WELCOME TO THE 2020

ISHA HATHA YOGA

TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM

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R G B R G B R G B
Namaskaram and Welcome!
We would like to welcome you to the Isha Hatha Yoga Teacher
Training Program, taking place at the Isha Yoga Center from
July 4 - November 29, 2020.

The Isha Yoga Center (IYC), established by Sadhguru under the aegis
of the Isha Foundation, is situated at the foothills of the Velliangiri
Mountains, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Created as a powerful
sthana (a center for inner growth), this popular destination attracts
people from all parts of the world and is unique in its offering of all
the four paths of Yoga – gnana (knowledge), karma (action), kriya
(energy), and bhakti (devotion). During your stay you will be in the
presence of the Dhyanalinga and Sadhguru, as well as sharing space
with the brahmacharis (monks), residents and guests.

The Yoga Center is a place of rare power and vibrant energy. We hope
you not only benefit from the Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program
but are enriched by your experience of the Yoga Center as well. In
order to help you make the most of your stay, as well as to help you
prepare for your journey, a simple set of guidelines and other useful
information have been compiled here.

Please read through and let us know if you have any questions or
concerns. We look forward to having you join us soon.

Best regards,

Hatha Yoga School

Travel Documents (For Overseas Trainees)
Visa
You will need to have a valid Student Visa for the Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program. For
any assistance with the visa application or to request for the invitation letter to apply for an
Indian Visa, please send an email at the earliest to overseas.support@ishafoundation.org.
Please ensure you travel only on a Student Visa for the purpose of this training.

For details about applying for your visa, you can contact the Indian Embassy/Consulate or
Indian Visa processing center in your country. In order to ensure that your visa is granted
prior to travel, be sure to submit the application well in advance. The visa is valid from the date
of issue at the Embassy/Consulate (not from the date of arrival in India).

Please Note: It is important that your visa is valid for the whole duration of your stay here at
the Isha Yoga Center (30th June - 30th  November   2020); otherwise the accepted admission
may be revoked.
OCI cards are also acceptable for participating in the program.

Passport
Please note that in order to receive a visa to travel to India, the Indian Embassies/Consulates
require that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of your
intended departure from India.

Arrival And Departure Information

Arrival/Departure Dates
Arrival: Please plan on arriving at the Isha Yoga Center latest by Tuesday, June 30, 2020
at 6:00 pm.

Departure: The program ends on Sunday, November 29, 2020, and all participants are
required to stay overnight at the Yoga Center on November 29. Please plan your
departure from the morning of Monday, November 30, 2020 onward. (There may
be options to stay beyond this date; we will give more information about this during
the training.)

From Coimbatore Airport to Isha Yoga Center

At the airport, pre-paid taxis to Isha are available for a fixed price (at approx. Rs. 1400). The
drive will take about 1.5 hours.

From Coimbatore Railway Station to Isha Yoga Center

At the railway station, taxis are readily available (at approx. Rs. 1000). The drive will take
about 1 hour.

Arrival Timings
Visitors are requested to avoid travel to the Isha Yoga Center in the night between 10:00pm
and 6:00am, as there is a risk of encountering wildlife from the nearby forest.
Documents Required On Arrival At
Isha Yoga Center
Original passport (for overseas trainees) / Any valid government-issued photo ID

(for domestic trainees)

Original copy of signed agreement form – 2 copies

Original copy of medical consent form, signed and stamped by the examining doctor

General Information
Accommodation
We will be sharing accommodation details and options with you shortly in a
separate email.

Weather
Weather at the Isha Yoga Center is quite warm from April through September with
temperatures touching highs of around 95°F (35°C). Light clothing is recommended. As it is
situated near the Velliangiri Mountains, the Yoga Center and surrounding areas receive
regular rainfall from June to November, and during this period, the temperature drops and
the weather is pleasant. In December, the mornings can be cool, so it is best to carry light
rain gear and warm clothing (light jackets/light pullovers, etc.).

Laundry
Clothes can be washed by hand in designated wash areas and put to dry on the provided
clothes lines. Alternatively, a laundry facility is available in the stay areas at a minimal cost.
The laundry is collected and returned back on specified days, only once per week.

Stationery, Toiletries, Personal Care Items

Some basic stationery, toiletries and personal items are available for purchase inside the
Yoga Center premises. You can also order items online or request products to be purchased
through the department store.

Meals
At the Isha Yoga Center, Annadanam, a sacred offering of food, is offered twice a day to over
2000 people. The Annadanam is served in Biksha Hall. Biksha traditionally means “alms” or “
food which is offered”. Simple, sattvic, healthy meals are provided to guests and ashramites.

Two wholesome vegetarian meals are served every day, typically of southern Indian cuisine
comprising a fruit, salad, cooked vegetable dish, a grain, rice, sambar and rasam (types of
gravies or dahl). Fruits and vegetables are sourced locally and a variety of millets or grains,
such as ragi, bajra, and jowar, are provided. Regular and non-spicy options are available.

Many visitors to the Yoga Center share that they have never tasted this kind of food before
or eaten so healthily anywhere else. Sadhguru has often mentioned that the kind of attitude
we hold while preparing the food determines how the food will be. At Isha, the food
preparation is done as an offering, which makes the quality of the food totally different.
Currency
The Indian rupee (INR or Rs.) is divided into 100 paise (p). Current exchange rate information
can be looked up online. ATMs linked to international networks are common in most parts
of India. It is best to come with some cash when you arrive at the Yoga Center, but there is
an ATM facility at a bank in front of the Yoga Center in case you need to access it during
your stay.

