I thought about this review quite long, so let me explain my experience with Raksha. I read all the great reviews about his place and I thought it would be a great idea to book a 6-night-retreat with him. The yoga is nice and he has a lot of experience in Buddhism, that's why I am giving a star extra. But unfortunately the place I stayed in was like a very old house next to the yoga place. I was the only one staying in this guest house. The room had no opportunity to close curtains (just a one that is see through) or anything, so everyone could see me sleeping when walking by. The door had only a bicycle lock (the regular lock didn't work) and the air-conditioning was broken. So I felt really unsafe. Unfortunately Raksha also talked me into a kind of cuddling therapy, on the first evening, since I am newly single. While he started touching me, he told me that he had to "keep in mind it's just a teacher - student relationship". He went with me to my room to do some reki on my bed as well. And I felt awfully terrible, he then finally left my room. It's one of the situations where you as a woman ask yourself how you got into that and why you didn't set more lines before. I've travelled all my life and I know that obviously he must have understood something wrong and I shouldn't have let him come to my room or get this close. I clearly wasn't flirting in any way, I felt like someone was taking advantage of my unstable situation. On the second day I only joined the classes and checked out after the second night, I didn't want to have any more "private lessons" after this. The food served is ok, but you'll get the same very basic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you didn't eat it for breakfast, you'll then get it served for lunch and afterwards for dinner. Also they are constructing right now. While class they regularly burn plastic in the garden as well. This two nights costed me 250$. I could've just spend the night in a real hotel for 15$ a night and just join the classes... I wouldn't recommend the retreat to any woman travelling alone, since I think feeling save is the most important part... I am glad I left the situation after this experience...

I am so glad I found Rukshan and his teachings. He shares a spiritual and knowledgeable practice with such generosity and kindness. I hope to come back to Sri Lanka solely so I may practice by his side again. If you wish to deepen you knowledge of the truth of yoga you have found the right place !

One of the most authentic yoga shalas we’ve came across on our travels. Do not expect a modern strictly planned western style flow but rather an individual treatment that will connect you to the space, yourself and the spirit. We loved it. Thanks also for the spontaneous possibility to hold a cacao ceremony at our last night with y’all. Unforgettable!

I’ve been doing yoga for 25 years and feel quite confident in my practice. I took 4 classes in two days. I attended a meditation and hatha class then the following class I did a yin and a partnered massage yoga class. Rukshan is a true yogi. He asks, with out actually asking, that you get rid of the western style perception of what yoga is and try this more traditional approach. He pushed me hard because that’s what I wanted but I’m sure he can read a room. Ive taken the adjustments he have me. Very helpful! Highly recommend!

I was staying for one week at Rukshan's place for a yoga and meditation retreat. It was absolutely stunning and beyond my expectations. First of all Rukshan is a wonderful person with a lot of knowledge, empathy and humor. In this week I was practicing yoga twice per day (mainly Kriya and Kundalini yoga). Rukshan introduced several forms of meditation to me which I or we were practicing daily. Besides this I also had at least one Reiki session, sound healing, divine healing and angel card reading with him. The place itself is very special, kind of relaxing on it's own and feels almost like a jungle. I saw lot's of animals in that time (e.g. monkeys). The accommodation came with a fan, a mosquito net and a comfy bed. Overall it was simple and sufficient. The food was amazing! Rukshan's lovely family was cooking delicious local dishes for lunch and dinner. Since I don't eat breakfast they made a fruit platter in the afternoon and dozens of tea or coffee for me in that week :) Besides this Rukshan took time every day to discuss personal issues in a very open-minded way and gave me lot's of valuable input and ideas for my life. Since I'm not a yoga expert, it was a comprehensive and (sometimes) challenging week for me, but I couldn't be more happy with my progress and therefore want to thank Rukshan and his family for everything :-)

I found out about Rukshan’s classes in my last days in Mirissa and I was only able to participate in two. But I am so glad I did. Rukshan is a great yoga and spiritual teacher. The practice of yoga with him is very different to normal yoga classes in western countries which only focus on the physical aspect. Rukshan’s classes involved a focus on breath work and discussions around eastern philosophy and spirituality. I joined the Kundalini and Hatha classes which were very powerful both physically and mentally. He was very kind and invited us to join him to a Buddhist temple to meditate together with locals on Poya Day (full moon). This was a very unique experience where Rukshan guided us through walking, eating and sitting meditation. We also learnt about various Buddhist customs. I will remember this day for a long time. I would love to come back and spent extended time with him. Anyone who is interested in the spiritual side of yoga and would like to learn more about eastern philosophy should definitely join his classes. :) thank you Rukshan!

