Nithya Priyan

@eternalpriyan

A certified ERYT500 Yoga Alliance instructor, Priyan brings over a decade of experience in nurturing minds and bodies through the Hatha/Vinyasa yoga tradition. He is the heart and soul behind the renowned Nithya Priyan School of Yoga, a sanctuary committed to delivering a structured, integrated practice for its dedicated students.

Priyan is also the acclaimed author of "Joy in the Body," Singapore's first book on Yoga Asanas. Launched through a successful 2021 Kickstarter campaign featuring past and present teachers and students of the yoga community, the book generated over $20,000 in funding and sold more than 400 copies within its early publishing months.

As a yoga teacher, Priyan's teaching style exudes a calm maturity, reflecting his deep experience. His classes are infused with patience and compassion, ensuring every student feels seen and supported.

An educator at heart, Priyan integrates a scientific approach with his rich understanding of Samkhya, Yoga, Tantra, and Advaita Vedanta traditions. This fusion delivers a nuanced, evidence-based approach to the lectures, courses and training he conducts. Rooted in the belief that yoga is an invaluable heritage, Priyan sees it as a tool to purify the body, mind, and spirit, guiding practitioners towards deeper self-awareness and a greater life purpose.

Articles by and About Priyan

Yuko

@yuko3702

Yuko encountered Yoga in 2012 after she moved to Singapore from Kobe Japan, as the gym near her condo happened to offer Yoga classes. Prior to that, given its generic spiritual impression, she didn’t quite feel it was something for her as a scientist. 

However, as Yuko started practicing Yoga more regularly, she realized its benefits a lot more than expected. The stiffness on her neck and shoulder, which she had suffered for years disappeared. Her flexibility and strength improved over time.  Most importantly, she noticed that she felt less stress at the end of the day, and could achieve better concentration, focus, and productivity at work. 

After her experience with YTT conducted by Nithya Priyan in Spring 2018, she discovered the joy and passion of sharing her practice with others. “People who think they are too inflexible to do Yoga, or they are too busy everyday and no time, will benefit from its practice the most” says Yuko. She puts effort in planning and preparing for every class - almost as she is inviting her guests over to her home with Omotenashi (おもてなし) spirit.

Her goal is to enable students to feel “joy in the body and peace in the heart ” out of her class, as the Philosophy of the NPSOY.

Sharon

@shawonnie_diary

After multiple injuries that forced her to step away from the dance studio, Sharon found her way into the yoga studio. Through yoga, she found grace and fluidity in the vinyasas, as well as power and determination in the asanas. The intensity of flexibility, strength and balance that yoga demands never fails to intrigue her, and is her motivation to show up on the mat, day after day.

Sharon loves to practice and teach intense, sweaty and flowy classes and enjoys the gentler and more introspective nature of stretch and yin classes.

Join Sharon for a well-rounded practice with a strong emphasis on body awareness, safe alignment, and a sprinkle of gracefulness as she brings her dancer self onto the mat!

Samantha

@samxyoga

When Samantha first started doing yoga, it was just another form of exercise for her to lose weight. Little did she know that it would continue to serve her as a space of refuge. Yoga is now her lifelong commitment.

Yoga teacher training with Nithya Priyan School of Yoga at the end of 2021 was truly a self-reflective and meditative journey for Samantha. During and after the training, she felt a major shift in her own practice. She started to understand how Yoga is not just about achieving poses after poses, that it extended beyond the physical body and that the ancient yogic values go beyond the mat and into our daily lives.

Samantha truly believes that Yoga is for everyone, regardless of any age, background, shape or size. People around her had often cited reasons of "not being flexible enough" to try Yoga and she hopes to help people dispel this thought with her classes. They will be pitched at everyone's levels and you can be assured that it will be a safe space with no judgement but only compassion towards mind and body.

Dina

@dina_rainbows

Dina's first brush with yoga started unconventionally in a Kickboxing & Yoga class in 2014. Curious to find out more, she started exploring the yoga practice and found enjoyment in flowing with the breath and in the intense concentration and strength of arm balances.

What started as a form of exercise to supplement her workout routine soon became a passion for yoga, and a desire to share its benefits with others. Dina hopes to share her passion with the community and to ignite the same spark in others to explore the many aspects of the yoga practice.

There are no boundaries on the mat and anyone can do yoga, regardless of age, gender or body type. Dina believes that with appropriate modifications for each student, anyone can enjoy yoga in a fun and safe way, creating a sustainable practice with positive benefits for the mind and body of each and every student.

