7th Annual Mysore Yoga Conference
January 13-22, 2025 Mysore, India
Celebrate Yoga’s true heritage at Mysore Yoga Conference! Each day will be packed with a 3 hour yoga workshop and profound philosophical lectures by some of Mysore’s legendary scholars as well as cultural excursions and tours. Mornings are devoted to asana and each afternoon we listen to the senior scholars, yogis, pundits and spiritual leaders of Mysore teach the history and philosophy of yoga. All of this happens in Chitravana, a beautiful poolside resort just outside of Mysore in pristine nature, with amazing Ayurvedic food. Learn about the Mysore Yoga Parampara which Sri Krishnamacharya belonged to, a lineage of spiritual practice that has existed in Mysore for over a thousand years. If you believe yoga has touched your life and want to know more about the roots of the practice you love, Mysore Yoga Conference will be a wonderful and enriching experience!
This conference is a unique educational experience that touches the soul.
When we made the film Mysore Yoga Traditions in 2016 it was apparent that Mysore is a treasure chest of knowledge. Nearly all serious yoga practitioners would like to feel connected to a yoga tradition in some way. Because we were all longtime Ashatnga Yoga practitioners, we knew we had discovered something very special when we began to meet the Sanskrit community in Mysore. Learning about the philosophy and history of yoga from the senior scholars and spiritual leaders in Mysore is the best way we know to deepen our connection with the yoga practices that we all love so much. We decided that as many people as possible should have this experience -so we decided to create Mysore Yoga Conference!
Mysore Yoga Conference is an opportunity to meet face to face with students of Sri Krishnamacharya and gain first hand insight into the rich and beautiful yoga culture of Mysore.
Take a journey into yoga while practicing Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama, Mudra, and Therapeutic techniques with senior teachers Andrew Eppler, Joey Paz and Bryce Delbridge each morning.
Afternoons will be spent taking and deep look at yoga philosophy with Mysore’s masterful scholars who have studied yoga since they were children and carry the true spirit of yoga. Reflect on these great teachings together with yoga practitioners from all over the world. Learn about the Mysore Yoga Parampara which Sri Krishnamacharya belonged to, a lineage of spiritual practice that has existed in Mysore for over a thousand years. Get insight into the history of the asana practices that have brought Mysore international fame. At lease half of all postural yoga poractices around the world today can be traced back to Sri Krishnamacharya who is considered the father of modern yoga.
If you believe yoga has touched your life and want to know more about the roots of the practice you love, Mysore Yoga Conference will be a wonderful, eye-opening experience!
DAILY SCHEDULE:
Delicious Mysore coffee and gourmet chai are served at 7am.
8:30am - 10:30am
Therapeutic Warmup, Asana Practice, Mudra and Pranayama with Andrew Eppler, Joey Paz, and Bryce Delbridge.
10:30am - 11:30am Brunch
12pm to 2:30pm
Lectures with Mysore’s brilliant Sanskrit Scholars, outings and cultural experiences. Lectures usually last for 60-90 minutes. There will be time to ask questions and interact with the speaker. After the lecture and traditional closing ceremony we will digest the lecture together as a group in an international, multicultural discussion which everyone is welcome to participate in. Note- lectures can run over the scheduled time when there are questions and stimulating discussion.
2:30pm - 7pm
Afternoons and evenings are free to rest, visit, have Ayurvedic massages, shop and explore, or simply relax poolside at our resort!
7pm - 8pm Dinner
On the last day of the conference, which is a full moon, we will all take a road trip to the spectacularly beautiful mountain village of Melkote to receive a full moon lecture from Dr. M. A. Alwar who is the current Acharya (spiritual leader) of the yoga tradition that Sri Krishnamacharya belonged to.
EACH YEAR WE CREATE A POWERFUL EXPERIENCE IN YOGA FOR OUR GUESTS. WITH THE HELP OF SRI ALWAR AND SAMSKRITI FOUNDATION, WE ARRANGE THE TOP SCHOLARS FROM MYSORE AND SURROUNDING AREAS TO DELIVER OUTSTANDING LECTURES ON YOGA. WE OFFER DEEP, THOUGHT PROVOKING EDUCATION OF THE MOST AUTHENTIC KIND.
