Frequently Asked Questions re: All FPYK Programs

Are there 'best' and 'worst' times to be in Bengaluru (Bangalore)?

Actually no, only 'good' and 'better'. For every undesirable attribute of each season, an opposing, desirable feature could also be found. For instance, while the mid-March to mid-June months can carry arid air with high temperatures day and night, it is also the season of Mangoes, with dozens of varieties available in the markets, and of high festivals and ceremonies including marriages including colorful decorations, and friends and family dressed in the finery of the culture.

Are trainings with certification credits ever offered outside of India?

Yes, and if scheduled, these programs will be announced on Masterji's Travel Itinerary page, and in the JoyFul FormLetter online Yoga newsletter. Subscribe to stay posted.

Do I need to pre-register for any training program?

While not mandatory, it is highly recommended. The numbers of students attending Yoga programs in Bengaluru (Bangalore) may vary greatly over the year. You may enhance the possibility of securing the most comfortable and economical accommodations upon arrival, by pre-registering as far in advance as you can. Offering a deposit toward tuition is appreciated. Pre-register for programs at FPYK in Bengaluru (Bangalore) by emailing or mailing a letter of intent and including an expected date of arrival. If mailed, you may include a check in deposit. A hundred bucks would be standard.

If you are registering on short notice, as happens quite frequently, simply send the email stating your intended stay and expected arrival date. Contact the studio for assistance when you arrive or if arriving in the AM, simply make your way to the studio

Note that personal references may be required for anyone taking accomodation packages with FPYK. Check the About Accomodations Room and Board page for complete reqirements.

What is the mailing address of Masterji's studio?

Visit Meet Masterji M. S. Viswanatha then look toward the center of the page to find the Foundation of Pathanjala Yoga Kendra mailing address.

I'll need directions to the Yoga studio once I reach Bengaluru (Bangalore).

Find directions to the studio in JP Nagar About Accomodations Room and Board.

Why is the Masterji's telephone number in India not published on this site?

Masterji Viswanatha has requested that general inquiries for his programs, etc. not be made via telephone due to household privacy concerns. Once you have enrolled in Yoga programs in Bengaluru (Bangalore), India however, you may request the number as a convenience should you need immediate assistance once you reach India.

What if I'm not very flexible? or too thin or fat? or too old or flat-footed or too furry?

Well, possibly you are (you may even believe it), but probably not. Besides, these human features weigh fractionally little in their affects on ones personal practice or ability to benefit from the learning process of Yoga study. Please come as you are and expect great things to happen. Masterji's specialty is in working with individuals in a holistic approach regardless of strengths and abilities. Because you are able, the opportunity to go and study w/him in India, immersing yourself in the teachings and enjoying the growth of your hidden abilities each day is a profound and joyful one. Be assured that you will be met with knowledgeable compassion and that you will never be asked to do anything you are not emotionally and physically ready to do. And Masterji will know, through his cultivated intuition and experience working with so many students of varying strengths.

In the meantime, please try not to edit your personal potential. If you do have specific concerns or any pre-existing health conditions you would like to discuss with Masterji Viswanatha, please feel free to email FPYK Programs now. Fear comes only with the unknowing.

What are conditions like in India?

If you are asking about the political condition here in Southern India; It's historically quite sheltered from the scuffles in the North and as of this writing we don't expect anything new. We've heard of family members and friends chanting "Don't go! Don't go!" when it comes to travel to India. Nonsense. Just plan on longer lines and be sure to wear a smile. If you are talking about weather (sic) to bring an umbrella or sunscreen; Try LonelyPlanet.com for detailed info about India's climates, cultures, and much more.

Meanwhile, try not to bring too many clothes. You won't really need them and you'll want the extra space in your travel pack for the great stuff you will buy here for practically no money anyway.

What are conditions like in the studio? Is it crowded?

The Bengaluru (Bangalore) Yoga studio accommodates at least 20 students comfortably. You will typically not need to wait for a spot to open up on the floor to begin your practice. Most students will arrive between 6:00 and 6:30am. The space is located on the top floor of a modern three story house. Inside, this spacious unadorned room is sunny and bright, with high ceilings with fans for comfort, and large windows all around for fresh Prana laden Indian air, and a gentle breeze. Nestled among the tops of palm trees and with ambient noises from the neighborhood life, it is very peaceful and relaxing here. The sunny roof deck one flight up creates an inviting retreat for a post-practice cool down and reflection.

What should I bring for practice? A mat? What should I wear?

Please bring a yoga mat if you are accustomed to using one. Some students simply work on the thick cotton mat spread out on one side of the hard mosaic floor. There are now new Western style Yoga mats available at the studio for rent: $10/month; or $1/day, and Masterji may have new mats on hand for you to purchase.

Traditionally, men wear comfortable loose fitting shorts with or without a shirt. Women are suggested to wear whatever is comfortable yet not overly revealing. The studio will be warm naturally. Having a clean hand-sized towel is advised if there is a tendency to perspire heavily (you can buy them here).

I have specific nutritional needs. How will I manage this during my stay in India?

This popular concern is rarely insurmountable. For assistance, please speak to Masterji or his wife Lakshmi upon arrival. In most cases you will not need to bring foods with you aside from items required during travel. Watch for the new Keys to a Successful Practice page for nutritional guidelines and other gems from Masterji and Lakshmi.

