Dharma Yoga, created by Sri Dharma Mittra, is a traditional style of yoga that includes physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to make a complete yoga practice. It helps everyone to build strength, flexibility, and mental calm.
This style of modern yoga was born in New York. It is more beneficial than just exercise, Dharma Yoga is fun.
You, too, can explore this phenomenal practice. We will share more information about this style of yoga and also, where you can practice Dharma Yoga NYC.
Uniqueness of Dharma Yoga New York
If you are the kind of person who cherishes traditional yoga practices, Dharma Yoga is for you! It is rooted in the classical eight-limbed path of yoga.
Sri Dharma Mittra left his home country, Brazil, and started the Dharma Yoga Center in New York City in 1975. This style is also famous as Dharma Mittra Yoga New York.
What makes this practice unique? Their practice is one of a kind because poses are held for a longer time, to go deeper into flexibility and focus. This is the most essential benefit of practicing this yoga for stability in the impermanent competitive world.
Dharma Yoga is special because it’s not just about stretching or doing fancy poses—it’s a path of kindness, self-discovery, and connection. At its core is Ahimsa or non-violence. This means being kind to others and yourself—accepting your body, your journey, and even your off days with compassion.
You’re encouraged to try even the challenging asanas from the beginning. You may fall and get back up—just like in life. No strict focus on perfect alignment or a set sequence is required for this practice. Each class is different and feels alive, depending on the teacher and the students’ needs.
Meditation, breathwork, and vegan values are also an important part of their teaching. You’ll get deep inner stillness from this practice, and not just work on the muscles.
Dharma Yoga blends the spiritual and physical so beautifully—it becomes not just exercise but a way to continue living with love and awareness.
Dharma Yoga Center
At the heart of this Dharma Yoga Center NYC is Sri Dharma Mittra, a beloved teacher who has been sharing the wisdom of classical yoga with people since 1967. Known as the “Teachers’ Teacher”, he brings 50 years of experience and a love for yoga.
What sets the center apart is its kind and down-to-earth atmosphere. Their classes are designed to help you grow – physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Sri Dharma is still teaching and often offers personal guidance at the center. For him, yoga isn’t just movement – it’s kindness, humility, and serving others. He says:
“It is my greatest joy to share with the students this knowledge that I have acquired over the past 50 years of practice and study… Dharma Yoga will give one’s body the power and strength to have resistance to common illnesses and diseases.”
Do you want to learn more about this yoga style or even become a teacher? Dharma Mittra yoga teacher training NYC programs are amazing.
- 50-Hour Training: It introduces the all-level warm-up series.
- 200-Hour Training: You can learn to teach Dharma 1 and conduct gentle yoga classes.
- 500-Hour Training: It is recommended for certified teachers ready to go into the full science of yoga.
- 700/1000-Hour & 800/1000-Hour Trainings: These are the advanced programs for deep physical and spiritual practice.
Other Institutes Where You Can Practice Dharma Yoga NYC
Besides the Dharma Yoga Center, you can practice this yoga at one of the following affiliate institutes.
Yoga Care
YogaCare believes that yoga is a lifestyle that makes you feel better every day. If you too want to change your current lifestyle, you can try this institute!
It was founded by Ulises Calatayud and co-owned by Candice Miller. Their downtown NYC studio offers warm and welcoming vibes and real support on your journey. Ulises Calatayud is a certified Dharma Yoga Teacher and conducts regular classes at the institute.
They also offer meditation, Reiki, and their life-changing Full Circle program. YogaCare is there to help you grow, move, and feel your best — inside and out.
What Makes Their Dharma Yoga Classes Special
- Gentle Yet Powerful Flow: Their Dharma Mittra Yoga NYC includes stretching, balancing, twisting, mild inversions, and breathwork to energize your body and quieten your mind.
- Deep Relaxation: Every class ends with guided rest and meditation to refresh yourself. Sometimes this is the most attractive part of the class!
- Two Class Options: You can choose between their two classes that consist of 60 minutes and 45 minutes each, depending on your schedule.
- Inclusive & Adaptable: With them, you can move at your own pace and modify as you need. They teach you to respect your body. Your intention matters more than perfection.
- Teachers Available After Class: Their teachers are available after each class to answer your personal queries, so you can feel more connected to your teacher and the practice, in general.
- Studio Rules: Change becomes beautiful only when welcomed with a little discipline! You must arrive 10 minutes early, stay for the whole class, and not eat food or gum in the studio.
Website Link: https://yogacare.com/
Living Yoga
Living Yoga began in 2009 in a small space above Queens Boulevard. From there, it grew into a thriving yoga community. In 2019, former journalist Joneil Adriano took over the studio and navigated the pandemic with love and grit.
Now located at 71st Avenue and Queens Boulevard, the studio offers 40+ classes a week in two spacious rooms. As Queens’ only Dharma Yoga studio NYC affiliate, Living Yoga stays true to the roots.
What Makes Their Dharma Yoga Special
- More Than Poses: Their Dharma Yoga in NYC isn’t just about movement. It blends postures, breathing, meditation, and a deep sense of service and kindness to others. They stay true to the practice. At Living Yoga, they honor Sri Dharma’s teachings by offering traditional classes that challenge the body and nourish the spirit.
- Inspiring Community: Their Dharma Yoga here meets you where you are in your practice and gently helps you grow. This gentle approach has created a strong yoga community to support you throughout your life.
Website Link: https://mylivingyoga.com/
Yajamahe Yoga and Sacred Sound Sanctuary
Yajamahe Yoga and Sacred Sound Sanctuary was founded in 2020. It is a cozy space for inner growth and rejuvenation. It is a certified Dharma Yoga Centre NYC. Their Dharma Yoga classes blend classical postures with breath and flow to build strength and flexibility. After yoga, you can enjoy soothing sound healing with gongs and crystal bowls that calm the mind and balance your energy.
The owner, Yvonne Suzuki Licopoli, is a highly renowned and certified yoga teacher. She was trained directly under Sri Dharma Mittra and has completed an 800-hour advanced yoga teacher training. She’s also certified in Thai Yoga, Gong Yoga, sound healing, and plant-based nutrition. Her deep knowledge and compassionate teaching create a truly supportive yoga experience.
What Makes Their Dharma Yoga NYC Special
- Unique Offerings: This Dharma Yoga Studio New York is known for its unique yoga offerings. Their classes start with Surya Namaskara (sun salutations) to warm up the body. Then they move into Shiva Namaskara, a mix of standing, balancing, twisting, and chest-opening poses.
- Traditional Dharma Yoga: They stick to the traditions by holding the poses for several breaths to stretch and strengthen your spine. They also include some gentle inversions and simple breathing exercises to challenge and energize you. The classes end with a short meditation to calm the mind.
- Rooted in Non Violence: Their yoga is rooted in the principles of non-violence (ahimsa) and discipline (tapas) from Sri Dharma Mittra’s teachings.
Website Link: https://www.yajamaheyoga.com/
The Bottom Line
Forgot password for living a complete life? Don’t worry, many New Yorkers often forget. You can try some wholesome practices to regain yourself. If you’re looking for yoga that goes beyond just exercise, then this one might be your pick. Dharma Yoga NYC has a rich and welcoming path to strength, calm, and self-discovery.
You can directly join the iconic Dharma Yoga Center or one of its friendly affiliates to find classes for every level and a community to support your journey. With roots in ancient tradition and a modern compassionate approach, Dharma Yoga invites you to connect your body, mind, and spirit in a meaningful way.
So, why not take that first step today and see how this practice, which has withstood the test of time, can transform your life?
