A yogacharya (pronounced “yo-ga-char-ya”) is the respectful way to address a yoga teacher. Sure, you can call them a “yogi” as well and that is completely acceptable too!
As a part of the 200 hours YTT course, we’re all learning to become yogacharyas and for us all, there is a short poem that I dedicate:
eyes closed and palms up
steady minds and mouths shut
that's how we connect
our own fuse to the common plug
we are it and it is us
there's no give and take
in trying to understand this
there are some mistakes we will make
give up attachment
to almost everything
but be conscious of the experience
while doing anything
learn to live and live to learn
for karma yoga will show
every action has a consequence
either you'll regret it or it will make you grow
soak in all those experiences
and then let it go
clutch on to sand too hard
and the faster it will flow
reaching Pratyahara
is definitely no mean feat
your sadhana will take some time
so please do take a seat
close your eyes and look inside
stay grounded, stay cool
say hi to your third eye
and goodbye to the inner fool.
- LeelaM
Happy yoga, fellow yogacharyas!!