Shanti
Shanti means "peace"
birthdate unknown - 4/14/08
Shanti was abandoned on the street until a student, noticing her resemblance to Atmarupa's former dog, brought her in to the studio. After weeks of searching for her owner and calling her "Hey, You", Atmarupa finally relented and gave her a name.
Shanti had a regular yoga practice of several classes per day (she particularly enjoyed meditation) and taught by example the power of relaxation, being present in the moment, and one-pointed focus (on biscuits). She was at least 14 years old and a testament to yoga's ability to maintain youthful vitality!
Shanti touched the hearts of hundreds of yoga students and teachers through the years. Several of them were present when Shanti's spirit was liberated after a brief bout with cancer. She will be missed!
Our students & staff comment:
Shanti took me for daily walks as part of her karma yoga service, one cold February week, during our ys1a class a few years back. By the third day in the woods, I think she began to trust me (taking her away from Atmarupa). She loved to crunch pigs ears. I loved her wild spirit and her eyes. So long for now big girl. Love, Cindy
Please accept my sincere condolences. Shanti is quite an irreplaceable member of the Atma Center staff. She brought her wisdom and loving presence into the center, for the benefit of all the staff and students. Good bye dear friend, Gyanshakti
My favorite memory of Shanti: I was lying down for yoga nidra and Shanti was beside me. In the middle of the practice, she rolled over and I had to finish the yoga nidra with a dog on my head.
-- Atmadarshan
I will miss seeing her sweet face every Saturday morning. -- Patti
Shanti was great company in the quiet mornings after the "doggie drop," when Atma and AD dropped her off here before going to the gym or breakfast. In her healthier days, she would remind me with her big dog smile and wagging tail that "doggie drop" time was perfect for a rawhide chew. I sure miss the old hound. -- Donna
I owe a debt of gratitude to Shanti who was responsible for my short but spectacular stint as an ambulance driver. She injured her hips one day at the Center and could not walk far or climb the back stairs so I drove the Atmobile at speed onto the sidewalk out front of the Atma Center where, with her usual poise and dignity she climbed into the back of the car and was driven home in the style to which she had become accustomed. Always the lady (except in the case of other dogs!). Om and prem -- Agnimudra (Newcastle, Australia)
It's been almost two weeks but I just found out about sweet old Shanti's transition. I wonder if it was her karma to become a yoga dog after being a stray. If so, she spent enough time in classes, so she might come back as a teacher. But I'd rather have her as a dog. I'll miss her. -- Frank
I am always afraid of dogs and even cats. Shanti was so gentle that she was breaking my fear slowly but surely. Even she sat closer to me I was not in fear. Her eyes were telling me something. She will be missed by many. She was a divine soul. -- Hasu
Deeply missing my loyal "luncheon companion," I could feel Shanti's spirit gently nudging my thigh today as I prepared my lunch bowl in the Atma Center kitchen. I won't soon forget her company or her eager vigilance as she waited close by my side for those left-over morsels and that not-quite-empty plate to lick. -- Mantram
She was a great, loyal companion and the best house guest I have ever had! -- Gita
click click click click click.
pant pant pant pant pant pant pant.
Plop.
Sigh.
We really miss you shanti
-- Juli
Read more about Shanti in the issue of the newsletter devoted to her.