Kaivalyadhama

Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute: Where yoga tradition and science meet

Yoga

Chakra Meditation

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Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on experiential and transcendental phenomena. It focuses on bringing a positive harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science of healthy living. The science of yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religions or belief systems were born.

Did you know? In the yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adi yogi, and the first Guru or Adi Guru.

Let us First Understand some Types of Yoga

Kundalini yoga derives from kundalini, defined in Vedantic culture as the energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine until it is activated and channeled upward through the chakras in the process of spiritual evolution.

Bahiranga yoga is a Sanskrit term that means ‘external’ or ‘outside’. In the 8-fold path of yoga, it is associated with the first 5 limbs – Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara.

The fifth limb. Pratyahara acts as a bridge connecting the external to the internal Practice.

Antaranga yoga is common to all paths of Yoga and is verily Kundalini Yoga which leads a yogi to the ultimate state of consciousness.

Moving ahead, Let us Understand the Relevance of Kundalini Yoga for Life & Living

Hatha Yoga (II:2) says that mind and bodily energy are interdependent. If one is calm and stable the other will ultimately become calm and stable. Chakra Meditation, being a part of Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga, has rather direct influence on energy dynamics of the body and thereby direct influence on the mental dynamics.

What is the main aim of Chakra Meditation? 

The main aim of chakra meditation is to normalize the over-activated, depleted, imbalanced chakras. It mainly aims to balance and energize all the chakras for proper physical, mental and spiritual health.

There are seven main chakras, four in our upper body, which govern our mental phenomenon, and three in the lower body, which govern the instinctual domain of our being. The names are Muladhar chakra, Swadhisthan chakra, Manipura chakra, Anahata chakra, Visuddhi chakra, Ajna chakra and Sahasrara chakra.

Thus chakras act as points of connection between our physical and non-physical bodies, enabling energies to flow from one of these vehicles of manifestation to the other. They are means by which we absorb energy from and externalize it to the environment and also exchange energy with others. Generally, some of our chakras are not opened, which means they are not fully operative. If we want to be at peace with ourselves, the balance of chakras is a must pre-requisite. When all our chakras are opened, the energy evens out and becomes balanced.

Scientific yoga research shows immense benefits of yoga and meditation in general. Let us dive deep into what chakra meditation has to offer.

Benefits and Implications of Chakra Meditation are as Follows:

  • Balancing Muladhara Chakra: If the root chakra is not opened adequately, one feels imbalanced, insensible, unstable, and insecure. The person whose root chakra is opened adequately is very much connected to the physical body and trusts people around him/her. If it is unbalanced /under-active, one feels nervous and fearful. In some people Root chakra is overactive. Those people are generally greedy and attached to material things. So, there is a need to balance the Root Chakra.
  • Balancing Swadhisthan Chakra: This chakra deals with feeling and sexuality. If this chakra is unbalanced and under-active, one tends to be apathetic and insensitive and does not open to anybody. Overactive chakra makes you over-emotional and very sexual.
  • Balancing Manipur Chakra: After this chakra is opened sufficiently, you feel good and dignified. A person’s behavior is aggressive if the said chakra is over-active.
  • Balancing Anahat Chakra: Anahat chakra connects lower chakras to upper chakras. This chakra is associated with Peace, Love for self and others, caring attitude, con-genial relationships, compassion, empathy, awareness, forgiveness and so on. If this chakra is under-active, one’s nature is unfriendly and cold. The overactive heart chakra leads to high blood pressure, palpitation and heart attack. Persons having unbalanced anahat chakra live in fear, grief, anger, hatred and jealousy.
  • Balancing Vishudhi Chakra: The fifth chakra is located at the base of the throat which controls the thyroid and endocrine system. The throat chakra is associated with creativity, communication and self-expression. Underactive chakra makes the person feel low in self-esteem, shy and unable to express properly. Overactive chakra, a person tends to speak too much and also is a bad listener. Balanced chakra regulates the flow of hormones and all the functions of the throat and head. One can balance Throat chakra and can become a more effective communicator.
  • Balancing Ajna Chakra: Third eye chakra is located in the middle of the head. Persons with this chakra activated adequately have amazing intellect, intuition, wisdom and spiritual powers. Underactive Third Eye chakra leads to confusion. For thinking more clearly and to develop imagination and awareness one has to balance the Third Eye Chakra
  • Balancing Sahasrar Chakra: Considered to be the highest of the seven chakras and regarded as a gateway to the energy of the universe itself. The proper opening of this chakra opens the door to connect with our higher Self. Underactive chakra tends to make a person rigid in thoughts. Unbalanced crown chakra tends to create depression, boredom, frustration, and greed. For self-confidence, spiritual insight this chakra needs to be balanced adequately.

