Interview with Malaysian Yoga Magazine
Why did you choose yoga as your career?
Yoga is my very breath. It has been with me since birth. As early as my memories go back, I was experiencing various yoga disciplines from within. These direct experiences bring students to learn yoga. Therefore, the thought of yoga as a career never entered my mind. Yoga is not my career – it is my life. There is no separation between what I do and who I am. This is not something I chose; it is simply what emerged naturally.
How did TriYoga begin?
TriYoga began through kriyavati siddhi – the spontaneous flow of yoga movements guided by prana. In 1980, during meditation, my body began to move in ways I had never learned. Postures, breathing patterns, and hand gestures flowed through me naturally, guided by an inner intelligence. I realized this was not ordinary movement but something coming from a deeper source. Over time, this revealed itself to be a complete yoga system.
What makes TriYoga different from other yoga styles?
TriYoga is founded through kriyavati siddhi, which makes it unique in how it originated. The flows are characterized by wavelike spinal movements, relaxation-in-action, and economy of movement. It includes a complete systematization from Basics to Level 7, plus Prana Vidya (breathing and concentration practices) and over 1,300 hand mudras. The integration of asana, pranayama, and mudra creates a meditative flow that distinguishes TriYoga from other methods.
Is flexibility required to practice TriYoga?
No. TriYoga is designed for all levels and all bodies. The Basics level is accessible to anyone, including those who have never done yoga before. We emphasize that yoga is about the inner experience, not the external appearance of a posture. What matters is your presence, your breath, your awareness – not how deeply you can bend. Flexibility naturally develops with practice, but it is never a prerequisite.
What advice would you give to someone just starting yoga?
Begin where you are. Don't compare yourself to others or to images you've seen. Find a qualified teacher who can guide you safely. Be patient with yourself – yoga is a lifetime journey, not a destination to rush toward. Most importantly, enjoy the practice. If you're not enjoying it, something needs to change. Yoga should bring joy, not strain.
How has yoga influenced your daily life?
Yoga is my daily life. There is no moment that is not yoga. The way I eat, walk, speak, think – all is influenced by yogic awareness. This doesn't mean I'm always in meditation or always peaceful – I experience the full range of human life. But there is an underlying awareness, a witness, that remains steady through all experiences. This witness perspective is the greatest gift yoga has given me.
What is your vision for TriYoga's future?
My vision is that TriYoga continues to spread and serve humanity. We now have centers in over 50 countries and thousands of certified teachers. But the vision is not about numbers – it's about depth. I want each practitioner to have access to the complete teachings, to go as deep as they wish to go. The future of TriYoga is in the hands of the teachers and students who carry it forward with integrity and love.
What message would you like to share with our readers?
Trust your inner guidance. Each of us has a direct connection to the universal wisdom. Yoga is simply a method for quieting the noise so we can hear that guidance more clearly. You don't need a guru to tell you your truth – you need to discover it yourself. The path is within you. The teacher is within you. All you need to do is be still and listen.