Volume XII, No. 3 August 2006

The Sage’s Experience by Sri Swami Sivananda I am ever free. I alone am. I am taintless, spaceless, timeless. The world appears like a mirage within me. I am infinite, imperishable, self-luminous, self- The Man of Steady Wisdom existent, self-contained. I know neither pleasure, nor by Sri Swami Satchidananda pain, neither joy nor sorrow, neither happiness nor misery. From The Living Gita: I am beginningless. I am endless. I am decayless. 54. O Lord, what is the sign of one of steady wisdom who is always in I am birthless. I am deathless. (superconsciousness)? How does this person talk, walk and sit? Never was I born. I am ever free. I am perfect. I The Blessed Lord says: am pure. I am independent. 55. A person who has let go of all personal desires and is utterly content I am tranquil. I am Pure Knowledge, transcendent. in the truth of Atman, the true Self, is one of steady wisdom. Continued on Page 12 Continued on Page 14 in s i d e The Man of Steady Wisdom Lives of Luminaries...... Page 4 Continuing Education...... Page 9 by Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj...... Page 1 The Guru’s Leelas & Chin Mudra The Sage’s Experience by Vidya Vonne...... Page 5 by Lakshmi Sutter...... Page 10 by Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj...... Page 1 Creative Offerings: Poetry...... Page 6 Member Benefits At-A-Glance...... Page 13 Sri Gurudev on the Qualities of a Yoga... Special Child TT Transformation Speakers’ Schedules...... Page 18 by Marlene Sivani Alderman...... Page 3 by Michelle Demes...... Page 7 Yogaville Programs Calendar...... Page 19 Integral Yoga Updates...... Page 8

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page  INTEGRAL YOGA® The Goal of Integral Yoga TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Founder: Sri Swami Satchidananda The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every The Integral Yoga Teachers Association is a individual is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the membership association open to all Integral diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously Yoga teachers. Its mission is to provide mutual as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved support and spiritual fellowship, to share information, by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum to provide inspiration, and to conduct ongoing train- health and strength, senses under total control, a mind ing and guidance. well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a Director: Lakshmi Sutter razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of Continuing Ed. & Membership Coordinator: unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as a Sadasivam Greenstone crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy. Newsletter Editor: Bharati (Meredith) Dufour Attain this through , , chanting of Copy Editors: Vimala Cook, Swami Holy Names, self discipline, selfless action, japa, Hamsananda, Swami meditation, study and reflection. Gurucharanananda (Mataji), D.L. Fiscus, Lakshmi Sutter Om shanti, shanti, shanti, Please contact us at: Ever yours in Yoga, Integral Yoga® Teachers Association Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville 08 Yogaville Way Buckingham, VA 23921 USA Tel: 434.969.3121, ext 177 Fax: 434.969.5545 E-mail (Newsletter): [email protected] E-mail (Membership): [email protected] E-mail (Director): [email protected] Letter From The Editor Website: www.iyta.org

Namaste and blessings yogiji! As we continue to choose to raise our questions, and others, in the following articles authored consciousness and walk our spiritual path, we by Sri Swami Satchidananda, Sri Swami Sivananda and advance our spiritual growth with keeping our IY teacher sangha members. company of those Masters who have tread You might also find great benefit from receiving words the path before us. These “wise ones” inspire of wisdom of Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj each us through their Divine example, guide us with their words of Truth, week by email. If interested, email [email protected]. and help us keep the right perspective as we go about our daily Another source of inspiration is just a phone call away. experiences. By dialing 434.WOW.GURU (969.4878), you’ll hear Sri This newsletter is devoted to one such Light: Sri Swami Satchi- Swami Satchidananda giving his monthly inspirational dananda Maharaj, in celebration of His bringing Yoga to the West message. forty years ago, and His guidance and inspiration to thousands of And visit www.swamisatchidananda.ORG to gain spiritual seekers all over the globe. greater understanding of and inspiration from his life of You might ask, “What does it feel like to be a ‘Wise One’? How dedicated selfless service, interfaith teachings and steady can I and my Yoga students become more wise? What ‘special’ quali- wisdom. ties shall I look for in seeking a ‘Wise One’ to guide my soul develop- ment? How will I know if I am progressing on my spiritual path?” It is Blessings of Peace, Joy, Love & Light, with joy that you might find and contemplate the answers to these Bharati (Meredith) Dufour

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page  From Our Members Sri Gurudev on the Qualities of a Yoga Teacher by Sivani Marlene Alderman

If people see something good in you, and ways of teaching humans this lesson of not living for yourself, let them learn from you. but dedicating your life to others. So, you have prepared yourself One evening at satsang during Teacher Training we had the in , Raja Yoga, Yama, , , Pranayama, opportunity to ask Sri Gurudev two questions we hoped would , Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. In samadhi you ensure our success as Yoga teachers. are in super consciousness. The scriptures call it jagrat sushupti. “What are the most important qualities for a Yoga teacher to That means awakened sleep. Sleep without sleeping. Do without develop?” Sri Gurudev did not hesitate a moment. “Humility,” doing. Act without acting. he said, “learn from your students. You should think everyone is “You should ultimately learn this trick of doing without doing. your teacher and you are the only student.” That is accomplished only when you clean up your mirrors well. “What are the most important gifts we can give to our Make the mirror completely pure and steady, like a crystal, and students?” Sri Gurudev replied, “You can give nothing to then you will know who you are. You will know who you are if your students. Remember that you are still learning. The most the mind is cleaned well and stabilized well. With a steady, clean, important thing you can do is to be a good and to set an colorless mind, you, the real you, will see yourself. Then you example in your own life.” realize your pure ‘I,’ the pure Atman. With that vision you see Humility, selfless service and being a good example were everything as that pure Atman appearing as many. Only then does themes Sri Gurudev often discussed in talks with new Yoga your vision become spiritual vision because you have understood teachers. He shared the following thoughts about teaching at yourself as the pure spirit, and from that you see everything. various graduation satsangs: “So to achieve this knowledge of the Self, Self‑realization, the “The best teaching is by example. That is the advice I always only way is to keep the mind clean. That’s why the second sutra give to the graduates. Our life must be one that is dedicated to of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras says, ‘ chitta vritti nirodhah.’ The the welfare of the entire creation. You live for the sake of others. restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga. That is the That’s what you call a dedicated life. You have prepared yourself real Yoga. All other things are steps, aids, to help you to get into here. We are here to prepare ourselves to serve. In service we this space. Let the chitta be pure. That is the aim of Yoga. don’t expect any remuneration. If it comes to you, accept it. Don’t “Yoga should help us to really know who we are and who share for money or for anything but the joy of sharing. There’s others are, what everything is made of essentially. So if we keep a great joy in giving, in sharing and caring and not expecting this truth, this reality, in mind, we’ll be very useful to people. Our anything in return. That’s what we learn from the : personal lives will be very peaceful also. When your life becomes ‘Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana.’ You are born useful your mind becomes peaceful. So if the mind becomes to serve but not to expect the result of it, the fruit of it. peaceful, you become easeful. Easeful means not disease-ful. “No tree eats its own fruit. Every tree brings forth fruit and “Make your mind Yoga and from that yogic mind you will offers it to others. What a dedicated life we learn from the trees, see things as they are, and you will know how to accept them as the plants, and the animals because that is nature. Nature’s law is they are. That’s why Yoga practices or even religious practices not to live for yourself but for others. That should be our nature. are not to be preached; they’re for self‑reformation. You correct Other species live for the sake of others. That’s why they don’t yourself; and then if people see something good in you, let them need scriptures; they don’t need religions; they don’t need Raja learn from you. You don’t go out as a teacher. Others should Yoga courses. They don’t have to meditate because they live learn from you and call you teacher. that life. “Wisdom is not something that you teach. It comes out “But for whom are all these teachings, scriptures, dogmas and of experience and it comes from within. You learn by seeing rituals? Only for this species: the human beings. It’s we who have examples—sometimes even by making mistakes. The teacher forgotten that life. That’s why there are thousands of approaches repeats what he learned, you hear it, and by your example, pass Continued on Page 14

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page  Saints and Sages Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj

The lesson I learned from all the great Masters was service; always serve, serve and serve.