Meditating through all the chakras helps bring the entire chakra system into a balance between sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous systems. Over time you’ll be able to sense which chakras are blocked or are out of balance and will know the science of self-healing with advantage to your personal, familial and social lives.

If you find a need to experience this advanced meditation, here is a workshop by Kaivalyadhama, a leading yoga institute. This workshop will help you understand chakra meditation in depth and practice it thoroughly.

To know more, Visit: https://kdham.com/oncampus-workshops/integrated-chakra-meditation/

Tip: Always rely on a health care center that really cares for your wellness. Everybody knows, Kaivalyadhama cares.

Dr. Santosh Pandey

Dr. Santosh Pandey

Research Officer (CRC), Scientific Research Dept.,
Senior Yoga and Naturopathy Physician

Dr. Santosh Pandey has completed B.N.Y.S, MBA (Hospital Administration); he is also Reiki Grand master level 12, Advance Pranic Healer, PGDIA, and PGDIN. He has been awarded the President’s National award, and has also earned a Gold medal in Yoga and Naturopathy in 2005 awarded by the International Naturopathy Organization in New Delhi, India. He has over 20 years of experience.

The Power Of Pranayama

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Pranayama is one of the most renowned ancient and popular practices of yoga. Its practice has been mentioned in the Vedas and its existence dates back to Patanjali Yoga Sutra written in 200 B.C. 

Preliminaries of Pranayama

Pranayama is both a traditional and a scientific technique that balances the mind, body, emotions, and ultimately the soul. Its therapeutic benefits have been gaining popularity all over the world, encouraging people from different walks of life to practice and master the art of Pranayama. Yoga is an art of establishing “harmony between individual existences with cosmic existence” and Pranayama is an application of this “art” through which one develops an awareness of one’s Prana (vital life force).

The soul of Pranayama lays in controlled inhalation, retention, and controlled exhalation of the breath. It not only extends and empowers the Prana, but it also revitalizes and soothes the vital energy so that the body can harness it.

Unleash the Power and Learn Pranayama

There is no doubt that by practicing pranayama one acquires complete control over one’s body. It cures the diseases of Vata (air), Pitta (bile), Kapha (cough) and enhances the gastric fire in one’s body. One who regularly practices Pranayama is able to develop a lustrous face, clarity of voice, brightness of eyes, slimness of the body, freedom from diseases like Asthma, Sinusitis, Hypertension, Ischemic Heart Diseases, Indigestion, and many more. It helps in the management of reproductive disorders, degenerative diseases like Fibromyalgia, reduces the metabolic strain on kidneys and most importantly increases the blood supply to the cortex in the Brain. It improves one’s mental health and cures many personality disorders. Pranayama has a tremendous power to revert back the aging process. It has an inherent power to boost the immune system. It increases one’s confidence and self-esteem and helps in channelizing positive energy.

Did you know?

Mastery over the art of Pranayama helps in the purification of Nadis (channels through which Prana flows), and through determined practice, one may also awaken the Kundalini Shakti. The Prana tends to move along the principle Nadi-Sushumna; the individual starts experiencing higher levels of consciousness, ultimately culminating into a transcendental state. 

Scientific Yoga Research also supports the many Benefits that Pranayama Offers. Here are few of them

  1. Pranayama enhances the blood circulation inside the chest and abdomen, which stimulates their function and excites the nerve endings. (Kuvalyananda,1930).
  2. The breathing process in Pranayama consumes less amount of Oxygen for itself. As a result, more oxygen is available for body functions. (Basu, 1924; Rao, 1968).
  3. Pranayama with Kumbhaka in the long term practice gives voluntary control over many visceral functions. Heart rate and metabolic processes slow down resulting in less consumption of energy by the body. (Byramjee,1975; Chinna, 1980; Karambelkar, 1968; Laubry et. al. 1936).

