What To Expect From A Yoga Ashram?

Many people attend yoga holidays, retreat courses and online yoga lessons. However, the experience of visiting a yoga ashram, is on another level altogether. It is a more traditional way to immerse yourself in the realm. If you want to master the practices and teachings of yoga, then you have got to visit a yoga ashram. The ashram is just like a monastery or spiritual den, where the teacher and the student develop a mutual tie. For some people, a visit to the ashram can be a very rewarding experience, while for others, it can be a bit different. You can head to an ashram or a traditional yoga school, for the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.

It is going to be the best start ever, for a life, that is soaked in yogic practices. It is the precursor for many things, such as enhanced yoga practice and a great career in yoga. You will be able to unearth a new life altogether, after you complete your course at the ashram.

If you are visiting an ashram for the first time, here are a few things, that you should know.

Things To Know Before Visiting The Ashram

· The first thing that will come forth, are the rules. The rules at the ashram are very similar to those at a Gurukul. In fact, ashrams follow the same path as Gurukuls. Different ashrams have different kinds of rules. It is based on the teachings and the lineage they are following. Most ashrams allow students or attendees to have a vegetarian diet, while at the ashram. Many also have rules on couple attendees attending the classes together, or staying in the same room. You have to dress conservatively and follow the stringent routine at the ashram. The more traditional the lineage, the more stringent are the rules.

· Ashrams are mainly developed under the tutelage of one or two main Gurus. So, it is absolutely necessary for you, as a student to know, under whom you are learning. Moreover, the ideologies must match. Most gurus have their disciples teaching at the classes. However, you may get opportunities to attend sermons once in a while. Many ashrams have built temples for their deceased Gurus. So, you are expected to pay your respects there as well. If the said Guru had set up multiple ashrams, you may visit each one of them, to understand the course of study better. Before you join the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, it is absolutely necessary, that you become accustomed to the place.

· You must understand, that practice is important in a subject like yoga. The attraction of joining a ashram for a residential course is ample practice, under the teachers. So, you must be prepared to experience yoga in the class as well as outside it, as you stay at the ashram for a month. You will also be entitled to attend meditation and Pranayama classes. There will be mantra chanting sessions as well as satsangs at the yoga ashram as well.

· Get ready for Seva. Most ashrams encourage the students to offer seva. This allows the students to go deeper into the practice. It is really Karma Yoga, in the actual form, that people preach. And, yoga students get the chance to do it at the ashram. You must volunteer for 30-40 hours of seva at the ashram, either during the course on weekends or after.

· When you head to the ashram, for any course whatsoever, you will be encouraged to switch to a Sattvic lifestyle. The food that will be offered to all guests and students, mostly comprise fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains cooked lightly or blanched. Moreover, you have to refrain from your daily dose of coffee and tea. Juices and herbal concoctions are permissible. Many ashrams have herbal stores in the premises, which you can visit and get your supplies for home.

· If you are one of those, who are doing the 300 Hour Yoga TTC in Rishikesh, after having completed the 200-hour course, then you may be well-acquainted with ashram life by now. You will be able to connect with the yoga community at large. There will be many life-minded people around you. The older generation also practices at such ashrams, something staying there over months and years. You have a lot to learn from such individuals.  These people are very friendly, and you will surely get the best tips on yoga.

· You will be able to connect with mother nature in the ashrams, which often conduct their yoga classes in the open. The atmosphere is extremely good at the place. So, by now, you probably know, what to expect at the ashrams. If you are coming down from one of the western countries, then this is your opportunity to delve deep into Indian culture and traditions. You will also find well-ventilated halls, where you can practice yoga. Additionally, you will also be taken on temple tours and local excursions while you stay there. The same helps to open up the possibilities.

The typical schedule at any ashram in India is almost the same. If you are there on your second turn, while doing the 300 Hour Yoga TTC in Rishikesh, you will absolutely love the experience.

Typical Sessions At Ashrams In Rishikesh

The day starts with morning prayers, followed by Shatkarma kriyas. You will also meditate for a while. Thereafter, the yoga sessions start, after which you will break for breakfast. You can re-join the yoga sessions after that, and also attend mantra classes. Karma yoga or seva follows. You may feed the cows and goats at the ashram, as well. As, the same amounts to seva. After lunch, you can also do another round of asanas, or Pranayama. After you are done, you can attend meditation classes and move around the place, in your own free time.

Most ashrams also take the students and guests for local spiritual expeditions. You can expect them as well. A detour of the Ganga beach is also on the cards.