Best Yoga Teacher Training School in Rishikesh, India

Traditional 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

Course Options

Enliven an authentic yogic experience in Ashram environment and attune your body, mind and spirit with the knowledge and training of Yoga. Get trained by experienced yoga experts, teachers and spiritualists. Earn the status of globally recognized Yoga Instructor with Yoga Teacher Training Certification in India at Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala. Hail to the spiritual town of Rishikesh, the land of holy river Ganges and embrace the yogic experience in the lap of Himalayas.

200 Hr Yoga TTC

Become a globally certified yoga teacher with our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh, India. Rishikesh Yogis is one of the most authentic yoga schools in Rishikesh and is recognized by Yoga Alliance, USA. Upon completion of our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh, you gain in-depth knowledge and understanding in traditional subjects like Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga . At Rishikesh Yogis, we aim to teach yoga in its purest and most traditional form.
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Kundalini Yoga TTC

200 hour Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training program by Rishikesh Yogis, is one of the most immersive and experiential programs currently taught in Rishikesh. The modules developed for our Kundalini Yoga teacher Training intends to deepen one’s awareness, experience and understanding of Kundalini and Kundalini Yoga traditions in progressive fashion
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Spanish Hatha YTTC

Attain peace in your body, mind and spirit with the learning and practice of Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Learn and exercise the inner core to align your mind, body, spirit in a harmonious rhythm. Embark on your journey of self-discovery and enhance your physical, mental, and spiritual being. Get certified in the most ancient and classical forms of yoga. Spread the benefits of yoga philosophy across the world as a yogi and a skilled Hatha yoga teacher.
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Spanish Ashtanga YTTC

Get sculpted and certified with the Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh Learn and practice the most invigorating style of yoga with the Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training. Earn your certification in the most physically challenging and mentally stimulating style of yoga. Practice the art of Ashtanga Yoga to evolve mentally, physically, and spiritually. Spread this dynamic form of yoga all over the globe by becoming an accomplished Ashtanga yoga teacher.
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Scholarship Yoga TTC

Yoga is a universal science that places no bias among its followers. The science can be adopted by anyone, irrespective of age, creed, religion, body type, disorders, etc.
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Yoga and Meditation Retreats in Rishikesh, India

7 and 10 Day Programs

Yoga Retreats at Rishikesh Yogis are a rewarding experience. What make these retreats even more exclusive is the option to customize according to individual yogi’s or group requirements. These yoga retreats are usually spread over a time period of 3days – 10 days. During these yoga vacations, you shall delve deeper into the knowledge of yoga, attain deeper meditation techniques and you shall be introduced to fresh new yogic perspective as well.

10-Day Kriya and Kundalini Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, India

The 10-day Kriya and Kundalini Yoga Retreat program offered by Rishikesh Yogis is one of the most intensive and insightful programs currently taught in Rishikesh, India. It is a very progressive program consisting of modules to deepen one’s awareness, experience and understanding of Kriya and Kundalini Yoga traditions in systematic fashion.

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10-Day Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Soak in a divine yogic experience with our Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Rishikesh, India. Seek the route to reconnect with the body, mind and spirit by indulging in unique yoga and meditation practices during this wonderful retreat program.

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10-Day Intensive Chakra Sadhana Retreat in India

Sadhana is a focused spiritual endeavor to achieve internal, as well external purification and harmony. We, at Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala, offer Intensive Chakra Sadhana Retreat in the holy town of Rishikesh, India. Truly one of a kind, the retreat is designed to take the participants on a life’s journey of mental and spiritual awakening.

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7-Day Yoga for Trauma and Healing Retreat in India

Learn practices that help trauma survivors re-connect to their bodies in healthy and meaningful ways. Our beautiful ashram setting is the perfect place to spend time in nature and process what you learn. These 7 days will provide you will several tools for processing trauma and equip you to help lead others through a healing journey of mind and body.

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Design Your Own Retreat

Every person and group have unique interests and needs. Let us customize a retreat that is exactly what you need. Use the form below to select the topics and activities that you are most interested in. We will then design a custom schedule for your group.

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Essence of Yoga 10 Day Retreat in Rishikesh, India

Are you looking for a way to feel healthier, less stressed, more in tune with your body, mind and spirit? Have you thinking of where to plan your next international trip? Has the magic of India called your name for some time now?

