Kripalu at a Glance
Established in 1974, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is the largest and most established yoga and holistic retreat and educational center in North America, and is the premier destination for individuals and organizations seeking a joyful, inclusive, and compassionate environment for wellness, learning, and retreat. Located on a breathtaking 150-acre campus in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, Kripalu offers a curriculum of more than 700 programs a year that deliver life-changing, immersive experiences to nearly 40,000 guests.
Mission
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to empowering people and communities to realize their full potential through the transformative wisdom and practice of yoga.
Retreat Center, Schools, a Research Institute
In addition to retreats, programs, and workshops for all visiting guests, Kripalu is also home to the Kripalu School of Yoga, the Kripalu School of Ayurveda, and the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy. RISE conducts research in healthcare, education and community safety populations, studying the affects of yoga on issues of self-regulation.
Faculty
Kripalu School of Yoga Each yoga teacher training has two primary teachers. During the training, however, other experienced teachers lead portions of the curriculum, so students benefit from a wide variety of expert skills, approaches, and techniques. Find out more about our School of Yoga faculty.
Kripalu School of Ayurveda All faculty have either a bachelor of Ayurvedic medicine and surgery (BAMS) degree or five years of study with a qualified Ayurvedic scholar, and have been teaching or practicing Ayurveda for at least four years. The designation of RYT indicates that the individual is a Yoga Alliance-registered yoga teacher as well. Find out more about our School of Ayurveda faculty.
Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy Find out more about our School of Integrative Yoga Therapy faculty.
Kripaly School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership Find out more about our School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership faculty.
Continuing Education Kripalu currently offers Continuing Education for coaches (ICF), marriage and family therapists (BBS), massage therapists (NCBTMB), nurses (RN), psychologists (PSY), registered dieticians (RD), social workers (SW), physicians (MD/DO), and yoga teachers (Yoga Alliance).
Find out more about our Coninuing Education programs.
Our Presenters
Programs at Kripalu are led by many of the world’s most accomplished teachers in yoga, self-discovery, and holistic health and are designed to provide people with tools they can apply in their daily lives. Topics include yoga, wellness, Ayurveda, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, relationships, meditation, spiritual practice, professional training, and much more. Yoga programs are offered for people at all levels, feature all yoga traditions and styles, and include therapeutic yoga, yogic anatomy, and trainings for teachers.
Dining and Accommodations
In the tradition of retreat-style housing, accommodations are simple, without the distractions of televisions or telephones. Both dorm-style and private rooms are available.
The Kripalu Kitchen provides an array of natural, organic, and local foods, including vegetables, proteins, and nutritious grains, along with freshly baked breads and fresh fruits. Meals are served buffet-style and are primarily vegetarian; fish and poultry options are often available at lunch and dinner. Kripalu accommodates visitors with special dietary needs through a discussion with the Executive Chef prior to arrival.
Find out more about the Kripalu Kitchen.
Kripalu in the News
| The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health was nominated for the 2nd year as Best Wellness Center in the Berkshires, as part of the Berkshire Eagle's Annual Best of the Berkshires Awards. |  |
Latest Articles
 |
10 Dreamy Meditation Retreats for Your Most Relaxing Vacation Ever |
 |
The New Sobriety |
 |
Erin Casperson, Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda, on Ayurveda philosophy during the summer months |
 |
A Conversation With Jeremy Rock Smith, Kripalu’s Executive Chef and Author of ‘the Kripalu Kitchen’ |
 |
Jeremy Rock Smith, Kripalu’s Executive Chef, on Ayurveda cooking at breakfast |
 |
A Culinary Gem Hidden in Your Backyard |
 |
The Best Weekend Getaways to Take from Boston Now |
 |
The Best Adult Summer Camps to Relive Your Childhood |
 |
Spring 2019 Cookbook Preview: 40 New Cookbooks to Buy This Spring |
 |
New England's Top Spas and Retreats |
Earlier Articles
5 Best Wellness Escapes in New England
Yankee Magazine, December 2018
Create Your Own Yoga Retreat—With Tips from Hilaria Baldwin
Parade Magazine, October 2018
Pack Your Mat: It’s National Yoga Month
Boston Gobe, September 2018
Report Cites Kripalu's Boost to Local Economy's Wellness, $56m Impact in Berkshires
Berkshire Eagle, July 2018
I Went to a Retreat About Radical Listening and This is What I Learned
Forbes, June 2018
Yoga Camps Are Hot This Summer
Forbes, May 2018
12 Psychological Tricks to Get You Through a Workout or Race
USNews.com, October 2015
Rejuvenate With a 4-day Ayurvedic Fall Cleanse
yogajournal.com, October 2015
How To Live an Extraordinary Life. ~ Kripalu’s Stephen Cope (Part 1)
Yoga Can Change the World. Get Yourself Out of the Way! ~ Kripalu’s Stephen Cope (Part 2)
ElephantJournal.com, January 2012
The Purpose of Yoga
NYTimes.com, January 2012
Chasing Down Rest, Relaxation, Renewal
Boston Globe, November 2011
Yoga: the Zooming Business of Zen
CNN Money.com, October 2011
The Evolution of Integrative Medicine
Energy Times, September 2011
5 Simple Ways to Come Alive in Silence
HuffingtonPost.com, August 2011
Inquiry of Yoga
Exhale, July 2011
Resources
In an effort to provide visitors with ongoing means of discovery, inspiration, and information, Kripalu offers articles, recipes, publications, and videos on matters related to yoga, health and wellness, nutrition, relationships, creativity, spirituality, and more.
We also have an extensive library of professional quality photos and videos. If you would like to use any for publication or presentation, please contact Media Relations at pr@kripalu.org to secure permission.