Its My 4th time in Sri Lanka and I was fortunate to find Rukashan yoga studio in mirisa. I was looking for a local yogi approach and happily this was the place. Rukashan is a gentle loving soul which loves what he does. He combines the old yogi knowledge and Buddhism so gracefully, it really feels that these two philosophies come to live and derive from the same cosmic rout. The experience is On one hand professional yogic training and the other Buddhist mediation and even magnificent experience visiting local temples. The whole atmosphere in the Shala the minute you arrive is warm and loving. He's amazing mother who cooks the best curry ever, he's hilarious dad with he's funny masks, he's generous sister, and amazing grandmother who made my visit unforgettable. Thank you @rukashanyoga for listening , teaching and giving me such a wonderful experience. I will sure come back. Ong Namo gurudev namo 🙏😊

I was with Rukshan for a few weeks three years ago. I learned much more than physical exercises and made a giant leap to a happier, healthier und more spiritual life. I am deeply grateful of the morning courses with meditation and occasionally singing and all the rest. Thank you Rukshan.

My experience at Rukshan yoga was absolutely amazing! I was looking for a non-Westernized, non-commercialized retreat, similar to my experiences in India, and it was exactly what I wanted. I did a 3 day retreat and liked it so much that I came back for another week and a half later in my trip. The yoga was dynamic, and I never got bored. The first class of the day is Pranayama, which is a great preparation for the course that follows, a Chakra Awakening Kundalini class. This was my favorite class. I had never done Kundalini before and found it extremely powerful. Rukshan is a master. The afternoon class is different every day and is a synthesis of Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa. Sometimes we did Yin. Basically every day Rukshan senses the needs/preferences/energy levels of the students present on that given day and crafts the class accordingly. He is very intuitive and really cares that everyone leaves the class happy. Afternoon yoga is followed by a meditation class. I reached deeper states of meditation than I have achieved before and learned many things that I hope to incorporate into my daily life. In between classes in the afternoon I relaxed at the beach, or sometimes we visited temples and meditated there. You can choose to stay on site or at a nearby guesthouse. I tried both and preferred staying on site because it helped me remain in a meditative state. Rukshan and his family are so sweet and caring. His mother prepared the most flavorful food I had in Sri Lanka, cooked with love. I plan to return again when I have vacation, possibly for a 1-month teacher training.

I had exactly 24 classes with Rukshan, it was an amazing experience. If you want a taste of traditional yoga with open minded and very wise teacher, this is the place. Every class was different, also leaving time for spiritual and philosophical talks, which were very enriching. Delicious tea and the end of every class makes you feel not like a student but a family member. Rukshan was very professional and respectful at all times, I levelled up my practice and learned so much! Just hope I can come back to Sri Lanka and practice with him again.

Me and one of my friend from Switzerland went to this awesome space to practice yoga. Thanks a lot Rukshan for your kindness to offer the space while it's closed Really we enjoyed the space and Rukshan's father was super cool person and he helped us a lot Peaceful and nature surrounded space with simple but nice yoga shala As a yoga teacher definitely I would come back with more friends if your space available in the future

Best yoga I have ever been to. Rukshan is very professional, educated and cheerful yogi. I was coming mostly for morning classes for a week, it also includes meditations and learning about yoga, not only doing asanas. Really unforgettable experience and a lot of teaching which I can practice at home. Thank you Rukshan! Wish you a lot of amazing students 😁

I had a great experience at Rukshan Yoga! They made great effort to meet everyone’s needs during the practice. I am 4,5 months pregnant and they adapted the yoga practice specially for me. I felt really well taken care of during the whole practice. The practice was a mixture of traditional yoga with more modern yoga, where they paid a lot of attention to learning the postures the right way and explained about the meaning and benefits of each part of the practice.

I am very happy that we met Rukshan and attended meditation and yoga classes there during our vacation. I had the chance to deepen my knowledge of Buddhism and Hinduism and wished I had discovered this place sooner. The Teacher Training Students were very warm people and I am grateful to be able to offer a Cacao ceremony together at Rukshan Yoga.

