David Miliotis
"Teach what is inside you. Not as it applies to yourself, but as it applies to the other."
~ Sri Tirulamalai Krishnamacharya
David Miliotis, the director of Samjiva Nilayam: Ashtanga Yoga Orange County, discovered yoga in 1989 and was soon introduced to Ashtanga Yoga by the renowned Sri K. Pattabhi Jois during his visit to Santa Barbara, CA. This fortunate experience marked the beginning of David’s long-standing relationship with Ashtanga Yoga and the Jois family. From 1999-2012, David made numerous trips to Mysore, India to study and practice with Pattabhi Jois. During his initial six-month stay, Pattabhi Jois gave David his blessing to teach. In 2004, during another visit, David was invited to participate in a yoga demonstration that Pattabhi Jois presented to a gathering of Mysore business dignitaries. In 2009, after Guruji’s passing, David received Level 2 Authorization from Sharath Jois, furthering his commitment to a life of yoga.
In 1995-1996, David studied with Richard Freeman, which gave a sense of cohesion to all his previous studies of yoga. From 2004-2008, David founded and operated the Tapas Project, a program designed to bring yoga to at-risk teens in Santa Barbara County, reflecting his belief that with yoga, everyone can affect positive changes in their life. From 2010-2014, David co-taught Mysore Ashtanga Yoga at Jois Yoga Encinitas. His contributions to the world of yoga were recognized in 2014 when he was listed among the top 100 most influential yoga teachers in the USA.
David views yoga as a holistic practice that integrates both physical and psychological aspects. He emphasizes the importance of passing knowledge through direct and practical experience, believing that understanding comes from personal dedication, carefulness, practice, and patience. David is dedicated to supporting students to explore and develop their own experiences through the transformative power of yoga.