I serve as the Director of Hindu Life and Hindu Chaplain for Yale University. Through my Hindu Life Program, we had
the pleasure of hosting Rajesh Kanoi, affectionately known as Rajyogi, for two sets of extraordinary breathwork
workshops that have positively impacted our community.
In October 2024, Rajyogi led an in-person two-day weekend workshop at East Rock Shala, a yoga studio near Yale’s
campus. This event drew around 20 graduate and professional students, and research associates from various departments, many of whom were new to breathwork. Rajyogi’s expert guidance, gentle prompts, and engaging anecdotes about the science of breathwork helped participants acquire yogic breathing techniques, culminating in Rajyogi’s Hanuman Master Breath technique. Participants reported a heightened sense of calm, deeper breathing, and expressed a strong desire for more classes with Rajyogi.
Building on this success, I invited Rajyogi back in Fall 2025 for a special 10-day early morning workshop, aligned with
the Navaratri festival. Hosted via Zoom, we expanded participation to include staff from across Yale University and co-
sponsored with peer chaplains at Princeton and the University of Lynchburg, as well as our East Rock Shala community.
We welcomed nearly 100 participants, with a steady daily synchronous attendance of 25 individuals. Rajyogi instructed on the Hanuman Master Breath, Lotus Opening Practice, and Chakra Activations with beej mantras.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. The workshop was rated 9.4 out of 10 in our post-event survey, with
participants reporting benefits such as deeper and effortless breathing, heightened breath awareness, increased energy, enhanced calmness and alertness, improved sleep, and a greater sense of groundedness. One participant shared:
“I just wanted to share how meaningful the Chakra and Hanuman Master Breath workshop was for me. On a physical
level, I felt a noticeable release in my body, especially in my chest and shoulders where I usually carry a lot of tension.
The breathwork helped me feel lighter, more open, and even energized in a calm way. Emotionally, the connection with
Hanuman’s energy was very powerful. It gave me a sense of courage, grounding, and reassurance that I really needed. I
found myself letting go of worry and feeling a deep trust in my own inner strength.”
This feedback resonates with my own positive experiences with Rajyogi’s breathwork techniques and his engaging
teaching style. Rajyogi’s radiant personality, heartfelt desire to share his knowledge, and dedication to the art of
breathwork significantly impacted our staff, fostering a greater sense of well-being and mindfulness.
In conclusion, I enthusiastically endorse Rajesh Kanoi as an effective and talented breathwork instructor. His workshops
offer meaningful benefits that resonate deeply with participants, both beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
With kind regards,
Asha C. Shipman, PhD
Director of Hindu Life
Yale University Chaplain’s Office
Note – A third workshop of monthly sessions is now underway…
www.powerofbreath.in
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