Biography

Padma offers techniques and information about freedom from stress, confusion, and pain.

Padma, Marla Stewart B.Sc., M.M., holds a biology degree from McGill University, Canada. Certified to teach ‘Advanced Yogic Sciences and Meditation’ (M.M., Senior Level) and ‘Hatha Yoga’ (1000-hour Senior Level) by the International Meditation Institute of India, she is a unique educator specializing in a holistic approach to mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. Padma is respected as one of Canada’s senior teachers and is highly regarded for her extensive studies and vast knowledge of meditation and classical yogic studies, working with intelligent individuals in our evolving society. Her western science and philosophical studies inform and expand her exceptional education in eastern practices. She is a unique bridge between the two worlds of wisdom and speaks with eloquence of their oneness.

Padma practiced and researched advanced meditation in the western Himalayas of India for a decade with her meditation guru. She learned to read and master original Sanskrit texts. Padma lived independently, meditating up to six hours a day, and learning the subtle arts of yoga. Lifestyle in the Himalayas was rustic and minimal, including basic tasks such as boiling drinking water and keeping the wood stove burning. She cooked and lived with no electric appliances, modern conveniences, or hot running water, spending the years in meditation and study. Padma continues to return to India for extended meditation retreats and direct study with her teacher.

Padma has hosted, written, and co-produced three nationally-syndicated television series: “Padma Yoga: Modern Meditations,” “Padma Yoga: The Elemental Series” and “Living Yoga with Padma”. She has produced two educational DVDs, Mountain and Ocean, and hosted a 12-part series on CBC radio. Her guided meditation recordings, “Freedom from Flight Anxiety,” are heard on Air Canada flights. Padma is often featured in other national media, such as in the television series ‘Remedy Me’ and in Chatelaine magazine, December, 2009, Reader’s Digest and others.

Padma owned and ran the Padma Yoga and Meditation Center in Vancouver, B.C., in 2002, and since 2000 has taught yoga and meditation to professionals, government agencies, and major Hollywood celebrities.

Media

  • Hosted and produced the 26-episode TV series ‘Padma Yoga: The Elemental Series’, 2009.
  • Hosted and produced the 26-episode TV series ‘Padma Yoga: Modern Meditation’, 2010.
  • Hosted and wrote a 65-part nationally-syndicated yoga television series, ‘Living Yoga with Padma’, 2005.
  • Hosted a 12-part radio show on CBC radio, North By North-West, 2007.
  • Featured on in-flight recording heard on Air Canada “Freedom from Flight Anxiety.”
  • Featured in the national TV series “Remedy Me.”
  • Featured as a Lululemon Ambassador at their main store on West 4th Ave, Vancouver, 2007.
  • Invited to the 2007 Toronto Yoga Show; billed as a ‘Canadian Woman Meditation Teacher.’ Sponsored by Channel ONE in Toronto.
  • Featured in a meditation article in Reader’s Digest, 2008.
  • Featured in Chatelaine magazine, December, 2009.
Clients
  • A-List Hollywood Celebrities, including Uma Thurman, Charlize Theron, Heather Graham
  • CBC Radio & TV
  • Public Health Canada
  • Ballard Power
  • University of British Columbia
  • Simpson & Thomas Law Firm
  • Steve Nash Fitness Center
  • Intrawest
  • YYOGA
  • Conner, Clark & Lunn Investments
  • Porte Real Estate
  • Bolder Investments
  • ‘Steelers’ women’s AAA hockey team
Work
  • Co-founded and developed the departments of Meditation Studies, Learning and Development,  and Continuing Education programs at YYOGA, Vancouver, 2008 and 2009.
  • Owned and Directed ‘The Padma Yoga Center’ in Vancouver, 2002.
  • Produced two popular educational DVDs, 2006.
  • Sat on the boards of the Yoga Association of BC (currently a Senior YABC Instructor), and the Yoga Outreach of BC.
  • Taught meditation and hatha yoga and all yogic arts such as Sanskrit, chanting, breath, and philosophy, to top yoga teachers across Canada and the US since 2000.
  • Since 2005 has been invited to host workshops in Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Florida, California, Mexico and France.
Education
  • B.Sc. in Biology from McGill University, 1985; Worked for the Federal Department of Fisheries & Oceans.
  • Certified by the International Meditation Institute of India to teach Hatha Yoga (1000-hour Senior Level),  Yog Sciences, Meditation and Vedant Philosophy (Master of Meditation, M.M.)
  • Completed an eight-year full-time meditation retreat in the western Himalayas, 1999, with the meditation master, Swami Shyam.
  • Practiced hatha yoga since 1982.
  • Spent two years in Tokyo practicing Zen meditation; Attends Zen retreats with Norman Fischer in NA.
Current Projects
  • Producing 26 episodes of Season 2 of Padma Yoga TV Series, 2010
  • Producing a CD of Sanskrit chanting
  • Recording a CD of talks on yoga philosophy
  • Writing a book on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali