KUMI YOGINI
Yoga is an incredible journey of self-discovery, allowing us to unleash the power within ourselves. With the sword of knowledge, we can slash away any impurities that prevent us from reaching our Higher Self. This divine practice helps us uncover the root of our problems, which is often our ignorance and confusion regarding the distinction between Self and non-Self. As we delve deeper into the practice of yoga, we unlock a vast reservoir of potential that allows us to cut away anything that is not authentic.
We must open ourselves up to a heightened awareness that transcends the limited confines of our minds, allowing us to move physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to higher planes of consciousness. Kumi believes that yoga has the power to transform our lives and she is excited to share her passion with others.
There is a sacred Indian chant that reminds us to be grateful for all the growth opportunities that life presents, even the painful experiences that often lead to our greatest advancements.
Maha Mantra
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
"A mantra is mystical energy encased in a sound structure and each mantra contains within its vibrations a certain power. But of all mantras, the maha-mantra (the Hare Krishna mantra) has been prescribed as the easiest and surest way for attaining God Realization in this present age."
~ George Harrison (1943-2001)
BIO
Kumi is short for, Ma Nithya Kumudini, a beautiful and unique Sanskrit name that means "Eternal White Night Lotus.” It was given to her during her time at an ashram in India in 2009. Born and raised in New Orleans, Kumi's adventurous spirit led her to leave home at just 16 to become a foreign exchange student in Basel, Switzerland. She then moved back to the States, living in Pensacola, FL in 1995, Denver, Colorado in 1996 to attend college, then finally migrating to Southern California in 2009.
It was in 2001, however, that Kumi's life purpose was revealed to her. While practicing on the yoga mat, she immediately felt at home, and it quickly became an integral part of her life. After experiencing significant personal transformation, Kumi was compelled to share the gift of yoga with others. She specializes in vinyasa flow, a practice that emphasizes the importance of "one breath, one movement." Her dynamic flow sequences are synchronized with high vibrational music, and she provides a theme that complements the essence of the ancient yogic teachings.
As an E-RYT 500 certified instructor, Kumi has taught thousands of students worldwide, has led over 40 200-hour teacher training programs and recently started guiding 300-hour trainings. She has been a featured guest at various yoga retreats and conferences across the globe and has served as an ambassador for Lululemon Athletica and Tonic apparel lines. Kumi's passion for yoga eventually led her to shoot a yoga video for Gaiam, one of the largest fitness DVD distributors in the world, alongside Trevor Tice, the founder & CEO of CorePower Yoga.
Kumi's journey into yoga has also been one of self-discovery and spiritual growth. In 2010, she was introduced to Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love and devotion, in Laguna Beach, California. Since then, she has studied with her teacher Tukaram Prabhu, gaining a deep understanding of the essence of the sacred Vedic teachings. This knowledge has provided Kumi with immense mental, emotional, and spiritual clarity, which she now shares with the world.
After a decade of teaching, freelance graphic design, and managing for CorePower Yoga, Kumi was inspired to open her own studio in 2014. Veda Yoga is a non-profit organization in Southern California that focuses on educating the community on the scientific principles of yoga as taught in the Vedic literatures of ancient India. Her teachings however, extend beyond the studio, as she currently teaches yoga, meditation, philosophy classes, workshops, retreats, conferences, and teacher training programs internationally.
Kumi's incredible journey into the world of yoga is a testament to the transformative power of this ancient practice. Her passion for sharing this gift with others is evident in everything she does, and her dedication to the practice has made her one of the most sought-after yoga instructors in the world.
“Every day I am amazed at how much I learn from students and get to share with others my experience. Teaching and affecting the lives of others has had a profound impact on my own spiritual growth. I want nothing more than to pass onto others that which has brought love, compassion and understanding into my own life. May we continue to learn, grown and share together in the light of yoga!”
Some of her most influential teachers are Radhanath Swami, Tukaram Das, Raghunath Das, Bryan Kest, Alanna Kaivalya, Saul David Raye, David Swenson, Dave Porter and Jim (My first yoga teacher at Bally’s on Colorado Blvd in Denver).
