The Wakeful Way

Ben began his formal practice and study of yoga in 1996 with his primary teacher and mentor, Yogacharya Ben Thomas, for whom he has deep respect, love, and appreciation. Throughout his yoga journey, Ben has also completed numerous classes, workshops, intensives, and teacher training programs with many other wonderful and highly accomplished yoga teachers. Some of the more influential teachers that Ben has studied with include Anirudh Shastri, Desiree Rumbaugh, and Shiva Rea.

Ben's practice and teaching of yoga is based on several different streams all connected at the core... namely the flow, grace, and power of hatha yoga (asana/pranayama), the deep silence and wakeful presence of Raja Yoga (seated, standing, and moving meditation), the mental stability and inner focus of Japa Yoga (mantra repetition), and the simplicity and directness of the Advaita Vedanta (non-dual) philosophy contained in the Upanishads, and expounded upon by Adi Shankaracharya.

Ben also practices taiji and qigong, which he began practicing in 1999. His primary sifu is Master Wong Wai Yi whom Ben has been studying with since 2003. Under Master Wong's skillful direction and encouragement, Ben has been certified to teach Traditional Chen Style Taijiquan to others. In his on-going studies of taiji and qigong, Ben has also had the good fortune to meet and study with many high level masters from China, with some of the most notable ones being Chen Qingzhou, Chen Xiaowang, Chen Bing, and Chen Youze.

In his own life and practice, Ben has found taiji/qigong and yoga to be natural compliments to one another. While each system is complete and perfect on it's own, together, a beautiful tapestry of cultures, ancient traditions, and deep wisdom is woven, all helping to facilitate a more complete knowledge and understanding of one's Self and the Universal Truth that trascends all time, space, and distinction.

Ben is deeply grateful to all of the many wonderful teachers who have helped shed some light on his path, and for the long line of teachers that have come before him, knowing that their blessings are ever-present with him and his students, every step of the way.

Ben's Teachers

Ben's Blog

Wakeful Way Book

~ Om Shanti, Om Peace ~