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.
Know More

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
Know More

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.
Know More

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.
Know More

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.
Know More

Yoga and Meditation Retreats in Rishikesh, India

7 and 10 Day Programs

Yoga Retreats at Rishikesh Yogis are an awarding experience. What make these retreats even more exclusive is the option to customize these 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 ideas 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.

Know More

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.

Know More

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.

Know More

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.

Know More

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.

Know More

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?

Know More

Scholarship Yoga Teacher Training

Know More

Online Traditional Yoga and Meditation Training

Know More

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 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

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 abode to our students where they get to dwell in Ashram environment for experiencing true yogic lifestyle. The students are offered delectable Yogic food. 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

Uncategorized

by Sushant Pandey [get_likes_on_post show_only='true']

The Perfect Yoga Room: Create Healthy Change, Build Your Body, and Relax Your Mind

Yoga isn’t your typical exercise routine. Sure, it will help you improve muscle tone and flexibility, everything you want from a standard workout at the gym. What sets yoga apart is the uniquely holistic approach it takes to strengthen your body, mind, and soul. For many, yoga serves as an essential retreat from a chaotic or busy life, a time to regroup, unwind, and build mindfulness. Yoga provides a myriad of both physical and mental healtth. In addition to engaging muscle-groups in poses — or Asanas — that promote strength, flexibility, and balance, yoga also incorporates deep breathing, meditation, and body awareness. This helps decrease stress, relieve anxiety, and promote deep relaxation. Yoga is an accessible exercise option for beginners and a great way to build a healthy lifestyle. You don’t need much in the way of specialized equipment to start practicing in your own home yoga room today. Why a Yoga Room? If you’re looking for a good way to work out at home but find yourself daunted by the cost of home gym equipment, a yoga room might be right for you. Yoga may be the perfect avenue to reach your physical fitness goals. It is ideal for almost every body type and will help you grow strong and limber with dedicated practice. Rather than sinking hundreds of dollars into expensive weights and treadmills, all you need for a yoga room is some free space clear of visual clutter, a mat, and an instructional video. You may wish to invest in blocks or straps down the road, but it doesn’t take much to get started. A “yoga room” doesn’t even require you to set aside an entire room in your house; a corner in your living room or bedroom will do. The space you set aside for yoga practice is simply an area for you to practice mindfulness of your physical body. You can use this space for high-intensity, strength-building yoga exercises. You can also use this space to meditate, read, or practice self-care. Think of your yoga room as a combination of your lounge, meditation room, and exercise area. This will help you get more use out of the space. You should set up your yoga room as a place that inspires mindfulness and tranquility. Remember that sense of zen you feel when you step into your favorite yoga studio? These studios are often set up with elements that play on your senses to help get you into the right frame of mind. Think scented candles, calm lighting, or a smiling Buddha statue. When designing your home yoga space, incorporate elements that help you stop, breathe, and be present in your body. How to Prepare Your Space Preparing and decorating your home yoga space should be done with thoughtfulness and intentionality. A yoga room should be calming, inviting, and relaxing. In addition to basic yoga supplies, you’ll want to consider visual aesthetics, lighting, and sensory inputs to help you achieve the best possible yoga experience. Minimize clutter A clean space with few visual distractions will help you get into the right frame of mind for yoga practice. How do you feel when you come home to an apartment full of piles of laundry and dirty dishes in the sink? Clutter isn’t great for your mental health, so your yoga room should serve as a refuge. When it comes to a yoga room, less is more. Be very intentional with what items you include in your yoga space. Only leave those that are functional and beautiful. Lighten and brighten your space Lighting has a significant