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Scholarship Yoga Teacher Training

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Online Traditional Yoga and Meditation Training

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Why Rishikesh Yogis

Traditional and Authentic

Renowned for its Yogic Excellence and Authenticity, Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala offers Yoga Alliance accredited internationally acclaimed Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh, India.

Learn Yoga from experienced and internationally acclaimed yoga teachers recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as Best Fitness Guru and Spa Finder magazines and listed among top 100 Yoga Masters in India.
A very intensive and methodical training modules crafted by the expert professors and masters in the field of academic teaching of Yogic studies.
Small batches to ensure maximum individual attention.
Dwell in Ashram facility and experience authentic yogic lifestyle.
Serene and beautiful Yoga and Meditation hall.
Fresh, vegetarian, nourishing yogic foods and herbal beverages
Complimentary Yoga Essential Kit containing Books, Journal, comprehensive course manual, Neti (Nasal Cleansing) pot and Catheter, Rosary for mantra chanting and T-Shirt
4 Guided Excursions to places of spiritual and yogic significance in each course.
Attached bathroom with hot shower
24×7 wifi facility

Dedicated Team

Yoga Instructors

Yogi Sushant

Yoga Philosophy,
Kriya and Kundalini Yoga,
Meditation

Reema Saikia

Traditional Hatha Yoga & Meditation

Louis (Ramana)

Iyengar Yoga
Yoga Anatomy and Physiology

Acharya Shri Parveen Nair

Iyengar Yoga
Body Alignment and Adjustment
Pranayama

Deepti

Traditional Hatha Yoga
Meditation
Pranayama

Kushal

Anatomy Teacher

Pratap Rawat

Ashtanga Yoga

Satyanarayan Jha

Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga

Girish

Yoga Anatomy

Dorelal Singh Thakur

Vinyasa Yoga,
Yoga Philosophy

Uttam Ghosh

Hatha Yoga,
Iyengar Yoga

Welcome To The Ashram Lifestyle

Our Facilities

Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala is blessed with spacious yoga halls that do not look like conference rooms. We provide cozy and comfortable stay to our students where they get to dwell in Ashram environment for experiencing true yogic lifestyle. The students are offered delectable organic traditional Yogic foods. Meditation practices to calm the soul in a solitary environment and Organic farms are the major highlights.

Food

Prepared by our chefs specializing in Ayurvedic Cooking, relish highly palatable and wholesome yogic food that is freshly sourced from our organic farms.

Excursion

Guided excursions to sites of historical and yogic significance in the town (Rishikesh walks!)

Accommodation

Overlooking the beautiful Himalayas, live the true yogic life at our Ashram. All this, while enjoying the amenities of a minimalist contemporary lifestyle for a comfortable stay. We provide simple, clean shared accommodation at our ashram. On special request single accommodation can be provided at additional cost.

Yoga Hall

The 60 x 25 ft marble floored yoga hall with ruby red stage is an expanse of space available for yoga and meditation practices. The hall is well equipped with bolsters, yoga mats, straps, supports and wooden blocks

Our Blog

News And Articles

Chakra

by Sushant Pandey [get_likes_on_post show_only='true']