This is a lesson Sri Gurudev learned by heart as a disciple, and one He had lived with all his heart ever since. In his remarkable life, Sri Gurudev had personally known many of the saints and sages described in the booklet “Lives of Luminaries”. Throughout his long life he worked together for the cause of peace with many of the leaders of their organizations. Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidanandaji’s early life was spent The devout family into which he was born on 22 December 1914 in South India, a lad steeped in ageless scriptures and filled were cousins of Kandaswami Swamigal. His family Guru was Sri Sadhu with holy men and women who found in God a peace and Swamigal, and many times as a child he visited Swamigal’s ashram. His happiness more permanent than the fleeting wonders of first school lessons were the alphabet poems of Avvaiyar. the passing world could ever give. As a young man, he often visited Ananda Ashram to spend time at Desiring to conceive a child that would grow up to be like the holy feet of Papa Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai; later he entered those saintly ones, his parents traveled to the sacred Palani the Thapovanam, where he received pre-sannyas initiation Hill to seek God’s blessings. Here his mother was given a from Swami Chidbhavanandaji. During this time he received the blessings mantram to repeat that would develop a vibration within of and The Mother. And he was privileged to spend some conducive to receiving such a soul. time at Ramanashram during Ramana Maharshi’s last days. It is not surprising that when the child she bore grew to Finally, in 1949, he arrived at Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh, where manhood, he gave himself completely to spiritual life, and he received sannyas initiation from Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. Soon his mantram became this: “To spend every breath I take in after, he was called out into the world as a servant of God to minister serving God and His humanity.” to His children around the globe. Since then he touched the lives of Today, Sri Gurudev has become well-known around the hundreds of thousands of spiritual seekers with the light of truth and globe for his guidance, his teachings, his inspiration, his the love of God. insight, his wisdom, his example, his universal love, and We too can learn the great lesson Sri Gurudev learned: to serve, his all-embracing approach to religion. He respected serve and serve—and to thereby know ourselves the peace, the health, the various names and forms, and saw the one universal and the joy that have won him the love of so many dedicated friends, Lord behind them all. He did not deny any individual, but the reverence of so many devoted disciples, and the respect of so many accepted all people as his brothers and sisters in the one other leaders in the world today. family of God. It’s all His name, it’s all His form, it’s all His deed, and it’s all for good. —Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj

This story was taken from the Integral Yoga Publication Lives of Luminaries, which is available through Integral Yoga Distribution. IYTA members receive a 40% discount.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page  From Our Members The Guru’s Leelas by Vidya Vonne

Twameva Mataa Cha Pitaa Twameva Thou art my mother, my father Thou art. Twameva bandhus’ cha sakhaa twameva Thou art my family, my friend Thou art. Twameva vidyaa dravinam twameva Thou art my knowledge, my wealth Thou art. Twameva sarvam mama devadeva Thou art my all, O the Light of all Lights Thou art.

One of Gurudev’s mentors was the great Sri Swami I began to hitchhike across the country. Over breakfast at the Vivekananda of the in India. In his beautiful IYI in Denver a fellow disciple looked me directly in the eyes and treatise Bhakti Yoga, Vivekanandaji speaks of some of the said, “Call Swamiji!” I could tell that it was not his own voice, many types of devotion to a personal manifestation of the One but the voice of coming through him and demanding Consciousness or God as described in Hindu Scripture. Some of this, and so I went directly to the phone and called the retreat the types he discusses are seeing God as personal friend (sakhya), center. When Gurudev got on the phone, His first words were, as our child (vatsalya), or as our beloved sweetheart (madhura). “Sweetheart, we’ve been so worried about you!” Suddenly, I was In my years studying with Sri Gurudev, I saw that these very the child, the beloved child, and He the Father, the concerned same kinds of relationships are possible in our devotion to Guru. and responsible parent. All notions that He was nothing but a When God or Guru appears to “step down” to play a certain celestial figure floating in the clouds were banished with that one limited role in the life of a seeker, it is sometimes referred to as a word “sweetheart.” “leela” or play. In the life and ministry of our beloved Sri Swami Since that day I had many experiences of the parent/child Satchidananda Maharaj, I have seen many of these amazing kinds leela. When I arrived at the retreat, I was allowed to sit at His of devotional leelas. feet as He spoke with some of the leading spiritual teachers of I first met Sri Gurudev “in the flesh” in January1 970. Initially— the day: Ram Dass, Sant Keshavadas, Rabbi Gelberman and whether looking at His photo, or seeing Him in life—I saw Him Brother David. I experienced myself as a small child in the room as an incarnate Deity. The light was so bright; I couldn’t see with these giants. Another time, rushing out to greet Him at the any human side. To me He was always seated in meditation or Connecticut Ashram—and noticing that others had expensive gifts standing with hand raised in benediction. If He spoke to me at to give Him—I quickly grabbed a tiny purple forget-me-not flower all (very rare!), it was as God speaking to a mortal. Every word from the ground and handed it to Him. I will never forget the He spoke seemed to come out from the vastness of the highest experience, as He seemed to tune out the entire world, focusing Samadhi and to reverberate like a cosmic mantra. Although I saw on the tiny dime-sized blossom nestling on the palm of His huge those around me having more personal relationships with Him, brown hand. It was as if it were the most beautiful and valuable I couldn’t begin to imagine that. This lasted for the first couple gift, the way a parent appreciates the gift of even a messy finger of years of my studentship. It was probably for this reason I had painting from his young child. At another time, hearing I was little physical contact with Him at that time. I would not have fasting, He fed me a fingerful of ice cream right from His large been able to picture Him moving around, chatting, eating—doing finger, putting it in my mouth with His finger as Indian parents normal human things! do with their infants and toddlers. Then one day in 1973 this changed. I found I could have Although for my own growth He would often ignore my another type of relationship with Him. I had become distraught presence for long periods of time, when He did turn His gaze with my life and service at the Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) in Los upon me, it was often as father to child. Another time I had Angeles, CA. I was so caught up in my unhappiness that I decided gone to work in NYC to earn money in order to accompany to “run away,” to just leave without saying a word, in spite of my Him on a trip to India. On a visit back to the ashram, I told Him being a member of the Institute’s staff and already a pre-sannyasin I’d been hired to do some work. He looked at me with feigned (a student on the way towards monastic ordination). I took my amazement and parental pride: “Who WOULDN’T hire you???” entire savings of $5, a toothbrush, one change of underwear and as if I were His sweet child, just heading out into the world for started out on foot, imagining if it were God’s will, I might end the first time. I felt a similar pride emanating from Him when I up in Gurudev’s physical presence in New York, where He was at that time leading a retreat. Continued on Page 15

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page  creative Offerings

Excerpt from What is Integral Yoga?