Yoyo

@namaste.izy

Yoyo stumbled upon Yoga three years ago when her friend brought her to her first yoga class as a short escape from her stressful PhD studies. It was from there she realized she might have found that method she had long been searching for. That method has never been taught before in any school where she is accepted to be herself, to grow and experience at her own pace, to just be still and enjoy her presence guided by her own breath.

From then onwards, Yoyo practised various yoga styles, from vinyasa flow, Hatha, and stretch to yin and yang, inversion, and arm balances, mainly in Nithya Priyan School of Yoga, from which she completed her RYT200 Yoga teaching training with her teacher Priyan.

Currently, she is practising Mysore Ashtanga daily to continue learning and applying the benefits of Yoga. She believes through this method, she can share her practices and experiences with fellow practitioners. Healing oneself through the practices of focus and breath. She hopes to share with everyone that by following their own rhythm of breath, they can reach a space where they can feel Joy in the body and Peace in the Heart.

Nicole

@ahpayoyo

Nicole’s first yoga session was torturous. She was stiff, couldn’t straighten her legs in downward facing dogs and wondered why it is often used as a resting pose. But it was the sense of serenity she felt after each class that motivated her to show up to the mat every time.

Initially, she attended Beginners Only and Basic at Nithya Priyan School of Yoga. Over time, she experienced improvements in strength and flexibility and started to practice more frequently by joining Essential, Inversion and Intermediate classes. Loving the structure and curriculum of the school, Nicole joined and completed 200hr Yoga Teacher Training with Priyan in 2021.

Now, Nicole’s main practice is in the Ashtanga Mysore method. “We do difficult poses so we can breathe in difficult situations” is the phrase she often says during her class. Practising to stay calm in yoga asana can help practitioners to stay calm in situations outside the mats. She is forever grateful to all her teachers along her yoga journey.

Galton

@warmspine

Galton Ting's decision to leave his Air Force career and embark on a path of self-discovery and self-care through yoga reflects his deep devotion and spirituality-centric lifestyle. He values connecting with people and building meaningful relationships, which shines through in his yoga classes.

In his classes, Galton creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where attendees feel comfortable and encouraged to explore their own practice. He brings his students together through creative and enjoyable sequences, fostering a sense of unity and lightheartedness.

Galton's love for music and his proficiency in playing instruments has made him an integral part of the monthly community Kirtan singing sessions. His talent and passion add a special touch to the musical experience, elevating the sessions and creating a space of harmony and togetherness. By dedicating himself to yoga and expressing his musical abilities, Galton Ting has not only found fulfilment in his own journey but also positively impacted the lives of those around him. His remarkable ability to connect with people and cultivate a sense of unity is greatly valued and appreciated by the community he serves.

 Mu Rong

@mugionthemat

Mu Rong first started yoga out as an interesting way of exercising. Having pursued dance for almost her entire lifetime, the subtle similarities between the two and the ability to grow stronger, gain flexibility, and "unlock" different poses enticed her to keep coming back to the mat. The warm-hearted community at NPSOY, especially, was somewhere she felt welcome and safe to grow her practice in. Having made the decision to complete her YTT200 hour with Priyan in mid 2023, Mu Rong started seeing yoga as more than just a form of exercise. On the mat, she is able to find peace and calmness in her mind, away from the busy thoughts in the day that are exacerbated by her current job as a sustainability consultant. Teaching this beautiful practice allows Mu Rong to build stronger bonds, provide a safe home, and share her practice with like-minded practitioners. It also allows her to give back to the community, expanding the reach and beautiful touches of yoga.

 Kimberlyn

@kimberlynyoga

In 2010, Kimberlyn was first introduced to yoga by accident when she discovered that the secret to her 40 year old colleague's youthful 20 something looks was hot yoga. Since then, Kim has delved deeply into the world of yoga, and deeply appreciates that it is more than a means to keep fit and flexible, but it also transcends the physical body to bring mental peace and calmness.

Kim believes in conducting fun classes, accessible for all levels. Her goal is to build a community of yogis who appreciate the practice and enjoy each others' company. Through NPSOYS curriculum, she aims to deliver holistic classes that stretch, strengthen and tone all parts of the body.

Xu En

@x_energised

As an engineer by day, Xu En turns to yoga to slow down her thoughts and quieten her mind. Yoga has taught her to stay present & disciplined, using each breath to guide her through every movement.

Through her injuries over the years, Xu En has become more aware of her body, accepting what she can do with her body through modifications. She loves her yoga practice to be strong yet and safe at the same time.

Join Xu En as she guides students to explore yoga in a fun practice with the strong awareness and alignment of their bodies.