Third Eye Chakra Healing: 5 Easy Ways to Balance Your 6th Chakra

Are you feeling angry, irritated, annoyed and provoked? These are all interrelated to your Third Eye Chakra. Our bodies consist of seven chakras, and the most important one is the sixth one, the “Third Eye”. It is also called the Ajna chakra in Sanskrit, which means “to perceive.” The Third Eye Chakra is the energy center in our body that supervises reality, perception, manifestation, thought, self-awareness, emotional balance, and intuition. When you balance the third-eye Chakra, it becomes relatively easy to connect with the present moment rather than living in the past or future. This revives issues such as closed-mindedness, anxiety, depression, cynicism, and various other psychosis and mood disorders. So, healing your third eyes Chakra will help you to alleviate these common problems. This guide will assist you to know the process of Third Eye Chakra healing to enrich your life and have a great sense of happiness. Third Eye Chakra Healing Do you struggle to make major decisions? Do you feel cut off from your intuition? Do you struggle to keep an open mind? Do you hesitate to confront your deepest fears? Are you experiencing negative emotions such as jealousy, anger and depression? These are the signs which indicate that your third eye chakra is blocked and needs to be activated and healed. Third Eye Chakra healing is the method of activating, cleansing, and balancing the Third Eye Chakra within our bodies. The Third Eye Chakra location is on the forehead in the middle of the eyebrows just above the eyes. The Third Eye chakra color is indigo, and it is associated with the pineal gland within the brain. When your Third Eye is under the balance, then you shall experience the following: The ability to see the truth Having self-reflection, self-awareness, etc Increase in the inner vision Better skills for visualization The capability of recalling your dreams Recognition of the patterns & perception of a psychic The clarity in thoughts & Contemplation Betterment in memory and intuition as well So, activation of the Third eye can be a total life-evolving event. With continuous and dedicated efforts, you can activate the Third Eye Chakra. Ways To Open Your Third Eye Time and again, the saints, sages, and spiritual teachers have passed on various methods and activities that can help you activate your AJNA CHAKRA. Most people’s Third Eye Chakra or the 6th Chakra seems to be experiencing imbalances with the inability to see life or lack of higher purpose, along with difficulty with trusting the intuition. There are numerous ways you can take on your journey to healing your Third Eye Chakra. When choosing an approach, it is significant to consider yourself and what works best for you. This healing process is intended to assist you in rejuvenation so that you can take what you require from these suggestions and put them into action. Balancing The Lower Chakras Before Working With The Third Eye In this technique of balancing the Chakra, we need to take our time and do this after we stop numbing, along with receiving awareness of our baseline. Taking the specific step shall first allow us to have access to our minds and connect to our stability and balance the centers of our energy. Some of us might have difficulty at first with the accuracy of measuring the well-founded trying to open the third eye through this procedure. You can choose to follow Root Chakra for keeping you from losing your touch with reality. You can also have stability with the emotional center of energy for helping to keep emotions in check while having new perceptions. Supplementing With Necessary Diet Supplement yourself with healthy and lively food that will help you to activate and heal your AJNA CHAKRA. Incorporate a variety of purple foods into your diets, such as purple kale, purple sweet potatoes, and purple cabbage, to strengthen and balance your Third Eye Chakra. These foods can improve the function of the third eye. Some of the other foods that are very good for healing are blackberries, blueberries, eggplant, purple carrots, Goji Berries, Lemon, Honey, Coconut oil, Hemp seeds, Garlic, Raw cacao, Cilantro, Ginseng, fish, and Vitamin D3. Perform Meditation and Yoga regularly Doing meditation with silence and closed eyes and focusing over the section between the brows can help stimulate the 6th Chakra. Meditation allows you to connect up with your inner self and calm the consistent stream of thoughts. Meditating with sparkling purple crystals like Purple fluorite, Amethyst, Black Obsidi