What I Learned (and Suffered) During the 21-Day Isha Hatha Yoga Program
From India to Canada — with Shambhavi in My Backpack
In January 2013, I was still in India when I learned Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya. It opened a door into an inner space that felt both powerful and peaceful. But just a few months later, in September 2013, I moved to Canada to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science. Between settling in, studying, and adjusting to life abroad, my practice faded.
For the next eight months, I didn’t do Shambhavi at all.
Then something beautiful happened. I met a fellow student who soon became my roommate, my best friend, and eventually, my brother in every sense except blood. His quiet discipline and devotion reignited my commitment. We practiced together, supported each other, and deepened our paths in parallel.
Without his companionship, I may never have resumed Shambhavi. His presence helped me stay anchored during those early, turbulent years in Canada.
Choosing the Ashram Over Convocation
By May 2015, I had completed my Master’s degree. My convocation was scheduled in Canada, but I felt no desire to attend.
Instead of staying for the ceremony, I booked a flight to India — to spend a month in the Isha Yoga Center and immerse myself in three powerful programs.
My itinerary:
Shoonya Intensive
21-Day Hatha Yoga Program
Bhava Spandana Program (BSP)
Looking back, I see how my deep yearning led me to do everything at once. But I also see now how overenthusiasm without preparation can become a painful lesson.
The 21-Day Hatha Yoga Program
The Hatha Yoga program was rigorous and beautiful. Over the span of 21 days, I was taught:
Surya Kriya
Angamardana
Yogasanas
Bhuta Shuddhi
Each of these practices is powerful in its own right. Combined, they form a deeply transformative physical and energetic foundation. I was excited, inspired — and totally unprepared for what was coming.
The Constipation Crash
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Before arriving at the ashram, I was already dealing withchronic constipation and noticeable weight loss. But I believed yoga would heal me.
Instead, my digestion collapsed during the Hatha Yoga program.
I went to the bathroom only two or three times during the entire 21 days.
This was a level of discomfort I had never experienced before. I felt heavy, bloated, mentally distracted, and deeply frustrated. I had come to deepen my yogic journey — but I couldn’t even sit peacefully, let alone practice joyfully.
The Root of the Problem
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At the time, I blamed the practices. I assumed Hatha Yoga had generated too much heat in my system. But later, with Ayurvedic insight and reflection, I saw the real causes:
The food served was nutritious and sattvic, focused on millets and grounding grains to support intense physical practice.
I overate, thinking I was “fueling my workout.”
I ignored my digestive capacity, eating by logic rather than intuition.
I practiced powerful kriyas on top of undigested food, worsening the situation.
The yoga wasn’t to blame. My lack of awareness about food, digestion, and readiness was the real issue.
Shoonya Was Gentle, BSP Was Transformative
Here’s the twist: before the Hatha Yoga program, I had completed Shoonya Intensive, and afterward, I did Bhava Spandana. In both of those programs —my digestion was completely normal.
Why?
Meals were simple, measured, and portion-controlled.
No one could overeat or self-select based on cravings.
The environment encouraged rest, silence, and internal focus.
The emotional intensity and stillness of these programs brought me into a natural rhythm.
This contrast taught me something Ayurveda had always said:
Food is medicine or poison — depending on your ability to digest it.
Ayurvedic Realization
Through Ayurveda, I came to understand the real issue:
My Agni (digestive fire)was weak.
I consumed heavy foods without true hunger.
My body became overloaded with Ama (toxins).
Doing intense kriyas with a toxic system amplified imbalance.
Ayurveda also taught me that you don’t need much food when your prana is high— but you must be deeply attuned to your body.
The Lessons That Remain
That month in the ashram was one of the most humbling periods of my life. Here’s what it taught me:
Don’t overpack your spiritual journey— More isn’t always better. Timing matters.
Awareness matters more than effort— I was doing powerful practices, but without awareness, they didn’t yield fruit.
Digestion is the foundation— Even sattvic food can disturb if Agni is weak.
Friendship is grace— Without my roommate-turned-brother, I may have drifted away from this path entirely.
The Dream That Still Burns
Back then, I longed to take up the21-week Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program. But life flowed differently — I got married, became a father, and took on new responsibilities.
Still, that dream is alive.
One day, when my child is older and the time is right, I hope to return to Isha — not with overzealous ambition, but with balance, patience, and deep reverence.
Final Reflections
Today, I look back on that intense month not with regret — but with gratitude. It taught me that yoga isn’t about how much you do — it’s about how you do it.
Spiritual growth isn’t measured in the number of programs attended. It’s measured in how consciously you receive what you’ve been given.
And when I think of everything I misunderstood back then, I smile — because now I understand what it truly means to walk the path.
Author’s Note
This essay reflects my personal experience with yoga, digestion, and spiritual discipline. Everyone’s journey is different. Please receive this story as a reflection, not a prescription.