But ultimately, the soul of Pranayama lies in the simplicity of its art, being complex and powerful at the same time-rewarding the practitioner with enormous benefits, which is beyond any gift that humankind could ever get in this modern era. However, learning this healthful art from an authentic source is a must. Choose the best and the leading yoga institutes to start your journey towards healing with yoga.

“As long as Prana (vayu) is flowing in the body, life exists. Death ascends as soon as Prana (vayu) is drawn out from the body. Therefore Vayu should be regulated and Pranayama should be practiced”. (Sutra 3, Chapter 2, Hathapradipika)

Yogacharya Sandhya Dixit

Yogacharya Sandhya Dixit

Yogacharya Sandhya Dixit is one of the senior-most teacher in Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. She has experience of 39 years in the field of yoga. She has actively conducted workshops and training camps at national and international levels. Her 10 days online workshops series in March 2020 ‘Yoga for senior citizens’ collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush was applauded and acknowledged by thousands of people. Her Pranayama online workshops have been successful since June 2020. Workshop participants love her style of teachings. She recently is awarded Swami Kuvalayananda Yoga Puraskar 2020 for her dedicated, committed and extraordinary work in the field of Yoga.

Yoga and Mindfulness for Teens

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Today’s modern life between all the hustle and bustle of new trends or fads, our  Teenagers or Generation Z usually fail to prioritize their wellbeing. The cherry on the top is the pandemic which has brought various changes to our regular routine and isolation at home and absence of the active environment of an academic institute, giving birth to increased rate of anxiety, stress and depression. Teenagers today are facing challenges which were very rare and unusual 30-40 years back. So the question is how can we help and guide our teens?

Voilà! The solution to this problem is YOGA. Yoga is not only performing asanas, it is much more than that. Yoga is a simple and wholesome process which keeps our physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing in shape.

So, in this blog I’ll be sharing with you about some common teenage problems and how a little bit about yoga for children in this technology centric lifestyle to bring happiness & peace.

Teenage World and Their Problems

Now, let’s take a quick glimpse into the Teenage world. Teenagers between 13 and 19 years of age go through a turbulent phase both internally and externally. They deal with hormonal changes, social changes, academic, competitive exam preparations and peer pressure and on and on which leads to various problems.

Most Common Problems for Today’s Teenagers are

  • Anxiety and Depression: According to some researches 75% of our teenagers cope with various mental health problems unknowingly. Teenagers are more concerned about their physical appearances and as a result they ignore their mental health.
  • Self Esteem: Children with early childhood trauma lack in confidence, they may feel victimized, feel lonely and isolated and also might have negative thoughts about themselves.
  • Body Image: Body image issue can begin in teenagers in response to the changes in body during puberty. Individuals who are obese and dissatisfied with their physical appearance are prone to depression.
  • Cyber Addiction: Today’s generation Z a.k.a. “Loneliest generation” in the race to follow new trends spend endless hours online and on smartphones inadvertently moving them away from human interaction and sending them into isolation with no real people to talk to or have conversations. They Crave for social acceptance.
  • Bullying and Peer Pressure: Bullying and negative peer pressure can cause teens to suffer from low self esteem, anxiety and depression.
  • Lack of Concentration: Physical and emotional changes, lack of sleep, a poor routine, excessive screen time or a family trauma can cause lack of concentration in teenagers. Unfocussed, confused teens are unable to find happiness and purpose in life.

YOGA – A Supreme Secret of Life

Yes, you read it right. Yoga is a magical and a supreme secret to a happy and peaceful life. It’s a remover of misery and destroyer of pain.

As they say “You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside”.

Yoga is a path to a new world for today’s stressed out generation. Daily dose of yoga can impact and transform teenagers life in healthier way. They learn to cope with any challenge in life and build a healthy population.

