YOGAFEBRUARSY 2021 AMONTHLYT NEWSLETTERT OF THEV YOGA INSTITUTE,A INDIA OLDEST ORGANISED YOGA CENTRE IN THE WORLD
I NDI A N YOGA GURU SCHOL A R RESEA RCHER AUTHOR EDUCATOR Remembering DR JAYADEVA YOGENDRA FORMER PRES I DENT OF THE YOGA I NST I TUT E YOGASATTVA FEBRUARY 2021 CONTENTS F E AT U R E D 12-14 Y O G I C A C T I V I T Y I N S I G H T S 22-23 THE EIGHT STEPS OF YOGA H E A D L I N E S Events & Happening at The Yoga Institute around the world. 5 15-20
How comparison ruins relationships
The Art of Listening Sharad Chauhan 6 R E C I P E O F Y O G A M D T H E M O N T H 24 “India’s Healthcare Cashew dip with Challenges in the carrots Next Decade” Panel Discussion 8-9 Y O G A C E L E B R AT E S 2 5 T E S T I M O N I A L S Y O G A T E C H N I Q U E L I F E 2 7 U P C O M I N G O F T H E M O N T H The Footsteps To A C T I V I T I E S Yoga for pregnancy The Ultimate… 21 Shri Yogendraji 2 9 P U B L I C AT I O N S & C E N T R E S
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T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
T H R O U G H Y O G A The Yoga Institute Shri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, From anger, anxiety and Santacruz East, Mumbai - 400055, India. Email: [email protected] sadness to calmness Tel: +91-22-26122185/+91-22-26110506 and balance 11 www.theyogainstitute.org
Follow us on theyogainstituteofficial tyi_official TheYogaInstitute the-yoga-institute-official the-yoga-institute EDITOR’S NOTE
Namaste,
The longest relationship we ever have is with ourself. And yoga provides us with the most effective and efcient tools to enhance this pure relationship. Yoga way of living helps us to be in the present, have clarity, understand reality, and make the shift for our highest good. This internal journey of self-discovery and self-transformation is an ongoing process to help us connect with our true self on a deeper level.
While many are obsessed with the external world, Yoga practice helps to explore our internal world leading to the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. With the primary focus on acceptance and surrender, Yoga aids in overcoming ego mindfully.
Paying ode to Dr Jayadeva Yogendra on his death anniversary, let us understand how the social, the physical, the psycho- physical, the conscious, the subconscious areas can be attended to with the Eight Fold Path of Yoga. In his article he has elaborated how this path helps in seeing things very clearly and experience consciousness with yoga way of living. Dr Jayadeva's quote, “No amount of external validation can ll your inner void. Believe in yourself rst” also amplies the signicance of self love and self-care.
Stay compassionate to self!
PraneeHYogendra Pranee Hrishi Yogendra
3 YOGASATTVA PEARLS OF WISDOM
4 YOGASATTVA PEARLS OF WISDOM
How comparison ruins relationships
n life what we see, we believe in; what we hear, we believe in. starts, hatred starts with the other person with whom you have We never go to that deep down truth of what we see and what compared. Even hostile behaviour is seen when the Ithe reality is, it is the same. That’s why in yoga we say that comparison is done and you have put somebody down, denitely your senses give you the knowledge of the outside somebody up. All this has to stop. Take a decision that you will world but to get a real knowledge or a true knowledge, you have not compare anybody with anybody, any two humans. You can to go deeper into that situation, take interest in that situation, go see them, their uniqueness, as they are. deeper. But there should be some purpose behind going deeper into the situation and only then can you get some knowledge out I always give you the example of a donkey and a horse, a small of it. horse, same size. Externally, they look quite alike but you cannot compare and form an opinion about anything. The But the truth is still hidden; the truth is rather behind the golden donkey has his own specialities, the horse has his own veil. Whatever it is, the point is that every human is different, specialities. How could you compare? Don’t compare because that’s for sure, and every human has their own realities, their you are only increasing your ignorance; you are not increasing own qualities. When we start seeing the things and believing in your knowledge or your understanding about life. things, then we start even comparing ourselves with others. Here I see this, here I see So in life, a certain discipline has something more beautiful, here I to be followed, a certain way of see excellent things, but seeing life should be understood and the is very limited knowledge; deeper I always give you the example of a discipline is rst of all, respect there is something else. donkey and a horse, a small horse, everyone as they are, never same size. Externally, they look quite compare anybody with anyone What is very good externally may and never form any opinion not be very good in nature, may alike but you cannot compare and form because of anybody. So try and not be very good in the duty an opinion about anything. The donkey bring these aspects into your life concept, may not be very good in and you will lead a better life, health and stamina. In some has his own specialities, the horse has successful life. Stop hurting and cases, beauty externally is not his own specialities. How could you harming others, stop creating seen but the mind is very compare? wrong karmas because you have beautiful, feelings are very warm compared. Comparing means and caring. How do we compare? you are doing himsa actually according to Gandhiji’s principles or according to yoga. You are Comparison occurs only when pieces are exactly the same, actually doing himsa on that person, hurting him, creating then you compare which one you will nd more appealing or problems, so don’t ever do that, follow the path of truth, follow which is better. But here, everybody is different, there is no the path of love, follow the path of acceptance. Every individual scope for comparison at all. The base of comparison is totally as they are. ignorance, avidya. So we should try and see that the habit of comparing, of giving an example of something, of how you are not reaching up to the mark, is eliminated. It is a very wrong way of living life. And then, I have noticed people comparing, for example two children with each other. ‘Look, he is studying and you are not studying’, ‘see, he behaves well and you are not behaving well’. That does not go well because both of them have their own unique character and personality.
