Ajay Kumar at the shala

Mysore, Karnataka · Established 2000

Sthalam 8

Ashtanga Vinyasa Vedantha Centre - There is a lot to feel from Yoga and Asana is only the beginning.

Apply to practiseTeacher training datesOnline classes
25
Years teaching experience
2
Classes daily
12
Teacher Trainees maximum
11
Rooms on site

The approach

We do yoga,
not asanas.

A small ashram where practice is mental, physical and spiritual — toward a sense of freedom, not a performance of postures.

Acceptance follows Anubandha Chatushtaya: the student chooses the teacher, and the teacher chooses the student.

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मामृतङ्गमय ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

The week

Each afternoon,
a different door.

Monday

Sound

Mantra vibration — Omkara and the bija mantras — to purify and balance the mind.

Tuesday

Silence

A day held quiet. Trataka and japa, hearing the sound of the self.

Wednesday

Movement

One or two postures in an hour — breath, alignment, drishti — until the body is fully felt.

Thursday

Karma Yoga

Selfless service. Work done without claiming “me”.

Friday

Pooja & Conference

Questions held through the week are brought to Friday evening.

Sunday

Back Bending

Strengthening and opening the back — upper, middle, lower — as one line.

Pooja at Sthalam 8

The teacher

Ajay Kumar

Began practising at ten with BNS Iyengar at Parkala Mutt. Founded Sthalam 8 in 2000 and continues Advaita Vedanta studies in Sanskrit at the University of Mysore.

  1. T. Krishnamacharya

    The father of modern yoga

  2. BNS Iyengar

    Direct disciple · Mysore

  3. Ajay Kumar

    Founder, Sthalam 8

There is a lot to feel from yoga, and asana is only the beginning feeling.Ajay Kumar
Meet the teachers

Daily rhythm

The timetable.

Indian Time (IST)

Your local timezone

Mon
06.30 — 08.00 · Mysore15.00 — 16.00 · Vedanta chanting16.00 — 17.00 · Sound
Tue
06.30 — 08.00 · Led Primary15.00 — 16.00 · Vedanta chanting16.00 — 17.00 · Silence
Wed
06.30 — 08.00 · Mysore15.00 — 16.00 · Vedanta chanting16.00 — 17.00 · Movement
Thu
06.30 — 08.00 · Vinyasa15.00 — 16.00 · Vedanta chanting16.00 — 17.00 · Karma Yoga
Fri
06.30 — 08.00 · Mysore18.30 — 20.30 · Pooja & Conference
Sun
11.00 — 12.30 · Back Bending

All times Indian Time (IST). Full moon and new moon days are holidays. No drop-in classes.

Study with us

Your ways in.

Daily practice

Ashtanga VinyasaBeginners and advanced share the primary series. A month minimum — the practice needs time.
DailyPractice →

Five weeks · 12 students

Teacher TrainingPhilosophy, breath and bandha, Yoga Sutras chanting, alignment and adjustment — selective intake.
Two intakes a yearDates →

Anytime, anywhere

Yoga VistharaFilms, recorded conferences, the Vinyasa Krama book, and Vedanta chanting for home practice.
On demandSubscribe →

Practice at home

Online ClassesPractice with us - Regular live classes with Ajay Kumar and our online community worldwide.
WeeklyJoin Online →

Online and in person classes

Yoga PhilosophyDive deeper - Study the Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita with Sudheera H.M.
On demandRequest a session →

Before you travel

The teacher must also choose the student.

Apply with your practice background and dates. Places are limited; acceptance is personal.

Begin application

No drop-ins · Minimum one week stay for daily practice