YOGASATTVAFEBRUARY 2021 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE YOGA INSTITUTE, INDIA

OLDEST ORGANISED YOGA CENTRE IN THE WORLD

I ND I A N

YOGA GU RU

SC HOL A R

RE SE A RC H E R

AU T HOR

E DUC ATOR

Remembering

DR JAYADEVA YOGENDRAFORME R

PRE S I DE NT

OF T H E YOGA

I NST I T U T E

CONTENTSFEBRUARY 2021

The Yoga InstituteShri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santacruz East, Mumbai - 400055, India. Email: info@theyogainstitute.orgTel: +91-22-26122185/+91-22-26110506www.theyogainstitute.org

YOGASATTVA

The Art of Listening

Sharad Chauhan

R E C I P E O F T H E M O N T H

Cashew dip withcarrots

T E S T I M O N I A L S

U P C O M I N G A C T I V I T I E S

P U B L I C AT I O N S & C E N T R E S

6

Y O G A T E C H N I Q U EO F T H E M O N T H

Yoga for pregnancy

9-10

24

2 5

2 7

Y O G I CI N S I G H T S

THE EIGHT STEPS

OF YOGA

212 9

22-23

H E A D L I N E S

15-20

“India’s HealthcareChallenges in theNext Decade”

Panel Discussion

Y O G A M D

8-9Y O G A C E L E B R AT E S L I F E

The Footsteps ToThe Ultimate…

12-14

5

F E AT U R E D A C T I V I T Y

How comparisonruins relationships

Shri Yogendraji

11

T R A N S F O R M AT I O N T H R O U G H Y O G A

From anger, anxiety and sadness to calmness and balance

Events & Happening at The Yoga Institutearound the world.

theyogainstituteofficial tyi_official TheYogaInstitute the-yoga-institute-official the-yoga-instituteFollow us on

Pranee Hrishi Yogendra

PraneeHYogendra

EDITOR’S NOTE

3 YOGASATTVA

Namaste,

The longest relationship we ever have is with ourself. And yoga provides us with the most effective and efcient tools to enhance this pure relationship. Yoga way of living helps us to be in the present, have clarity, understand reality, and make the shift for our highest good. This internal journey of self-discovery and self-transformation is an ongoing process to help us connect with our true self on a deeper level.

While many are obsessed with the external world, Yoga practice helps to explore our internal world leading to the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. With the primary focus on acceptance and surrender, Yoga aids in overcoming ego mindfully.

Paying ode to Dr Jayadeva Yogendra on his death anniversary, let us understand how the social, the physical, the psycho-physical, the conscious, the subconscious areas can be attended to with the Eight Fold Path of Yoga. In his article he has elaborated how this path helps in seeing things very clearly and experience consciousness with yoga way of living.

Dr Jayadeva's quote, “No amount of external validation can ll your inner void. Believe in yourself rst” also amplies the signicance of self love and self-care.

Stay compassionate to self!

PEARLS OF WISDOM

4 YOGASATTVA

PEARLS OF WISDOM

In life what we see, we believe in; what we hear, we believe in. We never go to that deep down truth of what we see and what the reality is, it is the same. That’s why in yoga we say that

denitely your senses give you the knowledge of the outside world but to get a real knowledge or a true knowledge, you have to go deeper into that situation, take interest in that situation, go deeper. But there should be some purpose behind going deeper into the situation and only then can you get some knowledge out of it.

But the truth is still hidden; the truth is rather behind the golden veil. Whatever it is, the point is that every human is different, that’s for sure, and every human has their own realities, their own qualities. When we start seeing the things and believing in things, then we start even comparing ourselves with others. Here I see this, here I see something more beautiful, here I see excellent things, but seeing is very limited knowledge; deeper there is something else.

What is very good externally may not be very good in nature, may not be very good in the duty concept, may not be very good in health and stamina. In some cases, beauty externally is not seen but the mind is very beautiful, feelings are very warm and caring. How do we compare?

Comparison occurs only when pieces are exactly the same, then you compare which one you will nd more appealing or which is better. But here, everybody is different, there is no scope for comparison at all. The base of comparison is totally ignorance, avidya. So we should try and see that the habit of comparing, of giving an example of something, of how you are not reaching up to the mark, is eliminated. It is a very wrong way of living life. And then, I have noticed people comparing, for example two children with each other. ‘Look, he is studying and you are not studying’, ‘see, he behaves well and you are not behaving well’. That does not go well because both of them have their own unique character and personality.

