michael hewett

Michael is the founder and director of Vessel Academy and a graduate of Berklee College of Music. A Yogi of over 25 years and consummate musician of 35 years with over 7 full length albums. Michael has over 2,000 hours of Yoga trainings in Tibetan Buddhist Sutra and Tantra (open and secret traditions), Vinyasa, Ashtanga, ISHTA and Shamatha meditation (mind training).

Michael has completed four 30-day solitary Tantric retreats, countless retreats around the world and guides people on their individual paths of healing, growth and evolution. His classes, immersions and retreats weave together dharma, asana, meditation and live music to guide participants along their paths with scholarship and artistry.

In 2009 at the request of his students, Michael founded Vessel Academy to share the full spectrum of teachings and practices of Yoga, ancient Indian Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism within 6 and 12 month practitioner trainings.

Within a few years graduates of these trainings asked Michael to create 200 & 300 hour teacher trainings so they could guide others in the practices of physical yoga (asana), subtle body mastery, meditation and the practical application of the dharma philosophy.

He is an adjunct professor of mindfulness studies at Lehman College (NY).


testimonials

“Going through Vessel training in 2012 was the most influential thing I have ever done to implement practical spirituality and philosophy into my daily life.”

“Michael is an extremely committed, articulate, honest yoga teacher who constantly challenges himself. As his student, he expects you would want nothing less from yourself.”

“Michael Hewett is a truly gifted teacher. He knows the Dharma, he practices it beautifully and he continually makes new realms accessible to everyone who studies with him.”

“Michael Hewett, your mastery and love for what you offer in this world created magic. I bow. I was high as a kite afterward, and it was the perfect restoration for me after a long day of clinic. Thank you and WOW, the music!”

“Michael is an extremely committed, articulate, honest yoga teacher who constantly challenges himself. As his student, he expects you would want nothing less from yourself. I began practicing yoga eleven years ago, and Michael was one of my first teachers. The fact that I'm still evolving so thoroughly and consistently and easefully, in my mind, has to have something to do with him. I am constantly thankful for his teachings.”

“Michael's blend of Dharma, Asana, meditation, humor, and fierce dedication has allowed me and many others I know to take our practices deeper and to go beyond the mere physicality of Yoga into much deeper realms.”

“I count on Michael's classes.  He pulls me up and out of the funk that life sometimes brings.  And when life is feeling really sweet, its the rock and roll, the honest and relatable stories of personal growth or failures, and the laughter that makes me feel all floaty when I walk out the door.”  


“Michael Hewett has literally transformed my conceptual view of “Me”.  His words are a conduit for wisdom and a catalyst for realizations. His teaching style and language are both elevated and grounded, mixing eloquent word play with gritty jive.    His intuitive methods have the uncanny ability to make you feel as if he is addressing the entire room, yet teaching you alone.  For me, he functions as the perfect blend of scriptural dharma, empirical science, and real life experience.  I am proud to say that I entrust Michael with my spiritual real estate…. and that is a great trust indeed!!!”

“I have always been determined: Braving the storm – the crashing waves, gripping whirlpools, and the ruthless winds.  Fighting ruthlessly to survive and stay afloat until the calm returns.  I knew only of this cycle until Michael slowly and gently pulled me under.  His sincerity, honesty, and dedication to his practice, his students and his teachings are a mighty current – constant, directional, and guiding.  Its effects are deeply penetrating and resonating.  I am no longer tossed around by every storm, and every wave. My gripping has loosened as I can now ride the current under the storm with steadiness and joy.  He has placed me on this path and beyond.  I am forever grateful to my teacher, Michael Hewett.”

“I've been studying with Michael for many, many years; probably longer & more consistently than any of his other students. Though I now study with additional spiritual teachers, Michael remains a thread & through line that keeps my practice steady and grounded in truth. Up until meeting Michael, my spiritual journey was disjointed; a bit all over the place. Now, I am constantly challenged to go beyond the learning of knowledge, but encouraged and nurtured to discover the realization of wisdom within my own heart. His instructions of the classical texts are very clear & delivered in a way that we can easily relate to and integrate within our own modern, city dwelling, fast paced lifestyles. To study this deeply and intimately with both Michael and these teachings is a wonderful opportunity, one not to be missed. If you desire a stronger relationship with spirit, truth, God, whatever you want to call it, than this is the perfect opportunity to step onto your path in doing so.”

“Michael is an amazing, eloquent genius of a teacher. He'll blow your head off and turn your body into clear light.”

“Michael creates a space for honest exploration, discussion and meditation.  He encourages his students to get real with themselves, to question, and to become personally connected to and engaged by the teachings.  His approach is extremely accessible and perfectly attuned to the pace and concerns of modern people in modern life.  Michael invites us to identify our patterns both as individuals and collectively, and guides us, inspires us, (often with quirky humor) to go deeper.”  

“Michael is working to de-escalate the aggression in the world with humor, warmth and intelligence.  He helps others very deeply.”


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