Starting a spiritual journey is a bit like deciding to run a marathon when the most exercise you usually get is changing the TV channel. With a mix of excitement and a little nervousness, I chose to join my first Isha program, drawn in by Sadhguru’s mysterious appeal and the hope of changing my inner self.

The Decision to Dive In

My fascination with Sadhguru began innocuously enough—late-night YouTube binges where his discourses served as both enlightenment and entertainment. His knack for blending profound wisdom with a twinkle in his eye made spirituality seem less like a stern headmaster and more like a mischievous friend. So, when I stumbled upon the Inner Engineering program, I thought, “Why not?” After all, how hard could engineering my inner self be?

Arrival at the Isha Yoga Center

Nestled at the base of the Velliangiri Mountains near Coimbatore, the Isha Yoga Center is a sanctuary that whispers serenity and occasionally shouts, “Watch out for the monkeys!” As I arrived, the lush greenery and the towering Adiyogi statue greeted me, both imposing and inviting. The volunteers, with their serene smiles, handed me an ID card that read “Nadhi Cottage.” I couldn’t help but wonder if “Nadhi” was Sanskrit for “You’ll be waking up at dawn.”

Settling In and First Impressions

My room was simple yet comfortable, designed to encourage introspection rather than indulgence. A leaflet detailed the schedule, and I noted with mild horror the 5:30 AM start time. “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and in desperate need of coffee,” I mused. Determined to embrace the experience, I set multiple alarms, fearing that my usual relationship with the snooze button would not be appreciated here.

The Linga Bhairavi Temple Experience

That evening, I attended a special pooja at the Linga Bhairavi Temple, coinciding with Poornima (Full Moon Night). The temple, vibrant with energy and the scent of incense, was a sensory delight. As the rituals progressed, I found myself swaying to the rhythmic chants, feeling a connection that transcended understanding. It was as if my soul was attempting to dance, though my two left feet were having none of it.

Meeting Sadhguru… Almost

Rumors buzzed that Sadhguru was on the premises. My excitement peaked, imagining a chance encounter where he’d impart wisdom with a side of humor. However, the help desk gently informed me that his schedule was tighter than my jeans after the holiday season. Disappointed but undeterred, I consoled myself with the thought that enlightenment doesn’t come from celebrity sightings.

The Dhyanalinga Dome: A Meditative Marvel

The next day, I visited the Dhyanalinga Dome, a space renowned for its meditative energy. The silence inside was profound, interrupted only by the occasional stomach growl—note to self: light breakfast means light. As I sat there, attempting to quiet my ever-chatty mind, I felt a wave of tranquility wash over me. For a moment, the mental to-do lists paused, and I experienced a stillness that was both foreign and delightful.

Navigating the Surya Kund and Chandra Kund

Eager to experience all that the center offered, I took a dip in the Surya Kund, a subterranean water body designed to energize the system. The water was cool, and as I submerged, I imagined all negative energies being washed away. Emerging refreshed, I couldn’t help but think, “If only this worked for student loans.” The Chandra Kund, reserved for women, reportedly offers a similar experience, balancing energies and providing a serene start to the day.

The Inner Engineering Program Begins

The program commenced with a series of preparatory practices, each designed to align body and mind. Our instructor, a calm and collected individual, guided us through each step with the patience of a saint and the flexibility of a seasoned yogi. As we attempted various asanas, I discovered muscles I never knew existed and promptly wished they didn’t.

Sadhguru’s Discourses: Wisdom with a Wink

While Sadhguru wasn’t physically present, his video discourses were a highlight. He spoke on topics ranging from the cosmos to the importance of sitting with your spine erect—all delivered with his signature wit. At one point, he remarked, “If your body doesn’t come to ease, you’ll never know the ease of your being.” I shifted in my seat, trying to convince my leg to wake up from its nap, and nodded sagely.

The Culmination: Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya

The climax of the program was learning the Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, a practice said to align one’s energies and bring about mental clarity. As we were initiated, I felt a surge of emotion, a combination of joy, peace, and the realization that I’d have to wake up early to continue this practice. Committing to the 40-day mandala (twice daily practice) seemed daunting, but as Sadhguru wisely noted, “If you invest 30 minutes a day in your joy, isn’t that the best investment?”

Parting Thoughts and Reflections

As the program concluded, I reflected on the journey. What began as a curious experiment had turned into a profound experience. I didn’t walk out floating on a cloud of enlightenment, but I did leave with a sense of calm and clarity that I hadn’t felt in years. The program wasn’t about instant transformation but planting the seeds for something deeper.

The Isha experience, with all its discipline, silence, and early mornings, had given me a taste of what true inner balance could feel like. And while my spine still protests sitting straight for extended periods, my mind feels just a little lighter.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. Perhaps next time, I’ll be the one smiling knowingly at a newcomer struggling with the morning wake-up call. Until then, I have 40 days of Shambhavi Mahamudra to keep me company—and an ever-growing appreciation for early risers.