Raving Fans of The Yoga Mandiram (Testimonials)

“An amazing teacher with a devoted following.”
Mike Herman M.D. La Jolla, Ca

"I have been practicing yoga for over ten years and this is the most fun and rewarding yoga class I have ever attended. I'll be honest - I was a bit concerned that this would be an extra-earthy crowd adorning dreadlocks, the class would be very serious and the studio would have a slight cannabis smell. Despite being intimidated I showed up with my cheap Target yoga mat in hand and left my shoes, inhibitions and stereo types at the door. Immediately I was genuinely welcomed by Dennis. Dennis very methodically and patiently instructed the class on how to get into the poses. Class was very fun and it was a wonderful group of people. As we departed Dennis was kind enough to share his fresh batch of homemade Green Drink. When I walked into this studio about two hours before I couldn't even stand up straight but when I left my pain level had gone from about a 7 to a 2. It was amazing! On the way out of this Cardiff-based studio I enjoyed the view, a California sunset in the background and the VG's donut sign in the foreground. What could be better?"
Courtney K, Carlsbad, Ca.

"Yoga Mandiram!! A place where you feel the sense of belongingness the moment you step in for the first time and every time thereafter. This is the place that teaches you how to love and respect yourself; that key is not in competing with others but in nurturing and challenging your own self. Yoga Mandiram's teaching is deeply rooted to the originality and Dennis' continuous quest of learning and sharing is what sets this Mandiram apart from other studios. Dennis can take your practice to whole new level without you even realizing it, and this is what keeps you grounded, humble, and close to beginner's mind (Dennis' words). You get true essence of Yoga in this temple. I am blessed to be the part of Yoga Mandiram family. "
Sanjay, Carlsbad, Ca.

"There are truly no words to accurately describe the exploratory experience of this quaint, intimate studio. Dennis is an incredible soul & teacher who takes you through a journey in his classes, sometimes wild, inspiring & exciting... while at other times deep, explorative & reflective. His eclectic approach of blending traditional principles of ashtanga, anusara & hatha with the rope wall, innovative sequences & healing myofascial techniques is beyond divine... he even makes a healthy, enzyme packed, yummy green drink for some of his classes to support proper alkalinity! This place rocks!!"
Kristen A, Solana Beach, Ca.

"I was looking for a right yoga teacher/style for long time, but was not sure which style to pursue with as there are various styles available. I was not able to understand difference between those (Astanga, Vinysa, etc) yoga styles. I went to couple of yoga studios in Encinitas area, but did not get the feel as it was the right place to start with. Fortunately, I read an article about yoga by Dennis in "Healthy Times". I went to Yoga Mandiram and immediately had a positive feeling of finding a right place for me. Dennis's teaching style is simple yet very effective. He teaches in layers and levels. Studio environment is very supportive. His Saturday morning classes are unique. I enjoy learning yoga at Yoga Mandiram."
B.P., Carlsbad, Ca.

"At 71, I was taking painkillers for arthritis in my back and hips. I had done yoga in my 30's but not recently. I signed up for classes at the Mandiram and dropped 30 pounds with the aid of diet and other exercise. It's a year later, I haven't taken a painkiller since starting at the Mandiram, am having fun, and feel great! "

"For me, the YM encapsulates the spirit of yoga, and holds a space for practitioners to come that invokes a delicate balance of magical and practical, serenity and kinetic, contemplation and delight. I have been coming to the YM for about 6 years, and appreciate it more with each visit. As yoga enters the mainstream exercise circuit, the Yoga Mandiram remains in my opinion, a precious jewel, refracting the deeper rays of yoga's light."
Kelly Thompson, Del Mar, Ca.

"I have been going to the Sat morning fusion/flow yoga class for over four years. Dennis takes a very unique approach to this class. I find the class extremely "body" friendly. He warms the body up with rope wall stretches and myofascial release techniques before venturing into more traditional yoga poses and meditation. He varies the classes weekly to fit the needs of the students-which I love. Dennis's sense of humor adds entertainment to the class."
Elyce N, Encinitas, Ca.

"Being a single mother and running my own business, I am extremely busy. Yoga and Ayurveda have been a part of my life for over 20 years and I am very selective as to where I study. After my first class at the Yoga Mandiram I knew it was the right place to enrich my spiritual practice. I love and respect Dennis as a teacher and as a person as you can tell he has the maturity of going through life with awareness and consciousness and that reflects deeply in his teachings."
Jutta Hecht, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Encinitas, Ca.

"I had known and practiced with Dennis Dean for many years prior to his opening the Yoga Mandiram. He was the most inspirational student. A good student makes a good teacher. He has an unwaivering devotion to the Dharma and helping others through his work. His studio, Yoga Mandiram is an ideal place to practice, providing personal and individualized attention. The classes offer different levels so anyone practice at whatever level he or she is at. Dennis' signature teaching style and classes are superior. I have practiced and taught yoga for many years, and continue to seek out his humble teachings... Dennis is the teacher's teacher! "