The information that follows applies to courses at our Mazunte (Oaxaca, Mexico) teaching school. It may also apply to some or all of the other teaching locations but we suggest writing directly to those other centers for specifically applicable information, because administrative and other differences do exist based on country, local customs, regional requirements, the number of teaching staff, etc.

1. What is Yoga?
Yoga is a system of techniques developed in ancient India and designed to lead the dedicated practitioner to full enlightenment as to the nature of reality and the Supreme.

2. Why do Yoga?
The practice of Yoga allows the practitioner to reach his or her highest potential and reveals the greatest mysteries of the Universe. It also has more worldly applications that promote healing, improvement in the quality of life, and the realization of paranormal phenomena.

3. Why are there so many types of Yoga?
The many types of Yoga suit the many different types of practitioners. Hatha Yoga (sun-moon Yoga) involves the physical body and leads to the balance of the solar and lunar energies. Most popular forms of Yoga, e.g., Iyengar, Sivananda, Ashtanga (not to be confused with Patanjali’s traditional eight-fold Ashtanga Yoga), Vinyasa, Kundalini (not to be confused with traditional Kundalini Yoga), etc., are styles of Hatha Yoga. There are four classic types of Yoga: Jnana Yoga (the Yoga of direct knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (the Yoga of devotion), Karma Yoga (the Yoga of action), and Raja Yoga (the royal Yoga which includes Hatha, Tantra, Laya, Kundalini, and other forms of Yoga). The Agama courses give teachings on all these forms, with an emphasis on Raja Yoga and its various sub-forms. See Courses for more information.

4. What is Tantra?
The word Tantra is often translated as “warp,” as in the base of threads on a loom. This symbolizes the idea that all aspects of the Universe are connected like a web. Tantra is the Yoga that uses the diverse elements of manifestation – such as the body (Hatha Yoga), colors, sounds (mantra), shapes (yantra), dreams, and sexuality – to elevate the consciousness and reach spiritual realization. The word Tantra also refers specifically to the Yoga of sexuality, but technically this is too narrow a use of the term.

5. What is initiation and why is it important?
Agama is a Tantric Yoga school dedicated to traditional methods of teaching spirituality via the process of initiation. Knowledge passed on from teacher to pupil during initiation involves the direct transfer of a specific form of energy that imparts a subtle influence. This process can only be achieved in person – it cannot be acquired from books. Initiation greatly accelerates spiritual progress and ensures accurate practice, opening the gates for true personal evolution.
Through teaching by initiation we provide you with abundant practical tools for better health, the balance of emotions, improvement in mental capacity, greater happiness, and insight into the deeper meanings of existence.

6. What is Kundalini Shakti?
Kundalini Shakti (the coiled energy) is the strongest potential force in the human being whose arousal is essential to any spiritual evolution. In the average person, it lies dormant at the base of the spine. Kundalini Yoga is the Yoga of directly awakening Kundalini Shakti and directing it up the spine to the crown center (sahasrara, above the top of the head).

7. Is Yoga dangerous?
Some advanced techniques of Yoga can be dangerous if practiced without proper preparation and the guidance of a qualified teacher. Fortunately, such techniques are generally inaccessible to unprepared students. For this reason, it is very important to respect the process of initiation and transmission of Yogic teachings.

8. Why study with Agama?
Agama returns to the primary sources of Yoga, restoring the original meaning to the Yoga system: the complete development of the being for the aim of attaining spiritual liberation. Through systematic teachings based on curricula that become more and more advanced, progress is assured to all sincere practitioners.

9. What is the Agama First Level Intensive?
The First Level Intensive Course is our most popular course offering worldwide. At our Thailand headquarters and at our primary branch centers (Rishikesh, Dharamsala and Mexico) this course is taught in an intensive daily format. The experience is an excellent and comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of Yoga combined with two Hatha Yoga sessions per day, forming a retreat-like atmosphere.
Our students also very much enjoy the experience of community that we cultivate at Agama. We sponsor nightly rare documentaries and Yoga-related films, bhajans and kirtan, special meditations as announced, evening lectures, monthly parties, etc. Unlike in the West, where students merely drop in to classes and leave, it is one of our aims to promote a yogi community that resembles the strength of connections found in ashram life.

10. Do I need to reserve in advance to join the First Level Intensive?
No. You are welcome to join us whenever you arrive; your first day is free! This course runs in a constant cycle, year-round, such that you can complete the course within the four weeks following the date on which you arrive.

11. Is it possible to attend the First Level Course on a drop-in basis?
The First Level Intensive is a certificate course. To receive this certificate, a student needs to attend at least 75% of the course sessions. However, it is not necessary for you as a student to seek the certificate. Therefore, yes, the course is open on a drop-in basis. You may attend for one class, one day, one week, or the full month.