In life, the moment you open your mouth to compare, you are creating problems, you are bringing more ignorance. You yourself have to do your duties well so why hurt others through comparison, creating negativity, having a rift in between two personalities and so on. When you compare, then the jealousy

starts, hatred starts with the other person with whom you have compared. Even hostile behaviour is seen when the comparison is done and you have put somebody down, somebody up. All this has to stop. Take a decision that you will not compare anybody with anybody, any two humans. You can see them, their uniqueness, as they are.

I always give you the example of a donkey and a horse, a small horse, same size. Externally, they look quite alike but you cannot compare and form an opinion about anything. The donkey has his own specialities, the horse has his own specialities. How could you compare? Don’t compare because you are only increasing your ignorance; you are not increasing your knowledge or your understanding about life.

So in life, a certain discipline has to be followed, a certain way of life should be understood and the discipline is rst of all, respect everyone as they are, never compare anybody with anyone and never form any opinion because of anybody. So try and bring these aspects into your life and you will lead a better life, successful life. Stop hurting and harming others, stop creating wrong karmas because you have compared. Comparing means you are doing himsa actually

according to Gandhiji’s principles or according to yoga. You are actually doing himsa on that person, hurting him, creating problems, so don’t ever do that, follow the path of truth, follow the path of love, follow the path of acceptance. Every individual as they are.

5 YOGASATTVA

How comparisonruins relationships

Smt. Hansaji J. YogendraDirector, The Yoga Institute.

I always give you the example of a donkey and a horse, a small horse, same size. Externally, they look quite alike but you cannot compare and form an opinion about anything. The donkey has his own specialities, the horse has his own specialities. How could you compare?

harad Chauhan, who comes from the family that

Sfounded Parle products in 1950, came to The Yoga Institute to sharpen his concentration. He was a shooter

at state level and wanted to reach the nationals; it was with this aim that he arrived at The Yoga Institute.

In the midst of running a company that produced India’s most famous biscuit brand apart from several other products, Mr. Chauhan had never seen a Yoga class. At the Institute, he saw “a tall and lean man walking towards the hall” and followed him. The man removed his slippers, so Mr. Chauhan did as well. Then the man told him to sit down and put his hands on his knees. Mr. Chauhan sat on a mat and obeyed.

It was his rst encounter with Dr. Jayadeva, and Mr. Chauhan had no idea what was happening. “I was lost,” he said, “I did not feel anything”. When he was asked to lie down, he did that; it was his rst experience of Shavasana.

Mr. Chauhan discovered that yoga came naturally to him; it was “a pleasure, not a task’. It relaxed him, and to his surprise, his concentration began to improve – but with a difference. In his shooting practice, concentration had always been a physical experience, but with Yoga, it took on a different form. “Concentration leads to a state of understanding,” he realised. This understanding began with an awareness of the mind, something that he had not been aware of earlier. Gradually, he realised that the mind wavered but had the capacity to steady itself.

It was Dr. Jayadeva who helped him discover a deep insight – “when you see the mind objectively, you understand how it functions”. Such understanding leads to change - change in the perception of a situation, understanding of the situation, and response to the situation.

The difference rst began to show in Mr. Chauhan’s shooting practice. Then it started to impact his home life and work. It also led to a sense of tranquillity that helped him deal with the little irritations of life, such as being stuck in trafc jams, or waiting for ight announcements.

As his understanding evolved, Mr. Chauhan realised that concentration sharpened his ability to listen. Listening to Dr. Jayadeva was the rst step, and then gradually extended to other situations. He also realised that listening goes side by side with a tranquil mind; a disturbed mind is unable to listen deeply. “If only one can listen…” these words by Dr. Jayadeva began to have a deep impact on Mr. Chauhan’s life; he realised that the inability to listen stemmed from an agitated mind.

Taking this further, Mr. Chauhan discovered that when the mind listens at the physical level that does not necessarily mean it is being heard in the deepest state because thoughts are also competing for attention. Real listening can only happen if the mind becomes still, he realised – “no opinion, no interpretation, no attempt to understand, just listening”. One must listen to the guru with a still mind, a stillness that can make its presence felt at home, at work, in the streets, and even in noisy marketplaces. Mr. Chauhan nds it valuable to practice Nishpand- Bhava, listening to a fading sound.

“Complete listening, or unqualied total listening, can happen with the grace of God,” says Mr. Chauhan. “Listening is an act of surrender.” It was Dr. Jayadeva who helped him recognise this.

