Yoga Vidya is one of the largest and most influential yoga organizations in Europe, dedicated to the holistic teachings and practices of classical yoga in the tradition of Sanatana Dharma. Foun ded in 1992 by Sukadev Volker Bretz, a disciple of Swami Vishnu-devananda, Yoga Vidya has been operating as a non-profit association (Gemeinnütziger Verein) since 1995.
Today, Yoga Vidya encompasses four large ashrams and around 70 urban yoga centers across Germany and neighboring countries. The main ashram, located in Bad Meinberg, is the largest yoga center outside India. It serves as a vibrant spiritual community, home to approximately 200 permanent residents (aspirants) and welcoming up to 1,000 guests simultaneously. It is a dyna mic hub for yoga, Ayurveda, spirituality, and holistic healing.
Yoga Vidya has trained over 25,000 certified yoga teachers (Yogalehrer) through its comprehensive and multi-tiered education system. This includes:
- Yoga Teacher Trainings (200h, 500h, and advanced levels)
- Continuing education for yoga professionals in areas such as:
- Yoga Therapy
- Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coaching
- Children’s Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Chair Yoga
- Vedanta, Meditation and Raja Yoga
- Study of scriptures (Yoga Sutra, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Bhagavad Gita etc.)
- Yoga for Seniors and people with special needs
- Spiritual training paths, including Kundalini Yoga, Vedanta, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga. In line with its commitment to Sanatana Dharma, the ashrams are spiritual sanctuaries where daily pujas, homas, satsangs, and Vedic chanting take place. These rituals, combined with a disciplined ashram lifestyle, create a deeply transformative atmosphere. Yoga Vidya also places strong emphasis on yoga therapy and Ayurveda, offering specialized se minars, retreats, and individual consultations. The Yoga Vidya Health Center is officially recognized and collaborates with health professionals and institutions.The organization engages actively in academic research and collaborations with universities, promoting evidence-based yoga and integrative health approaches. It also maintains close ties with yoga federations and umbrella organizations, both in Europe and internationally, such as the European Yoga Union (EYU), the German Yoga Teachers Association (BDYoga), and now, proudly, the Indian Yoga Association.Yoga Vidya continues to fulfill its mission of making the profound wisdom and practice of yoga accessible to all, while honoring its roots in the rich spiritual heritage of India.
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