Hridaya Yoga International

"My Hridaya Yoga Retreat was indeed life changing, and surpassed my expectations. I was looking for a deep dive into meditation that might motivate me to start a more regular practice. The instructors and volunteers at Hridaya are superb. They have spent years doing intensive work and committing themselves to this knowledge, and do an incredible job sharing it in their workshops, with humility, discipline and love. My retreat was a three day silent meditation retreat. Be warned - it is not for the faint of heart! But the intense periods of meditation are made possible with all the discipline of the participants and expert retreat leaders guiding the process. I found the principles and tools incredibly useful, and actually opened a window into a self-love cultivation. After years of being flummoxed and challenged by the notion that self love is "an inside job", the Hridaya heart centered techniques have given me a way to experience self love in an honest and authentic way. The folks here and their teachings are really like scientists of the mind! I cannot wait to try out a longer retreat. I did not stay "on campus" due to lack of room, and have to say for beginners having space outside of Hridaya proved helpful for me as a first timer. But the meal plan (vegan) was superb and I loved being on campus as much as possible. Mazunte is also a beautiful beach town and while most time is spent in workshop, there's enough free time to experience the beach just a few blocks away."

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"I loved it!"

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"Wonderful. I highly recommend this for anyone old or young, enlightened or struggling. Your life is a beautiful journey and Hridaya is a power gift of self love and discovery. You will live, you will eat good food, possibly get a few bug bites, laugh, cry, dance, sing, learn amazing well prepared teachings, swim in the sweetness of the sea, grow while witnessing yourself, you will make life long friendships that is truly family, doing nothing will become a art form you'll exceeded at, and resting in the endless goodness of your heart will be where your mind quiets. Don't hesitate on loving yourself if it be this yoga school or just a cup of tea. Love your self as your lover and discover your endless divine light."

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"I had a fantastic time, deeply inspiring even though I only stayed three days. I had done a Vipassana retreat before so I knew a little about meditation, however I found Sahajananda teachings to be very efficient and well adapted to westerners. Again this time, I was able to feel a deep, deep insight, a state of stillness edging to profound fulfillment, and the master through a didactic teaching brought me to places in my heart that were long forgotten.Also, focusing on the opening, the tremor of our hearts is so beautiful, so needed these days. Thanks for the beautiful soul trip!"

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"The module one course is a beautiful, in-depth, thoughtful way to build your own daily practice. The environment, teachers, and yoga community are supportive and knowledgeable."

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"I am a married man, 48 years old and wanted a solo experience at a silent retreat. My first silent retreat. Hridaya Yoga is what they say they are - clean, organized, dedicated to the practices. Food was outstanding even though just vegan. Leaders intelligent, friendly, and very competent. Highly recommended."

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"Along with meditation techniques, this retreat provided enormous learnings on various traditional, mystic, views, quotes, etc. Great if you'd like to develop your spiritual knowledge."

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"In May 2016 I completed a 10 day retreat at Hridaya Yoga. The retreat was fantastic! The teachers were knowledgeable, passionate, supportive, and inspiring. The timetable was just right with a lovely balance of yoga, walking meditations, sitting meditation and breaks. The vegan, sugar free, mostly wheat free meals were a highlight - so delicious! I'd recommend this to anyone seeking to explore their spirituality more seriously! Good vibes all round!"

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"In the summer of 2015 I first came to Hridaya Mexico to be part of the module one. By than I had only completed two yoga courses over the last few years and had almost no experiences with meditation. "

"Coming to Hridaya was an amazing and life changing experience. I had great teachers and a small (15 people) group attending with me. After two weeks of going through rollercoasters of feelings I knew that I needed to return."

"In March 2016 I returned to become a Karma Yogi for three months and had an amazing time again. During my three months I attended a 10 days silent retreat and the module two. It was exactly what I needed during that time. "

"Module two. We were a very small group (four, by the end three) and able to share a lot of crying and mind-blowing experiences. Our three teachers were amazing and a perfect match for what I needed for my module two. A good mix out of Hridaya Yoga, Pranayama and meditation."

