Our Global Sangha: Traditional Yoga Community in Amboli
Step away from the noise and join a supportive community of seekers in the green hills of Amboli, where we live and practice the traditional five points of yoga together.
A group of students from a Yoga Teacher Training Course, united in their dedication to the path of yoga. It is a joy to see people from all over the world come together to learn and grow.
It is always a pleasure to share the teachings of yoga with sincere seekers. Here I am with the actress Deepika Padukone, who visited to deepen her understanding of our tradition.
A testimonial from a student sharing their experience of learning "real traditional Hatha Yoga" with us. I am grateful to be able to pass on the teachings of my masters.
A testimonial from a student sharing their experience of learning "real traditional Hatha Yoga" with us. I am grateful to be able to pass on the teachings of my masters.
Students connect and share their experiences in the peaceful gardens of our Amboli ashram. The friendships formed here often last a lifetime.
Students connect and share their experiences in the peaceful gardens of our Amboli ashram. The friendships formed here often last a lifetime.
We always find time for a simple cup of chai and conversation. These informal moments of connection are an important part of the ashram experience.
A happy moment with a student after the completion of a course. It is my greatest reward to see the joy and transformation in those who come to study with me.
A happy moment with a student after the completion of a course. It is my greatest reward to see the joy and transformation in those who come to study with me.
A heartfelt testimonial from a student who has been seeking this knowledge since 2019. I am blessed to be a guide for so many on their spiritual journey.
About A Global Sangha: Our Community
In our ashram, community is not about casual conversation, but about shared purpose. It forms through our daily discipline: waking at 5:20 AM for meditation, taking turns with Karma Yoga like chopping vegetables or gardening, and eating simple, sattvic meals together. This routine strips away modern distractions and fosters a genuine, ego-free connection that is often missing in everyday life.
Building the Sangha
A sangha is more than a group of people practicing together. It is a spiritual support system. By immersing yourself in the daily ashram life in Amboli, you are not just attending a retreat, you are stepping into a lineage. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you are surrounded by others who are also seeking to deepen their understanding of Hatha yoga and Vedanta.
Why This Environment Matters
Our community is built on simplicity, not luxury. When everyone follows the same schedule—two 90-minute asana sessions, two daily meditation and chanting (satsang) gatherings, and two simple vegetarian meals—the differences in our outside lives fade away. This environment is designed to create a sense of equality. You will find that sharing a simple cup of chai after a long day of study or working alongside others in the garden creates bonds that often last for years.
Principles of Our Practice
We adhere strictly to the five points of yoga as taught by Swami Vishnudevananda:
- Proper Exercise: Traditional Hatha yoga.
- Proper Breathing: Pranayama.
- Proper Relaxation: Savasana.
- Proper Diet: Sattvic, lacto-vegetarian meals.
- Positive Thinking and Meditation: Our daily satsangs.
By engaging with these practices collectively, you gain the energy and clarity needed to sustain your own spiritual journey long after you leave the ashram.
Govindananda Saraswati
I am Swami Govindananda, and I guide this community based on the teachings of my Guru, Swami Vishnudevananda. My aim is to help you strip away the surface-level distractions and find a genuine connection to your inner Self, supported by others on the same path.
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