Did you know that more than 7 million people practice yoga every day? The number has increased significantly during the pandemic and yoga has become a lifesaver for many. As the ancient science of well-being, yoga allows you to integrate your heart, head, and body and experience life in a more calm and conscious way. If you practice yoga already, you would have experienced tremendous changes within yourself already.
Yoga is really for anyone. You don’t have to be flexible to begin yoga. You don’t have to be skinny to begin yoga. You don’t have to be anything to begin yoga. Yoga teaches us the path of self-realization, optimum health, and mental well-being. Who wouldn’t enjoy that?
In a fast-paced world of constant comparison, running the corporate ladder and materialism, yoga can help us to re-connect to our authentic self, become more aware of our personal needs and slow down a little. What if you took some time off to find your own peace and happiness?
“Happiness is the new rich.
Inner peace is the new success.
Health is a new wealth.
Kindness is the new cool”
What is Yoga Teacher Training in India exactly?
A Yoga Teacher Training in India is an intensive yoga course that teaches you all about yoga from a foundational base to more intermediate levels. You can say that it’s an immersion into all aspects of yoga from A to Z. This makes it suitable for all levels of practitioners from beginner to advanced. It doesn’t matter which age you are or how long you practiced yoga already.
There are usually two types of Yoga Teacher Training: a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India and a 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India.
Each last around 20-30 days when completed as a full immersion/ residential full-time course.
The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training covers all basic and foundational knowledge and practice, whereas the 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is specifically designed for yoga teachers and advanced practitioners who wish to elevate their existing skills and knowledge professionally.
A 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India is for anyone, also those who are not looking to teach yoga professionally but simply wish to gain more understanding in yoga and develop their yoga practice, physical and mental health, and well-being. The subjects being taught in a Yoga Teacher Training in India are:
Asana
Alignment
Meditation
Shatkarma (Yogic Cleansing)
Pranayama (Breathing Techniques)
Philosophy
Anatomy
Teaching Methodology
What is the difference between a YTT in India and the West?
The main difference between a yoga teacher training in India and in Europe or America is that the course syllabus is much more thorough. This means really all aspects of yoga and Sanskrit philosophy are covered in India. It is very rare to find courses that teach about Shatkarma (Yogic Cleansing) and Sanskrit in Western countries as there is a lack of understanding and qualified teachers. In India, registered yoga teacher training courses are led by not only certified teachers, but yogis who have lived and followed the path of yoga for their entire life and even studied at MA or Ph.D. level Yogic Science. Do you get the idea?
It also happens a lot that yogic concepts and terms are mistranslated in English and Western centers as all root wisdom was mentioned in Sanskrit only. Due to the lack of Sanskrit speaking teachers, many terms especially asana names are translated wrong (even at the very popular centers or in bestseller yoga books).
If you are looking to learn the true meaning of yoga asana, pranayama, and its in-depth philosophy, please understand this important aspect before choosing your yoga teacher training center.
How would a Day in Yoga Teacher Training look like?
Of course, the daily schedule varies from program to program, but this is what a day in Yoga Teacher Training in India usually would look like:
| Time | Subject/Program |
| 6:00 | Shatkarma (Kriyas) |
| 6:50 | Fruits and Tea Break |
| 7:00 | Pranayama |
| 8:15 | Yoga Asana |
| 9:45 | Brunch (Vegetarian/Vegan) |
| 10:30 | Yoga Philosophy or Anatomy |
| 11:45 | Ayurveda or Yoga Therapy |
| 14:00 | Karma Yoga |
| 15:00 | Break |
| 16:00 | Yoga Asana |
| 17:45 | Meditation |
| 18:45 | Dinner (Vegetarian or vegan) |
Rishikesh, India is the Birthplace of Yoga
Yoga was mentioned in the Rig Vedas around 5000 years ago. The ancient techniques and wisdom were passed on from yogi to yogi since then. Rishikesh is also known as the Yoga Capital of the World or birthplace of yoga as here, many Rishis (yogis, seers) began their yogic practice and lifestyle. The energy in Rishikesh is very special, magical, and peaceful. The city is divided into two parts by the holy Ganges River, and the three hanging bridges Laxman, Janki, and Ram Jhula make the scenery and energy even more divine and unique. Cows are walking across the city and like-minded yogis from all around the globe meet and lift up each other without judgment.
