Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India 💫

a full day @ my 200hr vinyasa & ashtanga YTT in rishikesh, india!
Rishikesh Vinyasa Yoga School: rishikeshvinyasayogaschool.com/
YTT in Rishikesh, Dharmashala, & Goa: mantrayogameditation.org/
FAQ:
style of yoga ~ vinyasa flow & ashtanga (primary series)
length of course ~ 27 days
accommodation ~ (huge) private room w/ private bath + hot shower
safety ~ the school is located in tapovan, a very peaceful, safe area
cost ~ dependent upon season! (see below for a discount)
skill level required ~ beginner-advanced (there were some in the group who had never practiced!)
food ~ 3 delicious, vegetarian/vegan meals are included every day (sunday night free)
favorite parts ~ community feel, interactive + personable teachers, emphasis on philosophy, great location, intensive but also very fun :)
pssst! *for a little discount on any 300hr course @ RVYS or any 200hr/300hr @ mantra yoga meditation school, mention "tessflow" in your inquiry for $50 on me :)
p.s. all opinions are my own! I was not paid nor did I receive any discount in exchange for sharing my experience
where I get my music: goo.gl/2xqYt1
send luv: [e-mail]
🌿 find me here:
insta: @studdedhippie
twitter: @tessflorio
snap: @tessaflo
fb: / tessflorio
pinterest: / tessflo
✨
mail time:
Tess Florio
P.O. Box 1491
Southampton, NY 11969
10% off glossier: www.glossier.com/reps/tess
💗

[@camilia3749]

Please do a video about this process , how to enroll , cost , certification , accomodation ... funnily enough for the past week yoga teaching has been on my mind and then i stumbled on your video . Also please do more yoga videos . Love you

[@imnanal.9405]

Yes please!

[@WithLightAndLoveLuisa]

I agree with you!!! Yes!

[@vidasagrada7]

You can message the yoga centre and they will provide all the information. It's very intense. So make sure you are ready for it. I will also suggest to take extra days to adapt. Weather food etc specially if you haven't been to India before.

[@katherineeaston669]

I work for a yoga studio that has an online yoga teacher training program. We do it in person as well but online is an option. There are lots of places in the world that do it and prices vary.

[@celehorner1992]

The website for the school is super informative 👌

[@gabbygarza3043]

You have such a beautiful soul and such an inspirational life!! The editing was also amazing!! Would love a sit down video about your entire experience sometime when you’re all settled down. Congrats on graduating!!

[@jenniemeal]

Omg first new upload since I subscribed!!! So happy that you're training to do what your passionate about, YOU GO GIRL

[@ADea-hp3uz]

Aah, it looks sooo amazing Tess! Love seeing your day during your journey. I'm sold, I want to do a YTT too so badly. 💖

[@sofiabellia857]

You’re such an inspiration! I’ve followed you for years and you push me to do what I love and to travel the world! Also we’ve such the same taste in things, culture, etc... I would looove to meet and know you! ❤️ 🇮🇹

[@charleynodamusic]

Thank you so much for this! I've been so curious about yoga teacher trainings , it's great to have insight on a day in the life there! 💛✨

[@ninacampbell2911]

incredible tess thank you for sharing your experience 💘 i really admire your bravery + kindness in exploring new cultures and so excited for you becoming a certified teacher!! please let me know if you ever teach a class in NYC + a guided vid would be so lovely

[@Mikaelatastic]

this video is so beautifully made! i think its officially my favorite video of yours!

[@sarahwatts9229]

I'm looking forward to your videos on yoga, this looked like quite the progress! Congratulations!

[@pascalewidmer9683]

It's fun watching you walk around in Rishikesh. It reminds me of the time I spent (a bit outside of) Rishikesh in my own yoga teacher training in September & December! :D

[@melissachalmers6795]

your videos are so relaxing and calming, like a breath of fresh air and sunshine 🌞❤️

[@JescaHer]

This video was so relaxing to watch, it looks so peaceful there! Also that puppy is adorable!! 🐶 💖

[@technoh.a2742]

Get all deatiled on yoga and various types if yoga asana fitnesss2020.blogspot.com/?m=1

[@amandajchan]

This such a great upload! I've always been curious on yoga teacher training. This was some great insight.

[@briawilliams8833]

I think it is so cool that you are so well rounded and cultured. This video was very inspiring to me and I making me want to get into yoga a little more. Lots of love!♥️

[@Laura.v.b]

What an incredible experience! It looks like your learning a lot and having an amazing time.

[@KarlaBalli]

This looks like the most amazing and relaxing experience!

[@WithLightAndLoveLuisa]

FIRST OFF, I’m extremely happy I just found your channel! 😭 Second of all, you’re so beautiful!!! How exciting becoming a yoga teacher, you definitely have inspired me to pursue this dream of mines as well!!