12. Do I need experience to join the First Level Intensive?
No, this course is designed for absolute beginners.

13. What does the daily program look like?
The daily program looks like this:
08:30-10:30 Morning theory, Hatha Yoga practice, and deep relaxation
16:00-18:00 Afternoon sun salutations, Hatha Yoga practice, meditation, and deep relaxation
18:00-19:30 Evening lecture on the fundamentals of Yoga
20:00 Evening events as announced (optional and free)

14. I’ve been teaching Yoga for years. Do you offer advanced classes?
Agama Yoga provides a unique Yoga system in the world and we ask that all students begin with our First Level Intensive – regardless of their experience studying or teaching other Yoga varieties. Agama adheres to the traditional Indian Yoga methodology of teaching by initiation and, therefore, we do not believe it is possible to learn Yoga properly through self-study of books. Additionally, since we cannot know the manner, accuracy, depth, or completeness of information, techniques, or methodology taught by any number of thousands worldwide who call themselves Yoga teachers, we need to verify that our students are “on the same page” with us, that they have received the proper foundations, that they understand the fundamental Yoga concepts, and that they are adequately prepared for their introduction and journey through this highly energetic Kundalini Yoga program. Kundalini Yoga must be approached with attention and care, and it would be irresponsible on our part to place students unknown to us at higher levels of the curriculum. For all of these reasons, everyone starts at the beginning.

15. Is Agama associated with or partnered with any other Yoga schools?
Agama Yoga is an independent network of Yoga schools and ashrams committed to the study and dissemination of the authentic traditions of Indian Tantric Yoga. Agama has no lateral equivalent anywhere in the world, excepting its own branches and subsidiaries. It is not possible to “transfer into the curriculum” based on previous studies elsewhere within different systems or schools under other names.

16. Can my children attend Yoga courses? If so, what are the fees?
Children 11 years old and younger may attend Yoga classes free of charge as long as they are accompanied by an adult and they do not disrupt the class. Children 12 years old and older must pay full price.

For those under the age of 12, permission to attend each course level beyond the First Level Intensive Course must be granted on an individual basis.

For those under the age of 18, attendance of workshops and retreats requires either approval in advance by a Level 5 or up teacher on an individual basis or co-attendance by a parent or guardian.

17 What do I need to bring to the Yoga Classes?

We provide blankets which work well for the Agama style of Hatha Yoga.  If you prefer your own mat, you can also bring it.  We recommend natural non-synthetic clothing such as cotton pants to practice in.  These can be bought inexpensively in the area if you don´t own anything appropriate.

18 What do I need to bring to Mazunte if I will be staying for the month?

Definitely bring your beach gear including a snorkel and fins if you can carry them.  The weather is warm but if you get cold easily bring a light blanket as not all the guest houses supply them.  Bring a flashlight, bank card, any food supplements or medicines you cannot survive without.  You may  also want to bring earplugs, clothes to dress up in, sandals, mosquito repellent, special items to share with the others, journal,  surfboard (can be rented), camera, personal padlock.  Basic care products are available including natural ones but you may want to bring your normal ones nonetheless.  If you have extra room in your bag, you may want to bring 3 to 5 kilograms of organic whole grains as some students choose to try a macrobiotic based mono diet of whole grain cereals.

19 What can I do to prepare myself before coming? Any books I should read?

It is not necessary to do anything before coming.  If you would like, we can recommend an easy to find,  modern classic by Yoga Giant, Paramahansa Yogananda, ¨Autobiography of a Yogi¨  For those who want to prepare their body slightly, we can recommend a few dietary choices which are beneficial to almost everybody:  Take your last food by 7pm which allows the liver to do it´s cleansing duties in the evening unhindered.  Fast once a week on herbal tea or vegetable juice to give the digestive organs a break.   Get to sleep before 10 or 11pm for deeper rejeuvenation.  Cut out of your diet or reduce fried foods, canned foods, reheated foods, microwaved foods, meat and complicated food combinations.  Start your day with two glasses of warm lemon water or herbal tea to rehydrate after the evening.  These are simply recommendations and you may want to confirm them with your doctor if you are unsure.  For anybody who completes these and wants some additional ones, contact us personally.

20 What sort of food is available to purchase in the area and what are the prices?

Within a 10 minute walk of our school are several markets which have basic ingredients for cooking including oats, tortillas, bread, beans, cheese, eggs, seasonal fruits, avocados, tomatoes, etc.  There are numerous restaurants which range in price from $2 for tortillas, beans and cheese to $4 for a local Mexican dish to $7 to 10 for Pizzas, pastas, fancy salads and high quality Mexican food.  Shared kitchens are available at many guesthouses and students on a budget and looking for more variety do their shopping in Pochutla, 30 minutes from Mazunte.

