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Continuing our discussion of the concepts from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, in today’s post I would like to focus on Swadhyaya (study of the self) which is the fourth of the five Niyamas.
The word Swadhyaya (स्वाध्याय) is a composite of two words – the prefix ‘swa’ and ‘adhyaya’. The word ‘swa’ is often used as a reflexive pronoun and, depending upon the context, could mean ‘one’s own’, ‘belonging to oneself’, ‘inherent’, ‘natural’, ‘self’ etc. The word ‘adhyaya’ means to study or to learn. So, Swadhyaya is usually translated as ‘study of the self’ or ‘study of the scriptures’ or a combination of the two.
Study of scriptures
As we know, the purpose of yoga is to understand the intricate functioning of the mind and learn how to calm the mind to the point that we get a revelation of our true nature. This is also called self-realization. How do we understand the functioning of the mind? This is where the study of scriptures comes in. Many of our ancient scriptures discuss not only the mind but all aspects of this material world which directly impact the mind. Continue reading »
I am pleased to announce the next 21-day Yoga Challenge program. The past programs have been very well received by all the participants. For most of them, it has been truly a life-transforming experience. I invite you to join me on this exciting and deeply rewarding 21-day yoga journey. Here are the particulars:
- When: Monday, June 11- Sunday, July 1, 2012.
- Time: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
- Where: Kalasrishti – 3000 Bearcat Way, Suite 112, Morrisville, NC 27513 (off Aviation Parkway)
- Commitment: Continue reading »
The first sutra of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali states (sutra 1.1):
अथ योगानुशासनम्॥१॥
Atha yogAnushAsanaM
"Here, now (I present to you) the exposition of Yoga"
Vyasa, who is the most revered commentator of the sutras, defines the word yoga as being in the state of samadhi. It comes from the root word "yuj" which depending upon the context in which it is used, can mean either "in samadhi" or "union, yoking" etc. In the context of the yoga sutras, given the definition and objectives of yoga, Vyasa has decided to use the meaning "in samadhi". Samadhi refers to a state of the mind wherein the mind is calm, free of any agitation, free of affliction (stress-free) and can stay in an undisturbed state under the most trying circumstances. In that state, as per sutra 1.3, the spiritual self (Purusha) is established in its own natural state which is considered unalterable and immutable.
Continue reading »
I am pleased to announce the next pranayama/meditation intensive:
12-day Pranayama/Meditation Intensive
Come and join me for this life-transforming experience where you will learn two of the most important aspects of a complete, integrated yoga practice – pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. In this program I will introduce you to many of the breathing techniques that are mentioned in our ancient yogic texts. I will also introduce the concepts and techniques of meditation. No prior pranayama or meditation experience is required.
- When: Wednesday, April 25- Sunday, May 6, 2012
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM
- Location: Kalasrishti, 3000 Bearcat Way, Suite 112, Morrisville, NC 27560
- Daily Routine: Light stretching (10-15 minutes), Pranayama (30 min), Relaxation (10 min), Yoga philosophy (15 min), Meditation (20 min).
- Commitment: A firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day
- Fee: $75
Continue reading »
Defining and Understanding Tapas
Tapas is listed as the third of the five Niyamas in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The word Tapas (तपः) means heat or fire. As a verb (from the root तपॠ– ‘tap’) it can also mean to cause pain or suffering or to heat something up. Some of the common translations of Tapas are asceticism, austerity, self-discipline, determination, mortification etc. This niyama implies that we are putting the body through intense heat with the purpose of purifying it. The action is similar to that of a goldsmith who puts gold through intense heat in order to make it of a purer grade. Through the practice of tapas, one can become "tough" both physically and mentally so that one can withstand hardships that one faces in life.
Continue reading »
Trataka (त्राटक) is one of the six cleansing techniques mentioned in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the classical text on the practices of Hatha Yoga. The six techniques are: Neti (nasal cleansing), Basti (yogic enema), Dhauti (digestive tract and intestinal cleansing), Kapalabhati (breathing technique involving forced, short bursts of exhalation), Nauli (abdominal churning) and Trataka (eye cleansing and concentration).
Continue reading »
Santosha (संतोष) is the second of the five niyamas given in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The word santosha is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘tush’ which means "to be satisfied, pleased, or delighted,†as well as “become quiet or calm.†We can find the meaning of tush “in any pleasurable situation – pleasure, joy, gladness, satisfaction, friendly disposition, kindness, favor, grace, amity, affection, love."
Santosha is defined as the elimination and absence of craving, being satisfied with whatever comes one’s way. When the guna sattva is dominant, a person becomes desireless (nish-kama) and contented.
Continue reading »
After discussing the five Yamas over the last several posts, let us now shift our attention to the five Niyamas – shaucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas (austerity), svadhyaya (study of scriptures) and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to Ishvara, the supreme, perfect being). In today’s post I will be focusing on the first of five niyamas, Shaucha (शौच), as given by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
The word shaucha is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘shuch’ which means to cleanse or purify. Shaucha thus means cleanliness or purity.
When we talk of cleanliness, it implies both external and internal purity.
Continue reading »
I would like to invite you for a Spring yoga retreat in the beautiful rural setting in Mebane, NC. At this retreat you will be able to slow down and experience yourself at a deeper level, nourished and supported by the beauty of natural surroundings. You will be able to deepen your personal yoga practice and develop an understanding of the underlying concepts in yoga in an ashram setting under the guidance of Subhash Mittal. Subhash is a long-time yoga practitioner and a dedicated yoga teacher who has been teaching yoga since 1996. Subhash brings the best out of the traditional, ancient yoga teachings and weaves these teachings in the practice of asana, pranayama, meditation and relaxation leading to a fulfilling and enriching life experience.
Continue reading »
Defining Aparigraha
The word ‘aparigraha’ (अपरिग्रहः) is derived from the root word ‘grah’ which means to hold or grab something. Adding the prefix ‘pari’ alters the meaning only slightly to mean ‘hold onto something’. Adding the second prefix ‘a’ negates the meaning of the word and thus ‘aparigraha’ is variously translated as ‘non-hoarding’ or ‘non-possessiveness’, non-indulgence’ or ‘non-greed’ etc. This is the fifth of the five Yamas that we have been talking about so far.
Continue reading »
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Video DVD
Yoga with Subhash (asana and pranayama)
- Basic asana sequence (~50 min) ($18)
- Pranayama/Meditation (~35 min) ($12)
- Set of above two ($25)
Video recording of special programs offered in the past
(Links to YouTube videos will be provided)
- 21-day yoga immersion - $40
- 7-day hip opening intensive - $20
- 14-day meditation intensive - $30
- 14-day pranayama intensive - $30
- 7-day hamstring/quad intensive - $20
- 14-day Level 2 yoga intensive - $35
Payment options:
- cash, check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com) or Venmo (use 9199269717)
- PayPal (go to bottom of page) (add $5 to the fee listed above)
Please contact me if you would like to buy.
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