The popularity of yoga is increasing at a great pace in the lives of common people, which is very commendable. There was a time when one had to go to an ashram to learn yoga; now, one can learn it from a guru or teacher. It was believed that this kind of knowledge could only be attained through the grace of a Guru.
Currently, people have numerous opportunities to practice and learn yoga. Many universities, colleges, yoga centers, and yoga studios are available, and all of them are good options. However, when we think about learning yoga, the questions that come to mind are, "Where should I learn yoga?" or “Which is the Best Yoga Center in India ?” Traditional yoga centers and yoga studios offer 45-minute to 1-hour yoga (asana) sessions that are based on physical exercises. They are excellent ways to enrich and deepen your practice. Visiting an ashram is a more traditional option to immerse yourself in the practice of yoga.
The main attraction of learning yoga from an ashram is having ample opportunities to practice yoga in all its forms; you can experience yoga both on and off the mat. In the ashram, apart from regular classes, you will find various courses, specific workshops, and activities according to your interests. It also offers weekly or daily Satsangs (spiritual gatherings) that include chanting, lectures, and discussions.
Ashrams are entirely focused on yoga practice and philosophy. Most of the time, they are founded by Gurus as spiritual centers for them to live and/or teach their students.
There are many such ashrams or institutes in India and around the world. One of them, known as the world's oldest yoga institute, is The Yoga Institute (TYI) which is often referred to as the Best Yoga Center in India. It is The Yoga Institute is located in Santa Cruz, Mumbai. There are several reasons why TYI may qualify as an ashram for yoga practice, which are as follows:
Legacy of the institute: The Yoga Institute was established by Shri Yogendraji in the year 1918 with the blessings of his Guru Shri Madhavdasji. His greatest contribution to the field of yoga is that he brought the philosophy of yoga from the forest to the common man's life.
This tradition continued through his son, Sri Dr. Jayadev Yogendraji, who also showed the world how to cultivate equanimity in life and live life as a Yogi. Currently, Dr. Hansaji Yogendra and his son Hrishiji Yogendra are carrying on this tradition. Over the years, many seekers who have trained with the Yogendra family are serving with the institute.
An ashram-like Environment for Learning Yoga: The campus of the institute spreads over an acre, providing a beautiful and green environment that fills one with bliss. The sattvic food offered by the institute increases one's sattvic value. The institute's teachers, trained in the Guru-Shishya tradition, fulfill one's desire to learn yoga.
Thus, the institute offers a beautiful blend of external and internal, traditional and modern ways of learning.
Health Camps are another valuable aspect of yoga education. Ashrams like The Yoga Institute (TYI) offer a range of programs, including 7 days health camps. TYI also offers various workshops and health camps focusing on addressing various health concerns through yogic practices.
Various Courses and Programs at The Yoga Institute (TYI):
Whether you want to revitalize your mind and body or take a break from your hectic lifestyle, you have covered. To bring in a new you or begin a new career path, can explore TYI’s countless life-changing courses, which have transformed millions of people over the last 10 decades. Every course has been designed to deliver organic and holistic results by incorporating 103 years of legacy, research, and knowledge. You can choose innumerable courses to get started on your journey of transformation!
Depending on your interest in learning yoga, TYI offers a variety of courses and programs to help you incorporate yoga into your life:
Regular Asana Classes: TYI provides various asana classes for men, women, and children both on campus and online, available on weekdays and weekends. These classes help individuals maintain a consistent daily asana practice.
Teachers Training Courses: The institute offers internationally certified yoga teacher training courses, including basic (200 hours), intermediate (500 hours), and advanced (900 hours) programs. Many aspiring yoga teachers begin their yoga journey through these courses each year.
7 Days Health Camps (Hindi & English): TYI offers 7-day health camps to rejuvenate your energy from the demands of daily life. These camps provide an experiential and introductory course to yoga theory and practice, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the yogic lifestyle within the institute's premises.
21 Days Better Living Course: This course, conducted for 50 years by The Yoga Institute, is specifically designed to introduce individuals to the yogic way of living. Working professionals and homemakers can allocate just one hour a day to practice and learn yoga, embarking on their transformational journey. This yoga certificate course trains participants holistically, promoting equilibrium between the mind and body, ultimately leading to a state of peace and happiness.
Camps & Workshops: TYI organizes regular health camps and workshops focusing on addressing various health concerns through yogic practices. These include stress management, weight management, pregnancy (ante and postnatal), cardiac and hypertension care, back and joint disorders, pranayama, respiratory health, life management, diabetes management, and more. These events attract hundreds of participants seeking guidance on addressing their health issues through yogic methods.
Samattvam (Weekly health check-up): The Yoga Institute offers the Samatvam program, a personalized wellbeing initiative under the guidance of Dr. Hansaji Yogendra. This program provides individual guidance for life management.
Facilities at the Institute: To enhance the learning experience for students and practitioners, TYI offers a range of facilities. These include accommodation services, relaxation areas like gazebos, meditation pods for peaceful meditation sessions, a bookstore for purchasing yoga-related merchandise, and sattvic meal options at the Naivedhyam. These facilities are designed to provide a blissful and tranquil experience.
Most importantly, within the ashram-like environment, you can connect with a diverse community of individuals from around the world. Visitors to ashrams include young adults and seasoned practitioners who have valuable stories and wisdom to share. It's an opportunity to engage with a global community united by their interest in yoga and holistic living.