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Mahāprabhujī kā Rāta, Mahāprabhujī kā Rāta Kumbha Melā, Śrī Śaṅkar Purī Jī, Śrī Śaṅkar Purī Jī... Śrī Mahāprabhujī kā Rāta, Mahāprabhujī kā Rāta... It is my pleasure and honour to stand here as President of Yoga Australia to welcome you all to our first-ever conference. I have been deeply engaged in work on yoga's intervention for people suffering from depression, which will occupy me for years to come. But first, I would like to acknowledge our foundation. If we have any members who joined in the association's first year—our inception was in 1999, with our first meeting in 2000—would you please stand? We, the current committee, would not be here without the work of the founding members and the many who have contributed since. Now, we have built a significant professional team of school yoga teachers, which is a great achievement. May I also ask anyone who was a member in the early years, perhaps between 2000 and 2002, to stand? And then, members from 2003 to 2005? From 2005 through 2010, many people started speaking up—very good. You can see the association's growth in the number of people standing. Now, those who joined this year—some may be very experienced teachers but new to the association—please stand. Finally, looking to the future, are there any current teacher trainees who we hope will join us soon? This represents our journey: from the beginnings, through growth, and into the future. We take our role as an organization seriously, and we hope there is a spirit of joy in our work. This conference is symbolic of what our mission stands for. Yoga Australia's mission statement is precisely what this conference is about. It is essentially about two things. First, to bring together yoga teachers and those interested in the work and service of yoga, regardless of different styles, traditions, or approaches. Yoga Australia represents that, and this conference represents that union. Our gathering here fulfills the primary reason the organization exists. Second, it is about not only coming together in the spirit of union but also helping to develop and support knowledge, skills, and—I hesitate slightly, but I think it is appropriate—the professional development of our work as yoga teachers. For some, the idea of yoga teaching as a professional industry may not sit well, as our work is deeply rooted in a spirit of service, caring, generosity, and love. Yet, we perform this service professionally. The service we provide is important, ensuring there are training standards, both initial and ongoing, and professional support. This conference represents that, too. We are here to be together, coming from diverse backgrounds, to support each other in our work. That is what this conference and our association are all about. I have no doubt this will be a great weekend, not only because of the wonderful keynote speakers and presentations but also simply from being together. The support and relationships forged at gatherings like this are of equal value to the workshop content itself. Thank you for coming. We will explore much through travel, consultations, talking, and teachings. At the end of the day, I had only one thing in my mind: my mantra and yoga. Practice makes perfect. You come from different traditions teaching yoga, and I am very happy. The union you have created is, I think, a union of joy. That is yoga. Union means yoga. But in union, there must be harmony. If disputes arise, problems begin. I have a little story about union. May I tell it? There was a seed—a fruit seed—in the mouth. Yoga students take instruction very seriously. If you say, "Close your eyes," and they trust you, they will close them. The instruction you give goes into their subconscious and begins to work there. Your students trust you, so you are the guru. Guru does not only refer to a spiritual figure in the bhakti tradition. Today, spirituality is not about external appearances; it is in your heart. As a teacher, you are the guru. You know how many gurus I have? A driving guru, a house guru, a cleaning guru, an electricity guru, a singer guru—all are gurus in their field. You already have the title; you are a teacher. In English, it's 'teacher'; in Hindi, it's 'guru'. 'Gu' means darkness, and 'ru' means light. A guru takes us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya: lead us from darkness to light. Every word you speak to your students is precious. Therefore, we must speak authentic, correct information, full of understanding. Let us pray to the Almighty that this union will be aligned with present wisdom. If a time comes when it begins to be disturbed, we will understand and support it through that time.