What style of Yoga does Masterji Viswanatha teach?

Masterji terms his teaching as traditional or Classical Hatha Yoga. It is in the tradition of Pathanjali's Astanga or 8-limbs of Hatha Yoga. Beginning young, Masterji first studied Yoga in the traditional way for over 15 years and then pursued a Masters degree in Education. During his career, he has focused on the healing potential of Yoga for those challenged by physical, mental, and emotional obstacles and has worked closely with noted Indian medical researchers. For a closer look at Mr. Viswanatha's style and philosoply, peruse the FPYK newsletter section in this Neighborhood.

Does Masterji Viswanatha have his own guru? What 'level' does he practice?

Beyond that noted above, 'student' Viswanatha currently studies in a tradition of Tantric Yoga. Please feel free to ask Masterji for further knowledge around these subjects during times of darshan.

What is Masterji's teaching style?

Hmmm, personally, I would offer "quietly regimented". Of course, the mode of presentation varies depending on the context. In lecture, you will find him organized, knowledgeable and just plain fun. Viswanatha does not put on airs of mystery and super mental powers. Instead he interacts with his students in a natural way, learning about the whole person through more casual conversation and observation. In asana practice, it's something more like speak minimally (albeit in perfect English when he does), and carry a big question mark. Of course Viswanatha is always open to questions during practice, but I find the general demeanor feels like a well of strength and focus during practice.

I have often heard Masterji repeat the first rule of Yoga "Know yourself.". And he feels that his primary job is to observe that process in the individual students. Guidance and suggestions come only when they will definitely make a difference.

Further, I think you will be amazed to see how adept Masterji is at encouraging a deeper expression of an asana at just the right moment. He wants the body to learn what it is capable of achieving first, in spite of the minds tendency to edit the body's potential.

What can I do to prepare for the studies at FPYK?

Purchase Masterji's Pranayama DVD, Pranayama CD, and Panchayathana Shlokas CD available in our Training Program Schedule.

Where shall I try to get the best airfare to Bengaluru (Bangalore) from...?

Some travel agencies specialize in packages to the Indian subcontinent. If you have had success working with a particular complany, please contribute their contact information to us.

• For Yoga Travel from the US - (no current recommendations)
• For Yoga Travel from Europe - (no current recommendations)
• For Yoga Travel from South America - (no current recommendations)
• For Yoga Travel from Australia - (no current recommendations)
• For Yoga Travel from Elsewhere - (no current recommendations)

Are the newer airport security measures of special concern when traveling to India?

Not really. On my most recent trip to Bengaluru (Bangalore) from the East Coast of the US, I did not meet with anything particularly unexpected. I did however pass through between 35 and 40 checkpoints where I was asked to show either my photo ID and/or boarding pass, or the contents of my baggage, or both. Double check your itinerary for close connections and plan to get to your departure airport early.

Is travel in India and specifically in Bengaluru (Bangalore) safe for Westerners?

Basically yes, however common sense applies constantly. Rule number one: Pay attention whenever and wherever traveling. As a general experience, Southern India never sees ethnic or political unrest as does sometimes the North. If you are new to International travel, I recommend doing some homework. There are websites and books that give excellent advise on how to travel safely and inconspicuously. Westerners who unwittingly flaunt perceived wealth are most often the targets of petty theft. Through a little research however, you can learn to travel confidently. Many thousands of people do it all the time.

Note: I don't recommend traveling to India with pets. It simply isn't safe for them. Too many animals of all sorts are living in the streets of India already, and while government agencies are in place to help keep problems in check, these systems' efficacy is questionable and certainly not to Western standards.

If you have specific concerns, please Contact Us! for assistance.

Will I require a visa to enter India?

Most likely! Unless you know for CERTAIN that you do not require a visa to India because of your specific country of origin, get one. For instance, middle-East students have been told erroneously that they do not require a visa, when in fact they do. Check with the nearest Consulate of India in your country of residence. Note: If opting for a short-term visa, do not order it too early, or it may expire before you plan to leave India. As well, unless you can walk-in to the consulate for same day service as I have done in the USA, be sure to allow sufficient time to mail in your paperwork and receive your visa before departure.

What about immunizations?

First check with the Center for Disease Control website. Next, check with your health practitioner or contact a nearby allopathic health consortium which often will have a special unit for travelers health. Check early in case you decide to have a course of hepatitis immunizations which are often delivered in treatments staged over 3 to 6 months.

I'm thinking about bringing an infant or children with me to India...

No problem! Masterji Viswanatha assures me that both can be accommodated comfortably. Of course, check with your health practitioner(s) well before traveling, and refer to the above FAQ.

What time is it in India?

At the time you requested this web page, in India it was approximately...

02:01:20 AM
Sunday, May 11th, 2008 IST

The above assumes that the web servers clock is still set to MST which is 6 or 7 hours behind UTC depending on DST.

Note that India has only one time zone which is 5.5 hours ahead of UTC (GMT), and observes no daylight savings.

I still need more information!

We would love to hear from you so please feel free to Contact Us! and ask away. Of course, we have included quite a bit of info here already but your specific questions and feedback will help us to further improve this popular Yoga website. Hey, why not tell a friend about us today!