Cash
We accept only Indian rupees at the Yoga Center. No foreign currencies will be accepted,
and there is no facility to exchange foreign currency into Indian rupees on the premises.
Please exchange money prior to arrival, either at an international airport in India or
elsewhere in the city. Be sure to request some small rupee notes (Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, 200)
for daily expenses or other personal needs as it can be difficult to receive change from larger
notes.

Credit Cards
Most international credit cards are accepted in India and can be used at some places within
the Yoga Center. (American Express is less commonly accepted in India.)

Electricity
The power supply in India is 220/240 volt, 50-cycle. Triple round-pin sockets are the norm;
however 2 pin European plugs can also be used in the sockets. It would be best to purchase
a converter/adapter if needed, before arrival in India.

Types of power outlets in India Suitable adapter plug

Communication
Wi-FI will be available, but please note that internet speed and bandwidth is limited as the
Yoga Center is located in a remote area. Local SIM cards can be purchased here. We
encourage all participants to keep communication to a minimum and to focus on the
sadhana (practices) and the training process in order to make the most of the program.

Emergency Contact
The Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program email address is info@ishahathayoga.com.
The Isha Yoga Center telephone number is +91 83000 83111.
Isha Yoga Center Residential Rules & Regulations
Isha Yoga Center is a residential community established for the purpose of supporting yogic
sadhana (spiritual practices). To support this, and to respect the local culture, there are some
guidelines the Center requests all visitors and ashramites to follow.

Greeting
The traditional greeting in India is “Namaskaram” with palms joined. Indian culture tends
towards modesty while publicly expressing affection, so please avoid displays of physical
affection such as hugging and holding hands.

Dress Code
Indian clothing style is modest, so please bring clothing that covers shoulders, midriff and
legs at all times, for both men and women. Appropriate attire includes ankle length pants
(no capris or shorts) and long shirts that cover upper arms and thighs. Please avoid tight
clothes – both for your own comfort and as a sign of respect for the local culture.

For the yoga practice sessions, you may want to bring t-shirts and light, ankle-length pants.

Traditional Indian clothing and suitable clothes for yoga sessions are also available for
purchase at the shop inside the Yoga Center.

Footwear
Removing footwear before entering interior spaces is a part of the Indian cultural ethos. For
your convenience, it would be best to bring footwear that can be easily removed, like flip
flops. You may also want to bring some more secure sandals to wear on walks or trips
outside of the Yoga Center.

Walking in the Forest

Government regulations do not permit entry into the forest adjacent to the Yoga Center.
Please do not walk outside the Yoga Center or into the surrounding areas or villages unless
on a trip organized by the Yoga Center.

Photography
Please note that photography is permitted only near the entrance to the Dhyanalinga
complex. Kindly refrain from taking photographs anywhere else within the Yoga Center.

Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited on the campus at all times: alcohol, illicit drugs,
cigarettes and any meat product.
Suggested Items To Bring
Clothing
You will need to have light, comfortable, appropriate clothing for the practices, some
traditional Indian clothing for daily use and some Indian festive wear for special occasions.

Clothing is available for purchase at Isha Shoppe located inside the Isha Yoga Center (you
can visit ishashoppe.com/in to see samples of the products and the price range).

Here is a list of recommended items:

5 cotton kurtas (tops)

5 cotton dhotis or Indian ‘pyjama’ pants

Dupattas/shawls for ladies

T-shirts

Track pants

Towels

2 sets of Indian festive clothing

Sufficient undergarments

Rain gear/umbrella

Warm clothing (light warm clothes, socks, light jacket)

Waterproof flip flops

Waterproof trekking sandals

Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 40 or higher)

Digital watch

Small backpack/ shoulder bag

Office supplies: A few folders to keep class notes, pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters,
notebook (can purchase at the Yoga Center)

Laptop computer (Wi-Fi will be provided)

Headphones

Mosquito net (can also be purchased online in India)

Yoga mat (1 yoga mat will be provided for use during the program)

Refillable water bottle

Ear plugs and eye masks (if needed)

Plug adapter (if needed)

Name tags for your luggage

Toiletries

Any regular medications or allergy medication you need for the entire 21-week period
Medical Care
The clinic at the Isha Yoga Center is able to provide only basic medical assistance. For any
specialized treatment during the training, you will need to visit the nearest hospitals,
located in Coimbatore city, about 40 km away.

Any existing medical conditions such as asthma, chronic ailments, allergies, heart conditions,
physical disabilities, injuries and history of mental imbalances/disorders, etc. should be
informed to the Hatha Yoga School admissions team immediately, if not yet disclosed.

Medical Insurance
All overseas trainees are required to have medical insurance for their stay at the
Yoga Center.

Please note that the cost for all medical expenses incurred- both for care provided at the Isha Yoga
Center and at any other medical center or hospital visited throughout the duration of the course and
otherwise while at the Yoga Center- is the sole responsibility of the trainee.

Medical Check-up and Immunizations

Before arriving for the training, we recommend all trainees have common blood tests done,
including checking vitamin levels, especially Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. If your physician
recommends any supplements or injections, you should begin taking them as early as
possible before the training starts.

Please also discuss with your physician or visit the national health service website in your
respective country to identify which immunizations are recommended for travel to
southern India and ensure you are up-to-date.

Medical Kit
The following are a few suggestions for a small personal medical kit (general medicines can
also be purchased at the Yoga Center):

Prescription medication if needed (enough for General antihistamine

the duration of the program)
Anti-diarrheal medication
Contact lenses if needed (enough for the
duration of the program) Throat lozenges

Probiotics Muscle rub

Vitamin supplements (as needed) Hot water bag or heating pad

Antacids Ice pack or gel pack

Antiseptic creams, powders or spray

Pain killers

Bandages or band-aids

Calamine lotion, sting-relief spray or aloe vera

Cold and flu tablets