Heart & Soul: A 10-Day Sanskrit Immersion
January 8 to January 17, 2026
Mysore, India
Join Dr. M.A. Jayashree and Kiki Flynn in the Royal City of Mysore, a historic center of Sanskrit, yoga, and spiritual study, for a 10-day immersion in the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutra. This program will delve into the heart of Bhakti Yoga and the Yoga Sutra, awakening the paths of devotion, knowledge, and spiritual awareness.
Program Overview
This 10-day program will feature daily study, chanting, and discourse on the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita’s Chapter 12, which explores Bhakti Yoga. Dr. Jayashree will share her expertise in Sanskrit chanting, drawing from her extensive lifelong studies and family traditions. Participants will gather in her beautiful garden home for daily sessions, beginning at 11am, which will include:
- 2 hours of chanting and study
- 1 hour break for a catered Sattvic vegetarian lunch on the veranda
- 1-2 hours of additional chanting, study, and Q&A
- Program apporxomately 11am – 3/4pm
Special Events
The program will include a special holiday observance of Makar Sankranti, where participants will join Dr. Jayashree and her family in their multi-generational home for traditional worship and a festive South Indian meal.
Course Objectives
This program is designed for students and teachers seeking to:
- Immerse themselves in the sacred sounds and meanings of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita’s verses on a heart awakened to the Divine
- Study the key concepts and principles of the Yoga Sutras and their application to daily life and inspiration towards transcendence
- Experience the transformative power of group chanting and awakened knowledge
- Connect with ancient and meaningful traditions of Indian wisdom
What to Expect
Through this program, participants can expect to:
- Develop skillful and beautiful Sanskrit chanting
- Memorize portions of the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita
- Gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and context of the chanted texts and verses
- Experience the traditions and etiquette of Indian scholars and devotees
- Cultivate a deeper sense of connection to your innate Self, to others, and the divine
About the Program
This 10-day immersion offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of Bhakti Yoga and the Yoga Sutra, guided by Dr. Jayashree’s expertise and passion for Sanskrit chanting and ancient wisdom. Participants will experience the richness of Indian wisdom traditions, while developing a deeper understanding of the philosophical foundations and practical applications of these ancient teachings. Kiki Flynn, a student of Dr. Jayashree for over 25 years, will support Jayashree and the gathered students in all aspects of the course, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Practical Details
As you prepare for the Heart & Soul: A 10-Day Sanskrit Immersion in Mysore, India, here are some important details to note:
- Tuition: The tuition fee will be announced by September 15, 2025. Please check back for updates
- Arrival: Fly into Bangalore Airport, a modern and well-organized international hub. From there, you’ll travel to Mysore, a journey of approximately 3 hours.
- Transfers to Mysore by Taxi: To facilitate your travel, you’ll be part of a chat group and email group to schedule taxi transfers from Bangalore to Mysore. I will coordinate professional drivers who have served the international yoga community in Mysore for decades. The cost of the transfer will be approximately $40-$50 US, paid directly to the driver.
- Transfers to Mysore by First Class Bus: Bus service leaves the Bangalore airport to Mysore with hourly departures from the airport from approximately 6am to 10pm. The trip is 3-4 hours and costs about $15 – $20. US.
- Accommodations: I’ve arranged for favored discounts at The Southern Star, a quiet and lovely hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor areas, and excellent staff. The hotel booking includes a delicious European and South Indian breakfast, complete with fresh fruits, juices, chai, coffee, and more.
- Alternatively, I will also recommend more affordable guest houses that are accustomed to hosting international yoga students.
- Morning Vinyasa Yoga Practice: Please note that this program does NOT include morning yoga practices. However, you may wish to practice with renowned teacher Saraswati Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Institute, founded by her father, and my teacher, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. We can provide more information on other teachers and classes available in Mysore from September 15.
- Application, Registration and Deposit: When registration officially launches, we’ll share a form for you to fillout to learn more about you and if this is the right program for you. Upon confrimation, we’ll request a deposit to secure your spot. We’ll share more details on the registration process and other important information to support your comfortable travel and pleasant stay in Mysore.
We’re committed to making your experience in Mysore as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concern. Email hello@kikiflynn.com
Kiki Flynn began her yoga studies in 1983 as a student in theater and dance at New York University. Living in Downtown New York as a young theater artist, she soon studied, and then taught at Jivamukti Yoga. In 1993, she first studied AshtangaYoga with Pattabhi Jois in his ground breaking classes in NYC. In 1995 she began the first of more than a dozen visits to Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India to study with Jois. Kiki opened Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Los Angeles in 1996 where she twice hosted Pattabhi Jois and his family. Under the directive of Jois, she pursued Sanskrit chanting and in 1998 began her studies with Dr. M.A. Jayashree. Kiki has produced and recorded several Sanskrit chanting CDs with Dr. Jayashree and supported the growth of Jayashree’s Mysore based Sanskrit institute and her global teaching. Kiki continues to study with Jayashree.
“I’ve admired Kiki in years past as a senior teacher with a finger on the pulse of Ashtanga. Having taken her Sutra courses this past year it’s even more clear that she is a teacher’s teacher and shares a wealth of knowledge.”
– Kim Nietch, owner of Mysore Cincinnati
———————–
I highly recommend these sutra classes to anyone interested in this fascinating look into what it means to be human, and to what science now proves is the work we need to do to evolve.”
– Cindy C.