A Place of Healing

A place of healing inside and out

Regardless of students backgrounds, cultures, ethnicity or age, feelings of great life transformation and changes are always reported during the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. From improvements in ones weight, skin, hair and nails to experiencing less muscular pain, stress and anxiety, an overall feeling of well being is often noticed during ones stay at the Ashram. Whether students have come in hope of healing various conditions or whether they feel physically, mentally and emotionally strong, the yogic lifestyle at Wise Living Yoga brings about changes that often cure these ailments and leave students feeling amazed and extremely happy with the many wonderful improvements that have naturally taken place. 

The holistic yoga approach at the Ashram ensures that every aspect of ones daily life is managed in order to bring about balance. This balance is cultivated and nutured by focusing on living a moral lifestyle and purifying ones mind to ensure that our daily activities, interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships are carried out with positive feelings and intentions. Traditional or Classical yoga emphasises the importance of a holistic yoga lifestyle, therefore following a vegan diet, performing systematic postures (Asanas), learning breathing (Pranayamas) and purification (Kriyas) techniques, repeating Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and doing daily meditation all contribute towards a healthy and happy well being.

The Vegan Diet

At the Ashram, an all vegan diet is followed with fresh, organic produce, much of which is grown on and around the Ashram itself. There is strictly no sugar added to the food or as an optional condiment on the serving or dining table. Much care is taken to cook and prepare the food with very little oil, the taste however is by no means jeopardized as various spices and fresh herbs are perfectly blended with each dish to compliment the delicious flavors. Each meal is wisely planned to ensure that a correct balance in protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber is lovingly served to each student. Although some students may have certain allergies, this vegan diet with its delicious Thai and Indian influence is not only suitable for all students but also aids in overcoming these various allergies and food sensitivities.

The spices and herbs themselves have many medicinal healing properties, which often helps in those suffering from inflammation, skin problems, cardiovascular diseases, poor blood circulation as well as mental issues such as concentration, anxiety, Insomnia and stress. The balanced meals are organic, high in fiber and water concentration, which helps many students overcome constipation. This experience can easily be identified as one of the most important and beneficial as it naturally detoxifies the body and mind, leaving the individual feeling light, more energetic and an overall improvement in bodily functions, aches and pains.

                     

The low oil and salt content along with a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals supports a steady weight. It prevents weight gain as it reduces water retention and naturally the food contains healthy calories. The vegan diet aids in vital organs being able to function at their optimal level as blood is purified and supplies these organs, muscles and nervous system with fresh oxygenated blood. Students often notice their nails and hair becoming shinier and healthier as well as various skin ailments clearing up. Students sometimes however experience a skin breakout due to the elimination of toxins through the skin but this often clears up once the toxins are expelled.

Students who arrive with addictions to sugar and coffee are quickly able to readjust to the herbal tea and sugarless diet. Within a couple of days, their cravings have disappeared and positive changes such as concentration, anxiety, sleep, energy levels as well as inflammation and acidity have all improved. The stimulating effects of these products, caffeine and sugar, interfere with the natural balance of the body and mind, therefore providing healthy alternatives such as herbal teas and natural fructose, the natural energy and functioning of ones being is restored.

 Pranayamas and Kriyas

The breathing exercises, of which there are nine, assist in the expansion of the lungs and opening up of the chest cavity allowing more room for organs in this region to function at their best. Larger lung capacity allows more oxygen to be absorbed into the blood stream, purifying and carrying fresh blood to the brain, central nervous system, organs and muscles while Carbon Dioxide is better eliminated from the body along with toxins that have found their way into ones blood stream.

Pranayamas directly influence ones bio- energy and helps to evenly distribute blocked/ built up energy throughout the body. These essential breathing techniques calm the mind allowing for awareness, concentration and clarity to mature. They have been wonderful in facilitating my sleeping disorder and anxiety to the extent that I no longer need to rely on medication.