It’s a gentle calling, whispering wind, beckoning to the hidden potential within It’s a path less trodden, a step into the light, a new way to begin It’s the state of just simply rejoicing in the now It’s a practice, a discipline, a journey, a deliverance, initiation and vow It’s the mental strength gained from steady practice of meditation With a life full of service, commitment and dedication It’s a way of morally conducting oneself in yama and niyama, It’s a hunger, an ever longing for the truth, living usefully, burning out karma It’s becoming the seeker in order to know the seer It’s keeping the faith ad rising above human fear It’s keeping the faith and rising above human fear To tame the intellect It’s a synthesis of practices, an integral approach to reveal God’s light Illuminating the way forward to a peaceful mind with loves flame burning bright It’s Hatha Yoga, the physical strength gained through practice of our asana With cleansing through a yogic diet, kriya and pranayama Its , the path of subtle intellect where our knowledge eventually caves in To the realization of the unchangeable the absolute and un-flickering flame within It’s , the path of selfless service without expectation With pure giving from the heart without gain leading to salvation It’s Bhakti, the path of pure love and devotion As one’s world dissolves into a divine love above all human emotion It’s Japa, repetition of a sacred mantra, drawing within the source, the divine Holding its resonance, polishing the mirror, reflecting pure light to shine All paths leading to the one infinity, yoga, the union, pure bliss, divinity Integral yoga embodies the royal path of Raja, the path for the scientist Where meditation and thought control path the way for knowledge wisdom bliss Where puja, love, study, dedication are the potions of God the alchemist To create a world of spiritual blessing and eternal happiness by Kelly Jo Ambha Howes Dorset, UK

Gurudev Would Have Loved It! Seegra Swamiji Grace Swami Satchidananda was a revered yogi, and chose On one occasion, following lively conversation and to live a rugged and ascetic lifestyle. He often went laughter, an informal gathering of ashramites began eating. barefoot and as a result, developed calloused feet. He Suddenly someone realized that no one had given grace. ate a sparing vegetarian diet, including many beans, and With all eyes cast his way, Gurudev paused, nodded, then developed bad breath. He also went on a number of without delay said, “Rama, Rama, thanks Momma...let’s fasts, which caused him to become somewhat weak. eat!” He was a “ Super-calloused fragile mystic with extra Hm-m-m. Bon appetite. halitosis.” by D.L. Fiscus by Swami Sarvaananda contributed by D.L. Fiscus

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page  From Our Members Special Child TT Transformation by Michelle Demes

At 32, I was divorced and mother to an autistic 8-year-old The pranayama portion of the program was more challenging daughter. Physically, I felt like I was 90 years old; emotionally I than I had expected, and it prompted the deepest looking into felt very low. Spiritually, I knew I needed hope and direction. I myself. I learned the importance of the breath for children with was searching for a new way to live. The way I was going about special needs: improving physical and emotional strength by things was not working anymore. increasing lung capacity and correcting the breath’s rhythm. I As the parent of a child with special needs, my life revolved could feel how much the pranayama increased my energy level around abnormal behaviors and confusion about what to do. and relieved the fatigue I had felt before practicing it. As Sonia Over the years I had sought many options for my daughter, said, “Breath is the door and the key.” Christine: physical therapy, occupational therapy, behavior The asanas were basic to start, but with Sonia’s guidance, modification techniques, etc.—more than I can list. It seemed they became a beautiful and humbling journey into my body that the more I looked, the more lost I felt. and soul. I knew I wanted to teach like her and be like her. I also A friend listened to how I felt and supported my idea of trying knew that was going to take a long time, but I could think of no Yoga; it would help me relax and focus. I had never practiced but better way to spend the rest of my life. was curious. She gave me a “Yoga for the Special Child” brochure My daughter Christine came into the program as a which described the work of Sonia Sumar, who used Integral demonstration student for Sonia. Christine did not really Hatha Yoga techniques: mantra, pranayama, asana, and deep cooperate much physically, but that did not matter; Sonia made relaxation, with her Down Syndrome daughter. I could hardly a connection with her that went beyond the physical level. It was believe such a program existed—Yoga for me with my daughter? a perfect example of how Yoga is limitless. The brochure advertised an upcoming basic certification course Observing Sonia working with the children was the most in our area. amazing part of the week. Her program made me realize that I remember telling my friend, “It sounds like a dream job—to personal growth is necessary in order to work effectively with work with children and Yoga.” children. The “Yoga for the Special Child” program offered tools Her response was, “Then do it!” to help create that change in mind, body, and soul. Opening day of the program, I was the first student to arrive. Throughout the course, Sonia shared her personal accounts Sonia greeted me with a huge hug, and in that moment the door of working with special children, as well as the teachings of of Yoga opened up for me. her guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj. What an amazing The week long program was filled with, among others, parents, combination of knowledge! physical therapists, occupational therapists, and special education Immediately after the basic program, I began to read the teachers. I felt honored to be among them. The students’ embrace by Swami Satchidananda and prepared and Sonia’s unconditional love started to repair my damaged to attend the Advanced Level 1 course just one month later. self-image, and Yoga began to seep into my pores. Some of the other students from my basic class did the same. It Other mothers in my group had children with greater physical was nice moving through the program levels with familiar faces, challenges than I had ever seen, and Sonia worked with these bonding and learning from and about each other. mothers and their children in such a deep and effective way, I Every one of us spoke of the changes we had made in our was in awe. lives since taking the program. We began to understand more This was my first experience chanting mantra. How powerful it about ourselves: the traits we wanted to change and the traits was to chant “Om” with a group, lead by such a spiritual teacher! we could value more. My values began to shift toward the ones Then we learned to chant “Hari Om” with the children. During taught by Sonia: love, detachment, connection of souls, patience, the program, the children remarked that the mantra stayed with trust, and fearless careful work. She asked us to allow these values them day and night—that they were hearing Sonia’s voice even into our everyday life; the more they manifest in our behavior, in daydreams. Continued on Page 15

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page  integral yoga updates

IY Teachers Gathering Bon Voyage to our Beloved Many of you are planning to attend the Double Sadasiva Greenstone Anniversary celebration in October, and we’re very much The IYTA has been lovingly served by Sadasiva for close looking forward to your presence! If you are attending and to a year. As you are probably aware, Sadasiva has served as would like to attend a seminar just for IY teachers on Monday our Membership Coordinator; many of you have gotten to morning, October 9, we’re planning a gathering just for you! know him through phone calls and email. Sadasiva and his Please register for the event as usual with ARC, and also wife, Satya, will be in Europe for several months this fall and phone or email the Academy so that we’ll know you are again in the spring. He’ll certainly be back to Yogaville and coming. If you will be attending the seminar, please phone potentially serving in varying capacities again in the future. the Academy Administration office at 434.969.3121 ext 139, We wish them both joyful travels and look forward to their or let them know via email at [email protected]. fun return!