[@emmajames7247]

Would you be willing to post a yoga video leading something for beginners? I’ve been really wanting to get into yoga and I think you’re a great teacher! 💛

[@shelleyprice7845]

Emma James yes I would love this too Tess 🧘‍♀️

[@briawilliams8833]

I agree to this suggestion. I myself am looking into yoga a little more and I think that video would be supper helpful!

[@avishagravon9282]

Your editing is amazing!!! Love you so so much

[@richamishra1942]

awww i love you!! you seem so authentically happy here :)

[@coreychatman6332]

You have a lot of classes but you are having fun. Thanks love 💕.

[@larscosmetics]

ahhh!! saw the bag i sent you at 3:32!!! love this video, so funny i have been looking into a yoga retreat lately and this makes me want to do it even more!!

[@TessFlorio]

yess i love the bag soo much ❤️❤️ thank you again 🙏

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

@@TessFlorio 🐟 16. YOGA/RELIGION: According to some sources, YOGA (authentic religion) was introduced to human society approximately seventeen thousand years ago, via the Ādiyogī (first religionist), Mahādeva Śiva, in His form known as Dakṣiṇāmūrti, in the subcontinent named Bhārata (India). Lord Shiva is universally recognized to be the first Avatar, that is, the first person to be born without sin (in other words, a pure embodiment of the Divine; enlightened from birth). Whether or not these historical events really occurred is irrelevant to the purposes of this chapter and this scripture. Other sources claim that RELIGION began when Lord Brahmā spoke the four “Vedas” (books of knowledge) in ancient Sanskrit, the essential teachings of which are non-dual, that is to say, describe everything in existence having the same ground of being. In other words, “All is One” without a second. ‘Sarvam khalvidam brahma’ (Chandogya Upanishad 3.14) teaches that ‘All this is indeed Brahman’ (“Brahman” referring to the TOTALITY of existence/non-existence). Read previous chapters of “F.I.S.H" to understand the concept of Universal Consciousness. Since then, systems of religion have evolved or have been revealed by prophetic figures on the continent of ASIA. Supernatural mythologies and superstitions developed in other locations too, most of which featured animistic narratives and primitive rituals, but not quite to the same philosophical level of the monotheistic and monistic religions of Middle East Asia, Bhārata, and China. When we humans are born into this world, we fully depend on our parents, teachers, and society to raise and educate us. Those of us who were born into a religious family are taught to believe that our particular religion has all the answers to our most fundamental questions (who really are we? from where do we come? What is the right way to behave? what is the purpose/meaning of life?, et cetera) and that its holy scripture is the “rule book” for life. Everything we need to know about life and how to live a perfect life is to be found in that holy book. UNFORTUNATELY, until this particular Holy Scripture, “F.I.S.H”, was composed, there had never been a single book (or single teaching/teacher) which logically explains existence, the meaning of life, and how we humans can live life in an ideal manner. The most popular holy books, such as the Buddhist canon, the Judeo-Christian “Holy Bible”, the Islamic “Quran”, and the Vedic texts such as “Bhagavad-gītā”, do not, sad to say, provide a complete teaching which applies to all peoples at all times and places, despite what some of their adherents may claim. The English word “religion” originates from the Latin verb “religare”, meaning “to join or unite”. It is the precise equivalent of the Sanskrit noun “yoga”, from the verbal root “yuj” (to attach, harness, or yoke). Thus, religion/yoga implies union with the Supreme Self, or, to provide a more accurate and profound definition, the understanding and realization that there is nothing BUT the Supreme Self (“Paramātmāṇ”, in Sanskrit). Other definitions include “union of the body and the mind” and “union with God”, both of which are valid in the appropriate context. Perhaps the best definition of yoga is “the UNION of the relative and absolute”, meaning one who has fully realized himself to be “Brahman”, but knows precisely how to integrate that understanding within temporal existence, just as, for example, Lord Jesus Christ so admirably demonstrated during His public ministry over two millennia ago, in the land of Palestine (now Israel). Union with the Divine has no circumstantial prerequisites. It is NOT necessary to do anything in particular in order to wake-up from this cosmic illusion and to become self-realized (that is, to “make real” the true self). Spiritual awakening occurs according to the preordained “Story of Life”, as explained in this “Final Instruction Sheet for Humanity”, although most (but not all) persons who experience awakening, liberation, and enlightenment do so after practicing some form of religion/yoga, just as most persons (but not all) who become wealthy perform wealth-creation activities such as operating a business enterprise or composing a popular song. Some become instantly wealthy by being born into an aristocratic family, winning a lottery, gambling in a casino, by being the recipient of a donation, or by being the beneficiary of a bequeathed fortune. Many religionists use the term “God's grace” for this process, although it is more accurate to attribute it to predestination (cf. Ch. 11). The REAL corollary of religion/yoga is to improve the human being - to make one more gentle, loving, forgiving, self-controlled, moral, holy and righteous - none of which necessarily unites the self with the Self. Union with the Divine depends solely on Divine Grace (or, as mentioned above, predestination). Most religious teachings focus on this self-improvement aspect, rather than on the “goal” of attaining unalloyed peace. Practically all religious precepts are prescriptive, that is, they instruct their followers to perform certain actions in order to achieve a particular objective. However, arguably the most beneficial teachings are DESCRIPTIVE, that is, they describe existence as it is, knowing that nothing can be done to alter the course of history. If a certain event is destined to take place, nothing or nobody can prevent that destined occurrence. There are FOUR systems of religion/yoga: 1. The religion of ACTION/labour. This is the simplest method of union with God, known as “karma yoga” in Bhārata, and is recommended by some experts as the one with which to begin one's spiritual journey. It involves a worker or businessman (or even a monarch) performing his duties with the goal of using his excess funds to support his spiritual preceptor or church/temple/mosque. It may also include performing beneficial deeds for one's master, such as cleaning his house or temple. Karma yoga is the least discussed system of religion, possibly because it is, as mentioned, rather simplistic, and because it is extremely unlikely that a karma yogi can ever attain to full union via this path alone. Even though the author of this Holy Scripture is the current World Teacher, he began his adult spiritual journey by diligently practicing karma yoga in the temple of a local religious organization. So, even though it may seem simplistic and inane, “Working for God” is truly a wonderful introduction to the spiritual path, even if it rarely results in a practitioner becoming a fully-awakened and enlightened sage. 2. DEVOTIONAL religion/yoga: By far the most popular form of religion, but also the most perilous. This system of religion, known as “bhakti yoga” in Bhārata, comprises of reading (or hearing) about the personal conception of the Godhead (usually a Divine Incarnation), offering prayers, singing or chanting hymns, performing rituals, and serving the spiritual teacher, with the goal of totally surrendering one's will. The peril lies in the fact that a large number of devotees become radicalized towards his or her own group or spiritual leader (“guru”, in Sanskrit), unwilling to accept the validity of other traditions or paths. The essence of love is the desire for all living beings to find true happiness. When we want the best for all creatures, then we can honestly say that we love everybody equally. One who appears to love one person more than another, in fact, loves nobody. True, unconditional love revolves around sacrificing one’s selfish desires for those of his or her superiors, whether that be one's parents, husband, employer, or spiritual master, even if they are imperfect. Should a child disobey its mother just because the mother is flawed? Of course not! This paradigm is applicable to everyone, without exception. Cont...