The purification techniques (Kriya) aid in clearing the nasal passages and any excess mucus around the face and throat. Students who suffer from congestion or infections in these areas experience far more ease in their breathing and less toxicities, which contribute to various diseases in the respiratory organs. Another benefit of Kriya. Jalaneti in particular, is a ‘clear head’ feeling where students are amazed at how light and clear their forehead region feels. This is due to the saline water solution, once been sucked through the nostril, stimulating the nerve endings ‘awakening’ this area, which doesn’t receive much stimulation. After clearing the nostrils with this solution, various massaging techniques on the face and neck are performed to further stimulate these areas and loosen any remaining mucus.   

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

Patanjali was a sage who existed between 800- 200 BC. He constructed these Sutras (sentences) in order to make Yoga available to not only the advanced practitioner but to the beginner and medium practitioners as well. Each Sutra holds a wealth of knowledge which is easily applied to ones every day life in order to excel instilling the spirit of excellence in the individuals in his yoga practice to live a moral life whilst performing ones duties with a balanced and pure state of mind. These sentences are written and chanted in Sanskrit, they give precise guidelines on how one can live a yogic lifestyle and achieve the ultimate truth.

With this holistic approach at nurturing ones entire being, a peaceful, fulfilling and meaningful life can systematically be pursued and enjoyed. The passion in which Jeenal and Daniel impart this sacred knowledge and the loving environment in which these teachings take place, provide a naturally healing abode for each student to experience this life changing spiritual journey.

Namaste.
Katie Assad (Former student)

Yoga During Crisis

Having worked in an emergency department for several years, I have had the opportunity of seeing a wide range of humanity in a vast array of conditions, both mentally and physically.  Some people arrive in severe pain, some in only mild discomfort, some in no pain at all but with significant anxiety and psychiatric issues. The accompanying family and friends, however, often swim about in their own pools of anxiety, worry, and fear over the future. They react to the sensations arising in their bodies, sometimes becoming agitated, anxious, and unable to coherently think or speak, so deeply entrenched are they in their worry. Imagine what an emergency department would look like if not only the patients and their families were running about in anxiety and fear, but also all of the physicians, nurses, and other staff. The entire building would be in chaos and nothing would ever get done. Nobody would be able to think rationally or logically and would simply stew in the release of hormones and neurotransmitters coursing trough their bodies.

"To be capable of fancies and imaginations is common to man and beast. To be violently drawn and moved by the lusts and desires of the soul is proper to wild beasts and monsters." -- Emperor Marcus Aurelius

We all encounter obstacles throughout life at different times and in myriad manifestations.  How we react to these situations often differs, based upon our individual lives and experiences as well as our state of mind at the moment.  Our reactions are instrumental in times of challenge, difficulty, or crisis, and heavily impact both the way we perceive the encounter as well as our behaviors during and afterwards. 

Imagine you are preparing your evening meal, perhaps peeling vegetables as you wait for some water to boil. Looking to wipe your hands, you search for a towel -- only to smell something burning.  Flames burst into life from the towel accidentally placed too near the hot stove, and dark smoke begins to collect on the ceiling.

Now the question is: ought we to react or respond?

Initial reactions for many might be to jump up, make some noise, grab the flaming towel, or perhaps run out of the room calling for help. Panic, in short, is a common reaction to a fearful or threatening encounter. But would any of these actions actually help the immediate situation? Not quite so much as would taking a moment to think before acting in order to respond appropriately to the situation: by dousing the fire with water from the tap nearby.

Gut reactions are part of our inherent animal nature, and have been ingrained in us over millennia from our roots as gatherer-hunters to keep us safe from various dangers.  Humans at that time were significantly more aware and observant of their surroundings than the typical human is today.  Back then, there was complete reliance upon and involvement with nature; no cars, planes, or factories existed to create noise, pollution, and distraction, nor were there any cellphones or any of those other little tools to which our attention so frequently falls prey. These early humans relied completely upon their senses and observations of natural phenomena to survive. 

