Meet Our Founder
Master Dpak (Deepak Upadhyay)
Founder of Aadi Yoga Center
“Yoga is not just a practice; it is a way of reconnecting with who we truly are. Every breath, every posture, every moment of silence brings us nearer to the wisdom that has always lived within us.”
— Master Deepak
To some, he is a yoga teacher. To many, he is a guide. To his students, he is simply known as Master Deepak—a traditional Indian yoga teacher whose life is devoted to protecting and sharing the genuine wisdom of yoga, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, and holistic living.
As the Founder of Aadi Yoga Center in Phuket, Thailand, Master Deepak invites practitioners from around the world to experience authentic Indian yoga taught with kindness, discipline, and deep respect for its ancient origins. His purpose is clear: to protect the authenticity of traditional Indian yoga while making its lasting wisdom available to modern living.
Foundations and Heritage
A Childhood Rooted in Ancient India
Master Dpak was born in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh—one of India’s most sacred cities and the birthplace of Prabhu Shri Rama, a symbol of righteousness (dharma) and compassion. Growing up in this deeply spiritual environment, ancient temples, daily prayers, Sanskrit chants, and timeless stories from the Vedas and Ramayana were seamlessly woven into his everyday life. These early experiences planted the seeds for his lifelong journey into yoga and self-discovery.
The Bharadwaj Lineage & Sanskrit Scholarship
Master Dpak comes from a traditional Brahmin family belonging to the Bharadwaj Gotra, a Vedic lineage tracing back to Maharishi Bharadwaj, one of the revered Saptarishis (Seven Great Seers). This heritage instilled in him a lifelong responsibility toward humility, discipline, and service to humanity.
Knowledge was the bedrock of his upbringing; his grandfather was a respected Sanskrit scholar from Varanasi (Kashi), a historic epicenter of Indian philosophy. Unlike those who encounter yoga purely as physical exercise, Master Dpak was introduced to it as a complete science of life—encompassing ethics, breath, meditation, and self-awareness.
Bridging East and West: Academic Excellence
Master Dpak believes that true learning never ends. Alongside his traditional upbringing, he pursued an extensive, interdisciplinary academic journey:
- Doctoral Studies in Yoga
- Master’s Degree in Chinese Studies
- Master’s Degree in East Asian Studies
- Academic Background in International Politics
This rare educational blend allows him to understand both Eastern spiritual wisdom and the complexities of the modern world, proving that ancient knowledge can beautifully complement contemporary science and global culture.
The Transformation and Training
A Career Beyond Yoga & The Return to Purpose
Before dedicating himself fully to yoga, Master Dpak built a successful corporate career in educational technology and international affairs, collaborating with professionals globally. Despite his achievements, a deeper question persisted: “What is the greatest contribution I can make to humanity?”
The answer called him back to his roots. Stepping away from a conventional corporate career, he chose a path of service, realizing the world did not simply need more fitness instructors—it needed authentic teachers to preserve the true essence of yoga.
[ Corporate Success ] ➔ [ Sincere Seekership ] ➔ [ The Himalayan Calling ]
The Calling of Rishikesh & Temple Life
His quest for experiential wisdom led him to Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World,” nestled along the sacred River Ganga in the Himalayan foothills. Here, yoga was not an hourly practice; it was an entire way of living.
Master Dpak immersed himself in the Himalayan Tradition, practicing under the guidance of Guru Prem Narayan Das Ji Maharaj (of the Maha Tyagi tradition). He spent a transformative period living and serving at the Bara Hanuman Mandir near Triveni Ghat. His daily life revolved around:
- Pre-dawn meditation and Pranayama (Breath Science)
- The study of classical Hatha Yoga scriptures and anatomy
- Temple service (Seva), devotional silence, and scriptural study
Through this rigorous training, he realized that the most respected yogis are admired not for their physical flexibility, but for their character, humility, and adherence to yogic ethics.
Aadi Yoga Center
The Birth of a Sanctuary in Phuket
Combining his traditional training and modern corporate background, Master Deepak established Aadi Yoga Center & Wellness in Patong, Phuket. The name Aadi reflects a philosophy of returning to one’s original, natural state of balance, wellbeing, and inner harmony.
Created as a holistic wellness destination where ancient traditions meet contemporary living, Aadi Yoga Center follows one strict guiding principle: Authenticity before popularity.
Teaching Philosophy: Yoga is for Everyone
Master Deepak believes that yoga goes well beyond the mat. It shapes how we breathe, think, eat, and handle life’s challenges. His sessions focus on:
- Proper anatomical alignment and safety
- Breath awareness and conscious movement
- Personalized guidance suited to each body type
- Integration of traditional philosophy for lasting progress
Our Vision
To position Aadi Yoga Center & Wellness as one of Southeast Asia’s premier destinations for authentic Indian yoga, Ayurveda, and holistic wellness—where ancient traditions are maintained with integrity, shared with compassion, and made available to people from every culture.