Sri Dharma Mittra is one of the most respected yoga teachers in the world, known for his lifelong dedication to traditional yoga. With more than 50 years of teaching experience, he has guided thousands of students through asana, pranayama, and meditation.
He is best known as the founder of Dharma Yoga and the creator of the famous Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures, a visual guide that has inspired yoga practitioners across the globe.
Sri Dharma’s journey began when he met his Guru, Swami Kailashananda. Under his guidance, he devoted years to Karma Yoga and the study of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. He later took sannyasa, choosing a path of renunciation to deepen his spiritual practice and realise the true purpose of life.
Today, his teachings continue to influence modern yoga while staying rooted in classical yogic tradition.
Sri Dharma Mittra Biography
Sri Dharma Mittra was born on 14 May 1939 in the small village of Pirapora in Minas Gerais, Brazil. He grew up in a humble family with five children and was raised in the Catholic faith. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in spirituality, which later guided him towards yoga.
As a teenager, he began exploring yoga practices, planting the seed for what would become a lifelong path. His early experiences shaped his disciplined approach and strong dedication to inner growth.
In 1964, he made a life-changing decision to leave the Brazilian Air Force and move to New York. At that time, he did not speak English and relied on his brother, Sattya, to help him communicate and settle into a new environment.
Two years later, in 1966, he met his teacher, Yogi Gupta, who initiated him into the path of sannyasa. He was given the name “Dharma”, meaning one who supports righteousness or good actions. During this period, he lived in Yogi Gupta’s ashram, where he deepened his practice and understanding of traditional yoga.
Family
Sri Dharma Mittra grew up in a large family with five siblings, including his younger brother, Sattya, who later supported him during his early years in New York.
He was raised in a Catholic household, though there was also a strong sense of spiritual curiosity within the family, which influenced his path towards yoga.
His son, Dov Samuel Vargas, is a yoga teacher based in New York City and continues to share yogic teachings with students.
Early Life and Training
In his twenties, Sri Dharma Mittra served in the Brazilian Air Force for nearly seven years. During this time, he also developed a strong interest in physical training. He owned a gym and practised bodybuilding, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which helped build the discipline that later supported his yoga journey.
His interest in yoga and spiritual teachings began earlier, during his teenage years. He was introduced to these ideas through books his younger brother was reading, which sparked a deeper curiosity about the inner path.
Net Worth
Dharma Mittra’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million, as reported by publicly available resources. This wealth has been accumulated through his yoga-related business ventures and partnerships.
Sri Dharma Mittra’s Contribution to Yoga
Sri Dharma Mittra has made a lasting impact on modern yoga through his teachings, practice, and dedication to traditional principles. His work continues to guide students and teachers around the world.
- Founder of Dharma Yoga: In 1975, he founded Dharma Yoga, a classical system that focuses on asana, pranayama, meditation, and ethical living. His approach goes beyond physical practice, helping students build strength, awareness, and inner balance.
- Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures: One of his most recognised contributions is the Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures. This visual guide presents hundreds of yoga poses and has become a valuable reference for both teachers and practitioners worldwide.
- Teaching and Mentorship: With more than six decades of experience, Sri Dharma Mittra has taught thousands of students through daily classes, workshops, and teacher training programmes. Many well-known yoga teachers have trained under his guidance.
- Commitment to Karma Yoga: A key part of his teaching is karma yoga, the practice of selfless service. He has always emphasised giving back, encouraging students to use yoga as a way to serve others and support spiritual growth.
- Lifelong Dedication to Practice: Even in later years, Sri Dharma Mittra continues to practise and teach yoga. His discipline, health, and consistency inspire students of all ages to stay committed to their path.
What Is Dharma Yoga?
Dharma Yoga is a classical style of yoga founded by Sri Dharma Mittra. It combines physical postures, breathwork, meditation, and traditional yogic teachings to support both physical health and inner awareness.
This approach is rooted in Hatha Yoga but goes beyond exercise, focusing on discipline, self-study, and spiritual growth.
Key Elements of Dharma Yoga
- Asana Practice with Awareness: Dharma Yoga places strong emphasis on asana practice. The postures are both graceful and challenging, encouraging strength, flexibility, and focus. Each pose is approached with awareness, making the practice both physical and meditative.
- Integration of Yogic Philosophy: The practice is deeply connected to traditional yogic philosophy, including the Eight Limbs of Yoga. It encourages ethical living, self-discipline, and a deeper understanding of the self.
- Pranayama and Meditation: Breath control and meditation are essential parts of Dharma Yoga. These practices help calm the mind, improve concentration, and support emotional balance.
- Spiritual Foundation: Sri Dharma Mittra’s teachings carry a strong spiritual foundation. He emphasises humility, compassion, and devotion, guiding students towards self-realisation rather than just physical ability.