However, since those ancient times we have evolved complex brains with the capacity for logic and reasoned actions.  We have even developed the capability to give preference to reasoned responses over visceral reactions, though this ability requires practice. Cultivating awareness of emotions and sensations as they arise and pass away is integral to the development of this skill. We may practice this through meditation by repeatedly returning to the natural flow of the breath whenever the mind drifts astray.  With persistent repeated practice, we may train the mind to become more aware of the breath, and thereby more aware of both internal and external realities. 

Our reactions to external stimuli create sensations and emotions within each of us.  Imagine your favorite food; likely a feeling of joy or desire for it will arise. How delicious it is! But for someone else who does not enjoy that food, feelings of aversion or disgust might arise instead.  Thus we see that it is not any one sense object which create sensations, but our own reactions and perceptions. This process occurs for every stimulus; some reactions are pleasant, some unpleasant, and some neutral. But with awareness we realize that there are sensations occurring at all times, and all have their appropriate place.  We do not, however, react to all of these; only to the most gross and obvious do we typically take notice. But oftentimes such reactions do not serve us most beneficially in the present moment. We react thoughtlessly to fear, anger, lust, sorrow, and so many other potent emotions. We revert back to our animal nature and the biological drives associated with it: those gut instincts that impel us in an uncontrolled rush of activity. 

When the body encounters a stressful situation, the sympathetic nervous system is activated which drives us to fight or flee. Our amygdala and hypothalamus activate our pituitary gland, which in turn secretes a hormone (ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone) that signals our adrenal glands to release epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol.  All of these combine to effectively increase pulse and respiratory rates, inhibit digestion, dilate pupils, constrict blood vessels, and relax the bladder, to name just a few.  Additionally, this stress reaction induces glucose metabolism by the pancreas and the release of fatty acids into the bloodstream for the cortisol to metabolize, so that quick energy is available to the body. 

This is all quite useful when we encounter a truly harmful situation.  However, if this reaction is allowed to proceed in the presence of perceived threat, something that does not actually pose any harm towards us, we become unnecessarily stressed. Due to our reaction, we are suddenly filled with driving energy -- but to do what, exactly? To panic and jump around, shout, fight, run, move! But how will any of these reactions help us if there is no true threat or danger? Could we respond differently?

As medical staff, we are trained in ways to maintain cool, calm focus in the face of this potential chaos. Yoga, with its emphasis on awareness, is a powerful form of this training, allowing us to return to the present moment with awareness and equanimity. By cultivating awareness in daily life during nonthreatening situations, we are able to prepare ourselves for the stressful times.  By experiencing stillness, such as during a morning meditation session, we have a firm base upon which to stand when challenges present themselves.  When faced with such a difficulty, be it an unruly guest, a scurrying cockroach, or an unexpected outcome, we can return to our stillness and become tranquil. A wise woman once said that yoga is to stay happy and balanced in the middle of chaos.  By maintaining such a calm, balanced mind with awareness of the present moment, we can appropriately and efficiently respond to any situation.

Besides meditation and development of awareness, we can also use simple breathing techniques, called pranayamas, to refocus and calm ourselves as well as those around us.  By consciously maintaining inhalations and exhalations for the same duration, perhaps 3-4 seconds each, we begin to calm ourselves.  Subconsciously, we also tend to mimic the respirations of those around us. By taking initiative we can thus extend this calm to those nearby by continuing this conscious breath.  For more powerful effects, we can practice something called square breathing.  Each step of the breath cycle (inhale, retain, exhale, suspend) is performed for the same count, and repeated until tranqulity is reached. Beginning with just a few seconds and increasing with practice and as calm settles.  These two simpl
e breathing techniques support our meditative practices in development of awareness and involvement in the present moment. 

Additionally, we may utilize the words of ancient Yoga scriptures like the Bhagvad Gita and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These are works on human psychology which carry enormous power to bring a deep tranformation of the mind at the subconcious level.

When practiced appropriately, yoga provides extremely effective tools for us to use during times of crisis.  Increasing our awareness of each moment as well as the arising and passing of sensations within us, we may gradually develop this center of serenity. Utilization of various breathing techniques during crises or when fear is encountered helps us to calm ourselves and return to rational, appropriate action. It teaches us acceptance of the present moment as it is; our quandary, then, is whether to respond beneficially and productively or continue to react blindly. 

