What is the Best Meditation Teacher Training in Rishikesh?

I recently completed, in my opinion, the best meditation teacher training in Rishikesh. The official name of the course is Himalayan Yoga Tradition Teacher Training Program (HYT-TTP). It includes hatha yoga but it is mainly a meditation course. Meditation is the core teaching of the HYT, and that's exactly what I love about it.

Sadhana Mandir Yoga Ashram: An ideal meditation spot in Rishikesh, India

Rishikesh is such an amazing place, it is like the yoga capital of the world, the place to be when it comes to yoga. But if you've ever been in Rishikesh you know how overwhelming it can be sometimes. With so many ashrams and yoga teachers all around the place and thousands of spiritual seekers everywhere it can be a bit hard to find a really peaceful place to actually relax and meditate. Luckily I did found such a place at Swami Rama's Ashram called Sadhana Mandir.

Birthday Celebration of Yogis at Santosh Puri Ashram in Haridwar, India

"You are very lucky to have arrived in such an auspicious day" everybody at Santosh Puri Ashram kept telling me this again and again. Indeed I was very lucky, I had arrived at the ashram in Haridwar the same day of the celebration of Mataji's and her daughter Mandikni's birthday. Mataji (Narvada Devi Puri Ma) is the guru or spiritual guide of Shri Santosh Puri Ashram.

Shri Santosh Puri Yoga Ashram in Haridwar, India

While I was still living in Europe, about two years ago, and planning my journey to India to study and practice yoga and meditation my dear friend Virginie recommended me to spend some time at Shri Santosh Puri Ashram in Haridwar. She and my buddy Xavier (both French) had stayed at this ashram for a yoga therapy course and they both had very positive remarks about this place so I decided to include it in my plan.

The Magic of India: Incredible Kerala Hindu Temple Festival

Elephant playing with water during festival

India is such and amazing country. During my second night at Arsha Yoga Gayathri, an ashram right next to a paradise beach not so far away from Fort Cochin, Harilal and Meera (the owners of the ashram) invited all the guests staying at the ashram to the town nearby, so we could experience an incredible Kerala Hindu Temple Festival.

Arsha Yoga: a Small Yoga Ashram in Kerala, Near Fort Kochi

Arsha Yoga Gayathri is small and peaceful yoga ashram in Kerala, right next to a paradise beach! It is located about two hours drive from Fort Kochi (65km), or one hour and half (60 km) from Cochin International Airport. It is ideal for a personal retreat, but you gotta follow the strict routine.

A yoga class in Fort Cochin, Kerala, India

Fort Cochin traditional fishing nets

"You have got to visit Sajee in Fort Cochin and practice yoga with him", my friend Marshall from Brazil had insisted again and again. Since about a year and half ago he mentioned me many times what a great Yoga teacher Sajee is. Finally, after an unexpected visit to a dear friend at Swami Dayananda Ashram in Coimbatore I was able to follow my friend's advice and I traveled a bit more south to search for Sajee's yoga studio and join his yoga class in Cochin.

Visiting a friend at Swami Dayananda Ashram in Coimbatore

Last February I finally had the opportunity to visit my dear friend Elouise at Swami Dayananda Ashram in Coimbatore (Arsha Vidya Gurukulam) where she is following the gurukulam program, a three years Vedanta course. Thanks to her I had an amazing time during this trip, she took very good care of me and made me feel very welcome. For about a year and half we had tried to arrange a get together but we never really managed to do it although we both had been in India all that time.

Yoga Classes in Boudha (Boudhanath), Kathmandu, Nepal

Looking for a yoga class in Boudha (Boudhanath), Kathmandu? Starting April 1st, 2013 and until the end of June 2013 I'll be teaching Classical Hatha Yoga Classes at the Bouddha Inn Meditation Center in Kathmandu, Nepal. You are very welcome to join the daily yoga classes.

The Cremation of Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche at Benchen Monastery, Nepal

Cremation of Tenga Rinpoche

A couple of days ago on March 23, 2012 I had the opportunity to be present during the cremation of the body of a special being, venerable Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche a highly regarded Buddhist Lama (guru) from Tibet. The cremation of Tenga Rinpoche's Kudung (precious body) took place at Benchen Monastery in Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, Nepal.