DAILY DROP-IN CLASSES IN RISHIKESH, INDIA
Daily drop-in yoga classes in Rishikesh are open to all. Whoever is seeking to study the blended practices of Yoga are welcome to join. Included in the practice are Ashtanga Primary Series, Classical Hatha, Pranayama, Spiritual Discussion, Self Discipline, Mantra Chanting, and Meditation with traditional and classical methods.
Our yoga teaching and practices are based on two classical styles: Ashtanga yoga and Hatha yoga which includes Pranayama and Meditation. Therefore, one can learn a yoga style according to individual nature at our yoga classes in Rishikesh.
Hatha yoga is more than practicing asanas. And it’s really good for the beginners to start with Hatha Yoga so they can go through the basics of psychophysical training. It constitutes a four-fold practice which leads to Raja Yoga (Royal journey to the self).
The 15th century text called Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Sage Swatma Ram explains Hatha Yoga by first three sutras:
1. śrī-ādi-nāthāya namo|astu tasmai
- yenopadiṣhṭā haṭha-yogha-vidyā |
- vibhrājate pronnata-
- rāāroḍhumichchoradhirohiṇīva || 1.1 ||
Salutation to the first yogi Lord Adinath who imparted the wisdom of Hatha Yoga, like a ladder leads the aspirant to the highest apex of Raja Yoga.
2. praṇamya śrī-ghuruṃ nāthaṃ
- svātmārāmeṇa yoghinā |
- kevalaṃ rāja-yoghāya haṭha-
- vidyopadiśyate ||1.2 ||
Yogi Swatma Rama, after saluting his guru Shree Adinath, explains Hatha yoga as the attainment of Raja Yoga.
3. bhrāntyā bahumata-dhvānte rāja-
- yoghamajānatām |
- haṭha-pradīpikāṃ dhatte
- svātmārāmaḥ kṝpākaraḥ || 1.3 |
Thereafter, he also explains why Raja Yoga is not known. Owing to the darkness arising from the multiplicity of opinions people are unable to reach Raja Yoga. Compassionate Swatma Rama composes the Hatha Yoga Pradipika like a torch to dispel it.
Ashtanga Yoga System,
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is a meditative, dynamic sequence which has unique and effective components, both physically and mentally, that lead to the stillness of mind, detoxification, lightness, and joy at the end. Ashtanga Yoga consists of a systematic sequence of Asanas, gentle, even and rhythmic breathing such as Ujjayi Pranayama and nine Drishtis (gazing points). The term we use in Sanskrit, “Tristhanam” means to “do your action consciously over three areas: body, breath, and mind.”
Traditionally we follow two types of Ashtanga yoga practices at our drop in classes in Rishikesh. One is traditional Mysore style in which students are expected to know the primary series and to practice by their own rhythm under the guidance of a teacher. The second practice is a Lead Class in which the teacher guides and instructs students by giving commands in the class.
For beginners, it normally takes a minimum of two months to learn Ashtanga Primary Series with a teacher and to remember the sequence of asanas.
There will be no Ashtanga classes on Wednesday as well as new and full moon days.
Beginners must have patience in Mysore classes and systematically do asanas given by teacher’s instruction. The best yoga classes in Rishikesh are open to all according to the schedule provided on the website and on the notice board at the Yogshala.
Our teaching on Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes:
- Alignment and correction of body posture
- Modification and technical preparation
- Warm up sequence and Surya Namaskar
- Hands-on gentle and strong adjustment
- Pranayama and Yoga Nidra with scientific instructions to bring the mood towards meditation
Drop in yoga classes Rishikesh can be joined to build a regular practice during your stay in the town. We have kept the normal price for per class INR 300 which is approximately USD 4.70. We recommend joining the Yoga classes for a minimum of one week so that you may be able to understand and become familiar with teacher instructions and style.
The yogic tools are available in the yoga hall but we prefer that you bring your own yoga mat to avoid negative reaction and thoughts from the mind.
There are no Hatha classes or meditation classes in Rishikesh on Sundays. Bipin Baloni gives drop-in classes in specific seasons due to conducting intense courses in Rishikesh and sometimes traveling overseas, so please check the schedule and updates on the website. In the absence of Bipin Baloni in Rishikesh, his assistant teachers take care of the regular classes, so please inform in advance by emails or directly book the classes at Rishikul Yogshala front desk.