Gyl Elliott is a structural yoga therapist, registered yoga instructor and meditation instructor with over 10 years of experience. She gives public and private yoga classes, private yoga therapy, and meditation workshops throughout the
San Gabriel Valley.

"A Japanese Buddhist monk introduced me to Buddhism with the word "mu". He drew the character and asked me what I saw. I said that I saw a lot of lines that meant nothing to me. "Exactly," he answered. That day, I learned that "mu" meant "nothing", and that nothing is complex."

After that auspicious beginning, I studied Zen with several teachers in Japan. I was the first foreigner to receive an undergraduate degree from Kobe City University of Foreign Studies in Kobe. I also worked for the City of Kobe as a translator and wrote a column for the local newspaper, the Asahi Shinbun.

Back home in the United States, I worked for the City of Los Angeles as a Public Information Director and Japanese translator. When my son was born, I left my job to work at home as a Japanese to English technical translator.

At that time, I also discovered another great teacher who brought me back to Buddhist study through yoga. Every time I went to yoga class and heard her words "Come away from the world outside," I heard the echo of the precept against attachment. I learned the eightfold path of Ashtanga yoga and saw the reflection of the tenfold path of Buddhism. The more I studied yoga philosophy, the more I wanted to return to Buddhist study and trace the historical path from the Vedas to the sutras, from Siva to Siddhartha.

My first step along my own path was to obtain a yoga instructor certificate and a massage license in 2003. I began to teach yoga part time and study yogic philosophy and the intersection of yoga with Buddhism, especially in the Tibetan Buddhist practices. I attended trainings given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and teachings given by Sogyal Rinpoche.

I enrolled in a two-year structural yoga therapy course as a way to broaden my understanding of the technical aspects of yoga practice, and met a third wonderful teacher, Mukunda Stiles. He taught us a complete yoga practice, including prayer, mantra, and meditation. He introduced us to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which we read daily. We also learned the Indian healing framework of Ayurveda, along with anatomy and physical therapy. Once again, the core of structural yoga therapy echoed Buddhist teachings: clear seeing, concentration, self-study, and equanimity. I received a certificate in Structural Yoga Therapy in 2005 and set up a private yoga practice.

The connection between yoga and Buddhism felt so strong and vital that I decided to expand my knowledge with advanced study in Eastern religion from the University of the West. I received a degree in Buddhist Studies and learned the ancient Sanskrit language.

Every day, I talk with people who hope for healing, relief, strength and stamina. I use the combination of my education and experience to teach yoga, help clients using structural yoga therapy, and lead classes on meditation and Buddhism. It is my strong belief that hatha yoga coupled with meditation practice is the surest and safest way toward health and happiness.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Gyl Elliott

(626) 230-6605