Importance of Yoga in Teenagers

  • Regular practice of yogic practices will help teenagers to live a Healthy lifestyle. It will improve their muscle strength, increase stamina, boost their immunity, improve their body physically and physiologically and reduces chances of childhood obesity.
  • Meditation will improve their concentration and creativity level, it will sharpen their memory and will bring mental stability and calmness.
  • Through the various breathing yogic practices and poses yoga help students feel in control of their body and mind.
  • Yoga at an early age encourages self esteem and body awareness with a physical activity. It creates a better mind and body connection.
  • When combined with mindfulness it increases patience, maintains calmness and improves work efficiency.
  • Most important benefit of yoga is that it will help teenagers to get rid of depression, anxiety and mental stress.
  • It will teach teenagers the techniques to lead a healthy, peaceful and contented living.

I am sharing all above mentioned benefits after experiencing them personally. When I was a teen I suffered from anxiety and work pressure but yoga did wonders for me. So, basically yoga is a whole package that comes with physical, mental and spiritual practices. It’s a way of living which keeps us in harmony and equanimity.

Now that you know the importance of yoga for children, here is an online workshop presented by Kaivalyadhama that will help you bring authentic yoga into practice for the wellness of your kids.

ONLINE WORKSHOP LINK

Click on the link to know more about this need-of-the-hour workshop & take a step towards holistic wellness with one of the leading yoga institutes in India – Kaivalyadhama

Ms. Chhavi Agarwal

Ms. Chhavi Agarwal

I am post graduate in English literature and pursuing PG diploma in yoga education
(2021 batch) at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala.

Appreciation of Pātañjalayogasūtras

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Yoga is a Science and Art of living life and going beyond it. Yoga is as old as human civilization. Yoga has been there in various forms. ‘Pātañjalayogasūtras’, ‘Pātañjalayogadarśana’ or ‘Yogadarśana’ was propounded by Sage Patañjali. Sage Patañjali is not the creator of Yoga, he collected the existing knowledge on Yoga, codified it and put it together in form of Sūtras. Sūtra-form was the most suitable form to systematize the entire knowledge in a super-brief fashion. Here’s definition of Sūtra:

अल्पाक्षरमसंदिग्धं सारवद्विश्वतो मुखम् ।
अस्तोभमनवद्यञ्च सूत्रं सूत्रविदो विदुः ।।
Alpākṣaramasandigdhaṁ sāravadviśvatomukham ।
Astobhamanavadyañca sūtraṁ sūtravidoviduḥ ।।

  • अल्पाक्षरम् Alpākṣaram: Made of few words
  • असंदिग्धं Andigdhaṁ: Clear and unambiguous
  • सारवत् Sāravat: Contains the essence of the topic
  • विश्वतो मुखम् viśvatomukham: Having multiple facets
  • अस्तोभम् Astobham: Devoid of redundant words
  • अनवद्यं Anavadyam: Devoid of errors in grammar etc.
  • सूत्रविदो Sūtravido: The knowers of Sūtra
  • विदुः Viduḥ: Know

Yoga is a spiritual experience, which aims at removing the impurities of the mind (the Citta). Sage Patañjali, who was the first to codify Yoga, drew up eight steps – Yama, Niyama, Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Pratyāhāra, Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna and Samādhi, a wholistic discipline for silencing the mind. These eight steps systematically wash away the impurities of the mind, making it progressively pure and clean. It begins with Codes of conduct, for the world / social and personal, talks about having a fit body, conducive physiological functions, leading to withdrawal of engagements in the world and worldly things and sense gratifications, leading to the single pointedness of mind and ultimately absorption in the Supreme reality. ‘Each Soul is potentially Divine…’ the purpose of Human Birth is realization of that Supreme Reality.

In order to learn the ‘Yogadarśana’ one must learn the original Saṃskṛta Yogasūtras. Recitation of the Pātañjalayogasūtras as per the Śāstra is a must, which leads to their understanding. This will help a practitioner to come close to the original Saṃskṛta Śāstra and help in making friends with it. This will simplify the Pātañjalayogadarśana and help in grasping the essence of the Pātañjalayogadarśana in totality.

‘Kaivalyadhāma’, the world’s leading institutes of Yoga, is making efforts towards making the original Saṃskṛta text of the Pātañjalayogadarśana student-friendly. This attempt is executed via its various online and campus program with an aim to spread authentic and original yoga knowledge.