In life, the moment you open your mouth to compare, you are creating problems, you are bringing more ignorance. You Smt. Hansaji J. Yogendra yourself have to do your duties well so why hurt others through Director, The Yoga Institute. comparison, creating negativity, having a rift in between two personalities and so on. When you compare, then the jealousy
5 YOGASATTVA FROM THE TEACHER’S DIARY
The Art of Listening
harad Chauhan, who comes from the family that The difference rst began to show in Mr. Chauhan’s shooting founded Parle products in 1950, came to The Yoga practice. Then it started to impact his home life and work. It also SInstitute to sharpen his concentration. He was a shooter led to a sense of tranquillity that helped him deal with the little at state level and wanted to reach the nationals; it was with this irritations of life, such as being stuck in trafc jams, or waiting for aim that he arrived at The Yoga Institute. ight announcements.
In the midst of running a company that produced India’s most As his understanding evolved, Mr. Chauhan realised that famous biscuit brand apart from several other products, Mr. concentration sharpened his ability to listen. Listening to Dr. Chauhan had never seen a Yoga class. At the Institute, he saw Jayadeva was the rst step, and then gradually extended to “a tall and lean man walking towards the hall” and followed him. other situations. He also realised that listening goes side by side The man removed his slippers, so Mr. Chauhan did as well. with a tranquil mind; a disturbed mind is unable to listen deeply. Then the man told him to sit down and put his hands on his “If only one can listen…” these words by Dr. Jayadeva began to knees. Mr. Chauhan sat on a mat and obeyed. have a deep impact on Mr. Chauhan’s life; he realised that the inability to listen stemmed from an agitated mind. It was his rst encounter with Dr. Jayadeva, and Mr. Chauhan had no idea what was happening. “I was lost,” he said, “I did not Taking this further, Mr. Chauhan discovered that when the mind feel anything”. When he was asked to lie down, he did that; it listens at the physical level that does not necessarily mean it is was his rst experience of Shavasana. being heard in the deepest state because thoughts are also competing for attention. Real listening can only happen if the Mr. Chauhan discovered that yoga came naturally to him; it was mind becomes still, he realised – “no opinion, no interpretation, “a pleasure, not a task’. It relaxed him, and to his surprise, his no attempt to understand, just listening”. One must listen to the concentration began to improve – but with a difference. In his guru with a still mind, a stillness that can make its presence felt shooting practice, concentration had always been a physical at home, at work, in the streets, and even in noisy marketplaces. experience, but with Yoga, it took on a different form. Mr. Chauhan nds it valuable to practice Nishpand- Bhava, “Concentration leads to a state of understanding,” he realised. listening to a fading sound. This understanding began with an awareness of the mind, something that he had not been aware of earlier. Gradually, he “Complete listening, or unqualied total listening, can happen realised that the mind wavered but had the capacity to steady with the grace of God,” says Mr. Chauhan. “Listening is an act of itself. surrender.” It was Dr. Jayadeva who helped him recognise this.
It was Dr. Jayadeva who helped him discover a deep insight – “when you see the mind objectively, you understand how it functions”. Such understanding leads to change - change in the perception of a situation, understanding of the situation, and SHARAD CHAUHAN response to the situation.
6 YOGASATTVA YOGA MD
“India’s Healthcare Challenges in the Next Decade”
n a recent online panel discussion on 24th December 2021 Mamtora, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Shekhar Ambardekar, celebrating The Yoga Institute’s 102nd year of existence, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Wellness Guru Dr. Irenowned doctors debated “India’s Healthcare Challenges Mickey Mehta as moderator. in the Next Decade”. Gracing the occasion were Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute, In Covid times, immunity is on everyone’s mind and that is what the rst question was all about - how yoga can help in terms of Dr. Harish Shetty, Psychiatrist; Dr. Shashank Joshi, immunity and if breath is fundamental to life. The doctors Endocrinologist, Diabetologist and Medical Researcher; Dr. agreed that it is and that doing pranayamas regular is important, Ravindra Chittal, Pediatrician & Neonatologist; Dr. Pradumna especially in these unprecedented times. “Breath is the
7 YOGASATTVA YOGA MD
beginning of life. Babies are much better off than adults during “Medicines cure but yoga heals,” summed up Dr. Mehta and, Covid because they are not stressed, they are born free. wanting to nd out if the doctors practice what they preach, Breathing is the main issue of our time,” summed up Dr. Chittal asked them about their own daily yoga practice. Dr. Shetty his experience. “Breath resets the body and the mind. Yoga shared that he does pranayama regularly and that he has connects us with the cosmos and helps us reconnect in a started reading about Samkhya philosophy. “Pranayama have disconnected world,” added Dr. Shetty. helped me to keep calm and become aware of my feelings. I did not get emotionally hijacked. I can see my thoughts, my The next question that Dr. Mehta posed was about faith, or more feelings,” he shared. specically, if faith can change physiology. Dr. Mamtora pointed to the instant gratication that is so rampant in our time and that Dr. Chittal joked that he wanted to stay as far away as possible has replaced or decreased faith. “We have faith in Google. But from Dr. Ambardekar and Dr. Mamtora because they are both we should stick