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

3. INTELLECTUAL union: This Yoga of Knowledge is known as “jñāna yoga” in Bhārata and as “gnosticism” in European-based languages, and is founded on the investigation and contemplation of advanced metaphysical concepts, with the aim of self-realization, that is to realize that the Universal Self alone is real (“real” in the Vedic/Upanishadic sense of the word). It is conceivable that, in the future, the study of neuroscience and physics (especially quantum mechanics) will become a legitimate aspect of jñāna yoga, or possibly even entirely replace traditional jñāna yoga, if physics is able to conclusively demonstrate that the human being is an expression of Universal Consciousness ("Brahman", in Sanskrit). In the Western World, academic philosophy, coupled with theoretical physics, particularly since the late nineteenth century, has become the most widespread expression of gnosticism, since it endeavours to uncover the foundations of life and of existence (although, in general, secular philosophy lacks the “dharmic” aspect of yoga, that is, the moral obligations and societal duties incumbent on a religious practitioner). No matter what system of religion one initially practices, it is virtually mandatory for an aspiring religionist (“sādhaka” or “yogi”, in Sanskrit) to have an inclination towards the systematic study of the King of Sciences (or “Royal Secret”), as Lord Krishna refers to this yoga in the “Bhagavad-gītā” portion of “Mahābhārata”, if he is to become truly enlightened (as defined in the next chapter). Despite its name, the Path of Knowledge can include acts of devotion towards one's teacher, thus integrating the heart and the mind, as well as periodic meditation. Much of this Holy Scripture, “A Final Instruction Sheet for Humanity”, could be classified under this system of religion, which explains why very few persons actually read this document - this yoga, by nature, attracts only highly-intelligent persons. 4. The EIGHT-LIMB yoga system: “Aṣṭāṅga yoga”, as it is known in the ancient language of Bhārata, has a defined series of eight steps or stages, beginning with moral dictums or injunctions, and culminating in a state of “steady mind (or unwavering intellect)”. In his “Yoga Sutras”, the ancient Indian sage Patañjali defined the eight limbs as follows: yama (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption). Samadhi is by far the most misunderstood concept in yoga. It refers to the state of true peace of mind, which is actually the natural state of being of the human mind, and not to some ecstatic or enstatic feeling of euphoric bliss, which is, by nature, temporary. Despite what most believe, the third stage of this yoga system does not involve a multitude of complex physical poses, but simply sitting with one's legs crossed and locked, with one's arms fully extended and resting on the knees. The purpose of sitting in this “lotus position” (“padmāsana”, in Sanskrit), or at least simple sitting positions, was in order to execute meditation and concentration in the higher steps. The myriad stretching exercises were devised in later centuries, presumably for those persons who were too inflexible to sit immediately in “padmāsana”. Having stated that, modern yoga poses are highly-recommended for anyone and everyone, whether theistic or irreligious, because they bestow enormous benefits to one's health, particularly as one advances in age. That's something I learnt the hard way, unfortunately. Aṣṭāṅga yoga is ideal for persons who are averse to devotional religions because there is no requirement of belief in God. There is no reason why one cannot practice MORE than one yoga system simultaneously, but the typical person is usually attracted to devotional religion, because it is the most instinctive one. A child is innately attached to his or her parents, in a strong familial bond, and the attachment between a devotee and his teacher (or to an Avatar/God) is a natural extension of this bond. However, the MOST beneficial spiritual practice is to “rest imperturbably as Flawless Awareness”, that is, to regress into one’s inner self (the sense of the unqualified “I am”), or return attention to its Source, without the affliction of any belief system, thus transcending all mundane concepts. This can occur during virtually any daily activity, and if practiced for short periods throughout the day, it eventually becomes one’s normal way of being. This is sometimes referred