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Isha Institute of Inner-Sciences
We have built all kinds of facilities in our society to take care of our physical, psychological, and social needs. What is lacking is infrastructure that addresses the inner wellbeing of human beings, the essential core of who we are. – Sadhguru
Isha Institute of Inner-Sciences
We have built all kinds of facilities in our society to take care of our physical, psychological, and social needs. What is lacking is infrastructure that addresses the inner wellbeing of human beings, the essential core of who we are. – Sadhguru
The Isha Institute of Inner-sciences is a breathtaking mountain retreat created to build a foundation of complete well-being. The center offers the essence of yogic science in its purest form, through classical yoga and meditation classes within powerfully energized spaces such as the Adi Yogi: The Abode of Yoga. Guests journey from around the globe to visit this unique destination to relax, reflect, and reconnect with nature in a tranquil oasis nestled in Tennessee’s spectacular Upper Cumberland.
How Can You Best Experience Isha Institute?
There Are Many Ways To Be In This Serene Space And Enhance Your Life.
Join Mahashivratri Celebrations at Isha Institute - Feb 18th
Weekend Group Getaways
The Institute is open 365 days a year and welcomes visitors from all walks of life.
To arrange your visit, contact info@ishausa.org or call 931-668-1900.
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How To Get There
Isha Institute of Inner-sciences (USA)
951 Isha Lane,
McMinnville, TN - 37110, USA
Telephone: 931-668-1900
Email: info@ishausa.org
Directions
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Nashville and only 45 minutes from Chattanooga, this 1,400-acre classical yoga and meditation center might feel a world away, but it’s close enough for a quick day trip.
Shuttles
We encourage you to make your travel arrangements as soon as possible. There are many options of transportation services to get to the Isha Institute from nearby cities, and back again.
NASHVILLE, TN (2 hours away)
1) Isha Group Shuttles: For available shuttle options, click here.
2) Uber App: $95 – $110 Total
Uber taxi service tends to be lower cost than a regular taxi. To book, you will need to download the Uber app on your smartphone with local service. Enter the Isha Institute address (951 Isha Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110) into the app to start your booking.
3) Car Rental:
Booking through Kayak.com tends to have low daily rates.
4) UCHRA: $11 Total for 1 passenger
UCHRA is a state-funded resource which charges $11 per person each way between Nashville Airport and iii. The service is available only on weekdays and you must book your shuttle at least 48 hours in advance (excluding weekends). Note: Shuttle makes multiple stops along the route to pick up/drop off passengers, so travel time is longer. Register by calling 931-473-6652 and asking for the Transportation Department. Please properly cancel your UCHRA shuttle if you decide not to use this tax-funded resource.
UCHRA Shuttle Timings:
Departs Nashville Airport 11 AM – Arrives at Isha by 2 PM
Departs Nashville Airport 4 PM – Arrives at Isha by 7:45 PM
Departs iii at 4:45 AM – Arrives at Nashville Airport by 9:30 AM
Departs iii at 9:45 AM – Arrives at Nashville Airport by 2:30 PM
CHATTANOOGA, TN (1 hour away)
1) Nooga Taxi now only runs between Chattanooga airport and our Isha center direct with no other additional stops.
It offers a 20% discount on the total price / coming or going from Isha center to Chattanooga airport. That is a straight shot trip with no additional stops. No additional passengers fees will be charged. On average each trip may be with a 20% discount around $98 each trip depending on whether they pay by cash or card(3% CCFEE).
Please mention "Isha" to avail the discount.
2) Uber App: approx. $60 Total
Uber taxi service tends to be lower cost than a regular taxi. To book, you will need to download the Uber app on your smartphone with local service. Enter the Isha Institute address (951 Isha Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110) into the app to start your booking.
3) Car Rental:
Booking through Kayak.com tends to have low daily rates.
ATLANTA, GA (3.5 hours away)
1) Groome Transportation to Chattanooga: $45 Total for 1 passenger
Groome Transportation offers regular daily shuttles from Atlanta Airport to the Groome office in Chattanooga. Book by calling (800) 896-9928 , then see above for ways to get from Chattanooga to iii.
