Newsletter September 2021
In this issue:
Understanding Vairagya (dispassion/non-attachment)
The word Vairagya is derived from the word 'raga' (likes, attraction, attachment), the attraction which arises due to pleasure derived from any object. 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 repulsion toward an object. Raga (likes) and dvesha (dislikes) are strong negative forces which create disturbance, and pain in the mind.
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Upcoming Programs
Yoga Sutra study group, 2nd and 4th Saturday
7-day Yoga Intensive, focus: hamstrings/quads
 Hanumanasana
- Program: 7-day yoga intensive, focus: hamstrings and quads
- Location: 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.
- When: Monday, September 13 - Sunday, September 19, 2021
- Time: 6:00 - 7:30 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
- Program Fee:
- Daily routine:
- Basic yoga sequence with focus on hamstrings and quadriceps
- Yoga Nidra
- Pranayama
- Brief meditation
- To register: please fill out the registration form , providing information in all the fields, 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 and meditation are just what the doctor ordered
In the early 2000s, a study was done showing that regular yoga and meditation practices greatly reduced incidents of bullying and aggressive behavior in student populations. It also revealed compelling research that focused on improved coping skills and increased body awareness.
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Yoga is a natural way to boost immunity
"... the project sanctioned under a Special Cell of “Science and Technology for Yoga and Meditation” (SATYAM) and titled “Developing a Community Yoga Protocol for Elderly to promote Innate Immunity” aims to build immunity of elderly citizens, who are particularly vulnerable in the backdrop of the COVID pandemic."
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Can yoga be used for physical therapy?
A research paper titled Effectiveness Of Yoga For Hypertension: Systematic Review And Meta-analysis published in 2013 found that “overall, yoga was associated with a modest but significant reduction in blood pressure… with larger, more clinically significant reductions in blood pressure for interventions incorporating 3 basic elements of yoga practice (postures, meditation, and breathing).” The paper found that “yoga may offer an effective intervention for reducing blood pressure among people with pre-hypertension or hypertension.”
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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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