International Organisation | World Yoga Alliance
We uphold the complete essence of yoga and its ability to inspire growth, balance, and harmony within individuals and communities worldwide.
Together, we’re nurturing a more connected and inclusive global family.
Meet WYA | Our Value | Our Heritage | Our History | Our Why | Our Directors | FAQ
About WYA
We are a global nonprofit organization, based in India and active since 1990, dedicated to promoting authentic yoga education and professional standards across diverse wellness disciplines — including Ayurveda, Spa, Massage, Pilates, Reiki, Sound Healing, Fitness, and Counselling Coaching.
We provides international licensing and certification for teachers, schools, and institutions in more than 150 countries, supporting their professional growth through education, recognition, and global community collaboration. Our mission is to preserve the traditional essence of yoga and wellness while empowering modern education with international standards, integrity, and unity.
We’re honored to have you with us. Your passion and dedication to yoga’s deeper purpose reflect the very heart of our mission — to connect, grow, and uplift the global yoga and wellness community.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, or supporter, your presence helps us build a more inclusive and accessible world of yoga.
Empowering You Globally with Integrity and Authenticity.
WYA Community
Uplifting the Global Spirit of Yoga & Wellness
At World Yoga Alliance, we exist to honor yoga’s sacred roots while nurturing its growth across cultures and generations. Our mission is to keep the true essence of yoga and wellness alive — as a path of unity, wisdom, and inner transformation.
Through authentic education, professional licensing, and a compassionate global community, we uplift teachers, schools, and practitioners in more than 150 countries. Together, we’re creating a world where yoga and wellness are shared with integrity, accessibility, and heartfelt purpose.
Our Value
We value authenticity, unity, and integrity in every step of your journey — preserving tradition while inspiring modern growth and connection worldwide.
The Essence
Yoga was born in India — a gift of wisdom that connects body, mind, and spirit. To truly understand the essence of yoga and wellness, we must return to its roots: the philosophy, tradition, and values that guide human life toward harmony and inner peace.
The 8 Limbs of Yoga
Yoga is not just a practice on the mat; it’s a way of living. Every thought, word, and action shapes our wellbeing and consciousness. The ancient teachings of Yama and Niyama remind us how to live mindfully, with balance, awareness, and compassion — 24 hours a day.
We Are Here for You
You are never alone on your journey. At WYA, we walk beside you with continuous guidance, connection, and care. Our community support is always open — 24/7 — to help you grow, no matter where you are in the world.
All Are Equal
Every person has a unique path and purpose to serve the world with their light. WYA embraces all traditions, teachers, and seekers — celebrating diversity while standing together in unity. Through yoga and wellness, we honor the beauty of every soul as equal and divine.
Our Heritage
Born from India’s sacred yoga tradition
Yoga, Ayurveda, and Tantra remain living traditions that sustain the body, mind, and spirit of humanity.
With roots in India and a reach across 150+ countries, our heritage carries the light of traditional yoga and wellness into the modern world with grace and purpose.
International Community
World Yoga Alliance
These esteemed yogis have blessed WYA and its global community with their wisdom, guidance, and inspiration.
These enlightened masters have illuminated the path of yoga, inspiring generations with their wisdom, devotion, and divine presence.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati
(1824–1883) — A visionary yogi, philosopher, and founder of Arya Samaj, who revived Vedic knowledge and truth in modern society.
Yogi Lahiri Mahasaya
(1828–1895) — The silent saint who brought Kriya Yoga to householders, spreading the light of Mahavatar Babaji’s teachings.
Swami Vivekānanda
(1863–1902) — The great monk who introduced yoga and Vedanta to the West, awakening spiritual unity across the world.
Paramahansa Yogananda
(1893–1952) — Founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, he shared the universal path of Kriya Yoga and divine love globally.
Maha Yogi Devraha Baba
The ageless saint of the Yamuna, known for his boundless grace and wisdom beyond time.
Swami Abhedananda Giri
A living Himalayan master devoted to silence, meditation, and the eternal truth of yoga.
