The collaboration between Nirvana Yoga and Nerii Yoga brings together two complementary perspectives: the authentic Indian traditions of Yoga and Ayurveda, and the Japanese approach to refinement, attentiveness, and thoughtful living. This collaboration creates retreats that respect the depth and integrity of traditional Indian wellness while presenting the experience in a way that feels comfortable, personal, and meaningful for Japanese participants.

Our shared intention is simple: to create a space where ancient wisdom can be experienced—not merely learned. Through Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation, Therapeutic treatments, Mindful food, and moments of stillness, participants are invited to discover how these traditions can become part of everyday life. This is a journey from India to Japan, and from ancient wisdom to modern living.

Eriko Nihara San is a U.S. Yoga Alliance Certified School Development Instructor and runs the Nerii Yoga Studio in Yokohama (ERYT500, YACEP, RPYT), Ayurveda Society Self-care Advisor, Rakukenho Hatsuden Therapist.

She grew up in Tochigi Prefecture, surrounded by nature. Her parents are rice merchants, and many of her relatives and neighbors are farmers, and she grew up with homemade meals mainly vegetables and grains and the wisdom of life that makes use of the providence of nature. After that, she moved to Kanagawa, Tokyo, Hyogo, and Hiroshima due to college, employment, and family transfer, and there were changes in their respective lands, living environment, and life stages, but it was helpful to meet yoga and Ayurveda that support her health at that time. She hopes and wishes to spread all that she has learnt in her journey to share and spread with others too.

Shalini Gupta, I grew up in a family where Yoga was not simply a practice, but a way of life. From an early age, my daily routine and surroundings were deeply influenced by yogic values and principles. Visiting ashrams during school holidays, participating in Seva and practicing Karma Yoga were a natural and meaningful part of my upbringing.

My mother has been a lifelong Yoga teacher and writer, regularly sharing her knowledge through newspaper articles. Her writings brought many like-minded and curious people into our lives, and I had the privilege of witnessing our Yoga community grow while our collective understanding and spiritual experiences deepened.
I hold a Diploma in Yogic Science from a globally recognized Yoga university, along with an M.Com and an MBA in Human Resources. Although my academic and professional journey took me in different directions, Yoga remained a constant thread throughout my life. As I began teaching Yoga more actively, I gradually realised that this was not merely something I practiced—it was my true calling.
Over the years, I have lived and travelled across several cities in India before eventually moving to Japan. Each transition brought new experiences, perspectives and opportunities to understand people and life more deeply. Through all these changes, Yoga remained my anchor.
Today, I see Yoga as a path towards balance, awareness and complete well-being—not just of the body, but of the mind and the way we experience life.
My intention is to share this understanding in a way that is authentic, practical and meaningful, while creating a space where every participant can explore their own journey towards greater balance, inner awareness and well-being.