Yoga Life Institute N.H.

Upon arrival at The Yoga Institute, I joined a beginners retreat. Along with twenty Indian people in the Seven-Day Residential retreat, we rose before six in the morning. At 6:30 AM, Dr. Jayadeva gave a short talk highlighting the daily theme. Then, volunteers led us through Yoga postures and meditation. At 8AM we had a light breakfast of milk and cooked cereal. Then, we heard a lecture from Mrs. Hansaji Yogendra, the Dean of the Institute. Hansaji's pleasant words inspired us to incorporate Yogic principles into our lives. She discussed diet, relationships, attitude and selfless-service. (Hansaji's 50-episode TV series on Yoga was on its fifth re-run on Indian National Television.)

Before lunch the staff taught us Yoga postures in depth. Teacher-trainees were also available to answer questions. Lunch was the main meal. The metal tray would have whole wheat chapati rice, a bean dish, beet and carrot salad, a vegetable and buttermilk. While some herbs flavored dishes, hot Indian spices were left out as Yogis eat simple food to calm the mind. This absence of spices and caffeine was unusual for the Indians in the group, yet they stuck to the program.

After lunch there was free time for resting. In the early afternoon a guest speaker discussed how Yoga was a part of his/her lifestyle: Engineers, Doctors, Psychologists and Businessmen filled this daily slot. The evening consisted of an hour of class with a large group of Yoga teacher trainees (one of which I became). Later, we played music, socialized or watched a spiritually focused video.

Evening meditation was optional. The disciplined schedule was enough for a person to handle. There was no pressure as each person's needs were respected.

We went to sleep at 10 PM and were up at 6 AM. The agreement for the week was not to leave the ashram grounds. We also were allowed no outside news. At first folks felt imprisoned, especially since most people went through caffeine withdrawal. Once adjusted to the Yogic lifestyle, the group felt the ashram to be a paradise of tranquillity.

The program thoroughly integrated the ideas of Yoga philosophy with simple practices. The entire lifestyle had a meditative quality--the food one eats, the attitude one has to others, the thoughts one thinks. The balance between relaxation, exercise and work all build a foundation for meditation. The key was to balance the entire day.

Reprinted with permission from the "Study Guide to the Classical Yoga Lifestyle", by Dr. Robert J. Butera, Ph.D.