Embark on a Transformative Journey with Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

A serene piece of art rolled in the emerald foothills of the majestic Himalayas has stolen every visitor’s heart. The birthplace of yoga, a home of meditation and a haven for all looking to embrace everything from spirituality to life in a yoga capital. Mama Ganga flows in the middle of this beautiful city Rishikesh a channel of serenity and love all known to us from the Hindu mythology. 

Rishikesh has become a pilgrimage for individuals seeking to learn about yoga, meditation, and Hinduism, or to check off a travel bucket list. Surrounded on three sides by gorgeous mountains, it was by far my favourite place I stayed during the entire trip.

If you’re considering a vacation to India soon, I highly recommend heading north to Rishikesh and staying for at least a week to see the surrounding area. Even a week is insufficient; I could have easily spent a month exploring the northern Himalayas to view the iconic snow-capped peaks. Something about viewing the mountains every morning from my window made me a happy girl. 

What should you expect in most yoga teacher training courses?

Yoga has many diverse styles, as does teacher training. Programs range from 30-day intensives to longer, year-long weekend programs, or a combination of the two. There is training to suit everyone’s schedule and needs, style of practice, and money. The extra time you spend researching programs will pay off. When I performed my study, I spent around 2-3 months. If you are just beginning your investigation, here are the fundamental sorts of certifications:

• The 200-hour certification is the initial level of certification. It is not necessary to teach, although most big studios need it.
• The 300-hour certification occurs after you’ve earned your 200; it can be accomplished independently and nearly always is. It is frequently broken down into 100-hour modules lasting one week each. Once completed, you will receive your 500-hour certification.
• The 500-hour certification combines several trainings into one. Most people avoid this path for obvious reasons. 

What It’s Like To Live In An Ashram

Stepping into the Ashram, I knew that if I had come here initially, it would have been the right spot. It was like something from a movie. Everyone was dressed in white, the buildings were stunning, and the courtyard featured a modest, elegant temple in the centre.

This setting was certainly wonderful, and I was eager to make the most of it, despite my difficulties getting there.

For those who don’t know, an Ashram is a type of Indian monastery. Consider it its own self-contained community, a retreat and sanctuary away from the chaos of the real world. 

This is a very traditional and authentic approach to exploring Rishikesh while being surrounded by a community of people who are passionate about expanding and accepting their yoga knowledge.

Accommodation

Accommodation in schools also varies, ranging from three-shared bedrooms to twin-shared rooms and, in certain cases, single rooms. When you live in the same building and spend most of your time together at practice, you rapidly become acquainted with everyone.

At Nirvana Yoga School India, the majority of the rooms were twin-shared with an attached bathroom. We practised on the fifth story (occasionally in an adjacent building) and ate on the rooftop. We weren’t required to leave the facility, but we may do so during breaks and on off days. 

Meals

Yogis often follow a Sattvic diet to maintain their energy levels throughout the day. Sattva is derived from the Sanskrit word for pure, hence the diet excludes meat and spices, which are known to irritate and dull the body.

Rishikesh is almost entirely vegetarian. Alcohol and meat are not served in any of the cafes or restaurants (at least on the menu). Nirvana Yoga School India has its own cook, and he prepares delicious cuisine! We almost always overeat, but you don’t gain weight on a TTC timetable.

Daily rituals

In the second week (I think some schools start as early as the second day), we were introduced to the weird but fascinating world of Kriyas (internal and external cleansing). I’ll spare you the details in this post but here’s a sneak peak from Nirvana Yoga School India:

Each ashram will do things differently, but the pattern of a typical day will look like this:

• 06:00 – 07:30: Hatha Yoga
• 07:40 – 08:30: Pranayama
• 09:00 – 09:45: Breakfast
• 11:00 – 12:00: Yoga Philosophy / Ayurveda
• 12:00 – 13:00: Alignment-Adjustment / Teaching Methodology
• 13:15 – 13:45: Lunch
• 15:00 – 15:50: Anatomy Physiology & Biomechanics
• 16:00 – 17:30: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
• 17:40 – 18:30: Meditation / Mantra Chanting
• 19:00 – 19:45: Dinner

NOTE: Teachers may reschedule the daily schedule.

