Bodhisattva Yoga is principally a vinyasa yoga studio. Using breath-based, mindful movement, its purpose is to help the Park Slope community develop strength, health & ease in body and mind. Based on a non-competitive spirit, Bodhisattva Yoga reflects and embraces Brooklyn’s diversity.

Why Practice at Bodhisattva Yoga

While teaching yoga with national fitness chains, Bodhisattva Yoga founder, Vivekan came to recognize the high number of students that get “lost in the crowd” of big classes. “That’s why I chose this space [Bodhisattva Yoga]; we fit a maximum of 11 people. There are no membership fees at Bodhisattva Yoga. Your guests can draw from your class series. Each person receives individual attention, in every class. This degree of guidance helps practitioners develop good postural form and practice habits; this leads to rapid progress.” The space, and instructors, at Bodhisattva Yoga lend to a sense of openness, many call it their sanctuary. The instructors at Bodhisattva Yoga always seek a balance of blending the physical benefits of an invigorating practice, while simultaneously inviting practitioners to develop a personal sense of calm and confidence. There are no mirrors at Bodhisattva Yoga. This is not by mistake. As Vivekan says: “Whenever I taught in classes that had mirrors, there was always a much greater level of improper competitiveness among practitioners. Many [practitioners] would become so engrossed and distracted by reflected images that they would miss instruction points. The practice is challenging enough, why make it harder? Students are in close proximity to instructors here; one does not need to ‘check oneself’ in the mirror.”

About Founder and Director Vivekan

Bodhisattva Yoga was founded in 2004 and is directed by Vivekan (AKA, William D. Mejia, Jr., B.S., E-RYT). A New York City native, he received certification in 1999 under Jayadeva, a direct disciple of Swami Satchidananda – and, has been teaching since. Vivekan credits Rodney Yee as an asana and flow-sequence giant from whom he learned a great deal. “I have been especially inspired by teachers from Tibet, China, India & the West: H.H., the Dalai Lama, the late Sifu Sheng Yen, the late Sermey Khensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche, Khyongla Rato Rinpoche & the clear-thinking empiricist, Serge Ledan, MD.

Vivekan has instructed thousands of students in the New York City area. He has also worked extensively with individuals coping with hard-drug addictions, HIV, AIDS and their respective difficulties and treatments. Additionally, he has attended to under-served populations such as seniors and individuals with physical, visual and hearing disabilities. Vivekan has led numerous workshops, seminars and retreats based upon wellness, yoga & meditation. Vivekan has been interviewed by and taught a videotaped class for MTV Brazil, and has been featured on Channel 9 News. He was also awarded for his teaching style during his tenure as an instructor with a famed national fitness chain.

Vivekan’s exposure to eclectic yoga schools, along with his home practice, has led to the development of his own singular style, Inspired Flows™.

About Inspired Flows™

Inspired Flows™ is Vivekan’s spontaneous & creative sequencing of yogic poses utilizing breath, form and awareness – in a class setting. Unlike Bodhisattva Yoga’s Basic and Intermediate classes, there is little in-depth instruction, break-down or work-shopping of poses (and their related transitional movements) in Inspired Flows™ classes. (Therefore, it is important to have, at minimum, strong Intermediate-level experience, along with a sense of play, and the ability to know when to pull back.) His unique approach helps practitioners develop strength, muscle-tone, and flexibility, all while losing weight and managing stress. Regular participants of Vivekan’s Inspired Flows™ classes become accomplished at moving the body through poses and deepening flows with a sense of grace, power and confidence. “My Inspired Flows™ differ from class to class – I never come in with a script; it is based on the premise that fun and effort are not mutually exclusive.”

Video with Vivekan on Bodhisattva Yoga

Bodhisattva Yoga’s Green Commitment

Vivekan operates Bodhisattva Yoga as an ecologically and socially responsible business – using recycled products and wind-energy while hosting events and meetings directed toward progressive change. He is currently in a graduate program for Environmental Management. Vivekan is very interested in finding solutions for the problems facing habitat, species and humanity on a local through global level. Interested individuals and/or entities positioned to assist such endeavors can e-mail us.

Photo by Veronique Roblin