We would like to give you a short impression of three of the most popular destinations when it comes to searching for Hatha Yoga in India. Obviously this can only give a glimpse of the vast diversity of yogic teachings and Yoga practice on the subcontinent. With the term Hatha we not only refer to…
Read MoreYoga in Dharamsala During the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Laura Lynch Dharamsala is a backpacker’s haven situated on the foothills of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas in the state of Himachal Pradesh, northern India. The word Dharamsala translates as the resting place for pilgrims and travellers. It is no wonder visitors end up spending more time here than planned while on their…
Read MoreSwami Sundaranand on the Eightfold Path
Swami Sundaranand is a man of many skills and deep knowledge. He is a Yogi, mountaineer, naturalist, climate activist and a well-known photographer who has spent a chunk of time photographing and documenting the Himalayas. As the student of Swami Tapovan Maharaj, his fascination for the Himalayas began after he read his master’s book ‘Himagiri…
Read MoreCelebrating the Many Faces of Yoga: The International Yoga Festival 2020
By Adithi Mathews Over a period, a practitioner of Yoga sees a transformation within themselves. It could start off as simple as being connected to one’s breath, or by being mindful of the way they consume and move, or even the most obvious – more flexibility and having more energy to carry out their days…
Read MoreAn Introduction to the Roots of Yoga Nidra
BY KRISHNA PRAKASH Nidra means sleep and Yoga Nidra is its antonym! Although appearing to be a practice of deep stillness, Yoga Nidra is a practice that allows one to rest, relax, rejuvenate, manage stress, understand oneself, realize desires consciously. With the word Yoga most of us predominantly associate postures, neglecting the true origin and complexity…
Read MoreYoga Postures – A Forgotten History
by Chétana Jessica Torrens with insight from Yogrishi Vishvketu Recently, there have been discussions and writings suggesting that Yoga postures, other than seated meditation poses, are really no older than the modern era or the late middle ages. It is said that earlier spiritual practices did not include a wide variety of yogasana. This is…
Read MoreLessons from my Akhanda Yoga Teacher Training
by Evguenia Alechine, PhD Akhanda Yoga is a holistic Yogic approach developed by Himalayan Master Yogrishi Vishvketu (also known as Vishva-ji). He studied and practiced Yoga for over 40 years and holds a PhD in Yoga Philosophy. For the last 25 years, he has been sharing his learnings at workshops and conferences around the world. Vishva-ji…
Read MoreFinding Your Yoga Teacher Training Course in India – An Introduction
It is an excellent idea to invest in any kind of Yogic learning, especially in a Yoga Teacher Training, in India! Most likely you are about to have a life changing experience if you choose to do a Teacher Training Course on the peninsula. Primarily known as the birthplace of Yoga, India is an experience…
Read MoreTraining Your Mind Through Your Body
BY ELIZABETH CHEEK I started practising Yoga about 3 years ago, and after exploring for a few months, I found Traditional Hatha Yoga at Atmavikasa in Mysore, India. My initial reaction to attending my first course was: “The first few weeks were a complete mental battle. Everything I thought I knew about Yoga or myself…
Read MoreFinding healing through Yoga in Mysore
BY ANGELA McHARDY There’s a band in Scotland, ‘Del Amitri’ sing the tune ‘Driving with the Brakes On’. The title resonates with my journey with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is described as a ‘degenerative neurological condition, caused by impaired dopamine levels, affecting physical, cognitive and emotional functioning.’ It feels a bit like ‘Driving with the…
Read MoreEverything you wanted to know about Yoga Visas to India
As the International Day of Yoga approached us in 2016, the Indian Government made an announcement on the 2nd of June that made every yogi crack a smile. Foreigners can now apply for e-Visa not only for sightseeing, recreational and visiting purposes but also for short-term yoga courses and for taking short-term medical treatment under…
Read More