with Yoga, which has taught us to have faith in a treating lifestyle diseases, and to do that and to stay young, higher reality and in the self,” he said, adding that “every cell of yoga is the way of life. He and his wife have been doing yoga for the body has the opportunity to heal.” the last 25-30 years. “It helps me not to get irritated with crying babies and worried moms,” he said. Dr. Joshi agreed: “In yoga, we should practice what we preach. “First understand yourself,” Yoga is a great leveller. It allows us to build resilience in the mind, to handle our body, to act wisely, not impulsively and advised Dr. Hansaji. “I have a make decisions for somebody else [as doctors] in a very correct body but I am not the body, I and appropriate way.” Asked if Yoga should be a mandatory subject in schools, the have a mind but I am not the doctors nodded emphatically. “Not only in schools but also in every household,” said Dr. Joshi. “Yes, the prescription has mind. So who is this ‘I’? This ‘I’ is been on my list for the last 30 years,” added Dr. Shetty while Dr. Ambardekar shared his wife’s positive experience as a yoga purusha. A person has to learn teacher in a school. “The students contact her even today and tell her that they miss yoga and she tells them to continue with how to take any situation. Life it,” he said. “Yes, it has to be mandatory,” agreed Dr. Hansaji. “Yoga is also a science. Children should understand their mind, management and uplifting what happens to their body and mind when they are angry. Yoga oneself has to go together, that helps in concentration.” Lastly, the doctors were asked to share their thoughts on makes life beautiful. Faith in a meditation and not surprisingly, again the answers were unanimously in favour of it. Dr. Shetty pointed to his personal higher reality has to be there.” and recent research on meditation and anxiety and how the results showed that students had better interpersonal “We are in a digitally intoxicated world and yoga is probably the relationships and their grades improved after doing meditation. best detoxier today,” emphasised Dr. Joshi. “Our body, mind and soul are discharged like a mobile phone and if we practice Dr. Ambardekar said that it was all about being in a meditative the right way, yoga will recharge us. It will make you self- state all the time, meaning being in the present moment and realise.” following one activity at the time, i.e. driving or seeing a patient, and enjoying the present. “Meditation is the path to Dr. Ambardekar shared his experience of how patients with and transcending up; meditation is nothing but rewiring our selves, without faith tackled Covid-19: “If faith is there, hormones are rewiring our mind, rewiring our soul, and resetting our biological secreted, e.g. endorphins, they increase immunity. Even if clock,” summed up Dr. Joshi. these patients contract Covid, they have no problems. And they did well, whereas others who had doubts, struggled. Faith works For that, the panelists recommended The Yoga Institute’s new for healing,” he emphasised, advising that “yoga tells you to app NISPAND, developed for yoga practitioners and those who have faith in yourself. Start your day by saying ‘I have a very want to become yoga practitioners and learn more about strong body and mind’.” mediation. Based on their inputs, it will help users manage everyday situations and achieve one-pointedness or as the Dr. Shetty could not agree more. “The biggest pharmaceutical name suggests, reaching a state of ‘no other thoughts’. The app company on earth is inside the body, free, and yoga awakens it will be available for download on Google Play Store and the App all the time. And this awareness is something we can have,” he Store from February 2021. said.
8 YOGASATTVA YOGA TECHNIQUE OF THE MONTH
Yoga for pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a trying time for the new mother-to-be with many physical, mental and emotional changes taking place. The regular practice of asanas and pranayama can ease this transitional phase. The following two asanas and pranayama are tried and tested, leaving the mother-to-be feeling more exible (in body and mind), calmer and more condent in herself.
01 Parvatasana
Starting Position 1. Sit erect in Padmasana or Sukhasana and keep your hands at their respective sides, palms facing upwards.
Steps 2. Inhaling, raise both your arms together from the respective sides for an upward stretch, joining the palms above the head. 3. Keep your arms close to the respective ears, your abdomen gently pulled inwards and back straight. Avoid bending your arms at the elbows and wrists, keeping them stretched and straight. 4. Fix your gaze at a single point ahead. 5. Maintain this position for six seconds, retaining your breath.
Posture Release 6. While exhaling, turn your palms outwards, keeping your arms straight and bring them down to the sides
9 YOGASATTVA YOGA TECHNIQUE OF THE MONTH
02
Bhadrasana
Starting Position 1. Sit erect with your legs outstretched and hands at the sides.
Steps 2. Bending both your knees, bring the soles of both your feet together. 3. Use your hands to bring the soles of the feet as close to your body as possible. Posture Release 4. Once your feet are closest to the body, keep holding 6. Gently opening the eyes, release one leg at a time to them, trying to push the knees down to the oor. You return to starting position. can also use both your palms to gently push the knees downwards in case Step 3 is difcult. Note: Though this is a meditative posture, to provide 5. Once your knees are as far down as possible, hold the exibility to the hip and thigh joint, you can make buttery movements, that is, push the knees up and down several feet with your hands, close your eyes and inhale and times before you practise watching your breath. exhale normally, watching your breath. Or, you can place your palms on your knees.