“ I love all the different styles, approaches and techniques that yoga uses to help us wake up and realize our highest potential. That’s what yoga is about. Integrating body, mind and spirit in healthy and positive way to promote balance and harmony from within. “
teacher training progams CorePower Yoga, Power Yoga (2003), David Swenson Ashtanga Yoga (2004), Amy Ippoliti, Anusara Yoga (2005), Alanna Kaivalya, Jivamukti Yoga (2006), Julia Danas, Viniyoga (2007), Saul David Raye, Holistic Healing Yoga (2009) Ashley Turner, Yoga Psychology (2011) Govind Das, Bhakti Yoga Shala (2015) Raghunath Das, Bhakti Cultural Immersion 300hr YTT (2020)favorite yoga workshops Bryan Kest, Carolyn Myss, Rusty Wells, Janet Stone, Shiva Rea, Sean Corn, Ana T. Forrest, Baron Baptiste, Rolf Gates, Sharon Gannon
favorite books Srîmad Bhâgavatam by Srila VyâsadevaBhagavad Gita by A.C. Bhativedanta Swami PrabhupadaYoga Sutras of Patanjali by Edwin Bryant
favorite music Trevor Hall, DJ Taz, Ben Leinbach, Karnamrita, Gaura Vani, DJ Drez, Mayapuris, Marian Hill, Sol RisingClass Schedule
VEDA YOGA
9349 Venice Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
POWER YOGA SCHEDULE
Mondays: 5:30-6:30PM (All levels)
Tuesdays: 12-1PM (Beginners)
Wednesdays: 5:30-6:30PM (All levels)
7-8:30PM (Philosophy)
Thursdays: 12-1PM (Beginners)
Fridays: 4-5PM (Beginners)
Sundays: 12-1:30PM (Advanced)
MEDITATION SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday: 9-10AM (FREE Japa Meditation for All levels)
SPECIALTIES
YOGA GROUP CLASSES
Kumi teaches group class weekly at Veda Yoga from beginners to advanced levels. Her dynamic flow sequences are synchronized with high vibrational music and she provides a theme to compliment the essence of the ancient yogic teachings. Kumi is an E-RYT 500 certified instructor.PRIVATE LESSONS
Kumi is available for private one on one instruction. The benefit to private instruction includes but is not limited to a safer learning environment, feeling more comfortable, focus on personal goals, work around your schedule, make quicker advancement, tailor the classes to your goals.
THAI YOGA MASSAGE
Thai Yoga Massage is a form of bodywork that combines dynamic assisted stretching influenced by Yoga, and physical pressure along energy lines influenced by Chinese acupuncture and Ayurveda.
MARMA THERAPY SESSION
Marma therapy is an ancient healing modality. It was used in the Vedic period by the warrior class to help them heal when they came back from battle. It's a two hour session that includes practices similar to Thai Yoga Massage, acupressure, oil massage and reiki.
YOGA PHILOSPHY
Wisdom Wednesday is a weekly in depth look at different aspects of yoga philosophy. We not only discuss the history of yoga but we dive into the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Yoga Sutras. These are India's most treasured and famous spiritual texts. They teach us about about the human condition and no matter what type of life circumstance you find yourself in, there is guidance and wisdom to be found. With these teachings, you will learn to navigate the waters of material existence with more ease and grace.
SOUNDBATH
A Sound Bath is a deeply-immersive, full-body listening experience that intentionally uses sound to invite gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative processes to nurture your mind and body.
BHAGAVAD GITA
Chapter 2 Verse 20
Translation:
For the soul, there is neither birth nor death at any time. It has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. The soul is birthless, eternal, imperishable and timeless and is never destroyed when the body is destroyed.
THE YOGA PHILOSOPHY
The beauty of yoga lies in its essence of union and connection. The word "yoga" originated from the Sanskrit root "yuj" which means to join, connect, or unite. Even in its English language cognates like "yoke," we see the idea of connection and bringing two things together.
The primary aim of yoga is to connect our individual consciousness with the Absolute Truth. This is the fundamental message of the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture that teaches us about the essence of yoga. The Gita is a 700-verse scripture that touches on every dimension of the human condition. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, there is a verse in the Gita that will offer guidance in whatever you may be seeking.
In the Gita, we witness the story of Arjuna, a great warrior who turns to his friend Krishna for counsel on the battlefield. Facing the ultimate conflict of fratricidal war, Arjuna is bewildered and seeks guidance from Krishna. It is here that we receive the first teaching of yoga - we are not the body. Though we may think we are the body, we are not. We are a soul with a body that serves as a vehicle for self-realization. This realization serves as the foundation that will liberate Arjuna from doubt, fear, and worry in the temporary material existence that is constantly changing.
We must remember that everything in this material world is constantly changing, including our bodies. With every breath, our bodies are in a state of flux. However, the soul remains unchanged. It is this understanding that leads us to the realization that we are not merely physical beings, but spiritual beings as well. Through yoga, we can connect with our true selves and experience the union of our individual consciousness with the Absolute Truth.
Yoga is a practice that transcends religion, culture, and nationality. It is a universal practice that can provide us with the tools to navigate the ever-changing nature of our lives. By connecting with our true selves, we can find peace, clarity, and purpose. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita remind us that we are not alone in our journey - we are all connected and seeking the same ultimate truth. Let us continue to practice yoga and connect with our true selves and the world around us.
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