A way of living a soulful life founded in the enduring philosophy of Kashmiri Triadic Yoga,  mystical teachings and modern psychological practices

The Way of Recognition

Involves a radical transformation in perception which inspires the greater presence of your creative and vibrant Self, whilst easing the sufferings of the past and the anxieties of the future. You inhabit your life with strength, wonder and creativity and open to the unfolding mysteries of your individual and communal life.

Recognition is based in an ancient form of yoga - Triadic Yoga - that takes place inside the heart, mind and spirit. It is distinct from more common yoga practices involving physical movements, postures and breathing, focussing on strength, health and stress release.

The Triad of the Self:

3 essential aspects of the Self that are present in our lives at all times. In Recognition, they are experienced as:

Knowledge.

Being centred in the Self with sensitive awareness bringing extraordinary perception

Will.

Strengthened will with sustaining willingness making real what matters. 

Taking intentional actions from conscious choices creating resonant results

Action.

The Sources

Dating back to 10th Century and the Great Yogi Abhinavagupta, these philosophies and practices have been passed down by a few mystics and teachers, becoming more recently available for those longing for more than the promises of the material world.

Richard Lee Willis

The Rock n Roll Yogi

  • In 1969 India called and Richard took the mystical and disciplined path of the Yogi, immersing himself in the Gurdjieff Fourth Way School and a Sufi brotherhood in Turkey, whilst being a disciple of two of the great spiritual masters of the 20th Century. During this time he was recognised in the holy city of Varanasi as a master and teacher of Kashmiri Shaivism. 

    Richard has shared his time between India where he was a close companion and guide to one of the great classical 20th century indian musicians, and Europe teaching the rare and remarkable knowledge and practices of the Triadic Yoga of Kashmir woven with the teachings and practices from The Fourth Way and Sufism with the spirit of rock and roll. 

    He leads the nomadic life of a Yogi in the US, Europe and India, bringing Truth, Consciousness and Bliss with a great dose of mischief wherever he goes. He is most content deep in meditation or with a guitar in his hands. 

Dr.K.Bradford Brown

The Jazz Psychologist

  • when he became a priest, becoming active in the 60’s  in the anti-war/civil rights movement including marching from Selma to Montgomery with Martin Luther King.

    Brad studied psychology with several of the 20th century pioneers in the field, including the ground-breaking teachers Victor Frankl and Alan Watts.

    Known as a boldly loving and truth-telling force in the world he ran a successful therapy practice before creating a transformative global programme for positive mental health and spiritual awakening which has been running for over 50 years.

    Through his unique teachings, writings and insights, he touched the lives of countless people, from Maasai Warriors to NASA scientists. A remarkable man and role model, father figure and mentor, Brad was devoted to transforming the lives of others. 

Richard and Brad who were best friends, teachers for one another and soul-brothers together have inspired and sourced The Way of Recognition with their wisdom, teachings, example, heart, spirit and consciousness.

The Teacher

The Punk Psychotherapist

Pascale Ascher

  • She was naturally drawn to Brad and Richards teachings and ways of working - full of spirit, reverent irreverence, heart and soul. 

    Born to American and French parents, Pascale was born in Vietnam with an early childhood in US, Africa and India moving with her father’s career in the Foreign Service, until settling in London in her teenage years. 

    Pascale’s childhood was traumatic in nature - when she was 6 her mother became disabled overnight through medical malpractice and was abruptly taken to India with her siblings to be raised by father/stepmother in an emotionally abusive environment, regularly moving country, until she could leave home.

    These early experiences laid the roots for Pascale’s path in self enquiry and transformation and have been a source of her dedication to supporting and guiding others in and through their suffering with empathy, compassion and love. 

    Pascale became a student and teaching partner to Brad from her early 20s supporting and leading transformational programmes alongside him and breaking new ground herself for three decades. Richard was a significant presence and influence from the time of their first meeting and through his contribution to Brad and his body of work. Her dedication to learning and the path of the Spirit, led her to becoming a psychotherapist through the only Sufi psychotherapy school in the UK.

    She has been graced with loving siblings, friends and companions and remarkable mentors and teachers who have loved fiercely and gently, shared extraordinary knowledge and uncommon practices for alchemising suffering into transformation of the Self. Through this she found her authentic voice, life’s path of service, love, accomplishment and fulfilment in life. 

    Having led a nomadic life from her birth, home is in her heart and wherever her daughter is. The seeds of India being her spiritual home blossomed and she now spends most of her time in England and in India. 


Team & Contributors

Dani Palmarini

  • With her deep wisdom and experience, she is an extraordinary guide leading people through challenges and dilemmas to new horizons. She brings incredible insight, a lightness of Being, and a deeply loving spirit to all.

Yoga Teacher and Coach

Olivia Saponaro

  • She is devoted to creating spaces that feel seamless, supportive, and thoughtfully held.

    India has been a significant thread in her life, and she feels especially at home supporting the teachings from there. With a lifelong love of travel and adventure, particularly across Asia, she is drawn to the richness of culture, landscape, and spiritual tradition.

    As a mother to her five-year-old daughter, she values presence, patience, and the quiet joy of nurturing growth, qualities she brings to every aspect of her work.

Events and Content Coordinator

  • He teaches in schools, universities, literature festivals, symposia, and workshops in India, Nepal, and the United Kingdom. He is also an author, currently writing and contributing to several books.

Writer and Musician

Umesh Kabir

  • "Pascale is a leader with grace, subtlety, good humour and powerful authority."

  • "I see my life as a Mystery to be revealed, something to be discovered and be open to rather than plan and control."

  • "The teaching has enabled me to find more softness in my life. The harsher aspects such as judgements, expectations and demands are less prominent and intrusive and my inner voice speaks to me gently and with compassion."