SHARAD CHAUHAN

6 YOGASATTVA

FROM THE TEACHER’S DIARY

The Art of Listening

n a recent online panel discussion on 24th December 2021

Icelebrating The Yoga Institute’s 102nd year of existence, renowned doctors debated “India’s Healthcare Challenges

in the Next Decade”. Gracing the occasion were Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute,

Dr. Harish Shetty, Psychiatrist; Dr. Shashank Joshi, Endocrinologist, Diabetologist and Medical Researcher; Dr. Ravindra Chittal, Pediatrician & Neonatologist; Dr. Pradumna

Mamtora, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Shekhar Ambardekar, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Wellness Guru Dr. Mickey Mehta as moderator.

In Covid times, immunity is on everyone’s mind and that is what the rst question was all about - how yoga can help in terms of immunity and if breath is fundamental to life. The doctors agreed that it is and that doing pranayamas regular is important, especially in these unprecedented times. “Breath is the

YOGA MD

“India’s Healthcare Challenges in the Next Decade”

7 YOGASATTVA

YOGA MD

beginning of life. Babies are much better off than adults during Covid because they are not stressed, they are born free. Breathing is the main issue of our time,” summed up Dr. Chittal his experience. “Breath resets the body and the mind. Yoga connects us with the cosmos and helps us reconnect in a disconnected world,” added Dr. Shetty.

The next question that Dr. Mehta posed was about faith, or more specically, if faith can change physiology. Dr. Mamtora pointed to the instant gratication that is so rampant in our time and that has replaced or decreased faith. “We have faith in Google. But we should stick with Yoga, which has taught us to have faith in a higher reality and in the self,” he said, adding that “every cell of the body has the opportunity to heal.”

“First understand yourself,” advised Dr. Hansaji. “I have a body but I am not the body, I have a mind but I am not the mind. So who is this ‘I’? This ‘I’ is purusha. A person has to learn how to take any situation. Life management and uplift ing oneself has to go together, that makes life beautiful. Faith in a higher reality has to be there.”

“We are in a digitally intoxicated world and yoga is probably the best detoxier today,” emphasised Dr. Joshi. “Our body, mind and soul are discharged like a mobile phone and if we practice the right way, yoga will recharge us. It will make you self-realise.”

Dr. Ambardekar shared his experience of how patients with and without faith tackled Covid-19: “If faith is there, hormones are secreted, e.g. endorphins, they increase immunity. Even if these patients contract Covid, they have no problems. And they did well, whereas others who had doubts, struggled. Faith works for healing,” he emphasised, advising that “yoga tells you to have faith in yourself. Start your day by saying ‘I have a very strong body and mind’.”

Dr. Shetty could not agree more. “The biggest pharmaceutical company on earth is inside the body, free, and yoga awakens it all the time. And this awareness is something we can have,” he said.

“Medicines cure but yoga heals,” summed up Dr. Mehta and, wanting to nd out if the doctors practice what they preach, asked them about their own daily yoga practice. Dr. Shetty shared that he does pranayama regularly and that he has started reading about Samkhya philosophy. “Pranayama have helped me to keep calm and become aware of my feelings. I did not get emotionally hijacked. I can see my thoughts, my feelings,” he shared.

Dr. Chittal joked that he wanted to stay as far away as possible from Dr. Ambardekar and Dr. Mamtora because they are both treating lifestyle diseases, and to do that and to stay young, yoga is the way of life. He and his wife have been doing yoga for the last 25-30 years. “It helps me not to get irritated with crying babies and worried moms,” he said.

Dr. Joshi agreed: “In yoga, we should practice what we preach. Yoga is a great leveller. It allows us to build resilience in the mind, to handle our body, to act wisely, not impulsively and make decisions for somebody else [as doctors] in a very correct and appropriate way.”

Asked if Yoga should be a mandatory subject in schools, the doctors nodded emphatically. “Not only in schools but also in every household,” said Dr. Joshi. “Yes, the prescription has been on my list for the last 30 years,” added Dr. Shetty while Dr. Ambardekar shared his wife’s positive experience as a yoga teacher in a school. “The students contact her even today and tell her that they miss yoga and she tells them to continue with it,” he said. “Yes, it has to be mandatory,” agreed Dr. Hansaji. “Yoga is also a science. Children should understand their mind, what happens to their body and mind when they are angry. Yoga helps in concentration.”

Lastly, the doctors were asked to share their thoughts on meditation and not surprisingly, again the answers were unanimously in favour of it. Dr. Shetty pointed to his personal and recent research on meditation and anxiety and how the results showed that students had better interpersonal relationships and their grades improved after doing meditation.