Phew! I understand it’s a lot. It is, however, an excellent method to not only challenge yourself but also learn about a traditional and ancient technique. I would recommend staying for at least a week (most ashrams require it!) to fully adjust to this style of life. Trust me, you’ll leave with a new perspective on the origins of yoga and a simpler way of life. 

Styles of Yoga in Rishikesh

It’s surprising that even after practising yoga for up to 5 years, some people are unaware of the various traditional yoga types available. Prior to learning about this myself, I was only familiar with Power Yoga, Hot Yoga, Vinyasa/Flow Yoga, and Restorative Yoga; while there’s nothing wrong with these programs given at most studios back home, they gave me a false impression of what I understood about yoga. When I took my Yoga TTC in Hatha Ashtanga (one of many traditional styles available in Rishikesh), I had a significant culture shock.

Here’s a quick introduction to some of the most popular schools and styles offered in Rishikesh:  

Hatha

Hatha is arguably the most widespread type of teacher training out there, and it’s a terrific place to start. In short, all yoga styles are based on these precepts. Hatha is merely a collection of asanas (postures) that aim to establish a balance between strength and flexibility. When you first start teaching, most schools will present a variety of asanas that you can use in your own one-hour session.

Hatha lessons are typically quite basic and ideal for first-timers and beginners. Asanas vary, but there is a framework behind them based on your level of practise/excellence. 

Ashtanga Vinyasa

This style was created by K. Pattabhi Jois (who died in 2009). It’s a combination of dynamic flows and static postures, each meant to work on every area of the body.

Although physically hard, Ashtanga is not only for advanced practitioners. The practice is focused on a specific series of positions used to strengthen the core, purify the organs, and clear the mind. You leave the session feeling light, clear-headed, and most likely completely drenched in sweat and effort.

Iyengar

BKS Iyengar founded this method, which focuses on refining asana alignment using props such as blocks, belts, ropes, and cushions. Each lesson consists of only a few poses held for extended periods of time. While it may not make you sweat, it is a safe approach to get deeper into stretches while protecting your body from damage.

Ayurveda & Yoga Teacher Training

The Ayurveda & Yoga Teacher Training at Nirvana Yoga School utilises Ayurvedic principles to harness the true power of yoga. Unite Ayurveda and Yoga to enhance the quality of your yoga teaching. Tailor your training methods with the healing system of Ayurveda. Learn and master the five elements of Ayurveda during this Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher Training. Through our Ayurveda yoga course, you will develop the required skills to spread Ayurveda knowledge worldwide.

Meditation & Yoga Nidra  

Meditation & Yoga Nidra Teacher Training is a meditation-based program that teaches individuals the information and abilities required to become certified meditation and yoga teachers. After completing a 200-hour meditation TTC at Nirvana, students often get certification that allows them to teach meditation to others professionally. Students can either incorporate meditation teaching into their current occupations, such as yoga instructors, therapists, counsellors, or educators or start their own meditation teaching practice.

Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training

The Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh is one of the greatest yoga programs in India. This course, designed by skilled and trained Kundalini yoga instructors, will help you deepen your understanding and practice of Kundalini yoga. The yoga course at Nirvana Yoga School India is perfect for anyone interested in Kundalini theory, chakras, asanas, variations and alignment methods, Kundalini philosophy and ethics, Kundalini meditation, and pranayama techniques. In this training, we will help you focus on your practice while also teaching Kundalini yoga to others.

Even if you aren’t such a spiritual person, or hold spiritual beliefs other than Hinduism, Rishikesh is a fantastic place or I would rather say it is a playground for learning about a mix of cultures. I say this with experience of staying in multiple cities around the globe. Rishikesh gave me the calmness to relax, get enough sleep, and above all experience the beautiful festivals. It was the only place which didn’t make me rush or put a lot of pressure to excel rather gave me the time to learn at my pace, unwind, and soak it all in. 

No doubt I would absolutely return!

Have any of you gone to Rishikesh? Do you consider yourself a spiritual person, yogi, or someone who needs to do some soul-searching? Visit Nirvana Yoga School India to study the practice of yoga and how to live life in harmony with your mind, spirit, and body. Embark on this transformative Yoga teacher training journey with us as your partners.