The choice is yours, every moment, every breath.

Pranayama - By Shri Yogendraji

Pranayama is the controlling of Prana or the “life essence of the universe”.

A great deal of misunderstanding, however, seems to exist in relation to the various practices of this science. Some call it the Science of breath, while some call it the control of psychic Prana. But the truth is that it is both: physical as well as mental.

In Sanskrit, Prana literally means Life; it is also supposed to mean Breath. It is the sum total of all cosmic energy. It is the vital force in our body that moves us to action.“From thought to the lowest physical force, everything is but the manifestation of the Prana” (Swami Vivekananda). It is the “potential energy which remains constant, no matter what changes take place around us; it is eternal and infinite” (Tyndall, Fragments of Science).

This is what the Yogis know to be, as Cosmic Prana. This all-pervading cosmic energy, when it becomes limited in a certain body is called the individual Prana or the kinetic energy (finite) that manifests itself through the different functions of our organism. It is the same cosmic energy that the recent scientists try to control.

According to the Yogic psychological anatomy, there are five main Pranas and five minor Pranas, which have different duties to perform. The main ones are the chief nerve-currents that control certain vital organs. The minor Pranas are subordinates to the function of the higher ones, but they are independent of each other. They have also the corresponding relation with the cosmic energy. The main Pranas have a separate element and have different planes on which they chiefly operate. It is the control of this cosmic energy or Prana that is desired by the Yogis for the control of higher life.

Regulation of breath

Shri Yogendraji in suitable pose
for Pranayama practice.

Patanjali defines Pranayama as the stoppage of the inspiratory and expiratory movements. It is quite natural that, when the breath is active, the mind becomes active also. In sleep, when the mind is temporarily inactive and concentrated the number of respirations is generally reduced, so much so, that they are nearly half the number of the otherwise active condition.

It is true that the control of Prana requires steadiness of mind. The easiest way to control the Prana is to control the breathing process, because it is it’s chief activity.

The lungs are the most active part of our system that works automatically and unceasingly. It is the control over their motion, which is necessary for the control of vital energy. The essence of the techniques of Pranayama lie in the fact that if the breathing is controlled to the extend of having the capacity to stop it, if this can be done, the activity of the body is quite naturally controlled.

This article was published in Yoga & Total Health (August 1991) - the monthly magazine of The Yoga Institute.

What is Classical Yoga or Traditional Yoga?

Understanding Yoga as on of the Indian systems of philosophy;

Understanding Yoga as a path for Self-realization;

Understanding Yoga as way of life;

Understanding Yoga in its entirety (not just taking one part of it).

All of the above is meant when we say Classical or Traditional Yoga.

Raja Yoga can also be called as Ashtanga Yoga or Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga.

So lets understand what is Raja Yoga or Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga in brief:

Raja literally means 'king' or 'royal'.

Raja Yoga may refer to one of the paths of Yoga amongst the 4 valid paths; the other 3 paths being Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga.

But in reality it is the culmination of all Yogic disciplines and efforts. So Raja Yoga actually refers to the highest states of Yoga.

Patanjali, was a great sage who systematized the entire path of Yoga in his 195 sutras. And, in this way he has contributed to the human society this great work on spirituality and human psychology. Raja Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga consists of eight parts, often called as eight-limbs-of-yoga. Yoga traditionalist and scholars devote their entire lives in studying, learning and practicing the Yoga sutras of Patanjali.

Our beloved Guru Hansaji had once said to me that "the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali serve as a path for the humans to help themselves to come out of the turmoil of life".

It is a highly organized path, giving precise directions and guidelines to humans who are interested in spiritual and self-development.

So the eight disciplines of Ashtanga Yoga are:

1) Yama - Universal ethics; the don't(s) - five in total

2) Niyama - Personal observances; the do(s) - five in total

3) Asana - Physical postures

In a systematic and traditional path of Yoga, it is highly essential to place ethics and observances before physical postures. The first two steps empower a human to sublimate his negative tendencies, freeing the mind from many negativities. Then only, a deep awareness and control on the body can be gained. A total understanding over the body can be achieved when our thoughts, our behaviour, our entire lifestyle is pure. Otherwise, as our Gurus say "asanas will also become a materialistic way, to show off, to compete". Asanas will lose their deep spiritual purpose without the practice of Yamas and Niyamas.