2) Car Rental:
Booking through Kayak.com tends to have low daily rates. 855-529-2501 to book.
Consecrated Spaces
Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga is a medium, a possibility that will move you from a compulsive state of logic to the magic of Life. – Sadhguru
Day Visit Schedule
Isha Institute of Inner-sciences is open 365 days a year and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. No previous experience of yoga or meditation is required to visit.
Isha Institute is open for visitors from daily 8:30 AM CT to 8 PM CT. RSVP prior to arrival is requested. For more information and to reserve your visit, please RSVP
Daily Schedule for Visitors:
Visitor Hours 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM CT
8:30 AM - 8 PM: Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga
11:50 AM: Guru Pooja (special offering)
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Aarthi (special offering) (Friday, Saturday, Sunday Only)
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM: Isha Life Shoppe Open
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM: Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya Practice Corrections (Saturdays
Only). Advance RSVP required: http://isha.us/dayvisit.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Meals Available on Weekdays
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM: Meals Available on Weekends
12:15 - 1:00 PM: Aumkar Meditation (Ages 7+)
1:30 PM - 2:20 PM: Isha Kriya Meditation (Ages 12+)
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM: Living Isha Tour - Meet at Welcome Center (Saturdays and Sundays only, bring your own Vehicle)
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Yoga Namaskar (Ages 7+)
The Abode of Yoga is a powerful energy source designed for anyone to enhance their wellbeing in all aspects of life. Simply sitting within the Abode allows one to reach an elevated state of consciousness and know yoga as an inner experience beyond mere knowledge, philosophy, or technique.
Yoga gear, books, and handmade crafts available at Isha Life Shoppe.
AUMKAR Meditation (Ages 7+)
Learn the timeless AUM meditation. When practiced daily, this simple meditation can strengthen one’s physical and mental constitution and bring about tremendous balance and wellbeing. Covid-19 Test (on-campus) is required before attending.
ISHA KRIYA Meditation (Ages 12+)
A simple and powerful meditation for clarity, health and joy. Covid-19 Test (on-campus) is required before attending.
YOGA NAMASKAR (Ages 7+)
A physical yoga practice that nurtures the physical, psychological and energy dimensions of a human being. Covid-19 Test (on-campus) is required before attending.
GURU POOJA
A special offering at Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga
Guru Pooja is a certain science of using chants and offerings to manifest a powerful experience. This Pooja is offered to all the great masters, regardless of what culture or religion they belong to.
Aarti - a special offering of fire at Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga
SHAMBHAVI MAHAMUDRA KRIYA - PRACTICE CORRECTIONS
This is a wonderful opportunity to get your Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya corrected and refined in-person at the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences! Please make sure you are on an empty stomach by 9:45 am. Please be seated 5 minutes ahead of time. In order to attend, you must have been initiated into Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya. Covid-19 Test (on-campus) is required before attending
RSVP: https://prs.ishausa.org/iii/dayvisit
Living Isha offers the possibility of residing in the sphere of a consecrated space, supported by an inclusive community. You can choose from individual homes, apartments, or studios, and craft your life within the grace of an exuberant, energized space. Join the tours on Saturdays
HIKES
Meet at Welcome Center
Guided hikes to waterfalls or a bluff vista.
MEALS
Hearty vegetarian food prepared from scratch and inspired by cuisines from around the globe. Pre-purchase your meals here: https://prs.ishausa.org/iii/dayvisit
Upcoming Programs
Isha Institute offers yoga in its purest form, through experiential classical yoga and meditation classes, along with special events with Sadhguru. The center hosts beginner to advanced level residential programs.
Please Note: Your stay as an overnight guest, program participant or Volunteer is subject to fulfilling the Health and Safety Terms. Please ensure to read carefully and complete all the steps listed here before your arrival.
