shakaizen
Frequently asked Questions
Where are you based?
I’m primarily based in Manali, India, in the Kullu Valley of the Himalayas. However, I operate as a nomad across multiple locations depending on the season and where retreats are scheduled. I also conduct retreats in Dharamshala and Leh in India, and seasonally in Nara, Kyoto, and Nagano in Japan. The location for your retreat depends on timing, your needs, and mutual availability.
What languages do you teach in?
English and French fluently. Basic Hindi for practical purposes in India, but philosophical discussions and instruction happen in English or French.
What style of yoga do you teach?
I don’t teach “styles” in the contemporary sense—not Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Yin or any branded system. I teach classical yoga as codified in traditional texts: the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita. The focus is on asana as preparation for pranayama, pranayama as preparation for meditation, and the philosophical framework that makes these practices coherent rather than random physical exercises.
If you need a reference point: the approach is closest to traditional Hatha Yoga before it was systematized into modern “styles,” with heavy emphasis on breath training, alignment for sustainability rather than performance, and meditation as the actual goal rather than bonus add-on.
Are you a certified teacher?
If you’re asking whether I have a 200-hour or 500-hour Yoga Alliance certification—no. Those certifications emerged from Western commercialization of yoga and represent teaching standards designed for liability coverage and market credibility, not transmission of classical practice.
My credentials come from direct study of source texts, years of personal practice, and over a decade of teaching people who came back because the practice actually worked.
If you need Yoga Alliance certification for legitimacy, this isn’t the right fit.
What makes this different from other yoga retreats?
Most retreats are group programs with fixed schedules, standardized sequences, and teachers trained in contemporary systems rather than classical texts. Often they function more as yoga vacations—pleasant experiences that don’t fundamentally change your practice.
This is private transmission of classical yoga in remote locations where altitude and geography create conditions that accelerate depth. No groups, fixed schedules, or resort amenities. Just serious practice adapted to you specifically, taught by someone who’s spent 15+ years living this rather than following the latest wellness trends.
It’s not better or worse than other approaches—it’s different. And it’s specifically for people who’ve realized that commercialized yoga isn’t what they’re actually looking for.
Are the retreats suitable for beginners?
Depends on what “beginner” means.
If you’ve never done yoga but you’re genuinely interested in classical practice, willing to learn foundations properly, and don’t expect Instagram-level performance—yes, absolutely. Starting with proper foundations rather than having to unlearn contemporary bad habits is often easier.
If you’re looking for a gentle introduction to yoga-as-relaxation or want something easy and comfortable—no. The approach is substantive from the start. That doesn’t mean physically extreme, but it does mean intellectually and philosophically engaged.
Are the retreats suitable for advanced practitioners?
If you have years of serious practice, have studied beyond asana, understand pranayama as more than “breathing exercises,” and are looking to deepen rather than accumulate more techniques—yes, this is exactly for you.
If “advanced” means you can do impressive poses and want validation—probably not. The emphasis here is on depth, sustainability, and the internal work that physical practice serves. Advanced doesn’t mean harder asanas; it means subtler awareness.
Do you still conduct retreats if there is only 1 person?
Yes. Private one-on-one retreats are actually ideal for transmission. The practice adapts completely to where you are, progresses at your pace, goes as deep as you’re ready for. Most retreats end up being individual or very small groups (2-3 people) anyway.
Can I book for a group (family/friends)?
Groups up to 4 people maximum. Beyond that, the practice loses the intimacy and adaptability that makes private retreats effective. Everyone in the group should have similar intentions and practice levels, or be willing to work at different paces.
Group bookings require coordination—everyone needs to be genuinely interested in classical practice, not just coming because their friend is.
Why are your prices higher than other retreats in India?
Because this is private instruction, not group classes. You’re not splitting my time with 15 other people doing standardized sequences regardless of individual needs. Every session is adapted to you specifically—your body, your capacity, your questions, your practice level.
I don’t run this at scale. There’s no retreat center with 20-bed capacity to fill, no team of underpaid teachers running identical programs. It’s just me, working with a handful of practitioners per year, in locations I’ve chosen for the practice they enable rather than profit margins they generate.
Also: The calibre of instruction reflects 15+ years living this work—not teaching yoga as side project, but as primary focus. This isn’t a 200-hour certification turned into teaching career. It’s deep study of source texts, years of personal practice, close to two decades of teaching experience, and sustained commitment to classical transmission over contemporary trends. That depth and experience—combined with private, individually adapted instruction—doesn’t come at a typical retreat group rates.
If you’re looking for budget options, there are hundreds of ashrams and yoga schools across India offering group programs at lower prices. Many are perfectly legitimate for what they offer. This is simply a different model—depth over volume, transmission over certification, expertise earned through years of dedicated practice rather than credentials purchased through short-term trainings.
Is accommodation included in the price?
Yes. Accommodation is included—simple, clean lodging with local families or small guesthouses. What’s not included are meals, which gives you flexibility to eat when you’re actually hungry rather than on a schedule, and to choose food that suits your body.
All locations have local restaurants, cafes, and food options within walking distance. Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) are easily accommodated.
Traditional yogic diet would suggest sattvic foods (fresh, whole, vegetarian), but I’m not enforcing dietary rules. You’re an adult; you know your body.
What if I get altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is real, especially in Leh (3,500m). Symptoms include headache, nausea, insomnia, dizziness. If you’re going to Leh, proper acclimatization in Manali first is strongly recommended.
If symptoms occur during retreat: rest, hydrate, descend if necessary. I’m experienced with altitude management but I’m not a doctor. Severe cases require medical attention and descent to lower elevation. This is why acclimatization isn’t optional—it’s physiology.
Can I extend my retreat once I'm there?
If my schedule allows and accommodation is available, yes. Extension depends on what’s booked after your retreat ends. We can discuss this possibility during booking if you think you might want flexibility.
When is the best time to come?
India:
Manali/Dharamshala: October-March (cooler, clear) or April-June (warming, pre-monsoon)
Leh: May-October only (road access and weather dependent)
Avoid: July-September monsoon for Manali/Dharamshala
Japan:
Best: September-November (autumn) or March-May (spring)
Workable: December-February (winter, cold but beautiful)
Peak tourism to avoid: Cherry blossom season (late March-April), August
Ultimately depends on your schedule and which location calls to you.