Aum dear readers,
You are reading this because you asked me about ‘fees’, ‘pricing’ or ‘charges’ for my Yog classes & workshops.
Consider this blog post as a conversation.
Your Question - Why don't you tell me what your fees is?
My answer
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि || 2. 47 ||"Dear Arjun, you have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. " - Shree Krishna to Arjun as written in Srimad Bhagavad-Gita
Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.
This is a long explanation and my take on what it means to be a Yog Teacher in this modern world.
The old principles have changed a lot. Our language, our behavioral patterns and even our culture has undergone dynamic changes but I believe that the old principles existed for a reason.
One such act was called Guru-Dakshina.
"Dakshina in the Vedic culture is the term for the recompense paid by the sacrificer for the services of a priest, originally consisting of a cow. These days it may be service, cash and food items. Dakshina is personified as a goddess along with Brahmanaspati, Indra and Soma in Rig Veda 1.18.5 and Rig Veda 10.103.8, and Rig Veda 10.107. "
We all know the story of Eklavya and Guru Drona.
"Gurudakshina refers to the tradition of repaying one's teacher or guru after a period of study or the completion of formal education, or an acknowledgment to a spiritual guide. The tradition is one of acknowledgment, respect, and thanks. It is a form of reciprocity and exchange between student and teacher. "
So maybe you have taken one of my Workshops or you are a regular practitioner with me. The intent remains the same for you all.
After every 20 sessions or a month I will ask you to contribute.
Or after a Yog Workshop.
This is it. In my opinion this is how Yog should be.
So why don't you do it for free?
Because you won't care if it was available for free.
Money can be used as a fuel to stay motivated.
Money will make you accountable towards the Abhyasa (Practice) of Yog.
Look read this again.
Money should be a necessity, not a priority.
That's why Guru-Dakshina.
I give something of value to you (my collected knowledge), you return back something valuable to me. (in this case, your contribution)
It's Barter System at it's very best.
It's exchange of energies at it's very best.
And then one day you will realize that Guru is nothing but merely the bridge between God and Disciple.
My current life being a teacher involves being both - a Disciple and a Guru.
I learn, I teach. That's the circle of life.
I learnt all of this from my mentors who took Guru Dakshina from me.
This all seems new to me and kind of goofy and I am scared and I am particularly sure something is wrong?
Cool down. I am not doing this alone.
There are many people who are doing this. You just won't find them.
The best of the yoga professionals teach donation-based class. They ask you to pay-per-choice.
Search names like Rupert Spira or Sadhguru.
They are doing it on a grand global level so they have to share their pricing (a minimum threshold) at times.
I am reader of Quiet and I try to practice the principles of Yog.
Guru-Dakshina is one such principle.
So contribute whatever you wish. There's no right or wrong number here. There's no such thing as less or more.
Now concluding this post in points.
I don't quote my fees or pricing/ the classes are donation based because,
This is not a business but a pure sharing of my knowledge. Yog changed my life, it can change yours too. That's why I am sharing it with you.
If I start quoting my fees, money will start becoming my priority.
I believe money should be a necessity not a priority. My top priorities are imparting the right knowledge, making sure you understand the yogic concepts and use them to navigate your life.
You come to Yog for health issues, what you find is pure bliss. Opulence is a God gift.
When you serve somebody with the intention of healing them, they heal.
It will affect your mental state too. You won't be able to focus on learning Yog rather focus your attention on other things.
You may ask me for my UPI in my DM. 😀
I really like your idea of Guru Dakshina and style of teaching. How can I help you?
Thank you very much for your generosity.
In simpler terms, please help in promotions. Share the word.
I don't exaggerate about Yog. Again I am a Researcher by nature.
Ask a friend of yours to join, ask your cousins, ask your sisters or brothers. Ask somebody who really needs to. Share on social media.
Just make sure you don't force it to them. Whenever they will realize the value, Yog can add to their life, they can join Dharya Yog. :-)
