Vasishta Yoga Research Foundation is a registered charitable trust located in South at Kerala. At Vasishta, we are dedicated to spreading yoga for the benefit of mankind.VYRF conducts yoga courses and every one. VYRF conducts yoga courses, workshops, seminars, holistic yoga therapy, and many other trainings and educational workshops concerning the deeper science of Yoga.
Our educational system is based on the gurukulam system (traditional way ofn teaching) in which students live in an ashram while studying under the tutelage of a master teacher. We offer excellent training in teaching skills which prepare students to be competent and confident yoga instructors. The aim of our education is to guide our student to deepen their understanding of yoga and its practical application in every day life. In this way, Yoga becomes both a transition and a transformation for the devoted yoga student.
Saji is the Director and Founder of International Vasishta Yoga Research Foundation and has been practicing yoga since the age of 17. Inspired by Swami Satyananda Saraswathi, he studied, learned and co-taught for 6 years with some of’s more traditional teachers.
Saji holds a PG Diploma & Bachelor of Yogic Sciences degree from VYASA University, where he also studied and was awarded a Diploma of Yoga Therapy and Naturopathy. He is a foremost expert in yoga therapy and has participated and represented in national as well as international yoga seminars and conferences and has conducted teachers training courses, workshops, seminars, retreats, yoga therapy camps and stress management programmes extensively in as well as many countries overseas.
Saji holds a PG Diploma & Bachelor of Yogic Sciences degree from VYASA University, where he also studied and was awarded a Diploma of Yoga Therapy and Naturopathy. He is a foremost expert in yoga therapy and has participated and represented in national as well as international yoga seminars and conferences and has conducted teachers training courses, workshops, seminars, retreats, yoga therapy camps and stress management programmes extensively in as well as many countries overseas.
At present, Saji is focusing on teaching different levels of yoga courses and therapy programmes in and abroad . He has trained many very dedicated students and teachers all over the world and travels extensively giving lectures and retreats.
Saji’s background in the traditional lineage has given him the deepest experiences of the great science of yoga which goes way beyond mere academic knowledge. Saji’s life is totally dedicated to the teaching and spreading this great knowledge and experience.
This 12 days retreat is designed to give you space for inner yogic growth and deepen in the experience of yoga with practitioners from all around the world. Some years after your Yoga Teacher Training or any other deep experience in yoga you may look for more inspiration, you may have questions on practice and philosophy, you may search for more insights. These 12 days will create the space for exchange and learning from both outside and inside. Sadhana retreat is the unic posibiliy to combine lush nature, intense practice, sacred space of caves and temples, Ganga river blessings, great time with new yogic friends and all this under the loving and wise guidance of Saji.
This 4 weeks residential Yoga Teacher Training on Hatha & Tantra presents a systematic approach to classical practices such as Asana, Kriya, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, Relaxation, Mantra, and Meditation. Classes start at the Beginners level and progress through to the Intermediate level. The philosophical base and a variety of subtle practices are integrated in the course to make you discover the holistic way of living and teaching yoga. Theory and philosophy : Introduction to yoga, it’s traditional meaning and goal History and origins of yoga Introduction to Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita Introduction to Tantra Vidya Power of sanskrit and mantras Paths of yoga (Raja, Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, Mantra, Kriya) Study of Astanga yoga in Patanjali Yoga Sutras Study of Hatha yoga Pradipika of Swatmarama 5 koshas (layers of our beeing) 3 gunas (qualities of creation) 7 chakras and system of nadis (pranic body) 5 vayus (directions of prana) Asanas & Sukshma viyayamas : Classical asanas with multiple variations Body alignment Stretching and strengthening movements Assisting / ajustings Surya namaskar variations Loosening practices Focal points during asana Props Benefits, precautions and limitations Sequencing of asanas in balanced way Prenatal yoga Partner yoga Pranayamas : Kapalabhati Bhastrika Ujjai Bramaree Sitali Sitkari Nadi shodhana Vibhagya Kumbhakas Synchronization of prana and mantra Concentration on pranic mouvements Shatkarmas : Jala neti (cleansing of nostrils with water) Sutra Neti (cleansing of nostrils with string) Vamana Dhauti (yogic vomiting) Agnisara (energizing of the belly) Varisara Dhouti (Shankha prakshalana) (cleansing of digestive system) Trataka (candle gazing) Mudras and Bandhas : Mula bandha Uddiyana bandha Jalandhara bandha Maha bandha Finger, face and body mudras for paranayama and meditation Sound practices and chanting: Nadanusantana (A-U-M-AUM meditation) Voice opening exercices Mantras (for peace, for protection, classical mantras of Yoga, stotrams) Kirtans Bhajans Concentration and Meditation: Breath awareness Japa Ajapa japa Chakra meditations Yoga nidra Methodology & Psychology : Principles of teaching Use of language Creating balanced sequences for different purpose and different durations Sequencing by topic Different teaching styles Nonviolent communication Holding space Teaching in holistic way Demonstration and observation Ethics Anatomy and physiology: Skeleton Muscular system Respiratory system Nervous system Respect of anatomical limitations Trauma prevention
