The primary and most important schedule in the 3 Day retreat program at Isha Yoga Centre was the exclusive session with Sadhguru, A never to miss opportunity to receive the divine grace and blessings from the master.

Sadguru is a realised yogi and mystic who works tirelessly towards the physical, mental and spiritual well being of all. With the unique ability to make the ancient yogic sciences relevant to Contemporary minds. Sadhguru acts as a bridge to the deeper dimensions of life. His approach does not ascribe to any belief system but offers methods for self transformation that are both proven and Powerful. Sadguru’s transformational programs has deeply touched the lives of millions worldwide. A prolific author, poet and internationally renowned speaker his wit and piercing logic has motivated provoked and broadened our thoughts and perceptual life.

The world renowned Spiritual Master, mystic, yogi and visionary is ranked among the 50 most influential people in India and has been conferred with The Padma Vibhushan, India’s highest civilian award.He has been the leading voice at major global forums including The United Nations, World Economic Forum,The UK House of Lords, TED and The Top business schools and Universities around the world.

Sadhguru founder and head of the Isha Foundation and Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore,Tamilnadu is also the founder of “Save Soil” – Conscious Planet, the world’s largest people’s movement and Cauvery Calling.The Isha Foundation is a Non Profit Organization supported by over 3 million Volunteers world wide established for the wellbeing of the society at large. The foundation activities are designed to establish inclusive culture and live in harmony with nature. Established in 1992 and now 3 decades down the line, the non-profit has become a world-renowned organisation working towards creating “harmony between body mind and self” through yoga programs, and social and community development activities. To keep up with the times, the foundation has embraced technology in a big way.

Sadhguru says smiling, that managing a no profit organisation which has over 3 million diversified volunteers across it’s 500+ centres around the globe is a no nonsense affair.These are volunteers whom you cannot fire for mistakes as they are not hired.They come to him and say I want to quit, b’coz although the environment is conducive I am not able to get along with a fellow volunteer.

The volunteers are seekers, several people, touched deeply by Sadhguru’s work and by their own experience of transformation seek to contribute in their own capacity.

We also came across Sadhanapada a 7-month residential program for inner transformation for those looking to establish balance and clarity, emotional stability, seeking spiritual growth, or to live an intense and energetic life.Those who have completed the Inner Engineering program and have been initiated into the Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, are eligible to apply. The first Sadhanapada program was held on Guru Purnima in July 2018 with over 200 participants.The program starts on Guru Purnima and closes till Mahashivratri. This year Mahashivratri will be celebrated on 18th February 2022 from 6 pm to 6 am. Also, YAKSHA an annual festival of culture music, and dance performed by renowned artists will start from 15th to 17th February 2022 from 6.30 to 830 PM IST.

From powerful yoga programme to large scale humanitarian projects for rural upliftment (Isha Action for Rural Rejuvenation & Velliangiri Uzhavan), education for the underprivileged (Isha Vidhya), Environmental Restoration (Project GreenHands, Rally for rivers ) as well as Holistic and Healthy Living (Isha Life).The foundation activities are designed to establish inclusive culture and live in harmony with nature.

Isha is associated with a bouquet of enterprises – Isha Foods and Spices, Isha Crafts, Isha Naturo Organic Solutions, Uzhavan Agro Solutions, Trishul Foundations, Trishul Shelters, Krishi Land Farms, Isha Arogya, Isha Institute of Inner Sciences, Isha Life Research Foundation, Isha Life Fitness System, Isha Capital, Isha Beauty Products and Wellness.

The Isha Yoga Center is nestled at the foothills of the Velliangiri Hills. It is an approx 1hr or 40km drive from the Coimbatore International Airport to the Centre.The ashram is a sacred space that has been created for one’s spiritual growth. The daily schedule in the ashram has been created such that every aspect of the day can be utilized as a sadhana, as a tool towards one’s growth.

