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 सह नाववतु । सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।

May both teacher and student be protected on the journey of awakening. May we work with energy and vigour. May study enlighten, and not give rise to hostility.

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

06.30 — 08.00
Mon · MysoreTue · Led PrimaryWed · MysoreThu · VinyasaFri · Mysore
07.00 — 08.30
Sat · Self practice
11.00 — 12.30
Sun · Back Bending
15.00 — 16.00
Mon · Vedanta chantingTue · Vedanta chantingWed · Vedanta chantingThu · Vedanta chanting
16.00 — 17.00
Mon · SoundTue · SilenceWed · MovementThu · Karma Yoga
18.30 — 20.30
Fri · Pooja & Conference

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