effect on your mood, energy, and overall wellness. Consider installing dimmer switches for your ceiling lights to alter the mood of your yoga room quickly. Cotton drapes are also an excellent tool to soften and brighten a space. They can also be used to curtain off your yoga space from the rest of the living area, filtering light and adding privacy. You may wish to take advantage of natural light by setting up your space near a window or balcony. Doing so can help make the area feel more open and airy. Conversely, if you feel calmer in a dark environment, set up your yoga space away from windows, or consider adding blackout curtains. Satisfy your senses Once you have established your yoga area, it’s time to add all those little touches that make you feel calm and grounded. It may be a little difficult to decide what to place in your home yoga studio, particularly if working with a small area. To get inspired, use your five senses as a guide for items and decor that get you into that yoga vibe. Sight: What visual cues help you cultivate mindfulness? Consider wall prints and paintings that help you feel spiritually connected. Some people find including natural objects, such as beautiful stones or carved wood, useful to create a calm visual atmosphere. Be mindful of the colors you choose. For instance, bright red might make you feel on edge, whereas light blue might help you feel serene. Smell: Your olfactory senses are a powerful trigger for both memories and moods. Using different scents can inspire feelings of unease or calm. Scented candles, oil diffusers, and incense holders are all great ways to set the mood for your yoga room without taking up too much space. Feel free to experiment with different essential oils and incenses to find those that work for you. Lavender is a popular choice for yoga practices since it is known for helping people relax. Touch: Think about the items in your yoga space that your body will make contact with. Items that are rough, scratchy, and uncomfortable should be left outside. Make sure to choose a comfortable mat that has a good grip and is soft enough for bare skin. Sound: Different sounds and auditory cues quickly shift your mindset and inspire positive emotions. Tibetan bells and singing bowls are visually beautiful and great for chiming at the beginning and end of each yoga session. A water fountain is a great way to infuse your yoga space with calming, natural noises. Taste: There’s nothing like a yoga session and a mug of herbal tea to unwind after a stressful day. Set up a mug to steep with your favorite herbal tea and place it where you can easily reach it. Water infused with lemon and mint is an excellent option to stay hydrated throughout a more intense yoga session. Décor The great thing about having your very own yoga space is that you can personalize the décor according to your own style. Consider which design elements inspire your soul, mind, and body. What would you like to see and feel most when practicing yoga? Plants are a great option for making the air feel fresh and alive. Including items of sentimental value is a great way to make space your own. Remember not to go overboard on décor. When it comes to a yoga room, less is more, so make sure to leave plenty of open space. Assemble yoga supplies Now that you’ve achieved that perfect atmosphere for your yoga room, it’s time to get the actual yoga equipment in order. The most fundamental piece of equipment you will need is a mat. Choosing a yoga mat with a color or design you love will inspire you to practice more often. As you progress in your practice, you may find yourself incorporating yoga blocks into your routine. Make sure you have everything you need to carry out your favorite poses. Yoga for Your Mind and Soul Use the time you practice yoga to be consciously mindful of your day and thankful for everything going on in your life. One of the best aspects of yoga is that it has been proven to impact mental health positively. Because yoga requires you to be highly conscious of and present with your body, it’s an excellent practice to see yourself from another perspective, cultivates body positivity, and take some time to love yourself. Your yoga sessions are a special time to focus on your body, breathe deeply, and let go of stress. While there are many styles of yoga that are focused on building physical strength and balance, you don’t have to use your yoga room exclusively for physical routines. A yoga room can also serve as a calm, tranquil spot to simply breathe and meditate. Enjoy Your Yoga Room While you may not make it to the studio every week, a home studio makes it easy to fit yoga and meditation sessions into a busy life. A regular yoga practice conditions both the body and mind for inner stability and centeredness; you will quickly find that this positively impacts all aspects of your daily life. Setting up your yoga space to inspire peace and tranquility is key to unlocking the myriad of benefits that come from practicing yoga daily. Read More...