Upcoming Processes
Upcoming Events
Mahashivratri
18 February 2023
In the yogic tradition, Mahashivratri is one of the most significant nights for any spiritual seeker as the planetary alignment is such that there is a natural upsurge of energy in the human system. It is enormously beneficial for one’s physical and spiritual wellbeing to stay awake, aware and in a vertical position throughout the night. The nightlong celebration with Sadhguru includes powerful meditations and exuberant cultural performances by renowned artists.
In the yogic tradition, Mahashivratri is one of the most significant nights for any spiritual seeker as the planetary alignment is such that there is a natural upsurge of energy in the human system. It is enormously beneficial for one’s physical and spiritual wellbeing to stay awake, aware and in a vertical position throughout the night. The nightlong celebration with Sadhguru includes powerful meditations and exuberant cultural performances by renowned artists.
Ways to Join the Celebration
Virtual Tour
Living Isha - Power of Presence
Isha Institute of Inner-sciences, Tennessee, USA
In light of the global pandemic, Isha Institute is not only the safest place to be but, most importantly, offers an exuberant environment to nurture self-exploration and transformation, in a caring and inclusive ambiance. You can choose your preferred housing arrangement, from studios to apartments to individual homes, and craft your life within the sphere of a consecrated or energized space.
Be a Volunteer
“The Question Is Not About The Volume Of What You Do; The Willingness With Which You Breathe, And Walk And Live, That Makes You A Volunteer.”
-Sadhguru
There are many opportunities to contribute to Isha Institute of Inner-sciences. Anyone can visit the Institute for their own personal, spiritual growth and participate in various volunteer activities including programs and events.
Volunteering at Isha Institute of Inner-sciences includes various activities ranging from meal preparation to gardening, and center maintenance activities. Volunteers also can offer their unique skills on projects to beautify or create special features for the campus.
To learn about volunteering opportunities at Isha Institute of Inner-sciences, USA click here.
To explore other volunteering opportunities, please fill the volunteering interest form here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It helps us to plan, and helps make your check-in process faster! For day visits, please call ahead 24 hours in advance so we can inform you of any changes in the daily schedule. For overnight stays, please call ahead to check availability of accommodations. Drop-ins are also welcome to visit, but accommodations will be subject to availability.
Isha Institute offers two types of accommodation: private studios, and Deluxe Suites for visitors to the center. Accommodations include two vegetarian meals and a snack per day.
Private Studios are each like a one-room apartment with its own bathroom; a couple or a family can stay together. Studios tend to book up on weekends so advance notice is needed from visitors planning to rent a studio.
Deluxe Rooms & Suites are larger private bedroom or suites perched on a forested bluff overlooking the picturesque mountain valley below. Retreat in the quiet of the surrounding forest; relax on the back terrace and take-in a breathtaking sunset, or close your eyes and enjoy the cool rush of the nearby waterfall. With more amenities, for individuals, couples, or families with children 14 yrs or older, some Deluxe Rooms & Suites feature a fireplace and/or a balcony, and each has a private bath.
Please check the Isha Stay website at https://ishastay.herokuapp.com/search for more on availability and pricing options for Studios and Suites.
Any number of days, as a guest, with accommodation charges. If you wish to stay for more than 7 days, please contact Isha Institute for an application form.
Check in time is 3pm. If you arrive earlier than scheduled, we cannot guarantee that your room will be available until 3pm. Check out time is 12pm.
Brunch: 10 am-11 am
Dinner: 7 pm-8 pm
Support the spiritual focus of the ashram by not wearing tight-fitting or revealing clothing, including short-shorts, tank tops, etc. Simple, loose-fitting clothes, in good condition, are appropriate. Women: Full-length pants or capris are appropriate. Men: Pants or long shorts (knee-length) are appropriate. Shoes are removed when entering all buildings and rooms including sleeping areas. Many paths are gravel or earth – comfortable shoes with a rugged sole are recommended.