"10 days Silent retreat: I would have never attended a silent retreat if it weren't for a few other Karma Yogis and teachers. Back than I was very afraid of attending, because of past anxiety problems. Now I can laugh about it and I am so thankful to my sisters and brothers in encouraging me to attend it. Again it was exactly what I needed at that time. One teacher blew my heart wide open with her lectures and brought me more than once to tears. And the other brought so much experience, life and love to the lectures. During the ten days I learned to much about myself, about loving and accepting other people for who they are and I relived a few events of my past. "

"Accommodation: Last year I stayed for two nights in a two person cabana (there are also six person dorms) on site. It is a nice room with a beautiful outdoor bathroom. As I needed a little space between the school and myself, I moved to the hotel next door which was perfect for me."

"Food: After leaving Hridaya in 2015 I became a vegan. The food is very yummy and mainly with fresh ingredients. During the Moduls people can buy the two meals/day (or one) option which for some people is not enough/at the wrong time, for others it is perfect."

"During a silent retreat it is possible to buy the three meals/day (or one or two). Best time to come: If people love to be around other people and don´t mind to be in retreats with 90 other people, I recommend coming between September - April. "

"If you're like me and enjoy more the quietness, than April - September is the best time. During my module one (2015) we were 15 students, for module two in April we were four students and during my 10 days silent retreat in May around 30."

"To people thinking about going to Hridaya: It is a very special place and while it is an amazing shanga, it is not the right fit for everyone. The yoga is not a typical western style yoga with flows (some asanas are held for five to 10 minutes) which can be very challenging to people used to other styles. "

"On the other hand, it is about going to the heart to the essence of our beings and can change your life for ever. I am so thankful for this beautiful family and can´t wait to return for module three next spring!"

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"Loved it Loved it Loved it I did the three-day silent retreat. The three vegan meals a day were delicious. It is the perfect combination to clean mind and body."

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"I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The things I learned helped me with some big life changes. The food was delicious (vegan) and the staff all helpful. The breakfast is fruit and grain with banana almond milk (I think). The dinner was different every night. Curry to Italian pasta with salad. I camped in the tents provided. The sleeping pads take the edge off the hard ground but that's about it. But after a long day of yoga, meditation, lecture, and sun I slept pretty well! The location is amazing! I love Hridaya and hope to return soon. Oaxaca is my favorite region of Mexico. And Mazunte and Oaxaca city are both magical!"

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"Wow. 10 day silent meditation retreat was a beautiful experience. The Hridaya yoga center is in a beautiful location up the hill with sea views. The dorm room was comfortable and even we slept doors open at night (because it was hot) there was not a single insect, spider, cockroach etc. And this was a nice surprise for me as I'm afraid of those little creatures heh. The best thing about this place was the friendly and warm staff and the delicious vegan food! I could go back just for the food!"

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"Hridaya Yoga is definitely a unique place on Earth. Not that there's no others like it, but definitely, there's not many. Its foundation rests on a total commitment with the non-dual teachings, and a simultaneous embrace of the tantric path. Everything being directly experienced through the daily and intense practice of classical Hatha yoga and meditation. What I've become most fascinated by is the profound aspiration of everyone in this community (managers, teachers, Karma Yogis, students) to live in a profound continuum between what's being taught and learned in the halls and the experience of living itself. Integrity, coherence, wholesomeness, pure intention, humbleness, authenticity are woven in the air. The love for the self ignites all actions and is love itself what fuels and manifests in this little paradise. If you're in a radically honest search for truth, I wouldn't even dare to miss out this spot!"

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"This place is exactly what you need even if you don't know it. The yoga is not flow yoga but it really makes you find yourself. Look at yourself from a different view. The teachers don't even get paid yet they are so passionate about what they do it beautiful."

