By Maria González, Chilean Student, Level 1 Yoga TTC
When I signed up for the Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training Course at Swasti Yoga Center in Pune, India, I thought I was coming to learn postures, breathing techniques, and maybe a bit of meditation. What I didn’t expect was a complete transformation—a deep immersion into India’s ancient culture, healing wisdom, and spiritual way of life that touched every part of my being.
As a yoga student from Chile, I’ve always been curious about the roots of yoga. But being here, practicing where yoga was born, surrounded by nature, dedicated teachers, and like-minded students, was an experience far beyond any studio class I’ve ever taken.
🐄 Visiting the Goshala: A Sacred Encounter with Nature
One of the most unforgettable parts of our training was our visit to a traditional Indian Goshala, a sanctuary for cows. I had never imagined the spiritual importance of cows in Indian culture. Our teachers explained that in Vedic philosophy, the cow is considered sacred—a symbol of motherly love, sustainability, and abundance.
We learned about cow therapy, or Panchagavya Chikitsa, where products like cow dung, urine, milk, curd, and ghee are used for cleansing, detoxification, and emotional healing. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but then we saw how modern scientific studies are beginning to support these traditions. For example, cow dung has natural antibacterial properties, and cow ghee is now known worldwide for improving brain function and digestion.
What moved me the most was the feeling of peace I had while feeding and sitting beside the cows. We even took part in a cow dung pottery session—something I would never imagine doing back home, but it was so grounding. I understood what it means to live in harmony with nature, a teaching that yoga had hinted at, but now I truly felt.
🌿 Learning Ayurveda: Discovering My Inner Balance
Another major highlight was learning Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. We were given dosha assessments—I found out I was a Vata-Pitta type—and learned how our unique mind-body constitution affects everything from digestion to emotions.
We drank Ayurvedic teas, learned how to make herbal pastes and natural remedies, and followed a sattvic diet. I never imagined that simple changes in food and routine could have such a big impact. Within a week, I noticed that my digestion had improved, I was sleeping better, and my energy felt more balanced.
Scientific studies our teachers shared showed that Ayurveda, when combined with yoga, can support gut health, boost immunity, and even help with anxiety and hormonal balance. But for me, the real evidence was how I felt—calm, clear, and connected.
More Than Postures: A Spiritual Journey
Of course, we practiced asanas, pranayama, and meditation daily, but Swasti Yoga Center went much deeper. We studied the Yoga Sutras, explored the Yamas and Niyamas, and chanted mantras each morning as the sun rose over the trees.
One of the most powerful experiences was our karma yoga, where we helped clean, cook, and support each other. In those moments, I realized yoga isn’t just what we do on the mat—it’s how we live, how we serve, how we love.
From India to Chile: Carrying the Light Forward
As I write this from my final day at Swasti Yoga Center, I feel a quiet joy and deep gratitude. I came here for a certification, but I’m leaving with a new lifestyle, a new community, and a new sense of purpose. I want to bring everything I learned here—yogic discipline, Ayurveda, cow therapy, and the Indian way of sustainable living—back to Chile.
India has changed me. Swasti Yoga Center has given me more than knowledge—it has given me a path.
Namaste. 🙏
