Vidya Institute Is Delighted To Present
Patañjali’s Landscape Of Consciousness & The Cakras Of Vibhūti Pada
8 Days Of Intensive Sādhanā & Retreat In BKS Iyengar’s Temple Of Yoga
With Gloria Goldberg CIYT-IV and Gitte Bechsgaard Ph.D. CIYT-III
The BKS Iyengar Yoga Retreat Center In Bellur, India
Wednesday, September 24th – Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
“Many are under the impression that Patanjali does not speak of cakra. It is far from true. Not only does he but also sage Vyasa speaks in regard to cakra”
– BKS Iyengar
Unlike the Vedic Tradition, the teachings of Tantra yoga are hidden within seemingly infinite layers of perplexing texts and oral lineage teachings.
Many sadhakas understand both the awakening of the chakra system and the practices of the Vibhuti Pada relate to the most incredible of human capacities, attained through stillness and meditative absorption (samyama).
However, like so many classical traditions of the east, their fundamental intertwinement has gone long forgotten.
If you’re interested in exploring the abilities of yogic attainment from the perspective of the Tantric teachings & The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, then this year’s retreat in BKS Iyengar’s hometown of Bellur, India is for you.
We’ve never before offered a curriculum on the cakra teachings of the sage Patañjali’s 3rd book:
The Vibhuti Pada
The Psychology of Psychic Abilities Attained Through Stillness
Have you heard the stories of the enlightened sages in the Himalayas?
The monk who feels no pain or hunger.
The swami who transverses the meditative depths so far that they discover how to enter the minds of others.
What is the one common thing these exalted souls possess?
It’s an attained esoteric knowledge infused with the divine.
A hidden map they’ve all journeyed on.
Many understand the awakening of the highest vibrations of each chakra is associated with these mysterious human capacities. And the sage Patanjali’s 3rd Book: The Vibhuti Pada unveils each of these psychic abilities attained through stillness in remarkable depth.
Much of the Vibhuti pada is a portrait of the chakras once they’ve been awakened.
And the seemingly impossible achievements of the great sages were all discovered within the realm which The Vibhuti Pada explores:
The Prajna Aloka
Sanskrit Term For The Realm Of Divine Wisdom
You cannot access this realm without mastering the inner limbs of Patanjali’s 8-Fold Path.
Antara Anga Sadhana
The 6th, 7th, and 8th dimensions of practice.
These ‘limbs’ on the path to human wholeness represent:
The Trinity of Samyama
The Door to Meditative Deepening
- Samadhi (Meditative Absorption)
Your body and senses develop in an extraordinary way when we work with meditation in the way Patanjali’s Vibhuti Pada describes.
Book 3 paints a vivid picture of the development and expansion of the human mind and consciousness when taken to its greatest heights.
The psychic powers these yogic masters possess are not the goal, however.
They develop inevitably as a yogi purifies their samskaras.
You heighten certain positive samskaras and attenuate others less helpful on your spiritual journey.
This is how to develop yourself beyond just the mind (manas). You work on the deepest energies of your soul and cakra system, you guide your human development at the deepest layers of your spirit.
“As there are outlets for energy, there are inlets for energy to flow in. These inlets are called cakra. If these outlets are blocked through yogic means, energy gets deposited in these various cakra creating heat, which stirs the kundalini to move upwards.”
– BKS Iyengar
Yogic methods to work with the body, mind, and spirit have varied tremendously over the centuries, yet pilgrimage to the Guru’s ashram or place of birth has long been understood as a vital key to spiritual transformation across a great variety of traditions.
From the perspective of the sages, your spirit (Atman) cannot be discovered without the right connections to the roots of the Guru and lineage.
The realization of the divine lies within the Guru-Disciple/Teacher-Student lineage.
It’s a deeply personal journey.
Consciousness & spiritual energy permeate all physicality.
A temple, or the Guru’s Ashram, is a pristine sacred Abode.
A spiritual center created to enable, and to preserve, the stillness and sattva within. Allowing for a metamorphosis from one state of the body-mind to another higher, more refined state of spiritualization.