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"Hridaya is one of those special places that will stay with you for the rest of your journey. It is such a beautiful place with the most pure, gentle creatures you will ever come across. The teachings are filled with such deep love and humility it overtakes you. I fell in love with this place and it was very hard to leave. Sometimes coming home after exciting travels can be tough, but after Hridaya I felt more ready than I ever have in the past to go home. Two months now after arriving home and I still am experiencing Hridaya daily. I continue to meditate and feel the love and compassion all the time that I found at Hridaya even two months later. I recommend this place to everyone, no matter where you are in your path. Come with an open, beginner's mind. Do not accept the teachings, nor reject them, just observe. At the end you can make your own decision. I've gladly welcomed the lovely new additions to my life. Thank you so much Hridaya, I love you all and can't wait to return."

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"I am realizing more that all is one. Thank you so much for your wonderful support and inspiration!"

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"Hridaya has changed my life. Its that simple."

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"I feel as though a new reality of life has opened up to me."

Hridaya Yoga International website, edited

"Gosh, I feel I could spend my whole life in this bubble. The place is filled with spiritual feminine energy. I'm coming back again and again!"

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"I have just spent three months in the school and with its beautiful community and it has been one of the most transformational and profound experiences of my life."

"From those who are seeking a more mindful and balanced life, to those longing for a deep dive into their true and inner nature. Hridaya's offering of authentic yoga and meditation practices will not leave your heart untouched. That is a guarantee."

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"Already planning our next trip back to learn and grow with this beautiful spiritual community. The enlightening instruction, nourishing vegan food, and abundance of loving support among the practicing yogis is awe-inspiring. We are grateful."

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"The combined knowledge of all the teachers at this school is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to expand there yoga practice. So many profound teachings its difficult to summarize in a review. I'm very thankful to have the Hridaya technique and apply it in my life."

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"This yoga is different from any I've done before -it's most like Kundalini, with most of the asanas performed for multiple minutes, or sometimes, in the case of the warmups, repeated multiple times for a number of minutes. At first I rebelled against the differences, but I discovered that the meditative state induced by the practice is much deeper than in the other forms of yoga that I've done. If you find that you always skip sivasana, or if you feel you're missing out on the spiritual side of yoga, this is the yoga to try. The people at the center are so loving and welcoming, and the center itself is beautiful. It was hard to leave at the end to go back to the real world. Highly recommend."

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"Just pack your bags and see it for yourself. Mind-blowing experience for those who are use to yoga and who have never done it before. The approach was strange at first (I am an Ashtanga teacher and I am not use to holding an asana longer then 30 seconds), but in three days I just told myself to surrender, and it worked!! Loved every minute and every person. The place is a natural utopia. Almost everyone is school are karma yogi, that's why the retreat is super affordable and incredibly loving. People work with love and without ego. Truly transformational journey for those who are looking for a peace and quiet on the shore."

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"This place is vibrating love and compassion. There is a strong community and you are part of it after your first step inside the school. Their 10-days silent retreat and module one were a true transformation for me. It really opened up my heart, felt so much more love, changed the way I perceive things and helped me on my spiritual path. Here you will find yoga teachings that go way deeper than many teachings given around the world. They combine visions and theories from different yogic path and show you how everything come back to oneness. Coming back home, not only within the community, but also in my heart."

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"I got into yoga through spirituality but I hadn't found a school, classes, or teaching that offered me anything close to the spiritual aspects of yoga that is what its true essence is. At Hridaya, I found exactly what i was looking for, in fact even more so. The practice itself was far more meditative then I thought it would be, which was perfect and the lectures gave very concise information on all aspects of yoga and spirituality, and the community itself of teachers, karma yogis, students, and locals of Mazunte became a blissful environment for learning to open and live from your heart, healing, self realization, and transformation. A life changing experience which gives you the tools to incorporate spirituality into your daily life, you just have to pull yourself away from the Hridaya bubble first!"