4) Pranayama - Training of the bio-energy

5) Pratyahara - Sense withdrawal from sense objects

6) Dharana - Concentration

7) Dhyana - Meditation

8) Samadhi - Deep absorption in consciousness state.

To really understand Yoga, one has to experience it. It is an experiential science. It is a way of life, a very profound philosophy which needs to be put into application. It leads to an overall transformation of the human personality on all the planes.

Our entire Yoga Teacher Training course 200 hours and advanced 300 hours is based on Raja Yoga. It is a Classical Yoga training, with a traditional approach. 

All the techniques practiced in our center are scientifically taught. Here the students get to understand Yoga from the scratch, from its very roots. We get many students from different walks of life, some who have not practiced any Yoga, no yoga asanas. On the other hand, we also get so many students who had been doing Bikram Yoga, Hot Yoga, Ashtanga ‘Vinyasa’ Yoga, Power Yoga and such styles of physical practices. There are just so many styles. Today so many fancy names are put in front of Yoga.

But these are just some 'styles' of doing an exercise.

If it is not done with the right attitude, it is actually not 'Yoga'.

Even a style of asana has been now called as 'Ashtanga Yoga', but it is only an exercise style and many a times it can get confusing for a person who does not know the real meaning of Ashtanga Yoga. 

Yes, Yoga has a part called Asanas, which is important. But the other parts are equally important and cannot be neglected. A good routine, healthy food, natural environment, healthy inter-personal relationships, personal hygiene, daily exercises and body cleansing, breath work, meditation, and so many other things all make up Yoga. This is what we are committed to pursue and teach. In order to help yourself and to help others, we highly recommend that you choose to study and practice Yoga in its entirety. That would be Classical Yoga or Traditional Yoga :-)

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Wise Living Yoga Academy is authorized to impart Yoga Teacher Training Courses on the tradition of The Yoga Institute of Santacruz in Mumbai, India – the world’s oldest organized Yoga Institution. The residential programs are held regularly in Bali (Indonesia), Chiang Mai (Thailand) & Minas Gerais (Brazil) throughout the year and are accredited by the Yoga Alliance USA, allowing the graduates to teach Yoga in any part of the world.

The 200 hours courses and the Advanced 300 & 500 hours Yoga Teacher Training Courses are conducted regularly in our new permanent Yoga Center in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Please follow the links to know more about all the scheduled
Yoga Teacher Training Courses (YTTC)  in 2013:

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Minas Gerais, Brazil

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Bali, Indonesia

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Going Back to.. Traditional Yoga

Millions of people head towards Asia every year to have (besides the travelling experience) an encounter with eastern philosophies and practices which allows for self-healing, self-discovery and self-empowerment. Among alternative medicine systems, therapies, and many other technical systems (including massage, martial arts, dances, etc, etc) one of the famous and inspiring subjects that attract people to Asia is Yoga.

Although most people think, or like to think, of Yoga as a physical system, in reality it is an ancient and traditional system of Indian Philosophy and Disciplines that emphasizes on a holistic way of living which allows for a deep transformation, awareness and positive changes, not only on the physical, but also on the mental, social and spiritual planes of the human personality.

Traditionally, Asanas (postural training) is only one part of Yoga. Certain sets of conduct regulations (Yamas) and observances (Niyamas) throughout one’s own life form the very foundation of Yoga. Only then follows Asanas. The next step being control of bio-energy through breathing techniques (Pranayamas). Eventually withdrawal of senses (Pratyahara) will be achieved. Following stages are concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and finally leading to total absorption in pure consciousness state (Samadhi). This is the goal of Yoga.

