Fields of Study

“The starting point of the journey is the ending point of the journey“

Swami Lakshmanjoo

Walking the ancient path, illuminated by the ones who walked before us

  • Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama
  • Sharath Rangaswami Jois
  • Gurumayi Chidvilasananda

At Shala Mandala, education is understood as a lifelong process of study, practice, contemplation, and cultural exchange.

Our work is rooted in the traditional transmission of Ashtanga Yoga, while drawing inspiration from a wider landscape of Indian contemplative traditions, Buddhist philosophy, Sanskrit, Ayurveda, design, and the academic study of ancient civilizations. Rather than treating these disciplines as separate fields, Shala Mandala approaches them as interconnected ways of understanding culture, philosophy, and the human experience.

Simona Nucera’s path has developed over more than two decades through direct experience in India, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Her work continues to evolve through daily practice, research, travel, and dialogue with teachers, scholars, and practitioners from different traditions.

Ashtanga Yoga

Simona practices and teaches within the lineage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, having received Authorization to Teach from Sri R. Sharath Jois after many years of dedicated practice within the traditional Mysore method in London, Los Angeles, and Mysore.

From 2016 to 2026, she has studied regularly at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) and later at the Sharath Yoga Centre (SYC) in Mysore, India. In 2022, she had the opportunity to assist Sharath Jois during Mysore classes, deepening her understanding of direct transmission, observation, and traditional hands-on guidance.

Siddha Yoga

Alongside her yoga practice, Simona’s spiritual life has been profoundly influenced by the Siddha Yoga tradition.

Having received Śaktipāt Dīkṣā, she continues to draw inspiration from the teachings of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, whose emphasis on meditation, mantra, devotion, and self-inquiry has become an integral part of her contemplative path.

While Shala Mandala is not a Siddha Yoga centre, these teachings continue to inspire the atmosphere of silence, discipline, gratitude, and inner awareness that characterizes its community.

Buddha Dharma

For many years, Simona has also studied Buddhist philosophy and contemplative traditions, particularly within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Her studies include teachings with:

  • His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
  • His Holiness the 17th Karmapa
  • Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
  • Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
  • Professor Robert Thurman (Columbia University)

These teachings have deepened her understanding of meditation, compassion, ethics, and contemplative education, complementing her work as a yoga teacher and educator.

Indian Knowledge Systems

A significant part of Simona’s education has been dedicated to the study of India’s intellectual and philosophical traditions.

Her principal teachers include:

  • Kedar Prado — Indian Philosophy
  • Dr. M. A. Jayashree & Prof. M. A. Narasimhan — Anantha Research Foundation
  • Vidwan Lakshmish Bhat — Yoga Sūtras, Sanskrit & Vedic Chanting

Alongside these formal studies, years of private study with senior practitioners have deepened her understanding of Indian culture, traditional knowledge systems, and the living heritage of the subcontinent.

Meditation & Contemplative Practice

Simona’s contemplative education also includes:

  • Vipassanā Meditation in the tradition of S. N. Goenka
  • Extended periods of practice in traditional āshrams  Tiruvannamalai at Ramana Maharishi and Rishikesh at Yoga Niketan.

Ayurveda

Simona studied Ayurveda at the Mysore Ayurveda Academy under Dr. Chitralekha, affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, exploring traditional approaches to health, lifestyle, and holistic well-being.

Design & Interdisciplinary Practice

Originally trained as a designer, Simona studied at:

  • Istituto Europeo di Design, Milan
  • University of the Arts London

Her background in fashion and textile design continues to shape Shala Mandala’s visual identity, architecture of experience, sustainable thinking, hospitality, and educational projects, bringing together aesthetics, functionality, and contemplative living.

Ancient Civilizations & Cultural Research

Simona is currently pursuing academic studies in Ancient Civilizations at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.

Her research explores the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean, the Near East, and South Asia through subjects including archaeology, history, art history, religious studies, cultural heritage, museum studies, and the interpretation of historical sources.

These studies enrich Shala Mandala’s educational vision, supporting the creation of lectures, exhibitions, conferences, retreats, and interdisciplinary cultural programmes that connect yoga with the wider history of ancient civilizations and contemplative traditions.

A Living Education

For Shala Mandala, education is never complete.

It is a lifelong commitment to practice, study, research, service, and respectful dialogue with the cultures that continue to preserve these traditions. Every class, retreat, conference, and cultural programme reflects this ongoing journey of learning, inviting students to approach yoga not only as a physical discipline, but as a gateway to a richer understanding of philosophy, history, culture, and contemplative life.

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