Going Deeper 2023

Anand Brian Darsie, BA (Music), Indiana University, Bloomington IN; RYT 500, E-RYT 200, RCYT: Anand teaches the Eight Limbs of classical Ashtanga Yoga with a focus on āsana and pranayama. Anand has been the Program Coordinator for Children’s Yoga Teacher Training for Educators, bringing his background in helping children explore nature, music, and yoga to those who wish to share contemplative practice with the youngest generation.

Anand is a professional musician and vocalist.

Bhavani Siegel was introduced to yoga in childhood, practicing asana and yogic breathing with her family. She met Baba Hari Dass in 1974, became his disciple, and began formal study and sādhana practice. In 1975, Bhavani began teaching yoga. A senior yoga faculty and founding member of Mount Madonna, Bhavani teaches many aspects of Yoga, including meditation, pranayama, and yoga philosophy. Her specialties are: Root Values in Yoga: Yama & Niyama, Mantra Yoga: Sanskṛit as Sacred Sound, and Ritual & Symbolism in the Path of Yoga.

Through yoga teacher trainings, seminars and retreats, Bhavani has continued her journey of “teach to learn.” She loves chanting and singing, mystic poetry, and the solace of nature.

Rebecca (Krishna Gayatri) Schefstrom has been an energetic contributor to the wellness industry as a yoga and Pilates teacher and entrepreneur for more than 20 years. She is the founder and CEO of Urban Balance, which delivers holistic wellness solutions to companies nationwide.

An experienced movement teacher with 1000+ hours of training and study across the two disciplines, Krishna Gayatri has led yoga and Pilates classes for industry-leading corporate clients and taught in top-tier health club and hospital settings and leads local and national retreats. She has been a student of Baba Hari Dass since 1997 and has been following his guidance ever since. She is deeply committed to preserving the lineage and mission Babaji and Mount Madonna created and sustained over these many decades.

Shantam Jason Galuten first came to Mount Madonna in 1986 as a young boy with his father, who taught him music and meditation, and introduced him to Baba Hari Dass. After studying jazz piano and composition at Berklee College of Music, Shantam met Chuck Miller, and began practicing and teaching asana in the Mysore style of K. Pattabhi Jois while pursuing a career in music.

In 2006, Shantam returned to Mount Madonna to study with Babaji and the community of senior teachers and over the following 15 years, served as a pujari (priest) for the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and taught classical Ashtanga yoga.