Traditionally known as Shariram Yatra, literally “a pilgrimage of the body” for a reason, the Yogi takes on this profound journey with a transformative intention.
The practices advanced in the Guru’s abode are said to bring many of the greatest blessings of healing and rejuvenation.
Such centers of spiritual energy and grace went long-neglected in B.K.S Iyengar’s place of birth, a town of ancient esteem fallen into many years of poverty.
Century old temples crumbled in the streets through the generations.
Yet with the newfound resources gifted through BKS Iyengar’s early acclaim he undertook the restoration of his village.
A fundamental piece of this reinvigoration, his construction of an incredible Yoga & Meditation Center unlike any other on this earth.
An unparalleled temple to the yogic tradition & the Sage Patanjali’s practice alike.
The world’s largest fully equipped Iyengar Yoga center.
Just a stone’s throw away from one of the only temples found anywhere on this earth dedicated to the Yogic Sage Patanjali.
The incredible vibration of the space, perhaps BKS Iyengar’s spirit himself, somehow seems to effortlessly guide your practices to depths previously unseen.
It’s truly extraordinary how the Guru’s grace seems to be “in the air”.
And yet this temple to the yogic tradition is the least of how BKS Iyengar paid homage to his place of birth.
Bellur, a once decrepit village, was brought world-class water & sanitation through the charitable work of his Yoga Center & its associated NGO. All teachings at the BKSSNTRUST Campus support the charitable work initiated by Guruji and now continued by his children and family.
Elementary schools & high schools participate in morning yoga before students engage in higher curricular studies. Western trained doctors staff the county hospital, which provides 100% Free Hospital care & Prescriptions.
Privileges Iyengar himself never received growing up.
As you wander the streets of the village of Bellur you’ll often witness the school kids. They are all well versed in the Iyengar Yoga Method and traditional Sanskrit Guru prayers, through their morning school practices.
Bellur is no longer the crumbling town that guruji grew up in.
Thanks to persisting years of hard work and devotion, Bellur is a cultured and tranquil village with a future as promising as its once esteemed ancient past.
During your time in India, you’ll join together in Bellur with teachers & fellow sadhakas alike to uncover many of the deepest chakra maps of Tantra Yoga and gain understanding into their intertwinement with the teachings, paths, and ancient practices of the sage Patanjali’s Vibhuti Pada.
Perfectly timed to India’s most Sacred festival season, you’ll receive an authentic opportunity to immerse yourself in the esoteric rituals and Sadhanas connected with the most celebrated festival of the Yogic tradition:
Maha Navratri – The Nine Night Festival In Celebration Of The Feminine Divine
Each day, you’ll learn and participate in the recitation of Sanskrit mantra and sutras in integrative harmony with the sadhana of Iyengar yoga Asana & pranayama. You will also learn how to practice meditative Samyama in accordance with the map provided in the Vibhuti Pada of Patanjali.
Each and every day, you will encounter a unique meditation practice, taught to help access the wisdom and healing power of each chakra.
All hosted in BKS Iyengar’s Incredible Yoga hall.
A true crown jewel of the Yogic tradition.
Many sadhakas have experienced the incredible Iyengar intensives hosted in Pune and have wondered if Bellur is similar.
In Bellur you are away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Village life passes you by day-by-day and the serenity of the surrounding nature leaves you feeling at peace.
Iyengar’s carefully cultivated Yogic environment leaves you feeling incredibly supported.
There are simply practices I do not attempt unless I’m in a truly sacred space for an uninterrupted period of time.
Guruji’s home is simply one of the most sacred, scenic, and comfortable spaces for sadhana that I’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing after over 3 decades of visits to India.
There was a time I thought you needed a cave to reach such depths, but I believe that BKS Iyengar knew he needed to leave the world with a different kind of space for sadhana.
A temple to yoga in true reflection of the historic beauty and spiritual significance of rural India.
