Eva was born in 1928. At the age of eighteen months, she suffered an attack of poliomyelitis, and at the age of seventeen, she looked to hatha-yoga as a source of energy. Eva's teaching methods are described in her many works, the latest of which, ‘Précis de hatha-yoga’ (‘The Essential Hatha-Yoga’) was published in four volumes in 2005.
In 1971, Eva Ruchpaul founded an institute to train teachers, where she continues to transmit her pedagogy to future instructors as well as to the graduates of her institute, who are eager to update their knowledge and polish the art of transmission under her guidance.
Through her writings and her conferences, Eva describes with clarity and intuitive precision, the key role played by breathing, which underpins the great yoga texts, and which, when linked to sensory experience, opens the way to self-knowledge and evolution. Over the years, Eva has built up and nurtured her curiosity for scientific discoveries in biology and astrophysics, with a particularly keen interest in brain research, neurobiology, mental imagery, and levels of consciousness. Research scientists and physicians have, over a period of forty years, regularly brought new information to the trainees and graduates of the Eva Ruchpaul Institute. This information is disseminated alongside notions of traditional Indian philosophy and its contributions to the practice of yoga.

The Eva Ruchpaul Institute is a private institute of tertiary learning, which is recognised by the official Parisian educational authority. The institute has trained more than one thousand teachers who exercise their art all over France and abroad.

The would-be student is introduced to the Eva Ruchpaul Method through a private lesson. This allows direct contact with hatha yoga and with the teacher, who is able to ascertain the candidate's state of health. If necessary, lessons and/or postures can be adjusted to cater for individual needs. The student is then ready to join a yoga class, for one lesson per week. Class numbers are voluntarily limited.

Yoga classes are adapted to the level of the students in the group. Each lesson is carefully constructed according to physiological priorities and takes into account the circumstances of the day and of the season. Thus, aided by respiratory techniques, closely in touch with his/her senses, and with a benevolent self disposition, the student gradually progresses towards interiorisation.

The teacher either demonstrates or explains the posture. Following this, the student undertakes the posture, relying on his/her personal sensations. At the end of the lesson, time is allocated for specific respiratory exercises designed to reinforce the benefits of the lesson. The student leaves relaxed and calm, with renewed energy and a tangible feeling of well-being. There is no indoctrination and no subliminal message is delivered during the lesson. The student is allowed to explore and discover on a purely personal level.

Regardless of your age, you will rediscover enduring balance thanks to your weekly yoga class. This is particularly true if you suffer from stress, back ache or insomnia. The practice of hatha yoga is characterised by the unfolding of benevolence and self-respect.

The Institute is situated 5 minutes away from the Gare St Lazare in Paris, on the first floor of a gracious building designed by Baron Haussman. Classes are available every day at various times. Teachers from the Institute also give classes in municipal sport centres, which are listed in the Guide to Sport In Paris, available at the Paris town halls or via the Institute. Finally, if you wish to do a friend a favour, you can offer him/her gift vouchers for one or more yoga classes. Please contact the Institute for further details.