to as the “direct path”, or somewhat less accurately, the “pathless path”. In this practice there is no separation of what is aware and of what appears - no presumption of a perceiver and a perceived, or of a doer and what is done. Other contemplative techniques are focused on an object, such as a person (usually God) or a specially-formulated prayer (“mantra”, in Sanskrit), whereas this form of meditation is the simple recognition of the eternal Self by the eternal Self. When coupled with a conscious avoidance of the five forms of suffering, due to the abandonment of the notion of personal authorship mentioned in Chapter 15, this self-abidance brings about pure peace, a peace which surpasses anything previously imagined - truly beyond human understanding. That perfect peace is the fundamental nature of our existence. This is genuine yoga/religion - union of the self with the Self - for there is but ONE existence-consciousness-peace (“sacchidānanda”, in Sanskrit). Any other practice merely reinforces the notion of a separate, independent agent, which is the very root of material bondage (“saṃsāra”, in Sanskrit), or to be more precise, the cause of all actual, psychological, suffering (“duḥkha”, in Sanskrit). “Insofar as you keep watching the mind and discover yourself as its witness, nothing else can project itself on the screen of consciousness. This is so, because two things cannot occupy the attention, at the same moment. Therefore, delve within and find out where thoughts arise. Seek the source of all thought and acquire the Self-knowledge, which is the awakening of Truth.” ************ “The way to the realization of Truth, is neither through attachment nor renunciation. There is, in fact, no way. No means of any kind, can either indicate or grasp the Ultimate.” Ramesh Balsekar, Indian Spiritual Teacher. “The mind that seeks happiness (or enlightenment) is like a character in a movie in search for the screen. It will NEVER find the screen in the movie, although everything it finds is made of the screen. The mind that longs for enlightenment or happiness will never find what it is longing-for. And yet it is made out of what it is longing-for.” ************* “The question 'Am I aware?' is a thought. The answer ‘Yes’ is a thought. What takes place between those two thoughts? The experience of being aware that I am aware.” Rupert Spira, English Spiritual Teacher.

[@thelataviayoung]

Preparing for my own time in Rishikesh, I am so excited!

[@arielalena]

your life is amazing 😍🤗 this is soooo cool Tess!!!

[@technoh.a2742]

Get all deatiled on yoga and various types if yoga asana fitnesss2020.blogspot.com/?m=1

[@thisisvalen8023]

Just started my yoga practice, it feel amazing!

[@aakash2178]

Amazing..Loved it so much!!

[@MafaldaTeixeiraa]

It looks like it is an amazing experience!!

[@drkashi3860]

Love u baby

[@tpstrat14]

thank you for this. I've been reading about becoming a yoga instructor and this it the first thing I've found that takes you through a day in the life! Very useful! Thank you!

[@sanjeevgangwar8802]

Have you become yoga teacher now???

[@ambujkansal]

Good to watch it.....healthy vibes!

[@subchord3094]

yoga really help to deal with chronic pains ...and some some emotion breakdown ..thank you 🙏🏽

[@allybenedict346]

I looked into doing this exact program years ago and always wanted to but wasn’t sure how it was! Great vid :)

[@Mackenziie3]

Your vlogs are so inspiring!!

[@juliecelinaart]

So nice to see that you had a good experience at that school :D I am actually also going there in June to that exact same school, so that was a fun coincidence :)

[@alianaws4972]

So relaxing , you should upload more often .....❤❤

[@AmyMarietta]

Love this video babe! So cool

[@yuliashor5960]

You are so inspiring😌💫keep going😊

[@journeywithindu1]

Hello I'm from Rishikesh I just saw your blog... hope u enjoying alot your TTC course... welcome to Rishikesh 🙏🙏🙏

[@00mesn00]

Thanks for that video! 🤗 a packing video or information about what you brought for that month would be sooo interesting! thx ;)

[@aakansharawat367]

Welcome to India. I live in India and my hometown is near Rishikesh. Also, I have vitiligo and you are beautiful as I am :)

[@domci99]

please make more videos on yoga and teach us what youve learned! im so interested in this topic, i would love to know more. and if you have any good sources i could learn more from (books, websites, documentaries etc), i would love it if you could share them also!

