FAQ

The information that follows applies to courses at Rishikesh, India yoga center. It may also apply to some or all of the other teaching locations but we suggest writing directly to those other centers for specifically applicable information, because administrative and other differences do exist based on country, local customs, regional requirements, the number of teaching staff, etc.

1. What is Yoga?
Yoga is a system of techniques developed in ancient India and designed to lead the dedicated practitioner to full enlightenment as to the nature of reality and the Supreme.

2. Why do Yoga?
The practice of Yoga allows the practitioner to reach his or her highest potential and reveals the greatest mysteries of the Universe. It also has more worldly applications that promote healing, improvement in the quality of life, and the realization of paranormal phenomena.

3. Why are there so many types of Yoga?
The many types of Yoga suit the many different types of practitioners. Hatha Yoga (sun-moon Yoga) involves the physical body and leads to the balance of the solar and lunar energies. Most popular forms of Yoga, e.g., Iyengar, Sivananda, Ashtanga (not to be confused with Patanjali’s traditional eight-fold Ashtanga Yoga), Vinyasa, Kundalini (not to be confused with traditional Kundalini Yoga), etc., are styles of Hatha Yoga. There are four classic types of Yoga: Jnana Yoga (the Yoga of direct knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (the Yoga of devotion), Karma Yoga (the Yoga of action), and Raja Yoga (the royal Yoga which includes Hatha, Tantra, Laya, Kundalini, and other forms of Yoga). The Trika courses give teachings on all these forms, with an emphasis on Raja Yoga and its various sub-forms. See Courses for more information.

4. What is Tantra?
The word Tantra is often translated as “warp,” as in the base of threads on a loom. This symbolizes the idea that all aspects of the Universe are connected like a web. Tantra is the Yoga that uses the diverse elements of manifestation – such as the body (Hatha Yoga), colors, sounds (mantra), shapes (yantra), dreams, and sexuality – to elevate the consciousness and reach spiritual realization. The word Tantra also refers specifically to the Yoga of sexuality, but technically this is too narrow a use of the term.

5. What is initiation and why is it important?
Trika is a Tantric Yoga school dedicated to traditional methods of teaching spirituality via the process of initiation. Knowledge passed on from teacher to pupil during initiation involves the direct transfer of a specific form of energy that imparts a subtle influence. This process can only be achieved in person – it cannot be acquired from books. Initiation greatly accelerates spiritual progress and ensures accurate practice, opening the gates for true personal evolution.
Through teaching by initiation we provide you with abundant practical tools for better health, the balance of emotions, improvement in mental capacity, greater happiness, and insight into the deeper meanings of existence.

6. What is Kundalini Shakti?
Kundalini Shakti (the coiled energy) is the strongest potential force in the human being whose arousal is essential to any spiritual evolution. In the average person, it lies dormant at the base of the spine. Kundalini Yoga is the Yoga of directly awakening Kundalini Shakti and directing it up the spine to the crown center (sahasrara, above the top of the head).

7. Is Yoga dangerous?
Some advanced techniques of Yoga can be dangerous if practiced without proper preparation and the guidance of a qualified teacher. Fortunately, such techniques are generally inaccessible to unprepared students. For this reason, it is very important to respect the process of initiation and transmission of Yogic teachings.

8. Why study with Trika?
Trika returns to the primary sources of Yoga, restoring the original meaning to the Yoga system: the complete development of the being for the aim of attaining spiritual liberation. Through systematic teachings based on curricula that become more and more advanced, progress is assured to all sincere practitioners.

9. What is the Trika First Level Intensive?
The First Level Intensive Course is our most popular course offering worldwide. At our Thailand headquarters and at our primary branch centers (Rishikesh, Dharamsala and Mexico) this course is taught in an intensive daily format. The experience is an excellent and comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of Yoga combined with two Hatha Yoga sessions per day, forming a retreat-like atmosphere.
Our students also very much enjoy the experience of community that we cultivate at Trika. We sponsor rare documentaries and Yoga-related films, bhajans and kirtan, special meditations as announced, evening lectures, etc. Unlike in the West, where students merely drop in to classes and leave, it is one of our aims to promote a yogi community that resembles the strength of connections found in ashram life.

10. Do I need to reserve in advance to join the First Level Intensive?
No. You are welcome to join us whenever you arrive; your first day is at a discounted price! This course runs in a constant cycle, from September to May, such that you can complete the course within the four weeks following the date on which you arrive.

11. Is it possible to attend the First Level Course on a drop-in basis?
The First Level Intensive is a certificate course. To receive this certificate, a student needs to attend at least 75% of the course sessions. However, it is not necessary for you as a student to seek the certificate. Therefore, yes, the course is open on a drop-in basis. You may attend for one class, one day, one week, or the full month.

12. Do I need experience to join the First Level Intensive?
No, this course is designed for absolute beginners. At the same time, people who have been studying yoga for years are also fulfilled because of the depth of the teachings and different way of practicing.