Rishikesh is the number 1 location in the world when looking for inner peace, transformations, self-growth, overcoming trauma, and experiencing the beauty and simplicity of life again.
What Else Makes Rishikesh the Best Place for a Yoga Teacher Training?
Learning from The Most Authentic Teachers:
At a Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, you will find teachers who lived and practiced yoga their entire lives. You will find teachers whose purpose it is to pass on the ancient techniques of yoga and help you to gain inner clarity and well-being. A teacher is not only someone who teaches and leaves, committed yoga teachers will be your guides for your entire live and assist you in life’s ups and downs whenever you ask for it. Another plus point is that most of the teachers here also professionally studied yogic sciences or Ayurveda at university, so they will also hold a Masters or PhD in Yoga which is a highly recognized degree type.
Traditional Approach of Yoga
Yoga is unfortunately becoming more and more westernized and commercial. Many teachers lack knowledge, discipline and understanding of the root concepts of yoga and which leads to mistranslations and malpractice. In Rishikesh, you will learn the original, first and holistic approach of yoga in its ancient form. Studying with the first and ancient texts in Sanskrit and English, you can be sure to learn real yoga it its original form yet contemporary context. Creating a strong foundation here and learning the correct practices as well as terms, allows you to stick out, gain the maximum benefits and be a better guide for other as well. Traditional yoga focuses on gaining optimum health first, following disciplines, dietary changes and cleansing techniques first. It will be an overall personal transformational process first in order to be able to grow and share.
Yogic Environment and Guidance:
Being surrounded by like-minded people, positive vibrations and supportive energy creates a wonderful environment. You will be able to open up, let go and immerse yourself into the heart-opening path of yoga. Guidance is always required, and being around people who listen, support and assist you allows you to establish yourself further. At a Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, you will be studying and practicing at a yogic facility (ashram or retreat center). Following a sattvic (pure) life-style in such an environment (no alcohol, smoking, vegetarian food only) has immense effects on your body, mind and psyche.
Affordable Courses and Accommodation:
Yoga Teacher Training courses in India and especially Rishikesh are affordable. You get a lot for what you pay and this is wonderful because it makes yoga accessible for everyone. While such courses cost 4000 Euro easily in Europe or even mor e in the US, in Rishikesh you will pay around 1500 Euro including all accommodation, meals and course materials for an entire month. The accommodations are usually simple but cosy and beautiful, a little oasis after a long day learning.
Life-Changing Experience:
Getting the full-time yoga experience, learning yoga from its roots, moving away from materialism and fast-paced living and being guided by expert teachers and inspiring souls simply gives you the best and most life-changing experience. Learning yoga between the Himalayas, Ganges River and Tiger Reserve is breath-taking and rejuvenating. There are many more reasons that make Rishikesh so unique and beautiful, but maybe it’s the time now to check it out and experience it for yourself. Doing your yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India will be a once-n-a-lifetime experience and will transform yourself and life for the better forever.
Yoga Teacher Training at Gyan Yog Breath
Gyan Yog Breath is one of the oldest and most traditional yoga institutes in India. With modern teaching methodologies and an open-minded approach, they built a strong bridge between Eastern wisdom and Western mindset which attracts many Western yoga practitioners, teachers, and newbies to take admission in one of the courses.
Features of the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Gyan Yog Breath:
- Emotional Blockage Treatment and Ayurveda as additional Modules included
- Comprehensive Course Curriculum and Materials
- Multi-lingual Team (We speak your language, too!)
- European assistant in India
- 24/7 Customer Care
- Advance PDF books as preparations
- Yoga Alliance Certification
- 21 Days full-immersion
Check out the unique Yoga Teacher Training courses in Rishikesh, India at Gyan Yog Breath here.
