Bihar Yoga Bharai is an institute which offers advanced studies in Yogic Science. It is a manifestation of the vision of Sri Swami sivananda Saraswati and Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswai. This ashram is a first of its kind in the world that is wholly devoted to the subject of yoga. This ashram was set up along the lines of Nalanda and Vikramshila which were two of the greatest centres of spiritual learning in ancient India. Today this institute continues to further the work started by these great institutions as a pathfinder for the current and future spiritual awakening of people. The main focus areas of this ashram are yoga, Vedanta, Tanra and other allied subjects. This facility offers scholars, scientists, doctors and yoga aspirants from different corners of the world a golden opportunity to work together and formulate scientific ways in which they can support the growth, expansion and integration of yoga into the modern society.

This ashram was founded by Sri Swami Satyananda with the aim of carrying out he mission which was given to him by his guru, the mission of spreading yoga from door to door and from shore to shore. Under the banner of this ashram he worked hard to spread yoga for people of all ages, countries, races, religions and culture. He gave a scientific aspect to yoga and provided its practice a clear vision and mission. Today thousands of people get training and education in yogic subjects from this institute. This is the first of its kind institute in the world to provide a comprehensive yogic education.

Bihar Yoga Bharati - Courses

This institute offers three courses, all of which are fully residential - Couse in Yogic Studies (4 months), Orientation in Yogic Science and Lifestyle (two months), Diploma Course in Yogic Studies (one year). Each of these courses have their own special requirements and specifications.

1. Couse in Yogic Studies (4 months)

The first course in Yogic Studies is conducted twice in a year, one in Hindi and one in English. The students come from varied background. Is a four month course where academic studies is combined with gurukul lifestyle and discipline which can be very challenging for all aspirants. The discipline is designed to create an atmosphere so the life of the student is instilled with the yogic spirit and experience. Some of the values that this course aims to imbibe in students along with the art of yoga is a spirit of seva (selfless service) , samarpan or dedication and karuna or compassion. Completion of this course does not mean you earn a licence to teach yoga, but this is just a foundation that allows you to further study and learn yoga. This is a basic course which does not require you to have any prior experience and the minimum age for the student should be 18 years.

2. Orientation in Yogic Science and Lifestyle (two months)

Orientation in Yogic science and Lifestyle which is a two month course is conducted once a year in Hindi and it is also a fully residential program which integrates both formal classes and practical participation in the system, disciplines and routines of the yogic lifestyle. This course is mostly meant for those who are already practicing and teaching yoga. It is a kind of experimental training which gives the participants an opportunity to develop a yogic attitude and understand the approach to life. At the same time it also deepens the awareness of the yogic practices and their application. Preference for this course will be given to those who are already yoga practitioners, yoga teachers and have previous ashram experience. The minimum age to enrol in this course is 18 years.

3. Diploma Course in Yogic Studies (one year)

The third course is the Diploma course in Yogic studies which is a one year foundation course that aims to deepen the understanding and integration of different yogic paths including karma yoga, hatha yoga, bhakti yoga, raja yoga and jnana yoga. This is a balanced program which includes practical classes, lecture sessions, seva yoga in various ashramsn, kirtans and satsangs in various places and also the synthesis of gurukul and academic life. The students are also assessed on discipline of Gurukul life. The course aims to prepare the students to have a sound basis for further studies in yoga and he ability to apply yogic principles in everyday life. The main contents of this course are basic concepts of yoga, applied physiology, yoga therapy, yoga and the mind and yoga ecology. There practical classes are designed to give the students a systemic approach to the study of asana, pranayama, prayahara, dharana and shatkriyas. The classes first begin with the beginners' level and slowly advance to the intermediary level. Everyday two practical classes are held, one in the morning before breakfast and one in early afternoon. It is a one year course and he minimum age to enrol is 21 years.

Bihar Yoga Bharati - Application Process

One needs to download the application form and student questionnaire from the institute's website and them submit them along with a set of documents for the process of admission. The tuition is free but other costs like boarding and lodging charges have to be borne by the students. It is a residential campus and accommodation and fooding is available in the campus itself for which the student has to bear the expenses. All the applicable fees have to be paid at the time of the admission. Besides this the students also should enough cash with themselves to meet all their daily requirements including health and other day to day expenses.

If there are any overseas student who do not have prior ashram life experience, they are advised to spend some time in any of the satyananda yoga centres or ashram that are scattered in different parts of the world like Australia, Europe, South Africa, USA, Canada and Central and South America. This experience will train them for the rigorous and disciplined life that the ashram demands. It will give them an idea on how ashram life is going to be so that they can make the final decision.