“Raji is an angleic human being; she is serviceful, mindful and loving.”
-Snatam Kaur and Sopurkh Singh
“Raji embodies the living and creative expression of a powerful mantra lineage. She has a unique gift of bringing forth dynamically effective and engaging mantra sadhanas, inspiring a global community of students to embrace these transformative and healing spiritual practices. Her mantra sadhanas have been a vital part of my own spiritual life for the past several years.”
-Girish
“I have known Rajeshwari Gretchen Carmel for many years due to our mutual study with the magnificent mantra master Thomas Ashley-Farrand (Namadeva Acharya). During that time Raji completed an intensive curriculum with Namadeva to become first a mantra teacher, then a pujari, and finally a Vedic priest.
For the past two years I have had the joy and privilege of co-leading with Raji, along with our friend Bharata Bill Barry, the Transformation through the Yoga of Devotion program at Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, MA. That gave me an experience of the purity of Raji’s teaching of both hatha yoga and mantra yoga, and the power of the Vedic ceremonies she presents. There is no doubt that her teaching is illumined by the spirit of her guru, Namadeva.
I was thrilled to learn that Raji is now taking on the transmission of the science of the mystical practice of mantra to others interested in sharing that path. There is no one I would want to study with more. I already recommend her to my students who want guidance in their individual mantra practice. Now I’ll direct to her those who want a more extensive training in this ancient science that is so applicable to our times.”
-Bhavani Lorraine Nelson
Senior Faculty Member
Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
“The care and love that shine through Raji’s teachings are great blessings to all. Her deep knowledge, devotion and presence combine to make studying with Raji a great gift and unique opportunity. The depth of Raji’s study with her teacher Thomas Ashley Farrand (Namadeva) is profound. She is the ideal person to carry on his great work.
I had the honor of studying briefly with Namadeva before he left his body and found that the integrity, love and wisdom with which he conducted his teachings are also present in the way in which Raji shares hers.
It is a joy to witness the continuation of this powerful lineage. I have referred my own students to Raji for in-depth guided mantra practice already and I greatly look forward to referring more to what is sure to be a powerful and important training program that will undoubtedly be transformational for many.”
-Brenda McMorrow
Sacred Music Singer/Songwriter
