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Manasa Yoga is a vibrantly integrated practice system of ancient wisdom and modern innovation that honors and transcends conventional boundaries. Woven together in our space are the timeless philosophies of Vedanta, yoga sutra, tantra, and puranas, alongside modern disciplines such as anatomy and psychology. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of asana traditions including Iyengar, Sivananda, and ashtanga vinyasa, as well as martial arts conditioning, classical dance mythology, modern movement methodologies and handstand specialization, Manasa is a unique system of practice that resonates with seekers of all paths.
It was in the years of 1999 to 2000 that Manasa yoga got conceptualized.
The term ‘Manasa’ means ‘with awareness’ and the name reflects our commitment to mindfulness and conscious evolution of the self.
It appears in many ancient texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (4.54). Symbolically, ‘Manasa’ also honors our founders, their names represented within its syllables. While that was the genesis of Manasa, the story of Manasa continues to evolve through the story of its many students in the last 23 years. Many students have become amazing teachers, many strong friendships and bonds have been and continues to be forged, and an amazing nurturing and wise community exists, all due to Manasa being the common path to self excellence for its practitioners.Â
As a yoga school, we are pioneers in our domain in Malaysia, introducing one of the first comprehensive teacher training programs, one of the first studios offering the full spectrum of Iyengar Yoga props and methodology since 2005, as well as the Ashtanga vinyasa series, way back in 2000.
Manasa Yoga was founded by Guru Manoj Kaimal and his wife Sandhya Manoj in year 2000. Read on to find out more about our founders.
As he grew, so did his passion for yoga. His thirst for knowledge led him to the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala, where he underwent their teacher training program.
Drawn by the depth of diverse asana traditions of yoga, he sought guidance from luminaries such as Guruji Pattabhi Jois and Sharath in Mysore, as well as the Iyengar Yoga Institution in Pune. Alongside his exploration of yoga, Manoj delved into the discipline of martial arts, finding harmony and balance in its fluid movements.
By the age of 20, Manoj found himself not just a practitioner but also a teacher, sharing his knowledge of both yoga and martial arts across schools in Kerala. In 1999, together with his wife Sandhya, he embarked on a new chapter, opening the doors of Manasa Yoga School in SS2, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
At Manasa Yoga, Manoj’s unique approach to teaching blends traditional wisdom with modern insights, offering a holistic experience to students of all levels. From daily classes and detailed workshops to philosophy and anatomy lectures, he nurtures a mind/body community dedicated to fitness, health, healing, growth and self-discovery.
From the year 2001 Manoj has been training teachers through Manasa’s teacher training program. Since 2011, Manoj has been registered with Yoga Alliance International as an ERYT and Manasa Yoga, as a Registered Yoga School with its 200-Hour and 300-Hour Advanced teacher training. To date, Manoj conducts Manasa Yoga retreats annually, online classes, as well as corporate and private programs.Â
Besides authoring two books, ‘Celebration of Asanas’ and ‘Making Patanjali Palatable’, Manoj has also been a regular contributor to leading newspapers and has made numerous appearances on TV and radio programs in Malaysia.
Through his teachings, Manoj hopes to empower others to embark on their own path of growth and self-discovery, and to illuminate that path with wisdom, compassion, and boundless inspiration.
A renowned Indian classical dancer, she helped in creating Manasa’s unique style of vinyasa yoga back in 2001. Along with teaching regular classes, she helped Manoj in conducting the Teacher training programs and workshops. She also taught Manasa yoga at different corporate organizations as well as at educational and cultural institutions.Â
Sandhya has been featured extensively in different TV channels in Malaysia, notably in Astro TV, where she shared the wisdom of Manasa yoga in a 13 part program.Â
She also lent her expertise to causes close to her heart. She ran classes for autistic children, as well as for abused women. Under the auspices of Procter and Gamble, she gave a series of talks across the different universities in Malaysia, to empower young women through yoga.
Under her creative direction, Manasa staged many beautiful yoga performances, captivating audiences, including dignitaries such as the Prime Minister of India when he visited Malaysia.
Currently based in her native state of Kerala, India, she shares her wisdom of yoga and dance through enlightening talks and immersive workshops, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Her recent appearances on prominent Malayalam channels underscore her dedication to showcasing the mind and body benefits of yoga and dance.