By Caridad Ponce
Having a master, an authentic mentor, a true guide on the spiritual path of Yoga is not at all easy to find.
Although one can approach Yoga through books or even people who practise and teach it, discovering and understanding what Yoga truly is requires a deep commitment of spiritual devotion, the surrender of an entire life dedicated to the experience of meditation, inner silence and the contemplation of the mystical teachings of this philosophy and psychology.
All of this is what one feels when in the presence of the master Gustavo Plaza. When he transmits the teachings of Yoga, when he speaks and when he is silent; when his words flow or he offers us his silence, when he adjusts your posture and shifts the energy, or when he sweetly chants a mantra and then fiercely challenges your ego.
You ask him a personal question and he gives you a universal answer that lies in some sutra of an ancient Sanskrit text. Or when he inspires you and makes you laugh with the stories of his Masters, of his many journeys to India, or the anecdotes of his encounters with realised yogis and masters.
I have had the opportunity to share 15 years with Gustavo in classes, workshops, retreats, conferences and the pilgrimage to Mystical India.
From his generosity I have received a spiritual friendship that has marked my life and a solid guidance for my process with the practice of Yoga. My heart is always full of gratitude.
Last Friday, 13 May, we welcomed him again in our space Shantaya Yoga, and as always we had a full house, a house full of students and spiritual seekers and a house full of heart and gratitude.
Old students, new ones, aspirants and those simply interested were able to share two magical sessions with Gustavo: one of asana, alignment and cultivation of the mind through the Hatha Yoga of Yoga Rahasya, and another session of meditation and spiritual wisdom from the Yogis of the Himalayas.
We were left with a full heart and longing for much more!
Thanks to the entire Shantaya community and its teachers, and to Masters like Gus, who sustain us and are an anchor of stability and clarity on our spiritual path.