Weather on the mountain where Isha Institute is situated can fluctuate. Please be prepared for wet weather and cool nights. Click here for local weather updates on the mountain. Below are some suggested items to pack :
Flashlight
Towel (if staying in the semi-private lodges)
Toiletries
Hiking or Tennis Shoes
Comfortable Clothing
Rain Jacket or Umbrella
Bug Spray (during the warmer months)
Warm jacket or coat (even through the summer months, evenings may be quite cool).
There is a 10% cancellation fee for stays, and no fee for transferring. The cancellation policy for a program fee will vary depending on the program.
Due to limited bandwidth at the Isha Institute, Wi-Fi is only available to guests who absolutely require it for work purposes. In such situations, the Wi-Fi fee is $5/day. For those who simply wish to check email or stay in touch with family, there are 3 public computers available on the campus.
Cellular service is often inconsistent on the campus, except for those with Verizon as their provider. Isha’s landline phone is available to update your family about arrival and travel, but long conversations may not be possible.
Isha shuttles are available directly to and from Nashville (and sometimes Chattanooga) airport on program weekends. If your timings don’t match up with our shuttles, there are several other options.
The Isha Institute offers a variety of programs, activities and energized spaces that provide opportunities and methods to increase and attain physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. It is a unique space created for the purpose of allowing human beings to deepen their life experience and to reach their ultimate potential.
Energized Spaces
Two powerful meditation spaces are the main features for most visitors to the Isha Institute.
Mahima, which means grace, is an awe-inspiring 39,000 sq ft domed meditation hall and home to many of the programs offered at the Institute.
The Adi Yogi: Abode of Yoga, is a powerfully energized space that anyone can make use of towards his or her wellbeing.
Visitors can also enjoy many nearby attractions:
There is no fee for a day visit. Day visitors are asked to pay for meals, $10 per adult and $5 per child (age 7-13), payable at the Welcome Center desk when you check in. Learn more about day visits here.
Isha Institute offers a variety of activities for children. Yoga Sessions include:
Upa Yoga (7 yrs+)
Aumkar (7 yrs+)
Isha Kriya (12 yrs+)
Other programs (14 yrs+)
Each year Isha Institute offers the Isha Summer Program for Children which offers a unique possibility for every child to experience a joyful blossoming of his or her natural potential.
Children are always welcome to sit quietly in meditation spaces like Adiyogi: The Abode of Yoga. Children may also explore the gardens and hiking trails when accompanied by an adult.
Note: Children under age 14 need to be accompanied by an adult at all times while on campus
Pets are not allowed on the premises.
Isha Institute is located on Isha Lane, which intersects with Tennessee Highway 8. The Institute is approximately 16 miles from the center of the town of McMinnville, Tennessee. There is a large “Isha Institute of Inner Sciences” sign at the front of the entrance to the property on route 8.
Here is a map with directions from major cities to Isha Institute. Please look up your directions online and bring them with you, as many GPS systems give incorrect or outdated directions to our location.
Programs at Isha Institute are categorized by beginner and advanced.
Advanced Programs Please note that advanced programs require certain prerequisites.
Visitors can participate in offerings and special processes at the Adi Yogi, Abode of Yoga.
Isha’s flagship program Inner Engineering is offered online and qualifies you to take advanced programs at Isha Institute.
You can also look specifically for a program with no prerequisites or start meditating today with Isha Kriya.
Isha Foundation USA offers yoga and meditation programs in many major cities throughout the US and Canada. A list of scheduled programs is here, and a list of city centers where programs are offered is here. For those who wish to take a program in any of Isha’s other city centers around the globe, please visit our global website, www.IshaYoga.org.
Smoking or oral tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and other similar devices of any kind are not allowed on the campus.
Testimonials
"Time well spent here doing the Inner Engineering retreat. True enlightenment on yoga. You won't regret a visit to this magical place with heavenly brilliant people."
"Time well spent here doing the Inner Engineering retreat. True enlightenment on yoga. You won't regret a visit to this magical place with heavenly brilliant people."
"Time well spent here doing the Inner Engineering retreat. True enlightenment on yoga. You won't regret a visit to this magical place with heavenly brilliant people."