This 4 weeks residential Advanced Yoga Teacher Training is designed for the most serious and dedicated yoga teachers and aspirants. The student of this course should be a regular practitioner of basic Hatha Yoga. The course emphasize on the deeper understanding of classical Hatha, Tantra, Raja and Kriya Yoga incorporating a 75% practical and 25% theoretical course structure. The accent on pranayama and meditation makes of this course a perfect space to grow in your sadhana in order to bring further your yoga students. Course Content Theory and philosophy : Study of Tantra and Vedanta Gods, goddesses, avatars and their qualities Myths of the asanas Symbolism of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Devi Mahatmyam Advanced Asanas : Body alignment Stretching and strengthening movements Assisting / ajustings Family of Lotus pose Inversions Arm balances Advanced bends and hip openers Sequencing of asanas in balanced way Work with physical blockages Restorative yoga Advanced Pranayama : Ancient methods of tantric pranayamas Swara yoga pranayama Mantra pranayama Special kumbhakas Sequencing of classical pranayama : Kapalabhati Bhastrika Ujjai Bramaree Sitali Sitkari Nadi shodhana Vibhagya Classical and Advanced Shatkarmas : Basic and advance shat kriyas from ancient Hatha yoga system Jala neti (cleansing of nostrils with water) Sutra Neti (cleansing of nostrils with string) Vamana Dhauti (yogic vomiting) Varisara Dhouti (Shankha prakshalana) (cleansing of digestive system) Vastra dhauti (swalling of 2-6m cloth) Agnisara (energizing of the belly) Nauli (rolling of the belly) Trataka (candle gazing) Advanced Mudras & Bandhas : Classical bandha follow with tantric mudras Mula bandha Uddiyana bandha Jalandhara bandha Maha bandha Finger, face and body mudras for paranayama and meditation Sound practices and chanting: Voice opening exercices Advanced mantras, stotrams and archanas Kirtans Bhajans Advanced Meditation : Advanced tantric meditation Kriya yoga meditation Mantra yoga meditation Prana yoga meditation Advanced yoga nidra Prana nidra Ajapa japa meditation Antar mouna meditation Tattwa shuddi meditation Tantric Japa Yoga Ayurveda based on Samkhya philosophy : 24 tattvas (elements) 3 gunas (qualities) 3 doshas / 15 sub-doshas 7 dhatus (layers of the body) Power of herbs and natural remedies Fasting Methodology : Flow from basic to advanced practice Creating balanced sequences for different purpose and different durations Sequencing by topic Teaching in holistic way Design a program for a yoga retreat Transformational practices for sharing cercles
This 4 weeks residential Yoga Therapy Course is a wonderful possibility for certified yoga teachers to explore the healing potential of holistic yoga science. The course offers an understanding and integration of yoga therapy principles. It consists of the application of yogic methods and techniques for specific human ailments. By the end of this course students will have a solid and rich practical and theoretical knowledge and confidence for healing and handling the different diseases and general health issues plaguing humanity today. Yoga therapy is based upon the ancient Indian traditional science about human existence. According to this philosophy, human existence is comprised of 5 layers called Pancha koshas Annamaya kosha – the physical body Pranamaya kosha – the energetic body Manomaya kosha- the mental body Vijnanamaya kosha –the intuitive body Anandamaya kosa – the bliss body Each kosha has unique features and therefore requires a dedicated set of practices and techniques for balancing it. A disturbance in any one of the koshas tends to bring out imbalances in the other koshas. Likewise, a beneficial effect or healing in any one of the koshas, will have a corresponding beneficial healing in all other layers. Yoga therapy cultivates total body-mind integration and has very specific techniques for each of the five koshas, which help to balance and integrate them. Yoga therapy is applicable to a great variety of increasingly common modern day conditions such as Back pain, Asthma, Heart diseases, Spondylitis, Migraine, Anxiety, Depression etc. This is something that Western medicine with all its advances, has been unable to achieve; serving to treat symptoms only, but not the underlying the root cause of the disease. The result of successful yoga therapy is the fully balanced personality, free from illness and health issues Our course is certified Course content Theory, philosophy and psychology : Integrated approach of yogatherapy Concept of health and yoga Science of illness Therapeutic description of panchakosa Study of chakras States of consciousness and work with them Methods of yogic counseling Yogic games for concentration Disease & disorders : Asthma and Nasal Allergy Diabetes mellitus Ischemic heart diseases, Hypertension, Hypotension Back pain, Spondylitis, Arthritis Hernia Headache and Migraine Insomnia Obesity Eyes disorder, Women’s disorder, Dystrophy, Bulimia & Anorexia Psychiatric disorder Epilepsy Piles Digestive disorders (Acidity, Constipations, Duodenal Ulcer, Leucorrhoea, Irritable bowel syndrome) Depression, Anxiety Skin problems and
Accommodation Simple and comfortable accommodation will be provided for students during the entire course period. Most students enrolled in the course will be expected to share a room with one or two other trainees. However, students can also request for single accommodation, and depending on the availability, this can be provided at an additional cost.
Meals All meals are prepared according to the strict standard of a nutritionally sound yogic diet. Diet plays a very important role in the successful practice of yoga and has an intimate connection with the mind. Meat, fish and eggs are therefore not allowed. Here the yoga student will enjoy pure vegetarian meals which are fresh, organic, natural and of high quality.