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"Before going I was doubtful about the quality and conditions of the center given it is one of the cheapest yoga retreats in Mexico that I know. I couldn't have been more wrong, this place is amazing! The facilities are clean and comfortable and the services offered are of the outmost quality. The center is all run by Karma Yogis, which creates a very harmonious and friendly space and community. The meals are delicious, only vegan though, so if you're a big meat eater you might struggle with this.I was there for module one, which is the introductory course for Hridaya Yoga. Do not be fooled by the word introductory though, it is a very intense retreat, with 120 hours of yoga divided amongst three weeks. But, it is true that you do not need to have any previous knowledge of yoga, the teachings start from the very basics. And the teachers are absolutely supporting, in all ways possible, from how to perform correctly an asana to personal situations. The teachings were completely transformational for me. I can truly say that the month spent in Hridaya has been the starting point to have a more fulfilling and happier life! If you want to spend a month at the beach, become part of a loving community, improve your yoga, and possibly transform your life forever, go to Hridaya and do it with an open heart."

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"If you want to experience what yoga really is and how to begin the process of transformation from the ego and your suffering to being a conscious witness of everything that arises within you (thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations) and transcend it all to be one with the universe and reveal your spiritual heart, then this is the place for you. The teachings seemingly contain all the wisdom and intelligence of the universe. The asana practice is conducted so that each pose becomes a meditation in stillness. You are meditatively guided into the poses and hold them for a long time, in the beginning three to five minutes, later even longer up to six to eight minutes. While in the poses for such a long time, a lot came up from my subconscious, like existential fear, grief, and sorrow.The teachers guide you to simply become a witness to everything that arises and the practice is that of self-inquiry, asking, "who am I" when thoughts, emotions, energies, arise. The teacher at Hridaya yoga are very skilled in guiding you through this process, especially Andreas. I would recommend a retreat here for anyone who is ready to look deeply at themselves and their suffering. Anyone who wants to awaken to the truth and one's own beautiful divine self. One thing I really had to practice with here were the mosquitos. I really wanted to stay on for the 10-day meditation retreat afterwards. However, by the end of my yoga retreat the mosquitos had eaten my entire body and I was covered in open sores because the bites itch so horribly that eventually I had to scratch them all. I will probably have long lasting scars from this. So if you get bitten easily by mosquitos, be prepared for this, even if you use a strong insect repellant. Nothing stopped the mosquitos from biting me. Food at the center was served twice a day, for breakfast and dinner. The breakfast was the same every day and after one and a half weeks I got really tired of the breakfast and wished I had not signed up for the breakfast. Dinners always vary in what is being served and is always delicious. One comment about the meals here: it felt that the cooks were always stingy about how much one could eat per meal. They made sure to serve us and I mostly did not get served as much food as I would have liked. Sometimes when I went back for seconds, there was enough food, but I always wondered if there would be. I wish they were more generous with the amount of food they served. About health issues. It is very common in Mexico to suffer from bouts of diarrhea. I had diarrhea here for a whole week, which I believe had a lot to do with my being purified during the daily practice of yoga. And even though I considered it to be positive to be cleansed and purified in this way, it was still a lot to practice with and bear because I also had bad stomach cramps that came with it. Regarding the housing experience here, I was in a single cabana, which was an interesting experience. At night I had to go right into my bed to be inside the mosquito net in order to not get bitten any further, as the mosquitos can easily get into the room. The experience of using a compost toilet and taking sponge baths every day I really enjoyed, as I had never experienced that before. There will be many insects visiting your room, including big cockroaches, crab, and even spiders, including tarantulas and scorpions. It all becomes part of the experience! All of what I have described here becomes part of the transformation. So I hope that whatever I said here will not deter you from coming. The experience has been so transformative and has been incredibly healing to my soul. I have healed and transformed myself more here than from years of psychotherapy. So please come and experience for yourself!"

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"I intended to stay at Hridaya only for a three day silent retreat, ended up staying for 10 day silent retreat and a yoga module - almost 40 days. I did that despite disagreeing with many of the spiritual teachings, so you can imagine how amazing the experience itself is."

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"I ate here three times-twice for the three-course dinner and once for lunch. All times the food was of an excellent quality and delicious. Eating on a deck over the water was a nice perk, too. The prices were reasonable, especially given the quality, and they even had a good house wine at a great price."

