JooySutra Journal
In-depth guides, honest reviews and the science of wellbeing. Written by practitioners who have done the retreats themselves.
Vipassana: What actually happens inside a 10-day silent retreat
Over 4 million people have completed a Vipassana course. Most describe it as the most difficult and most valuable thing they've ever done. Here's an honest, detailed account of what to expect.
Panchakarma: A doctor's guide to Ayurveda's most powerful cleanse
Panchakarma is not a spa treatment. It's a medical protocol with 3,000 years of clinical history. Here's what it actually involves, who it's for, and what you'll feel on each of the 14 days.
Latest articles
The honest guide to yoga teacher training: What nobody tells you
30,000 new yoga teachers are certified every year. Most are under-prepared for the reality of teaching — not the asana, but the business, the emotional demands, the loneliness.
Bali vs Rishikesh: Which yoga destination is right for you?
Two of the world's great yoga destinations, completely different in character. Bali is lush, social and deeply Balinese-Hindu. Rishikesh is austere, ancient and relentlessly Indian. How to choose.
The science of breathwork: What pranayama actually does to your brain
Recent neuroscience has finally caught up with what yogis have known for millennia. Here's the peer-reviewed evidence for what different breathing techniques do to the nervous system.
Solo travel to a wellness retreat: A complete guide for first-timers
Going alone to a yoga retreat in Bali can feel daunting. In reality, solo retreaters often have the deepest experiences. Here's everything you need to know before you book.
How to choose an Ayurveda retreat: The questions to ask before you book
The Ayurveda market is flooded with places calling themselves 'Ayurvedic' that offer nothing more than oil massage. Here's how to find genuinely qualified providers.
Zen Buddhism for beginners: What to expect at your first sesshin
A Zen sesshin — an intensive silent retreat — is one of the most demanding experiences you can undertake. It's also one of the most rewarding. Here's what to prepare for.
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