Yogendra Pranayama Steps 03 3. Inhale slowly, gradually and fully so that your 4—Diaphragmatic Breathing diaphragm pushes your abdomen out. 4. Exhaling, let the abdomen fall down. METHOD OF PRACTICE 5. Keep the count of inhalation and exhalation the same. Starting Position Maintain your ratio. There is no retention or suspension 1. Lie on your back, knees bent and feet close to your of breath. hips. The knees and feet should be close to each other. 6. Practise continuously for about 5-10 rounds. 2. Place one hand lightly on your navel, the other hand by your side.
10 YOGASATTVA TRANSFORMATION THROUGH YOGA From anger, anxiety and sadness to calmness and balance
A Case Study
nyone who meets Pinki GhandiWaller at The Yoga Institute is greeted by her wide smile. It is hard to Aimagine that a person who radiates such positivity could have a dark side. But that was the case with Pinki, from an early age onwards. “I was just 5 when I picked up my dad’s revolver to shoot my domestic help just because she told me ‘no’. This was the kind of anger I had from a very young age. My dad, being a police ofcer, thought it would go away with age, but surprisingly, my anger turned into rebellion as a teenager,” remembers Pinki.
She was a school topper until 10th standard but did not clear her 12th standard exam. Out of fear of reappearing, she ran away, got married and moved to Mumbai, hoping that marriage would straighten out her life. This speculation seemed to prove true as Pinki gradually did not feel angry anymore. Instead, fear took over her life though. “My life looked perfect to everyone but deep inside I was sad, very sad.”
Her anxiety and panic attacks got so bad that she had to be rushed to the hospital every time. She also started cutting herself as the sight of blood would calm her down. She visited many psychologists in Mumbai, to no avail, until one day, she came to Dr. Harish Shetty in 2007 and he suggested going to The Yoga Institute to her.
“I was hesitant to go,” remembers Pinki. “I thought it is not my kind of place. But however, I enrolled for the 1-Month Teachers’ Training Course. The rst week passed by and I had a feeling of quitting it. During my second week, I realized I was sleeping “After coming to the Institute, my anger has reduced, my anxiety well, I wasn’t fearful, and I was much calmer.” is under control, and as a person, I’m much calmer. I’ve learned to accept things and move on. I’m loaded with love and happiness By the end of the course, Pinki was able to handle herself and now. The Yoga Institute is like a pilgrimage for me. I’m blessed to gained her condence back. She credits the love she received be here,” she sums up. at the Institute and calls it her extended family, especially Hansa Maa whom she can conde in with any problem.
Have an interesting story to share how yoga has changed your life? Email us at [email protected] and you could be featured here soon.
11 YOGASATTVA FEATURED ACTIVITY
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12 YOGASATTVA FEATURED ACTIVITY
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13 YOGASATTVA FEATURED ACTIVITY
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14 YOGASATTVA FEATURED ACTIVITY
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15 YOGASATTVA TYI NEWS HEADLINES
Students learn how to manage stress during their 7 Months Teachers’ Training Course.
Students understand the deeper meaning of Yoga during Samkhya class
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Students condition themselves before the asana class.
1 Year Teachers’ Training students understanding Yogic concepts
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Students of the 4 Months Teachers’ Training Course learning classical Yoga in depth.
TTC students learning Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
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Student condition themselves before their class.
Women learn Konasana during women’s camp.
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Women at the ladies special class learn utkatasana, which strengthens the pelvic muscles.
Men at special class stand in stithaprathanasana
20 YOGASATTVA TYI NEWS HEADLINES
Happy faces from the 21 Days Better Living Course.
The Yoga Institute feeds a healthy breakfast to hundreds of needy people every day. Annam Brahma - a social service initiative to ensure no poor person goes hungry.
21 YOGASATTVA TYI NEWS HEADLINES
Mumbaikars join The Yoga Institute and Yoga by the Bay on a Sunday morning to start their day along the coastline with yoga.
826th batch of 7 days health camp students learn Parvatasana and holistic approach towards life.