Retreat Curriculum
What is the one common thing the great sages and the exalted souls from a wide array of eastern traditions possess?
It’s an attained esoteric knowledge infused with the divine.
A hidden map they’ve all journeyed on.
Their seemingly impossible achievements were all discovered within the realm which both The Vibhuti Pada and many Tantric Teachings explore:
The Prajna Loka (Sanskrit Term For The Realm Of Divine Wisdom)
Patanjali’s Vibhuti Pada paints a picture of this realm as each chakra is transformed into its highest state of vibration; A vivid landscape of how the chakras appear once truly awakened.
BKS Iyengar’s Yoga methodology is a revival of some of these ancient integrative practices of the sage Patanjali’s eightfold path of Ashtanga yoga.
A fully integrative yoga simultaneously encompassing physicality, psyche, and spirit alike.
And where guruji masterfully presented and taught these elevated practices, Sri Krishan Mantriji revealed the philosophical teachings underlying them.
These two great gurus left us wisdom teachings and direct guidance to explore a series of specific ancient maps of Vedic & Tantric scripture during our week-long intensive.
Mantri & Iyengar taught us how the authentic Path of practice awakens all the chakras in unity. A subtle degree of oneness taking time, focus, and experienced guidance.
Their oral teachings lead us, providing clarity to follow the path of Tantra Yoga.
As a core lens through which we will study and practice each day, the Teachings of the Tantric tradition more specifically elucidate the states of body-mind required to bring the most esoteric of practices to their greatest point of fruition.
A devotional framework the yogic seeker can look to in order to understand how to pursue the highest vibrations of consciousness.
During each day of this intensive you will engage in 4 hours of integrative Yogic practice including Asana, pranayama, mantra & scriptural study.
You’ll participate in an intensive examination of Traditional Sanskrit Tantric Texts on the cakra system, in integration with the complementary teachings presented in The Yoga sutras of Patanjali and Vyasa’s bhasyam.
Every day is an exploration of The Vibhuti Pada and its Siddhis from the perspective of one specific Chakra; examining the yogic means used to awaken each energy center as well as the unique characteristics of its state of highest development.
In a space Iyengar himself designed in order to best facilitate sadhana in full authentic integration of the 8 limbs of the sage Patanjali’s eightfold path.
Yama – Moral Disciplines – Our time together in Bellur will include a thorough examination of The “Yoga of Right Relationship” in light of the yogic themes of Maha Navaratri’s Celebration of The Feminine Divine.
Niyama – Daily Sattvic Observances – The Daily Routines & Yogic Lifestyle in Bellur Provide Unmatched Support In Upholding The Niyamas Laid Out In The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Asana – Posture Practice In The Temple Of Asana – Gloria Goldberg CIYT-IV guiding you in Iyengar Yoga Asana & Pranayama with her many years of experience provides an incredible opportunity to hone the subtle and powerful practices required of the yogic sadhaka. During our week in Bellur, prime focus will be placed on Asanas most relevant to the specific qualities of each day’s chakra.
Pranayama – Control & Expansion Of Breath: Pranayama practices during your time in Bellur will focus on the five pranas as well as their specific relation to each of the chakras and the process of awakening. The synchronization of pranayama with japa mantra recitation will also be emphasized, as taught by B.K.S Iyengar in Light on Pranayama. Being many miles from the city gifts us some of southern India’s cleanest dry rural breezes. The Retreat Center in Bellur is simply an ideal place to work with breath and prana.
Pratyahara – Withdrawal Of The Senses: An oasis nestled among South India’s silent hills, the stillness of the yoga hall enables inward minded practice without interruption from the outside world. True, authentic, deeping, not on some faraway mountain but built upon the historic holy lands of Iyengar’s home village.
Dharana, Dhyana, & Samadhi – Exploration of the trinity of Samyama: concentration, meditation, and meditative absorption will place emphasis on the topics and themes related to each chakra.
