A Master Teacher of teachers Nataraj Chaitanya has a deep understanding of yogic philosophies and methods. An initiate in the Tantric tradition, he has directed yoga and meditation teacher training programs throughout the world for over 15 years. A skilled Kirtanist, he is an enthusiastic and devotional teacher who creates dynamic environments and experiences in which people from all walks of life can directly contact the fullness of their own Being.
Before Nataraj, I did yoga poses: I exercised, I was flexible, and I worked up a sweat. Nataraj taught me yoga. I had the good fortune to sign up for teacher training classes that Nataraj happened to lead. I had started teacher training with the intention of only focusing on the physical, but the universe had other plans for me.
During teacher training, he introduced me to and taught me meditation and the ideas of detachment, equanimity, and surrender. Chanting with a harmonium was like coming home, only I never knew I was lost. My life needed these teachings desperately, especially at the time they came to me.
Nataraj is an instrument of yoga; without him, I would not have found the spirituality and the peace I unknowingly sought and craved. His realness, vulnerability, knowledge, and wisdom are disarming and encourage me to peel away all the maya to (try to) get to what’s real. As an added bonus, he’s taught the most challenging physical classes I’ve ever taken.
— A, Costa Rica
Here’s what students are saying…
I’d had many yoga teachers who helped me develop my deep love for the practice, but it wasn’t until studying with Nataraj that I grew to know and feel the depth of what the yoga practice had to offer. I grew exponentially as a person and as a yoga teacher through our time together. He is a master teacher who is beyond his years and changed my life. I’ve always felt I had a life before yoga and after yoga. I also feel I have a life before I met Nataraj and he introduced me to the richness of yogic philosophy, and I now have a life after. I could not recommend Nataraj more.
— M, Indianapolis
Training with Nataraj was phenomenal. I am so thankful to be guided by him. Nataraj’s knowledge of yoga is extraordinary but it’s more than just knowledge. Nataraj lives and breathes yoga and embodies it. I learned SO much. Not just Philosophy, Mantra, Asana, Pranayama, Meditation and Puja. He taught me how to trust myself. He taught me the importance of being a student. He taught me how to recognise how Yoga can connect and align through mind, body and soul. He created an environment that was safe for me to open up to learn. By creating this space he allowed me to really understand yoga on a deep level, not just intellectually. Nataraj helped me to see the nature of life. These learnings are what has helped me to step into the seat of the teacher with more confidence, understanding and trust. I definitely got way more than I signed up for. This course is priceless I would do it 10x over!
— T, Melbourne
Nataraj is a beautiful, high-holy being and I am proud to call him, 'teacher.' Studying with Nataraj is a singular experience. He is like no teacher I have had before or since. His abilities reach far beyond basic knowledge and information and venture into that vast unknown of the Great Mother and the Great Father, which we all yearn for. I once heard a fellow student comment that they would come to 'hear Nataraj read the phone book,' and I concur. He is a bridge between the physical and ephemeral, the seen and unseen. Being in his presence is beautiful and moving and I always want more.
— A, New York City
My Yoga Teacher Training with Nataraj enhanced my ability to connect deeper to Source. Using Krtan, Breath work and the unique ability to stretch past a comfortable edge, I found myself mystified by a flood of Shakti which continues to guide my life path today.
Nataraj’s natural ability to draw out the best in his students exemplifies what a truly great teacher embodies and what each student aspires to become.
It is said, when the student is ready, the Master appears. Nataraj is that Master drawing you to stretch farther into your highest self–Guaranteed to elevate your practice & your life! Highly recommended for new or seasoned practitioners.
— V, Indianapolis
I am so grateful to have Nataraj as my teacher.
Before commencing teacher training earlier this year I remember saying to him that I had to re-read the Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali. His reply was, “Don’t worry I will teach you.”
Nataraj teaches from the heart & shares many of his life experiences.
He is devoted and passionate. Being in his presence is an uplifting experience
— S, Melbourne
In 2016, I had the pleasure of meeting Senior Teacher Nataraj at Pure Yoga NYC while pursuing my own 200 hour yoga teacher training. I was so connected to his style of teaching I wanted to enrich my learning beyond my 200 TT and he took me on as a mentee. Nataraj forever not only changed my practice but taught me to slow things down and truly enjoy the present moment. Nataraj was the medicine that my soul never knew I needed. 6 years later I still hear his voice, mantras, and energetic chants when I teach my own students around the world.
— L, New York City