is excellent in helping you activate the Third Eye. In contrast, meditation with candles and open eyes can be great in order to strengthen the focal point. Meditation, along with yoga, is also taken into consideration as an astounding way of balancing and opening the Third Eye Chakra. Some yoga stretches are standing forward bend (uttanasana), head-to-knee pose (janu sirsasana), child pose, eagle pose, and dolphin pose. Paying Special Attention To Dreams All of us dream, but we do not remember them. Do you know that a dream is considered to be a certain way for the mind to work out the issues and problems and questions that you can possibly have? Your dreams symbolize and express your inadvertent fears, desires, and needs. Because the third eye is in charge of assisting you in interpreting your dreams, spend five to ten minutes each morning reflecting on them. Remember that dream references cannot give you the precise and insightful meanings you require. However, it may be promising to unearth the meaning contained within your dreams on your own. Within the dream world, valuable lessons and messages are always conveyed. Application Of Some Essential Oils – Aroma Therapy Using essential oils including Sandalwood, Clary Sage, and Frankincense can help in balancing our 6th Chakra. Clary Sage seems to be excellent for contemplation, reduction of confusion, and calming our mind and body during meditation. Frankincense helps in the reduction of fears and anxiety, along with promoting calmness in our minds. Sandalwood is considered to be an astounding aid in balancing our Third Eye Chakra through meditation, relaxation, and awareness. Essential Oils like Lemon, Lavender, Jasmine, Sandalwood Oils work well for Aroma Therapy or general are used for the Ajna Chakra activation. Apply essential oil for Aromatherapy to heal the Third Eye Chakra in the following ways: Select any one essential oil of your choice. Because essential oils are used in Aromatherapy at very high concentrations, they should always be infused with a carrier oil rather than applied directly to the skin. Use one teaspoon of carrier oil with every six drops of essential oil. Now apply a small amount of the mixture to your Third Eye Chakra. While applying the oil, chant "Om" to boost the effect. Get out for Sun Gazing Since light is the component of the Third Eye Chakra, sunlight is the best source to Open Your Third Eye. Sungazing enhances deep connection, elevates clarity, and lifts up energy. Light awakens the third eye so you can stimulate your pineal gland by gazing at the sun at sunrise and sunset. Use of Affirmations in Life Affirmations are one of the most superior ways in Third Eye Chakra healing because they manage the process of our thoughts generating our reality. Follow affirmations related to intuition, consciousness, and insight to open the Third Eye Chakra. Following are some specific affirmations you can use to balance your Third Eye Chakra: “I am at peace” “I trust my intuition” “I forgive myself” “I am wise, intuitive, and connected with my inner guide” “I create my reality” “It is safe for me to see the truth” “I see with clarity” “I trust in myself” “My mind and heart are in perfect balance” “I connect with the wisdom of the universe” Your Third Eye Opens Up In A Matter Of Minutes You should dedicate time daily to awaken your Third Eye. Try to spend 10 minutes per day consciously activating your third eye through meditation, chanting, yoga, proper diet, essential oil, and sun gazing. What Are Other Key Results Of Ajna Chakra Activation? You'll receive guidance messages and visions once you start working with your third eye healing process. Your third eye strength will only increase if you have the courage to act on your intuition. Signs Your Third Eye Is Already Open Increased intuition Acquiring Telepathic Abilities Frequent Lucid And Vivid Dreams Clairvoyance Aura Perception Improved Light And Sound Sensitivity Seeking A Greater Sense Of Meaning In Life Wrap Up! These methods of Third Eye Chakra Healing will aid you to eliminate the negative emotions, anxiety, depression, mental disorder, paranoia, and hallucinations. When your third eye is opened, you can restore your ability to trust your intuition, make smart decisions and live a joyful life. You are free to choose your way to balance your 6th Chakra or the Third Eye Chakra, and we hope that you do so with full intention and care. AJNA CHAKRA is the key to unlocking yourself. May you use it, evolve, and be a reverberating fleeting consequence in the ever-evolving cosmos. Read More...