Each day allows you to pursue sadhana in a way which allows you to truly integrate the multifaceted lessons of each chakra, in a way which you simply can’t in most environments. The sadhanas of the Vibhuti Pada are widely associated with the ascetic sages seen in deep meditation caves deep in the Himalayas for a reason; these sadhanas require a carefully selected environment to aid in stillness, rather than distracting from it.
Guruji managed every painstaking detail of the Retreat Center & Yoga Hall to create such a space of yogic spirituality for the people and for his students.
The privilege of teaching and practicing the scriptures of the Vibhuti Pada for the first time in Guruji’s Temple to the tradition is a delight Gloria and I have looked forward to for quite some time.
FAQ, Room & Dining
This retreat brings the opportunity to experience an authentic yogic diet, carefully planned to adhere to and drive the physical, mental, and spiritual practices required to work through the vibrations of each day’s specific chakra.
Unlike a typical ashram experience, each meal is elevated through the culinary excellence of the Iyengar family’s experienced local cooks.
For breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, delicious Ayurvedic meals are served using a wide variety of fresh, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients.
Culinary delights which happen to be BKS Iyengar’s and Geetaji’s own home cooked recipes.
No garlic nor onion, per the Brahmin requirement.
South Indian home cooking, seasoned to perfection. Every single ingredient chosen because it is local, organic, and at its ripest fully in-season.
100% pure vegetarian sattvic food.
A unique and delicious array of sambars, chutneys, currys, parathas, and more with just the right amount of fresh fruit and veg alongside.
While the staff cannot specifically accommodate vegan or gluten free, there is enough variety in food with each meal that, with adequate preparation, you can easily make choices in the dining hall that fit whatever your health & lifestyle requirements might be.
Each morning and afternoon local coffee, chai tea, cookies, fruit & snacks are served in the dining hall.
The local kitchen staff maintain an incredible standard of sanitation and care.
You eat the same food prepared by the same people who prepare Iyengar’s family members’ meals.
On each of the 8 days of the intensive, all meals will be light yogic food conducive to 4 hours each day of practice and study.
Yet during the afternoon of our final day this will all change…
The deepest of your practices are now behind you.
Light yogic food, no longer a necessity.
And so the staff bring out guruji’s favorite meal:
“The Iyengar Lunch”
More accurately called a feast.
Course after course after course of different curries, chutneys, parathas, puris, and more.
BKS Iyengar’s favorite meal alone is likely to plant itself in your mind as a food experience unlike any other in your life.
Room Information & Options
All rooms at the retreat center are shared between 2 individuals. There will be no 3 bed nor 4 bed room options this year.
There are no one-bed private rooms available.
All Rooms Include:
- Daily Hypoallergenic Cleaning, A Change Of Bedding, & Fresh Folded Towels
- A Separate Digital Secure Safe Deposit Box For Each Person In The Room
- A Separate Organic Cotton Wood Framed Twin Bed For Each Person In The Room
- 2 Organic Cotton Pillows With Hypoallergenic Cotton Sheets
- A Dedicated Bed Light & Accessible Switch
- A Dedicated Ceiling Fan Above Each Bed With 4 Speed Settings
- A Dedicated Lockable Closet With 2 Lockable Drawers & A Few Hangers
- A Full Set Of Copper Ayurvedic Cups & Water Pitchers For Each Person In A Room
- 1 Hot Water Boiler In Each Room
- Internationally Rated Electrical Plugs
- Dedicated Wifi Router Above Each Room’s Doorway
- Easy Access To The Many Showers & Bathrooms Throughout The Compound
- Drying Racks To Hang Your Laundry
You can make arrangements to room together with a friend, fellow attendee, or family members who are attending the retreat with you, just contact our team after completing your registration.
Your Questions, Answered
- How Many Days & Nights Will Be Spent At The Retreat Center?
Attendees are asked to arrive on Wednesday, September 24th and Depart on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025. This equates to a stay of 8 nights and 9 days at the retreat center. All nights are included within your registration dues.
- I would like to attend the Ayurveda Retreat also hosted by Vidya Institute in Southern India immediately before this retreat. How do I register for both retreats?
