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Reincarnation, Karma and Samsara

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Karma (actions), karma-phala (fruits of actions), and saṃsāra (cycles of birth-death-reincarnation) are fundamental tenets of Indian philosophical thought and offer deep insights into the moral, ethical, and spiritual foundation of human existence.

Karma

In common parlance, we hear statements like, “what goes around comes around” or “as you sow, so shall you reap”. These may be thought of as simplified versions of the theory of karma.

The Sanskrit word “karma” is derived from the root word “kṛ” (कृ) and literally means “action” or “deed”. The theory of karma represents the principle of cause and effect. Stated simplistically, the theory of karma can be summed up as “good karma leads to good results whereas bad karma leads to bad results”. The fruit or result of the action, called karma phala, may be experienced in this life period or in a future birth. In a broad sense, the word karma is used to imply both the action and the fruit of action. 

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14-day Beginner level yoga, Oct 20-Nov 2, 2024

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Adhomukha-shvanasana (downward dog)

I am pleased to announce a 14-day Beginner Level yoga program. If you are a yoga newbie, this program will introduce you to the basics of asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. If you already have yoga experience, this program will help you enrich your yoga experience and also motivate you to re-establish your personal ongoing practice. Over the course of the program, I will offer guidance on how to build your practice at home so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of your practice.

Flyer: You can download the flyer here. Feel free to share it with your own distribution lists. 

You can join the program online via zoom or in-person at my home studio.

Program Information

  • What: 14-day Beginner Level yoga program
  • When: Sunday, Oct 20 – Saturday, Nov 2, 2024
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
  • 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.
  • Instructor: Subhash Mittal
  • Fee:
    • $100 – Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com), Venmo, or check
    • $105 –   paypal (go to bottom of page)
  • To register: fill out the registration form and submit it online.
  • Daily Routine:
    • Asana (50-55 min)
    • Yoga Nidra (~10 min)
    • Pranayama (~15 min)
    • Brief meditation

Strongly recommended

  • Light,’sattvic’, nutritious, VEGETARIAN food
  • No alcohol, drugs, tobacco or any other item of similar nature
  • A personal commitment to continue the practice after the program is over

Benefits you will enjoy:

  • Stress relief
  • Increase strength, flexibility
  • Relieve nagging pain
  • Build positive outlook
  • Sleep better
  • Many more …


Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to your participation.

Practicing Vairagya (non-attachment)

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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.

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Jnana Yoga in the Yoga Sutras and Samkhya

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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.

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14-day Meditation Intensive, Sep 16-29, 2024

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Padmasana (Lotus Pose)

How would you like to learn to:

  • Deal with stressful situations
  • Develop a clam, peaceful mind
  • Stay in the present moment
  • Improve creativity through clarity of mind
  • Improve relationships
  • Sleep better
  • Connect with your true inner Self

A regular practice of meditation is known to give you all the above and many more benefits.

I invite you to join me for the next 14-day Meditation Intensive. In this program, I will be presenting the basic concepts of meditation and practice several meditation techniques. 

No prior asana, pranayama or meditation experience is required.

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.
  • Continue reading »

4-day “hip opening” yoga intensive, Aug 25 – 28, 2024



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Kapotasana (pigeon pose)

4-day “hip opener” yoga intensive

I am pleased to announce a new morning intensive in which we will focus on hip opening yoga asanas.

You can participate in the program online via zoom or in-person at my home studio.

Flyer: You can view and download the flyer here.

  • Program: 4-day “hip opener” yoga intensive
  • 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:Sunday, Aug 25 – Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
  • Program Fee:
    • $40 – cash, check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com) or Venmo (use 9199269717)
    • $45 – paypal (go to bottom of page)
  • Instructor: Subhash Mittal
  • To register: please fill out the registration form , providing information in all the fields, and submit it online. 
  • Continue reading »

    Jnana Yoga (Yoga of wisdom) – an overview

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    As mentioned an a previous article, the Bhagavad Gita is one of the most revered texts in the Hindu philosophical thought. The text captures the philosophy, psychology, and practical guidelines on how we can lead a very purposeful and fulfilling life. The goal of life, as presented in the Gita and other Hindu scriptures, is to attain Self-realization which is to recognize our true nature as being beyond identification with the mind-body complex. Self-realization is also known as the state of spiritual liberation (moksha) wherein on gets liberated from the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth (called saṃsāra).

    The Gita contains a variety of concepts and ideas that are usually folded into four paths or approaches in life that can help us in our spiritual growth and evolution:

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    Yoga sequence to build upper body strength

    Yoga offers a multitude of benefits at all levels – physical, physiological, mental, emotional, spiritual and deeper. Most of these benefits can be combined under these four broad categories:

    • Strength
    • Flexibility
    • Endurance
    • Balance

    In this article, I will be presenting a set of asanas and asana sequences that will help develop strength in the upper body. Everything above the waist – writs, arms, shoulders, neck, the back and the core area – constitute the upper body that we’ll be working on. Of course, we must recognize that all these four attributes go hand-in-hand. The same asana or asana sequence can help develop all four – strength, flexibility, endurance and balance.

    In this video, I am presenting a 35-minute sequence to develop upper body strength. I hope you’ll enjoy practicing this sequence.

    Marjarasana (cat and cow stretch)

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    Yoga for Neck and Shoulders – 3-day program, July 12-14, 2024

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    Shoulder stretch with strap

    3-day “neck and shoulders” yoga intensive

    You can participate in the program online via zoom or in-person at my home studio.

    Flyer:You can view and download the flyer here.

    • Program: “Neck and Shoulders” 3-day yoga intensive
    • When: Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14, 2024
    • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
    • 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.
    • Program Fee:
      • $30 – cash, check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com) or Venmo (use 9199269717)
      • $35 – paypal (go to bottom of page)
    • Instructor: Subhash Mittal
    • To register: please fill out the registration form , providing information in all the fields, and submit it online. 
    • Continue reading »

    Karma Yoga – Actionless Action


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    The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most revered texts in the Hindu philosophical thought. It contains a dialog between Lord Krishna, who is presented as God incarnate, and the warrior prince Arjuna. The text captures the philosophy, psychology, and practical guidelines on how we can engineer our day-to-day life. The goal of life, as presented in most Hindu scriptures, is to attain Self-realization which is to recognize our true nature as being beyond identification with the mind-body complex.

    The Gita contains a variety of concepts and ideas that can help us lead a very purposeful and fulfilling life. These concepts are usually folded into four paths or approaches in life that can help us in our spiritual growth and evolution:

    1. Karma yoga (path of action)
    2. Jnana yoga (path of knowledge)
    3. Bhakti yoga (path of devotion)
    4. Dhyana yoga (path of meditation)

    Continue reading »