Mandala Yogashala

After trialling and testing many yoga classes in Gokulam I became a regular at Mandala. Although one of the least present schools on social media for me it was one of the best places for practice. The shala was great and with so many options of classes and packages for those not in Mysore for teacher training, it was the best place to maintain a regular practice. There was something really special about the 6am classes with Dharamraj whose classes I would do if I returned to Mysore again. He was able to assist to push me to my edges whilst being respectful to honour when I would say no. Grateful for his guidance and his genuine desire to see his students progress. The development point is regarding the request for payment which can be abrupt and create unnecessary heightened urgency. Especially the secretary Harish, who I feel could work on his customer service skills given he was rude to me on a number of occasions. Having said that, I would likely sign up to this school again if I retuned to Gokulam as it's actually one of the least advertised but best places to practice. A special thank you to Dharamraj and the owner for his flexibility in my changing schedule requests!

The classes we did were: 8am Ashtanga - a good teacher said to have over 40 years teaching experience, is hands on and helps in many ananas to give you correct alignment and pushes you within your limits. 4pm Back bending - this class is best if you do it a few times a week, as with each session the rage of motion improves. It's a lesson that starts slow and builds up until the last 15 mins where you get into deeper back opening asanas where the teacher is on hand to help, push, align and adjust. Everyday I felt my back opening up a little more, really enjoyable class 9am/4pm Hatha yoga - these classes I booked mostly as a private class with teacher JK, he has a big focus on alignment and will tell you how to exactly place your feet, arms, hips and how to correctly enter and exit the position. These classes were often private (sometimes only me there) and I would let him know what I would like to work on before so he could prepare the class for me. The shala is run by Harish and they have other classes at different times, but I did not take them. It's a old school Shala, the owner and teacher enjoy talking, getting to know you and they are very flexibly in terms of time and what you want to learn.

Absolutely brilliant experience here. This school accommodates not only advanced Ashtanga Yogis but also yogis like me whose yoga-path is Hatha Yoga. My teachers were JayKrishna and Dharma and i found a lot of inspiration and encouragement in their classes. The humility of everyone who i met there is outstanding. Guruji B.N.S. IYENGAR is already 99 years old and still teaches Pranayama courses. I recommend this school if you're looking for authenticity.

Mandala Yoga is a truly exceptional Yoga school. I spent two months there, and it was a wonderful experience. My Ashtanga practice was with Dharmaraj, a precise and attentive teacher who knows how to guide and accompany you to very special places within the practice. BNS Iyengar, a living legend of Mysore and a student of Krishnamacharya, continues to teach Pranayama, Mudras, and Philosophy. Receiving his teachings again was a blessing and an honor. Shilpaji, an Ayurvedic teacher, opened up a world of infinite knowledge to me! And the Ayurvedic nutrition classes were the perfect ending to a stay that will stay with me forever. I'm already looking forward to returning to this wonderful school, so expertly run by Hareesh, a true gentleman. (Ricardo from Spain)

It is now my third month of practice in Mysore (and second month practicing ashtanga at Yoga Mandala under Ashtanga Teacher, Shantaram, student of Sakar Narayan Jois, student of K. Pattabhi Jois). Shantaram has been an excellent teacher who has helped me complete multiple asana's of the Primary Series. Most of my classes have been one on one, as Shantaram is relatively unknown in Mysore, which fortunately for me has given me a very personal practice every morning, allowing me to go as deep as possible with my practice. Unlike practicing in a full class with 40 other students, nothing has been missed at Mandala and under the tutelage of my acharya, Shantaram, who is both gentle and hands on. The alignment and technique teaching has been excellent and Shantaram approaches his teachin practice with devotion and patience. Mysore has been a life changing experience for me, as practice advances day on day, class on class. Now my third month and I am already planning to be back in Mysore at Mandala for many more months to come.