I completed the 200hr ttc here at Kranti yoga school on Patnem beach in March 2014. When deciding where to train in India, one of my main criteria was to be able to practice outdoors and feel connected to nature. At the beach front shala, which is so close to the sea you can enjoy the sounds of the ocean as you practice, all classes are outdoors and the shala itself is surrounded with coconut and mango trees and decorated very aptly with beautiful colourful drapes and finished with the amazing comfort of swinging beds! and hammocks! my idea of heaven!
There is a good balance of western and Indian teachers at the school which makes learning interesting, fun, dynamic and traditional. During the course we have looked into many topics theoretically and practically, such as: Asanas, pranayama, pratyahara,meditation,yamas and niyamas, kriyas, ayurveda, anatomy, alignment, adjustments, teaching methodology, sanskrit names...the list goes on! I can't believe how much I have learned in a month, I am so happy that I choose to study here at Kranti yoga school. Senior teachers Magda,Julia and Orsi are all very strong and very clear, consistent teachers who have helped me deepen my personal mysore practice and also made learning all the sanskrit names and asanas fun and managable, just about! Upendra teaches Philosophy, sutras, kriyas, meditation, pranayama etc...Nicknamed 'angel Upendra' he has an amazing ora and a wealth of knowledge and just to sit listen and discuss with him is truly a gift that I ma so grateful for. Kranti's workshops in hip opening, back bending and jump backs have helped me to improve in these areas and push myself beyond any fears or boundaries i may have had. His general approach and character around the shala is fun and friendly with a strong and serious, deep, technical focus in the workshops.I particularly enjoyed our introduction to Ayurveda and would like to learn more about the vast subject. It was also very interesting to have guest lectures from a Human anatomy Dr and The Hari krishna group who held a very intellectual discussion and also a beautiful energized sing n dancing session which left us all with big smiles and open hearts!
The vegetarian food served three times a day at the shala is AMAZING! healthy, fresh vegetables, rice, salads, dhals, mild curries and so much variety. The kitchen staff are so helpful and accommodating of personal dietary requirements. Rupesh and Nitesh are always happy to help with a friendly smile.
I have had such a memorable stay here at the shala, during my time here i have celebrated my birthday which was made so special by the Kranti yoga team, with a family made birthday cake, singing and dancing and chanting on the beach, a trip to a local temple which was such a beautiful colourful experience of the culture here. I was also lucky enough to celebrate Holi festival here which was another day filled with fun, laughter, colour and dancing.
Kranti yoga school is not an ashram. It is a fun and friendly, relaxed learning enviroment which is very connected to nature and full of love and openness. I have met the most amazing friends on this course and I am sure we will be connected for life through our spiritual yogic path. I have also been fortunate enough to stay on after the course and have the opportunity to assist in yoga classes which has been invaluable experience for me as a teacher. At Kranti yoga school, as in 'Yoga life' itself you can be as disciplined or relaxed in your lifestyle and approach as you want to be. 'self discipline' is exactly what it says. but it is not something that is strictly enforced here but it is encouraged.
Overall I have enjoyed my experience here more than I could have imagined. I came here with an open heart and an open mind and I am leaving here full of love and connection and my mind is overflowing with new information which i will take with me on the rest of my journey as a yoga teacher. For me this is the first step on an amazing path, one which I am excited to travel...Om shanti shanti shanti x x x
Stayed March 2014, travelled solo