Vishalakshi Rao
About me
I have been a dedicated student of Yoga for over thirty years and a teacher for more than twenty-five. Yoga continues to deeply fascinate me as I witness its powerful effects both on myself and on those I work with whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or to awaken a higher potential within.
My journey began in India with Shri B.K.S. Iyengar, where I was fortunate to study with him, his daughter, and his senior students. This path then led me to the lineage of his master, Shri Krishnamacharya (also the teacher of Shri Pattabhi Jois). I spent time at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, led by his son Shri T.K.V. Desikachar, deepening my understanding of Yoga as a therapeutic and holistic science.
Seeking to experience Yoga as a complete way of life, I immersed myself in ashram living through long-term association with the Bihar School of Yoga, founded by Swami Satyananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda of the Divine Life Society in the Himalayan foothills. There, I studied Yoga in its traditional form—ancient scriptures, Sanskrit chanting, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and various esoteric practices. Most importantly, I experienced Living Yoga: the understanding that Yoga extends far beyond the mat and supports a balanced, conscious, and integrated way of life.
Teaching & Professional Experience
- Taught Yoga in India, Seattle, and California; now teaching virtually worldwide
- Worked with all age groups, including children, adults, pregnant women, and senior citizens
- Conducted corporate wellness programs for organizations such as IBM, Goldman Sachs, and GE
- Offered free Yoga workshops for voluntary and non-profit organizations
- Led teacher training programs, retreats, and advanced workshops, including:
- Prana & Pranayama
- Yoga Nidra
- Pratyahara practices
- Chakra Sadhana
- Mind Management through Yoga
- Mantra, Mala, and Nada Yoga
- Invited speaker at forums such as the Rotary Club and Lions Club
- Organized and led large-scale yoga events in both India and the United States
- Articles on Yoga published in multiple publications
- Served—and continue to serve—on boards (educational and yoga non-profit)
Teaching & Professional Experience
Yoga has supported me through every phase of my life. It sustained me while leading high-altitude Himalayan treks up to 18,000 feet, during multiple family relocations, through miscarriages, and during the natural home births of both my children—without medication. It continues to guide me in my parenting journey, offering mental clarity, emotional grounding, and a deep sense of inner balance.
Teaching for me is a passion, and I strive to be a channel to pass on this pure, sacred knowledge that has been handed down through generations, that leads to holistic health, harmony, inner peace and a blossoming of the creative potential that exists within all of us.
Subscribe now and stay connected!
Please subscribe to receive timely email updates
about our blogs, latest episodes, and insightful discussions.