Turning Shared Vision into Worldwide Transformation
Since 1990, WYA has been deeply rooted in India’s sacred yogic tradition — preserving its purity, discipline, and true essence to guide every soul on the path of harmony.
The Foundation of Service
World Yoga Alliance began with a shared vision among devoted yoga masters and university professors across India. Together, they organized free yoga camps in prisons, hospitals, army centers, universities, and schools — spreading authentic yoga knowledge for the wellbeing of society.
WYA was officially recognized and registered with the Ministry of Human Resource Development (NCT), Government of India.
Global Recognition
As yoga gained worldwide recognition, our masters established professional standards to preserve the authenticity of Indian yoga and its teaching traditions. Dedicated to protecting yoga’s integrity and cultural heritage,
Since 2005, we’ve made yoga certification more accessible through our online registration for teachers and schools — ensuring that passionate individuals like you can receive global recognition and support with ease.
Worldwide Recognition
Supported by the honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, yoga received global acknowledgment through the launch of the International Day of Yoga (21 June 2015). Aligned with this vision, WYA expanded rapidly, connecting members and certified schools across more than 150 countries, strengthening unity and authenticity in yoga education worldwide.
Meet OYCP Standard
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted to the new normal by introducing and supporting online yoga programs. We ensured that high-quality yoga education continued — both online and onsite — maintaining our international standards. Many local studios grew into recognized international yoga schools through the guidance and support of our official team.
Since 1990, WYA has offered Lifetime Membership as a symbol of lasting unity. In 2021, we introduced Annual Memberships to welcome and support more teachers and schools with flexibility — while keeping our lifelong commitment to authenticity and connection.
World Yoga Alliance is extending its mission into holistic wellness education. We’re proud to introduce new licensing and certification programs in Sound Healing, Reiki, Face Massage & Spa, Pilates & Fitness, and Counselling & Coaching — empowering professionals to share authentic wellness worldwide.
World Yoga Alliance – Uniting a Global Community of Yoga and Wellness Professionals
Today. World Yoga Alliance is the largest international network of yoga and wellness professionals and schools, bringing together over 800,000 members across 150+ countries. We inspire and empower people worldwide through the timeless wisdom of yoga, holistic wellness, and conscious living.
Why We Are Here 🪷
We exist to honor yoga’s and wellness timeless wisdom while empowering its growth across the globe. Through education, certification, and community connection, WYA uplifts teachers, schools, and practitioners — ensuring yoga and wellness remains a path of unity, integrity, and transformation.
Our mission
is to preserve and promote the authentic traditions of yoga, wellness, and holistic practices while empowering teachers, schools, and practitioners worldwide through professional certification, licensing, and community support. WYA is dedicated to fostering integrity, unity, and excellence in global yoga education.
Our purpose
is to honor and preserve yoga’s authentic wisdom while empowering its global growth. Through yoga and wellness education, certification, and community support, World Yoga Alliance uplifts teachers, schools, and practitioners — ensuring yoga remains a path of unity, integrity, and transformation.
🌿 Our Vision
To create a connected, inclusive, and empowered global yoga community where the timeless wisdom of India’s yogic heritage enriches lives, nurtures wellbeing, and inspires positive transformation for individuals and society.
Bringing Our Vision to Life
WYA connects and empowers yoga teachers, schools, and wellness professionals worldwide. Through certification, licensing, and global community support, we preserve yoga’s authenticity while inspiring growth, wellbeing, and unity across the world.
Meet our Team
Our Directors & Team
Our team is a global family of yoga educators, wellness experts, and professionals dedicated to supporting teachers, schools, and communities worldwide.
FAQ
Find answers to common questions about WYA membership, certification, licensing, and global programs.
Hear from our satisfied community members!
Discover the profound impact our personalized services have had on our clients’ lives.
Becoming part of World Yoga Alliance changed my life — their holistic approach and supportive team helped me grow as a teacher and individual.