Dr. Ambardekar said that it was all about being in a meditative state all the time, meaning being in the present moment and following one activity at the time, i.e. driving or seeing a patient, and enjoying the present. “Meditation is the path to transcending up; meditation is nothing but rewiring our selves, rewiring our mind, rewiring our soul, and resetting our biological clock,” summed up Dr. Joshi.

For that, the panelists recommended The Yoga Institute’s new app NISPAND, developed for yoga practitioners and those who want to become yoga practitioners and learn more about mediation. Based on their inputs, it will help users manage everyday situations and achieve one-pointedness or as the name suggests, reaching a state of ‘no other thoughts’. The app will be available for download on Google Play Store and the App Store from February 2021.

8 YOGASATTVA

YOGA TECHNIQUE OF THE MONTH

Yoga for pregnancy

Parvatasana

Starting Position

1. Sit erect in Padmasana or Sukhasana and keep your

hands at their respective sides, palms facing upwards.

Steps

2. Inhaling, raise both your arms together from the

respective sides for an upward stretch, joining the

palms above the head.

3. Keep your arms close to the respective ears, your

abdomen gently pulled inwards and back straight.

Avoid bending your arms at the elbows and wrists,

keeping them stretched and straight.

4. Fix your gaze at a single point ahead.

5. Maintain this position for six seconds, retaining your

breath.

Posture Release

6. While exhaling, turn your palms outwards, keeping your

arms straight and bring them down to the sides

01

Pregnancy can be a trying time for the new mother-to-be with many physical, mental and emotional changes taking place. The regular practice of asanas and pranayama can ease this transitional phase. The following two asanas and pranayama are tried and tested, leaving the mother-to-be feeling more exible (in body and mind), calmer and more condent in herself.

9 YOGASATTVA

YOGA TECHNIQUE OF THE MONTH

Bhadrasana

Starting Position

1. Sit erect with your legs outstretched and hands at the

sides.

Steps

2. Bending both your knees, bring the soles of both your

feet together.

3. Use your hands to bring the soles of the feet as close

to your body as possible.

4. Once your feet are closest to the body, keep holding

them, trying to push the knees down to the oor. You

can also use both your palms to gently push the knees

downwards in case Step 3 is difcult.

5. Once your knees are as far down as possible, hold the

feet with your hands, close your eyes and inhale and

exhale normally, watching your breath. Or, you can

place your palms on your knees.

Posture Release

6. Gently opening the eyes, release one leg at a time to

return to starting position.

Note: Though this is a meditative posture, to provide exibility to the hip and thigh joint, you can make buttery movements, that is, push the knees up and down several times before you practise watching your breath.

Yogendra Pranayama 4—Diaphragmatic Breathing

METHOD OF PRACTICE

Starting Position

1. Lie on your back, knees bent and feet close to your

hips. The knees and feet should be close to each other.

2. Place one hand lightly on your navel, the other hand by

your side.

Steps

3. Inhale slowly, gradually and fully so that your

diaphragm pushes your abdomen out.

4. Exhaling, let the abdomen fall down.

5. Keep the count of inhalation and exhalation the same.

Maintain your ratio. There is no retention or suspension

of breath.

6. Practise continuously for about 5-10 rounds.

02

03

10 YOGASATTVA

TRANSFORMATION THROUGH YOGA

nyone who meets Pinki GhandiWaller at The Yoga

AInstitute is greeted by her wide smile. It is hard to imagine that a person who radiates such positivity could

have a dark side. But that was the case with Pinki, from an early age onwards. “I was just 5 when I picked up my dad’s revolver to shoot my domestic help just because she told me ‘no’. This was the kind of anger I had from a very young age. My dad, being a police ofcer, thought it would go away with age, but surprisingly, my anger turned into rebellion as a teenager,” remembers Pinki.

She was a school topper until 10th standard but did not clear her 12th standard exam. Out of fear of reappearing, she ran away, got married and moved to Mumbai, hoping that marriage would straighten out her life. This speculation seemed to prove true as Pinki gradually did not feel angry anymore. Instead, fear took over her life though. “My life looked perfect to everyone but deep inside I was sad, very sad.”

Her anxiety and panic attacks got so bad that she had to be rushed to the hospital every time. She also started cutting herself as the sight of blood would calm her down. She visited many psychologists in Mumbai, to no avail, until one day, she came to Dr. Harish Shetty in 2007 and he suggested going to The Yoga Institute to her.

“I was hesitant to go,” remembers Pinki. “I thought it is not my kind of place. But however, I enrolled for the 1-Month Teachers’ Training Course. The rst week passed by and I had a feeling of quitting it. During my second week, I realized I was sleeping well, I wasn’t fearful, and I was much calmer.”