The stages described above are known as the “Eight-fold Path of Yoga” and the understanding of these disciplines and the systematic implementation of them in one’s own life is what is meant by “Classical Yoga”. The problem is that Yoga is becoming too much commercial and many teacher and so called “Yogis” have very little or no understanding of the Yoga path in its entirety.

Yoga has become just a matter of performing some “stunt moves” on a rubber mat. But, the truth is that, even for the physical training, if the right attitude and feelings are not present then the Yoga exercises will be just like any other exercise. It will, of course, bring benefits to the practitioner, but that will be only partial, not the real life transforming experience that one may be looking for. As we have seen, more and more, people are realizing this, and there is somehow, a search and an interest for going back to Traditional Yoga.

The first question is: where to go to learn Traditional Yoga? The most obvious answer would be: “India”. But nowadays even in India, commercial Yoga has taken over, and you can meet with either a good or a bad teacher or school, in India, or in any other Asian country. Literally thousands of workshops, retreats and teacher training courses are being offered throughout South East Asia, in countries like Thailand. And for one desiring to have an authentic Yoga experience (instead of just learning some acrobatic postures here and there) a good amount of research is necessary, before choosing a teacher or a course.

And which type of course? Well, the best way to absorb Yoga is to make it a part of one’s own life and then sharing it with others and teaching. That’s why more and more people are looking for Yoga Teacher Training Courses, because, besides being provided with the learning experience, at the end, one can be qualified and certified as a Yoga Teacher.

For this kind of program, the advice would be:

First, one should not undertake such a program only with the certification in mind, but to take it with a sincere interest in self-development and motivated by an altruistic desire to help one and others. Second, luxurious retreats usually divert the focus from the Yoga objectives, not serving the real purpose of simple, ecological and modest lifestyle which is in the core of Yoga. Then, choosing a school which follows a genuine Yoga lineage which upholds the traditional values of Yoga. Be aware of self-proclaimed gurus & too many mixture and fusions of “Yoga styles”.

Finally, if the program is a full immersion experience, that should enable one to live a yogic and holistic lifestyle which means, having a residential course, following a well structured routine including healthy diet arrangements and encouraging a meditative mood. Further, it should include a serious study of traditional Yoga texts like “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” and “Bhagavad Gita”. Practice and theory should go hand in hand. Of course the curriculum should also include anatomy & physiology classes, methodology and teaching practice.

But one thing is for sure, a Yoga course, especially if it’s a Teacher Training, which only teaches Asanas, and does not encourage a yogic lifestyle (having a good routine, vegetarian diet, abstaining from intoxicants - for at least 1 month period) and does not include the study of the Yoga philosophy, is certainly not imparting authentic Yoga. In here I would quote Leonardo da Vinci who said:

“He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast”.

So, if you are travelling throughout South East Asia don’t miss the opportunity to find a good Yoga course and perhaps even return home certified and a Yoga Teacher.

This article was written, to be published at the South East Asia Backpacker Magazine, by Jeenal Mehta & Daniel Fonseca, co-founders of Wise Living Yoga Academy which is authorized to impart Yoga Teacher Training Courses on the tradition of The Yoga Institute of Santacruz in Mumbai, India – the world’s oldest organized Yoga Institution. The residential programs are held regularly in Bali (Indonesia) & Chiang Mai (Thailand) throughout the year and are accredited by the Yoga Alliance at the 200 hours level, allowing the graduates to teach Yoga in any part of the world.

Please follow the links to know more about our YTT courses 200 hours in 2012/2013:

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Minas Gerais, Brazil

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Bali, Indonesia

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Bali Yoga Teacher Traning 2012 completed successfully!

Dear friends & Yoga enthusiasts,

I have been travelling all over the world, across the oceans every few months to conduct our Yoga Teacher Training Programs. And the last one at Bali was an experience of a lifetime!

What a beautiful place Bali is! So allow me to rewind this awesome & spiritual experience of conducting our 1 month Yoga Teacher Program in Bali. It took 1 year of sincere planning, hard work and a lot of dedication to arrange our Yoga Teacher Training course in Bali.

Green rice fields and mountains view from the rooms!