Yogaville Community Group IYTA Membership Coordinator Formerly known as the Yogaville Community Association, Are you a self-motivated individual looking to serve in the new incarnation of this organization is undergoing a a dynamic office at Yogaville? The Integral Yoga Teachers rigorous metamorphosis! We are currently developing bylaws Association (IYTA) is seeking a Membership Coordinator for incorporation. The consensus agreement is that our beginning mid-August, 2006. The Membership Coordinator purpose is to promote spiritual, social, economic and cultural will report to the IYTA Director and is preferably an Integral development within Sri Swami Satchidananda’s vision for a Yoga Hatha instructor. The IYTA is housed within the Integral global community, respecting the “Integral Yoga Lifestyle Yoga Academy, where we offer a team-based and flexible Principles.” The purpose is to be achieved by activities and working environment. If you are seriously interested in this projects developed by the leadership and the membership. 3/4–full time position, please contact Lakshmi Sutter at Please feel free to contact Germaine Gray at 434.969.2900 [email protected] or 434.969.3121 ext 137. Limited compensation or [email protected] for more information. and housing are negotiable. We are requesting a 2-year commitment. SASTRI Transcribers Requested Prayers and Blessings to: If you are a good typist, accurate and good at spelling, Rachel Preeti Greene’s soul and her family, especially have a computer with sound system and would like to husband Dan take part in digitizing Sri Gurudev’s satsang talks given Joelle Sharada Rogers for radiant, vibrant health in his voice, please contact Swami Murugananda at Meera Kerr for career abundance and prosperity [email protected]. MEMBER updates

T. Vijay Bonestroo, a Spring ‘06 On June 1st Kate Chitra McDevitt Basic TT graduate has opened the War- opened the doors of Cat Cow in Mari- saw Yoga Studio in Warsaw, Missouri etta, PA, located along the Susquehanna on July 5th. What Vijay had experienced River between York and Lancaster. She at a studio in Augusta, GA led him to currently offers two 90-minute traditional Integral Yoga begin- take the training course and share the healing process with ner classes per week that “focus on relaxation and quieting the others, as well as sharing techniques to integrate the mind mind while tuning into what is happening physically.” She’s and body. Photo: Amber, 14 years old, at her fifth class. She working on offering more classes in other styles of Yoga and was the studio’s first student. healing arts.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page  continuing education

Teaching Yoga for the YOGA TEACHER WORKSHOPS: Special Child TT Adapting Yoga for Larger Bodies When I attended Yoga for the Special Child several years With 65% of the American population overweight, Yoga ago at Yogaville, I felt privileged to learn of breakthrough teachers need to be able to adapt traditional asanas for the techniques. larger body. Based on the Integral Yoga model, Big Yoga Her five keys to reaching and working with children incorporates all the aspects of Yoga, including: with special needs address a real personal link that must Hatha Yoga: Use props and adaptations for maximum be established. The first hurdle to cross is winning the comfort trust of parents who may be traumatized by their own Raja Yoga: Discover how Patanjali’s concepts, such as child’s condition. Sonia gave many examples and helps to Pratipaksha Bhavana, can be useful for people who are chal- understand the parents and still set boundaries for workable lenged by their weight sessions to occur. Bhakti Yoga: Experience heart-opening devotion through After establishing a degree of trust with the parent, the power of sound. Meera is known for her exuberant whereby they allow you to interact with their child, then you chanting! have the privilege of opening up your sensitivity to the little human being. What are the unique parameters of this little Jnana Yoga: Learn how to teach self-love and self-study to person? How can you reach a response and cooperation uncover the underlying reasons for carrying excess weight level? Karma Yoga: Gain a deeper understanding of our perfec- Sonia’s tremendous heart and knowledge touched tion, as a creation of the divine everyone in my class as she lead us through a progression of Facilitated by Meera Kerr on September 27-October 1, simple body movements that are known to be useful. She 2006.* (RYT 500) showed us how to easefully adapt to each child’s specific needs. Her dedication to these techniques came from all the Principles of Therapeutic Yoga— many times she has seen Integral Yoga unlock a dear child’s Adapting Asana to Individual Needs ability to relate, move and grow. She expressed clearly that Learn how to precisely adapt Yoga to individual needs most children can go beyond the limitations of case diagnoses, and health issues. Support your students by learning how not to get caught in worst case projections, but to realize the classical asanas can be adapted to accommodate people of spirit within each child that can surprise everyone. various ages, body types, and physical conditions while still She showed how each child is a world of his own, and you preserving a powerful and authentic Yoga practice. Mark can enter that world through heart centeredness. Then you Whitwell will use the example of chronic lower back pain can utilize the brilliantly simply progressions of movement to explore the principles of adapting asana to suit individual she teaches. student requirements. I have found all her insights and techniques to be valid Facilitated by Mark Whitwell on October 20–22, 2006.* and true with wonderful children whose parents have allowed (RYT 500) me to work with them. Sonia’s application of yoga principles unlock potential of their young lives with respect and love. Inner Practice of Yoga With highest regards for the teacher Sonia Sivakami Sumar This seminar is experiential in nature and based in and the teachings of Integral Yoga. the practical applications of mindfulness and cognitive Ananda Shakti restructuring to a traditional Hatha Yoga practice. The next opportunity to begin the Teaching Yoga for Facilitated by Rev. Manjula Spears,RYT and Richard A. the Special Child Teacher Training program with Sonia Panico M.D. on November30-December 3, 2006. Sumar is September 22-29, 2006.*

*For more information or to register for these training programs, contact ARC at [email protected] or 800.858.9642. Mention your IYTA membership to receive your 5% discount for Special Child TT or 10% for teacher workshops.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page  Hatha Yoga includes asanas, pranayama, mudras and the mind is busy and distracted but when directed inward, the bandhas. Hatha Yoga is essentially concerned with —or mind becomes focused and calm. Practicing mudras keeps the the harmonious flow of subtle energy. Asanas easily work at the mind fixed on the points over which they are applied. most physical level of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Since mudras involve redirecting subtle energy it takes a When practiced with awareness, asanas serve as a preparation greater sensitivity to perceive the effect, or the channeling of for the more subtle practices of working more directly with prana prana; thus mudras may be appreciated more by advanced through pranayama, mudras and bandhas. students. One must cultivate a deeper sensitivity to eventually The word mudra literally means gesture or attitude and is feel the energetic effects of mudras. a means to seal or circuit the flow of prana. The word is often Mudras can come spontaneously. They are in all spiritual translated as seal. Generally, prana is being dissipated outward traditions. There are hundreds if not thousands of mudras ranging through the legs, hands, through the eyes, tongue, etc. Mudras are from simple hand gestures such as Chin Mudra to mudras a means to direct that prana inward. When prana moves outward, involving the entire body such as Yoga Mudra.