[@kikinovelli]

I would love some yoga videos for beginners too :)❤

[@sarahwatts9229]

@@kikinovelli Yes me too some beginner yoga videos would be amazing

[@shelleyprice7845]

Domi Nika also totally agree

[@briawilliams8833]

I definitely agree! I think yoga is such a cool experience and would find more informational videos about the topic supper useful!

[@abileneperes6749]

So proud of you Tess

[@chandelperez1007]

I love this video. Inspires me to be a yoga instructor.

[@BarbiKvisz]

I would love to do yoga teacher training too!! This video was amazing and loved how you showed everything:)

[@indertalla9581]

Beautiful vlog Tess...love it...

[@aimeedill7876]

such an amazing experience 🤩❤️

[@dzsisters8883]

So inspiring... Love From Canada

[@haleysimpson8061]

this is such an amazing video 😇

[@kendradefazio6160]

yelped when i saw om shanti shanti shanti hehe this is amazing i am so proud of you!

[@bmountainstate]

Great video Tess, as always

[@talia5416]

you have the most amazing content ever

[@jatinkhurana7429]

RISHIKESH IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE! I WENT THERE LAST MONTH ! ITS AMAZING

[@kunwarvishal1924]

Great video. It is nice to see Rishikesh in video because I am from Rishikesh. :)

[@conservationkel1781]

Loved this! I did my YTT in India as well and have a video on it 😊

[@busilove-]

Beautifully crafted

[@OliviaSlusher]

Loved this! More yoga videos please

[@zaazgurts9219]

Wonderful!

[@OwlManSam]

I’m preparing to dive right into the deep end and do a 500hr in Rishikesh. This video really helped me thank you

[@ArmandoAbisai]

this video it´s so cool and interesting abou your at school, so I always been surprise about yoga school and their mets

[@maritorres6453]

Just see your videos just want to make me even more focus on my health

[@MeAsTeee]

Hope you enjoyed your stay in rishikesh, it's an amazing place to visit 😍 hope you enjoyed yoga 😍

[@aandm7772]

i loved this!

[@maudvanherp6835]

that puppy is so cute 😍

[@leezasoet3925]

I love your videos so much! you are amazing and a true inspiration. I have been doing yoga for half a year now and I was wondering if you are thinking about doing yoga classes online? I think that would be great!x

[@irylee639]

Omg I would love to do this! You are so good at yoga like wanna give me a class! Ly

[@KelsVaughne]

No way that's so exciting you're doing this! I'm doing mine in December and can't freaking waitttt

[@SuperTruthful]

Did you go? If so, how was it?

[@KelsVaughne]

@@SuperTruthful I did my training in bali actually! I have an entire video on my experience. It was the most amazing time!

[@SuperTruthful]

@@KelsVaughne I will watch it. I love Bali, i've been many times. Love and light.

