Isha Institute of Inner Sciences makes life better with yoga and meditation

Two thousand feet above the Sequatchie Valley, enveloped in timeless tranquility, the Isha Institute invites you to step into the stillness of meditation.

View from the bluffs at Isha Institute.

Scientific studies clearly demonstrate that yoga and meditation promote health and well-being. To be healthy, achieve harmony and perform at the peak of one's potential are the goals of every human being. Yoga is an effective tool to make attaining these goals possible. And it all begins with you.

The Isha Institute in McMinnville, Tenn., a nonprofit established in 2006, was created to provide a space for inner exploration leading to the possibility of self-transformation. It is dedicated to promoting the practice of yoga in its classical form, and is unique in offering all four paths of yoga under the guidance of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

Vasudev is a yogi, mystic, and influential voice on socioeconomic development, as well as the connection between leadership and inclusiveness. He has spoken at the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Emory University and other renowned forums.

Over 30 years ago, he distilled Isha Yoga from the essence of ancient yogic sciences as a tool to access the subtler dimensions of life. His logical approach to the mechanisms of life does not ascribe to any belief system.

The Isha Institute offers a variety of programs from beginner to advanced levels to provide the methods suited to one's individual needs to attain physical, mental and spiritual well-being. These tools make it possible to sharpen one's awareness, empowering the individual to live life by choice rather than by compulsion.

Two structures are of special significance at the Isha Institute: the Adi Yogi Abode and the Mahima.

Adi Yogi and the Abode of Yoga

Adi Yogi (literally, First Yogi), was the originator of yoga. Over 15,000 years ago, he offered the science of yoga to humanity. It is by his methods and technologies that a human being can aspire to the possibility of self-transformation today. In November 2015, Vasudev created the Adi Yogi Abode as a powerful meditative space encapsulating the essence of yoga.

The Abode helps to promote both physical and mental well-being. Within the Adi Yogi Abode is an energized copper ellipsoid. By simply sitting with open palms, or doing a few simple yogic practices that are offered at the Isha Institute, it is possible to benefit from the Abode. No prayer or worship is required.

Mahima

From the air, the Mahima, the largest free-spanning meditation hall in the western hemisphere, is a clearly visible landmark that sits as if in contemplation in an expanse of moving forest. Its gleaming copper dome encloses 39,000 square feet of vibrant space conducive to experiencing deep states of meditation. Many of the center's programs are conducted at the Mahima, such as classical Hatha Yoga programs, Inner Engineering classes and advanced meditation practices.

The Isha Institute is the perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Drop the stress of a work or school day on its 1,400 acres, where you can hike many miles of mountain paths, lingering at waterfalls along the way; or explore mountain-biking trails and meditate on the sound of the wind at the bluffs. Learn a few simple yogic practices – many are offered free – or sign up for more advanced classes. Enjoy internationally inspired vegetarian meals from the Isha kitchen, and at night, listen to the katydids from a comfortable bed in a private cottage or semi-private accommodations.

The Isha Institute hosts Free Yoga Day events monthly to bring well-being to the surrounding communities. This is a great time to discover the campus with family and friends and share the experience of free yoga sessions, meditation, vegetarian cooking classes, guided tours and meals with live music. Children's yoga camps are also conducted periodically.

The Isha Institute is open year-round, including weekends and holidays, except for closures during special programs. Nashville and Chattanooga are both within comfortable driving distance from the center.

Noteworthy:

The Isha Institute offers a variety of programs from beginner to advanced levels to provide the methods suited to one's individual needs needed to attain physical, mental and spiritual well-being.