Have you ever wondered why we behave in a certain predetermined way in a given situation? For example if someone cuts you across while driving, you may end up shouting and cursing at the other person. Or, if someone screams at you using harsh words, you are likely to shout back with even harsher and unpleasant words. These so-called “knee-jerk” reactions are a result of deep-seated impressions that have been left in the deep subconscious levels of the mind not only during this life but over multiple lifetimes. These deep-seated impressions in the mind are called samskaras.
The Sanskrit word ‘saṁskāra’ (संस्कार) is a composite of two words – sam and kāra. The word kāra is derived from the root kṛ (कृ) which means “to do”. The literal meaning of the word samskara is purification, refinement etc.
In the words of Swami Satchidananda, the practice of yoga can help you achieve:
a body of optimum health and strength
senses under control
a mind well disciplined, clear and calm
an intellect as sharp as a razor
a strong will
a heart full of unconditional love and compassion
an ego as pure as a crystal
and a life filled with supreme peace and joy
To register, please fill out the registration form and submit it online.
After enjoying the FREE class, I invite you to continue your yoga practice by attending the ongoing classes that I offer as given in the schedule on my website here.
Do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
I look forward to your enthusiastic participation.
Karma (actions), karma-phala (fruits of actions), and saṃsāra (cycles of birth-death-reincarnation) are fundamental tenets of Indian philosophical thought and offer deep insights into the moral, ethical, and spiritual foundation of human existence.
Karma
In common parlance, we hear statements like, “what goes around comes around” or “as you sow, so shall you reap”. These may be thought of as simplified versions of the theory of karma.
The Sanskrit word “karma” is derived from the root word “kṛ” (कृ) and literally means “action” or “deed”. The theory of karma represents the principle of cause and effect. Stated simplistically, the theory of karma can be summed up as “good karma leads to good results whereas bad karma leads to bad results”. The fruit or result of the action, called karma phala, may be experienced in this life period or in a future birth. In a broad sense, the word karma is used to imply both the action and the fruit of action.
I am pleased to announce a 14-day Beginner Level yoga program. If you are a yoga newbie, this program will introduce you to the basics of asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. If you already have yoga experience, this program will help you enrich your yoga experience and also motivate you to re-establish your personal ongoing practice. Over the course of the program, I will offer guidance on how to build your practice at home so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of your practice.
Flyer: You can download the flyer here. Feel free to share it with your own distribution lists.
You can join the program online via zoom or in-person at my home studio.
Program Information
What: 14-day Beginner Level yoga program
When: Sunday, Oct 20 – Saturday, Nov 2, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
In-person: At my home studio located at 206 Redwood Park Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560
Zoom access: The link to access via zoom will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment.
Vairāgya (non-attachment/dispassion) is a key concept presented in Indian spiritual philosophy. Many of the texts including the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Upanishads (see below for a few selected verses from these texts) emphasize the value of vairagya in eliminating suffering (commonly experienced stresses and strains in daily life) leading to a life full of peace and joy.
The word Vairagya (वैराग्य – vairāgya) is derived from the word ‘rāga’ (likes, attraction, attachment), the attraction which arises due to pleasure derived from any life experience. Vairagya is the opposite of ‘raga’ and means the absence of attachment to the pleasure that we derive from the objects of desire. Even though the word vairagya is derived from ‘raga’, it also includes the opposite of raga called ‘dvesha’ (dislike) which arises as a result of dislike or repulsion toward an object. Raga (likes) and dvesha (dislikes) are strong negative forces which create disturbance and pain in the mind.
In an earlier article, I presented the basic concepts of Jnana Yoga which are largely identified with the philosophy of Vedanta. However, some of the main concepts in Jnana Yoga are also to be found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as well as the Philosophy of Samkhya.
As is common in most systems of Indian philosophy, the goal of all spiritual pursuit is the attainment of self-realization which can liberate one from the continuous cycle of transmigration.
Before discussing the concepts of Jnana yoga in the Yoga Sutras and Samkhya, it is important to understand some key differences between Vedanta and Yoga/Samkhya. As we saw in the previous article, the non-dual (Advaita) Vedanta school recognizes only one reality known as Brahman (supreme consciousness). This material creation consisting of conscious (Chetana) and non-conscious (achetana or jada) elements is simply an appearance in the space of consciousness (Brahman). This appearance is temporary as it has a beginning and an end. That is why it is also known as Māyā or an illusion. In yoga/Samkhya, however, there are two realities – Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (source of material creation). In this system, Purusha represents consciousness. Prakriti (also known as Mula Prakriti or Pradhana), while having no consciousness of its own, functions based on consciousness “borrowed” or “reflected” from Purusha.
A regular practice of meditation is known to give you all the above and many more benefits.
I invite you to join me for the next 14-day Meditation Intensive. In this program, I will be presenting the basic concepts of meditation and practice several meditation techniques.
No prior asana, pranayama or meditation experience is required.
A brief outline of what I plan to cover in the course is given in this document (pdf format) in my dropbox folder.
Flyer: You can view/download the program flyer here. Feel free to share it on social media and with your own distribution lists.
Program Information
What: 14-day Meditation Intensive
When: Monday, Sept 16 – Sunday, Sept 29, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
Participation: Hybrid mode
In-person at my home yoga studio located at 206 Redwood Park Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560
Remotely via zoom – zoom login info will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment
As mentioned an a previous article, the Bhagavad Gita is one of the most revered texts in the Hindu philosophical thought. The text captures the philosophy, psychology, and practical guidelines on how we can lead a very purposeful and fulfilling life. The goal of life, as presented in the Gita and other Hindu scriptures, is to attain Self-realization which is to recognize our true nature as being beyond identification with the mind-body complex. Self-realization is also known as the state of spiritual liberation (moksha) wherein on gets liberated from the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth (called saṃsāra).
The Gita contains a variety of concepts and ideas that are usually folded into four paths or approaches in life that can help us in our spiritual growth and evolution:
Yoga offers a multitude of benefits at all levels – physical, physiological, mental, emotional, spiritual and deeper. Most of these benefits can be combined under these four broad categories:
Strength
Flexibility
Endurance
Balance
In this article, I will be presenting a set of asanas and asana sequences that will help develop strength in the upper body. Everything above the waist – writs, arms, shoulders, neck, the back and the core area – constitute the upper body that we’ll be working on. Of course, we must recognize that all these four attributes go hand-in-hand. The same asana or asana sequence can help develop all four – strength, flexibility, endurance and balance.
In this video, I am presenting a 35-minute sequence to develop upper body strength. I hope you’ll enjoy practicing this sequence.
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