Dr. Rajani Pradhan

Dr. Rajani Pradhan

Dr. Rajani Pradhan is working as Asst. Professor at G. S. College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama. She is a Ph. D. Guide for ‘Yogaśāstra’ at Kaivalyadhama, affiliated to Kavi Kulaguru Kalidasa Sanskrit University Ramtek, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

After completing MA in Yogaśāstra, she has done her Doctorate in Yogaśāstra from Kavi Kulaguru Kalidasa Sanskrit University Ramtek, Nagpur under the able guidance of Prof. Dr. B. R. Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Health and Wellness, HoD, Dept. of Yogic Science, Sri Sri University, Cuttack. She has cleared NET in January, 2018.

Who should Attend the Online Workshop Series ‘Appreciation of PYS’?

These workshop series are for those who would like to know the content of Patañjali’s Yogasūtras or Yogadarśana. There are 195 Sūtras divided in 4 chapters. If we know these Sūtras and their meaning we know the Yogadarśana. Here is an outline of the 3 series of workshop in the months of August, September and October 2021:

1. 6th, 7th & 8th August 2021:

  • Introduction to Yoga.
  • Discussion on selected concepts of Yoga; e.g. Citta, Cittavṛttis.
  • Introduction to Chanting of Pātañjalayogasūtras
  • A basic understanding of Sthāna (place) of the sound production of the Devanāgarī Akṣaras (Letters), Knowledge and Practice of Saṃskṛta grammar in relation to the Pātañjalayogasūtras

2. 3rd, 4th & 5th September 2021:

  • Introduction to Methods of Cittavṛttinirodha.
  • (Aṣṭāṅga Yoga, Kriya-Yoga, Abhyāsa-Vairagya)
  • Chanting of selected Pātañjalayogasūtras
  • A basic understanding, knowledge, and practice of selected Saṃskṛta grammar concepts relevant to the Pātañjalayogasūtras

3. 8th, 9th & 10th October 2021:

  • Discussion on Methods of Cittavṛttinirodha.
  • (Aṣṭāṅga Yoga, Kriya-Yoga, Abhyāsa-Vairagya)
  • Understanding of selected concept of Pātañjalayogadarśana.
  • Chanting of selected Pātañjalayogasūtras

This workshop will deal into chanting of few selected Yogasūtras as well as understanding of some of the concepts therein. Saṃskṛta is written in Devanāgarī Lipi (script), this workshop will have a basic understanding of Sthāna (place) of the sound production of the Devanāgarī Akṣaras (Letters). Knowledge and Practice of ‘Kaṇṭhaḥ’ / Guttural sounds, ‘Tālu’ / Palatal sounds, ‘Mūrdhā’ / Retroflexes, ‘Dantaḥ’ / Dentals, ‘Oṣṭhaḥ’ / Labials, Kaṇṭhatālu / Guttural Palatal sounds, Kaṇṭhoṣṭham / Guttural – Labial sounds, Dantoṣṭham / Dental – Labial sounds etc. Basic understanding of selected Pātañjalayogasūtras. Understanding of selected concept of Pātañjalayogadarśana (e.g., Citta, Citta-Prasādana, Īśvara, Īśvarapraṇidhāna, the three Adhikārīs – Uttama, Madhyama and Adhama or the Manda Adhikārīs and the Yoga-Sādhanās for them in the Pātañjalayogadarśana etc.)

Impact of Yoga on Auto Immune Diseases

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We have grown learning and knowing that our immunity is our greatest shield against diseases and works as the defense mechanism to protect our body. But what if this immunity is misled to fight against something it is supposed to protect?

Rheumatic Arthritis, Thyroid, Lupus, Alopecia, IBD, Type 1 Diabetes, Psoriasis, etc are all examples of auto-immune disorders, where the body is literally attacking itself. Modern science has been struggling over the years to treat such diseases and in many cases, there are no real treatments, but just management of the symptoms to ease the suffering.