13. What does the daily program look like?
The daily program looks like this:
08:30-10:30 Morning theory, Hatha Yoga practice, and deep relaxation
16:00-18:00 Afternoon sun salutations, Hatha Yoga practice, meditation, and deep relaxation
18:00-19:30 Evening lecture on the fundamentals of Yoga
20:00 Evening events as announced (optional and free)

14. I’ve been teaching Yoga for years. Do you offer advanced classes?
Trika Yoga provides a unique Yoga system in the world and we ask that all students begin with our First Level Intensive – regardless of their experience studying or teaching other Yoga varieties. Trika adheres to the traditional Indian Yoga methodology of teaching by initiation and, therefore, we do not believe it is possible to learn Yoga properly through self-study of books. Additionally, since we cannot know the manner, accuracy, depth, or completeness of information, techniques, or methodology taught by any number of thousands worldwide who call themselves Yoga teachers, we need to verify that our students are “on the same page” with us, that they have received the proper foundations, that they understand the fundamental Yoga concepts, and that they are adequately prepared for their introduction and journey through this highly energetic Kundalini Yoga program. Kundalini Yoga must be approached with attention and care, and it would be irresponsible on our part to place students unknown to us at higher levels of the curriculum. For all of these reasons, everyone starts at the beginning.

15. Is Trika associated with or partnered with any other Yoga schools?
Trika Yoga is a part of an independent network of Yoga schools and ashrams, called Agama Yoga, committed to the study and dissemination of the authentic traditions of Indian Tantric Yoga. Trika has no lateral equivalent anywhere in the world, excepting its own branches and subsidiaries. It is not possible to “transfer into the curriculum” based on previous studies elsewhere within different systems or schools under other names.

16. Can my children attend Yoga courses? If so, what are the fees?
Children 11 years old and younger may attend Yoga classes free of charge as long as they are accompanied by an adult and they do not disrupt the class. Children 12 years old and older must pay full price.

For those under the age of 12, permission to attend each course level beyond the First Level Intensive Course must be granted on an individual basis.

For those under the age of 18, attendance of workshops and retreats requires either approval in advance by a Level 5 or up teacher on an individual basis or co-attendance by a parent or guardian.

17 What do I need to bring to the Yoga Classes?

We provide yoga mats. If you prefer your own mat, you can buy one here or you can bring your own from home.

18 How is the weather in Rishikesh?

September and October are quite hot. November is perfect weather. December through end of February is cold. March is great weather. Mid april it starts to get hot again. Blankets, jackets, space heaters for the room can all be bought in Rishikesh.

19 What can I do to prepare myself before coming? Any books I should read?

It is not necessary to do anything before coming.  If you would like, we recommend Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. For those who want to prepare their body slightly, we can recommend a few dietary choices which are beneficial to almost everybody:  Take your last food by 7pm which allows the liver to do it´s cleansing duties in the evening unhindered.  Fast once a week on herbal tea or vegetable juice to give the digestive organs a break.   Get to sleep before 10 or 11pm for deeper rejeuvenation.  Cut out of your diet or reduce fried foods, canned foods, reheated foods, microwaved foods, meat and complicated food combinations.  Start your day with two glasses of warm lemon water or herbal tea to rehydrate after the evening.  These are simply recommendations and you may want to confirm them with your doctor if you are unsure.

20 What sort of food is available to purchase in the area and what are the prices?

There are many restaurants within 10 minute walk from the yoga hall. You have a few choices of restaurants that will serve western food. There are also fruit and vegetable carts all around. The local shops have a variety of rice, lentils, flours, etc available and some also offer organic goods.

Shared kitchens are available at some of the guesthouses (Sarika, Ananda, Sudesh).

21 Do I need to reserve a room before arriving?

In India it is best to check the room out before committing to staying in it; for instance, you might want make sure the walls do not have mold and the hot shower works.

There are many ashrams and guesthouses around. If one would like to make a booking with them please find a contact for one of them through the internet and book independently. When making a reservation it is good to be aware that sometimes guesthouses do not hold to their agreement if a better offer comes along.

22 How much should I budget for accommodations?

The average price for a room in a guest house or ashram is 200 – 300 rs/night. There are a couple options that are cheaper (100rs) and some more expensive rooms (500rs). Often times a place will offer a discount for people who are staying for a month or longer.

23 Do I need a visa?

You need to get a visa before being allowed to enter India. The length of the tourist visa depends upon one’s nationality. It is essential to know that once one leaves the country, they have to stay out for 2 full months before they are allowed to enter the country again.

24 Is there an airport nearby?

Yes, Duhradun airport is 30 - 40 minute away from Rishikesh. Flights from New Delhi to Duhradun are around 3,000 – 5,000 rs. A taxi from Duhradun airport to Ram Jhula, Rishikesh is 600 rs.

25 Shall i be concerned if I am taking medicine?

The simple answer is probably no but if you have a complex medical situation which may impair your ability to do Yoga or do it safely we recommend that you send us the details as soon as possible so we can forward them to our head specialist in that field, a professional doctor.

26 Will I have a chance to learn and practice meditation?

In our regular first month intensive course we have daily short sitting meditations 10-15 minutes from day 6 of the course until the end. In the 4^th week we introduce a more advanced technique using a mantra.