Magnificent Maya

Macedonian born, celebrity Kundalini yoga instructor, television and DVD star, Maya Fiennes first came to London to continue her education as a classical pianist. There she discovered yoga when she sought a discipline that would relax her before musical concerts and improve her focus. Though she tried every type of yoga, Maya felt instantly at one with the spiritual aspects of Kundalini, which she says is a very direct way to “reach peace.” Wishing to share her discovery with others she began teaching a unique brand of Kundalini that combined her own music with the centuries-old practice. The rest is history. Married to Magnus Fiennes (brother to those two other famous Fiennes, Ralph and Joseph), Maya and her family will move to Los Angeles in 2009.

How does Kundalini differ from other forms of yoga?

Kundalini is the oldest form of yoga. Very spiritual, it combines breathing, chanting, and movement to release Kundalini energy. This makes the integration between mind and body happen much quicker. You feel the difference after even one class. Other forms of yoga are so body oriented that often they miss the mind.

Your classes are completely different from any yoga (including other Kundalini) that I have taken. There is so much laughter. Other yoga classes often seem too serious. Why do you believe that mirth and joy even talking have a place in yoga practice?

Kundalini is about opening the heart. It is about ridding the body of pain, anger, and all the emotions that block us. Joy and laughter help with that. I try to model this in my classes. I laugh and tell stories to relax and inspire people to experience their personal journey on many levels.

You are a classical pianist, composer, and vocalist. What role does music play in your classes?

My musical background connects me to the mantras of Kundalini yoga. Using my musical skills, I become the median between the mantras and my students. The chanting opens the chakras and brings about the integration of mind, body, and spirit.

You have said Kundalini is important for children. Why? And, do your two daughters practice?

Children are the future. Kundalini can make a huge impact on the young, which will help change the world. I am amazed at how much they enjoy Kundalini, how much they are drawn to it. Their practice brings them more focus and calms them, as well as boosting their confidence levels. I love making yoga fun for children. Of course, my daughters join me in my sessions regularly.

You have said Kundalini will help us prepare for the coming age of Aquarius. Can you elaborate?

Kundalini gives us the tools to handle the fast tempo of today’s world. We absorb so much information daily that we have the potential to burn out. This type of yoga centers us, balances us, and gives us the strength to process the information we need to open our hearts to joy in anticipation of the new age.
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