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. 🙏  

At Swasti Yoga Center, we believe yoga is not just a practice but a lifestyle—a holistic journey that opens the heart, sharpens the intellect, and elevates the soul. For Mercedes, a passionate yoga and Ayurveda student from Chile, her time at Swasti was not just about asanas and anatomy—it was about immersing herself in the deep spiritual and cultural roots of India. One of the most transformative experiences she had during her stay was visiting the Abhay Prabhavna Jain Museum—a visit that shifted her understanding of ethical living, inner harmony, and spiritual depth. A Cultural and Spiritual Immersion Beyond Expectations Organized as part of Swasti Yoga Center’s experiential learning tours, the visit to the Abhay Prabhavna Museum, dedicated to the rich heritage of Jainism, proved to be a profound eye-opener. Nestled in a serene part of Pune, the museum offers an immersive look into the core principles, lifestyle, and ancient wisdom of Jain dharma. For Mercedes, who came to India seeking deeper meaning in her yoga practice, this was an unexpected but deeply enriching encounter. “I came to India thinking I would deepen my understanding of yoga postures, philosophy, and Ayurveda,” said Mercedes. “But this visit to the Jain museum opened up a whole new world of values and perspectives that I had never encountered before.” Ahimsa: The Practice of Nonviolence in Action One of the first and most striking principles Mercedes encountered was Ahimsa—nonviolence in thought, word, and action. Though Ahimsa is central to both Jainism and yoga, the Jain interpretation takes it to an extraordinary depth. It’s not just about avoiding harm to humans but extends to the smallest of living beings, promoting an ethos of compassion and respect for all life forms. “I was amazed to see how seriously Jains take the practice of nonviolence,” Mercedes shared. “Even in their diet, daily routines, and interactions, the idea of not causing harm is central. It made me reflect on how I live and how I can incorporate this awareness in my own yoga teaching.” Aparigraha and the Art of Letting Go Another powerful concept Mercedes encountered was Aparigraha—non-possessiveness. As a global traveler and spiritual seeker, she resonated deeply with this idea. Jainism teaches that attachment to material possessions and even rigid opinions can hinder inner peace. This echoed the yogic Yamas and reminded Mercedes of the value of simplicity and inner contentment. “Learning about Aparigraha helped me realize how often we cling to things, relationships, or even identities,” she reflected. “Letting go is not about losing; it’s about finding space for growth.” Tirthankaras and the Path of Liberation The museum’s beautifully curated exhibits on the 24 Tirthankaras—the enlightened teachers of Jainism—provided a glimpse into the lives of these great spiritual masters. Each Tirthankara’s story is a beacon of discipline, renunciation, and unwavering compassion. “I felt deeply inspired learning about the Tirthankaras. Their commitment to truth, self-realization, and service to others is something I aspire to in my own spiritual journey,” said Mercedes. Anekantavada: Embracing Multiple Truths One of the most intellectually stimulating concepts Mercedes encountered was Anekantavada, the doctrine of manifold viewpoints. It teaches that reality is complex, and no single viewpoint can claim absolute truth. This concept resonated strongly with her as a yoga teacher-in-training, reminding her to remain open-minded, humble, and respectful of differing paths. “In today’s polarized world, Anekantavada is such a relevant teaching. It encourages dialogue, empathy, and peaceful coexistence,” she noted. “It also aligns beautifully with yoga’s idea of unity in diversity.” Santhara and the Philosophy of a Conscious Death Perhaps the most profound moment came when Mercedes learned about Santhara—the Jain vow of voluntary, peaceful fasting unto death, practiced by advanced spiritual seekers. This concept, though delicate and complex, revealed to her the Jain emphasis on detachment, discipline, and conscious living until the very end. “It’s not about death but about the dignity of life,” she explained. “It made me think about how to live with more awareness, more gratitude, and less fear.” A Must-Visit for Every Yoga Seeker in India Mercedes wholeheartedly recommends the Abhay Prabhavna Museum to anyone coming to India to study yoga or Ayurveda. The museum doesn’t just teach Jainism; it inspires deeper reflection on our own spiritual values and how we live our everyday lives. “If you are doing your teacher training at Swasti Yoga Center, do not miss this visit,” she says. “It will enrich your understanding of yoga beyond the mat, and help you connect with India’s profound spiritual wisdom. It truly changed me.” Swasti Yoga Center: More Than a School—A Spiritual Journey At Swasti Yoga Center, we are committed to offering not just certified yoga courses but transformative life experiences. Mercedes’ story is one among many that showcase how learning yoga in India is not just about certificates—it’s about personal growth, cultural immersion, and spiritual awakening. As she returns to Chile, Mercedes carries with her more than knowledge—she carries a living philosophy shaped by the timeless teachings of yoga, Ayurveda, and Jainism. Join us at Swasti Yoga Center and begin your journey—not just to become a certified yoga professional, but a conscious global citizen.