Unfortunately our September 2025 Iyengar Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat is fully sold out and there are no longer any spaces on the waiting list. We would recommend joining the newsletter and saving support@vidyainstitute.com as a contact in your email provider in order to avoid missing announcements before courses & classes are fully reserved. It is not uncommon for certain courses, consultations, and retreats to become fully reserved in less than a week from initial announcement.
- I’m Dealing With A Specific Health Condition And/Or Injury Which Greatly Limits My Practice, Will This Retreat Be Suitable For My Limitations?
Gloria Goldberg is one of the highest level teachers in the world specializing in therapeutic practices. After completing your registration you’ll be asked to specify your various conditions and needs, and Gloria will be prepared to guide you in taking care of your body during the retreat. As long as you can take care of yourself with her instruction during class, your injuries or ailments should not stop you from joining us. These days will be a tremendous opportunity for you to gain knowledge of the practices most suitable to your needs.
- What Is The Safety Situation Like In The Area & On The Compound?
The walled compound is extraordinarily safe and secure with 24/7 security. Women can walk around the compound freely with absolutely no concern, regardless of the time of day or night.
- Can I Sleep In A Hotel Off-Location & Attend Teachings During The Day?
No, all attendees must spend the full 8 nights of this retreat inside the center’s on-site accommodation.
- I’m Vegetarian, Will The Kitchen Staff Be Able To Accommodate My Needs?
The breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at the retreat center are 100% Vegetarian with no Garlic nor Onion as are the brahmin cooking requirements.
- I’m Vegan, Will The Kitchen Staff Be Able To Accommodate My Needs?
The kitchen staff cook the Iyengar family’s home recipes which are 100% Vegetarian with no garlic nor onion used. While they cannot accommodate vegan or gluten free, there is still enough choice in food that many dietary preferences & necessities will be able to make choices that fit their health & lifestyle requirements. We would suggest those with more demanding dietary needs or preferences pack some non-perishable snacks which can supplement their diet while staying at the center.
- I Have Specific Food Allergies, Will The Kitchen Staff Be Able To Accommodate?
The kitchen staff cook the Iyengar family’s home recipes which are 100% Vegetarian with no Garlic nor Onion used. While they cannot specifically accommodate allergies, vegan, nor gluten free, there is still enough choice in food that many dietary preferences & necessities will be able to make choices that fit their health & lifestyle requirements.We would suggest those with more demanding dietary needs or preferences pack some non-perishable snacks which can supplement their diet while staying at the center.
- Is The Food Very Spicy? Will Those Who Don’t Like Indian Food Be Alright?
The food is not excessively spicy by Indian standard and is made to a milder taste than what you’ll typically encounter throughout the country. There are items at each meal which are not spicy including fresh fruit and vegetables as well as a variety of soups & sweet chutneys. We would suggest those with more demanding dietary needs or preferences pack some non-perishable snacks which can supplement their diet while staying at the center.
- Is There Clean Drinking Water Available?
International quality double reverse osmosis water filtration systems located throughout the premises. Ice cold R/O water dispenser located in the dining hall.
- Is There Tea And/Or Coffee Available?
All rooms are fully equipped with hot water boilers and both Chai & Coffee are served in the dining hall of the retreat center multiple times throughout the day.
If you bring a supply of your own then you will be able to brew both in your room and in the dining hall at any time which pleases you.
- Are There Alternative Dining Options In The Village?
The Iyengar family asks that you stay on compound during the length of the retreat and that any outside food be vegetarian, non-perishable, and pre-packaged ahead of time before your arrival.
- Are There Solo Private Rooms Available?
No, all rooms are shared between 2 people. You can make a request if you’d like to room with specific friends attending. Sharing arrangements are made upon request and are based upon home timezone and gender.
- I Want To Room Together With A Specific Person Or People, How Do I Arrange That?
After you complete registration simply email support@vidyainstitute.com and let us know the names of the others who you wish to room with and we will make sure you are booked together.
- Are The Facilities & Bedding Hypoallergenic & Organic?