22 YOGASATTVA YOGA CELEBRATES LIFE
THE FOOTSTEPS TO THE ULTIMATE… By Shri Yogendraji
t openeth wide, plain for all feet This classication may appear quite to tread, natural when it is realized that the I latter three have the mental side more Easy and near, the noble eightfold predominant than the others, which path, it Goeth straight, to peace and have mostly to be actualized in refuge. Hear! exterior action. Antaraṅga Light of Asia Their respective positions are Notwithstanding the difference of calculated to increase mental purity opinions held by the various by successive stages as each is authorities in regard to the number of gradually perfected for it is easy to yoga accessories (Yogaṅgas), it is understand that ordinary minds can now generally agreed that they are never make the beginning of their eight and as a consequence, Yoga is practices all at one time. We are always spoken of as Aṣṭāṅga Yoga naturally so impure, physically and (the eightfold path of yoga). That part mentally, that it is very nearly of literature of the Yoga philosophy impossible for us to attempt the
which is attributed to Patañjali and i n t e r n a l Yo g a ( c o n s i s t i n g o f
which specically deals with the concentration, meditation and trance) without rst achieving success with practical means of Yoga (Kriyāyoga), “ has been largely accepted by almost the external means. For ordinary all the practical Yoga authorities. students, therefore, some graded Except for some such works as course of conduct has to be evolved Yogabĩja, Gorakṣasaṁhitā and through which all can gradually purify others, all the other Haṭhayoga themselves both physically and treatises like Yogi Yajñavalkya, When the grosser impurities mentally. Thus elevated to a Yogakalpadrumah etc., not merely are removed by the external necessary extent of purity, they might accept these eight accessories but means (Bahiraṅga), only the then easily achieve the highest state have considerably elaborated them without obstacles. It is argued by the by adding many new elements on the ner ones remain which can be Yoga authorities that our minds original structure of Patañjali. These gradually removed by the become steady in proportion as their accessories are technically known as higher processes of internal impurities are cleansed. It may, Aṅgas or the main limbs and are not however, be remembered that the limited to any other particular branch (Antaraṅga) Yoga. cleansing of impurities represents of Yoga but are common to all the only the negative aspect of the different branches. They thus form the positive side of making the mind physical, mental and moral background of this philosophy. steady, which is the central feature of all the Yoga practices. Without their following, the attainment of Kaivalya or the Thus when the grosser impurities are removed by the external ultimate independence of the individual soul is impossible. means (Bahiraṅga), only the ner ones remain which can be These, therefore, are the requisites of a would-be-Yogin and the gradually removed by the higher processes of internal ultimate success of one’s Yoga endeavours depends solely (Antaraṅga) Yoga. upon their scrupulous observance. The importance of their usefulness in our daily life, however, is Two-Fold Use unquestionable not only for the attainment of higher spiritual These Yoga accessories do not merely remove the impurities of motives but also for the mental and physical well-being. the mind but also help the mind by removing all such obstacles Patañjali has arranged them in a more or less denite order with that stand in the way of highest discriminative knowledge. They due consideration to their relative value in the attainment of are thus supposed to operate in two directions, viz., (i) in highest trance. It is therefore necessary to properly understand disassociating the impurities (Viyogakāraṇa) and (ii) in the signicance of this eightfold path of Yoga before entering removing the obstacles which obstruct the course of mind for into the detailed study of its science. It is also essential that the attaining the desired perfection (Āptikāraṇa). Yoga student should attempt to master each one of them separately in their usual sequence which Patañjali has observed and then to progress with the other succeeding Of these, the rst ve belong to Bahiraṅga or external means to accessories. Yoga, while the latter three belong to internal or Antaraṅga Yoga.
23 YOGASATTVA YOGIC INSIGHTS
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra
THE EIGHT STEPS OF YOGA he Yoga Sutras deal with what are known as the Eight the individual is low in energy and depressive conditions occur. Steps of Yoga. These are considered as t for the lowest It is very necessary that these aspects be also attended to. So Tkinds of students. These techniques go into all details; various aspects of the individual need attention, and in the Eight the social, the physical, the psycho-physical, the conscious, the Fold Path, every single aspect is attended to carefully. The subconscious; all these areas are attended to in the Eight Fold physical looks are very important but equally important is the Path. So naturally, the whole process takes its own time; it’s not psycho-physical; the body-mind connection. What goes on at just a single thing, many things are involved. The individual has the emotional level or the mental level reects on the physical to reorganize his relationship with the external world. It is not the level and unless we learn how to control these things, physical external world that is creating all our difculties. We are acting, difculties can go on occurring. Nowadays, it is increasingly reacting and suffering. If we can organize this, the reactions recognized that 80% of diseases are not physical at all; they are might be milder, and as a result, the individual doesn’t get into emotional in nature. Now unless we learn to handle our complications. For example, one thing that is stated in Yoga is emotions and unless we can understand the mechanism that no sooner that you externally hurt someone, a chain through which emotions get transferred to the physical level, we reaction of Karma starts. If you can avoid hurting another are going to continually get into these conditions. individual, then there is no need for yoga at all. But we cannot even for a moment discontinue this hurting approach. Either The steps of the Eight Fold Path: The Yamas and the Niyamas knowingly or unknowingly, this process goes on. Therefore, it is (Restraints and Observances) are related to our social duties very necessary that the individual reorganizes his relationship and our social involvement. We have then, Asanas (Posture) a with the external world. very well-known step, apparently dealing with the physical body. We have next, Prānayāma (control of Bio-energy), dealing with This is the starting point and then they talk of the physical, the the bioenergy or life force. Then we have Pratyāhāra person’s own body and the bioenergy system in the body, the (Abstraction of the Senses), dealing with the senses and control Prāna. Then they talk in terms of the mind, how to control the of the senses. Beyond that, we have Dhāraṇā (Concentration), mind, how to see that the mind is in a stable state. Then they talk Dhyana (Meditation) and meditation, where the individual can in terms of the senses, then in terms of the conscious mind and realise the nature of reality. then the subconscious mind. At that stage, they recognize that they have mastered himself or herself. To work at all these steps is very difcult and needs all our patience. One can’t just do a little bit of Āsanas and say, “Well If any of these stages are not attended to, if the physical body is now, that is enough.” We have to generate a state of not attended to, then a lot of difculties can occur. If the bio- consciousness. The point is do these techniques have us end energy system is not attended to, unconsciously, disturbances up in a better state of mind? Do they help us in understanding can occur. Suddenly, mood uctuations can happen; suddenly things better? If the Āsanas can do that, well, it is good. But the