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"Love the hotel, the food, the rooms, the people, the views, the hikes, hammocks, and yoga space. A better swim spot and a hot water booster for the solar showers would make this a five plus."

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"Hridaya is a very special place for those fortunate enough to happen upon it. The center offers numerous workshops and a community of heart focused meditators. The yoga and pranayama is well designed to bring one into a meditative state. The cuisine is satvic, vegan and endlessly creative. Abodes are simple and minutes from the beach. It is a lovely area, many like myself come for a month and end up unable to leave;)"

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"I did the 10 day silent retreat at Hridaya Yoga. Wow! What an amazing experience! The school is absolutely gorgeous. The facilities are great. The staff is wonderful. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that I had to leave. The retreat was such a great spiritual experience. I have never experienced anything like it before, and it has definitely improved my life. Would recommend to anyone and everyone! Love this place!"

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"I had the enjoyment of hanging out with the owner of Isla Verde a few times during my week on the island. The restaurant and hotel is in a great spot and has delicious brownie sundaes. The views over the lake are astonishing and the staff is super friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant and hotel to anyone going to visit Lake Atitlan."

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"Overall somewhat satisfied, however the location of the retreat is very noisy. The location is very close to the main road. Between the traffic and nature (roosters, dogs, ocean, etc.) its pretty much impossible to remove noise. Earplugs help some. If your used to meditating in the quiet you may have some difficulty. I stayed next door, if you can afford it. Sleep time will be quieter. Rose, the owner is fantastic. There is a path between hotel and retreat. Retreat lectures were good. Food good, however breakfast never changed. Long days - be sure to check out daily schedule online (7:00 - 9:30, with two and a half break midday). If you like to swim in ocean excellent beach close at hand. Down driveway, turn right, take first driveway to the right straight to the beach. "

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"Very deep and soulful experience, doing three-day retreat. I stayed in the dorm room -only complaint is the bug nets didn't close completely, which led to some sleepless nights. Very slow yoga practice, not what I was used to, seemed to shift some inner patterns on a deep level, and the depth of heart-based meditation practice had profound effects. Not an easy experience, takes effort and discipline, but highly worthwhile. "

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" I was fortunate enough to stay for one week at Hridaya Yoga while doing the full module one training. The staff at the school let me know exactly which rooms and types were available. The grounds are well maintained and include a deck or patio area that has chairs and hammocks for lounging, and a communal eating area, also a great spot to watch the morning sunrise. The beach is a five to seven minute walk down a short dirt road and out to a cove that makes you feel as if you're back in ancient times with its magnificence.All of the travelers and staff that I met while there were very welcoming and accommodating. The location is also a good one in that is is directly in between the two towns of Mazunte and San Agustinillo - as there are places I wanted to visit on both sides, it made for a nice median right in the middle, nothing was more than a 10-15 minute walk away. The morning meditations and classes were wonderful and very easy to get to while staying on the premises. Sahaja and the other teachers/trainers were all engaging and thoughtful in their classes and lectures. It was really a beautiful and supportive community to be a part of. I could not have asked for a better stay and would definitely return to delve into the teachings further enjoy this picturesque part of the world, cheers."

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"My partner and I recently spent two months here and we can honestly say it was a life changing experience for both of us. Not only has the school deepened our understanding of yoga and meditation, but we are more connected to who we really are and each other. Sahajananda is an amazing teacher and the community is wonderfully supportive. I will be going back again and again."

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"This is a beautiful healing and welcoming community that will help you to go deeper into a meditation practice. The month long yoga courses will give you a huge grounding in the philosophy and practice of Hatha yoga - performed in a style designed to be a meditation in itself. The 10 day meditation retreats are the mainstay here each month, particularly if led by Sahajananda - the head of the school and author of the course material. I took the three month teacher training course here and was impressed by the depth and intensity of the teachings during this time. The community here is one of the best aspects with a beautiful nurturing team working here and the place run by a team of diligent volunteers or "karma yogis". They offer tasty vegan food twice a day - although you need to sign up in advance so it is designed for the participants in the courses.You will also find plenty of other activities at the school from workshops to dancing courses and often Kirtan, or devotional singing practice. Many have written about their experiences here and you will no doubt have your own. Whether it is beautiful, challenging, profound, or relaxing, I am sure it will be a positive one. "