By the end of the course, Pinki was able to handle herself and gained her condence back. She credits the love she received at the Institute and calls it her extended family, especially Hansa Maa whom she can conde in with any problem.

“After coming to the Institute, my anger has reduced, my anxiety is under control, and as a person, I’m much calmer. I’ve learned to accept things and move on. I’m loaded with love and happiness now. The Yoga Institute is like a pilgrimage for me. I’m blessed to be here,” she sums up.

From anger, anxiety and sadness to calmness and balance A Case Study

Have an interesting story to share how yoga has changed your life? Email us at vrutti@theyogainstitute.org and you could be featured here soon.

11 YOGASATTVA

FEATURED ACTIVITY

12 YOGASATTVA

Welcome to The Yoga Institute,once again.

200 HOURS TTC Starting From

March 1st, 2021

Part Time (English)

ANNOUNCING ON CAMPUS

Time: 12pm-4pm Monday to Friday

Fee: `28000 (Study material & snacks included)

For further details Contact Tel: +91-22-26122185, 26110506 or info@theyogainstitute.org

FEATURED ACTIVITY

13 YOGASATTVA

For further details Contact +91-22-26122185, 26110506

or info@theyogainstitute.org, 1mttc@theyogainstitute.org

BECOME A CERTIFIED YOGA TEACHER

st th1 - 28 FEB, 202110.00am - 6.00pm

Fees: `22000

1 MONTH TEACHER'S TRAINING COURSE

NOW ONLINE

FEATURED ACTIVITY

14 YOGASATTVA

For further details Contact Tel: +91-22-26122185/+91-22-26110506 or info@theyogainstitute.org

ADVANCED ONLINE YOGA TEACHERS’

TRAINING COURSE

DATE- 1st MAR 2021 TO 19th JUN 2021

INTERNATIONALLY

CERTIFIED

900HOURS

TIME (BOTH SLOTS)7.00AM TO 9.00AM

4.30PM TO 8.00 PM (IST) 75000FEES- `

FEATURED ACTIVITY

15 YOGASATTVA

Registrations Open*

Call Tel: +91-22-26122185, 26110506 or info@theyogainstitute.org

What will you learn?

The Foundation

Physical & Emotional State of a Survivor

Philosophy & Technology of Yoga

Yoga for cancer - modified asanas &

pranayamas

Teaching Methodology

Anti-cancer environment, Anti-cancer diet

& Mudra science

You will get

Printed Manual with detailed subjects

Yoga Cancer Kit.

Y GA CANCER REHABILITATION & RECOVERY

for

CERTIFICATION COURSE ON

*

* Course is only for aspirants who have completed 500+ or 900 hrs TTC

Fees - `20000

By Shri Dharmesh Sukhadiath rd

From 26 Feb to 3 Apr 2021

Fridays & Saturdays,

between 3pm and 5pm

TYI NEWS HEADLINES

16 YOGASATTVA

Students learn how to manage stress during their 7 Months Teachers’ Training Course.

Students understand the deeper meaning of Yoga during Samkhya class

TYI NEWS HEADLINES

17 YOGASATTVA

Students condition themselves before the asana class.

1 Year Teachers’ Training students understanding Yogic concepts

TYI NEWS HEADLINES

18 YOGASATTVA

Students of the 4 Months Teachers’ Training Course learning classical Yoga in depth.

TTC students learning Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

TYI NEWS HEADLINES

19 YOGASATTVA

Student condition themselves before their class.

Women learn Konasana during women’s camp.

TYI NEWS HEADLINES

20 YOGASATTVA

Women at the ladies special class learn utkatasana, which strengthens the pelvic muscles.

Men at special class stand in stithaprathanasana

TYI NEWS HEADLINES

21 YOGASATTVA

Happy faces from the 21 Days Better Living Course.

The Yoga Institute feeds a healthy breakfast to hundreds of needy people every day. Annam Brahma - a socialservice initiative to ensure no poor person goes hungry.

TYI NEWS HEADLINES

22 YOGASATTVA

Mumbaikars join The Yoga Institute and Yoga by the Bay on a Sunday morning to start their day along thecoastline with yoga.

826th batch of 7 days health camp students learn Parvatasana and holistic approach towards life.

YOGA CELEBRATES LIFE

THE FOOTSTEPS TO THE ULTIMATE…By Shri Yogendraji

23 YOGASATTVA

It openeth wide, plain for all feet to tread,

Easy and near, the noble eightfold path, it Goeth straight, to peace and refuge. Hear!

