How Traditional Practices in a Yoga School in Rishikesh Stand Out?

When it comes to joining a yoga teacher training course, students from across the world prioritise yoga schools in Rishikesh. There are indeed several reasons behind it; however, the most significant is the use of traditional teaching methods in these schools. 

In a yoga school in Rishikesh, students undergo a transformative experience, made possible by the implementation of authentic traditional yoga teaching techniques. Most modern yoga schools do not offer such an experience or implement these practices. 

These classical teaching techniques have been preserved for centuries and carried forward by the descendants of ancient yoga gurus. Due to these approaches, the YTT programs in Rishikesh stand out and offer numerous benefits to students on different levels. In this article, we will discuss a few of these practices and their benefits. 

Traditional Practices in a Yoga School in Rishikesh + Benefits

Traditional teaching techniques and practices ensure that students not only achieve a certificate by the end of the course but also experience a transformation. The following points will discuss the unique traditional methods employed in the yoga schools of Rishikesh and their benefits to students.

 

• Satvik Lifestyle in an Ashram-like Setting

The yoga schools of Rishikesh adhere to a Guru-Shishya tradition, where students are taught the fundamental principles and how to lead a yogic lifestyle. From waking up early to having satvik meals, sitting in dhyana and silence, and controlling one’s distractions, students are guided in many ways, beyond the classroom teachings. 

Benefits – Such a practice helps students experience inner peace and discipline. Their eating habits and sleeping patterns begin to improve, and they begin to lead a non-toxic and balanced lifestyle. 

 

• Learning from Sacred Books

In school, students learn yoga philosophy, history, and ethics directly from religious texts. Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and the Autobiography of a Yogi, among others, are part of the course curriculum. This proves that yoga is not just limited to practicing asanas, but also nurturing the mind and spirit.

Benefits – A balanced curriculum like this helps students gain wisdom and clarity of thought. They undergo a holistic transformation, not just physical, which ultimately helps them improve their way of perceiving things and understand their life’s objectives. 

 

• Meditation Sessions

Meditation or dhyana sessions are an inevitable part of a yoga teacher training course. During these sessions, students are exposed to guided, mantra, or muted meditations. They also learn about techniques of deep concentration and mindfulness practices. 

Benefits – Dhyana sessions are popular for reducing stress, thereby helping students cultivate inner peace and focus on their strengths. This ultimately helps them learn and practice deeply, and in the long run, teach effectively.  

 

• Pranayama or Breathing Exercises

Conscious breath control is a significant aspect of yoga. Pranayama, or Pran (life force) + Ayama (expansion), is the procedure used to control breath in different patterns. 

Students in Rishikesh’s yoga schools are taught several breathing techniques, including Nadi Shodhana, Kapalbhati, Bhastrika pranayama, and Agnisaar, among others. These time-honoured traditional techniques are practiced daily throughout the course. 

Benefits – Practicing pranayama not only helps students balance the body between poses but also improves the flow of energy and the functioning of the organs. Just like meditation, it promotes intellectual clarity and emotional balance, helping students to stay focused and peaceful. 

 

• Mantra Recitation

Mantra chanting is a powerful technique to bring your mind and body into a state of calmness. It is widely popular that reciting mantras in groups can intensify both their power and effect. In yoga schools of Rishikesh, Sanskrit mantras such as Aum (also known as Om) and the Gayatri mantra are regularly chanted. 

Benefits – Similar to meditation and Pranayama, this traditional technique enhances students’ concentration and calms the mind. It also uplifts their spirit, making them contented and grateful to the Almighty. 

 

• Shatkarma or Cleansing Technique

Yogic cleaning techniques, such as Jal Neti, Dhauti Kriya, Basti, and Netra Shuddhi, are methods to purify the body’s organs. These techniques are taught to students in all three types of yoga teacher training programs. 

Benefits – Shatkarma techniques are designed to cleanse and detoxify the body’s organs, allowing the practitioner to live a disease-free life. From respiratory health to digestion, and others, students begin to experience overall improvement. As a result, their ability to sit in pranayama and meditation sessions gets promoted. 

 

• Spiritual Discussions

The YTT courses in Rishikesh’s schools also include spiritual discussions with the mentors. In these sessions, students have the opportunity to ask questions about yoga philosophy, queries from the sacred texts, and their experiences.

Benefits – These crucial discussions with the teachers help students understand the yoga philosophy and also open up about their comprehension of scriptural texts. Their minds gain clarity, and they tend to move more confidently towards their objectives.

• Bhakti Sessions

Since Rishikesh is a beacon of spirituality and devotion, staying untouched by keertans and bhakti sessions is impossible. Arti by the Ganges is not the only way to thank the Almighty; students also participate in devotional evenings held on the school premises. 

Benefits – Devotional songs and sessions help students open their hearts and immerse themselves in the aura of positivity and vigour. Moreover, those who know how to play musical instruments or are skilled singers can showcase their talents and encourage others to join in.

Final Thoughts – How Traditional Practices in a Yoga School in Rishikesh Stand Out?

Thus, traditional teaching techniques and practices enable students to leverage the benefits of yoga schools and embark on a transformative journey. Joining an authentic and holistic yoga teacher training in a reputed yoga school in Rishikesh is an unmissable opportunity if you seriously aspire to become a yoga teacher. You will not only earn an RYT certificate from Yoga Alliance USA, but also a gift of a new life. 

Schools like Nirvana Yoga School are an ideal example of institutions that follow traditional teaching techniques in the YTT courses. That’s why numerous students from different parts of the world join such schools and begin their unique journey. If you are one of them, contact them promptly for a consultation.