Every nook and cranny of the Isha Yoga Center is a delightful discovery when you are here for the first time, and even on subsequent visits. The place exudes a special charm – a heady mix of meticulousness and chaos coupled with the exhilarating scent of clean air, herbs and flowers. Designed by Sadhguru himself, the structures within the ashram are unique sights to behold. Particularly noteworthy are the Spanda Hall and the Adiyogi Alayam.

Routine schedule for program participants at the Isha Yoga Centre.

5.30 to 7.30 am – Guru Pooja and practices in Sadhana Hall, for Isha Yoga practitioners.
8 to 9.30 am – Volunteering (optional) *Contact the Overseas Coordination Office for volunteering opportunities
10 am – Brunch at Biksha Hall
11.45 am to 12.10 pm – Nadha Aradhana in the Dhyanalinga Temple
Nadha Aradhana is an offering of sound to the Dhyanalinga with an etheric blend of vocals, singing bowls, drums and various other instruments, which transports one into the timeless space of the Dhyanalinga.
12.30 to 1.30 pm – Aumkar Diksha
Aumkar meditation is a daily introduction to the timeless and powerful mantra “AUM.” This meditation is known to have transcendental qualities. It can bring peace and balance to the meditator’s system, and is known to relieve people from numerous physical and mental ailments when practiced regularly.
2.30 to 4.30 pm – Volunteering (optional)
4.30 to 5.45 pm – Evening practices (optional)
4.45 to 5.45 pm – Games (on the grounds opposite the Cottages)
5.45 to 6.10 pm – Nadha Aradhana in the Dhyanalinga Temple
6.10 to 6.45 pm – Sadhguru Darshan
The word “Darshan” means “to behold.” Darshan is a special opportunity to receive the love and Grace of Sadhguru.
7 pm – Dinner at Biksha Hall
8 pm – Linga Seva (Temple cleaning) in Dhyanalinga and Linga Bhairavi Temples
10 pm – Bedtime (Lights out)

Note: schedule for program participants may vary

The centre’s indoor and outdoor spaces are attractive and intrinsically designed in harmony with nature. Particularly the profusion of greenery and gorgeous flowering plants are soothing and captivating. It feels like mother nature is embracing us.

The Dhyanalinga Shrine and the Linga Bhairavi Shrine or Devi temple are consecrated by Sadhguru for seekers and devotees who wish to receive the grace of divine energy that manifest here. The divinity and spirituality is embedded by Prāṇa pratiṣṭhā (Life Infusing) ritual.The Dhyanalinga is a place for deep, peaceful meditation. This dome is made entirely of mud brick, without the use of metal or cement.

To increase receptivity to the energies of the Dhyanalinga, visitors can take a dip in one of the two Theerthakunds (energized water bodies) on the premises. These pools are energized by rasalingas, which have been consecrated by Sadhguru. The Chandrakund, for women, is consecrated with a slightly feminine energy and the Suryakund, for men, is more masculine in nature.

The Isha Rejuvenation Center is a place where Ayurvedic massages, therapies, and assorted treatments for pain and specific ailments are available. It provides a 3, 5, or 7-day rejuvenation programme that visitors can enrol in. For deep analysis and treatment of specific health issues there are a variety of medicines dispensed in the form of Siddha and Ayurvedic treatments.

Guests have several options for accommodation within the ashram. The 70 rooms at the Nalanda Conference Center are the most comfortable with spotless en suite bathrooms and basic amenities (non air-conditioned rooms from ₹2,500; air-conditioned rooms from ₹3,500, less if you join an Isha programme). With a cascading white bougainvillea at the entrance, spacious public areas, an open, airy style, extensive use of dark wood, and beautiful plants and lawns, this is a well-designed, aesthetic space. At the Nadhi and Alayam rooms you get a basic lean, functional space with twin beds and attached bathrooms. There are also Shivpada suites and accommodation for larger families/groups and campuses (non-AC from ₹850; AC from ₹1,300-5,000). All room rates include two meals at the Bhiksha Hall.

