Abhijñā (Sanskrit) has been translated generally as "knowing," "direct knowing" and "direct knowledge"or, at times more technically, as "higher knowledge" and "supernormal knowledge." In Buddhism, such knowing and knowledge is obtained through virtuous living and meditation. In terms of specifically enumerated knowledges, these include worldly extra-sensory abilities (such as seeing past and future lives) as well as the supramundane extinction of all mental intoxicants .

Abhijna School of Yoga and Meditation, is a place for understanding the intricate depth of direct knowledge.  The students learn patanjali's yoga sutras among other subjects so that they can understand the contents of the mind and follow their inner most path towards self-awareness.

Students from all over the world visit us from one to six months where they live on an environment conducive to the practice of yoga, pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation.  Students learn both technical as well as practical knowledge.  During this time their way of seeing life and approaching daily activities is deeply touched. 

"At Abhijna School of Yoga and Meditation, our primary concern is 

• "To train students not only externally but also internally"  - Mahesh Chandra, School's Director (K.C. Mahesh)
• "To continuously develop self-awareness on the people we touch."  - Ellie Ruales

---

WHY STUDY WITH US?

With so many yoga teacher trainings springing up around India and all over the world, we understand it can be overwhelming to decide which school to study with! You are making a financial investment, as well as dedicating your valuable time, and so it’s important that you can find a program that is right for you. As Kerala’s most reputable yoga school, our students are always our priority. Here’s why we think you’ll love our programs. 

Reputation
& Experience

Abhijna School of Yoga has been running teacher training programs since 2008 and has over 500+ grad students - with many that return for additional trainings as their careers progress. 

Over the years, Abhijna has grown to accommodate students needs, offering programs in both English and Spanish, and expanding the range of courses on offer.

At Abhijna School of Yoga we emphasize the importance of hands-on teaching experience which is well balanced with discourse theoretical learning, exploration and fun!

Expert
Teachers

Founded by Mahesh Chandra and Ellie Ruales, the faculty now includes a range of experienced teaching staff, as well as expert guest teachers for specific learning modules. Each teacher brings their own unique talents and insights, backed up by dedicated self-practice and an involvement in yoga at all levels. Mahesh and Ellie maintain the authentic vision of this classical yoga school, promoting traditional and ancient yogic teachings while incorporating new expertise from western schools of thought -such as anatomy & physiology. The combined teaching experience of the faculty here is +40 years!
​

Thoughtful Class
​Sizes

Many teacher training programs in India take large numbers of students, sometimes from 50 to 100 and even 300 at a time!

​At Abhijna School of Yoga however, despite offering popular programs, we limit our group sizes to 16 students, so that we can focus on individual attention and feedback. We really want to get to know your teaching style,  help you build your career & develop lasting connections.

The group sizes are large enough that you can experience real teaching scenarios and learn from different body types, while remaining small enough that you can build close relationships with your peers and feel supported within an immersive learning environment.

Enchanting Learning Environment

We’re based in Kerala, the palm-forested south-western state of India, locally dubbed ‘Gods Own Country’. In the small & beautiful town of Varkala, our training programs are run to the backdrop of a picturesque tropical coastline, a spiritually vibrant area of the world that is thriving with temples, ashrams, meditation and ayurvedic treatments.

We believe location has an influence on your ability to absorb new teachings, and so have set ourselves within this calm and beautiful environment; close enough to walk to westernised tourist amenities, yet far enough away that you are able to retreat into your yoga experience.

The studio space was renovated in 2018, a pristine and fully equipped learning environment that you will love to practice in! We want this location to feel like a place you’d love to visit, so that you get the most out of your experience

WE ARE A BOUTIQUE INSTITUTION

Content 
Rich
​Courses

We offer expertise in Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Yin Yoga, and run teacher trainings throughout the season (October-May) with 200hr programs in each style, as well as advanced (300hr) programs. Our courses have been developed to have one yoga style as their focal point: this is so you can immerse yourself into an area of expertise and develop a strong foundation for your teaching. We also offer students the opportunity to explore other specialist areas: keep an eye on our various workshops that run regularly throughout the year: sound healing, art meditation, vinyasa flow, aerial yoga, acro yoga… etc!

​Check out our calendar for upcoming programs and workshops or see our FAQ page for more details.

Student
​Support

The teacher-student relationship is an important dynamic and when well matched, great progress can flourish. We want you to feel like you can relate to your teacher!  

You can connect with us before the course either in person, through social-media, or through email if you have any questions.

​Our students are our priority and we are there to support you on your journey.

​We offer a variety extra workshops and can cater for additional one-on-one support if individuals have specific requirements during their training.