Crazy & True Story - How I Met My (Latest) Guru

Dear Patients and Friends,

In 1969, when I was 16 years old, my first yoga teacher told his students about an event that was going to be held in 2000, called the Maha Kumba Mela. This event is considered one of the oldest known gatherings in the history of the world and whenever it happens it's always the largest gatherings of humans in the history of the world! Its purpose is to bring together yoga teachers to share their wisdom with their followers, as well as the seekers who come from around the world.

Of course, being the yoga lover that I was, I never doubted that I would convert Swami Rama's directive into prophecy for me. Sure, enough, in 2000, I took a month off from the chiropractic office and went to India to immerse myself into this month-long congregation. My intention was to bring the blessings and wisdom of these yoga saints back to the West.

How My Guru Appeared

Between 1969 and the time I attended the MKM in 2000, I already had chosen 5 key yoga teachers to be my main mentors on my enlightenment journey. I definitely was not looking for another teacher when I went to India!

One day, while I was resting in the shade after a long day walking amongst the estimated 50 million people there, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and saw a woman who told me to follow her, so she could introduce someone to me who would take care of my soul forever. This was not the sort of pick up line I was expecting in that moment!

Very long story made short: I met the teacher, Mahatma, Paharibaba Taragiri - he had never met a Westerner - and he lovingly and immediately took me under his wings. I spent 3 weeks literally sitting next to him, while he attended to the spiritual needs of his multitude of followers. We communicated through the interpretive services of the woman (Pavitra) who introduced us.

We freely shared our spiritual perspectives and practices and realized how much we had in common in our pursuit of profound inner happiness. Our cosmic bond developed quickly and deeply. I felt like I was in a kind of Mary Poppins or Magical Mystery Tour movie! Can you say, Strawberry Fields Forever!?

Before I left India, this teacher initiated me into the Advaita (non-dual) Yogic tradition in a private ceremony that I'll never forget (I'll share the story - with pictures - at the Yoga Intensive). He eventually came to Canada to visit the West, and to this day, we stay connected as he now speaks English to me on his cell phone!

Check Out My Yoga Intensive

One year after my return from India in 2000, I created RIGHT Yoga™, a practice of simple hatha yoga postures, meditation, controlled breathing, kirtan (call & response singing), yoga philosophy, stress management and spiritual development.

This Tuesday, July 17 - and once a month for the rest of this year - I'll be presenting a 2 hour Intensive that includes many of the original teachings of yoga. Whether you have never taken a yoga class, or you're an advanced student, I'm certain you'll find that you'll come away with lots of effective techniques that can immediately improve your physical health and mental well-being.

Each intensive will offer different aspects of my method, which is designed to be applied for everyday practice - even for the super busiest people in Marin, like you and me. Most of the techniques can be done in 30 seconds, so even if you only practice for a minute or two, you'll become more masterful in controlling your stress.

The Intensive will be held at the office and is LIMITED TO 8 PEOPLE!

For more details click here for the flyer.

For registration details, click here.

True,

Dr. Mark

PS - I'm looking forward to the Guru's next visit here. I think he's ready to experience the great spiritualbliss of eating pastry, pastrami, pasta and pizza.

Announcements

Dr. Matt Coverage Dates this Summer - Dr. Matt will be here Friday, July 27th.