A friend from China wrote in asking me for a list of reputed institutions where she could learn Yoga. By Yoga I mean Yog Darshana and not only Asanas which most people associate Yoga with today.
Here is list of organizations where one can learn Yoga. Matter taken from organization websites.
1. Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, Maharashtra
Kaivalyadhama teaches and follows the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali, the pioneer who laid down the foundation for traditional yoga. It was founded by Swami Kuvalayanandaji. The ashram in Lonavala is an ocean of peace, just the perfect setting to learn and practice Yoga. It has a college of yoga and yogic hospital within the campus.
The Kaivalyadhama Ashram is the spiritual heart and focus of the Institute, and it is under this influence that the various departments does function. The Scientific Research Department, to study the quantitative Physiological, Radiological, Psychological, Sportive, Biochemical and Neurological contexts of Yoga. The Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis, theoretical and practical training for Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Teacher Training, Yoga Therapy and Specialist Courses for Management Development. The Srimati Amolakdevi Tirathram Gupta Yogic Hospital and Healthcare Centre; Yoga, Diet, Ayurveda and Naturopathy Treatment Centres, all under Medical Supervision.
It offers a certificate course in Yoga, foundation courses in Yoga and Ayurveda and a B.A. in Yoga Philosophy amongst others. To know about various courses and Kaivalyadhma visit www.kdham.com
2. The Yoga Institute, Mumbai
It is the oldest organised Yoga institute in the world. It was founded by Shri Yogendraji in 1918. Their approach is -
We believe Yoga is a way of life and does not comprise of only physical culture, as generally understood. Our practical applications of yogic ideals in daily life include the simple philosophies behind the techniques of yoga that contributes to better living.
The techniques taught in our Institute aim at removing the cause of the physical illness if any, and thereafter enhancing the mental attributes (leading to a calm, concentrated and steady mind) thereby realizing one’s own potential and spiritual development.
We at The Yoga Institute, imbued with the true spirit of Yoga, have been instrumental in bring about a positive change in the communities associated with us, for over 97 years.
They have classes for ordinary people and teachers courses too. Visit the site for all details. http://theyogainstitute.org/
3. Moraraji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) is an autonomous organisation under Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. MDNIY is a focal Institute for Planning, Training, Promotion and Coordination of Yoga Education, Training, Therapy and Research in all its aspects. MDNIY aims to promote deeper understanding of Yoga philosophy and practices based on classical Yoga amongst people. The main Vision and Mission of the Institute is ''Health, Harmony and Happiness for all thro......
They offer a variety of courses for eg BSc in Yoga Science, Certificate course in yogasana, pranayam and meditation. To know about courses Click here
I have visited their campus in the heart of Delhi - loved it. To visit MDNIY site Click here
4. Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru
Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana or VYASA is a registered charitable institution (1986) working for making Yoga as a socially relevant Science. Based on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda the four streams of Yoga with unity in their diversity, the key essence of Indian culture, applications of Yoga to bring health, harmony, peace the world over […]
Yoga Research and Yoga Therapy – two Yoga fields which S-VYASA has poured life into!
Over the years, S-VYASA has been substantiating scientific validation through Research @ S-VYASA. We have successfully published 284 research papers which have all been indexed in PubMed/Medline or Psychlit/Psychinfo. S-VYASA has carried itself as a Centre of Advanced Research (CAR) in Yoga and Neurophysiology accredited by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
S-VYASA is also supported by one-of-its-kind Yoga Therapy Research health Home with a 250-bed inpatient treatment facility called Arogyadhama run by VYASA. This is essentially envisioned to prevent and treat modern NCDs, long-term rehabilitation and to promote Positive Health.
Ours is the only Yoga University offering various Yoga Courses. Here students undergo Life Training and Character Building Education with Yoga as a way of Life. Here Gurukula way of Education is combined with modern scientific approach. The emphasis is on practical hands-on experience and in-depth research.
To know all about courses Click here
To watch videos on U Tube Click here
5. The Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar.
The Bihar School of Yoga was founded in 1964 by Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswati to impart yogic training to householders and sannyasins alike.
The Yoga techniques developed there are a synthesis of many approaches to personal development, based on traditional vedantic, tantric and yogic teachings in conjunction with contemporary physical and mental health sciences. Today, these techniques are taught by Bihar Yoga Bharati and through the programmes outlined below.
To know about training and events Click here
To visit their site Click here
6. BKS Iyengar Yoga, Pune, Maharashtra
To visit their site Click here
7. Swami Sivananda Yog Centres in India
They have centres in Madurai, Delhi, Uttarkashi, Trivandrum, Chennai and Neyyar Dam.
To know about their Teacher Training Course Click here
To visit their site Click here
8. Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International, Rishikesh
Our purpose is to teach and make available the knowledge of yoga meditation within the Tradition of the Himalayan Masters, as interpreted by Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Activities include teaching the science of yoga, carrying out research and publication in the field of yoga and related branches of knowledge, and performing acts of charity for the benefit of humanity.
We offer an integrated program of self-transformation leading to self-realization in the authentic tradition of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. They run an international teacher training program.
To know about the Himalayan Tradition Click here
To visit there site Click here
9. Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Yoga at Parmarth Niketan Ashram is holistic, spiritually oriented and focused on the deep and sublime traditional ancient yogic discipline as taught by the rishis and sages. Our qualified teachers are rich in experience, live yogic principles and bring to you time-tested yoga practices.
Mastery of yoga is attained with devotion, patience and sincere, uninterrupted and regular practice. In 2-5 weeks, students are healthier, stronger and feel more confident to commit to the yoga way of life. Additionally, we may offer special courses as instructors from across India and around the world come to share their knowledge and expertise.
To know about their Yoga courses Click here
To visit their web site Click here
10. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Chennai
This stream of Yoga is a masterpiece conceived and developed by Shri.K.Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore (India). Dynamic in form, it involves a series of asanas (postures) that are performed in a sequential order with synchronization of the breath.
The word Ashtanga (a Sanskrit term) literally means "eight limbs". According to the great saint Patanjali, Ashtanga includes Yama (moral codes), Niyama (self purification and study), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense control), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (contemplation).
Vinyasa refers to "breath synchronized movement". This was developed by Shri T.K.V.Krishnamacharya around the integral principles of Vinyasa found in the ancient Indian text, the "Yoga Korunta". Simply put, the term 'Vinyasa' refers to the discipline of combining breath and movement. When one can seamlessly co-ordinate breath and movement and keep the mind focused and clear, then the practice of Yoga becomes a moving meditation.
To know about Classes for beginners and teachers Click here
To visit their web site Click here
11. Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute, Mysore
Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of Yoga that was taught by Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta. This text was imparted to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900’s by his Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and was later passed down to Pattabhi Jois during the duration of his studies with Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927.
To visit their web site Click here
12. Sri Sri Yoga, India - The Art of Living
Sri Sri Yoga celebrates the diversity in yoga in a simple and joyful manner. We combine yoga essentials: breathing techniques, stretching, yoga postures, meditation, relaxation and yogic knowledge. By incorporating all these beautiful facets of yoga, we are able to look beyond the level of the physical body and really sharpen our sensitivity and awareness of subtler levels of existence. Practice of Sri Sri Yoga cultivates a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Visit their web site to know more Click here
13. Isha Foundation, Coimbatore.
To know about Isha Yoga programs Click here
To visit their web site Click here
In case I have missed out a respected institution do write back with details.
Love and Light