Hello! Nice to meet you!
Our journey began in 2009 when I, Yuli, navigating the challenges of corporate life in my own time and space, crossed paths with Nilesh, who was exploring how to introduce the ancient practice of yoga to individuals living and working in urban environments from his own unique perspective. Although facing different problems, we found ourselves on parallel paths, each seeking balance and purpose.
Our Promise
At The Vedic Path, we are dedicated to guiding and supporting you on a transformative journey towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lifestyle. Our approach revolves around your well-being and growth as an individual. We believe in the power of reconnecting with your true self to achieve holistic wellness. Through personalized guidance and practices rooted in ancient wisdom, we aim to unlock your potential and help you live a balanced and harmonious life.
Our commitment is to provide a nurturing and inclusive space where you can thrive, embracing your authenticity and finding your own path to happiness. Join us on this profound exploration of self-discovery and personal transformation, as we provide you with the tools and resources to create positive, lasting change in your life.
Welcome to The Vedic Path, where your well-being is our priority.
Our Story
2009
Yuli's introduction to Yoga
My yoga journey began in the United States, where chronic back pain led me to seek help from a chiropractor. The chiropractor recommended yoga to help maintain alignment after adjustments. Upon returning to Indonesia, I struggled to find a yoga class that addressed my back pain. I attended various classes in Jakarta but found them lacking the essence of the practice. I stopped attending classes until a friend introduced me to Nilesh's classes.
Nilesh's Indonesia venture
Nilesh was invited to train teachers at one of the yoga schools in Jakarta. However, a disagreement arose with the owner regarding the philosophy of yoga. While the owner viewed yoga primarily as a profit-making venture, Nilesh prioritized the practice itself, believing that a focus on authentic practice would naturally lead to financial success. As a result, Nilesh decided to leave.
2010
It all started with a 2-week workshop
Nilesh was supposed to lead a brief 2-week workshop hosted by me and my friends, Pradeep and Chris. But as fate would have it, those 2 weeks stretched into 1 month, then 2 months, and well, you get the gist! What was meant to be a short stint turned into a long-term adventure of discovery and growth.
2011
First shala built in Jakarta along with first lesson
The three of us, myself, Chris, and Pradeep, decided to open a shala together with Nilesh as the teacher. The first shala, The Hang Lekir Shala, opened on 15 November 2010
. In just 9 months, our first shala in Jakarta became a beacon for yoga enthusiasts. However, our rapid rise to popularity stirred envy among competitors. Nilesh's detention due to malicious actions forced us to make the difficult decision to close down the shala.
2012
A journey of growth, marking the beginning
After closing the first shala in July 2011, it took seven months to reopen. During this time, I was still living in Hong Kong, but I returned to Indonesia just in time to build the second shala, the Brawijaya shala, which reopened in February 2012, still in Jakarta. The first shala felt like a testing ground, where I dipped my toes into the pond of yoga. When it closed, I took some time to ponder my path in the world of yoga. Deciding to reopen by myself marked the moment I truly jumped into the yoga pond, only to discover that yoga is an ocean. Over the next five years, the Brawijaya shala became a flourishing hub, attracting a large student base that felt like family. The environment fostered a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of school days, with practice, discipline, and friendships forming a tight-knit community. During this time, we also started serving yogic food every Saturday, which become my entryway to Ayurveda.
2017
Expanding the horizon, Jakarta to Bali
So, we decided to expand to Bali, the Umalas shala, which turned out to be quite an adventure. At first, we kept the Jakarta shala running, but soon realized that I am not an operational hospitality person, a skill that is really required even to run a shala. Setting up an Ayurvedic kitchen in Bali was challenging; our growth has always been organic, and the journey in Bali was no different. We faced our fair share of obstacles, but each challenge was a learning experience that helped us evolve. It was during this time that I met my husband, Bilal, who became an invaluable part of managing the shala and kitchen operations. Our practice in Bali evolved to include not just yoga but also Ayurveda, offering a more holistic experience for our students.
2021
From shala to ashram
We couldn't reach an agreement with the landlord on the price for the Umalas Shala. We moved to Kedampang, knowing it would be temporary until we could find a place where we could build our vision. Finally, as a team of three with Nilesh and my husband, we found land where we could build what we envisioned, bringing more to the teaching of yoga and Ayurveda along with accommodation, creating an ashram, which means a place of hope.
Reflecting on the fire that destroyed our Kedampang shala, it occurred on the 12th year, a significant cycle in Vedic tradition. This moment prompted deep contemplation, as one cycle is typically considered to span 12 years. Only a month after securing the land, on one fateful evening 19 Jun 2023, our Kedampang shala was burnt to ashes.
2024
Building the Vedic Path, an evolution of dedication and vision
Here we are now sitting in my house. I am sipping coffee and writing about us to you. The next phase of our journey brings us to the construction of The Vedic Path ashram. As we build this new space, we reflect on our story and the vision that has brought us here. The ashram is not just a physical structure; it represents our commitment to the teachings of Vedic Sciences. We name it The Vedic Path, symbolizing our dedication to these ancient practices and the path we continue choose to walk...
... And this is not our final destination.
Future
Vedic Desa: a kautilyan village
Envisioned as a Kautilyan Village, the Vedic Desa emphasizes ethical governance and sustainable practices for the overall welfare and prosperity of the community. Fueled by Ayurvedic farming, it will be a place where ancient wisdom meets modern sustainability, embodying the principles of balance and sustainability.
The culmination
As we continue our journey, my final destination beckons - a resting place nestled in the Himalayan range somewhere. It is a hope and a desire, tempered by the acknowledgement that destiny and karma will ultimately decide. The Himalayas, with their majestic peaks and spiritual allure, symbolize the culmination of my worldly journey, a place where hopefully my soul finds its eternal abode.
Pranam and with much love,
Yuli
Nilesh Tiwari
Nilesh Tiwari's journey into yoga began at age 7, when it was part of his school curriculum in India. After a career in professional football that led to injuries, he embraced yoga fully. Nilesh studied in various Ashrams, earning the title of Yoga Acharya from the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram.
His studies also include Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and BNS Iyengar traditions. Nilesh explored the esoteric side of yoga through pilgrimages in India. He deeply respects the lineage of yogis and integrates their teachings into his practice and lifestyle. With a background in sports, Nilesh focuses on the body's functioning and offers accessible teachings in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and Sivananda styles.
He believes that a flexible mind is as important as a flexible body. Nilesh's teachings also include Yoga Therapy, emphasizing the principles of Classical Yoga for holistic health and spiritual growth.
Yuli Tan
I am still considering what to write about myself..... come back later.