24 YOGASATTVA YOGIC INSIGHTS
Āsanas just end at the physical level and do not help us at the austerities, penance, and fortitude. You go on reading scriptures mental level, and then the Āsanas are not really useful to us. In and lling your mind with spiritual thoughts. The third thing is, the same way, when we do breathing exercises, breathing itself you devote all your actions to God. This is called Kriyā Yoga. It is is not the end. The breathing should lead to quietness, suggested for the middle-level student. The best level is the rst, steadiness, concentration, and deeper understanding. Even the Abhyāsa and Vairāgya. The middle level is these three and the techniques of concentration are not just gross. We do last level is the Eight Fold Path. In the Eight Fold Path, it is concentrate; all of us are involved in work situations and as a suggested that the techniques are working on reducing the result, we have to concentrate; but our concentration is limited strength of the Kleśas, certain structural deciencies in us, to only the gross area. Our mind today is very lazy. It cannot get which need to be overcome. We have ignorance; we have into the subtler things, we can’t think ahead on a long-term egoism; we have got attachment; we have got aversion and basis. So even though we are very capable and clever, this is hatred; we have got fear and anxiety. These are very strong just enough to earn us our daily bread. It doesn’t help us in our tendencies in us. To overcome these systematically, one has to life processes. It doesn’t give us a deeper insight into ourselves go on step-by-step, starting with certain social responsibilities and the purpose of our existence. The subtler things get lost. and certain social relationships. Working at the physical level, Āsanas, and then going into bio-energy levels, the sensory, the So the attempt in Yoga is not just to restrict ourselves to sub-conscious, and then the total. concentration in the sense that you’ve got a certain object and you concentrate on that object. Rather it is to concentrate on We have these various techniques, various systems, divided understanding the deepest things that are related to that object; into various systems, divided into various headings. But the because our contention in Yoga is that it does not matter on what basic idea is that any effort in life that leads to a superior you concentrate. Whatever you concentrate on, it can make you understanding, is a valid path of Yoga; whether it is a path of reach you to the very highest, because you have to go subtler devotion; whether it is the path of intellectual thinking; or and subtler. The same object has got various aspects involved whether it is the path of Hatha Yoga. But Āsanas should not be and we only restrict ourselves to the gross. We are not trying to the end in themselves. Āsanas should lead on to a better, understand the ner aspects that are involved in the object. The clearer understanding of life. If the Āsanas do that well, then next technique of concentration leads on to meditation where they are very much an important part of a technical tradition of there is a continuous ow of attention on the given object for a Yoga. Unfortunately, we do not try to make all the techniques in very long duration. It leads to a stage where the individual as if Yoga point in the direction of a superior spiritual understanding. becomes the object himself. Realization is the word used - We end up only with a technique. The technique is the end, it is Sākśātkāra, to become the thing. not the result, it is not the outcome so far as changes in own thinking, feeling and understanding. It is then that you are certain that there is nothing more than you can know about the thing than what you have gained through Yoga is concerned with the mind. It is concerned with the the self-realization technique. Of course this leads on to the very complete control of one’s own mental faculties, one’s entire highest state where the individual has understood life to such an personality. One wants to control it so that one can experience extent that he has no further interest in material things. He rather something that is behind the mind. You see, the mind is not is looking beyond the material things; this is the Asamprajnāta- everything; it is consciousness that makes our mind click. Just Samādhi state. It is very closely related to what we call the like, when you see the slide on the screen, you are interested highest disinterestedness. The disinterestedness at its highest only in the object on the screen, the image. But the important and the knowledge at its highest, the two collide. thing is the illumination that is behind you, which is responsible for what you are seeing on the screen. We are not interested in There are different techniques available according to the type of the illumination at all; we are just interested in the image. We are students. The Eight Fold Path is suggested for the ordinary interested in thoughts and actions, but we are least interested in student who can proceed in a systematic way. Abhyāsa and consciousness, which is responsible for our thoughts and Vairāgya is suggested to the best kind of student. All that is action. So we can misdirect it, our attempt is only in trying to necessary is faith in a spiritual life and a continuous effort in that catch the image, enjoy, what goes on on the screen without ever direction. If you can continuously apply yourself to gain what you understanding consciousness, which is at the back of the whole consider as the object of your faith, then nothing else is needed. thing. If consciousness is in a poor state, the image is going to If you maintain your faith in the spiritual object and are totally be blurred and a lot of blurring occurs in our life. We don’t see devoted to that concept, not getting distracted and continuously things correctly, clearly, sharply. working in that direction, you can reach the highest. But unfortunately, our clarity is lacking. We are not clear about what we want in life. We are not, as a result, able to apply ourselves So the Eight Fold Path is one of those fully and totally into the object and the effort gets weakened. If procedures that can help in seeing you can create a continuous effort, with total devotion and dedication to any object, Yoga says that you can get it. There is things very clearly, because it catches nothing that is impossible provided you can work towards creating a certain climate, Abhyāsa and Vairāgya is that the consciousness itself and doesn’t approach. only talk in terms of techniques.