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

@@KelsVaughne 🐟 16. YOGA/RELIGION: According to some sources, YOGA (authentic religion) was introduced to human society approximately seventeen thousand years ago, via the Ādiyogī (first religionist), Mahādeva Śiva, in His form known as Dakṣiṇāmūrti, in the subcontinent named Bhārata (India). Lord Shiva is universally recognized to be the first Avatar, that is, the first person to be born without sin (in other words, a pure embodiment of the Divine; enlightened from birth). Whether or not these historical events really occurred is irrelevant to the purposes of this chapter and this scripture. Other sources claim that RELIGION began when Lord Brahmā spoke the four “Vedas” (books of knowledge) in ancient Sanskrit, the essential teachings of which are non-dual, that is to say, describe everything in existence having the same ground of being. In other words, “All is One” without a second. ‘Sarvam khalvidam brahma’ (Chandogya Upanishad 3.14) teaches that ‘All this is indeed Brahman’ (“Brahman” referring to the TOTALITY of existence/non-existence). Read previous chapters of “F.I.S.H" to understand the concept of Universal Consciousness. Since then, systems of religion have evolved or have been revealed by prophetic figures on the continent of ASIA. Supernatural mythologies and superstitions developed in other locations too, most of which featured animistic narratives and primitive rituals, but not quite to the same philosophical level of the monotheistic and monistic religions of Middle East Asia, Bhārata, and China. When we humans are born into this world, we fully depend on our parents, teachers, and society to raise and educate us. Those of us who were born into a religious family are taught to believe that our particular religion has all the answers to our most fundamental questions (who really are we? from where do we come? What is the right way to behave? what is the purpose/meaning of life?, et cetera) and that its holy scripture is the “rule book” for life. Everything we need to know about life and how to live a perfect life is to be found in that holy book. UNFORTUNATELY, until this particular Holy Scripture, “F.I.S.H”, was composed, there had never been a single book (or single teaching/teacher) which logically explains existence, the meaning of life, and how we humans can live life in an ideal manner. The most popular holy books, such as the Buddhist canon, the Judeo-Christian “Holy Bible”, the Islamic “Quran”, and the Vedic texts such as “Bhagavad-gītā”, do not, sad to say, provide a complete teaching which applies to all peoples at all times and places, despite what some of their adherents may claim. The English word “religion” originates from the Latin verb “religare”, meaning “to join or unite”. It is the precise equivalent of the Sanskrit noun “yoga”, from the verbal root “yuj” (to attach, harness, or yoke). Thus, religion/yoga implies union with the Supreme Self, or, to provide a more accurate and profound definition, the understanding and realization that there is nothing BUT the Supreme Self (“Paramātmāṇ”, in Sanskrit). Other definitions include “union of the body and the mind” and “union with God”, both of which are valid in the appropriate context. Perhaps the best definition of yoga is “the UNION of the relative and absolute”, meaning one who has fully realized himself to be “Brahman”, but knows precisely how to integrate that understanding within temporal existence, just as, for example, Lord Jesus Christ so admirably demonstrated during His public ministry over two millennia ago, in the land of Palestine (now Israel). Union with the Divine has no circumstantial prerequisites. It is NOT necessary to do anything in particular in order to wake-up from this cosmic illusion and to become self-realized (that is, to “make real” the true self). Spiritual awakening occurs according to the preordained “Story of Life”, as explained in this “Final Instruction Sheet for Humanity”, although most (but not all) persons who experience awakening, liberation, and enlightenment do so after practicing some form of religion/yoga, just as most persons (but not all) who become wealthy perform wealth-creation activities such as operating a business enterprise or composing a popular song. Some become instantly wealthy by being born into an aristocratic family, winning a lottery, gambling in a casino, by being the recipient of a donation, or by being the beneficiary of a bequeathed fortune. Many religionists use the term “God's grace” for this process, although it is more accurate to attribute it to predestination (cf. Ch. 11). The REAL corollary of religion/yoga is to improve the human being - to make one more gentle, loving, forgiving, self-controlled, moral, holy and righteous - none of which necessarily unites the self with the Self. Union with the Divine depends solely on Divine Grace (or, as mentioned above, predestination). Most religious teachings focus on this self-improvement aspect, rather than on the “goal” of attaining unalloyed peace. Practically all religious precepts are prescriptive, that is, they instruct their followers to perform certain actions in order to achieve a particular objective. However, arguably the most beneficial teachings are DESCRIPTIVE, that is, they describe existence as it is, knowing that nothing can be done to alter the course of history. If a certain event is destined to take place, nothing or nobody can prevent that destined occurrence. There are FOUR systems of religion/yoga: 1. The religion of ACTION/labour. This is the simplest method of union with God, known as “karma yoga” in Bhārata, and is recommended by some experts as the one with which to begin one's spiritual journey. It involves a worker or businessman (or even a monarch) performing his duties with the goal of using his excess funds to support his spiritual preceptor or church/temple/mosque. It may also include performing beneficial deeds for one's master, such as cleaning his house or temple. Karma yoga is the least discussed system of religion, possibly because it is, as mentioned, rather simplistic, and because it is extremely unlikely that a karma yogi can ever attain to full union via this path alone. Even though the author of this Holy Scripture is the current World Teacher, he began his adult spiritual journey by diligently practicing karma yoga in the temple of a local religious organization. So, even though it may seem simplistic and inane, “Working for God” is truly a wonderful introduction to the spiritual path, even if it rarely results in a practitioner becoming a fully-awakened and enlightened sage. 2. DEVOTIONAL religion/yoga: By far the most popular form of religion, but also the most perilous. This system of religion, known as “bhakti yoga” in Bhārata, comprises of reading (or hearing) about the personal conception of the Godhead (usually a Divine Incarnation), offering prayers, singing or chanting hymns, performing rituals, and serving the spiritual teacher, with the goal of totally surrendering one's will. The peril lies in the fact that a large number of devotees become radicalized towards his or her own group or spiritual leader (“guru”, in Sanskrit), unwilling to accept the validity of other traditions or paths. The essence of love is the desire for all living beings to find true happiness. When we want the best for all creatures, then we can honestly say that we love everybody equally. One who appears to love one person more than another, in fact, loves nobody. True, unconditional love revolves around sacrificing one’s selfish desires for those of his or her superiors, whether that be one's parents, husband, employer, or spiritual master, even if they are imperfect. Should a child disobey its mother just because the mother is flawed? Of course not! This paradigm is applicable to everyone, without exception. Cont...

