with kitchen spices and how to have a healthy bowel movement every day - right alongside the highest transcendental truths of remembering our eternal, blissful Soul nature. A teacher who can hold space for these seeming polarities at once, while compassionately guiding her students along this path back to our nature of radiant health and spiritual wisdom, is a gift to the world.
I stayed a student from the first time I met Acharya Shunya in 2008 because everything she teaches rings an inner bell that says, “That is so True, Those words describe what my heart truly believes.” As I put into practice the physical and spiritual methods she teaches, I feel more and more inner alignment with Truth, that nagging discontent is gone and more contentment settles into my being every day.
Ishani Lauren Naidu
First and foremost I would like to express my gratitude to my Acharya for the wisdom shared through heart based teaching of Ayurveda self-healing course. It was an invitation to a healthy lifestyle, deeper connection to our own self as a microcosm which is part of the macrocosm. Through each class a deeper understanding was revealed for a conscious lifestyle in harmony with nature, seasons, time of the day and our own constitution.
The connection between body-mind-spirit using holistic principles of Ayurveda was the essence of the whole teaching, as I understood that food and lifestyle will not bring the fullest impact in enjoying healthier and happier life without applying Ayurveda psychology.
Acharya Shunya’s course for me was a living teaching to the heart of the heart of Ayurveda.
The course has unique characteristics as it helped me to understand:
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Detailed seasonal guidance over the year and also changes of chrono-biological rhythms;
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Practical application of food knowledge using traditional Ayurvedic recipes and lifestyle healthy rituals to protect and promote health;
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Ayurveda psychology and Yoga philosophy which brings profound knowledge of our own Soul and universal spiritual philosophy which are pillars of spiritually realized being;
The Ayurveda teaching came alive as we were introduced to my Acharya’s own experience of proven recipes, herbs benefits and mystical powers and whole-hearted beautiful stories from the time of my Acharya’s studying with Acharya’s Guru, Baba.
Acharya Shunya’s Ayurveda course it is a transformative process which is manifesting on a day to day life living in a different paradigm in which “health is our birthright” as my Acharya is saying.
This course is an investment in own self, for the people which are searching relief from pain and sufferance of body and mind and for starting an inspired dharmic lifestyle in alignment with Nature and Universe.
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For the ones which have a chance to encounter Acharya’s teaching, I would say to grab the opportunity with all their being with the trust that the wisdom of the profound Ayurveda knowledge presented by Acharya Shunya, is a magical gift for a lifetime.
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Jai Maa Ayurveda! Jai Maa Acharya Shunya!
Christina Pateli
Before studying with Acharya Shunya and Chef Sanjai, I was a bit of a disaster in the kitchen. Not only was I unable to cook anything without very detailed recipes, I’d frequently burn food and set off the fire alarm. As a result, I often consumed a lot of raw salads that were taxing my digestion.
Through the one-year Ayurveda course I’ve learned about the qualities of fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, oils, and spices. I now know when my body could benefit from a light meal of kitchari, or when my body might need some heavier and strengthening foods like "urad dal" or dates. By understanding these qualities and the six-tastes, I am now able to cook tasty meals that are seasonally appropriate and dosha balancing, without needing to rely on a recipe.
The one-year course also inspired me and my husband to start a backyard garden. We’ve been growing aloe, marigolds, tulsi, coriander, various greens, sweet potato, butternut squash, okra, broccoli, and more! This garden has given me an even greater appreciation for the food we eat and my love and wonder of Mother Earth.
My husband and I are honoring this powerful, ancient knowledge received by Acharya Shunya by cooking organic, seasonal, homemade meals for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Melanie Estarziau
With Acharya Shunya, you learn life wisdom, and what it means to be wise. With this spiritualized education, I see my priorities being sorted out. I am finding myself with a whole new set of health awakening attitudes and values: cleanliness, acceptance, trust, gratitude. As a result, I feel like I am in a partnership with Life, learning about my true Self every day. And, best of all, I am beginning to become more and more pleased with what I find inside. I learned that I don’t need to have a perfect life to be happy, but rather that the life I have is perfect for me; and knowing THAT makes me happy.
Shreyas Derek Cousineau, San Francisco
I feel so blessed to have received this knowledge from Acharya Shunya directly and to connect with mother nature in such a unique way than just appreciating her visual beauty!
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This course has given me such a strong base to understand the seasons and their rhythms, our own body, the food we eat and therefore our mother nature! How wonderful and complete She is! She always wants to reclaim herself and never loses an opportunity. An abandoned house gets taken over by nature in no time. In the same way our body has the ability to restore itself. We only need to abandon the bad food habits and lifestyle to realize that. I strongly believe that I can reclaim myself to a great extent.
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I've had premature arthritis from my early 20's or even before perhaps and severe acid reflux. I now have the tools and the knowledge of why it happened and what I can do to help it not get worse. In the process of trying to get these in balance I had side effects of severe menstrual pains that have almost gone away! Yes, the side effects were positive ones!
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I know my aches and pains will take a longer time to go because of so many years of damage to the body but now I know I'm on the right path and there's no looking back :) Ayurveda is my way of living now! Jai Maa, Jai Ayurveda!
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Almost 11 years ago, around 2008, I had decided to check out Ayurveda just in case it helps my situation. I have always been drawn to the ancient knowledge of our Sanatana Dharma and so I had trust in Ayurveda although it was going to be my very first encounter in this form of medicine. I got medicines from a vaidya which cost a lot and some simple dietary recommendation without any explanation. I did follow most of the things but my pains were not getting better and in fact got worse. My first reaction was Ayurveda does not work, but an after thought told me that it was an ancient science and may be the vaidyas are not proficient enough. So in my search for answers I found Acharya Shunya on YouTube!
There was no looking back, I was awed by the beauty of Ayurveda and the way she explained things. I started following some of the things she mentioned and got a better understanding of doshas. But I was still not able to join the dots to make it work for me.
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When the universe was conspiring for me to become a mother, Acharya Shunya's words were one of the first that brought an inspiration in my head and the rest followed :) (Btw, my husband and I were otherwise not planning to have any children) I conceived with no trouble because the universe wanted it and went through my pregnancy with the help of an Ayurvedic book and Mahesh Ji's video on dietary recommendations during pregnancy.
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Meanwhile I kept watching all the videos that were uploaded and attended the first 2 AAT classes but I could not afford the rest.. But karma did have plans for me! Not only did Acharya Shunya go online, but it was a full year's course and I managed to get the money I needed! What a journey it has been! I was finally able to join the dots!
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Although I am a little sad that the course is coming to an end, I do look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained for the following year and it's seasons. I'll be honest in saying that my willpower hasn't been at it's strongest this year and I haven't used the knowledge to my optimum. There have been too many changes in our life so it did upset routine time and again. We are still very new to the western world and don't know where our future lies. But I must say that Acharya Shunya's spiritual teachings have helped me calm down from this anxiety of uncertainty in our life. Having said that I still have a long way to go in the spiritual realm but I look forward to it! I make a sankalpa to spend more time to strengthen my spiritual self. My most humble pranams to Acharya Shunya for being a guiding force!
Arati Ullal