Uncategorized

by Sushant Pandey [get_likes_on_post show_only='true']

A Comprehensive view on Yoga Tradition

Introduction Whenever we come across this term Yoga or hear about it, what is that first thing that comes to our minds? Some very difficult poses and complicated bodily movements right! In modern age, Asana which means Hatha Yoga Poses; captures the imagination of people’s mind. But in the tradition of Yoga Asana occupies a very little space. Then the question arises what yoga is, if it is not primarily a discipline or tradition of asana? To understand that we have to understand the meaning of the term yoga. Yoga, in fact is a generic term which literally means Union. We also have to understand that fundamentally metaphysics of yoga is spiritual and it is not just a tradition of practical tools and techniques rather it is a way of life. In tradition, Yoga is treated as a life style. Yoga simply denotes a path and a process which leads to an ultimate experience of self-actualization. To reach there tradition of yoga presents us with various spiritual philosophies, methodologies which comprise of many different techniques and of course a recommended life-style which help establish harmony at various levels of human functioning. Yoga is not a religion Some people may also have this misconception that Yoga is religious belief or system. On the contrary Yoga is simply a philosophy which teaches us how to live a life with harmony and inner joy and fulfilment. And to attain this state of ever lasting peace and harmony a life style is recommended, which is comprised of following certain processes, instilling uplifting ethical values in life, living a healthy life-style and holding positive perspectives towards life events. All of these different guiding principles of Yogic life, aim at just one thing; as how to help an individual lead a harmonious life. A life which is full of spontaneity, inner freedom and joy. Historical sketch When you look at the development and evolution of Yogic tradition, you will find that evidences of yogic practices were found around 3000 BC. In ancient culture yogic methods and philosophy were practiced as way of life by ancients. In Indian sub-continent, many different philosophies and cultures coexisted without having conflicts against each other. And each philosophy presented a very specific view point or perspective towards reality and how to overcome human limitations and suffering. In essence collective consciousness of ancient Indian culture aimed at uplifting the quality of life through physical, mental, emotional and life-style education. Branches of Yoga Yoga is a path; a philosophy to harmonize the interactions and expressions of consciousness and energies in an individual. There are numerous methods and tools employed to reach a state of inner poise, balance and harmony. These interactions of energies and consciousness expresses on different layers of existence; creating various dimensions of human functioning and experiences. In our lives we express our energies on the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and behavioural planes. From the grossest level; it is physical body where both energy and consciousness interact on the planes of gross energies, vitality and senses. Then on subtler plane we have the expressions of mental energies. Existence of emotional energies make us experience the emotional dimension of being. And then we do experience more subtle expressions of intellect in the form of clear, detached and refined perspective to life and events. The cumulative interactions of these various energies and consciousness present there result in the outcome of an uplifting behavioural patterns and interaction with the external environment. Establishing harmony at various planes of human existence is the goal of various yogic paths. A traditional path or branch of yoga looks after existing energies or expressions of consciousness present in certain dimension of existence. Each of these paths prescribes distinct methods to harmonize a particular level of human existence. For the purpose of understanding there are five distinct traditional branches of yoga which suit the different temperaments and help harmonize our beings. It is also to clarify before delving into this discussion that none of these levels of functioning exist in separation. There is definite interactions and interconnected amongst all of these planes of existence. This study will help the readers understand the subject matter and scope of these five traditional branches of yoga. Hatha Yoga Raja Yoga Bhakti Yoga Gyana Yoga and Karma Yoga Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga uses body as an instrument to expand and liberate the mind. Philosophy of Tantras is the metaphysical background of Hatha Yoga. People, who see Hatha yoga merely as a system of physical discipline, should know this is one of those philosophies in India which established a direct link between Body, Mind and Energies. And secondly the founding principles of Tantras upon which Hatha Yoga tradition is based, is purely monistic, which sees a direct relationships and interconnectedness in all the different fabrics of creation. According to Tantras nothing exists in separation. All the different elements of manifestations have originated from the same source and essence of the same source of creation exists in all. The entire teaching of Tantras and Hatha Yoga focuses on tapping the essence or building blocks of creation; energy. Principles of Tantras propound that the creation is a pulsating or vibrant ‘Whole’ and very much alive. Based on the principles of interconnectedness and