Namaste!
I am Rinchen Dolma Bhutia, born and brought up in the peaceful Himalayan region of Sikkim, India. Growing up in this serene environment, I was deeply influenced by the proximity to nature and the cultural richness of my homeland. Being part of a Buddhist family, the teachings of philosophy and spirituality have always been an integral part of my life. From a young age, practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness were a party of my life. They were more than just practices. They shaped my way of being and guided me towards deeper self-awareness and a stronger connection with the world. These traditions continue to anchor my journey, bringing balance and a sense of peace with each step I take.
At the age of 8, I began an impactful 7-year journey with Sai Spiritual Education (Balvikas), where I was introduced to the five core practices of prayer, meditation, mantra chanting, storytelling, and yoga. These teachings formed the bedrock of my early life, nurturing a deep sense of purpose and a strong connection to the world around me. Through these practices, I learned the profound values of self-discipline, inner peace, and compassion, which continue to guide and shape my path today.
In 2013, I had the honour of attending a 4-day teaching session with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, focused on Acharya Shantideva’s Way of Life. This experience greatly deepened my understanding of Buddhist philosophy, especially the principles of altruism and the importance of developing a compassionate heart. It reinforced the powerful lesson of the interconnectedness of all beings, a concept that continues to shape my spiritual journey and influences how I engage with the world.
In 2015, my path led me to New York, where I discovered Abhaya Yoga. Under the guidance of Guru Tara Glazier, I earned my certification as a yoga instructor in 2018.
During the pandemic, I discovered Pankaj Yogpeeth and began taking online and in-person classes. This led to my certification in their 300-hour Teacher Training Course (TTC) in 2023 under Guru Pankaj Sadana’s guidance.
Rinchen is a certified American Red Cross Instructor since 2018, providing emergency life-saving training, including for Yoga Teacher Training Courses (YTTC).
These training extended beyond mastering physical postures; it was about integrating yoga’s deeper dimensions namely mindfulness, energy flow, and healing. As a yoga teacher, I’ve had the privilege of sharing these teachings with students of all ages.
My teaching style draws from a variety of traditions, including Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Pranayama, Restorative, Bhakti Yoga, and Vedic mantra chanting etc. Each tradition offers unique perspectives on the practice, and I strive to blend them in ways that meet the diverse needs of my students. For me, teaching yoga is not simply about the physical practice. It is about growing a space for balance, self-awareness, and inner peace. Sharing the transformative gift of yoga with others fills me with deep fulfilment, knowing that I am contributing to the creation of a more mindful and compassionate world.
I deeply honour all my gurus’ yoga wisdom and express heartfelt gratitude for their guidance and teachings.