Yoga originated in India and was later introduced to Western countries by yogis like Swami Vivekananda, who recognized the need for inner healing in the people of those nations. Over the past many years, yoga has undergone significant evolution, similar to other aspects of life. This evolution has given rise to various versions of yoga, practiced in the West.
Although Indian roots inspire these versions, and they are not inherently wrong, when it comes to yoga teacher training, students often seek learning at more traditional destinations. That’s where India builds its space, and that’s why students opt for a yoga school in India.
Now, how do these schools differentiate from the Western schools? The following section will elaborate on that. The key differences will help students make informed decisions while choosing a yoga school for YTT. So, let’s go.
Yoga School in India vs the West – Key Differences
The following key differences set India apart as the perfect destination to learn yoga or join YTT.
Yoga Teaching Environment
One of the most significant differences between Indian and Western yoga schools is the teaching environment. These schools in India are more ashram-like, made with and surrounded by natural elements. Students are encouraged to live a satvik lifestyle, practice amidst nature, and connect with it.
On the contrary, the West offers training in studios, which are closed spaces. These studios are yoga centres rather than schools; hence, they focus on commercialised training. However, the trainers are certified professionals by the Yoga Alliance.
Traditional vs Modern Teaching Approach
Since India is the originating land of yoga, teacher training programs emphasize traditional teaching techniques. These include:
- Traditional Guru-shishya teaching styles
- Learning with discipline
- Waking up at sunrise
- Long hours of practice – asanas, pranayamas, meditation, shatkarma or cleansing techniques, mantra chanting, mudras, and bandhas.
- Learning about yoga philosophy, history, ethics, and Ayurveda
- Eating satvik meals, which include vegetarian food, Ayurvedic herbs, and other ingredients as per a yogic diet plan.
- Dedicating a reasonable amount of time to the course.
In the West, students are exposed to modern teaching methodologies, with less emphasis on deeper learning and lifestyle changes, and more on asana practice and physical anatomy. Workshops, weekly programs, and flexible timetables are standard features of programs in the West.
Relationships between Teachers and Students
In the traditional yoga schools of India, students relish a close-knit yet disciplined relationship with their Gurus. These mentors are responsible for creating a life-transforming experience for their students, much like their counterparts in ancient history. Hence, their objective is to transform their students into conscious, self-aware, and spiritually strong beings. Such an approach helps them become prospective yoga teachers with flying colours.
On the other hand, teachers in the West tend to focus more on helping their students correct their postures and movements. They pay an excellent level of attention to fitness, physical strength, and expertise. However, only a few of them emphasize inner or mental strength.
Authenticity of Teachers
In India, particularly in Rishikesh, yoga teachers are usually descendants of old mentors. These teachers are certified by the Yoga Alliance and possess deep-rooted knowledge of yoga, Sanskrit mantras, yoga sutras, and lessons from scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Yoga teachers in the West are trained professionals who have either completed their YTT in India or a Western country. They are also certified by Yoga Alliance; however, their knowledge of traditional roots may vary from those of other Indian mentors.
Yoga Styles
Indian yoga schools emphasize traditional yoga styles such as Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga, and Iyengar yoga, among others. These styles work step-by-step on the overall development of the student. In addition, techniques like pranayama and meditation help students strengthen their concentration and balance during asanas, as well as promote inner healing.
On the other hand, new-age yoga styles such as Yin yoga, Aerial yoga, Hot yoga, Aqua yoga, etc., are commonly practiced styles in the West. The foundation of these styles lies in Indian roots, i.e., they are modified versions of the ancient yoga. However, they aim to offer students a more innovative and exciting approach to yoga.
Minimum Duration & Cost of Yoga Courses
The cost of yoga courses in India, including food and accommodation, is comparatively lower than in the West. The minimum duration of a YTT course in India is 25 days. Hence, students prefer to reside in the school’s rooms or hostels to stay immersed in their journey throughout the duration. Waking up before sunrise, following a satvik lifestyle, and maintaining discipline are possible only with commitment, i.e., when students plan to stay inside the school’s premises.
On the other hand, the same course may spread over particular days of the week or months and turn out to be comparatively more expensive in the West. Moreover, food and accommodation are typically not included in this cost, and students should arrange these on their own. Individuals who cannot transition to a yoga school and need flexible hours to practice can definitely look to the West.
Final Thoughts – Yoga School in India vs the West – What is the Difference?
From the above differences, we can conclude that while yoga in India can offer students spiritual growth and traditional knowledge, it can focus entirely on physical fitness in the West. Students may decide upon their preferences, as each approach has its own range of benefits.
However, if we look in-depth, students entering the yoga profession must possess a deeper knowledge of its aspects and concepts. Only then will they be able to leverage the benefits of this life-changing journey and teach others the right way. Hence, if you are seeking an authentic and traditional teacher training program, choosing a yoga school in India is highly beneficial.
Schools like Nirvana Yoga School and others are doing a fantastic job in creating a worthy experience for students worldwide. Their teachers come from lineages of ancient yoga experts, and deliver an ocean of traditional knowledge to students. Reach out to such yoga schools in Rishikesh and begin your yoga journey today.