The other approaches are Tapah, Svādhyāya and Iśvara Prānidhāna. You create a certain strengthening of the will with
25 YOGASATTVA RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Cashew dip with carrots This healthy dip is made from cashews, which are low in Recipe sugar and rich in ber, essential (= heart-healthy) fats and Ingredients: plant protein. In addition, they are also a good source of • 1 cup of soaked cashews nutrients like copper, magnesium and manganese, which • 1 carrot • ¼ tsp salt provide energy, booth immunity and support brain and bone • ¼ tsp pepper Fistful of basil leaves optional health. Eat it with carrot sticks and you are also taking care of your eyes as carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the Method: Except for carrot, blend all the ingredients in a body changes into vitamin A. Whats not to love about this blender to a smooth paste. Peel the carrot and slice them into medium size simple and healthy snack? strips. Enjoy the healthy carrot strips along with cashew dip.
26 YOGASATTVA TESTIMONIAL
Vivek Patil, Advocacy Ofcer, The Humsafar Trust
The session of Yoga we had put for us in the Corona Epidemic was very commendable.Corona which is a disease associated with our immunity,Yoga can make our immunity very strong.The way you did it through online was very commendable.From the beginning to the end ,you have done every posture of yoga with us,it was very effective.While doing Yoga ,we started feeling very good and effective.After the session of Yoga was over,a lot of staffs requested me that the session should be held back. I give you all the credit for this because the way you took Yoga from us ,it was full of magic.
Dr. Neha Agrawal Teacher at The Yoga Institute
After the completion of my Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), I was practicing dentistry, but was struggling with my health after a few years. 2016 was a turning point when I visited The Yoga Institute and attended the 1 Month Basic Teachers Training Course. Enthused with the experience, my teachers/guides encouraged me to go for a 1 Year Teachers Training Course, which I did to my full satisfaction. The Yoga Institute has blessed me with the knowledge of practical aspects of Yoga, overall health awareness, techniques of good interpersonal relationships, developing communication skills and self development to remain calm and happy. The Yoga Institute has helped me use my medical knowledge to serve the people through Yogic practices. I am thankful to all my teachers here and special thanks to Respected Hansa Maa and Pranee Ma’am, who have always inspired and motivated me.
Mitchelle Matharu Student
Of the greatest blessings during these difcult times of Covid was getting the opportunity to be a part of the Advanced TTC at The Yoga Institute. From being guided by the very talented and humble senior teachers who brought in techniques combined with the embodied philosophy of yoga to being part of the fun activities of the public speaking sessions and enjoying tranquil meditation sessions, it was a package beyond my expectations. One of the greatest highlights from the course would always be when the teachers would share stories about Dr. Jayadev, Shri Yogendraji, Mother Sitadevi and of course our sessions with Hansa Maa. Her wisdom and guidance always enveloped us with a tender motherly affection during the course. For 4 months, I was surrounded by everything Yoga, I spoke, breathed and ate yoga until it is now forever etched in my DNA. You know you are a privileged part of a great tradition when you nally emerge out of the course completely transformed. It may be a Teacher Training course for many, but to me it was a life- transforming experience that I will cherish in my heart forever.
27 YOGASATTVA TESTIMONIAL
Shalin Raj Student The very rst spark of my love for yoga started with The Yoga Institute. The people there helped me to discover not only more about yoga but myself as well. I feel condent in my skills to help others shine their light through yoga. This place is blessed with amazing ambience and best teachers. Beyond grateful!
Akshay Dalal Sadhaka SadhakaThe Yoga Institute has helped me learn to go with the ow while taking the pressure about the future into the present without letting it hamper my life. The Institute has also helped me getting to know my efciency and contribution in terms of work. Working as an editor is a whole different experience as I have gotten the opportunity to create videos around a variety of topics. I can use this learning in my professional as well as my personal life. In addition, I have been learning how to calmly handle anger even in the most difcult situations, thus making my life a lot simpler.
Deepika Sharma Sadhaka
I did 200 hours YTTC online mode recently from this institute. I learnt two major things- Yogic postures and life management. I would say this institute focuses on teaching the yogic approach of living life along with physical level yoga. The way our mentor taught the practical application of yogic scriptures into modern day life is just amazing. My experience with the knowledge given and faculty is great. this course was indeed a life changing experience. I thank everyone who was part of this teaching. I highly recommend the yoga institute.
28 YOGASATTVA TYI MONTHLY PLANNER > UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
*All camps/ courses are subject to the extension of the lockdown period.
CAMP DESCRIPTION DATE/ DAY TIME
21 Days Better Living Ideal for individuals who have no major health 31/01/2021 - 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Course problems and who wish to experience the yogic 20/02/2021 lifestyle to feel rejuvenated and fresh.
21 Days Better Living Ideal for individuals who have no major health 01/02/2021 - 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Course problems and who wish to experience the yogic 21/02/2021 lifestyle to feel rejuvenated and fresh. Monday to Saturday 1 Month TTC Offered in English, this course is best suited for Starting on 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Instructor’s Course - individuals who wish to teach Yoga to school 01/02/2021 and QCI- LEVEL I) students and young adults who have no health Sunday (English) problems. An intensive Yoga teachers’ training 9:00 am -11:30 am that introduces both, the theoretical and the practical aspects of Yoga.
1 Month TTC Offered in English, this course is best suited for 01/02/2021 - Monday to Saturday (Instructor’s Course - individuals who wish to teach Yoga to school 27/03/2021 10:00am - 6:00pm QCI- LEVEL I) students and young adults who have no health and (English) problems. An intensive Yoga teachers’ training Sunday that introduces both, the theoretical and the 9:00am - 11:30am practical aspects of Yoga.
