David Meloni has been awarded the highest certificate possible in the Iyengar system. He is also the director of the IYENGAR® YOGA Rahasya Institute in Florence, Italy. Outside of Florence, he has been invited to lead courses throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America to share what he has learned and transmit the essence of B.K.S. Iyengar’s teachings.

Possessed with a distinctively clear teaching style and insightful sequences, his students are positioned to experience the integration of the multi-dimensional aspects of the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. David, through his deeply devoted sadhana in in āsana, prāṇāyāma and application in yoga philosophy, helps his students develop external and internal strength, discernment, mental and emotional steadiness, and poise.

Decades separated the publication of “Light on Yoga” (1966) and his initial trip to Pune, India in 2003. When David first met B.K.S. Iyengar, the Master was 85 years old. It was apparent how his continued practice had deepened his teachings and asanas alike. David was ready and there to learn from him.

He was inspired in many ways. First, by what Guruji had taught. Second, as Guruji had asked David to be close to him, David was molded by Guruji during his multi-month, annual trips to Pune. It was there, while being a direct student of Guruji’s he observed that B.K.S. Iyengar, was a true living Yogi. He was an actual living testimony in what he taught. Guruji lived his Yoga. He wasn’t just espousing words. To follow the steps of Yoga is in itself a natural transformation.

By 2013, in recognition of the depth of David’s practice, through diligent work and perceptive understanding, he earned his Advanced Junior II with Guruji. Then in 2018 Geetaji awarded him the maximum level of certification, “Advanced Senior level II*”. These assessments reflected what he had learned and absorbed during the time he spent under Guruji’s direct tutelage. During his time in Pune, David studied with Guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar and Geetaji until they passed. He continues to be a student of Prashantji, B.K.S. Iyengar’s son. (*Currently named Level 4 under the new structure of the Iyengar system.)

Guruji still teaches David. After years of learning closely from Guruji, in the form of points taught and remarks made inside and outside the yoga hall, and from direct and strict guidance - the teachings from his Guru continue to unfold in the form of insights through David’s dedicated and devoted practice. David continues to digest the work he did with the Master when he was alive. The storehouse of memories that has accumulated in his mind, body, cells, and inner being are continually being assimilated and digested. Insights are carried to the surface by fusing and consolidating the actions in the Asanas, tapping into the power of the Pranayama, and application and integration of the wisdom of Yogic philosophy.

This translates seamlessly into David’s teachings. His efforts to guide students to experience the integration of the multi-dimensional aspects of the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar is found in his distinctively clear teaching style, skillful use of props, and masterful sequences. By teaching simple actions in a progressive and highly methodical manner, David prepares, the body, breath and mind. This helps to create the condition for one to become more receptive and can begin to catch glimpses of the Rahasya of Yoga and to more readily experience the effects of Yoga.

David’s devotion and dedication to Guruji is paramount. He has been given so much. It is his humble duty to transmit the essence of B.K.S. Iyengar’s teachings. He endeavors to share wholeheartedly what he has learned from Guruji.

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