A Home Built on Practice and Community
My shala is a kula—a home rather than a gym—where we honor each person’s rhythm, breath, and journey. Here, yoga extends beyond asana, becoming a shared path of stillness, gratitude, and mutual support.
On Guru Purnima, I shared a reflection on my own journey. I started yoga for my health, but my teachers taught me that it is truly about finding stillness and peace within. I am forever grateful to them.
Celebrating 9 years of Ashtanga Yoga Sādhanā. What began as a small endeavor has grown into a home for many, and now blossoms into the Little Bodhi Yoga & Cultural Center for children.
I believe yoga is the best gift a parent can give their child. I was so grateful when author Judith Doeker featured my daughter and our shala in her book about children in India.
Our annual shala cleaning day. It is a beautiful practice where families come together to care for our shared space, reflecting the connection between our outer environment and our inner state.
Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami with the children at the shala is always the most joyous time. We chant, we paint, and we share stories, filling the space with love and happiness.
Our shala was recently graced by this beautiful Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The children welcomed it by decorating it with flowers, a simple act of reverence and peace.
The children gathered to decorate the new Buddha statue, some joining online. It was a beautiful moment of shared community and a reminder to wish for peace for all beings.
A close-up of the children's joyful offering of flowers to the Buddha statue. Their spontaneous reverence and happiness is a lesson for all of us.
Another view of the children's flower offering. Their smiles show that acts of devotion can be filled with lightness and joy.
The full group of children and adults who came together to welcome the Buddha statue to our shala. May we all be free of suffering and be at peace.
About Our Community and Philosophy
We have a unique tradition of annual shala cleaning days, where students and families join together to care for our space. It is a simple, tangible reminder that by tending to our external environment, we inherently care for our inner state. Whether we are scrubbing floors or simply arranging mats, the focus remains on presence and community connection rather than performance.
When I started practicing Ashtanga in 2006, I was looking for physical healing, but the teachings of my guru, Sh. Sharath Jois, showed me that the mat is just the beginning.
My shala in JP Nagar, Bengaluru, was born from a small idea to create a real home for this practice. We move away from the competitive atmosphere of a gym. Instead, we embrace the concept of a 'kula'—a community that supports each other through the inevitable ups and downs of life.
Life Off the Mat
We believe that yoga philosophy should breathe outside the studio walls. This is why our community gathers for more than just asana practice. We celebrate Puja ceremonies, mark milestones together, and host events like Krishna Janmashtami where children paint, chant, and share stories. These aren't just activities; they are our way of teaching mindfulness, reverence, and gratitude.
An Inclusive Space
Our doors are open to everyone, regardless of their background or current ability. We have expanded our vision to include the Little Bodhi Yoga & Cultural Center, specifically to give children a space where they can explore mindfulness through art, movement, and play.
Whether you are an adult seeking traditional Mysore-style discipline or a parent looking for a gentle, non-judgmental space for your child to find their balance, you are walking into a space designed for growth. We don’t rush the process here. We show up, we breathe, and we grow slowly. If this approach to yoga resonates with you, come sit with us, practice, and become a part of our kula.
Nitesh Batra
I’m Nitesh. My own journey began in 2006, not as a teacher, but as someone looking for health who found a way of life instead. I don’t believe in chasing perfection on the mat; I believe in showing up, breathing, and being kind to ourselves and each other.
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