21 Do I need to reserve a room before arriving?

With the exception of the last week of December and the two weeks around Easter, it is not necessary or of course with the situation when you will be arriving late at night.  An easy option is to arrive, drop your bags at El Neem and then take a walk around to get a feel for prices and stytles.  If you would feel much more at ease, we are willing to find you a place at the sur-charge of 100 pesos (around $8).  Simply tell us your budget by e-mail, 200 pesos for example will give some decent options at the economy level accomodations and 600 pesos more upscale.  Also tell us for how many days.

22 How much should I budget for accomodations?

Dividing by 13.5  for the Mexican PesoUS  dollar rate, there are rooms for as low as 1500 pesos a month.  Generally renting per month gives a considerable discount.  3000 pesos a month will allow for a decent economy room, possibly on the beach and 5 to 6000 pesos per month a higher level.  For larger budgets, there are some wonderful accomodations like Italian owned La Termita and for lovers of quiet  and who don´t mind a 20 minute walk (or taxi ride) to El Neem, El Copal.  Camping at our center El Neem is also an excellent choice at 50 pesos a day which includes shared kitchen and showers.  We also rent tents for 50 pesos a day. We also have a room  for 400 pesos a day or $600 $US for the month which includes 1 or 2 beds, fan, private bathroom, wooden furniture, shared kitchen, and the advantages of staying on site.  Please write to ask for availability.

23 Is safety an issue in Mazunte?  There is a lot about Mexico in the American Media?

It appears from the news that there is definitely some gang related violence in Mexico but Mazunte and Oaxaca State in general is far from that.  Mazunte is a small town which thrives on tourism and does not even have it´s own police agent or station.   Flying into Mexico City is in the normal meaning without special issue or problem.   Naturally one should take normal precautions but not feed in too much to the hearsay.  Although there was a huge hype around the swine flue, things have quieted in Mexico with this.  It is our personal opinion that in terms of the flue, Mazunte with it´s warm weather, healthy air and low population is a perfect place to be.

24Do I need a visa?

A 6 month visa is given on arrival to most if not all nationalities and can be renewed easily by leaving and entering the country.  This is a huge benefit in visiting Mexico.

25Can I teach Yoga, do a workshop or give massage or healing at your center?

Agama Yoga in Mexico has as a primary purpose, the teaching of Agama Yoga.  At the same time, we recognize that not only do we not know everything (Thank God!), but there is a certain beauty in letting others share their gift, especially if that gift touches in areas which support human growth and opening.  We are still finding a balance for this area of our community that meets as many needs as possible without impeding on our main mission.  A few thoughts are these:  In general, we will not open El Neem for expensive workshops as our general principal is affordability for all.  Free afternoon presentations with relevant subject matter will generally be very welcomed.   Agama students are also encouraged to share their gift  or special skills as a  presentation, ideally for free or small donation.  Because of the extensive use of El Neem, generally, yoga teachers in other systems would be allowed to give an occasional demonstration class but not able to do regular classes.  With temporary on-sight healers it is best to ask in person.  For a more permenant position, we are open to the idea but naturally looking for the right person with the right spirit.

From December 2009, we will open Tierra Verde, our second center in Mazunte and there may be a possibility of actually renting the facility in part or total for some days or more.

26 Is there an airport nearby?

Yes, Huatulco international and Puerto Escondido are both within an hour and can be reached from Mexico City and other locations.  See our location page for more details.

27Will I have a chance to learn or practice Spanish?

We hope so.  For you beginners, we have some study books and even if you have an ipod or computer, some leaning Spanish programs.  We recommend you pick up one at your local book store or library.  They don´t cost much.  Classes can be arranged with some locals and many of our teachers speak Spanish or are learning.

28 Shall i be concerned if I am taking medicine?

The simple answer is probably no but if you have a complex medical situation which may impair your ability to do Yoga or do it safely we recommend that you send us the details as soon as possible so we can forward them to our head specialist in that field, a professional doctor.

29 Will I have a chance to learn and practice meditation?

In our regular first month intensive course we have daily short sitting meditations 5-15 minutes from day 6 of the course and introduce a more advanced technique the final week.  In addition we hope to offer for the final 5.5 days of each first month course, additional meditation possibilities in the form of a silent retreat for those interested at an additional cost.  Besides this, from mid-October we will have guided sitting meditations, free to students and the general public.  Finally, for those not taking the first month course, from December we will have on-site at Tierra Verde, 10 day meditation retreats which will include instruction in various methods, hatha yoga, food and shared dorms.  See program for upto date information.

30 How is the weather?

The weather is basically tropical beach weather.  There is a rainy season which goes from May or June through September or October.  In that period, the weather is still mostly nice but there are occassional down pours  sometimes quick ones, sometimes longers ones.  From October or November the rain stops for 6 months and it is dry and warm.  The heat climaxes in May or until  the rain begins.