Yoga can be considered as the oldest 'recorded' form of exercise in the young history of Homo sapiens. Its origins can be traced back to c. sixth and fifth centuries BCE.
Some historians even put the date as far back as the Vedic age, where references to yoga could be found in the ancient Indian text viz. the Rig Veda. In other words, yoga preceded the Buddha. No wonder He was so taken in by this discipline that aims to straddle the spiritual, mental and physical realms.
Here is a comprehensive guide to yoga courses in India.
History of Yoga In Pune
Pune has a rich history in the practice and propagation of yoga, contributing significantly to the global yoga movement. The city's yoga culture is deeply intertwined with its historical, cultural, and educational fabric. Here's an overview of the history of yoga in Pune:
Ancient and Medieval Periods
- Ancient Roots: Like many parts of India, the practice of yoga in Pune dates back to ancient times. The traditions and practices were passed down through generations, often within families or local communities.
- Medieval Influence: During the medieval period, the influence of saints and spiritual leaders in Maharashtra, such as Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram, contributed to the spiritual and philosophical landscape, indirectly supporting the practice of yoga and meditation.
20th Century Developments
- Emergence of Yoga Institutes:
- Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI): One of the most significant developments in the history of yoga in Pune was the establishment of RIMYI in 1975 by B.K.S. Iyengar. Iyengar's innovative approach, which emphasizes alignment and the use of props, brought global recognition to Pune as a center for yoga. His book "Light on Yoga" became a classic, widely regarded as the bible of modern yoga.
- Contribution of B.K.S. Iyengar:
- Global Influence: Iyengar's teachings attracted students from around the world. He trained numerous yoga teachers who spread the Iyengar method globally, establishing Pune as a pivotal hub in the international yoga community.
- Legacy: After his passing in 2014, his family continued to uphold and expand his legacy through RIMYI.
- Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute:
- Though located in Lonavala, near Pune, Kaivalyadhama (founded in 1924 by Swami Kuvalayananda) has had a significant influence on Pune's yoga scene. The institute is renowned for its scientific research on yoga, integrating traditional practices with modern scientific understanding.
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Osho International Meditation Resort
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- Establishment: The establishment of the Osho International Meditation Resort in Pune by Osho in 1974 brought a unique blend of yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices to the city. The resort attracted a global audience, adding to Pune's reputation as a spiritual and wellness destination.
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Yoga Classes Near Me in Pune
The practice of Yoga has grown a lot over the years in Pune. New yoga studios and an urban culture that focuses on fitness and well-being have assisted the growth of the yoga as a service in the 21st century.
- Growth of Yoga Studios: Over the past few decades, numerous yoga studios, centers, and independent instructors have emerged throughout Pune, offering a variety of yoga styles such as Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Kundalini yoga.
- Urban Yoga Culture: The urban population's growing interest in health and wellness has led to a vibrant yoga culture in Pune, with many people incorporating yoga into their daily lives.
Once a Maratha stronghold, and then a bastion of resistance of the Indian nationalist movement, Pune has popped up as an important name, central to India's chequered history. In the contemporary age, Pune has become a magnet for aspiring students, educators, artists and businesses.
Yoga can be learnt in any city you live in whether its Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad or New Delhi.
The yoga scene is quite ripe in the city, with an increasing number of the populace seeking out certified yoga teachers, private tuitions in yoga, online yoga training classes along with yoga and meditation centres. We list five of the most preferred among these.
Osho in Pune: An Insight into the Osho International Meditation Resort
The Osho International Meditation Resort in Pune is one of the most famous spiritual centers in the world. Founded by the Indian mystic and spiritual teacher Osho (formerly known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh), this resort offers a unique blend of meditation, personal development, and holistic wellness.
Overview of the Osho International Meditation Resort
The ashram was established by Osho in 1974. Over the years, it has evolved into a sprawling resort that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Location: Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Contact Information:
- Phone: +91 20 6601 9999
- Entry Requirements:
- Registration: Visitors must register and undergo an orientation session.
- Robe and Meditation Kit: Participants are required to wear maroon robes during the day and white robes for evening meditation sessions. Meditation kits are also provided.
- Health Check: A simple health check and a brief questionnaire about medical history.
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI)
Founded by the legendary B.K.S. Iyengar, RIMYI is one of the most respected yoga institutes globally. It focuses on the Iyengar style of yoga, known for its precision, alignment, and use of props.
