From my childhood, I always imitated my father. He was my hero in life. I had a deep intention to work hard like him, to be a good person, to be responsible for my family, and to contribute to my community. In that way, I grew up.

My first yoga teacher

Later, I met my first yoga teacher. He became another important and inspiring figure in my life. Naturally, I started to imitate him. From time to time, he asked me about my future vision, and I openly said,

“"I would like to be like you. I really like to be like you."”Chanaka Rukshan

After I became his assistant teacher, many people started telling me, "Chanaka really looks like the teacher." Others said, "When we close our eyes in Shavasana, we don't even realize that Chanaka is teaching the class."

I had such a huge influence from my first teacher.

Learning from those who inspire us

At that time, I was very interested in reading psychology books. Some of them said that to build our own personality, we should imitate someone with an outstanding, positive personality. In that way, from time to time, I imitated different people I met in my life who impressed me deeply.

Finding my own way

Later, when I came to the stage, I found my own way. I decided not to imitate my first teacher or any other yoga teacher, and instead, to discover my own self and to be an independent yoga teacher. I began to search for my own true shape.

And today, if you experience me, and if you appreciate my yoga teaching and my personality, I offer my deep respect and gratitude to my father and to all the inspiring people I have met in my life, who have positively influenced me.

With love and gratitude, Chanaka Rukshan