Newsletter October 2024
In this issue:
Practicing Vairagya (non-attachment)
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.
Read more ...
Reflections on the Yoga Retreat (Sept 5-8, 2024)
Yoga at the gazebo
Our recent yoga retreat at the beautiful Trinity Center, located just south of the Outer Banks in NC, was an enriching and rejuvenating experience. Over four days, we delved deep into the practice of asana, pranayama, meditation, and explored the profound philosophies presented in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita. The serene environment, with its beaches and ocean views, was the perfect backdrop for self-reflection and growth.
A highlight of the retreat was practicing yoga outdoors in the gazebo, where the sound of the ocean waves provided a meditative soundtrack, enhancing our connection to nature and helping us stay in the present moment.
The feedback from participants has been very positive. Below are excerpts from the feedback received from the participants:
"My overall experience was fantastic. Subhash ji is an amazing teacher who leads by example. He is a kind and patient teacher with an immense wealth of knowledge. The program had a perfect balance of asana practice, pranayama, meditation and classroom learning. I returned home rejuvenated and with a greater appreciation for the overall yogic philosophy. I’m a vegan and was pleasantly surprised to see vegan options at every meal! My room was perfect. Couldn’t have asked for anything more."
– Pooja Aphale
I enjoyed the asanas, the philosophical teachings, the setting and the sangha that was created.
Take-aways: “1. Reflection at end of asana practice to see if ego was involved; 2. It was really useful understanding the wide range of historical philosophical teachings in Indian culture; 3. Om chanting”. Loved the facility. If only we had access to sattvic, vegetarian, desi food, it would be perfect.
– Anita Shivadas
Please visit my website here for more feedback from this as well as past retreats.
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
Yoga for kids/teens, 8-week session
Yoga for Kids, Teens - 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)
- 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
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.
Read more ...
Yoga for Arthritis: Study Shows Yoga Can Help Reduce Arthritis Pain and Improve Well-being
Discomfort while walking. Pain in your hip, neck, or other joint area that wakes you up at night. Morning stiffness that can take over an hour to subside. These experiences are all-too-familiar for the one in five Americans who suffer from arthritis. However, according to a scientific study published in the Journal of Rheumatology, yoga can help with more than just the pain.
The study was intended to evaluate the effect on postural yoga for sedentary people living with arthritis and featured yoga sequences designed by registered yoga therapist, Dr. Steffany Moonaz.
Read more ...
Yoga Nidra’s Benefits Confirmed: Brain scans by scientists reveal how it relaxes the mind while awake
Indian researchers have, for the first time, utilized functional MRI (fMRI) to understand how Yoga Nidra, a practice known for improving mental well-being, affects the brain. The study, conducted by IIT Delhi, AIIMS Delhi, and Mahajan Imaging, was published in the international journal Scientific Reports. The research focused on experienced meditators and revealed a distinct neural mechanism that allows practitioners to remain restful yet aware, a TOI report stated.
Read more ...
Peeing Your Pants? New Study Shows This Low-Impact Exercise Is As Good As Meds
Urinary incontinence can strike at different points in your life, but it tends to be more common as you get older. Now, new research has found that the condition may be managed by doing regular yoga classes.
That’s the major takeaway from a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study’s researchers note that this can be done by just about anyone, making treatment for urinary incontinence more accessible.
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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