I first started listening to the Essenes in 2007, after being introduced to Yasha by a friend. Dissatisfied with my profession, I had been searching for a modality of healing that would include the mind, emotions, body and spirit, with attention paid to the links between these elements. In the Essenes I discovered exactly what I was looking for - and a whole lot more! The last 2 years have been an incredible journey of personal growth and discovery, made even lovelier by the compassionate support of Yasha and my college classmates. The material is helping me to see every aspect of my life, my relationships, my struggles and my joys, as avenues to further open my heart. I am very happy to be learning from the Essenes, and am excited to see what future classes will bring!

Alex Hill (28), veterinarian

When I was invited in early 2008 to a channelled session with the Essenes, I reluctantly decided to attend, expecting to find just another medium wanting to pass on "a few words of wisdom".

To my great surprise, I found the Essenes so utterly engaging, that I decided to join the College, so I’d be able to listen more of their wisdom, which was so different from the “conventional" wisdom I was expecting to hear.

In my spiritual search for the so called Truth I have studied and practiced many philosophical systems including Yoga, Buddhism and Zen. I am glad to have found in the Essene philosophy such an all- encompassing approach. It covers the simplest practicalities of daily life as well as the most subtle aspects of mysticism.

Just when I was utterly convinced I would never find a teacher that would challenge my deepest beliefs, I found a whole community to help me in my quest!

Yasha's channelling is something I hadn’t come across before: it’s unassuming, humble, warm and so human.

Did I find the Truth you may ask? Well, the Essenes will tell you that the truth is... You may like to find out yourself.

Miguel (52 and happily counting), IT consultant

Have you ever contemplated the mysteries of life? Do you wonder about your life’s purpose or what it means to be wise or spiritual? How to be peaceful and find stillness in everyday life? These questions led me to seek answers from a source that until that time was a strange concept for me.

My first experience with the Essenes was at an open evening where Yasha greeted us warmly and then sat quietly to allow Spirit to connect with us through him. I found it intriguing, as I hadn’t experienced anything like this before. I came away with a sense of peace in my heart. It felt so natural to be able to ask questions and listen to the stories and wisdom that were delivered with such love, compassion and clarity, knowing that the words we were hearing came straight from Spirit and weren’t influenced by human opinions or judgement.

So I became part of the Essene College. It is vastly different from other classes or seminars I have participated in; my experience has been one of continual learning and growth. I have received answers to all of the above questions and have gained insight into what makes me…me. The very practical information that we receive helps me on a daily basis. I often don’t remember to implement what I’ve learned, but what is so great about “studying” with the Essenes is that they have so much patience.  They encourage us to learn from our experiences, so that we may teach others by example, instead of trying to remember their words verbatim. Why don’t you come and experience them for yourself?

Stephen Farrell (37), model maker and draftsman

Since I met Yasha and the Essenes my life has been enriched beyond words. I have been studying with the Essenes part-time since 2006 and I would happily attend classes for the rest of my life!

After each weekend I am changed. Each time I gain many insights about myself and feel that I understand the bigger picture of what life is about just a little more. Through this process, and putting into practice what I learn to the degree that I am able, I find I accept myself more and I am so much more resourceful in the face of difficult situations and relationships. This brings me much peace and happiness. In simple terms I feel I am a softer, nicer person.

I feel truly blessed to have shared so many memorable moments in the classes with the other students. Moments that have touched me deeply. It is something that cannot be written about and can only be experienced. I’d also like to mention what a great laugh it often is! The humour of the Essenes is as wonderful as their wisdom and compassion. It is always a great relief to laugh about yourself alongside others, as you realise again and again we are all in the same boat.

I wish for many other students of life to find these extraordinary teachers to guide them on their path.

Danielle Wilmot (34) Marketing Manager NSW Business Chamber

In 2004, I began searching for something or someone who could help me healing my life. I had read countless Self-Help books and done many courses in the previous 20 years, all of which had made me a little more confident and self-reliant. I divorced my husband and thought life would change. It did in some ways, but in other ways it didn’t and I can see now how I changed the song but kept the same tune.

In my search someone told me about the Essenes and I found Yasha. I went along to a seminar one Sunday and that day changed my life. Every question I had in my mind was answered; 95% of what was spoken was somehow related to me and I felt as if I was the only person in the room. The Essenes wanted to do a 5 min healing demonstration for a physical and an emotion healing. I put my hand up for the emotional healing and as I lay on the healing table, feeling more and more relaxed I was aware of the gentle touch and what was being said to the group. At the end of tears started to flow. I felt such a release that I went with it and with the love and support in the room I began to cry uncontrollably. All the emotions that I had been bottling up came out. I knew it was only the beginning and went for private healing session. A little later I joined a course and so began my studies with the Essenes.

Everything is taught with the utmost gentleness and compassion by Yasha and the Essenes. It is the most beautiful learning process I have had the pleasure of being apart of. Over the years I have met others who are on the same quest to live life with commitment, compassion, contemplation, truth, trust following and wisdom - The Seven Bridges as taught by the Essenes and I have met many other travellers on this path we call Life.

How has it changed my life? It’s not my life that has changed, but the way I view my life has. I have learned to express my emotions more, to be gentle with myself, not to take everything so seriously and even to have more fun in life!

For this I thank Yasha and the Essenes.

Anna Choy (49) - Chemistry Tutor UNSW