Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, a leader in yoga and mindfulness-based education for over 50 years, offers more than just yoga poses. Located in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, it stands on over 100 acres of land, originally the homeland of the Mohican people. Kripalu means compassion, and its teachings, rooted in the wisdom of yoga as taught by Swami Kripalu, start from this fundamental principle.
Kripalu's history is closely tied to the evolution of yoga in America. It started with the teachings of Swami Kripalu, born in 1913 in Gujarat, India. He revitalized ancient yoga teachings, making them accessible to contemporary practitioners.
The center's journey to the West began when one of his disciples, Amrit Desai, moved to the United States in 1960 and started teaching yoga. In 1972, Desai and his students established a small residential yoga center in Pennsylvania. Which eventually led to the purchase of the current property in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in 1983.
Kripalu has undergone significant transformations over the years. In 1994, after revelations of improprieties by Desai, Kripalu transitioned from a guru-centered ashram to a secular retreat center. It shifted from a religious society to an educational organization in 1999, governed by a Board of Trustees. This change marked a move towards integrating yoga with contemporary Western approaches to healing and self-development.
The center's offerings have expanded to include various yoga teacher trainings and programs in health, massage, bodywork, personal growth, and spirituality. Kripalu's curriculum features a mix of national and international teachers and has seen sustained growth over the years.
The Kripalu Schools encompass the School of Yoga, the School of Ayurveda, the School of Integrative Yoga Therapy, and the School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership. That reflects its diverse and evolving approach to wellness and education.
Kripalu's teachings and vision are also available globally through its online offerings, which include virtual healing arts and live yoga classes. This expansion allows people worldwide to join the Kripalu community and explore its teachings from home.
Key Takeaways:
- Official Website: https://www.kripalu.org/
- Contact:
- Email: registration@kripalu.org
- Phone: 413-448-3500
- Location: 57 Interlaken Road, Stockbridge, MA 01262
