about us
the chapati&chai story
...like many seekers before me, and surely not to be the last, my quest for the meaning of life lead me down a path to the most inspirational and enlightening travel around the world.
Travel ecourages mindful immersion into new, exotic and multi-faceted realities of other cultures, inspiring growth and insights into traditions and philosophies through native eyes. Becoming a participant rather than the watcher of daily rituals and traditional celebrations - previously unknown - opens the doors to vast possibilities beyond the reach of the faint-hearted.
The search for answers... The Divine, The Infinite, Source Energy - directed me to Cuba, The Vatican, Peru, Cambodia, Romania, Colombia and India, just to name a few.
This journey of self-realization immersed me in the study of many philosophies and beliefs, from Buddhism, to Hinduism, Christianity, Santeria, Shamanism et al.
From apprenticeship under a high priestess in Cuba as an American pre-embargo, to medical missionary in Cambodia, and 'finding myself' in India, I was blessed to have been surrounded by the most beautiful people, landscapes and traditions of the world. And so thankful I remain...
My insight into the previously unknown – despite acclaimed theological training in the West – was enriched by the ancient wisdom of India. Upon completion of intense courses at Tushita monastery in Dharamshala, as well as certification at the 500 RYT level in the traditional yogic gurukula system in Rishikesh, India, I embarked on an expedition into the farthest reaches of the heart, mind, body and soul of sacred sites throughout India and Nepal.
Forever a student of yogic traditions, under the grace of rare mystics, rishis and sages of the past; culminating into modern applications of a long-lost art: drawing closer to within, via a high-frequency state of being, and surroundings. Thankfully I have been able to follow that path... to, in many regards, liberation.
Now after countless trips to India from Bali – to further explore the stillness of meditation, its diverse themes of deep ecology, degrees of shamanism and Eastern philosophies I believe I have come full circle.
As a theologian and western scholar re-trained in the East - taught by the spiritual masters of our time – His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Mooji, Sadhguru, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji - in personal audience, I take all acquired knowledge and weave it into our meditation practice. As well as line of mindfully and ethically hand-made meditation malas - of exquisite stones from around the world in chapati&chai.
Click here for a quote by Pramahansa Yogananda that inspired me
Ancient rishis found that a combination of metal and gems (stones) against the skin counteracts adverse negative pulls and affects of cosmic planetary influences. Not only was that reality cited by Yogananda; the Vedas (ancient sanskrit writings) also stated that navratna gemstones increased the available dosage of a similar 'energy' acting as a needed supplement to your electromagnetic system. This is due (reiteration of previous) to the wearing of such gemstones against the skin... and further attesting, they act as effective transmitters of 'energy' that is naturally a part of the atomic matrix.
I firmly believe that once you are in tune with the Universe, it speaks to you.
In modern times, we have become detached from planet Earth, and the circadian rythm of life that is inherit to all living beings. The loss of this 'genetic' bond further severs the connection to what is.
In the pursuit of that communion with nature you realize that energy is everywhere - in stones, people, food, places etc... This has been confirmed by western scholars the likes of Tesla, Kepler, Einstein, but also Eastern spiritual masters – Yogananda, Krishnamurti, Maharaj-Ji.
Since beginningless time, stones have resonated and fascinated early humans. It is in fact where the term talisman, referring to good luck charm is derived. Gemstones are essentially our planet Earth, and are composed of energy (stardust) accumulated during millions of years. It is this energy which can be harnessed and matched to your personal subtle energy field. Align yourself with that higher, cleaner frequency and you enter another level of consciousess, awareness and health.
One can harness stone energy on the yoga mat and in everyday life, gaining and sharing this high vibrational reality.
High frequency stones could be carried in your pocket or around your neck in japamala configuration to keep track of mantra chanting, meditating or praying; for a clearer, cleaner connection (to the Divine, Source energy). Or simply worn for their natural inherit beauty as high line, minimalist jewelry. Either way, even if the metaphysical benefit is, say 10% in conservative terms, that is in fact 10% more than you started with, and quite possibly all you needed to gauge a greater quantifiable difference in your reality. Surrounding yourself with high vibration elements obviously raises your vibration.
This truth gave way to my personal desire to align myself, yogic pratice and everyday life with this energy. In accomplishing this, after even more introspection, meditation and study, chapati&chai was born in 2017 -- as a concept to help others unlock the hidden strength within us all, and all around.
Our meditation mala collections, and line extensions (leatherware, apparel) strive to be minimalist not only in design and function, but approach to life as well. All are of the very best quality, functionality, and authentic to the yogic traditions:
mindful • ethical • sustainable • eco-conscious • responsible
Scouring the planet for knowledge, inspiration and powerful combination of wearable high vibration energy sources for chapati&chai – we explore some of the largest and most exotic stone markets in the world, channeling inspiration for use in our collections while finding hidden treasures of a distant culture and time.
We also firmly believe in the yogic method of bringing our products to you – making sure that each step of the process is conscious of good intentions, love and mantra, to maximize karmic flow of function and design. This is paramount.
chapati&chai has from the beginning mindfully and consciously built a reputation of only using the finest stones available. We offer premium meditation jewelry & stand behind it 100%, answering any questions any client have at any time – before, after and during the acquisition process.
•gotta have at least one good mala... make it a •chapati&chai•
Product expansions:
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high-line jewelry
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leatherware
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ethnic hand-embroidered apparel
Investor opportunities: as follow – enquiries via DM.
• chapati&chai cafe bistros
• chapati&chai retail boutiques
• chapati&chai pop-up stores
• yoga meditation retreats
• RYT 200/500 Yoga Alliance school affiliate
• expeditions - pilgrimage exploration tours: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet
• workshops
• community projects
• emerging artist collaborations