Teachers

All the teachers at Astanga Yoga Switzerland are highly qualified and experienced. Each has a current, dedicated Astanga practice, has been practicing daily for many years and has been authorised by Sharath Jois, the current lineage holder of Astanga yoga in Mysore, India.

Francisca

I had my first experience practicing asanas when I was eighteen, and I was immediately flooded with bliss and laughter. During my university years, I attended a few local yoga classes until 2013, when I was fortunate to meet Victor, my meditation teacher. From that moment, I knew exactly this was the path meant to walk.

In 2015, I began studying with Rodrigo Rivas, an authorized teacher by K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore. Since then, I’ve returned almost every year to continue learning with him.

In 2016, I made a clear decision—I was going to Mysore. I didn’t care that I was still a beginner; when you feel the call, nothing can stop you. Before I even knew I would be accepted into the main Shala, I had already booked my flight. Soon after, I received the confirmation I was hoping for. That journey profoundly shaped me, inspiring a deep commitment to this method, to daily study, and to living the path of Yoga.

That same year, I met Christian in the small changing room on the second floor of the Shala, where Lakshmisha used to give philosophy classes. I asked him for help with my Sanskrit homework—and from that moment, we never parted.

In 2021, I moved to Switzerland, where I now live with Christian.

Since 2022, I have been officially authorized to teach Ashtanga Yoga.

Beyond yoga, I’m passionate about landscape architecture, yoga philosophy, and spending time in nature. I’m also currently helping others with online marketing projects.

Arvind
Arvind Pare has been teaching classes in Yoga Philosophy in Gokulam, Mysore since 2013. His evening sessions on Bhagavad-Gita and weekly talks on yoga-related topics are very popular among students. Prior to this, he lived for 15 years in ashrams learning Vedanta from his teacher Swami Dayananda Saraswati of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam. Arvind has masters degree in Engineering and Business Administration from USA where he spent 12 years. His effective use of language and adherence to traditional methods of teaching allows him to communicate most complex concepts to his students, who range from beginners to yoga teachers.

Christian