Born in the vibrant and culturally rich state of Rajasthan, India, Veena Merz began her journey with yoga and spirituality at an early age. She was educated in a traditional Gurukul-style school where Sanskrit and yogic teachings formed the foundation of her early learning, planting deep roots that would later shape her life’s purpose.
Despite these early spiritual influences, Veena initially pursued a different professional path. Her career in Information Technology led her across the globe — living and working in England, Canada, and Australia. She held positions as an IT Project Manager and IT Educator, teaching for over a decade at the University of Fraser Valley (Canada) and Queensland University of Technology (Australia). Her time with Oxfam also reflects her commitment to social impact and humanitarian values.
In 2008, a pivotal moment arrived when she returned to India and reconnected with her yogic heritage. It was here that she met Swami Vidyanandaji at the Sri Ma School of Transformational Integral Yoga — a meeting that transformed her path. Inspired by the depth of yogic wisdom, Veena left her corporate career and committed fully to the spiritual path.
She earned her 500-hour Master Teacher Training in Transformational Integral Yoga under Swami Vidyanandaji’s direct guidance. Eager to expand her understanding, she studied Ashtanga Yoga (Mysore Style) and completed a second 500-hour Teacher Training with the Tirisula Yoga School in Singapore, where she later taught and supervised yoga activities for two years.
What began as a physical practice has since evolved into a holistic lifestyle. Veena continues to learn and integrate teachings from legendary yoga masters including Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, Shri B.K.S. Iyengar, Swami Sivananda, Swami Satyananda, and Dr. Richard Miller.
Today, as the Principal Teacher of Sri Ma Yoga School Australia, Veena brings together her multicultural life experience and deep spiritual insight. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200 & 500) with Yoga Alliance USA and Registered Senior Teacher with Yoga Australia, fluent in both Hindi and English, and grounded in Sanskrit — enabling her to offer an authentic and inclusive learning environment.
Veena also holds certification as a Reebok Aerobics Fitness Trainer, embodying a well-rounded, integrative approach to wellness and movement.
Areas of Study and Specialization
Veena Merz is known for her depth of knowledge, authenticity, and compassionate presence. Through her teachings, she empowers students to embark on their own path of self-inquiry, transformation, and inner awakening.
Despite these early spiritual influences, Veena initially pursued a different professional path. Her career in Information Technology led her across the globe — living and working in England, Canada, and Australia. She held positions as an IT Project Manager and IT Educator, teaching for over a decade at the University of Fraser Valley (Canada) and Queensland University of Technology (Australia). Her time with Oxfam also reflects her commitment to social impact and humanitarian values.
In 2008, a pivotal moment arrived when she returned to India and reconnected with her yogic heritage. It was here that she met Swami Vidyanandaji at the Sri Ma School of Transformational Integral Yoga — a meeting that transformed her path. Inspired by the depth of yogic wisdom, Veena left her corporate career and committed fully to the spiritual path.
She earned her 500-hour Master Teacher Training in Transformational Integral Yoga under Swami Vidyanandaji’s direct guidance. Eager to expand her understanding, she studied Ashtanga Yoga (Mysore Style) and completed a second 500-hour Teacher Training with the Tirisula Yoga School in Singapore, where she later taught and supervised yoga activities for two years.
What began as a physical practice has since evolved into a holistic lifestyle. Veena continues to learn and integrate teachings from legendary yoga masters including Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, Shri B.K.S. Iyengar, Swami Sivananda, Swami Satyananda, and Dr. Richard Miller.
Today, as the Principal Teacher of Sri Ma Yoga School Australia, Veena brings together her multicultural life experience and deep spiritual insight. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200 & 500) with Yoga Alliance USA and Registered Senior Teacher with Yoga Australia, fluent in both Hindi and English, and grounded in Sanskrit — enabling her to offer an authentic and inclusive learning environment.
Veena also holds certification as a Reebok Aerobics Fitness Trainer, embodying a well-rounded, integrative approach to wellness and movement.
Areas of Study and Specialization
- Yoga Styles: Hatha, Prana, Raja, Bhakti, Tantra, Kundalini, and Ashtanga (Mysore Style)
- Pranayama Techniques: Kapalabhati, Nadi Shodhana, Bhramari, Ujjayi, Bhastrika, and Bandhas
- Classical Texts: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita
- Subtle Energy Systems: The seven chakras, five koshas (physical, prana, mental, psychic, spiritual)
- Physiology of Prana: Five pranas — Apana, Samana, Maha, Udana, and Vyana
- Yogic Cleansing: Techniques for purifying the four lower bodies (physical, prana, mental, psychic)
- Meditation: Theory and methods across traditions
- Mantra Chanting: For healing, purification, and chakra activation
Veena Merz is known for her depth of knowledge, authenticity, and compassionate presence. Through her teachings, she empowers students to embark on their own path of self-inquiry, transformation, and inner awakening.
Main Skills and Qualities:
In essence, I try to be a guide, facilitator, and motivator, helping you to explore the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of yoga.
- Deep understanding of yoga: A strong foundation in yoga asana, pranayama, and philosophy.
- Excellent communication skills: The ability to clearly explain instructions, offer feedback, and connect with students.
- Empathy and patience: The capacity to understand and support students with diverse needs and abilities.
- Strong leadership skills: The ability to guide and motivate students while maintaining a safe and focused environment.
- Adaptability: The flexibility to adjust teaching styles and class plans to meet the needs of different students.
- Passion for yoga: A genuine enthusiasm for the practice and its benefits.
- Calm and encouraging demeanour: Creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere in class.
In essence, I try to be a guide, facilitator, and motivator, helping you to explore the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of yoga.