Lecture Schedule for 2025
1. Sunday January 13 (starting 4pm)
Opening Ceremony with Vedic Ritual
Dr. M. A. Alwar Opening Address
Dr. Gangadhar Bhat - Sankhya Karika of Ishvara Krishna
2. Monday January 14
Introductory Asana Session with Andrew Eppler, Joey Paz and Bryce Delbridge
Healing ourselves through therapeutic work, personal authority and personal responsibility
Ashtanga Sequences as the foundational choreography of modern yoga
Introduction to Mudra and Pranayama
Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao - The Essence of the Patanjali Sutras
3. Tuesday January 15
Asana Workshop:
Postural Analysis - Understanding what is too strong and what is too weak
Mysore Practice with adjustments and individual instruction from Andrew, Joey and Bryce
Mudras and Bandhas in the Tradition of Sri Krishnamacharya
Tour of the Maharaja’s Sanskrit College
Lectures by the Principal of the Maharaja’s Sanskrit College, Dr. Satyanarayana and
the legendary Sri B. N. S. Iyengar
Tour of Mysore Palace with Sri M. G. Narasimha
(whose family has served the Wadiyar Kings for the last 5 generations)
4. Wednesday January 16
Asana Workshop:
Therapeutic ball work, Accessing core strength
Introduction to the Intermediate Ashtanga Series in a way that is safe and appropriate
Pranayama - Our journey inward
Dr. M. A. Jayashree - Mantra, Dr. M. A. Narasimhan Blessings and Darshan
Sri M. G. Narasimha - Spiritual legacy of Wadiyar Kings
5. Thursday January 17
Asana Workshop:
Somatic Movement and Functional Anatomy
Mysore Practice with Adjustments
Mudra and Pranayama
Visit to Laxminarayana Gurukal - Traditional Vedic Chanting
6. Friday January 18
Asana Workshop:
Getting in the Zone - Developing a personal Therapeutic practice
Mysore Practice with Adjustments
Energetic Anatomy and Pranayama
Dr. M. Jayaraman - Sankhya and Yoga
7. Saturday January 19
Asana Workshop:
Rest day from Asana - Introduction to Thai Bodywork
Group Discussion
Dr. Ragavendra Mohan - Indic Costumes, a Data Driven Story
8. Sunday January 20
Asana Workshop:
Self Massage, Somatic Movement, Muscle Activation
Led Primary Series
Mudra and Pranayama
Dr. Darshan Shankar - Ayurveda
9. Monday January 21
Asana Workshop:
Self Massage, Somatic Movement, Muscle Activation
Led Intermediate Series in the tradition of Sri B. N. S. Iyengar
Mudra and Pranayama
Dr. T. R. S. Sharma - The Great Acharyas
10. Tuesday January 22
Asana Workshop:
Group Discussion - Sharing Experiences - Intuitive Self-directed Warm up
Mysore Practice with Adjustments
Mudra and Pranayama - Chanting Mantras
Trip to Melkote to witness the Ancient Roots of Mysore’s Yoga Tradition
Dr. M. A. Alwar - Closing ceremony in Melkote and Essence of Yoga
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
Mysore Yoga Conference will be held at Chitravana Resort, 25 minutes outside of Mysore. Surrounded by pristine forest, away from the bustle and noise of the city, Chitravana has a special yogic ambiance. There are 10 private cottages available and 20 rooms at the resort, all of which have recently been renovated. The resort has its own swimming pool for use of our retreat guests only. Chitravana means painted forest. The resort was actually created from a painting using unique architecture to create a beautiful ambiance that came from the brilliant mind of Sri Murthy, the owner of the resort. Chitravana is simply stunning!
* For people sharing rooms we will give rooms with separate beds when possible. Many of the rooms have only a single king sized bed. We do our best to match room mates in a way that lets everyone feel comfortable.
FOOD - Will be catered by Sahana Murthy of Mysore Rasayana Kitchen. Sahana is a renowned Ayurvedic Chef and teacher of culinary art. Each meal will be a carefully planned experience with great love and care put into it.
What is included in the cost of the retreat?
10 days of immersive Yoga classes, including Asana, pranayama, mudra, and philosophy with Andrew Eppler, Joey Paz, & Bryce Delbridge
10 days and nights of accommodation at Chitravana Jungle Resort, including full use of resort grounds, amenities, and swimming pool
2 full meals a day of delicious, vegan/vegetarian cuisine provided on site at our resort by Sahana Murthy (Rasayana Mysore Kitchen)
Guided activities and cultural excursions in the city of Mysore
A comprehensive education about the historical, sociological, & cultural background of Yoga
A day trip to Melkote, India to see the roots of the Mysore Yoga Tradition
A certificate of completion recognized as continuing education with Yoga Alliance
A brand new group of yogi friends from all over the world
Memories to last a lifetime!
Practical Info.
*Check in starts at 12 noon on January 13. The opening ceremony and first lecture begin at 4pm.
*If you would like to book extra days at Chitravana to rest from travel before the conference begins you may do so The price for a Private Cottage or deluxe room is Rs 4500. The price for a Private Room is Rs 3500. (rooms and cottages may be shared, but the price remains the same)
*If you prefer to stay elsewhere while you rest and recover, we can give you some suggestions for affordable places to stay.
*Taxis from Bangalore airport can be arranged for 4500 RS each way. For this to be arranged we will need your flight details. Please send them when you request a taxi. (the driver will be waiting for you when you arrive and take you straight to Chitravana Resort or wherever you choose to stay.
READY TO JOIN?
Our on-site options were completely booked out last year so it is best to reserve your spot right away.
We have something for everyone….
All inclusive options at Chitravana Resort
Conference only options for people who prefer to arrange their own accommodations
Attend Mysore Yoga Conference Online and study from anywhere
Already in Mysore??? Drop in for a single lecture or book multiple lectures and outings!
If you are attending Mysore Yoga Conference and would like to take a special journey into the heart and soul of Mysore’s Yoga Tradition, consider attending the Melkote Yoga Immersion January 26-31, 2025!