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by Sushant Pandey [get_likes_on_post show_only='true']

A Conversation on Meditation

Why do we need meditation in our daily life? In this conversation on meditation, I would mention that in the modern time we all need ability and education to keep ourselves balanced, calm and vitalized at physical, mental and emotional levels. A lot of studies are done in the field of meditation showing how meditation helps in managing stress, anxiety and healing body and mind. Healing Space for the Mind Mediation creates a very conducive conditions inside us where there is less of mental clutters hence providing crucial moments to the mind to heal and rejuvenate. It provides mind a very healing space to rejuvenate. Most of the time our mind is arrested by different thoughts and issues in life. We don’t provide a healthy and healing time and space for the mind to enrich itself with new fresh creative ideas. And secondly engaging the mind all the time consumes lot of vital energies. Mind needs rest too. And if we provide mind a healing space and time to rest and rejuvenate then you can expect relaxed alertness all the time which will help you to take healthy balanced decisions in life. Meditation is like giving mind an opportunity to reset, to reconfigure and find better and harmonious solutions in life. Emotional Reset When we are doing this conversation on meditation then we should not forget that our emotions also need reset. Emotions which are unexpressed and trapped or suffocated inside need to find a healthier expression. During our daily engagements with life events, we never get a chance to acknowledge and accept our emotions and their needs in non-judgmental ways. We can only reset the emotions when we know how not to judge and get out of the trap created by our own identifications with our emotions. Meditative environment or meditative space is completely non-judgmental and allowing expressions to take place. It is the art of letting go. And the moment it happens there is realignment with our feelings and emotions. We see opportunities to reset our older patterns with existing emotions and develop a new perspective. On the physical level, our brain gets much needed relaxation and is reset by removing the cerebral tensions. Q: How someone should start meditating, any suggestions? We need to understand that meditation is not just a technique. To me meditation is a condition, a state or an event which arises within the inner environment when certain conditions are met. The various techniques of meditations only help creating a conducive environment for meditation to unfold. Now coming to the basic requirements or prerequisites for meditation to happen, we need to focus or enable the following conditions- Environment This is one of the most important basic requirements. Most of the time we do not talk about it. When I am talking about environment it is not just the physical environment but also includes our inner ecology. Situations and conditions creating lot of physical mental and emotional noises are not conducive for meditation to happen. First of all, we all need to find a suitable place to meditate which encourages a condition within us to go within. It can be a corner in your room or house or a even nature. Secondly, in modern age lot of our energies are consumed and dissipated due to our electronic uses like mobiles, social media and stuffs. So, a self-regulation is needed and most importantly selection of information we are tuned in to. Because whatever we are feeding to the brain or our mind are going to be purged out when we sit and try meditating. Ideally before you sit for meditation at least half an hour before the practice begin to orientate the mind by preparing the environment, taking a shower if you need to, switching off your electronic gadgets etc. Consistency/ regularity If you want to immerse yourself into the process of meditation then ideally set a time aside every day, even for 15-30 mins. And this should ideally be at fixed time of the day. When we begin to sit for meditation at this fixed time everyday you would start noticing that gradually the process of moving in or internalization will need lesser time. It is because our body and energy rhythm have unique quality of adaptability. When you start doing the same thing at a fixed time everyday then our body begins to naturally get prepared and the mind anticipates the process and the entire experience. So, diving into meditation will become more spontaneous and effortless if we persist. Relaxed body has relaxed mind Learn to awaken the relaxation response in the body- A relaxed body has a relaxed and receptive mind for the process of meditation to happen. If the body is not relaxed then mind will be dissipated and find it difficult to focus. When we are stressed, we are holding a lot of tensions, fear, anxiety and traumas in the body. These different experiences leave an impression in the body and are stored in our muscles and systems. To be able to experience meditation process deeply it is always advisable to learn to release these physical imprints of mental and emotional stresses in the body. And in this any form of hatha yoga done with awareness and relaxation will help a lot. And even if you don’t have access to yoga teachings then exercise or run. Do something to shed these nervous energies trapped in the body. These things will help you to sit quietly when you are going for meditation. Finding a Seat It can be chair or on floor using cushion or even support of the wall. But