Sheela Bringi

Sheela Bringi serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Wisdom Traditions Department at Naropa University, teaching Indian Devotional & Raga Singing courses for the BA and MA Yoga Studies programs. A renowned sacred music performer, she bridges Indian and American musical traditions through vocals, bansuri flute, and raga harp.

Education:

• MFA, World Music Performance, California Institute of the Arts
• BA, Ethnic Studies, Mills College

Her research integrates Hindustani classical music with yoga practices, focusing on devotional singing (bhakti) and improvisation as spiritual disciplines. She explores how raga structures enhance meditative states and cross-cultural dialogue, drawing from decades of study with Indian maestros and Western avant-garde artists.

Scientific Awards:

• Grammy nomination for Bhakti Without Borders

Bringi actively disseminates knowledge through global workshops at yoga festivals, ashrams, and teacher trainings. Her scholarly presentations include Columbia University guest lectures on South Asian music and Wanderlust Festival talks like 'Improvisation: The Yoga of Spontaneity,' emphasizing music's role in embodied spirituality.