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

3. INTELLECTUAL union: This Yoga of Knowledge is known as “jñāna yoga” in Bhārata and as “gnosticism” in European-based languages, and is founded on the investigation and contemplation of advanced metaphysical concepts, with the aim of self-realization, that is to realize that the Universal Self alone is real (“real” in the Vedic/Upanishadic sense of the word). It is conceivable that, in the future, the study of neuroscience and physics (especially quantum mechanics) will become a legitimate aspect of jñāna yoga, or possibly even entirely replace traditional jñāna yoga, if physics is able to conclusively demonstrate that the human being is an expression of Universal Consciousness ("Brahman", in Sanskrit). In the Western World, academic philosophy, coupled with theoretical physics, particularly since the late nineteenth century, has become the most widespread expression of gnosticism, since it endeavours to uncover the foundations of life and of existence (although, in general, secular philosophy lacks the “dharmic” aspect of yoga, that is, the moral obligations and societal duties incumbent on a religious practitioner). No matter what system of religion one initially practices, it is virtually mandatory for an aspiring religionist (“sādhaka” or “yogi”, in Sanskrit) to have an inclination towards the systematic study of the King of Sciences (or “Royal Secret”), as Lord Krishna refers to this yoga in the “Bhagavad-gītā” portion of “Mahābhārata”, if he is to become truly enlightened (as defined in the next chapter). Despite its name, the Path of Knowledge can include acts of devotion towards one's teacher, thus integrating the heart and the mind, as well as periodic meditation. Much of this Holy Scripture, “A Final Instruction Sheet for Humanity”, could be classified under this system of religion, which explains why very few persons actually read this document - this yoga, by nature, attracts only highly-intelligent persons. 4. The EIGHT-LIMB yoga system: “Aṣṭāṅga yoga”, as it is known in the ancient language of Bhārata, has a defined series of eight steps or stages, beginning with moral dictums or injunctions, and culminating in a state of “steady mind (or unwavering intellect)”. In his “Yoga Sutras”, the ancient Indian sage Patañjali defined the eight limbs as follows: yama (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption). Samadhi is by far the most misunderstood concept in yoga. It refers to the state of true peace of mind, which is actually the natural state of being of the human mind, and not to some ecstatic or enstatic feeling of euphoric bliss, which is, by nature, temporary. Despite what most believe, the third stage of this yoga system does not involve a multitude of complex physical poses, but simply sitting with one's legs crossed and locked, with one's arms fully extended and resting on the knees. The purpose of sitting in this “lotus position” (“padmāsana”, in Sanskrit), or at least simple sitting positions, was in order to execute meditation and concentration in the higher steps. The myriad stretching exercises were devised in later centuries, presumably for those persons who were too inflexible to sit immediately in “padmāsana”. Having stated that, modern yoga poses are highly-recommended for anyone and everyone, whether theistic or irreligious, because they bestow enormous benefits to one's health, particularly as one advances in age. That's something I learnt the hard way, unfortunately. Aṣṭāṅga yoga is ideal for persons who are averse to devotional religions because there is no requirement of belief in God. There is no reason why one cannot practice MORE than one yoga system simultaneously, but the typical person is usually attracted to devotional religion, because it is the most instinctive one. A child is innately attached to his or her parents, in a strong familial bond, and the attachment between a devotee and his teacher (or to an Avatar/God) is a natural extension of this bond. However, the MOST beneficial spiritual practice is to “rest imperturbably as Flawless Awareness”, that is, to regress into one’s inner self (the sense of the unqualified “I am”), or return attention to its Source, without the affliction of any belief system, thus transcending all mundane concepts. This can occur during virtually any daily activity, and if practiced for short periods throughout the day, it eventually becomes one’s normal way of being. This is sometimes referred to as the “direct path”, or somewhat less accurately, the “pathless path”. In this practice there is no separation of what is aware and of what appears - no presumption of a perceiver and a perceived, or of a doer and what is done. Other contemplative techniques are focused on an object, such as a person (usually God) or a specially-formulated prayer (“mantra”, in Sanskrit), whereas this form of meditation is the simple recognition of the eternal Self by the eternal Self. When coupled with a conscious avoidance of the five forms of suffering, due to the abandonment of the notion of personal authorship mentioned in Chapter 15, this self-abidance brings about pure peace, a peace which surpasses anything previously imagined - truly beyond human understanding. That perfect peace is the fundamental nature of our existence. This is genuine yoga/religion - union of the self with the Self - for there is but ONE existence-consciousness-peace (“sacchidānanda”, in Sanskrit). Any other practice merely reinforces the notion of a separate, independent agent, which is the very root of material bondage (“saṃsāra”, in Sanskrit), or to be more precise, the cause of all actual, psychological, suffering (“duḥkha”, in Sanskrit). “Insofar as you keep watching the mind and discover yourself as its witness, nothing else can project itself on the screen of consciousness. This is so, because two things cannot occupy the attention, at the same moment. Therefore, delve within and find out where thoughts arise. Seek the source of all thought and acquire the Self-knowledge, which is the awakening of Truth.” ************ “The way to the realization of Truth, is neither through attachment nor renunciation. There is, in fact, no way. No means of any kind, can either indicate or grasp the Ultimate.” Ramesh Balsekar, Indian Spiritual Teacher. “The mind that seeks happiness (or enlightenment) is like a character in a movie in search for the screen. It will NEVER find the screen in the movie, although everything it finds is made of the screen. The mind that longs for enlightenment or happiness will never find what it is longing-for. And yet it is made out of what it is longing-for.” ************* “The question 'Am I aware?' is a thought. The answer ‘Yes’ is a thought. What takes place between those two thoughts? The experience of being aware that I am aware.” Rupert Spira, English Spiritual Teacher.