Legacy of Dharma Yoga
Sri Dharma Mittra’s teachings continue to influence yoga communities around the world. His approach highlights the importance of regular practice, inner discipline, and karma yoga, or selfless service, as a path to personal and spiritual growth.
Sri Dharma Mittra Yoga Nidra
Sri Dharma Mittra includes Yoga Nidra as part of his teaching to help students experience deep relaxation and inner stillness. Often called “yogic sleep”, Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation where the body rests completely while the mind remains aware.
His approach stays close to traditional yogic principles, using simple awareness techniques to guide practitioners into a state of deep rest and self-observation.
Also Read: Yoga Nidra vs Sleep
Benefits of Sri Dharma Mittra Yoga Nidra
Sri Dharma Mittra’s Yoga Nidra offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Yoga Nidra helps calm the nervous system, making it easier to release stress and mental tension.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Regular practice can support better sleep and may help those struggling with insomnia.
- Supports Emotional Balance: It allows stored emotions to surface gently, helping improve emotional clarity and stability over time.
- Builds Self-Awareness: By observing thoughts and sensations, practitioners develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
- Encourages Inner Growth: Yoga Nidra can also support spiritual reflection, helping individuals connect with a deeper sense of purpose.
Why It Matters
Sri Dharma Mittra’s Yoga Nidra is not just about relaxation. It is a simple yet powerful practice that helps bring balance to both the body and mind, while supporting long-term wellbeing.
Sri Dharma Mittra’s Dietary Preferences:
Sri Dharma Mittra follows a primarily vegan diet, guided by the yogic principle of ahimsa, or non-violence. His food choices reflect a simple idea: to live with compassion and avoid harm to other living beings.
Specific Diet Plans
While there may not be specific yogic diet plans outlined by Sri Dharma Mittra, his dietary choices revolve around plant-based foods. He emphasizes consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. His diet is rich in natural, whole foods that promote physical and mental well-being.
The Role of Diet in His Yoga Practice
For Sri Dharma Mittra, diet plays a crucial role in supporting his yoga practice. A clean, plant-based diet not only aligns with the yogic principle of ahimsa but also contributes to overall health and vitality. Nutrient-dense foods provide the energy and stamina needed for the physical demands of yoga asanas and the mental clarity required for meditation and spiritual growth.
Sri Dharma Mittra’s dietary choices are in harmony with his holistic approach to yoga, promoting well-being for both the individual and the environment.
Dharma Mittra Yoga Books
Asanas: 608 Yoga Postures” by Dharma Mittra: This book is a comprehensive guide to classic hatha yoga postures, featuring 608 illustrated yoga poses. It’s a valuable resource for practitioners and instructors.
Dharma Yoga Life of a Yogi Teachers’ Manual” by Sri Dharma Mittra: This manual provides insights into the teachings and practices of Dharma Yoga as taught by Sri Dharma Mittra. It serves as a guide for yoga teachers.
Yoga Wisdom by Sri Dharma Mittra: Encapsulates his 50 years of selfless service, sharing wisdom from his guru and personal Sadhana. In addition to yoga practices, it delves into knowledge of the Supreme Self. A valuable resource for serious yoga enthusiasts.
Shri Dharma Mittra Famous Quotes
Every time you have a chance, go within and do your meditation. – Shri Dharma Mittra
See yourself in the practice you are not able to access right now. Imagine yourself in it. –Shri Dharma Mittra
With the Ethical Rules and a little concentration, anything is possible. – Shri Dharma Mittra
Always remember that Nature refuses to be rushed. She can only be made to evolve and that takes time, so take heart. – Shri Dharma Mittra
FAQs About Sri Dharma Mittra Yoga
Sri Dharma Mittra is a renowned guru of modern yoga known for creating the “Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures” and authoring yoga books, including “ASANAS: 608 Yoga Poses.” He has dedicated his life to sharing the wisdom he gained through yoga practice and study.
Sri Dharma Mittra was born on May 14, 1939, and his age is 84 years old.
Sri Dharma Mittra’s personal life is relatively private, but he has mentioned his wife and children in interviews.
The founder of the Dharma Yoga Center is Shri Dharma Mittra.
Sri Dharma Mittra’s teaching philosophy emphasizes self-realization, ethical living, and the path to spiritual enlightenment through yoga.
Yes, he conducts teacher training programs to train individuals to become yoga instructors.
Sri Dharma Mittra follows a predominantly vegan diet, emphasizing plant-based foods and abstaining from animal products as a part of his yoga philosophy.
Sri Dharma Mittra has authored several yoga books, including “Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses” and “Yoga Wisdom.” These books offer insights into yoga postures and spiritual wisdom.
According to publically available resources, Dharma Mittra’s estimated net worth is around $10 million accrued through her yoga business and partnerships.