It was in 2011 that we (myself Jeenal, Daniel and Stefano) met in Ubud - Bali to discuss our plans and started to look for a suitable place for our students.

A place which is a blend of natural beauty and comfort for our students. And finally we found Shanti Loka! This stunningly beautiful resort which was our private paradise during the course. Set in the middle of acres of green rice fields and with sea & horizon at a distance. Lovely cool nights and sunny days with birds, insects, flowers and fauna all around us. This was our place for Yoga! Blissful!

Deity of a Balinese God

Twilight..sea..rice fields..sunset from the balcony of the room!

We had wonderful participants from all over the world and as soon as they met each other, their friendship began. So many smiles...and the journey had commenced! The early mornings were filled with meditation, asana & breathing practices.

A lot of learning & sharing happened every moment. It was an intensive course and demanded sincereity and dedication towards Yoga.

The students learnt so much: Asanas, Pranayamas, Yoga philosophy, Samkhya - Metaphysics of Yoga, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Phisiology and Anatomy, Kriyas - Detoxification techniques besides Yoga Methodology and Teaching Practice to improve thier teaching skills. And to go along were weekly assignments, group projects and presentation.

Having a very organised approach and a great synergy between the our teachers, we guided the students to the best of our capacity and all the students made through....really well!. It was definitely a lot of hard work which was highy rewarding and had a deep positive effect in everybody's life.

Students having a philosophy class with Stefano.

Students having an Asana class with Jeenal.

Everybody enjoying healthy vegetarian food!

The food served was healthy and delicious. All were happy eating vegetarian food and for some of them it proved to be a real life changing experience. Vegetarian food is a very important part of Yoga and in our course we do our best to make the diet nutritious and balanced.
It was a blend of fresh fruits, vegetables and salads, so many different juices, a lot of soya tempe and tofu for protein, coconut juice and milk, nuts, brown rice and of course plenty of water! Yes...everyone was nourished!

Outings to Balinese temples and lakes on Sundays!

And, then comes weekend holidays!!
We give equal importance to recreation, rest and fun! So on weekends our group went to beach, traditional Balinese hot springs, to different temples and lakes and other cultural places of interest.

Some liked to relax and sleep while some liked to venture out on weekends. And Bali is so beautiful, an island with so much color, culture and art. It was worth to see Bali during the course. The participants were able to absorb Yoga better in a spiritual and a natural place like Bali. It was lovely to observe and learn new things and meet new people!

Jeenal with the Sarah, Gabriela and Cammie
enjoying the rice fields on Sunday off!

Pranayama class with Daniel! Lot of sincerity and discipline!

And finally the days went by so quickly. Final written and practical examinations were near. With the help pf  Yogic practices & concepts everything went smooth and the students did really well.

It was an accomplishment to know how much they learnt with Yoga.

After the exams were over!

Happiness expressed! Yoga is love! Yoga is joy! Yoga is freedom!

The last two days were filled with celebration and bidding farewell to each other and thanking the lovely staff of Shanti Loka. Many smiles, may hugs, may tears! On the last night we had an awesome Balinese dance presentation and we all danced while enjoying the special Balinese coconut drink.

Everybody experienced deep friendship and love for each other. It was a cherishing experience indeed!

Celebrating together with the Shanti Loka staff
and students during the Certificate Ceremony!

All the students receive their certificates! Fresh yoga graduates!

Bali has touched our hearts so deeply that Wise Living Yoga Academy has already announced another course in May 2013. We wish that you too remove time from your busy schedule and join us to live with us an amazing experience of a lifetime. Yoga can change lives, bring love and so many smiles!

Namaste,
OM Shanti
Jeenal

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Wise Living Yoga Academy conducts Yoga Teacher Training Courses (200 hours) following the Methodology & Didactics of The Yoga Institute of Santacruz. The course is recognized by The International Board of Yoga - India and accredited by Yoga Alliance - USA (RYS-200 Level).

Please follow the links to know more about our YTT courses 200 hours in 2012/2013:

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Bali, Indonesia
- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Chiang Mai, Thailand