Understanding Yoga for Diseases:

Studies, research, and experience have shown that Yoga can help manage such autoimmune disorders at a physical, mental, and emotional level. Yoga is truly a lifestyle and thus has a complete message and the blueprint to make the right modifications and recalibrate your health. Adopting such a lifestyle, backed by the right practices, diet, and managing the mind can make a significant positive impact on those suffering from auto-immune diseases.

Recent studies also show that moderate exercises can stop/reduce inflammation in the body, which is common with many autoimmune diseases. Traditional yoga asanas are gentle and practiced to one’s capacity and comfort. Thus regular and sustained yoga practice can increase muscle strength, endurance, and balance. The asanas help in improving flexibility of the joints and mobility which are very useful in the case of rheumatic arthritis. Stress and anxiety are known to worsen auto-immune conditions.

Studies show that yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which reduces the body’s stress response. Yoga & Ayurveda helps to develop a general sense of calmness and wellbeing through mindfulness, meditative focus, and increased body awareness, which leads to a reduction in stress and anxiety.

Managing Auto-Immune Disorders:

One of the most important challenges of Auto-Immune disorders is the changing condition of health/ pain/ suffering experienced each day which literally takes away the joy of living. It is thus necessary for people suffering from autoimmune disorders to shift their focus away from the body to something that is deeper and more meaningful. Realizing that we are not just our body and much more can add a different perspective to the management of such disorder. Understanding the personal triggers which aggravate your situation can only come from a deep sense of total awareness. The awareness can also help us develop the ability to focus on sensations and symptoms that really require attention and thus help immensely in managing the day-to-day life with such disorders.

However, management of such disorders with Yoga needs a careful and well-guided approach by Yoga teachers who have hands-on experience with the disease and understanding of traditional yoga. A combination of asanas, pranayama, diet, sleep management, relaxation, and mental attitude can provide the much-needed answers to manage auto-immune disorders. 

Kaivalyadhama, one of the leading yoga institutes in India offers one such workshop, both online &

on-campus  for your comprehensive understanidng on how yoga helps to manage auto-immune disorders.

Even if Yoga may not claim to cure you fully, it will still give you the tools to take care of yourself and reset your lifestyle to lead a path of health and happiness.

This war is within us and the winning solution for the same can also be found within us. Befriend your body and bring back the joy of living with Yoga.

Ms. Renu Jain

Ms. Renu Jain

A certified yoga professional from Kaivalyadhama who has won over Auto immune disorders like Rheumatic Arthritis, Thyroid, and Alopecia by adopting a Yoga based lifestyle approach.

WHY YOGA?

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This is in itself a value-based question

The first definition that comes to everyone’s mind when they think of yoga is Physical Practices. But according to me it is a myth to think that Yoga is merely for physical well-being or for people who have bodily ailments or for those whom the conventional methods of cure are ineffective (although its scope is inclusive of everything mentioned above).

What is actual Yoga?

Yoga is not only a physical approach but is a holistic way of living. The art of yoga assists one to work on his body, mind and soul to achieve peace. It does start for most sadhakas from the physical body, but the subtler practices channelizes our energies for the better. 

 

It becomes a passage for spiritual upliftment and eliminates blockages which make us think negatively. It protects from getting carried away by excessive belief in fate or superstitions and helps one takes charge of one’s life.

With the help of a balanced approach and sincere training a sadhaka can achieve equilibrium in his/her body, mind and breath. So, instead of getting entangled in futile pleasures why not adapt the path from body to mind, mind to breath (subtle energy), which is a medium to understand our existence?

How should a beginner enter into yogic practices?

Follow a step by step process that will ease your body and help you practice yoga effortlessly.

  • The start could be done with Sukshama Vyayam (micro exercises), gentle movements of joints and glands which will release the toxins stuck in the over -time and make the movements unforced.
  • Then the sadhaka could slowly progress towards Sthula Vyayam (macro exercises).
  • Gradually the body should be altered through relatively subtle practice of postures overcoming all the discomforts of asana in mind and body.
  • Since the breath (which is volatile) is the carrier to bring steadiness and stableness in postures breathing patterns must be understood and nothing should be overdone

Initially, the physical practices give energy and confidence to continue towards more complex and deeper experiences. At times, it may look that the results are taking a little long time or that it is a slow drawn process. But as said, patience is the key to success; so do not lose it because the results are assuredly lasting and consistent.

