Yoga Kulam Newsletter
April 2026

100 Hours Yoga Facilitator Training for HSS Volunteers

Pranam and Namaste to our Global Yoga and Ayurveda Enthusiasts !

We are vibrating with the divine energy of our first-ever Dikshant Samaroh (graduation ceremony), celebrating the completion of our 100-Hour Introduction to Yoga and Ayurveda program. This wasn’t just a certification; it was a Sadhana. Out of 68 seekers who embarked on this 15-week journey, 51 dedicated individuals emerged as certified facilitators, having mastered a rigorous curriculum of philosophy, guided teaching, and deep self-introspection. From the youngest participant, Samhita, to seasoned professionals, our graduates proved that the ancient roots of Bharat are ready to blossom in the modern West.

As our keynote speaker, neurologist Dr. Kiran Patil, beautifully reminded us: yoga isn't just a physical feat—it is a transformative inward journey that reshapes the brain and heals the spirit. Our vision for 2026 through this is bold: we are taking these practices from our Shakhas (local chapters) into the heart of mainstream healthcare, schools, and civic life. We are not just teaching poses; we are cultivating "Practices"—leaders of life who embody the balance of Ayurveda and the discipline of the Yoga Sutras to serve as anchors for mental health and social harmony in our communities.

Marma Therapy Sessions across 5 Cities in USA and Canada With Shri C M Bhandari

We were thrilled to have a transformative journey with Shri C.M. Bhandari Ji, a luminary who seamlessly bridges the worlds of high-level diplomacy and ancient Vedic sciences. A former Indian Ambassador and IIT Kanpur alumnus, Bhandari Ji has dedicated his life to demystifying the "Science of Holistic Existence" through the profound practice of Marma Yoga. His recent USA and Canada tour was a rare opportunity to learn directly from a master as he traveled across five vibrant cities, Bay area, Houston, Dallas, Edison and Toronto. This intensive experience featured a 10-hour deep-dive online preparatory course followed by 6–8 hours of powerful in-person sessions in each city, designed to unlock the 107 vital energy points (Marmas) within you for immediate rejuvenation and long-term health. Every breath and every stretch during this tour carried a deeper purpose: Funds that has been raised will be donated to his charity organization in Bharat, supporting his mission to provide holistic wellness and education to the underserved. 100s of people joined his sessions and enhanced their yogic practices. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or an Ayurveda enthusiast, this is your chance to refine your practice with Marma therapy. You can find all his online recordings here. Don't miss this opportunity to turn your personal well-being into a global blessing!

Recordings:

Bay Area 25-Hour Ayurvedic Immersion & Retreat

While the modern world often looks for "quick fixes," our community recently chose the path of deep, rhythmic healing. From February 28th to March 3rd, we hosted a landmark 4-day, 25-hour Ayurvedic Certification Course and Retreat that served as a powerful reminder of why our mission in the West is so vital. Led by the brilliant Dr. Sonal Gupta and Ayurvedacharya Smt. Rajesh Kanwar, this wasn't just a classroom experience—it was a sensory homecoming. Over 25 intensive hours, seekers journeyed from the foundational Panchamahabhootas (the five great elements) to a deep understanding of their unique Prakruti (constitution) and Vikruti (current imbalances).

This retreat was a crucial milestone for our community because it bridged the gap between "knowing" and "living." Participants didn't just study Tridosha or the transformative power of Agni (digestive fire); they rolled up their sleeves for hands-on Ayurvedic cooking, learned the sacred art of clearing Ama (biotoxins), and mastered rejuvenating self-care rituals designed for the high-stress pace of American life. The energy was further amplified as Dr. Gupta took this wisdom "on the road," conducting a series of vibrant introductory sessions across three Bay Area cities, sparking a wellness revolution throughout the region. By empowering our members with these ancient tools, we are building a frontline of health-conscious leaders ready to sustain balance in an often-unbalanced world.

Portland, Oregon Ayurveda Retreat

Yoga Kulam USA successfully advanced its mission of integrating ancient Indian wisdom into modern Western life through Swasthya Samvāda, a transformative 3-day Ayurveda immersion in Oregon led by the esteemed Vaidya (Smt.) Rajesh Kanwar ji. This intensive program reached diverse communities across Hillsboro, North Plains, Beaverton, and Portland, bridging the gap between traditional Vedic science and daily civic engagement. Touching on the core of holistic living, Vaidya Rajesh ji—a gold-medalist physician and Iyengar Yoga expert—delivered a series of sessions ranging from the foundational Principles of Ayurveda to specialized workshops on Ayurvedic Aahar (Diet) and Swasthya Palan (Self-Care). Highlights included:

  • Impactful Reach: The program featured multiple interactive sessions and two Sunrise Stretching workshops, engaging young parents, fitness enthusiasts, and over 20 attendees at a special centenary talk at the Vedanta Society of Portland.

  • Scientific Depth: Participants explored 18 types of Viruddhatā (incompatible food combinations) and the Traya Upastambhas (three sub-pillars of health: diet, sleep, and lifestyle).

  • Sacred Wisdom: The immersion was anchored in timeless sutras, notably defining Swasthya (health) as the balance of doshas, digestive fire, and a clear soul: "Prasanna ātmenindriya manāha Swasthya ityabhidheeyate".

  • Visionary Alignment: By teaching that "Food should be medicine" (Bhojanam bhavet auşadham), the program empowered the community to reclaim their potential through sustainable, nature-aligned habits.

This immersion not only educated healthcare professionals and local residents but also fostered social harmony by uniting ancient roots with modern health needs, perfectly embodying Yoga Kulam’s vision of a balanced, holistic world.

Tune into the Yoga Kulam Podcast: Your Guide to Holistic Well-being!

Ready to explore the depths of ancient wisdom for modern living? The Yoga Kulam Podcast offers insightful conversations with leading experts, guiding you on a journey towards holistic health and personal growth. Our foundational episode with Professor Vandana Baranwal, BAMS, MD (Ayurveda-BHU), unveils Ayurveda, emphasizing its personalized approach to health through the five elements and three doshas – a vital blueprint for diet, lifestyle, and daily routines. Next, seasoned Ayurvedic practitioner Usha Lavanya Pappu shares the secrets of conscious consumption, delving into Agni and the six tastes, and empowering you to view food as medicine for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Then, Dr. Vikas Rajendra Chothe, MD (Ayurveda) and Yoga School Auditor, takes us beyond the poses, revealing how ancient Yogic wisdom, including Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga, shapes mental clarity, emotional resilience, and helps you discover your Ikigai – your unique purpose. Finally, in an introductory episode with Dr. Devraj Naik (A cardiologist and a long-time Yoga practitioner), we debunk common misconceptions about yoga, tracing its roots back to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Vedas, and highlighting devotion and practice as key ingredients for a truly integrated, balanced yogic life.

Don't miss these enriching discussions that redefine yoga as a complete way of living!