“Sharing Yoga’s universal teachings with others is my true joy. I have found eternal truths and practical guidance on how to live in this world, and I want to help others find the same so they can experience joy and peace in this chaotic world. As I teach, I share with my students in a spirit of love and respect. I feel that I learn as much from them as they learn from me. It is beautiful, mutual experience of giving and receiving.”

Blanche Agassy (Diksha) McCord was the head chef at The Expanding Light Yoga and Meditation Retreat for seven years, where she now teaches vegetarian cooking classes. She also teaches meditation, yoga, and spiritual living classes.

She grew up in Israel where she learned Kosher cooking. She also lived in Japan for three years and was a research student at Kyoto Art University. While living in Kyoto she studied Temple cooking with a Buddhist monk. She has also studied Ayurvedic, macrobiotic and Indian cooking from premier California chefs.

Blanche has been part of the Teaching staff at the Expanding Light Yoga and Meditation Retreat for over 11 years. She graduated from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts and from Bezalel National Academy of The Arts.

Blanche is the author of:

Vegetarian Cooking for Starters: Simple Recipes & Techniques for Health & Vitality

Global Kitchen: Vegetarian Favorites from The Expanding Light Yoga Retreat