When I met Luis Lima, over twenty years ago, he had been on his yoga journey for a long time already. His charismatic way, full commitment to his practice and his students and profound wisdom made him a permanent presence in my life. Now I have the honour to introduce you to my first yoga teacher, yoga master, mentor, and dear friend. Meet Luis Lima.

A life-long yoga journey

LM: Luis, please tell us something about yourself. Where are you from and what is your occupation? 
Firstly, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to talk about yoga. This body was born in Brazil and my activity is yoga.
LM: How did you start practising yoga?
From an early age, I was interested in exotic things.  When I was about twelve years old (if I am not mistaken) my brother offered me a book called “Fundamentos e Técnicas do Hatha Yoga ( Fundamentals and Techniques of Hatha Yoga). This book, written by Antonio Blay, is to this day one of the best books I have read on the subject of yoga. I started to eagerly study this book and at the age of sixteen, I enrolled in a yoga school. My objective was to be better, to overcome my shyness and become stronger mentally and emotionally.

“I discovered that the greatest master of India is India itself”

LM: The practice of yoga took you to India. Tell us a bit about this experience.

On my first trip to India, my English was very different from what it is today. Then it was zero and today about three. My experiences could be made into a movie, but it was very interesting to understand and crystalize certain elements of my inner being. I discovered that the greatest master of India is India itself.

LM:  I have heard you say that in the West, we tend to romanticize the practice of yoga. What is the definition of yoga? Give us a pragmatic view of this secular practice.
The West tends to mystify Yoga too much, covering it with an almost religious cloak. It is common to observe yoga practitioners with a “peaceful” way about them that lasts very shortly when they are faced with a tense situation. On the other hand, Indian authors contributed even more to this mystic image that causes certain awe on those searching for knowledge in India. Yoga is “to go within”. For that, you need to use various techniques along with specific orientation.

Luis Lima - Yoga Journey

LM: Many people look at yoga as a form of fitness. What do you have to say about that?

The so-called “contemporary yoga”, is a distillation, of a distillation of the secular yoga.

I have heard and read many masters say that true yoga no longer exists.

On the other hand, I have also heard that yoga has always existed, presently exists and always will.

It is a question of profoundly studying yoga with the ones who know.

The physical part of yoga exists and it has a specific objective. Unfortunately, many teach yoga without even knowing what is the reason for each asana (yoga pose).

LM: How can westerners learn true yoga?
Studying. Sharing. Studying even more! Also, applying common sense. And if they are lucky, finding a good teacher. This can help to shorten the journey.
LM: Your yoga journey is directly connected to masters in India, where you have spent extensive time throughout your life. What is your opinion about yoga certifications given by international organizations?
Like everything, some are good others not so good, and others are only pure business. I always recommend consulting with “Master Common Sense”, in everything.
Luis Lima Yoga - Yoga Journey
LM: You are the founder and president, amongst other things, of the AEY – Associação de Estudos de Yoga do Porto (Association of Yoga Studies in Porto – Portugal). What made you take this step?

I wanted to gather interesting people interested not only in the practice of a miscellanea of exotic movements but who also wanted to learn yoga in a more profound way.

For this reason, I named it an Association “of studies”.

LM: What does AEY have to offer students.
Questions! What is this? What is this for? Is it worth it? Is it worth it for me?
LM: With the evolution of the online world, and especially at this time, due to the pandemic, what is your opinion about online yoga courses?
Theory and some practice can be taught online. If you are already an experienced practitioner who learned presidentially from a teacher, you can easily continue on your yoga journey online. For a beginner, however, it is important to be in the presence of a teacher for guidance. This is because Yoga has many details and details are fundamental to build solid pillars.
LM: What are your plans for the future?

To continue studying and increasingly understanding Yoga in its trinity – Yoga, Ayurveda, Tantrism.

LM: If someone wants to practice Yoga with you, what is the best way?
If they are distant, they can start online, to learn the essential concepts and basis of Yoga. In the process, we will see where it leads. In the meantime, the person will be guided toward himself/herself. As I continue to say, Yoga is to find oneself.
CONTACT: AEY – Associação de Estudos de Yoga do Porto
You may want to read this post about my first yoga class with Luis Lima

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