Sri Dharma Mittra is the teacher with the most mileage. Since 1967, he has spent more than half of his life teaching many aspects of Classical Yoga, Advanced Postures, the Yamas and Niyamas, and how to lead a content, simple and happy life daily to hundreds of thousands of students. He was born in 1939 in the small remote village of Pirapora, Brazil, and was raised Catholic in a poor family of 5 children. In his early teens Sri Dharma became involved in esoteric teachings and Yoga through books his younger brother was studying. Sri Dharma practiced Body Building, Wrestling & Jiu-Jitsu. In 1962, he was awarded the title "Mister Minas Gerais" (a state in Brazil). From 1958 through 1964, Sri Dharma served in the Brazilian National Air-Force. He had only practiced Yoga through books when his younger brother Sattya went to NYC to study with their future Guru. Within a letter from Sattya to Sri Dharma, he wrote about Swami Kailashananda, and sent an invitation to come to New York City and stay with him. Sri Dharma immediately left the Air Force and desperatly gathered enough money for a flight to the United States. On September 14, 1964, he and his brother met on MacDougal Street, near his Leroy Street apartment in the heart of Greenwich Village, filled with the colors of the 1960's. The next day he had scheduled a private consultation with the Guru, with his brother as the translator.

The path ahead was unfolding. Within the next two years Sri Dharma took every class and course, had private consultations, sat at the Guru's feet, and immersed himself in Karma Yoga, self-less service. After intense tapas and learning, Sri Dharma was greatly honored to become initiated into the family of Bramacharya from his Guru, as a sanyasin, or one who renounces the world in order to achieve liberation.

In 1967, after much perseverance, practice, and experience, he was asked to teach the Eight Limbs of Yoga, specifically the 3rd and 4th limbs, Asana and Pranayama. Between the years 1967 and 1975, Dharma Mittra lived at the Yogi Gupta Ashram, which as at that time the main Yoga school in New York City. He was assigned to attend to all the needs of his Guru, such as preparing his food and clothes and shaving his head, and by receiving the blessings of Karma Yoga practice (self-less service or action without attachment), he served all the needs of the Ashram. Sri Dharma was the main handyman, made juices for everyone, and was the most highly beloved Hatha Yoga teacher in the Ashram, giving two classes and privates daily. When the Guru gave lectures to the public, Sri Dharma was asked to give the Hatha Yoga demonstrations with him.

Sri Dharma Mittra imparts: "This was an absolute blessing for me, to be constantly near the Guru and be charged with his aura and grace, showered in love, compassion, thoughts of renunciation, self-realization, surrender and fortitude. Thus realizing that spiritual knowledge can only be imparted psychically, mentally and mostly spiritually". In 1975, after becoming self-realized, knowing that Krishna is all, and saturated with sattva (spiritual bliss caused by knowledge, realization and discipline), Sri Dharma left the ashram to live his destiny - a life dedicated to sharing and spreading the truth, knowledge, and light of God in Yoga in the most humble and quiet of ways. The long story of the opening of his first school, the Yoga Asana Center, while penniless, and the opening of many later locations, may be told at a later time.

Just let it be known that he has provided 45 years of dedicated service through teaching, for years earning only enough to pay for the rent of the center and for his food (giving out free posters and sprouts). He taught through the 1970's and 80's when there were no independent teachers outside of a larger organization and there was little interest in Yoga. Dharma Mitttra has always persevered and maintained a loyal, growing following.

Yogi Dharma Mittra is a pioneer in the popularity of Yoga today. Years ago, he was the only one teaching advanced and difficult Yoga postures and a vinyasa flow of advanced postures. Teachers from all schools came to Dharma to learn, practice and then teach elsewhere. Sri Dharma is truly a sweet, gentle master who sets the greatest example of Yoga by living what he teaches and asking nothing in return. He continues to be that same selfless, shining example today! Many teachers throughout the USA and especially in NYC have studied under Dharma Mittra. Students, friends, and teachers get one-on-one attention, and their questions are reassuringly answered through the practices. He holds Life of a Yogi teacher trainings and retreats, as well as giving workshops to those who wish him to come to their schools. Little do they know they are making a friend for life! Hari Om Tat Sat