[@LeighAnneMarie]

I'd never heard of an eye cleanse before!

[@cherifatestouri7706]

Firsttt😄❤

[@dariachugunov620]

Love you videos so much❤❤❤❤

[@anasantini6676]

hi Tess!! love your videos so much thank you for being you! quick question: what camera do you use to film your videos?? thank you!

[@eringabrielle4950]

Love you !!!! Second comment yay

[@MiaandEllie2]

Hi, I love your videos so so much. What's in the Indian gooseberry for the eyes? Ingredients and how it's mixed together? I would love to add this to my routine.

[@talia5416]

also please film a video about the whole experience!!

[@larscosmetics]

and 3:52 omg! made my day :)

[@mitranjankrkushwaha5052]

Wow...

[@shubhukhandagale8477]

love it

[@mehrygoround]

omg I spotted Mohit ji. He is one of the best philosophy teachers!

[@subhashchaudhary]

watching this from rishikesh ...

[@Zonderzooi]

You have such a lovely voice! Thank you for this video. I have no idea why your video came up into my KZbin, but it's funny because I've been looking for a yoga teacher training in India. How is it there in the time you're off, do you feel safe on the streets or do you need to bring someone like a teacher? Thanks!

[@teriza8]

pls tess make more videos about your yoga story, your ytt and your experiences.... ly

[@talkingtoalison]

You are so naturally beautiful

[@deepaksetia]

I recently got to know that cotton and linen are high vibrational clothes. In Indian climate, cotton is most preferred due to heat. Also, the new days Yoga clothes does not allow body to breath and also takes away energy. Also, avoid blue. Old civilizations did not use blue as this colour takes away energy. The traditional way is authentic.

[@hikercomrade5728]

🤗

[@elainapplesauce]

This video gave me all the feels ! I miss Rishikesh so much 😭😭😭 wanting to go back and do training again would you recommend this school ?

[@holisticmaya]

got this recommended and I'm glad I clicked and watched it :) Such a relaxing atmosphere. I dream of going to Rishikesh and India in general. So nice to see what YTT looks like over there :) How advanced do you have to be to start YTT? I mean, how physically strong/flexible do you need to be? Or do you even have to be?

[@ashyy190]

Depends on the country in which you're gonna teach, 200-300 hrs of training is the minimum. Secondly physicality really doesn't matter much but if one is little flexible it helps a ton

[@himalayanashram4332]

👍👍👍👍👍🙏

[@rocky-bp1gr]

Love from india

[@ksssb3621]

is it really possible to do a headstand like you did only with this course? or did you have prior practice with headstands?

[@jhonbhai5516]

Very good video

[@sarahsilvester4380]

Could you do a video about how to start with yoga?? 😍

[@radiatelight4100]

Can you tell me how much your course was? I know it depends on the season, but an approximation would be great.Thank you

[@manam8980]

Hi, I’m thinking to go to Rishikesh in December for ytt! did you or anyone get a rabies shot or anything before the trip? Need an advice !!

[@DrShawnaFreshwater]

You posted 2 links to 2 different Yoga schools. Which one of the two did you present in this video?

[@LauraLangheinrich]

I really wanna do a yoga teacher training in India too! Does the school also offer other styles of yoga? Or is it the go-to in India to teach Ashtanga and vinyasa? Are the flows very intense? 💖🌎🌈🦋

[@ieetzu]

I'm curious as well! :)

[@barbaraterracciano7716]

Hi Tess,What do you think of Ashtanga Yoga?😘

[@ellaadded1862]

U r beautiful and i love ur vidéos😻😻😻

[@ashushukla7010]

Nice rishikesh ...

[@Arjun_sharma1665]

Nice vlog dear

[@Tirthanvillageresort]

ॐ

[@mayankthapliyal9938]

I'm from rishikesh too 😎

[@eve2033]

Anyone wants to do a Yoga teacher training in either Rishikesh or Goa in June 2020 and is looking for a travel buddy before or afterwards? I was thinking about traveling to India a few days before the first day of the yoga teacher training and would like to travel with some nice like-minded people!