Light of Asia

Notwithstanding the difference of op in ions he ld by the var ious authorities in regard to the number of yoga accessories (Yogaṅgas), it is now generally agreed that they are eight and as a consequence, Yoga is always spoken of as Aṣṭāṅga Yoga (the eightfold path of yoga). That part of literature of the Yoga philosophy which is attributed to Patañjali and which specically deals with the practical means of Yoga (Kriyāyoga), has been largely accepted by almost all the practical Yoga authorities. Except for some such works as Yogabĩja, Gorakṣasaṁhitā and others, all the other Haṭhayoga treatises like Yogi Yajñavalkya, Yogakalpadrumah etc., not merely accept these eight accessories but have considerably elaborated them by adding many new elements on the original structure of Patañjali. These accessories are technically known as Aṅgas or the main limbs and are not limited to any other particular branch of Yoga but are common to all the different branches. They thus form the physical, mental and moral background of this philosophy. Without their following, the attainment of Kaivalya or the ultimate independence of the individual soul is impossible. These, therefore, are the requisites of a would-be-Yogin and the ultimate success of one’s Yoga endeavours depends solely upon their scrupulous observance.

Two-Fold Use

These Yoga accessories do not merely remove the impurities of the mind but also help the mind by removing all such obstacles that stand in the way of highest discriminative knowledge. They are thus supposed to operate in two directions, viz., (i) in disassociating the impurities (Viyogakāraṇa) and (ii) in removing the obstacles which obstruct the course of mind for attaining the desired perfection (Āptikāraṇa).

Of these, the rst ve belong to Bahiraṅga or external means to Yoga, while the latter three belong to internal or Antaraṅga Yoga.

This classication may appear quite natural when it is realized that the latter three have the mental side more predominant than the others, which have mostly to be actualized in exterior action.

Antaraṅga

Their respective posit ions are calculated to increase mental purity by successive stages as each is gradually perfected for it is easy to understand that ordinary minds can never make the beginning of their practices all at one time. We are naturally so impure, physically and mentally, that it is very nearly impossible for us to attempt the i n t e r n a l Yo g a ( c o n s i s t i n g o f concentration, meditation and trance) without rst achieving success with the external means. For ordinary students, therefore, some graded course of conduct has to be evolved through which all can gradually purify themselves both physically and menta l ly. Thus e levated to a necessary extent of purity, they might then easily achieve the highest state without obstacles. It is argued by the Yoga authorities that our minds become steady in proportion as their impurities are cleansed. It may, however, be remembered that the cleansing of impurities represents only the negative aspect of the positive side of making the mind

steady, which is the central feature of all the Yoga practices. Thus when the grosser impurities are removed by the external means (Bahiraṅga), only the ner ones remain which can be gradually removed by the higher processes of internal (Antaraṅga) Yoga.

The importance of their usefulness in our daily life, however, is unquestionable not only for the attainment of higher spiritual motives but also for the mental and physical well-being. Patañjali has arranged them in a more or less denite order with due consideration to their relative value in the attainment of highest trance. It is therefore necessary to properly understand the signicance of this eightfold path of Yoga before entering into the detailed study of its science. It is also essential that the Yoga student should attempt to master each one of them separately in their usual sequence which Patañjali has observed and then to progress with the other succeeding accessories.

When the grosser impurities are removed by the external means (Bahiraṅga), only the

ner ones remain which can be gradually removed by the

higher processes of internal (Antaraṅga) Yoga.

“

he Yoga Sutras deal with what are known as the Eight

TSteps of Yoga. These are considered as t for the lowest kinds of students. These techniques go into all details;

the social, the physical, the psycho-physical, the conscious, the subconscious; all these areas are attended to in the Eight Fold Path. So naturally, the whole process takes its own time; it’s not just a single thing, many things are involved. The individual has to reorganize his relationship with the external world. It is not the external world that is creating all our difculties. We are acting, reacting and suffering. If we can organize this, the reactions might be milder, and as a result, the individual doesn’t get into complications. For example, one thing that is stated in Yoga is that no sooner that you externally hurt someone, a chain reaction of Karma starts. If you can avoid hurting another individual, then there is no need for yoga at all. But we cannot even for a moment discontinue this hurting approach. Either knowingly or unknowingly, this process goes on. Therefore, it is very necessary that the individual reorganizes his relationship with the external world.

This is the starting point and then they talk of the physical, the person’s own body and the bioenergy system in the body, the Prāna. Then they talk in terms of the mind, how to control the mind, how to see that the mind is in a stable state. Then they talk in terms of the senses, then in terms of the conscious mind and then the subconscious mind. At that stage, they recognize that they have mastered himself or herself.