Daily room service is included in your stay, where all bedding and towels will be swapped out fresh. All cleaning and laundry alike is hypoallergenic & fragrance free. Rooms are equipped with organic cotton bedding and are impeccably well cleaned. Not even the faintest hint of chemical scents nor any musty damp smells.
- Are There Private Bathrooms And Showers In The Rooms?
Rooms do not have a private bath or shower, the retreat premises has several private toilets and showers on all floors where students reside. Facilities are very clean and both squat toilets and western toilets are available.
- Is There Western Medical Care Nearby?
One of BKS Iyengar’s first acts in modernizing his home town was through the construction of a hospital meeting western standards of care. This modern hospital staffed by internationally trained doctors is located within the walls of the retreat compound, where non-profit care is provided to the members of the surrounding communities at any and all times of the day. In the rare occasion where seeing a doctor or obtaining medication might be necessary, there will be no reason to leave the retreat grounds.
- Should I Bring A Matt Or Any Props?
The yoga hall’s equipment room has rows and rows of racks with an unbelievable array of props overflowing all the way to the ceiling. There is zero need to bring any props nor matts, although you can if you wish.
- I Have No Experience With Sanskrit, Chanting, Yoga Philosophy, and Yogic Scripture, Is This Retreat Right For Me?
There is a good deal of prerequisite knowledge and experience required for this course, so please contact vidya support staff at support@vidyainstitute.com to discuss your specific situation and to determine if the workshop is a good fit for you.
- I Have Practiced Iyengar Yoga For Less Than 3 Years, Yet My Referring Teacher Feels I Am Ready For These Teachings, Can I Have An Exception Made On The 3 Year Practice Requirement?
Please contact support@vidyainstitute.com and explain your situation. Gitte & Gloria will evaluate such situations on a case by case basis to ensure all participants are sufficiently experienced with the philosophies, practices, and sadhanas of this retreat.
- Can I Bring One Or More Family Members Who Will Not Participate In The Course To This Retreat?
Family members can enroll to stay on the retreat grounds with you, with dining included, but they cannot attend any teachings. The fee for room, food, & board will be 65% of the normal full registration fee. Contact support@vidyainstitute.com to make such arrangements.
- Who Are The Instructors Of This Retreat?
Gitte Bechsgaard RP Ph.D. CIYT Lvl.3 and Gloria Goldberg CIYT Lvl.4 are the instructors for this retreat. They both have extensive experience in the integrative realms of the yogic tradition and years of private study with their gurus BKS Iyengar and Sri Krishan Mantri.
- Can I Arrive Early To The Retreat Center?
You can arrive at any time on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025. We ask you not to arrive earlier nor later than that date. Any such arrangements will need to be made by contacting the retreat center directly.
- Can I Stay Extra Nights In The Retreat Center After The Intensive Is Finished?
You can leave at any time on Thursday October 2nd, 2025. We ask you to try not to leave earlier nor later than that date. Any such arrangements will need to be made by contacting the retreat center directly.
- How Do I Get To The Retreat Center Location From Bangalore Airport?
Airport pickup and drop-off are included in your registration fee and arranged by the retreat center staff. A few weeks after completing your enrollment you’ll receive a request to send your flight details to us so we can make sure the airport shuttle is ready and waiting for you, and others arriving around the same time.
- Which Airport Do I Fly In & Out Of?
BLR Airport – Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, India
- Do You Think Jetlag For North Americans Might Interfere With The Curriculum Schedule?
Your first day will be focused on adjusting to the time schedule, with Gloria hosting a class specifically meant to recuperate from the effects of jetlag and more rapidly reset your circadian rhythms.
- How Much Should I Pay For A Taxi From The Airport To The Retreat Center?
We would suggest you take the airport shuttle arranged by the BKS Iyengar Yoga Retreat Center. This airport shuttle bus is included within your enrollment dues and comes every hour or so to pick up students during their various times of arrival in BLR airport.
- When Will The Retreat Center’s Airport Pickup Van Arrive & What’s The Cost?