what matters most is that your back should be aligned with the head and neck. In Yoga we consider our spinal column as information highway. Keeping the back upright keeps the mind and body both in relaxed alertness. Secondly it is important because pranic energy has the nature of moving upwards when awakened and most of the important energy channels are situated within the spinal column. So when we are preparing for meditation we do not want to block free flow of prana otherwise mind will be dull and loose awareness and possible result will be sleep. Art of breathing Breathing in most of the traditions of meditation is part and parcel of the entire process. Breath has direct connection with our autonomic nervous system which keeps on performing its job even when we are not noticing it. To hack the activities and outcomes of autonomic nervous system possible through control over our breath. Most of the time we don’t notice but our breathing gets affected due to our emotional upheavals, anxiety and stress. Next time notice your breath when you are anxious, nervous, angry or even scared of something. Your breath will be arrhythmic, shallow, paced and out of your conscious control. And notice the breath when you are absolutely calm and tranquil. The nature of the breath will be completely different. Nature has given us this privilege to monitor and control the breath consciously and we must use it. If we learn to quieten and calm our breathing process it would transport our awareness into meditative state quite easily. Art of witnessing Being a witness means being non-judgmental, accepting and mindful of events going on around us. Experiences in meditative space are observed without getting trapped in labelling experiences. Because the moment you apply a label on any of the inner experiences then instantaneously you encourage the onset of repetitive associated patterns in the mind. And this is the last thing we want in meditative space. Being in the moment Being in the moment means you are grounded in here and now situation. Being in the moment awakens us to this very moment of reality. It makes the entire meditative experience very conscious and enlightening. Otherwise, mind is entirely consumed by obsessive thoughts, desire and apprehensions. Managing the expectations Sometimes when we try to practice meditation techniques we are caught by our own expectations towards the outcome. This causes the mind to become restless and in expecting mode. As a result, what happens the environment of tranquility and harmony which meditation creates never occurs. If deeper meditation is to experience then the mind needs to be completely in receptive and non-expecting modes. Letting go accepting the outcome or results are very important principles in causing a deeper meditation. Because an anticipating mind always lives in the future and it defies the principle of being in the moment. Q: How often and what time we should meditate? You see meditation can be done anytime and every time. There is no such rules which bind anyone to one particular time to experience meditation. But normally morning time is preferred because mind is already fresh, rejuvenated and not so judgmental. Receptivity of the mind is very high in the morning time. So people who find very difficult to experience meditation may begin in the morning before engaging one self with their mobiles and gadgets. In the morning conditions at the physical and mental levels are more conducive. But it doesn’t mean you can not practice meditation techniques other times. Active and Passive Meditation There are two different approaches of meditation. One approach is active. When you are engaging with the life events and practicing some of the above principle we just discussed. There are many traditions of spirituality in which they practice this form of meditation. Other form of meditation is passive meditation. It is done in control condition, keeping oneself isolated from distractions of outside reality. It is always fruitful if we are beginners then start with this form of meditation and gradually apply the methods whilst in activity. We need to understand that we can not treat meditation as a medicinal pill. We need to incorporate the principles enabling or helping us to get tuned into meditative state. And it involves rectifying our attitudes towards events and outcomes in life, be more compassionate towards our own selves, managing expectations and not being too hard on our own selves and simplify the life. Then the harmony, balance and tranquility caused by meditation stay with us most of the time. Meditation is not something which we are borrowing from outside. It is an optimum state of body, mind and energies when there is perfect harmony and alignment within us. We have to only provide the support so that a favorable situation emerges which causes meditation to happen. Meditation is a state when physical, mental, emotional and pranic energies working in perfect alignment and rhythm. Here awareness is not dissipated by there is ‘relaxed alertness’, body and mind are in healing mode, there is heightened receptivity and there is perfect attunement with the various levels of human functioning within. Conclusion of this conversation on meditation is that Living life with awareness, managing aggression or reactive nature, harmonizing breath, awakening calmness in the body using mindfulness help meditative awareness prevail most of the time during the day. Hence, helping us to enjoy calmness and tranquility in our expressions and behavior. Read More...