If any of these stages are not attended to, if the physical body is not attended to, then a lot of difculties can occur. If the bio-energy system is not attended to, unconsciously, disturbances can occur. Suddenly, mood uctuations can happen; suddenly

the individual is low in energy and depressive conditions occur. It is very necessary that these aspects be also attended to. So various aspects of the individual need attention, and in the Eight Fold Path, every single aspect is attended to carefully. The physical looks are very important but equally important is the psycho-physical; the body-mind connection. What goes on at the emotional level or the mental level reects on the physical level and unless we learn how to control these things, physical difculties can go on occurring. Nowadays, it is increasingly recognized that 80% of diseases are not physical at all; they are emotional in nature. Now unless we learn to handle our emotions and unless we can understand the mechanism through which emotions get transferred to the physical level, we are going to continually get into these conditions.

The steps of the Eight Fold Path: The Yamas and the Niyamas (Restraints and Observances) are related to our social duties and our social involvement. We have then, Asanas (Posture) a very well-known step, apparently dealing with the physical body. We have next, Prānayāma (control of Bio-energy), dealing with the bioenergy or life force. Then we have Pratyāhāra (Abstraction of the Senses), dealing with the senses and control of the senses. Beyond that, we have Dhāraṇā (Concentration), Dhyana (Meditation) and meditation, where the individual can realise the nature of reality.

To work at all these steps is very difcult and needs all our patience. One can’t just do a little bit of Āsanas and say, “Well now, that is enough.” We have to generate a state of consciousness. The point is do these techniques have us end up in a better state of mind? Do they help us in understanding things better? If the Āsanas can do that, well, it is good. But the

YOGIC INSIGHTS

24 YOGASATTVA

Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra

THE EIGHT STEPS OF YOGA

YOGIC INSIGHTS

Āsanas just end at the physical level and do not help us at the mental level, and then the Āsanas are not really useful to us. In the same way, when we do breathing exercises, breathing itself is not the end. The breathing should lead to quietness, steadiness, concentration, and deeper understanding. Even the techniques of concentration are not just gross. We do concentrate; all of us are involved in work situations and as a result, we have to concentrate; but our concentration is limited to only the gross area. Our mind today is very lazy. It cannot get into the subtler things, we can’t think ahead on a long-term basis. So even though we are very capable and clever, this is just enough to earn us our daily bread. It doesn’t help us in our life processes. It doesn’t give us a deeper insight into ourselves and the purpose of our existence. The subtler things get lost.

So the attempt in Yoga is not just to restrict ourselves to concentration in the sense that you’ve got a certain object and you concentrate on that object. Rather it is to concentrate on understanding the deepest things that are related to that object; because our contention in Yoga is that it does not matter on what you concentrate. Whatever you concentrate on, it can make you reach you to the very highest, because you have to go subtler and subtler. The same object has got various aspects involved and we only restrict ourselves to the gross. We are not trying to understand the ner aspects that are involved in the object. The next technique of concentration leads on to meditation where there is a continuous ow of attention on the given object for a very long duration. It leads to a stage where the individual as if becomes the object himself. Realization is the word used - Sākśātkāra, to become the thing.

It is then that you are certain that there is nothing more than you can know about the thing than what you have gained through the self-realization technique. Of course this leads on to the very highest state where the individual has understood life to such an extent that he has no further interest in material things. He rather is looking beyond the material things; this is the Asamprajnāta-Samādhi state. It is very closely related to what we call the highest disinterestedness. The disinterestedness at its highest and the knowledge at its highest, the two collide.

There are different techniques available according to the type of students. The Eight Fold Path is suggested for the ordinary student who can proceed in a systematic way. Abhyāsa and Vairāgya is suggested to the best kind of student. All that is necessary is faith in a spiritual life and a continuous effort in that direction. If you can continuously apply yourself to gain what you consider as the object of your faith, then nothing else is needed. If you maintain your faith in the spiritual object and are totally devoted to that concept, not getting distracted and continuously working in that direction, you can reach the highest. But unfortunately, our clarity is lacking. We are not clear about what we want in life. We are not, as a result, able to apply ourselves fully and totally into the object and the effort gets weakened. If you can create a continuous effort, with total devotion and dedication to any object, Yoga says that you can get it. There is nothing that is impossible provided you can work towards creating a certain climate, Abhyāsa and Vairāgya is that approach.