I loved Rukshan Yoga. Was in Mirissa for 5 days, enjoyed 2 Hatha yoga classes with Rukshan and even took part in a full day retreat the day before the New Year. Before each class, Rukshan takes a look at the participants, responds to their wishes, chants with us, teaches us traditional rituals, and Pranajama (breathing techniques) are very popular. There is something for everyone. For me everything was a coincidence and I happily drove from Mirissa to my next location. Would come back at any time and can only recommend taking a look. Thanks Rukshan I loved Rukshan Yoga. Was in Mirissa for 5 days, enjoyed 2 Hatha Yoga classes with Rukshan and even did a full day retreat the day before the new year. Rukshan gets a picture of the participants before each class, responds to their wishes, chants with us, teaches us traditional rituals and pranajama (breathing techniques). There is something for everyone. It was all a coincidence for me and I drove happily from Mirissa to my next location. Would come back at any time and can only recommend taking a look. Thank you Rukshan

Really loved the shala and energy of the space. Just check if Rukshan is there if you intend to have a class with him. In my case his teacher newbies were teaching the class which had not been communicated in advance and they charged the same rate.

I completed Rukshan’s 200 hour yoga teacher training, and I’m so grateful that I did! Rukshan has a wealth of unique knowledge. His teaching style is collaborative and flexible which nurtures an environment where curiosity and questions are welcome. I found his focus on practical hands on teaching very beneficial and helpful. With his deep understandings, compassion, and knowledge, Rukshan creates a very unique and personal yoga teacher training experience I don’t think I would have found in the larger more commercialized yoga teacher trainings I researched. It has been 2 months since completing my training with Rukshan and I still think about his teachings everyday. I have a feeling they will stay with me for a very long time 🌞🌟💛

Rukshan has an incredible knowledge of yoga. Whilst his hatha classes are excellent in themselves - the real gift is in his yogic knowledge. I recently did the retreat* & so got to do all the classes & learnt SO MUCH from him. Rukshan adapts the classes to who is there (a real skill!). My favourite classes were: > hatha yoga - incorporates chanting/spiritual/learning, plus excellent selection & instructions on asanas. You know the classes where you're taught by someone who really knows his stuff? this is one of those. > asana with marma-massage - you work in pairs to massage eachother - you will feel amazing after this > buddhist meditation - it's worth going to a few of these if you're in marissa, as they really vary in content. If you want to learn some chanting, moving meditations & a small insight into buddhism - these are great & I appreciated them after a yoga class. You also get tea at the end of all classes & he encourages people to stay around and ask questions. The shala is lovely with monkeys and squirrels visiting - but wear insect repellent for the mozzies! * mini retreat review * I would actually call his retreats a bespoke-intensive. He worked with me to find out what I wanted to learn (in my case chakras, develop a daily practice routine & develop some meditation tools). He then created classes around the existing public program for me. It was like a mini-yoga school for me. And am extremely grateful for the time, attention and giving - and I'd even say it was transformative for me. It took me a little while to adjust to the "ways" of the schedule (meals are hard to fit in around the public program) - but by day 3 we had found the best routine. I also had 2 x massages & a temple trip which were all really valuable. I found the food not super nutritious to begin with, but we talked about it and then I feasted! I am really appreciative too that Rukshan and his family listened to feedback - I think as they don't have intensives often and each visitor is different (eg want western food, less yoga/more meditation, more relaxing vs learning etc). I wouldn't reccommend this retreat for someone who wanted a relaxing holiday time. While by the end I was calmer and mentally & physically stronger - it's not a retreat - it's an intensive & a time to learn yogic knowledge.

It is one of the most beautiful yoga space I have ever seen surrounded by nature

Took a reiki course here with Gamini from Nature’s Grace. Such a lovely, peaceful Shala with a wonderful family running it. Rukshan is a very friendly and warm person.

