Our Sangha: A Community of Practice
My shala is more than a studio. It is a sangha—a home where we come together to practice, support each other's journeys, and grow, both on and off the mat.
Celebrating 9 years of Ashtanga Yoga Sādhanā. What started as a small endeavor has grown into a home for many, built breath by breath, with the support of our incredible teachers and community.
Once a month, we practice together under the open sky. Feeling the earth beneath our mats and the morning sun on our skin reminds us that we are all part of something greater.
It was an honor to have Suvir, founder of Ashtanga Yoga Mumbai, share his wisdom at our shala. I am forever grateful for the guidance and friendship of modern masters who inspire my journey.
A collage celebrating 8 beautiful years of our shala. My deepest thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey.
Our shala group on a pilgrimage around the sacred Arunachala mountain. This 14-kilometer walk was a transformative experience of self-discovery, spiritual unity, and profound gratitude.
Our annual shala cleaning day, a practice of selfless service. It is heartwarming to see adults and children working together to care for our shared space, which in turn nourishes our inner world.
A photo from a Guru Vandana, a tradition of honoring our classical music teachers. I learn music from my teachers Sh. Narasimhan Kulkarni and Sh. Vadiraj, and I cherish how this tradition brings the community together.
This is a duplicate of 51, showing our music community.
A cherished memory of visiting the Mysore Shala with our students to meet Maa ji (Saraswathi Jois) on her 82nd birthday. Listening to her chant was a blessing beyond words.
I am extremely grateful to Kapil from Ashtanga Yoga Jaipur for guiding the classes while I was away. Our practitioners were blessed to have the chance to study under him.
About Our Sangha: A Community of Practice
Beyond the scheduled classes, this is a space where the practice continues through community engagement. Whether it's our annual shala cleaning day, music evenings, or group pilgrimages, we believe that caring for our shared space is an extension of our inner work. If you are looking for a community that values connection as much as discipline, come spend a morning with us.
Building a True Sangha
In Sanskrit, a sangha refers to a community of like-minded individuals walking the same path. My shala in JP Nagar, Bengaluru, was never intended to be just a place to unroll a mat and leave. It is a space for us to share our burdens, celebrate our growth, and hold space for each other.
Life Beyond the Mat
We believe that yoga is a way of living, not just a physical workout. This is why our community life is as important as our asana practice:
- Seva (Selfless Service): We hold regular cleaning days where students, kids, and adults come together to care for our shala. This act of maintaining our space mirrors the work we do to maintain our inner state.
- Cultural & Musical Gatherings: Through events like Guru Vandana, we honor the traditions of Indian classical music. It is a time for students of all ages—from 10-year-olds to elders—to learn from one another and pass traditions forward.
- Spiritual Pilgrimages: We regularly organize journeys, such as our walks around the sacred Arunachala mountain. These aren't just trips; they are opportunities for self-discovery, spiritual unity, and deep gratitude.
- Guest Teachers: We are honored to host visiting masters, such as Suvir and Kapil, allowing our students to experience diverse perspectives while keeping the core of our lineage intact.
A Space for Everyone
Whether you are joining us for the early morning Brahma Muhurta practice or our evening Hatha sessions, you are entering a space that welcomes all. We are not here to chase perfection or fit into a mold. We are here to show up, breathe, and learn. If you are seeking a supportive environment in Bangalore to deepen your practice, I invite you to join our circle.
Nitesh Batra
I am Nitesh. I see this shala as a home where we learn to show up for ourselves and each other. We don't chase perfection here; we just breathe, practice, and share the path.
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