interaction between various levels of function, Hatha Yoga uses Body as an instrument to harmonize the mind. It says the states of body affect the mind and verse versa. But unlike Raja yoga it uses body and not mind as an instrument. Therefore most of the techniques of Hatha yoga work on the body to get the intended results. Practitioners of Hatha yoga should know that the ultimate purpose of Hatha yoga is not confined only up to body rather it works on expanding and releasing the energies of the mind-body complex. Practices of hatha yoga postures, breath-work (Pranayama), psycho-physical gestures (Mudra), psychic locks/contraction (Bandha) and cleansing practices, these all work together to harmonize the physical, mental and emotional energies of an individual. And in the due process one strives to liberate and expand the mind Results of all Hatha Yogic practices should take one to the state of elevated mind and awareness rather than getting identified/trapped within the field of body consciousness. To establish harmony at the physical and energetic planes; tradition of Hatha Yoga also emphasises on leading a very healthy life-style which consist of having sattvic foods. A food which is light on our systems, easy to digest and majorly consist of fresh and organic components. This sattvic food is consisted primarily of fresh vegetables, legumes, fruits, seeds and medicinal herbs. The wisdom says that fresh foods have enriched pranic energy which help nourish the body and harmonises mental and emotional energies. Tradition of Hatha Yoga follows the principles of Ayurveda, as far as one’s food and life-style are concerned. Just eating the food is not enough but the time you eat the food, how much you eat, what you eat, how you eat and mental attitude while you eat all these aspects are important. Even prevailing weather and climatic conditions are also considered. According to hatha Yoga and Ayurveda your foods change according to the changing weather. Following these principles one enjoys a state of health which is just a by-product of proper sync between you and the nature. Raja Yoga Raja Yoga, literally known as kingly yoga aims to tame the tendencies of the mind. Since mind is considered as the controller or master of all our behaviors and endeavor, Raja yoga is called kingly because with its help one learns to rule over the mind and its tendencies. Therefore its philosophy and practices make the entire orientation of its teaching very meditative and mindful. The teachings in this yogic philosophy create very incisive insights into the nature and tendencies of the mind. This approach of teaching makes one watch and understand the mind from the stand point of an observer. The principles and methods discussed in the manual of this branch are highly psychotherapeutic. Techniques of meditation emphasizing on developing meditative awareness in one’s day-to-day life have roots in Raja Yoga. The metaphysical background of Raja Yoga is Samkhya Philosophy which is one of the oldest existing philosophies in India. Bhakti yoga Bhakti yoga is the path of harnessing and channeling emotional energies. In the process practitioner nurtures and develops refined and uplifting emotions, which later are directed towards divine self, deity or guru. In bhakti yoga, singing kirtan (a group devotional song), bhajan (solo devotional song) or even mantra chanting are used as tools to create and channel devotional energies towards divine principle. For the followers of bhakti yoga, it is one of the quickest ways to transcend ego and uniting with the higher self. One quote of Ramana Maharshi on Bhakti yoga sums it up very nicely. When asked; what is bhakti yoga? He says; ‘to thinks of God. That means only one thought prevails to the exclusion of all other thoughts. That is of God which is the self or it is the self-surrender unto God; when he has taken you up nothing will assail you. The absence of thoughts is bhakti. It is also mukti (liberation).’ Gyana/Jnana Yoga Jnana Yoga is the path of self-enquiry. This path of yoga seeks answers to the most fundamental queries to find truth and purpose to life. One of the most fundamental questions, a seeker contemplates upon in this path is; ‘who am I?’ Who am I' is an enquiry which shapes the journey of a spiritual aspirant. In traditional yogic discipline, Jnana yoga discusses the fundamental questions pertaining to spiritual truths, nature of reality, existence of suffering, causes of suffering and yogic processes to eliminate suffering.' In this path of Jnana yoga through listening (shravana), contemplation and meditation on pure essence i.e. self; knowledge is attained. There are methods recommended in this path to refine one’s intellect which helps cut through the layers of identification with ever changing field of reality. Karma yoga Karma is translated as action. In this path or discipline of yoga one learns harmonize one’s attitude towards actions and fruits of actions. This branch of yoga teaches us how to let go the attachments and egoistic desires associated with our actions and their outcomes. Therefore, it involves behavioral components and ‘awareness in action’. It resets our ego driven actions and transforms them into selfless work and actions, which are more liberating and uplifting. Essentially path of karma yoga teaches to drop the attitude of doer ship and dedicating all actions to divine self. According to Swami Sivananda, having motive to serve without expectations, attitude of service, dedication in action and letting go the attachments towards the fruit of actions are the qualities one imbibe following the path of Karma Yoga. Read More...

