Since my early 20s, I've immersed myself in the exploration, practice, and dissemination of yoga and non-dual philosophy. Originating from Cape Town, South Africa, my quest for truth and purpose has taken me across the globe. Over the last two decades, I've had the privilege of instructing students worldwide, guiding them through advanced Hatha Yoga practices, particularly focused on Kuṇḍalinī, and delving into the intricacies of non-dual Śaiva Tantra, also known as Kashmiri Shaivism.

As an avid learner drawn to authentic wellsprings of wisdom, I've delved into the profound teachings of tantric masters in India under the guidance of the esteemed scholar and meditation teacher Paul Muller Ortega, through his tantric meditation school, Blue Throat Yoga. Additionally, I've pursued personal studies through the writings and online courses of eminent scholars like Mark Dyczkowski. My journey has also involved several years of Sanskrit study with Dr. Antonia Ruppel through the YogicStudies online platform.

To read what past students have had to say about their experiences with me you can explore the reviews on my Facebook page. I invite you to join me on this transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration.

Michael Dunn
inspiration-aspiration-illuminationInspiration - Aspiration - Illumination

Towards the end of my university years I had a series of powerful experiences which opened my awareness up to states of consciousness beyond my capacity to articulate, but which were filled with significance and wonder. It was at this time that my interest in yoga and spirituality began to dominate my life. Gripped by an aspiration to breakthrough the seeming mediocrity of my life, I became obsessed with the subject of Kuṇḍalinī. I searched every available resource to gain a deeper understanding of how I could wake up from this 'dream' of the ordinary and into that plane of existence I had glimpsed in those prior experiences.

I began to practice hatha yoga for many hours each day and took up the daily meditation practice. Neither I nor anyone else could understand this new obsession which had taken over me. I had no one in my social circle who had any interest in spirituality or religion and no one to guide me and so had to find my way alone. In the writings of Swāmī Sivananda, Paramahamsa Yogananda and the exquisite wisdom of the non-dual Shaiva tradition (through the writing of Mark Dyczkowski), I found ever more fuel to stoke the fire that was burning inside of me but without an actual teacher I encountered many obstacles.

After finishing my university studies I left for India to find a teacher. That trip set off a sequence of events which eventually resulted in me becoming a senior teacher at Agama Yoga in Thailand, where I taught for 12 years as one of the main Kuṇḍalinī yoga teachers.

At the end of 2018, following accusations of sexual misconduct by the founder of the school, I separated from the school. It became clear to me that my values and attitude towards spirituality where not aligned with that of my former teacher, and although I will always maintain gratitude for the gifts I received, I could not remain.

It is my sincere wish to be able to share the inspiration and deep wisdom that I have been blessed to receive over all these years. I believe that the greatest gift a teacher can impart to others is inspiration. Knowledge, wisdom, and technical skill are all important as well, but it is the spark of inspiration which makes it possible for all of those to actually bear fruit. Inspiration can come in the form of words, actions or simply by the presence that one projects into the world, but in all these cases there is something indescribable which underlies it; something which lights us up inside and generate the necessary motivation for us to develop ourselves; to go beyond our preconceived limits, to sublimate our contracted and selfish nature; to aspire towards that which is high, fulfilling and to the benefit of all. Inspiration leads to aspiration which eventually culminates in Illumination; the clear seeing, recognition of the highest truths about ourselves and the very nature of being.