
7 Days and 10 Days Yoga Retreats and 200 Hour + 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course
Sunrise Yoga + Morning Tea
Wake up early morning and enjoy your chai(tea) in a lap of Himalayan mountains and rise with the Sun.
Hatha Yoga
“Hatha” is a combination of “HA” (our right side, associated with aggressiveness, action, the sun) and “THA” (our left side, associated with stillness, peace, the moon). Thus, Hatha yoga practice is the unification of our right and left.
At Rishikesh Yoga Foundation you will learn the primary Hatha asanas (postures), the art of alignment, how to construct a class, as well as have several opportunities to teach. This is an important class because Hatha yoga is the foundation of all modern forms of yoga. Mastery of teaching Hatha will give you solid base to teach yoga to yogis of all backgrounds.
Shatkarma
Throughout the week you will also have an introduction to Shatkarmas and their underlying theory.
Shatkarma (“SHAT” = six, “KARMA” = action) is an ancient purification of the body yogic practices. There are 6 types of shatkarmas each which balance our masculine (ida) and feminine (pingla) energies, and rid our body of stagnant waste accumulated over decades of unhealthy living. In our yoga teacher training you will get an introduction to 3 of these ancient practices.
Pranayama
Pranayama is commonly referred to as breath control (as “PRANA” means breath or vital energy, and “YAMA” means control). In another light, it also refers to the expansion of our vital energy (“PRANA + “AYAMA”, where “AYAMA” means expansion.)
In this class you will learn various breathing techniques to influence the flow of prana throughout the body’s energy channels. You will also learn how to apply pranayama techniques that produce heat (such as Surya Bhedi) and cold (such as Sheetkari) as therapy for various psychosomatic ailments
Mantra Chanting
Practice more than 10 of yoga’s most important mantras, their literal translations and spiritual significance, and how to use them in your daily life and yoga practice.
The word “mantra” can be understood by examining the Sanskrit roots “MAN” = mind, and “TRA” = liberation. Mantras are powerful sounds and words that are chanted repeatedly to awaken powerful energies within and progress into a state of meditation.
Meditation
Although practicing asanas have a myriad of proven physical and mental benefits, mastering asanas is an early prerequisite to the ultimate aim of yoga – to reach a meditative state of non-dualistic consciousness.
You will experience and learn various guided relaxations, yoga nidra, and other meditation techniques. You will also have several opportunities to lead your own meditations.
Breakfast
Fuel your body and mind with full nutrition of fruits, grains, elixirs, energy juices. Vegan and Vegetarian
Anatomy + Physiology
Our students learn anatomy and physiology to truly understand how yoga affects our body. You will study 5 of the main physiological systems in the human body: Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Digestive, Muscular, Skeletal. You will also learn how to use yoga asanas, pranayama, shat karmas, and meditation to treat problems that arise within each particular physiological system
Philosophy
Explore the origins of yoga by studying the core philosophy and scriptures that have persisted through thousands of years of practice. You will learn about the Bhagavad Geeta and the lessons of Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, and Gyana yoga. You will learn about the Yog Sutra and how to overcome the various types of thought through the 8 limbs of yoga. You will learn about the physical, astral, and causal bodies.
Lunch + Break
Relax or explore Rishikesh on your own or with classmates.
Vinyasa Yoga
“VINYASA” can be understood by breaking down its roots: “VIN”, to flow, and “YASA”, in a good path. In this light, proper Vinyasa yoga practice requires a “connected breath”. The four elements of mental/visual focus (Dristi), energy locks (Bandha), Ujjai pranayama, and asanas must be connected in flow in order for your practice to transcend beyond a typical workout.
You will practice various Vinyasa flows, as well as learn the underyling theory behind the practice,the art of alignment, and how to construct a class. You will also have several opportunities to teach entire Vinyasa classes, along with constructive feedback from your teacher and classmates.
Yoga Therapy
Alternative medicine is quickly gaining recognition by Western science as a viable way to treat health problems. In this class you will learn how to apply Yogic Therapy, Marma Therapy, and Acupressure to various psychosomatic issues. Ask our resident therapist about how to treat common ailments of your loved ones.
Evening Meditation
Relax and withdraw into your consciousness. You will learn more meditation techniques and their underlying theory. You will get an introduction to Chakra meditations, Prana meditations, creative meditations, and other techniques used in practice for thousands of years. You will also have the opportunity to guide several meditations of your own.
Dinner
Enjoy a meal with your classmates, practicing mindful eating and the true nourishment of sattvic, Ayurveda foods. Our kitchen specializes in Indian dishes, with a concentration in nutrition for the yogi. With no enforced lights-out time, feel free to explore, use our free WiFi to call your loved ones, or rest before another insightful day of yoga classes.
Sunday Activites
We believe that experiencing a culture apart from your own is just as transformative as learning yoga. Every Sunday, we arrange an opportunity for you to experience Rishikesh and Indian culture with your classmates and teachers. Whether it be rafting on the Ganga river, or an insider’s look into Himalayan temples and local ashrams, we take care of the cost of all activities so you can focus on having an unforgettable time!
Tution Fee:
7 days yoga retreat $550 with food and accommodation
10 days yoga retreat $750 with food and accommodation
15 days yoga retreat $950 with food and accommodation.