Hatha Yoga

by Sushant Pandey [get_likes_on_post show_only='true']

Holistic Approach to Yoga

Holistic Approach to Yoga: An Overview Today yoga is very much in the news and there are a lot of teachers and traditions. But are they all teaching authentic yoga? Are they teaching the classical yoga, as envisaged by the seers and sages? How does one know which one is the correct yoga? Correct and classical yoga can only be taught by a tradition, whose founder is a sage who has experienced the higher dimensions of the mind and see the entire situation in a holistic way. A traditional and authentic yoga is culmination of years of intense search and practice by the founding seers. At Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala, our team of the teachers has lived for more than 10 years in an ashram environment developing the experiential aspect of yoga. A few decades ago yoga was the subject of only philosophical debates and study, very few people knew the practical side of it. It was our Paramguru Sw. Sivananda (of Rishikesh) who completely changed the approach towards yoga. He presented before the people the practical and more scientific aspects of yoga. Indian culture has always been rich in terms of philosophical ideas, but teachings of Sw. Shivananda equipped the people with certain techniques and modalities through which they could lead a life full of health, creativity and mental, emotional as well as spiritual fulfilment. Sw. Sivananda gave a very clear mandate to his disciples to propagate yoga in society. Later on his disciple Swami Satyananda established Bihar School of Yoga and systematised the entire system of yogic practices and made them easy and graduated so that any person could benefit from the practices regardless of his state of health physical, mental or otherwise. Yoga became established as a therapeutic tool, as an aid in training, as the ideal lifestyle, as a means for total education. He made the practices easily intelligible to the modern mind. At Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala, we incorporated the teachings from most authentic and traditional schools in India such as Sivananda Yoga and Bihar School of Yoga. Salient features of a Holistic Yoga Tradition Yoga as a holistic science Yoga has been known to be the science, which addresses the issues like awakening the dormant faculties and refinement of the human mind. Any person feels that he needs to improve in certain areas, but then he finds himself helpless when he does not find an appropriate technique or a way out. There is no one science in the present education scenario, which can take care of this requirement completely. There are exercises for physical fitness, which again address limited parts of the body. And in spite of recent advances in psychology, there are no standard practices to improve the quality of the mind. Yoga is the only system, which provides a “complete” methodology for the development of total human being. Yoga as a “need based” tool In traditions like Satyananda yoga which we follow closely, has developed a series of graduated practices, called the pawanmuktasana, which makes it easy for a beginner to start the practices. A beginner on the path will not be able to do complicated postures, because his joints are stiff and his body is not flexible. Pawanmuktasanas are a boon for him. It is this system of graduated practices that makes “Satyananda Yoga” accepted so easily worldwide. It does not mean that the system caters only to beginners on the path, (and there are practices which are very advanced), but it means that an aspirant has to go step by step and cannot really take jumps. Yoga as a means for developing awareness Our approach makes one develop “awareness”; a quality of alertness, which makes a person stand apart. A person who is aware is balanced, awakened to life experiences, has clarity of mind under all situations and acts efficiently. Developing awareness through yogic practices is the hallmark of our endeavour to teach traditional and holistic yoga. Yoga for eliminating psycho-somatic overload One very important complementary practice of Bihar School of Yoga which we teach at our centre, is the practice of pratyahara or a process to withdraw the mind from the senses. The gross mind is normally totally extroverted in the waking or aroused state and is always busy in responding to the input from the senses in the form of sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. In this way it gets overloaded and accumulates stress, because there is no knowledge of how to stop this process. In yoga there is a methodical process to stop this overloading so that the mind comes to a state deep rest and relaxation. Bihar School of Yoga has founded a very simple and highly effective practice of mental relaxation called Yoga Nidra. This practice has been instrumental in helping psychosomatic problems like hypertension, diabetes, asthma etc. The modern medical science has not been effective in treating these diseases because there is no technique available to ease the mental tensions. The practice of yoga nidra is complementary to the package of practices and it makes it easier for the other practices of asana and pranayama to take root. Only when the deeper tensions are removed can the body mind absorb or assimilate other practices better. Cleansing of toxins Traditional Hatha Yoga accepts that there can be gross impurities in the physical body, which can bar one’s progress on the path of holistic and positive living. Modern life style and habit patterns are the factors disturbing the equilibrium of physical and the mental health. The accumulated toxins in the physical body can be removed through the hatha yogic process of shatkarmas or the six cleansing practices which cleanse the digestive tract, the sinuses, the frontal lobe of the brain, the inner and the outer vision, the prana vayus and doshas. Thus through the collective practices of the holistic yoga one finds the centre of existence within oneself as awareness grows and there is spontaneous flowering of “inner discipline or Anushashanam, our approach to yoga does not restrict the yogic practices to the practice room only but it believes in the principle of taking yoga into one’s life and living yoga and life with awareness and fullness. Read More...

All Blogs

Get a glimpse of us on Instagram

Get Connected

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.

Nothing is more important than reconnecting with y