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"Hridya has become my spiritual refuge. If you are seeking a center that supports spiritual growth and transformation then look no more. The meditation retreats with Sahaja are one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life. I leave with such a deep connection to myself and spirit. All I can say is if you have the opportunity do not hesitate to attend a silent meditation retreat as this will change your life. The yoga intensives are also incredible if you are craving in depth knowledge of Hatha yoga. I highly recommend the month long program. If you do not have time for an entire month you can always sample part of the course. "

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" Located in a beautiful part of gorgoeus Mazunte, with beautiful views and the sound of the ocean all the time in your ears. This place is located in paradise. I came here for the 10 day silent retreat without being a meditator myself so it was a nightmare. All days I was just suffering through the hours of meditation and wondered how could anyone meditate for so long. But I found something else: I found the silence I was really looking for, I found the peace, and I learned so many things about myself that I can only thank Hridaya for this amazing and difficult experience.The food, vegan, is delicious! The staff is super nice and the dorms are perfect. What surprised me more where their prices! Super cheap and accessible. I would recommend it, but if you are an unexperienced meditator like myself, be patient and let go. You'll have the worst or best experience you can ever give to yourself. "

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"Hridaya silent meditation gave me a glimpse of reality that goes beyond words or sensations. I am totally seduced by its beauty. It is poetry made flesh, coming in touch with my deepest longings, discovering a realm of overwhelming peace, forgiveness and compassion. Now, I just want to go deeper into the wonderland of Atman, penetrate all its mysteries, and then open my eyes and see again and again that the earth and the skies are full of the presence, connect, and be part of this glorious dance. Nothing but beauty."

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" Hridaya was an unexpected tangent I followed during my 15 months of backpacking. It was one of the most important detours I took, as my mind, spirit and sanity were all veering in different directions. The teachings were simple. Go straight to the heart, be a witness. Simple and yet so challenging at the same time. Nevertheless, it proved extremely effective for my practice. The module one and 10 day silent retreat provided me with practical tools. Hridaya taught me a comprehensive yogic practice which encompassed all branches of yoga, not just asanas. My meditation practice is much stronger. When my mind gets wild, I remind myself to go back to my heart and self inquire.The grounds are calming, the course material is thorough. The teachers truly have their hearts in the right place. They are selfless as are the Karma yogis and staff. I love them! "

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"I am so grateful for the teachings I was given in this yoga school. I went to the 21 days intensive yoga and meditation course and it was amazing. I loved the philosophic approach and the more holistic kind of yoga that is not just stretching on the physical level. Thank you Hridaya! Love Maria."

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"Der Urlaub hat alle meine Erwartungen übertroffen, die Lehrer und Räumlichkeiten von Hridaya Yoga sind genial, die Schule liegt 5 Minuten vom Strand entfernt, das Klima in Mexiko ist sehr angenehm. Man kann als Schüler in der Schule essen. Das Essen ist vegan und sehr lecker."

"Der Yoga Unterricht und auch die spirituellen Lectures dort sind sehr empfehlenswert."

"Ich kann diese Schule nur weiterempfehlen!"

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"El retiro que tomé fue de tres días y puedo asegurar que pasar tres días en silencio, hacen un cambio significativo en tu vida. A mí me ayudó a tener la paz que necesitaba, por fin pude dormir mejor y me ayudó a clarificar lo que estaba pasando en mi vida. Además, los maestros tienen realmente un nivel espiritual profundo. Es un lugar muy tranquilo con una vista impresionante al mar que te permite concentrarte y reconectar contigo mismo. ¡Lo recomiendo ampliamente!"

"Espero que les ayude. Muy buen trabajo. Y de verdad agradezco mucho que ofrezcan estos retiros. Y muchas felicidades al chef de cocina vegetariana, lo disfruté mucho y eso que no soy tan vegetariana! Gracias!"

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