Yoga Mudra is so called because it unites the individual consciousness with the supreme consciousness, or the outer Yoga Mudra nature with the inner nature. Among all the mudras, Yoga Mudra is considered suitable to be practiced by everyone. Some schools will teach this with an attitude of psychic union. As a mudra, Yoga Mudra is practiced differently than an asana. A mudra is an energy seal, not an asana. It seals in the energy—not letting it dissipate. Therefore, emphasize inner awareness versus focusing on the stretch. In Yoga Mudra, or yogic seal, the legs are comfortably crossed, and the arms are crossed behind the back taking hold of one wrist. In this bound position, hinging forward to bring the forehead toward the floor directs restless dissipating prana inward toward • If the forehead does not reach the floor, one may rest the head (the third eye or crown ). In the Integral Yoga the forehead on a block or other prop. If the forehead class, Yoga Mudra follows asana practice leading one to the more comfortably reaches the earth, one may first touch the head subtle realms of prana and consciousness. to the earth and then bring the chin to the earth. • Ideally, the sitting bones will remain grounded, allowing Preparing for the Practice a connection to the earth. If the sitting bones lift, it is • One may begin in padmaasana (lotus pose), ardhha acceptable. One may wish to try the practice with hips padmaasana (half-lotus pose), or any comfortable, cross- supported on a prop to experience the difference keeping legged position. sitting bones grounded may make. • Bring the hands behind the back, taking hold of one wrist with the opposite hand (see additional hand variations). Experiencing the Practice • Close the eyes and relax the whole body. • Maintain normal breathing throughout. The respirations • It can be helpful to pause here for several breaths to allow should be as slow as possible without the slightest strain. the spine to elongate, bringing the natural curves into the • One can bring their awareness to several focal points. spine. Simultaneously, one may feel expansiveness in the Consider focusing on: heart area and a relaxation of any muscular effort that isn’t • the pressure of the heels against the abdomen involved with holding the body upright. • the beat of the heart • any sensations in the body Moving into the Practice • any feelings of pranic movement • Allowing the breath to move the body, bend forward slowly • the spine—feeling the prana flowing up and down the with an elongated spine, as if to touch the floor with the chest. spine with each breath Using a slow exhale while bending forward, synchronize the • synchronizing the subtle movements of the body with the movement with the breath so that the forehead just touches breath and on relaxing the back and abdomen the floor as the air is fully expelled from the lungs. Over time, build up comfort to remain in the mudra for two minutes.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 10 Chin Mudra is a symbol of wisdom and surrender. Chin Mudra All the fingers of the hand represent something • The thumb represents the higher or Universal Self Univeral Self • The index finger represents the individual self • The middle finger represents the ego individual self • The third or ring finger represents the illusion of the ego mind illusion of the mind • Fourth or pinky finger represents the worldly actions and their reactions worldly actions and reactions Seated in a comfortable cross-legged position, or any other appropriate position, allow the hands to rest on corresponding knees. Turn the palms upward. On each hand, touch the tip of the thumb with the tip of the index finger. Point the remaining three fingers on each hand downward. During Chin Mudra, the individual self symbolically renounces all worldliness and rises up toward the higher Self. While watching the efforts of the individual self, the higher Self gracefully bends down to meet it. So, the union of the Universal and individual selves is symbolized by this Chin Mudra. Drawing by Amanda Parr

Coming out of the Practice Variations • When releasing the seal, feel that the breath lifts you back For those who are comfortable in padmaasana, several arm to a seated position. With an inhale, let the chest s l o w l y variations become available: lead the torso upright, hinging upward from the hips. When 1. Place closed fists behind the heels of the feet, so that the the torso is erect, keep the eyes closed and observe your thumb and index finger touch the back of the heel. The experience. pinky finger side of the hand will apply pressure to the • Allow quiet time to reflect within. abdominal area. Allow the elbows to bend out to the All these movements should be performed in a harmonious, sides. smooth and synchronized manner. 2. Place palms down on the soles of the feet. 3. Place palm to palm with the fingers pointing upward in Consider alternating the direction the legs are crossed each the middle of the back (this is hamsa or swan mudra). time you practice Yoga Mudra. 4. For those who have the flexibility in the shoulders and Benefits of Yoga Mudra length in the arms, they may sweep the right arm around • Excellent preparatory practice for meditation the back of the body and take hold of the right great toe in • Calms the adrenal system and engenders a sense of relaxation chin mudra. The left arm will simultaneously sweep behind from the pressure along the abdomen and the body to hold the left great toe in chin mudra. chest created by the legs and heels Modifications • Relieves anger and tension, inducing tranquility, and People with stiff backs and those unable to sit in padmaasana develops awareness and control of psychic energy comfortably may perform the practice from sukhaasana • Reminds the practitioner of the purpose of life, during or vajraasana. If adopting the latter, bend forward into meditation shashankaasana with the hands clasped being the back. If • Relieves many disorders of the abdominal viscera vajraasana is uncomfortable, the knees maybe separated slightly, (abdominal disorders) allowing the chest to come closer to the floor. • Tones the nervous system • Relieves constipation and indigestion Contra-indications • Helps to overcome seminal weakness Those experiencing sciatica, high blood pressure, pelvic • Helps to rouse the Sakti, or latent power, inflammatory disease or any other serious abdominal ailment within when practiced for a fairly long time should avoid this practice. • Restores balance to the body, mind and energy People with serious eye, heart or back conditions and those • Can bring added benefit to the practice of pranayama in the early post-operative or post-delivery period should not attempt this practice.

Sources: Integral Yoga® Hatha Training Manuals; Integral Yoga Hatha by Sri Swami Satchidananda; Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, by Swami

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 11 The Man of Steady Wisdom— continued from page 1

56. A person undisturbed by difficulties, who doesn’t yearn 61. But the yogi learns to control the senses by meditating to be happy, who has no favorites, no fear and no anger is a on me as the highest goal. As the senses come under control, sage of steady wisdom. the yogi’s wisdom becomes steady. 57. Whoever is free of all mental attachments, who is not Now, he gives a chain reaction that shows how people excited when good things happen nor dejected when evil comes ultimately destroy themselves. It is a beautiful part of the Gita to is poised in wisdom. remember always. 58. When one can withdraw the senses from sense objects, 62. From brooding on sense objects, attachment to them like a tortoise draws within, his wisdom is unwavering. arises. Out of that attachment, personal desire is born. And A nice example is given here that will also illustrate pratyahara from desire, anger appears. in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. When your senses are completely under 63. Anger confuses the thinking process, which, in turn, your control, you may see sense objects, but you are able to disturbs memory. When memory fails, reasoning is ruined. And withdraw your senses from them. The when reason is gone, one is lost. senses should not draw you out against ...the yogi who has Where does it all begin? Brooding your will. That’s pratyahara, withdrawal on a sense object. When you start of the senses from the sense objects. disciplined the mind brooding, you end up perishing. Here’s 59. By abstaining from sense objects, an example. You go to work every day they will drop away. Longing for them and has control of the by the same road. You see many people will also disappear upon realizing the senses can move about coming and going along your way, but highest truth. you don’t even notice them. All of a You may control the senses, but amidst sense objects, sudden one form gets registered in your still impressions from past desires, the mind. “Ah, who is this lovely woman?” vasanas, are there. You may not be free of attraction and Then you walk on. But something is enjoying the objects of your desires, aversion, settling more fixed there. “Who could that be?” The but that doesn’t mean that you are next day you happen to see the same completely free from them. You may deeply in tranquility... woman and your interest grows a little have a little longing still. Sometimes more. Within a couple of days you when people fast, even though they are away from food, desire to find her address and telephone number. You’re hoping unfortunately they think more about food. So just staying away for a date. Somehow, you come to know that someone else is is not enough. The question really is: how do we get rid of this already courting her. What happens then? Competition arises. longing, these vasanas? The answer is, not by force, but by real When you see him getting in your way, you become angry. The understanding of the truth. Ask yourself, “Who is eating the food? anger ruins your discrimination. Because you’re mad for her, Am I or is my body? It’s the body that longs for the food. I’m not an enmity develops, and you want to destroy the other suitor. hungry. I’m not thirsty.” You get into a terrible fight. The law doesn’t understand that it When you’re rooted in this truth, then even the longing goes comes from a mental fixation, and you are both put in jail. Life away. My Master used to sing: “I’m not the body, not the mind; gets ruined. immortal Self I am!” When you’re rooted in that, then you’ll Everything begins with the mind. When the mind becomes look at the body and say, “Hey, you’re not really hungry. You’ve attached to something, you don’t usually question your mind. You eaten enough. There’s a lot of storage. Finish up all that and I’ll don’t analyze it. The mind wants it, so you just chase after it. That’s give you some more later on.” And you won’t dwell on it. That’s what’s meant here—not that you should totally avoid looking for why they say: “When you realize the Supreme, even the longing good friendships. But let the desires be under your control. Don’t goes away.” just be carried away by the mind. That’s the teaching. Personal As long as you’re still striving, be extremely careful not to desire creates anger. It’s a temporary insanity. Basically, there’s be deceived by overconfidence, thinking, “I have achieved no difference between one and the other. If you are temporarily everything. Now I’m completely in control.” You can be deceived insane, they say you’re mad. at any time. Lord Krishna warns: 64. But the yogi who has disciplined the mind and has control 60. If the senses become excited, Arjuna, they will carry away of the senses can move about amidst sense objects, free of even the mind of a wise person aiming for perfection. attraction and aversion, settling more deeply in tranquility.

