At Om Yoga International, we offer much more than a Yoga Teacher Training Course. Our approach combines the authentic spiritual wisdom of yoga with scientific understanding and practical teaching skills. Here are some of the reasons that make us different from other yoga schools:
1. Strong Foundation in Sanskrit
Our Lead Trainers, Shri Radhika Sharan Ji and Ruchika Sharan Ji, have a strong academic background in Sanskrit, the original language of the yogic scriptures. Since the origin of yoga is deeply rooted in Sanskrit, understanding its true essence without knowledge of the language is difficult. Their strong foundation in Sanskrit enables them to teach yoga from its authentic source, providing students with a deeper and more accurate understanding of yogic wisdom.
2. Sixteen Years of Traditional Vedantic Study
Our lead trainers have not only studied at universities or completed Yoga Teacher Training Courses; their core education is in Vedanta, the highest spiritual knowledge. They dedicated 16 years to studying under Rishi Ji Maharaja, a true yogi and monk who lived a life of complete renunciation. He never touched money, slept on the floor, lived on bhiksha (alms), and possessed only two sets of clothes.
Under his guidance, they studied the Prasthanatrayi (the 10 Principal Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras), along with Yoga Vashistha, Ashtavakra Gita, and Patanjali Yoga Darshan. Before studying these advanced scriptures, they also mastered foundational Vedantic texts such as Vichara Chandrodaya, Vichara Sagara, Tattva Anusandhana, and Panchadashi, which provide the essential groundwork for understanding Vedanta in its true spirit.
3. Authentic Yoga Philosophy and Meditation
Because of their extensive study of Vedanta and the yogic scriptures, our Yoga Philosophy and Meditation classes are among the strongest aspects of our courses. Along with learning asanas, alignment, and teaching methodology, students study the ancient yogic teachings directly from the original scriptures. This provides a strong spiritual foundation alongside physical practice.
4. Experience the Real Yoga of Rishikesh
People from around the world come to Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, with the intention of learning the authentic spiritual traditions of yoga — not just asanas and their physical applications. Asana training is available almost everywhere today.
Unfortunately, many students complete yoga courses in Rishikesh without gaining a deep understanding of authentic yoga because many programs focus primarily on physical postures, strength, and flexibility. As a result, they often leave without experiencing the true depth of yoga.
5. A Blend of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
At Om Yoga International, we ensure that our students experience the real, ancient, and authentic approach to yoga while also understanding its scientific aspects through Functional Yoga Anatomy and Physiology. This unique combination of traditional wisdom and modern knowledge is what makes our courses truly distinctive.
Many of our graduates describe this balanced approach as one of the most valuable aspects of their training and encourage others to experience it, as such comprehensive education has become increasingly rare today.
6. Learn Directly from the Founders
Unlike many yoga schools, our Lead Trainers, who are also the Founder and Co-founder of Om Yoga International, personally teach the core subjects, including Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Anatomy & Physiology, Pranayama, and Meditation. Only the Asana instructors are invited from outside. This allows us to remain personally connected with every student throughout the course and ensures consistency in the quality of education.
7. Years of Experience and Dedication
Shri Radhika Sharan Ji has been teaching the ancient wisdom of yoga since 2006, and Ruchika Sharan Ji has been teaching since 2012. On 29th July 2010, Shri Radhika Sharan Ji founded Adhyatam Anusandhan Yog Trust and Om Yoga International with the vision of preserving and sharing the authentic tradition of yoga through professional teacher training programs.