When did you start practicing yoga?
I began practicing yoga with my grandmother when I was about 6 or 7. She would do her sitting meditation, then a little singing and chanting, and then her asana practice. I joined her for all of those and learned the asanas from her. It was nothing fancy, no regiment or class, just how you do it in India.

What has yoga brought to your life?
Yoga has brought everything to my life - my relationship with my self is stronger, family and friends are closer to me. I am nicer to myself and to everybody.

Why did you become a yoga instructor?
I became a yoga instructor in 2005 in India. Yoga helps me find my own authentic voice and I stand up and distribute that. I find my passion and I share that.

What impact can a regular yoga practice have on a person's life?
A regular yoga practice can make a person stronger, mentally clear, you can see your emotions and work through them in a good way. Yoga helps someone's own personal relationship with herself be stronger. It helps their path and life journey to be clearer.

What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga?
Be brave. Don't worry. Don't think too much. It's not rocket science. And just try - no harm in trying. When you try, you find out on your own. 

What is special about the style of yoga you teach?
What I teach is a devotional, strong physical practice. It connects people to their own selves. The physical challenges bring the joy in their life.

What is your favorite yoga posture to teach, and why?
Child pose. I like to teach this practice because it is humbling, grounding and very simple to practice. It helps students to connect to their own authentic self.

Please share some words of wisdom or advice for your yogadownload.com yoga students.
Do what you love, and do it often. Life is beautiful - don't f' it up. And I don't mean, don't make any mistakes. I have made many mistakes in my life and I have learned and grown from them. What I mean is that we have one beautiful life. Pay attention! Be aware of what you are doing. Don't fuck up the whole thing. If you lose your balance, don't get discouraged. This life is a gift and we are so lucky to be alive. I am so grateful for my life and for my loved ones and that helps me to focus and do right.

What do you like to do "off the mat"?
I like to go to nature. That can be the beach, or mountains, or in the trees. I like drinking red wine! But mostly, I love being in my home.

Born and raised in a small village outside of New Delhi, Pradeep Teotia is an internationally certified yoga teacher who draws mostly from his training in India. He has practiced and studied yoga his entire life - starting with his grandmother in his early years. He is known for bringing the roots of yoga alive for modern practitioners through the integration of meditation, yoga philosophy, nature's vitality, spontaneous humor, and joy. His unique teaching style brings alive the holistic nature of healing in a way that is simple, powerful, and accessible - allowing people to connect more deeply with their own authentic power and spirit. 

Click Here to practice one of Pradeeps YogaDownload Classes.