Continued on Page 16

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 12 IYTA: INTEGRAL YOGA® TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Members receive the following services: C O M Basic Benefits: M • Quarterly IYTA Newsletter U • Members-only area within the IYTA website N I • Online forum of IY teachers T • Directory of IY Teachers–printed and online Y • Contact person to answer your IY related questions

♦ Discounted IY Products & Services: S • 10% discount on Integral Yoga Magazine U • 10% discount on 90th Jayanthi Anniversary Calendar P • 10% discount toward Yogaville programs, P retreats, and guest stays O • 10% discount at Yogaville bookstores and gift shops R • 5% discount on Teacher Training programs T in India, Mexico, New York, San Francisco or at Yogaville ♦ • 40% discount at Integral Yoga Distribution • IY Teacher Reunions and Conferences C O • Discounted Living Yoga Training Programs N and Support Staff opportunities T I Additional Services: N • Yoga teacher liability insurance (US members only) U • Magazine subscription discounts on Yoga International, I , Namarupa, and Ascent N G New York IY Institute Special Offerings: • Free electronic newsletter (e-namaste) E D • Discounted workshops for Yoga teachers only U C A Services Always Expanding T Enjoy all this for less than $6/mth! I Call 434-969-3121 ext 177 or O visit www.iyta.org. N Annual Dues: $70.00

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 13 The Sage’s Experience— continued from page 1

I am above good and evil, virtue and vice. I am the taintless Nirvana. I am Turiya, the fourth stage of I am one. I go nowhere. I come from nowhere. I abide in consciousness. I am Be-ness. myself. I pervade the entire universe. I am all-permeating and I am Freedom Absolute. I am Supreme Peace Transcendental. interpenetrating. I am Supreme Silence Stupendous. I am Absolute. I am non-dual. I am pure Wisdom. I am pure There is neither space nor time in me. I am Infinity. I am Consciousness. Eternity. I am the limitless, infinite ocean of consciousness. The wind First I abandoned desires, then attachment. Now I abide in of mind produces the waves of worlds. Supreme Peace. I am Atman, impersonal and all-pervading. I am Atman, I do not mix much. I do not move. I meditate. Now I abide the Self of all beings. I am the Substratum, support, source for in eternal peace. everything. I controlled the senses and the mind. I cultivated dispassion. I am the nectar which is Knowledge Absolute. I am beyond Now I abide in everlasting peace. the reach of the mind, the intellect and the senses. The world is an illusion. Brahman is the only Reality. Knowing I am unattached (Asanga). I am not the doer (Akarta). I am this, now I abide in peace that passeth all understanding. not the agent. I am not the enjoyer (Abhokta). I am the silent “I am all-pervading, immortal Atman.” Knowing this, now I Witness (Sakshi). abide in peace immortal. Free from subject and object am I, Satchidananda Brahman I have renounced both action and inaction. I live happily in am I. any state now. So I abide in perennial peace. The one, the taintless, transcendental Truth am I. Ever stable, The sense-objects are the robbers. I have annihilated these peaceful, immovable, immutable, invulnerable, unperturbable robbers. I am quite safe and happy. Now I abide in unalloyed Truth am I. peace. The nectar of Immortality am I. The immortality-giving Excerpt from Spiritual Experiences by Sri Swami Sivananda, knowledge am I. Ever-blissful Siva am I. pp 166-168.

Sri Gurudev on the Qualities of a Yoga Teacher— continued from page 3 it on to others. It’s almost like a fruit ripening. By its maturity, the possessions, at the same time, fear comes—because your pride color, the flavor, the taste, everything comes. Nobody can teach is based on those things you don’t want to lose. So, the humble the fruit to become ripe, but they can give it some nourishment, man is the peaceful man, always. good sunlight, and protection from animals. You can do all that, “Well, I’m glad to see all the fruits of Yoga. Certainly, a tree but you cannot make the fruit grow. By your well‑balanced mind, is known by its fruits, and I am sure that you are all sweet fruits. beautiful ideas come from within. Even if it doesn’t come from Sometimes, one fruit may have many seeds. After you finish eating within, you will receive those ideas from the cosmic mind. School the fruits, you plant the seeds, and they give rise to more trees education is only partial. and fruits. So may the great that brings health “The ultimate teacher is God. All you have and all you do is and happiness to the entire humanity be served well through God’s gift. Think of that as often as you can. Everything is God’s. your very life and example. May the Lord bless you and guide You didn’t bring anything with you; you’re not going to take you to find easefulness in the body, peacefulness in mind, and anything with you. Everything was given to you: money, power, thus usefulness in your life. OM Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi.” position, even knowledge. So what was the purpose of giving Thanks to Swami Muruganandaji and SASTRI for Sri those things to you? For you to possess? No. They were given for Gurudev’s Satsang transcripts from which these teachings you to use for the sake of the general good, for the service of the were excerpted and compiled. Sivani is a teacher of Integral whole Universe. You are using those things for others’ sake, for Yoga Hatha, Raja Yoga and Meditation. She is a Seminarian the sake of the entire cosmos. If you think that way, you don’t studying for the Integral Yoga Ministry. have pride about ‘Oh, I’ve done this, I’ve achieved something.’ Humility comes automatically. Humility is the greatest virtue. If you take pride in your money, pride in your power, pride in your

