In this exclusive interview, we have the honor of speaking with Daniel Rama, a renowned yoga practitioner and teacher whose influence extends far beyond the mat. With a massive following on Instagram, Rama has inspired a global audience with his profound approach to yoga, which delves into the depths of both mind and spirit. Not only is he a celebrated practitioner, but he is also a teacher of teachers, guiding the next generation of yoga instructors on their own journeys. Currently based at Vikasa in Koh Samui, Rama offers regular retreats that draw participants from around the world, eager to learn from his wisdom in a serene and transformative setting. Join us as we uncover his views on life, the experiences that have shaped his path, and the core principles that drive his practice. Check out the full video interview and fun Q&A below for an even deeper dive into Rama’s world.
Listen to the Interview on our Podcast
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS
Fun loving amateur.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?
It’s a few different answers to that. At one point I just wanted to be my own boss.
HOW WERE YOU GOING TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN?
I have no idea [smiles].
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE THAT YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
The best advice is maybe when I was leaving this ashram where I spent some time living, so a more monastic life, we would open a book at random every now and again to receive a message from the lineage of teachers that I belong to. So, the last message that I received was “richness comes to those who are simple and humble”. And I’ve tried to base much of my life around those virtues.
DO YOU STILL FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS FROM THE ASHRAM?
Little bit. I took everything with a grain of salt because there are certain pieces of information which might be seen as religious and a little bit dogmatic for my taste. But everything having to do with love and the deep interconnectedness of all of us, this I carry with me. My purpose is very much to serve and to contribute.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOGA?
Yoga has a deep profound ability to increase one’s sensitivity, in that you get to perceive life and yourself more clearly. So, for me, yoga is just the elevation of perception. In a way it starts to cast away some of the shadows of doubt, these lower emotions that can be a little bit prevalent in people’s lives.
DOES YOGA INCLUDE MEDITATION FOR YOU?
Yes, yoga for me includes proper movement, proper breathing, proper diet, proper relaxation, positive thinking, and meditation.
YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
I’ve honestly never really taken a holiday. I live a life that need not have a holiday. You know, I’m constantly traveling around to tropical destinations, working with beautiful people, like this. I never really feel a need to escape, even if I’m extremely busy.
YOUR FAVORITE HOTEL?
Honestly, my favorite hotel would be sentimental. Not necessarily because of the hotel, but because of the time that I’ve had there. Adiwana Svarga Loka in Bali, Aranwa Sacred Valley in Peru, and Vikasa is also on this list. That’s where I live.
SO, THIS IS YOUR BASE? AND THEN YOU TRAVEL?
Yeah, it’s been more than a decade now, travelling with no home.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ME-TIME? HOW DO YOU DESTRESS?
That’s done daily in the morning. This is why I can work so much and not feel the need for a vacation.
SO, YOU HAVE YOUR OWN PRACTICE?
It depends on how busy my day is, but anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes a little longer.
DO YOU FEEL LIKE IF YOU DIDN’T DO THAT, YOU’D MISS IT?
Yes, for sure. It’s weird, because you develop a dependence almost on Sadhana, spiritual practice, but you can’t really move through life without developing some form of dependence on something. This is at least a healthier dependence.
WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?
Absolutely nothing. I sleep like a baby.
WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST?
Everything from classical string quartet to System of a Down and heavy metal music, it depends on the time and place, but honestly, silence is my favorite.
HAVE YOU DONE A LOT OF SILENT RETREATS IN THE PAST?
Most of my life I’ve been traveling around alone. There are many days where I don’t talk to anyone.
WHO DO YOU FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM?
I follow a lot of people doing similar things to myself. Find some inspiration.
ARE YOU INSPIRED BY OTHER PEOPLE’S WORK OR DO YOU PREFER NOT TO SEE YOUR COMPETITION’S WORK?
It has inspired me in the past, certainly. Instagram and social media go through waves of being more or less inspirational. I’m not necessarily a consumer of social content, more of a creator.
DO YOU CREATE CONTENT BASED ON YOUR OWN INSPIRATION OR ON FEEDBACK?
50% on my own general creative essence and then 50% based on feedback and reactions from my Instagram audience.
A BOOK THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?
A few. These days I don’t really read much. From a bridge between more Western science and Eastern philosophy is Stalking the Wild Pendulum by Itzhak Bentov. First four chapters are just a bunch of physics jargon. If you get through that, then the remaining book is quite nice. You want more of a story? The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma It reminds me a little bit of my crazier times and slow progression towards what I’m becoming now.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
It’s such a loaded question. Very little, anytime I do something, immediately the mind thinks “how can that be better”.
WOULD YOU SAY YOU’RE A PERFECTIONIST?
Yes, but I’m the type of perfectionist that will release it right away anyhow. Which is good because it results in me constantly growing and getting better, but there is very little that I’m prideful of.
IS THIS AN ATTEMPT AT BEING HUMBLE?
Oh no, there was definitely a stage in my life where I was more full of myself. These days I finally have much more of a…you know, Aries is my sign, and not that I conform too much to the study of such things. But as far as I understand it, this is an individual that’s very fiery, goal oriented and sometimes full of themselves. So, I try to move away from that a little bit. It’s important to me.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?
I have two. One would be a deep critical mind, and another would be a deep curiosity. There are many times where I want to do something and in order to achieve it you must be creative, consider all possibilities and remain open in such a way where anybody might be more right than I am.
