A view of the grounds from outside pod #9. The "Beatles Ashram": The ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, built in 1963 and abandoned in 1997. It's now under control of the Indian forest department, which is fitting as the forest is beginning to consume the ashrams grounds. The Beatles arrived here in 1968 to learn transcendental meditation. This is what put Rishikesh on the map, and what has largely been credited for opening the Western world up to Indian spirituality and culture. Many of the Beatles spent months here, outside of the spotlight. Some stayed longer than others. The Beatles wrote many songs during this period, many of which can be found on the White Album.
A fairy tale journey - The Times of India
A fairy tale journey - The Times of India
"I gave up the idea of becoming a musician and dedicated myself to finding my way back to what it was that had touched me so deeply. I began to practise different spiritual disciplines. Like many others, I was very influenced by Paramahansa Yogananda's book Autobiography of a Yogi, and so I took initiation into Kriya yoga. As a result of the Kriya yoga meditation, I had powerful experiences of tremendous energy, light, and bliss." Andrew Cohen
10 life-changing yoga vacations - MSNBC
10 life-changing yoga vacations MSNBC There are plenty of new yoga retreats every season, but planning a yoga vacation requires discernment. Many luxury resorts, like The Tides, are now hosting various retreats, and the huge differences are the quality of spa services and the level of ... |
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[Source: YOGA RETREATS - Google News - Posted by FreeAutoBlogger]
Sri Ved Niketan Ashram
Across the river on the Eastern side of the Ganges, turn right after the footbridge and it's a five minute walk. The classes offer gentle yoga style similar to the Bihar School of Yoga and classes cover gentle warm ups for the joints, a few asanas and some pranayama. Meditation classes are offered too. Classes are held morning and evening in the big central hall. 
One month courses held seven times a year, and cover asana, pranayama and yoga and Hindu philosophy. It is not obligatory to participate in the classes, bhajans or satsangs in order to stay on the grounds.Ashram runs yoga and Mediatation classes regularly. Govt is planning to have its First Yoga Acedemy in India, in the ashram.Transcendental Meditation Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Once the most active ashrams in sixties has very few activities rarely. The ashram is best located in the forests on the banks Ganga and is ideal for meditation.
Phone: 91-1364-2433537 / 2430279
Parmarth Niketan
One of the most active ashrams in the area. Ashram runs traditional Indian School, Guest house and Ganga Arti every evening.Phone: 91-1364-2440088 / 2434301 / 2434308
Yoga Niketan Ashram
Located near the footbridge, just south of the Shivananda Ashram, classes are taught in a traditional Indian teaching style. Asanas taught are the classical postures with few variations or adjustments. Class instructors often use the sing-song voice sometimes found in India as they gently urge you to 'Relaaaax'. The green ashram grounds full of monkeys are a short, steep walk up from the main road, taking you towards river 
views and away from the bustle. To stay on the ashram you need to commit to 15 days or more and attendance at the morning and evening yoga and meditation classes is compulsory. Those not staying on the ashram are welcome to attend classes and can also use the library.
Yoga Study Centre
Yoga Study Centre, Ganga Vihar, Haridwar Road(Phone: 91-1364-2431196) is one of the best and most dedicated ashram to Hatha Yoga. Yoga classes are held in the morning and in the evening every day under the supervision of Shree Rudra Dev, one of the most dedicated yoga teethed in the area. Bramachari Rudra Dev, a senior Iyengar teacher, conducts lessons in a rather militaristic style and students need to move quickly to keep up. Many western students appreciate his style and are able to feel the warmth behind his challenging adjustments. While Br. Dev's English is fluent, it might take a few days to get used to his accent, which is so strong that it is sometimes hard to tell whether he is speaking English or Hindi. His students are a mix of locals and Westerners. Donated mats and blankets are provided though if you are concerned about cleanliness you might want to bring your own. As with most Indian yoga schools, women should dress modestly. There are classes daily at the centre. Twenty day intensives are held three times a year during February, April and September. The centre is closed from mid-December to mid-January and for March, May and June. The Yoga Study Centre is on the other side of town from the other ashrams, and from where most people stay. A constant stream of Rs3 shared rickshaws move up and down the main road, and many go as far as the centre.
There are a number of places to learn Yoga in India, like Mysore (home of K.Pattabhi Jois) , Pune also Poona(home of B.K.S.Iyengar), Goa , the southern state of Kerala, but people primarily visit Rishikesh to learn or practice Yoga and meditation, rightly, famous as the 'Yoga Capital of the World. Rishikesh is the home of many Ashrams or independent teachers, teaching Yoga in Rishikesh. One can also find classes on music and other fine arts along with Yoga. There are several Ashrams around Ram Jhoola and Laxman Jhoola, along the banks of Ganga (Ganges) where one can stay and learn meditation and Yoga. While Ashram stays would be preferable for serious students who can stay on for a long time and practice, others can stay in nearby hotels and take short courses. First timers may indeed be shocked at some of the conditions in the ashrams although seasoned practitioners can see it as part of their Sadhana.
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