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 14 The Guru’s Leelas— continued from page 5 gave a speech in Tamil at the temple associated with Ramana Guru, God Incarnate. Or Child, Friend, Guide, even the funny Maharshi in South India. It wasn’t that I was so great, or doing grandfatherly man who told jokes and made them laugh. To so well; it was the leela of father and small child. The father is some He was just a teacher to learn something from, one among naturally proud of his young child, however halting or stumbling many. their steps. But, even now, when I gaze upon His face on my altar or hear Our guru/disciple leela changed once again when I became His voice in my head, it is most often as father that He comes to a swami. Once in awhile He would pull off the amazing magic me; when I make my mind sweet and innocent like a small child of making it seem as if we were colleagues! As if we were two is when I feel His presence most, and know that He is with me, swamis, detached and free! I had sprained my ankle and was guiding me still. hobbling around the ashram. He looked at me and grinned, “If you love the image of a mother, God can manifest as “Deho naham jivo naham Bramaivaa hum!” (Not the body, not mother for you. If you love the image of a father, let God come the mind – Brahman (consciousness) I am!) It wasn’t said as if as a father to you. If you adore nature, call God by the name of He were teaching a student, but as if He were just reminding a Nature. God can be a brother, a sister, a friend, a tree. God is all colleague of what she knew and lived continuously! Other times of these things and more.” H.H. Sri Swami Satchidananda He would ask my advice, as if we were colleagues guiding the Vidya Vonne met Sri Gurudev in 1970 and has served at organization. the IYI of Los Angeles, in Yogaville Connecticut, and now at Other students related to Him in completely different ways. Yogaville Virginia. Vidya founded the month-long Integral Some saw Him as their child, to be fed and clothed and washed. program in 1975, and is a former Others saw in Him a strict disciplinary teacher or professor, and editor of the Integral Yoga Magazine. She served as Head still others found in Him the Husband to their bride, or even of Publications and edited Gurudev’s The Yoga Sutras of Bride to their husband! To still others He was a good friend, Patanjali, the Healthy Vegetarian, and other books. someone with whom to share walks, to share projects, or to share discussions. He could be Mother, Father, Grandparent,

Special Child TT Transformation— continued from page 7 the more successful we can be with the children we teach. As Michelle Demes is a Registered Yoga Teacher, a Certified Sonia would say, ”You cannot give to someone else what you Yoga for the Special Child™Instructor, and a licensed do not have yourself.” Yoga for the Special Child™ Basic Certification Program Nearly six years later I have seen an incalculable number of Instructor. She is currently the Director of Chidambaram changes in Christine and in myself. She has gained self-help skills Yoga Center in Evanston, Illinois. that she could not master before we started our Yoga practice, such as using the toilet. She is a calmer, easier-tempered young lady, expressing real emotion at the appropriate time. She smiles a real smile; her happy face can light up a room! She has a much ® more open attitude toward other children; she used to avoid Integral Yoga Communications them but now she seeks out the interaction. Both of us have Videos, Audios, Books changed our diets, and we are rarely ill. I now serve my daughter and Gifts as a better parent, being more understanding. I now allow life to happen, since I’m not trying to control what I can’t anymore. We carry the largest inventory I’m not constantly planning and worrying, or chasing the next of items by or about cure for autism. I follow a teacher that keeps me on the path of Sri Swami Satchidananda Truth. “Yoga for the Special Child” is special. I thank Sonia from the bottom of my heart for all she gives me, more than mere www.shakticom.org / [email protected] / 800-476-1347 / 434-969-1347 words can describe.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 15 The Man of Steady Wisdom— continued from page 12

65. In that tranquility all sorrows fall away [because] all your beauty you could win a beauty contest! Why do you want the discerning intellect of a calm mind is soon secure in to waste it?” As if youth and beauty can’t be utilized for a higher equilibrium. purpose. And as if winning contests were the goal in life. 66. There is neither wisdom nor meditation in an always- Now Krishna gives an example of the ocean: changing mind. Without a meditative, one-pointed mind, there 70. Someone with personal desires will not experience true is no peace. And without peace of mind, how can anyone be peace. But when all desires merge, like different rivers flowing happy? into the vast, deep ocean, then peace is easily realized. Without peace, how can you find happiness? These slokas The ocean is contented. It never sends invitations to the rivers. speak of the yukta, the person of discrimination. In that It’s just happy by itself. And that’s the reason why all the rivers discriminative knowledge, you get right understanding, which want to flow into it. They say, “You seem to be so happy while makes the mind profound. Without that profundity, there’s no we’re restless. By coming to join you, we’ll be happy.” So they all peace. And when there’s no peace, there’s no happiness. We are run into the ocean. The ocean doesn’t want anything; it’s not after all looking for happiness; but, unfortunately, we’re not looking the rivers. Therefore the rivers are after it. That’s one important where the Gita tells us to. We look outside ourselves for it. The point. Another is that even after all the rivers have come into the very fact that we’re looking outside disturbs the mind. But if we ocean, the ocean retains the same contentment. It doesn’t get realize that happiness is reflected in the tranquil mind, then we excited: “Look how great I am! All the rivers are coming to me! won’t disturb our minds—even to chase happiness. It’s there in The Missouri has come; the Mississippi is here; the Ganges also us always. has come!” Excitement disturbs even the contented mind. 67. Like a ship tossed helplessly about by a gale, a mind 71. Peace is experienced by anyone who lives without longing subject to the roving senses loses all discrimination (viveka). for anything, free of all personal desires and with no individual 68. When the senses are completely withdrawn from the sense of “me” and “mine.” sense objects, Arjuna, then the mind is poised perfectly. 72. This, Arjuna, is the absolute state. On experiencing it, 69. What seems night to others is the state of awakening there are no further questions. If established in this awareness for one with a mind thus disciplined. And what appears day to at the time of bodily-death, there is just the merging into the others is as night to the sage who knows the Self. one-ness of God. Here is another beautiful verse that says in simple words: This ends the second chapter. Isn’t it sweet to study the Gita? What is real to an enlightened person seems unreal to an ordinary But please remember that the entire Gita is right there in front of person. And what seems real to an ordinary person is unreal to you. The best book to read is the book of life. With that book, an enlightened person. Naturally, then, the enlightened one you will be constantly learning everything. Written scriptures are calls the others insane, and we call him or her insane. When only here to show that since they also say the same things, we someone wants to lead the spiritual life a of a renunciate, we say, can trust our experiences: “Yes, here in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord “I don’t know why he’s letting go all of this. He could enjoy life Krishna also said the same thing. Okay, then probably it must so beautifully. He has wealth; he has youth, he has everything. I be right.” We want an authority to confirm our experiences. don’t know why he’s renouncing everything. Why can’t he live Scriptural study is good for confirming our convictions. like a normal person? Is he crazy?” They ask the seeker: “Are you Excerpt from The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita crazy? You’re young; you’re beautiful; you have everything. With By Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj, pp 27-31 Integral Yoga Magazine This quarterly journal is for seekers who want It’s discovering all that we share as a community to deepen their practice of Integral Yoga® and no matter what faith or tradition we come from. their understanding of many faith and wisdom It’s about Yoga, your spiritual practice, study, traditions. and inspiration! It’s a wealth of Sri Gurudev’s teachings on To order call our secure 24-hour order line: Integral Yoga. Every issue of Integral Yoga Magazine 434.969.3121 ext 242. Mention your membership (IYM) features outstanding articles that reflect the in the IYTA to receive your 10% discount toward breadth and depth of the Integral Yoga tradition, the subscription rate. and always hit the central point: deepening your For more information, please visit us online at practice on and off the mat. www.iymagazine.org.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 16 Transforming Lives Fall 2006