Jasmine

@jasyogimin

Jasmine first discovered yoga during her teenage years back in her hometown, Penang. She started practicing yoga more regularly in 2022 when she finally realized it is not just a form of exercise. Jasmine finds happiness and calmness in her mind whenever she is on the mat, something she cannot find in her analytical job. Through yoga, she gained flexibility, strength, and improved concentration.

Making the decision to complete Yoga Teacher Training with Priyan in mid-2023 was truly a self-reflective and meditative journey for Jasmine. She discovered joy and a new passion in sharing her practice with friends, family, and the like-minded yogis community.

 Novita

@novitariayanti

Novita began practicing yoga in 2015 on her own at home. She practiced yoga daily to find some 'me time' amidst motherhood responsibilities. She really enjoyed her personal practice and eventually started attending yoga classes, with Priyan being her first and current teacher.

Over the years, this practice has developed into a connection that deeply relates to various aspects of both her physical and mental well-being, contributing to a more fulfilling life. In 2023, Novita decided to deepen her understanding of yoga and her practice by enrolling in Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) with Priyan.

Yoga is a journey of self-exploration, and I enjoy the ongoing process of this journey as continuous learning and personal growth, hoping to share it with others.

 Jeff Qin

@jefftheyogie

Jeff's yoga journey began during a transformative retreat in Bali back in 2022. Inspired by the serene landscapes and profound teachings of yoga philosophy, Jeff found himself deeply intrigued by its insights into life's meaning and the pursuit of happiness.

As someone who has always embraced an active lifestyle, Jeff began to notice the toll that extreme sports were taking on his body as the years went by. Seeking a gentler alternative to nurture his physical well-being, he discovered that yoga offered the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and mindful movement. Through the practice of asanas, Jeff found not only relief from physical discomfort but also a renewed sense of vitality and exploration.

To deepen his understanding of this ancient practice, Jeff embarked on a transformative journey by undertaking the YTT 200-hour course at the esteemed Nithya Priyan School of Yoga, under the guidance of his revered teacher, Priyan. It was during this immersive experience that he came to realize the profound impact that yoga has on both the mind and body, both as a student and as a future teacher. This realization ignited a passion within him to share the transformative benefits of yoga with others, guiding them towards a path of joy, peace, and holistic well-being.

Hai Shan

@shanheartdance

Hai Shan attended her first yoga class with her mum at the community center when she was still a student. From her university days till becoming a working adult, other workout routines came and went but yoga stayed with her in every phase of her life.

Yoga was more than a form of exercise. Yoga has provided her with a safe space to reflect on her thought processes, to be aware of her emotions and to connect deeply with the physical body- Be Present. Through yoga, she could also practice other forms of exercise mindfully & safely. Also, she felt more calm & peaceful whenever she focused on her breathing and gradually developed mental discipline to be consistent in her practice. Completing her YTT with NPSOY reaffirmed her commitment & passion towards the community and the practice.

She hopes that she can continue to cultivate positive physical & mental habits with her students and also experience the benefits of a consistent practice. Hopefully one day, they will also fall in love with this lifelong journey with Yoga.

 Bulan

@bulan.jsari

Bulan’s journey to yoga began back in 2017 when she left her motherland and started a new life in Singapore. Balancing the demands of motherhood, being a wife, and a corporate job, she found her centeredness through yoga. The mat became her safe space, and stepping onto it became therapy.

As a classical Balinese dancer in her younger years, performing in the temple was part of her self-devotion and ritual. This practice instilled in her a profound appreciation for the steadiness of the mind and the fluidity of movement guided by breath—principles that are equally paramount in yoga. As her yoga practice evolved, she recognized the striking parallels between yoga and Balinese dance, particularly the harmonious connection between breath and movement. This realization solidified her belief that yoga was her inner pilgrimage, leading her to find a profound sense of “home” within.

Bulan firmly believes that, regardless of the reason each individual steps onto the mat, yoga is always a journey inward. Every practice is an opportunity to deepen the understanding of the body and mind, connect with the highest self, and live with intention. Her passion lies in expanding her knowledge of yoga through teaching, as it brings her immense fulfillment to share the transformative benefits of this practice with others.

 Fiona Siew

@fearlessfi

Fiona is a yoga teacher whose teaching philosophy seeks to provide students with a grounded, safe, and sustainable practice, guided by a keen understanding of alignment. She believes yoga is for everyone - Yoga lets you come as you are, wherever you are. Fun facts about Fiona - If she could only eat one local dish for the rest of her life, it would be yong tau foo. Her "wake-up call" is kopi c sui dai. She would name her first cat, Metallicat.