- Location: Model Colony, Pune
- Contact: +91 20 2565 6134
Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute
Kaivalyadhama combines traditional yoga with scientific research. It offers comprehensive courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
- Location: Lonavala (near Pune)
- Contact: +91 2114 273 039
The Yoga Light Studios
An old player in the business of imparting yoga training, with specialization in Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga, and Iyengar yoga, the studio has two decades of experience to offer.
The yoga training programs are designed to serve many varied purposes like health, fitness, therapy (ailments of orthopedic, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, cardiac, and mental systems), weight loss, pregnancy, kids & senior citizens' health, feminine wellness, corporate training and much more.
Sign up at the most suitable yoga courses for you in Bengaluru.
GNOSIS: Medical Yoga Beyond Medicine
Gnosis Medical Yoga combines the ancient wisdom of yoga with the marvels of modern medical sciences. They believe in the practice of yogic exercise for better health and a holistic lifestyle.
Gnosis means spiritual knowledge.
- Medical yoga therapy has demonstrated success in treating lifestyle diseases and chronic disorders | GNOSIS Medical Yoga
Yoga Services
Gnosis Medical Yoga offers a varied range of yoga services in the domains of:
- Yoga for Fitness/ Health
- Lecture and Workshops
- Corporate Yoga
- Outdoor Yoga
- Yoga in Hospital
- Yoga for Sports Fitness
Medical Yogatherapy
The Unnati Yogatherapy Training Center is run by experienced Yoga therapists to help in the process of healing through the science of Yoga. Get expert advice and therapy on psychosomatic disorders, lifestyle diseases and degenerative spine and knee conditions.
Yoga Training Courses
The Yoga Teacher-Instructor Course combines theory with practice. Become an expert in:
- Medical Yoga Teacher Course (Basic-Foundation Course)
- Advance Medical Yoga Course (Medical Update Course for Yoga Teachers)
- Medical Yoga Therapy Course for Doctors
- Rope and Belt Therapy Course
Here are some of the top yoga courses in Chennai.
The Art of Living
Now a global phenomenon, The Art of Living is a non-profit organization with a presence across 156 countries. The organizational philosophy of "a stress-free mind and a violence-free society" attracts followers from all walks of life.
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Art of Living Courses in Pune
The Art of Living has a variety of courses on offer that is designed to eliminate stress and foster the growth of inner peace.
All these courses commonly include breathing exercises or Pranayamas, meditation, yoga, and instruction in practical wisdom for daily living.
Happiness Program
The program is a combination of powerful breathing techniques and practical wisdom.
Sahaj Samadhi Meditation
This program teaches the secret to effortless meditation that further enable the achievement of clarity of thought and improved nutrition.
Sri Sri Yoga
The ideal course to attain physical well-being and mental and spiritual upliftment.
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Kaivalyadham
The website describes the entity as "[v]irtually a university of Yoga, with many limbs."
The health centre at Kaivalydham hosts over 3,000 people every year, offering yoga therapy services in weekly packages consisting of both yoga and relaxation techniques, panchakarma, ayurvedic therapy, naturopathy and massage therapy. weight management.
The university offers eight specialized yoga courses.
- Certificate Course in Yoga (6 weeks)
- PG Diploma in Yoga Education (9 months)
- Foundation Course in Yoga (21 days)
- Foundation Course in Ayurveda (21 days)
- Advanced Course in Yoga (1 month)
- B.A. – Yoga Philosophy (6 Semesters)
- M.A. – Yoga Philosophy (4 Semesters)
- Certificate Course for Assistant to Yoga Therapist (3 months)
Online Yoga Courses For Punekars To Try In 2024
Want to learn and practice yoga in daily life but running short on time? Join a community of over 3000 subscribers to Kaivalyadham's online course material on various bodies of yogic learning.
- Yoga Instructor's Certification Course
- Ayurveda Certificate Course
- Samkhya by Ganesh Rao
- Yoga Research by Satbir Singh Khalsa
- Yoga as Therapy - Conference Recordings
- Yoga Alliance Professionals - Offers online classes and continuing education for yoga practitioners and teachers. Features accredited instructors and comprehensive courses.
- DoYogaWithMe - Offers a wide variety of free and subscription-based yoga classes and courses. Suitable for all levels with an extensive collection of videos.
- Yoga with Adriene - Adriene Mishler offers a wide variety of free yoga classes on YouTube. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels and cover various themes.
We hope that, with this comprehensive overview of yoga in Pune, you are now feeling more excited about incorporating yoga into your daily schedule. You won't be disappointed. That's for sure!
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