Newsletter September 2024
In this issue:
Jnana Yoga in Yoga Sutra and Samkhya
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.
Read more ...
Weekly ongoing classes
As many of you are aware, I teach weekly ongoing yoga classes as per the schedule given below. These classes are offered both online via Zoom as well as in-person at my home studio.
Home studio address (for in-person participation on Mon, Tue and Sat): 206 Redwood Park Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560. Please note: in-person participation for the Wednesday class is at the Hindu Temple (HSNC) cultural hall.
Schedule:
- Monday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Tuesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Wednesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Saturday; 10:15 AM - 12:00 noon (level 1/2)
Instructor: Subhash Mittal
Registration: Fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online.
Zoom Access: Login info for Zoom access will be provided upon receipt of registration.
Schedule and Fee: Please visit my website here for the current schedule and available payment plans. If you are a new student, the fee for the first month is $40.
How to pay: check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com), Venmo (use 9199269717) or paypal (go to bottom of page)
My book on Pranayama
Pranayama
I recently published my book, “Pranayama for energy, vigor and vitality”. This book contains detailed instructions on all the Pranayama practices that I cover in the various yoga courses that I offer. You are welcome to get a printed version of the book from me ($10). You can also buy the book on Amazon – both kindle version and printed version are available.
As you are aware, buyers depend on product reviews on Amazon to make their buying decision. Once you obtain a copy of the book, I'd truly appreciate your writing a review on Amazon. That will help promote the book further so more people can get the book and derive benefits from their pranayama practices.
Upcoming Programs
14-day Meditation Intensive
Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
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
- Instructor: Subhash Mittal
- Fee:
- $100 - check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com) or Venmo (use 9199269717)
- $105 - paypal (go to bottom of page)
- To register: fill out the registration form and submit it online.
- Daily Routine: Light stretching (10-15 minutes), Pranayama (15 min), Relaxation (10-15 min), Discussion and meditation practice (40-45 min)
- Commitment: A firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day
Please visit here for more details...
Yoga for kids/teens, 8-week session
Yoga for Kids, Teens - new 8-week session
Please note: this session is being offered ONLINE ONLY via zoom.
- What: Yoga for Kids and Teens (age 7+ years), 8-week Session
- When: Every Saturday, 9:00 - 10:00 AM (US East coast time, EST)
- Starting: Saturday, Aug 10, 2024
- Zoom Access: login info will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment
- Instructor: Disha Gala (dishagada2010@gmail.com; (408) 685-5154
- Fee:
- $80 - Zelle (4086855153)
- $85 - paypal (dishagada2010@gmail.com)
- Drop-in fee: $12;
- To register: fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online
Samkhya Karika study group, 2nd and 4th Saturday
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
Flexibility could be key to longer life
A new study has uncovered an intriguing connection between body flexibility and longevity in middle-aged adults. The research suggests that individuals with greater overall body flexibility may have a lower risk of premature death.
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Yoga for the brain: It may sharpen your mind, protect against cognitive decline
Yoga has long been associated with better physical flexibility and health, and now it is being linked to improved cognition as well, according to growing research.
A recent study also suggests that yoga may benefit some older people at risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Yoga provides holistic stress-reduction approach in our stress-laden world: WHO Regional Director
In a press release, Wazed stated, "Yoga is more than just a form of exercise. Developing mind-body awareness enables resolving imbalances at their source for long-term well-being. Yoga also nurtures self-control, mindfulness, and experiential learning in self-awareness techniques, therapeutic approaches and assessment abilities.
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Yoga Improves Memory and Brain Function in Older Adults, Study Finds
Prolonged stress can have a deleterious effect on the brain, reducing your ability to think, plan, and reason effectively. This is particularly true for the elderly. A study published in Biological Psychology (see sources below) finds that yoga may moderate the stress response and improve executive function in older adults, building on prior research that finds that yoga is good for your brain.
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Analyzing the Effectiveness of Yoga Interventions Among Adults with Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Yoga has shown promising results in managing osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms like joint pain and function. Researchers conducted a retrospective study analyzing effective yoga interventions for OA symptom management.
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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