Most residents and visitors eat at the Bhiksha Hall seating on the long mats lined up on the floor with the volunteers performing the seva or serving the food for the day.The food is Supachak and Pranic (easily digestable) comprising of salad, organic substitute of rice, dal, veggies, and a millet porridge. It is served alongwith a fruit and bitter neem drink, so the food becomes wholesome with all kinds of (rasas) taste. There are six primary rasas viz. madhura (sweet), amla (sour), lavaṇa (salty), kaṭu (hot), tikta (bitter) and kaṣaya (astringent). A not too spicy version is also available and portions are unlimited; you can eat as much as you want. Once done, everyone washes their own stainless steel plate and glass in the very clean washing area and places them on the dish racks provided.The process ensures Zero waste management. Nothing goes waste.The ashram has the best technique for optimization in use of resources by grace of Sadhguru.

Isha’s project Samskriti was launched to rekindle interest in Indian classical art and culture, everyone in the Ashram is greeted with a Namaskaram and referred to as Anna (He) and Akka (She) according to their gender

The Isha Outreach has also launched a ‘Save Soil’ Policy Handbook has also drafted “a policy for soil regeneration on the planet, based on soil types, latitudinal positions, and agricultural traditions of a given nation,” though its recommendations for all nations remain oriented around the same 3 to 6 percent soil organic matter goal.

The document urges governments to incentivize farmers to increase soil organic matter through policies like tax breaks, and acknowledges that issues like land tenure and climate change need to be addressed in order to reach that goal.

Cauvery Calling Movement aims to enable 5.2 million farmers to plant 2.42 billion trees in the Cauvery River Basin in 12 years and act as a demonstrable model to Save Soil.

Isha’s Save Soil movement and Cauvery Calling movement conducted several workshop and training program for agricultural officials and related departments across india.

An Isha Outreach Co-ordinator and volunteer functioning under the guidance of Isha, shared, “The central government has announced a plan to start 10,000 FPOs and has accepted Velliangiri Uzhavan FPO as a model FPO. Isha Natural Farm in Semmedu, Coimbatore has set an exemplary role model. Vellingiri Uzhavan Producer Company Limited (VUPCL) was formed in 2013 with the support of Isha Outreach, the social and environmental arm of Isha Foundation. It is the top-ranked Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) in Tamil Nadu. VUPCL reached a milestone with a turnover of Rs. 17.7 crore for financial year 2021-22, a 26% increase in its yoy turnover and a 165% increase in earnings per share for the year.

“Velliangiri Uzhavan is a revolution in Coimbatore,” The team has the determination to steer the FPO to its next milestone – a turnover of Rs. 50 crores.The Isha Outreach model plan for FPOs has been accepted by the central ministry which decided to recommend it all over the country under the aegis of Sadhguru.

“When we began, it was a difficult task for us to take this concept of FPOs to farmers as agriculture is a very individualized field. With Sadhguru’s guidance, we started Velliangiri Uzhavan which has received many awards and accolades from the State and Central Government. From thinking only about themselves to thinking about solutions for all, there has been a dramatic shift in the farmer’s thinking. We are going to start 25 more FPOs in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture,” sources added.

One most beloved moment to behold and cherish for lifetime was the Adiyogi Divya Darshanam, A spectacular light & sound show depicting the origin of Yoga.

The 112-feet statue of Adiyogi Shiva, a replica of the one in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, was unveiled on the foothills of Nandi Hills today on Sunday 15th January on the occasion of Makara Sankranti. So found it apt to give today a glimpse of our Stay at Isha during the media retreat program from 3rd to 5th January, 2023.

The 3 day stay of ours at Isha Yoga Center was an exuberant experience reminiscent of a blissful spiritual hospitality and the divine grace of a Guru that will remain embedded in our memories forever.Ends