How we teach
Our Method
साधना
We teach yoga the way it has always been taught in Rishikesh: as a whole path, not a workout. A disciplined daily rhythm, alignment that keeps the body safe, the breath as the bridge to the mind, and meditation as the aim. Every practice rests on the one before it.
- Safety first
- Alignment and anatomy
- Dawn
- Brahma muhurta practice
- RYS
- Yoga Alliance USA
What we believe
Four principles
The ideas behind every class, in Rishikesh, Varkala and Pokhara.
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A safe practice is a sustainable practice
Every posture is taught with its alignment and the anatomy behind it, so strength is built without strain, and students learn to adjust others safely.
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Discipline, gently
The day begins at Brahma muhurta with a steady routine, dinacharya, that purifies the body and settles the mind. Discipline is a support, never a punishment.
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Tradition, understood
The practices come from the tradition, and so does their meaning: philosophy, mantra and the texts are taught beside the asana, by teachers who learned them in the lineage.
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Every level welcome
Our trainings build a foundation from the ground up. Beginners are welcome, provided they come with a sincere wish to learn.
अष्टाङ्ग the eight limbs
The path we follow
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras set out yoga as eight limbs, from how we live to absorption. Our trainings move through all of them, not only the postures.
Yama
Restraints
How we treat others and the world: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation and non-possessiveness.
Niyama
Observances
How we treat ourselves: cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study and surrender.
Asana
Posture
A seat that is steady and easy. The postures prepare the body to sit, breathe and be still.
Pranayama
Breath
The extension of prana through the breath, the bridge between the body and the mind.
Pratyahara
Withdrawal
The senses turned inward, so the mind is no longer pulled outward by every sight and sound.
Dharana
Concentration
The attention held on one point, gathered and steady.
Dhyana
Meditation
Concentration that flows unbroken: the mind resting in its object.
Samadhi
Absorption
The meditator and the meditation become one. The goal of the path.
Yoga Alliance standards
What every training covers
As a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance USA, our teacher trainings follow its standard, in four areas.
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आसन Asana
Techniques, training and practice
Asana, pranayama and meditation, practised daily and taught step by step.
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शरीर Sharira
Anatomy and physiology
The physical body and the subtle body, and how the practices act on both.
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दर्शन Darshana
Yoga humanities
The history and philosophy of yoga, and its ethics for students and teachers.
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अध्यापन Adhyapana
Professional essentials
How to teach: sequencing, cueing, adjusting, holding a class, and practising teaching.
Guru shishya parampara
The teachers behind the method
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Founder
Pankaj Ji
Hatha Yoga, Teaching and Anatomy
View page
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Swami Atma Ji
Philosophy and Meditation
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Himanshu Ji
Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga
View page
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Rahul Ji
Hatha Vinyasa and Alignment
View page
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Kavita Ji
Pranayama and Philosophy
View page
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Gangesha Chaitanya
Spiritual Guidance
View page
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Shri Shiva Shankara
Raja Yoga and Tantra
View page
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Purnima Ji
Meditation and Pranayama
View page
Learn the whole path
100, 200 and 300 hour teacher trainings in Rishikesh, Varkala and Pokhara. Open daily, 6 am to 8 pm.