Programs for Teachers: Meera Kerr Adapting Yoga for Larger Bodies September 27–October 1, 2006 Mark Whitwell Principles of Therapeutic Yoga: Adapting Asana to Individual Needs October 20–22, 2006 Programs for Health Professionals: Michael Reed Gach, PhD Acupressure Certification Program September 15–24, 2006 & March 16–26, 2007 Special Programs: Doug Swenson Jai Uttal Victor Van Kooten Yoga Sadhana Chi Chanting: The Heart of The Breathing Body September 15–17, 2006 Devotional Yoga November 3–5, 2006 October 27–29, 2006 1-800-858-9642 www.iyiva.org

Yogaville Opportunities for IYTA Members

As an IYTA member, you can participate—either full-time or part-time—in Yogaville’s Support Staff program or Living Yoga Training (LYT) program. Both programs are free of charge to IYTA members. The Support Staff program is for individuals who can come to Yogaville for one to three weeks; whereas, the LYT program is for those who can stay from one to three months. With full-time participation in either program, IYTA members can also earn credits toward TTs and other programs at Yogaville. Being in either program is a wonderful opportunity to live at the Ashram and to enjoy the support of its spiritual environ- ment, including daily meditation, Hatha Yoga, workshops, classes, and being with other Integral Yoga teachers and sangha members.

LYT PROGRAM SUPPORT STAFF (1 to 3 months) (up to 3 weeks) 3/4 Time Service: Free room and board. 3/4 Time Service: Free room and board. Full–Time Service: (5 1/2 days per week): Full-Time Service: (5 1/2 days per week): Free room and board plus a $200 credit Free room and board plus a $50 credit for for selected programs and guest stays each selected programs and guest stays for each month spent in the LYT Program. For more week spent in the Support Staff program. information, please contact Swami Priyaananda For more information, please contact Karuna at 434.969.3121, ext 117 or email at Howeth at 434.969.3121 ext 112 or email at [email protected]. [email protected].

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 17 Integral Yoga Senior Speakers’ Schedules

Please contact local representatives for times, costs, pre-enrollment requirements, schedule changes, etc.

Swami Asokananda Aug 11–20 Ten-Day Silent Retreat Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville Buckingham, VA 800.858.YOGA [email protected]

Sept 16–17 Teachers Seminar Milan, Italy Integral Yoga Center Sept 23–24 Integral Yoga Retreat Contact: Parvathi Faini [email protected]

Sept 30–Oct 1 New York Double Anniversary New York Integral Yoga Institute Celebration 227 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 212.929.0586

Nov 10–12 Deepening Our Understanding Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville of Spiritual Life

Nov 18–Dec 4 Argentina programs Contact: Sister Mirabai [email protected]

Swami Ramananda Sept 1–4 Healing and the Five Bodies Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville

Sept 14–17 Yoga Sutras of Patanjali IY Center Bello Horizonte, Brazil Contact: Renata Sumar [email protected] 55.31.225.5709

Sept 26–Dec 16 Intermediate Teacher Training New York Integral Yoga Institute Contact: Sevika Debrow [email protected] 212.929.0586 ext 16

Oct 6–8 Milano Yoga Festival Milan, Italy Contact: Paola Parvati Faini [email protected]

Swami Karunananda Aug 7–26 Raja Yoga Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville

Sept 10–24 Raja Yoga for Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville Teacher Training

Oct 20–22 Transformation: How to Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville Get Unstuck

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 18 Yogaville Calendar

AUGUST 7–26 Raja Yoga Teacher Training with Swami Karunananda, Paraman Barsel, Swami Priyaananda 11–20 0-Day Silent Retreat: Finding Inner Harmony in a Challenging World 14–20 Ministers’ Conference: Sannyas/Ministry Training Seminar 2006 19–20 Mahasamadhi and Maha-Gururatri 25–27 The Heart of Movement: Yoga Asana, Dance & the Grace of Subtle Alignment with Vimala Devi 25–27 Ayurveda for Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging with Michael Muktan Sullivan, D.C, D.Ay. Fall 2006 SEPTEMBER 1–4 Self-Healing and the 5 Bodies: Incorporating Yoga into Daily Life with Sw. Ramananda, Richard Panico, MD, & Rev. Manjula Spears 8–10 Bodhisattva Way and the Ten Transformative Practices of Enlightened Living with Lama Surya Das 10–24 Split Basic Hatha Yoga TT, Part 2 15–17 Sadhana Yoga Chi (Fluid Power): a Union of Vital Life Force with Body, Mind and Spirit with Doug Swenson 15–24 Acupressure Certification Program, Part 1 with Michael Reed Gach 22–24 Basic Meditation: Sharpening the Mind, Relaxing the Body with Swami Gurucharananananda (Mataji) 22–29 Yoga for the Special Child Teacher Training 23–Oct 1 Navaratri (9-Night Worship of Divine Mother) 27–Oct 1 Adapting Yoga for Larger Bodies with Meera Kerr 29–Oct 1 Developing Your Intuition with M. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D.

OCTOBER 6–9 40th Anniversary Weekend and IY Teachers Gathering 10–15 Thai Yoga Massage Intensive I with Rishi Dion 12–15 Fall Silent Retreat 15–Nov 12 Fall Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training 17–22 Thai Yoga Massage Intensive II with Rishi Dion 20–22 Transformation: How To Get Unstuck with Swamis Karunananda and Priyaananda 20–22 Principles of Therapeutic Yoga: Adapting Asana to Individual Needs with Mark Whitwell 27–29 Chanting: The Heart of Devotional Yoga with Jai Uttal

NOVEMBER 3–5 The Breathing Body with Victor Van Kooten 10–12 Deepening Our Understanding of Spiritual Life with Swami Asokananda 17–19 Ananda Dance: Joyful Yoga-Inspired Dance and Movement with Supriya Swerdlick and Sumati Bates 23 Thanksgiving Worship Service & Luncheon 24–26 Celebrate Body, Mind and Spirit with Swami Priyaananda and Prakash Shakti Capen 30–Dec 3 NEW! The Inner Practice of Yoga with Rev. Manjula Spears and Richard Panico, M.D.

To make a reservation or receive a Yogaville Program Guide, contact the Ashram Reservation Center (ARC) at 800-858-YOGA (9642) or [email protected]. IYTA members receive a 5% discount on Teacher Trainings and a 10% discount on Weekend Programs.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 19 Rama DiMaria There is one Cosmic Essence—all-pervading, all-powerful. This nameless, form- less Essence can be approached by any name, any form, any symbol that suits the taste of the individual. Variety is necessary for enjoyment. If life were the same everywhere, it would become monotonous. Follow your religion, but try to understand the real purpose behind all of its rituals and traditions, and experience that Oneness.” —Sri Swami Satchidananda

® Integral Yoga Teachers Association U.S. Postage 108 Yogaville Way PAID Permit No. 3 Buckingham, VA 23921 Nonprofit 434.969.3121, ext 177 Organization Fax: 434.969.5545 Buckingham, VA E-mail: [email protected] 23921 Webpage: www.iyta.org

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IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page 20