Testimonials

Louise – United Kingdom

I thoroughly recommend Shivanandji’s yoga centre. He is a very intuitive teacher, always seeming to know what people need both in terms of physical practice and philosophical aspects of yoga to think about and apply to themselves. He is dedicated in his practice and offers a genuine traditional yoga experience. Agonda itself is a beautiful village to be in. I am a yoga teacher myself and always go to study with Shivanand whenever I can get to India.

 

Marianne – United Kingdom

I have known Shivanand Jee since 2006 and what is most remarkable is his deep and constant practice of the Yogic discipline: physical, mental and spiritual. Apart from having mastered many advanced asanas, his knowledge stems from his direct lineage with his guru, and his dedicated sadhana towards the Divine. He is a highly intuitive person and his teaching reflects his sensitive and peaceful nature. He teaches a very traditional style of Yoga that is hard to come by these days amongst the variety of styles that has reached the global market of this discipline. He is a very authentic yogi, faithful to his traditions, knowing that the result of one’s practice will manifest once we synchronise our self with the divine rhythm of Nature. He is an expert in Kriyas and teaches from beginners to advanced level.

His style is gentle, almost silent yet powerful. Day after day with the help of his guidance one can witness subtle changes taking place: a more supple body, less aches, as well as a mental transformation on the outlook of life and the different challenges that we all encounter. His teaching is not a ‘quick fix’, it stays with you and grows more and more. Ideally a two weeks immersion is necessary to break the first barriers, than you will want to return for more! His teaching reaches the heart of the total beginners as well as the most advanced practitioners. Under his very simple appearance and way of life, he hides a powerful energy and a soul that can feel the pulse of many people who approach him. I thoroughly recommend him. The peaceful location of Agonda is the perfect setting for immersing yourself in a true retreat for your body and mind!

Marianne Simonin (UK) – Yogini and artist

 

Luigi – Italy

I was in the yoga center last December and I spent a very good time with my self and Swamiji. I suggest to everyone this place, a very nice experience for the mind and body. Thanks a lot!

 

Deb and Dave – Canada

Yoga is something that I have practiced on and off at home. I always went to class for the workout though. Bikram (hot) Yoga has been my practice of choice. The west has adopted and accepted yoga with open arms, but we have lost the spirituality along the way. This is something that we are learning from Shivanand Ji.
We are still getting a workout, our aching shoulders, backs and slimming waste lines as proof. But now we are gaining insight into the meaning of Yoga. Each class begins with a mantra. The Swami’s voice resonates as he chants Om followed by a song. I don’t know what he is saying, but he explains that it is a mantra to centre our bodies and relax our minds. It certainly works. Even when I haven’t felt like attending class, the minute his mantra is over, my mind is clear and I am ready to work. It didn’t feel as if we did much during our first class, but the next day our muscles were certainly feeling the burn. Each day we perfrom our poses in sequence and each day he adds more advance asanas (postures) increasing the difficulty. Within one week, we are already feeling limber and calm. We are performing shoulder stands and dropping our feet over our heads to the ground. We can touch our toes and rest our heads almost to our knees and we can balance and pose with certain stability. For two people that really neglected to take care of their bodies this past year, we are starting to see a semblance of our old selves again.
There are other yoga studios nearby. They are all led by European and American instructors. The are a great workout I am sure, but why would you come to India to learn from someone that you could see at home? We are taking classes from a genuine Swami. He talks to us about how meditation can  improve life. He says that while Yoga is important to keep your body fit and flexible, it is really used as preparation for meditation. However, without yoga making a strong and healthy body, one will not be able to truly meditate. The stronger you are, the deeper your meditation will become.
I have a long way to go with the meditation and breathing. My personality is prone to worry and stress which has made my breathing tense and shallow. I have a hard time letting go and not forcing out the air. I try too hard and think too much. Swami is working on this with me. He tells me to follow Dave.  Dave is doing the breathing so well and relaxed.  I must take it slow, making baby steps. Dave is already following along to perfection. It is his laid back personality that has made him a master meditator in a short time.
Dave wasn’t keen on practicing Yoga in India.  Yoga is not exactly adventure travel after all.  But now that we have taken our classes with the Swami, Dave suggests that we continue with practice all the way through India. I think that is a splendid idea.

Deb and Dave’s Adventure Travel Blog for Couples

 

Saurabh – India

I have been to Goa this year in January. I took some classes in yoga from Swamiji and soon realized that it was the most refreshing experience. I could see the visible change in my physical, mental and spritual health. The whole attitude towards life transformed and I was filled with a burst of positive energy. Thanks to yoga and thanks to Swami Shivanand Ji. I would encourage all to experience this.