Newsletter July, 2020
In this issue:
Four qualifications of a seeker (Sadhana Chatushtaya)
 Deep meditation
As mentioned in the Samkhya philosophy and other ancient texts, we are always afflicted by one or more of the three types of suffering:
- Adhibhoutika (caused by other beings or entities) - being hit by another being, mosquito bite, a stone falling on our head etc.
- Adhyatmika (suffering within our own body and mind): sickness both physical and mental, anxiety, anger etc.
- Adhidaivika (caused by divine intervention): tsunami, earthquake, wild fires, plagues etc.
According to the four noble truths of Buddhism, all life is suffering. Patanjali, in the yoga sutras, makes a similar statement:
"To one with discriminatory wisdom (viveka), all is misery on account of the pains resulting from change, anxiety and tendencies, as also on account of the conflicts between the functioning of the three Gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas), and the Vrttis (fluctuations of the mind)." - Sutra 2.15
One of our main objectives in life is to find ways to diminish and ultimately eliminate this suffering. The one who undertakes such a journey is usually referred to as a "sadhaka" (seeker). The main thrust of all the ancient scriptures is to discuss ways and means to end this suffering. The scriptures tell us that the cause of this suffering is "avidya" - our ignorance about our true nature. The means to eliminate this avidya is to recognize that in reality we are just pure consciousness (pure Self).
Read more ...
Upcoming Programs
Understanding the Mind to eliminate Stress
The monthly Yoga Sutra workshop scheduled for July 18 is cancelled as I have another personal commitment that day.
Read more ...
Yoga Sutra study group, 2nd and 4th Saturday
Establishing home practice
 Tip-toe balance
- What: 10-day "Establishing Home Practice" Intensive
- When: Wednesday, July 8 - Friday, July 17, 2020
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM (US East Coast time, GMT-4)
- Access: Remotely via live video streaming (Zoom); login info will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment
- Instructor: Subhash Mittal
- Daily Routine:
- Asana (45 min)
- Yoga Nidra (10 min)
- Pranayama (20 min)
- meditation (mostly guided dharana practice) (15 min)
- Commitment: A firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day
- Fee:
- $50 - check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com) or Venmo (use 9199269717)
- $55 - paypal (go to bottom of page)
- To register: fill out the registration form and submit it online.
podcast channel
As you may be aware, I have been offering monthly workshops wherein I discuss various aspects of yoga philosophy. The main focus in these workshops is to discuss the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in some depth. In addition, from time to time, I also discuss concepts from the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other related ancient scriptures. In order to preserve these talks for future reference, I have been making an audio recording of these discussions and sharing them with the participants. These audio recordings are now available on the podcast channel on my blog. You are welcome to download these audio recordings for your use. In addition, you can listen to these podcasts as well as subscribe to them on itunes as well.
youtube channel
As you would have noticed from many of the recent posts on my blog, I have been adding short videos of many of the commonly practiced asana and pranayama sequences. I strongly urge you to subscribe to my youtube channel and visit the channel frequently to get instructions for your own asana and pranayama practices. Please share the link to the channel with your friends who might benefit from these detailed video instructions.
I would love to hear your feedback and, of course, would welcome suggestions for future videos that you would like to see on the channel.
Yoga in the News
Yoga may help reduce migraine pain, cut treatment cost
Yoga can reduce not just the pain, but also the treatment cost of migraines, a new study has found.
Read more ...
Yoga strengthens brain and body
A recent research review, however, co-authored by Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology’s Jessica Damoiseaux, Ph.D., found many of the same brain benefits seen in aerobic exercise after a few months of yoga practice. “The science is pointing to yoga being beneficial for healthy brain function,” Damoiseaux said, but more studies are needed.
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Greek Orthodox Church rules yoga is 'incompatible' with Christianity
Downward dog, sun salutations and all other yoga practices are "absolutely incompatible" with the Christian faith, the powerful Greek Orthodox Church has said.
Yoga has no place "in the life of Christians," the governing body of the Church has ruled.
It said it intervened after Greek media recommended yoga as a way to combat stress during coronavirus quarantine.
Read more ...
Have a question/suggestion?
If you have a yoga-related question, please write to me and I would do my best to provide an answer in a timely manner. I would love to hear your suggestions for future newsletter articles.
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