After you register you will receive an email requesting that you forward us and the retreat center your flight details. Airport pickup is included in your registration and will occur throughout the early morning and day of the 24th/night of 23rd, so you won’t be left waiting at the airport for much time at all. The cost is included in your registration.
- Is Getting An India Visa Difficult?
The E visa process is straightforward and can be done by yourself or with a travel agent. It takes 30-60 minutes typically to apply and should be issued within a few business days.
- Should I Get My Visa Before I Register?
No, you should begin applying for a visa no more than 30 days before your arrival in India, as applying too early can lead to your entry visa expiring too early before your flight arrives. There are many options available surrounding these visas, so even in exceptional circumstances you can get a visa issued in less than 1 day for a fee or with the help of certain organizations.
- Will there be opportunities to shop in the surrounding areas and village?
Bellur is a very small town and the retreat coordinators ask that you stay within the walls of the retreat compound for the duration of your stay, except during our excursions into town as a group. The village is very small without much possibility for shopping.
- Are There Secure Places To Store My Valuables & Luggage When Necessary?
Each and every room is equipped with several highly secure safe boxes and lockable cabinets, a dedicated and secure storage space for each person. Additionally, the retreat compound has areas for you to store your belongings in the event of early check-in and/or late check-out.
- Is There A Reliable Wifi & Internet Connection On The Retreat Grounds?
Each room has a wi-fi router equipped above its entrance door and there are other hotspots throughout the retreat compound. The signal is strong yet reliability can be inconsistent at times. It is best to get a cheap Airtel or Jio Sim card before exiting the baggage claim of the airport, so as to have a reliable backup hotspot if required. An E-SIM or roaming plan can also work quite well.
- Do I Need To Bring Extra Cash Or Tips?
You should bring some emergency cash as well as a debit or credit card to be safe. It is best to purchase rupees from your local bank at a large centrally located branch. Otherwise you have to do this exchange upon arriving at the airport in Bangalore, since sometimes the ATM doesn’t work and therefore cash withdrawal cannot be relied upon. The foreign exchange desk in BLR airport places a 9% GST charge and in addition to the exchange rate this can add up to 10-15% in fees. ATMs in the region outside of the airport have very low withdrawal limits and incur high fees and are therefore not recommended unless necessary.
- Is This Related To The Ayurveda Retreat Vidya Institute Is Hosting In September 2025?
No, this retreat is a distinct offering. The Ayurveda retreat is sold out and the waiting list is no longer open. Many individuals attending the Ayurveda retreat will then fly to Bangalore as a group for this retreat.
- What Are The Prerequisite Requirements To Attend?
A minimum of 3 years of Iyengar Yoga & pranayama experience, led by a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher is required in order to attend the teachings. Additional prerequisites include completion of the Vidya Institute’s Year Programs on the Vibhuti Pada of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and The Chakra System: Ancient Maps of Subtle Anatomy program. Please contact Vidya Institute Support Staff if you would like to attend but have not completed these prerequisites and to discuss your specific circumstances.
- Are All Food, Room, & Course Fees Included In The Total Registration Fee?
Your registration fee is all inclusive and there is little reason you’d need to bring any additional funds for this trip, other than cursory emergency funds. Even the on-compound western hospital provides meditations & treatment free of charge.
- How Many Spaces Are Available?
This course is limited to a maximum attendance of 64 people, not including Vidya Institute’s faculty & staff.
- When Does Registration Close?
Enrollment closes once all 64 spaces have been reserved or after August 15th, 2025.
Enrollment Options
The all-inclusive fee for this retreat is 1900USD and that covers all 8 nights stay, the full course curriculum, meals, tips, airport pickup, and airport drop off.
A payment plan is also available where you can instead complete 5 monthly installments of 380USD. During registration simply select the option to complete your registration in monthly installments.
After completing your registration you’ll receive various emails where you will be able to arrange rooming together with a fellow student, friend, or family member.
Register For The Retreat Here Today <<
