No, it’s not 4:20. The judgment-free yoga duo are almost always smiling.

Why Practice at Bodhisattva Yoga?

While teaching yoga with national fitness chains, Bodhisattva Yoga founder, Vivekan, came to recognize the high number of students getting lost in the crowd of big classes. Seeking an antidote, he created Bodhisattva Yoga’s Brooklyn Brownstone, boutique-style studio sanctuary. Fitting a maximum of 11 people, the pristine and tranquil space lends to individual attention in every class.

Our instructors and students agree: this teacher-to-student ratio helps practitioners develop good postural form and injury-free practice habits—leading to rock star, rapid progress.

Stay Cool in Your Cow Pose

Bodhisattva Yoga is pleased to announce its new energy efficient AC unit! Don’t expect movie theater or freezer case temperatures however. We’ll be cooling down the practice space to a perfect fitness temperature to keep you comfortable–and inspired–on the mat.

Mirror-Free for Key Instruction

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 greater level of competitiveness among practitioners–and many students would become so engrossed and distracted by reflected images that they would miss key instruction points. The practice is challenging enough, why make it harder?” Since students are in close proximity to instructors there isn’t 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 instructed thousands of students in the NYC area since. His classes are inspired by venerable teachers from Tibet, China, India & the West. Vivekan’s exposure to eclectic yoga styles, along with his home practice, has led to his unique approach to Vinyasa instruction, which he terms as Inspired FlowsTM. “My Inspired FlowsTM 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.”

Vivekan 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 continues to lead numerous seminars, workshops and retreats, based upon wellness, yoga, meditation, and team-building.

Vivekan espouses and exhorts his practitioners to uphold his 3 Bodhisattva Yoga Principles: Breathe, Practice Regularly, and Try to Be a Good Person in Everything You Do.

Vivekan has been featured on such popular media outlets as MTV Brazil and Channel 9 News, and inside the pages of Time Out NY and The New York Times.

Video with Vivekan on Bodhisattva Yoga

Bodhisattva Yoga’s Global Green Love & Expertise

Vivekan and yogini partner Jess Root, operate Bodhisattva Yoga as an ecologically and socially responsible business—using recycled products and wind-energy while hosting events and meetings directed toward progressive change. Their ongoing commitment to ecologically responsible, low-carbon yoga retreats is a featured extension of their mutual green vision.

Vivekan is currently in a graduate program for Environmental Management. As an eco-journalist, Jess contributes to Discovery Communications’ Planet Green, and TreeHugger.com; she has been featured in Budget Travel, and E, the Environmental Magazine. Jess has lectured at The Tibet Center and the Rubin Museum of Art.

Vivekan and Jess are very interested in implementing 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.

Photos by Renata Ferraz