Twenty-Three Years of a Yogic Journey: A Heart Full of Gratitude

Twenty-three years ago, I walked through the doors of SVYASA as a young B.Sc. Yoga student, unaware of how profoundly that decision would shape the course of my life. Today, as I pause to reflect, I find myself in a phase where introspection is naturally accompanied by a deep sense of gratitude.

Looking back, I realize that yoga has never been merely a profession or a discipline to study. It has been a way of living, a path of self-discovery, and a lifelong journey of inner transformation. Every experience, every challenge, every success, and every setback has become a teacher, gently guiding me toward greater awareness and acceptance.

The Bhagavad Gita reminds us:

“Yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam” (Bhagavad Gita 2.50) — Yoga is excellence in action.

Over the years, I have understood that yoga is not only about what we practice on the mat, but about how we live, serve, and respond to life with steadiness, compassion, and awareness.

Every day still feels like a new opportunity to learn, grow, serve, and evolve. The spirit of “Ā no bhadrāḥ kratavo yantu viśvataḥ” (Rig Veda 1.89.1) — “May noble thoughts come to us from every direction” — continues to inspire me to remain a humble student, open to learning from every person and every experience.

I am deeply grateful to my teachers, my revered Gurus, my friends, my students, and my patients. Each one has enriched my life in countless ways and has contributed to my growth. Every interaction has been an opportunity to learn, and every relationship has left an imprint on my heart.

The Upanishadic prayer, “Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya” — “Lead me from darkness to light” — beautifully reflects the grace that has guided my journey. Through the blessings of my Gurus and the wisdom of the yogic tradition, I have been fortunate to experience moments of clarity, healing, and inner expansion.

I am thankful for the wonderful opportunities that continue to unfold in my life each day. More than achievements or milestones, it is the privilege of serving others through yoga that I cherish the most. If, in some small way, I have been able to ease someone’s suffering or inspire someone to begin their own journey of well-being, I consider it one of life’s greatest blessings.

Above all, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to all the Divine Masters whose wisdom, compassion, and timeless teachings have brought immense richness, purpose, and meaning to my life. Their guidance continues to illuminate my path and reminds me that the true journey of yoga is inward.

As Sage Patanjali says in the Yoga Sutras:

“Sa tu dīrgha-kāla-nairantarya-satkārāsevito dṛḍha-bhūmiḥ.” (Yoga Sutra 1.14)

“Practice becomes firmly established when pursued for a long time, without interruption, and with sincere devotion.”

These twenty-three years are not a destination—they are simply a milestone in an endless journey of learning, serving, and growing.

With a heart overflowing with gratitude and humility, I bow to all who have walked beside me and to the Divine that continues to guide every step.

The journey continues.

With gratitude,
Omkar Gotkhindikar