7 Months TTC Offered in English, this course covers Asanas, Starting on Monday to Saturday (Advanced Teachers Pranayama, Kriyas, Bhavas, attitude training, 01/01/2021 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm Training Course - QCI - counseling, public speaking, methodology of and LEVEL II) teaching, practice teaching, essentials of Sunday (English) anatomy & physiology, Yoga Sutras and 9:30am - 10:30am Samkhya Philosophy.
1 Year TTC (Advanced Offered in Hindi, this course covers Asanas, Starting on Monday to Friday Teachers Training Course Pranayama, Kriyas, Bhavas, attitude training, 01/01/2021 1:00pm - 4:00pm - QCI - LEVEL II) counseling, public speaking, methodology of (Hindi) teaching, practice teaching, essentials of anatomy & physiology, Yoga Sutras and Samkhya Philosophy.
Pregnancy Camp for This 2-days camp enables the would-be-mother 06/02/2021 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm Ante & Post Natal to accept the coming event of motherhood 07/02/2021 cheerfully and prepares her without fear or misgivings.
Meditation Camp All the techniques of classical Yoga of Patanjali 13/02/2021 5:00pm - 7:00pm aim to create more awareness in individuals that helps them discover the self shining forth in one's own true nature. Recent research has proven that meditating regularly changes the brainwaves for the better.
21 Days Better Living Ideal for individuals who have no major health 14/02/2021 - 7:00am - 8:30am Course problems and who wish to experience the yogic 06/02/2021 lifestyle to feel rejuvenated and fresh.
Pranayama Learn how to manage asthma, bronchitis, 14/02/2021 8:00am - 11:00am Camp common cold, cough and sinusitis with simple Asanas, Pranayamas and the right diet.
Back & Joint Camp Manage back & joint disorders like cervical 20/02/2021 5:00pm - 8:00pm spondylitis, lower back pain, slipped disc, frozen shoulder, knee conditions, arthritis and such other problems through simple and effective yogic techniques.
29 YOGASATTVA TYI MONTHLY PLANNER > UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
CAMP DESCRIPTION DATE/ DAY TIME
21 Days Better Living Ideal for individuals who have no major health 21/02/2021 – 7:00 am - 8:30 am Course problems and who wish to experience the yogic 06/02/2021 lifestyle to feel rejuvenated and fresh.
Cardiac and Experience this unique method of preventing 21/02/2021 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Hypertension Health and treating heart - related ailments. Workshop
7 Days Health Camp It is an experiential introductory course to Yoga 27/02/2021 – 7:00 am - 7:30 pm theory and practice where one can experience a 5/03/2021 yogic way of life. This camp will help the campers to incorporate yogic ideals in daily life.
Weight Management Learn how to manage your weight permanently 27/02/2021 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Camp through a holistic approach.
Regular Classes The hourly classes are scheduled for men who Monday, 6:30 am - 7:30 am (Online) wish to incorporate Yoga as a part of their daily Tuesday, 7:30 am - 8:30 am routine. They consist of Asanas, Pranayamas, Thursday & 8:30 am - 9:30 am Kriyas and guidelines on yogic lifestyle. Students Friday 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm can enrol on any day of the month. 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Regular Classes for The hourly classes are scheduled for men who Monday, 7:00 am - 8:00 am & Men wish to incorporate Yoga as a part of their daily Tuesday, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (On campus) routine. They consist of Asanas, Pranayamas, Thursday & Kriyas and guidelines on yogic lifestyle. Students Friday can enrol on any day of the month.
Regular Classes for The hourly classes are scheduled for women Monday, 6:30 am - 7:30 am Women who wish to incorporate Yoga as a part of their Tuesday, 7:45 am - 8:45 am (On Campus) daily routine. They consist of Asanas, Thursday & 10:30 am - 11:30 am Pranayamas, Kriyas and guidelines on yogic Friday 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm lifestyle. Students can enrol on any day of the 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm month.
Weekend Classes The duration of the class is one and half hour. Saturday & Saturday (On Campus) Each class is planned for those who wish to Sunday 8:00 am - 9:30 am practice Yoga but can't spare time on weekdays and due to their busy schedule. 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Sunday 8: 00 am - 9:30 am and 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
30 YOGASATTVA PUBLICATIONS & CENTRES
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31 YOGASATTVA Shri Yogendraji -
It is the continuation of contemplation by the mind that produces the state in which all objects other than the object of contemplation are eliminated leading to merger of mind with the object of the contemplation. Thus ‘ Samadhi ‘ is the merger of mind with the object of contemplation
Likewise, in practice of Anitya -Bhavana when intensied will lead to a situation where mind will get isolated from all that is “ Anitya. “, leaving mind itself getting merged with it’s source—Consciousness, being “ Nitya “.
Thus the mind practicing Anitya-Bhavana at its best get isolated from all possessions, being Anitya and itself becomes witness by identifying itself with consciousness.
“Begin and end every day with a heart full of gratitude. Make this attitude a part of your personality, and your life will change for the better.”
FOUNDER, SHRI YOGENDRAJI YOGASATTVA FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE YOGA INSTITUTE, INDIA OLDEST ORGANISED YOGA CENTRE IN THE WORLD