LEAD TEACHERS
Learn more about our family
In our heart-centered team we cultivate a genuine family connection, and we can't wait to share our love for Yoga & Life with you. We personally guide you through authentic & eye-opening programs, and we are here to support you on all levels.
We can confidently say that we offer one of the the best educational programs available. Our consistent 5-star review ratings & the sincere testimonials speak for themselves.
Our life-changing courses transmit theory & practice of classical Yoga & meditation, delivered by knowledgeable & passionate senior teachers in a safe & nurturing learning environment.
Join our global Akasha Yoga Family today & start your heart-opening journey now!
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INSPIRATION
“Philosophy means Love of Wisdom."
I am captivated by the great wisdom traditions – especially the Yogic philosophies of India. It is my passion to share the practical relevance of these ancient ideas in modern life. My aspiration is the integration of science & spirituality, and a unified understanding of Eastern & Western philosophies.
EDUCATION
I graduated summa cum laude with a Master's degree in Psychology from the Free University of Berlin, focusing on education, philosophy, and Ken Wilber's Integral Theory. Alongside my academic studies, I started exploring the practical aspects of spirituality: Since 2001, my journey has continuously led me back to the roots of Yoga in India.
Since 2007, I've been living year-round in Asia, dedicating more than 5,000 hours to the study of yogic practices:
The journey began with a truly thorough exploration of classical Hatha & Kundalini Yoga.
My mindfulness meditation practice started in the Buddhist Vipassana style, learning from Ajaan Tong Sirimangalo and other eminent masters in Thailand.
With my meditation teachers, Sahajananda & Mooji, I discovered the Oneness teachings of Advaita Vedanta.
Hareesh Christopher Wallis helped me deepen my understanding of non-dual Kashmir Shaivism.
I learned to unify these profound wisdom traditions in a simple, breath-based asana practice, following the lineage of Krishnamacharya.
Over the years, I've participated in more than two dozen 10-day silent meditation retreats, completed a 49-day solitary meditation retreat in the jungles of Thailand, and immersed myself in various darkroom Kayakalpa solo retreats."
CERTIFICATION
Burkhard is a Yoga Alliance-certified and Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher at the highest level (IYF & E-RYT-500).
In addition to thousands of hours of retreats & workshops, he completed a 500-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, a 500-Hour Hridaya Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training, a 100-Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training, and a 200-Hour Heart of Yoga Teacher Training.
Since 2008, Burkhard has been sharing his vast experience in various contexts, including Yoga Teacher Trainings, meditation retreats, workshops, and life-coaching sessions. He has taught in various locations across Asia, Europe & America. Together with his dear friend Kirsten, he co-founded the Akasha Yoga Academy in 2011.
TESTIMONIALS
“The depth of his practice is brilliant. He really holds the space well, and opens from the heart consistently.”
– Zoran from Canada
“Burkhard is extremely intelligent, kind, giving. Sometimes firm, but always spot on in his comments and psychological understanding of a person.”
– Anastasia from Germany
“I loved the passion & generosity of Burkhard. He shares his deep knowledge on many topics with unconditional love.”
– Rafaella from Italy
KIRSTEN
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INSPIRATION
“In my experience, breath-based movement is an effective & joyful way to re-center and to touch base with the Heart of the moment. Practicing Hatha Yoga and sharing the practice are both essential parts of my everyday life. In the vast field of Yoga, my interest & passion belong to classical breath-based, slow flow Hatha Yoga, and long held deep Yin Yoga poses."
EDUCATION
"I love when movement practices lead into silent contemplation & stillness. This is the way I practice, and this is what I teach.
I started my own Yoga journey during university times, as I studied architecture & art history. Yoga first caught my attention on a trip through South India in my early twenties.
My introduction to Yoga included a classical static style of Hatha Yoga integrated into a holistic way of living, including breathing practices, diet, cleansing routines, mantra chanting, etc. My interest in Yoga & meditation, and the call to dedicate more of my time & energy to Self discovery, led me to journey through India & South East Asia for over a decade. And that adventure continues even today!
In 2007, Yoga moved from being a cherished side aspect of my life, to being its center. Since then, many years have been dedicated to classical Hatha & Yin Yoga practice & studies, to meditation, contemplation & retreats, and to investigation into the Essence of Life.
My Hatha Yoga & meditation practice is inspired by Krishnamacharya's Vinyasa Krama. I am moved by the pointings of Mooji, which profoundly pull the Yoga teachings off the mat into a moment-by-moment inquiry.”
CERTIFICATION
Kirsten teaches classical Hatha Yoga & pranayama, Yin Yoga & meditation. She is certified by the Yoga Alliance as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher at the highest level (E-RYT-500).
Since 2008, she has been presenting drop-in asana classes, workshops & meditation retreats, as well as a variety of 200-Hour & 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings. On her way, she supported her teachers to setup & run Yoga centers in Mexico & Thailand, before she co-founded the Akasha Yoga Academy with her dear friend Burkhard in 2011.
TESTIMONIALS
“Kirsten is very much to the point, captivating, precise & enthusiastic.”
– Nadine from Germany
“Kirsten comes directly from the heart, which is soothing, patient & understanding.”
– Zoran from Cananda
“Kirsten is super clear & precise. She has a beautiful presence. She is motherly, but not patronizing, kind & compassionate.”
– Anastasia from Germany
DEVDAS
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INSPIRATION
“By Grace, I discovered Hatha Yoga when I was just 16 years old, and it was love at first sight. By the time I was 18, I had discovered meditation & pranayama, and the love was growing deeper & more profound.
Later, I moved to India, and spent twelve years of my life teaching meditation, kirtan & pranayama in the sacred land which gave birth to Yoga. For this privilege, there are no words that can describe my gratitude.
On my way, I have been deeply blessed by many powerful teachers, probably the most profound connections have been with Swami Jnanananda and Sri Mooji. Yoga has given me more than I could have ever imagined. It is my great joy and honor to share all that has been given and learned in my life-long love affair with the art & science of Yoga.”
CERTIFICATION
Devdas is a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500), who is trained to teach meditation, pranayama & Hatha Yoga. Before joining the Akasha Yoga Academy team, he taught Yoga for twelve years in several major cities of India.
He helped set up & run several Yoga & meditation centers, and has been sharing the joy of selfless service Seva & Kirtan chanting all around the globe… in America, Italy, Portugal, India, Bali, Thailand, Mexico, and beyond!
TESTIMONIALS
“The way Devdas holds space and lectures is amazing. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from him.”
– Rebecca from the US
“Devdas reminded me to be kind to myself. It was such a beautiful experience just to be in his company.”
– Camille from the UK
OFFICIALLY REGISTERED
Since 2012, we've been a fully accredited & officially Registered Yoga School (Registry-ID: 87485).
With a stellar review ranking of 4.92, we are globally recognized by the Yoga Alliance as the highest-ranked school, with more than 200 reviews.
You'll benefit from our superb level of expertise & wisdom: Our lead teachers are all Experienced Registered Yoga Teachers at the highest level (E-RYT-500 - Registry-IDs: 86166, 155442, 304168). For decades, we've led the evolution of Yoga education. Our program meets & exceeds the brand-new Yoga Alliance requirements, offering you the best possible experience.