It is always important to remind oneself that the physical body with the uncovering of intermittent sheaths is the path to reach the soul. So, one should not be carried away by anything during sadhana. With time greater awareness is developed resulting in higher quality of life, and the identification with body steadily loses its effect.

Thus, Yoga has its three E’s – EVALUATION, ELIMINATION, ELEVATION

Do you know the origin of Yoga?

History of Yoga has been lost in obscurity and uncertainty due to its tradition of transmitting knowledge orally i.e. via, Guru -Shishya parampara. It can be classified into 4 periods

  1. Development of yoga can be traced back to Indus valley Civilization around 5000 years ago. It was first mentioned in the oldest sacred text of Rig Veda (pre classical period of yoga).
  2. Then it was Sage Patanjali in the period of Classical Yoga representing yoga in a systematic form – The Yoga Sutras.
  3. Post classical yoga comprised of practices designed by yoga masters to rejuvenate body and prolong life.
  4. Lastly contemporary times can be called as The Modern Yoga where Hatha Yoga is still strongly promoted in India by the schools of T.Krishnamacarya, B.K.S.Iyenger, Pattabhi Jois, Sivananda and others.

The father of Yoga and his contribution

Sage Patanjali is often considered the father of yoga. He is the first to compile yoga in 196 sutras. The efficient way of implications of yoga through the sutras was presented by him – The Asthanga Yoga – eight limbs of yoga to help attain liberation.

patanjali ji kaivalyadhama lonavala1

  • Yamas are the first in the eight limbed path and instruct the practitioner to observe proper conduct and self -restraint. Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-possesiveness), Brahmacarya (moderation of senses/ right use of energy), Aparigraha (non-greed) form a part of the Yamas
  • Yamas are followed by Niyamas which include Sauca (cleanliness), Santosa (contentment), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrendering to the higher power).
  • The third limb is Asanas. The steadiness in asana leads to observance of breath i.e Prana.
  • Pranayama is the fourth limb which when focused upon takes the mind away from wandering towards external objects.
  • When the prana and mind are withdrawn from sense objects, Pratyahara follows suit. Pratyahara (control over senses) forms the bridge between bahiranga yoga (external limbs of yoga) and antaranga yoga (internal limbs of yoga).  Thus, the mind is gradually trained to focus on the object of meditation after controlling its wanderings.
  • The ability to hold onto objects is Dharana.
  • This ability leads to the seventh limb, which is Dhyana. The difference between dharana and dhyana lies in their continuity. While the former could be discontinuous, Dhyana is unbroken.
  • Flow of awareness ultimately leads to Liberation i.e., the eighth limb Samadhi- oneness with the subject of Dhyana. In Samadhi the mind loses its identifications and becomes free of all afflictions and influences of the gunas.

Sage Patanjali’s Ashtanga Marga is still followed in modern yoga to transform life and make it meaningful. I urge you to take a step forward and take charge of your life, transform it and spread its blessedness wherever you go. 

“Human life is considered as very difficult to be born into. It is one of a kind and one has to utilize it very wisely. We have no certainty of what we will be in our next birth. So, we have this one life available at present, take a chance and embark on the journey of yoga “      

OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTIHI

My Journey In Yoga:

My doctor and mentor inspired me to take this. It started off with asanas and breathing practices. Later on for a better understanding of Traditional Yoga (the roots of yoga) I approached a well-known Institute of yoga – The Kaivalyadhama Institute.

This was a turning point of my life where I began to learn the scriptural texts of yoga, which I was completely unaware about. Through that I learnt the essence of yoga, meaning of existence and true purpose of human life. The implications of these teachings to refine and progress spiritually also added to my understanding in due course.  

My expedition is still on-going; I am evaluating my philosophical perspectives, and continuing to subtly apprehend the intrinsic nature of existence.

Priti Sanjay Ashar

Priti Sanjay Ashar

TTC - Kaivalyadham Institute
Diploma in Yoga Foundation and Advance Diploma in Yoga Foundation - Mumbai University
M. A. in Yoga Philosophy - Mumbai University
Experience - 15 years
Working with Schools for Special Kids.