Nice experience, joined for the traditional & modern yoga class. Rukshan has a particular way of teaching. Fantastic lesson w/ loads of fun & knowledge. Would def. come back! Recommendation 100%

Me and my friend did a YTT at Rukshan's place in the summer 2022. We've been there for one month and had the best time. We stayed in a little house next to the yoga shala and his mother always prepared delicious and traditional meals for us. Rukshan is a very open-minded and happy person, he always makes the best out of every situation. He is very flexible because he adapted the whole YTT to our needs, from the dates, to the things we learned and to the schedule we did. Rukshan has a lot of experience in teaching and yoga and has a big knowledge about health and our body - he was always able to answer our questions. You can see that he really loves his job and likes to share his knowledge with students. His teachings go hand in hand with the spiritual part of yoga and we also learned a lot about that. Whenever we wanted we had enough free time to visit other places around Mirissa, but still with the mission to achieve the 200hours of our Cours. In this month we were not as tourists here, we were included in the family life and experienced a lot about the culture and the way people live in Sri Lanka. We are so happy about our experience and would recommend it to anyone searching for a YTT, who is ready to experience more than just a scheduled Yoga teacher Training. Kind regards Lea and Philipp

I have had only one day at Mirrisa and the weve was not spectacular so I decided to visit the morning kundalini class. I can only feel blessed about this as I had such a connection and experience that of course words can't describe. Thanks so much for this and I can't wait to come back. I'll see you on the online classes. Namaste 🙏

.The best yoga experience ever. I stayed with Rukshan for two weeks. He is an excellent compassionate EDUCATOR not just an "instructor". He has a huge knowlege of different methods combining vinyasa yoga, breathing, meditation, self healing and more... His attitude is holistic by merging different hindu yogi and buddist traditions all together with other Western methods.I was lucky to have many classes alone, so I got a selftaylored class and excursions s. . We visited places unknown to tourist having some authentic experience and excursions Beying in the jungle at his studio gave me the opportunity to know hi s kind family and taste Sinhali hospitality e

This is the better place to learn yoga I recommed this place. Mr rukshan iis better yoga teacher.I took lot of benifit for my body. In previously i have fatty liver problem and eye problems rukshan sir guided me to heal this problems lot of thanks for rukshan sir🙏

Thank you Rukshan for that lovely Yoga class. I was the only one participation and Rukshan took very good care of me and I felt very good afterwards. I am doing for 4 years and can say that he is a very good Teacher. When you stay in Mirissa you should totally book a class with him!!

If you're looking for yoga or mediation class - here is a perfect place. Rukshan, his family and friends are amazing & kind people. Their place is absolutely beautiful! They have yoga mats and stuff, just bring your own towel / water

Such a wonderful place to practice yoga, to be in a peaceful space, bit far from the town, surronded by jungles. Rukshan is a beautiful person ans teacher. Thank you. Enjoyed it so much. Especially singing mantras together)) OM

So e true yoga experience pretty much possible here! Really enjoyed to learn and experience Babaji tradition! Thank you 🙏 Rukshan

I went to Rukshan´s Yoga classes without any experience. After going there everyday for 5 days, Rukshan has shown me by himself as an example, how one can transform the inner self to a much more joyful and thankful being. His classes are spiritual and are what Yoga is about, Union with yourself. Thank you Rukshan for your success to improve everyones inner world and therefore also the outer physical world.

I attended for a Kundalini yoga offering with Rukshan and it was such a powerful session! He is a great teacher who is curious, attentive and very knowledgeable. And the space is so consciously built, you can feel the good energy at Rukshan yoga. I will definitely be back for regular classes with Rukshan!

I highly recommend Rukshan’s lessons. His approach is very different from western countries. He corrects, he is patient, and always considers students requests. His family id also very loving and generous!

I did my teacher training here, and I just loved the ambiance, naturi ness, calmness and good energyness of this spot. I just made up these adjectives but that's how I felt. Looking at the nice trees, listening to the waves and birds and doing yoga there was amazing. Beside this Rukshan is a very good teacher, he knows a lot about the real yoga, we had a bit of philosophical conflicts but think it was cool because then we got to know each other even better and adjusted the classes based on our energy and personalities. I learnt a lot about the history of yoga and a lot of meditation techniques which I am not super good at since my focus has always been asanas. so super nice, beside this I love his family, his papa mama and sister are just amazing always there with their big smiles helping out and I wish them all the best in the world. I am going to use Rukshan learning in my life, really, and see if I become more mindful. I will miss the trees and monkeys jumping around, the nice teas after class, Rukshan stories and all the good vibes.

I am very grateful to have had a chance to be @Rukshan yoga this year for 2 days. It was one of the best things I ve done during my visit to Sri Lanka. If you are looking for a yoga place ı would definitely recommend☘️☀️🦋💜🥰. It was a very peaceful environment and very welcoming. At the end of each yoga practice we watched monkeys dance on trees while enjoying a delicous herbal home made tea, too☺️.