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by Sushant Pandey [get_likes_on_post show_only='true']

Bhakti Yoga: A path of devotion

Bhakti Yoga; An Introduction Bhakti Yoga is known as Yoga of love and devotion; it is a path of complete surrender and devotion to the divine. That divinity can have any form; guru, saint, god, goddesses, nature or even teachings. Bhakti Yoga shows us the process to awaken wisdom of the heart. This wisdom of the heart sprouts in the form of unwavering compassion, love, faith, service and surrender in our life. Literally Bhakti comes from root word ‘bhaj’- means to adore, love, serve. Tradition of Bhakti Yoga suits most to someone who is devotional in nature. It is easier for them to follow the teachings of Bhakti Yoga in their lives. In bhakti there is intense concentration on the object of devotion. All of energies is focused on just one object of contemplation, love and devotion. It is a process of unwavering devotion. Tradition of bhakti yoga is universal system; found across all religions and faiths. It is the path of widening one’s awareness and consciousness from identification of little ‘I’ (Ego) to higher reality or concept of divinity. The aim is to reduce personal whims, conflicts and disharmony which tend to limit one’s awareness. Process of Bhakti Yoga helps one to transcend the limitations of lower or restrictive emotions. It uplifts one's energy and awareness from from the realms of ego-centric limiting emotions to transpersonal dimension. It is the path, a process which helps transcending the ego. Bhakti yoga is also a path of transcending the intellect through the wisdom of the heart. It is a means and process to channel our energies and release our pent up emotions. When emotions are pent up and suppressed, it often expresses in the forms of violence, self-destruction and aggression. Hence Bhakti Yoga is very relevant in modern age where there is limited opportunities to express one’s emotions in a positive, healthy and healing ways. When emotions are channeled and concentrated in a healthy manner then one’s mind gets calm and concentrated as well. If one doesn’t feel devotionally awakened then there is no need to follow this path. It is seen following other paths of yoga eventually there is spontaneous awakening of bhakti (Devotion) as well. Bhakti or ability to love, share, serve are inherent in every one. Path of bhakti creates inner ecstasy and bliss. It is considered as quickest ways to expand and liberate the consciousness from suffering and its limitations. In Bhakti there is expression of unconditional love. This form of love is for the sake of love without any expectations. Whereas ego-centred love restricts one to the finite realms of ego and its boundaries. Therefore this love often returns the favor with emotions such as anger, depression, hatred, revenge, jealousy and sadness. Because it is directed towards finite and transient which constantly changes and bring suffering. Whereas the hallmark of bhakti yoga as Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh puts it; is LOVE, SERVE and GIVE. Modes of Unfolding Bhakti In Sri Madbhagwatam there are nine modes/methods of unfolding bhakti (These can also be rephrased as types of Bhakti): Shravanam: Means hearing. It is a tradition of hearing stories about the divine incarnations, saints, gurus such as Rama, Krishna, Christ, Buddha and so forth. Kirtanam: Means Singing. Singing and chanting the names of the divine is another form of Bhakti Yoga found again across all traditions of spirituality and religion. Smaranam: Remembrance. A continual remembrance of divinity in any form like a mantra, names of god, goddesses, saints etc. Benefits of Shravanam, Kirtanam and Smaranam These three modes of bhakti tend to harmonize the mind and remove any mental blockages, helping the mind to become more receptive, peaceful and vibrant. These process of Bhakti help to unfold aspirations to develop divine qualities in one's life. Modes of bhakti such as Smaranam (remembrance) and Kirtanam (Singing) involve continuous concentration and one pointedness of mind. Pada Sevanam: Service to the guru or service done in the name of the divine or even humanity. This involves serving one’s guru or doing work in the name of the divine without carrying any expectations or longing for a return for one's service. It means doing seva (service) without being influence by one’s selfish desires and aspirations. Principles of Karma yoga are included in this mode of bhakti, where quintessence of teaching is to perform one's action/duty without getting identified with the outcomes (result of action). Archanam: Ritualistic worship and offerings. This is a ritualistic form of bhakti, involving certain rules and methods. This can be powerful when done with awareness and feelings. This is an integral part of most religions and traditions of spirituality including Tantra. Branches of Raja Yoga, Hatha yoga, Kundalini Yoga etc. are grouped under this form of bhakti. When one does ritualistic asasas, kriyas and meditations to awaken the divine consciousness or energies with awareness and feelings. One of the important aspects of this bhakti is that process of ritual should not be mechanical. Rather these methods/rules or process are used to attune one's Head (Intellect), Heart (emotions) and Hands (behavioral expressions) with the desired deity or divine forms. Vandanam: Mental worship of everyone and everything as being the form of divinity. In this form bhakta worships every form of manifestation as creation and part of divinity. In various philosophies such as Tantras, Puranas, Vedanta and even in the tradition of Sikkhism the practitioner sees every aspects of creation as manifestation or the form of goddess, shiva, Brahman or one divine source. Dasyam: the feeling of being in the total servitude to the divine. Here practitioner drops one's ego and surrenders one's entire life to object of worship. This is the process of complete surrender of one's ego or personal whims and desires. Sakhyam: the attitude of friendship. At this stage bhakta (devotee) enjoys personal and friendly terms with the supreme. He treats the supreme as his/her close friend. Atma Nivedanam: Total surrender of the self. This leads to the perfect union where the lover, loving and the loved become one. This is the way of complete submission to one's god, deity or Guru. Example of Mira bai. These are nine approaches of Bhakti Marga (path or tradition). These nine approaches together in Indian spiritual traditions, are popularly known as Nava Vidha Bhakti (Nava=Nine, Vidha=approach). Read More...

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We love to share photos of beautiful Rishikesh from our current students and alumni. At Rishikesh Yogis, we believe yoga is a life-style. It is not a technique or a mere practice; it is how one can lead their life towards its betterment. Our yoga retreats and training sessions lead you to immerse yourself into the yogic lifestyle while dwelling in an ashram style setting, alongside experienced and dedicated yogis.