Mandala Yoga Ashram

Mandala yoga Ashram is a truly authentic yoga centre and a very special place. I have been visiting now for many years...personally it is where my heart always feels "at home", and perhaps the only place on earth for me where life truly "makes sense"!!! Although some things have changed over the years, the heart and teachings of the Ashram remain unchanged...it is unique and very powerful.... A place where one feels safe on every level, and transformation is definitely made possible.

For authentic, thoughtful yoga in a beautiful place together with a nurturing experience I would recommend Mandala Yoga Ashram. It felt like the place I had always been looking for. Even better they offer regular online experiences so I can practice my yoga directly at home.

I attended the "alchemy of mandala" residencial course six months ago. It was fine. I got a lot out of my time at the ashram but I think what I enjoyed most was the residencial routine, the grounds and the wider landscape. The course it's self was a bit of a dissapointment if I'm honest. I've put off writing this review for six months because I thought maybe with more of my reading and self teaching I would realise that I had missed some vital aspect of the course that would have made it more meaningful at the time. The first issue for me was that the only people who seemed to derive genuine inspiration from the teaching were people who had already done multiple residencial courses at the ashram already, knew the teacher and team and who were well versed in yoga as a practice. I attempted to bridge this gap of knowledge by asking lots of questions and being engaged in discussion. However I found the teacher dismissive of enquiring questions and different practices. For example many of the mantras were studied were based around Hindu characters and stories, I asked if there was a book in the library or otherwise I could use to simply familiarise myself with Hindu legends and gods. He simply said "no not really" and moved on. I also found it frustrating that the course was named "alchemy of mantra" and advertised using words like "transformative" but the practice really wasn't anything to do with alchemy or even personal transformation. It was a course in learning a new meditation technique using mantra. Which is wonderful but was not what was advertised. When I brought up principles of psychic alchemical theory and belief in a group discussion the teacher didn't even know what I was talking about. He didn't even seem aware that alchemy is still a very much alive and popular spiritual practice often used alongside yoga. The teacher and some of the other staff also seemed weirdly anti-hatha yoga. They kept complaining that people thought hatha yoga was all yoga is, which I understand is frustrating. However this course was advertised as beginning friendly and the fact is many people, myself included, were introduced to yogic practice via hatha yoga, and it felt very othering. When I look back at my time at mandala yoga, everything that I took away as a positive were elements that were not included in the course materials. It was the staff, the grounds, the food, the peace. The classes taken by other teachers and the fire ceremony which was lead by a different instructor (the closest thing that came to transformative in the whole course). I ended up having to leave the night before the course ended due to a family emergency. Who knows maybe if I'd been able to stay it all would have come together in the final few hours. But as it stands I was left wanting more of what was offered, and less hand waving or questions and ideas to stick to a bare bones curriculum. I even found the book we were reading from to be more informative than the teacher, and that reading was entirely optional. But what do I know, many of the people seemed to love it. My advice would be if you're looking to stay here, is maybe call up and ask the actual content of the course you're interested in before you book. But when it comes to environment, the team who work there and the facilities you won't be disappointed!

I visited for the first time last weekend for the 'Celebration of Being' course and I liked it so much I've already booked another course. I found the staff and residents to be welcoming and friendly. The general atmosphere of the ashram was quite down-to-earth which made it a safe and supportive space to go deeper with my yoga and meditation practice, supported by experienced teachers and an absolutely stunning location next to the Beacons. They also have a good collection of books in the library, quality vegetarian/vegan food, and a light spacious hall where most of the meditation and yoga practices take place. It's a great place to connect with an authentic yoga practice.

I absolutely love this place. I have been a student of Yoga for over 25 years and travelled to India on numerous occasions. This is a genuine ashram which delivers wonderful courses of a high quality for both beginners as well as more experienced practitioners. Comfortable accommodation, wonderful vegetarian food and really friendly staff and teachers. All in stunningly beautiful scenery. Recommend 100%