The other approaches are Tapah, Svādhyāya and Iśvara Prānidhāna. You create a certain strengthening of the will with

austerities, penance, and fortitude. You go on reading scriptures and lling your mind with spiritual thoughts. The third thing is, you devote all your actions to God. This is called Kriyā Yoga. It is suggested for the middle-level student. The best level is the rst, Abhyāsa and Vairāgya. The middle level is these three and the last level is the Eight Fold Path. In the Eight Fold Path, it is suggested that the techniques are working on reducing the strength of the Kleśas, certain structural deciencies in us, which need to be overcome. We have ignorance; we have egoism; we have got attachment; we have got aversion and hatred; we have got fear and anxiety. These are very strong tendencies in us. To overcome these systematically, one has to go on step-by-step, starting with certain social responsibilities and certain social relationships. Working at the physical level, Āsanas, and then going into bio-energy levels, the sensory, the sub-conscious, and then the total.

We have these various techniques, various systems, divided into various systems, divided into various headings. But the basic idea is that any effort in life that leads to a superior understanding, is a valid path of Yoga; whether it is a path of devotion; whether it is the path of intellectual thinking; or whether it is the path of Hatha Yoga. But Āsanas should not be the end in themselves. Āsanas should lead on to a better, clearer understanding of life. If the Āsanas do that well, then they are very much an important part of a technical tradition of Yoga. Unfortunately, we do not try to make all the techniques in Yoga point in the direction of a superior spiritual understanding. We end up only with a technique. The technique is the end, it is not the result, it is not the outcome so far as changes in own thinking, feeling and understanding.

Yoga is concerned with the mind. It is concerned with the complete control of one’s own mental faculties, one’s entire personality. One wants to control it so that one can experience something that is behind the mind. You see, the mind is not everything; it is consciousness that makes our mind click. Just like, when you see the slide on the screen, you are interested only in the object on the screen, the image. But the important thing is the illumination that is behind you, which is responsible for what you are seeing on the screen. We are not interested in the illumination at all; we are just interested in the image. We are interested in thoughts and actions, but we are least interested in consciousness, which is responsible for our thoughts and action. So we can misdirect it, our attempt is only in trying to catch the image, enjoy, what goes on on the screen without ever understanding consciousness, which is at the back of the whole thing. If consciousness is in a poor state, the image is going to be blurred and a lot of blurring occurs in our life. We don’t see things correctly, clearly, sharply.

So the Eight Fold Path is one of those procedures that can help in seeing things very clearly, because it catches the consciousness itself and doesn’t only talk in terms of techniques.

25 YOGASATTVA

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

26 YOGASATTVA

Ingredients:• 1 cup of soaked cashews• 1 carrot• ¼ tsp salt• ¼ tsp pepper Fistful of basil leaves optional

Method:Except for carrot, blend all the ingredients in a blender to a smooth paste. Peel the carrot and slice them into medium size strips. Enjoy the healthy carrot strips along with cashew dip.

Cashew dipwith carrots

RecipeThis healthy dip is made from cashews, which are low in

sugar and rich in ber, essential (= heart-healthy) fats and

plant protein. In addition, they are also a good source of

nutrients like copper, magnesium and manganese, which

provide energy, booth immunity and support brain and bone

health. Eat it with carrot sticks and you are also taking care

of your eyes as carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the

body changes into vitamin A. Whats not to love about this

simple and healthy snack?

TESTIMONIAL

Vivek Patil,Advocacy Ofcer, The Humsafar Trust

The session of Yoga we had put for us in the Corona Epidemic was very commendable.Corona which is a disease associated with our immunity,Yoga can make our immunity very strong.The way you did it through online was very commendable.From the beginning to the end ,you have done every posture of yoga with us,it was very effective.While doing Yoga ,we started feeling very good and effective.After the session of Yoga was over,a lot of staffs requested me that the session should be held back.

I give you all the credit for this because the way you took Yoga from us ,it was full of magic.

After the completion of my Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), I was practicing dentistry, but was struggling with my health after a few years. 2016 was a turning point when I visited The Yoga Institute

and attended the 1 Month Basic Teachers Training Course. Enthused with the experience, my teachers/guides encouraged me to go for a 1 Year Teachers Training Course, which I did to my full

satisfaction. The Yoga Institute has blessed me with the knowledge of practical aspects of Yoga, overall health awareness, techniques of good interpersonal relationships, developing communication

skills and self development to remain calm and happy. The Yoga Institute has helped me use my medical knowledge to serve the people through Yogic practices. I am thankful to all my teachers here

and special thanks to Respected Hansa Maa and Pranee Ma’am, who have always inspired and motivated me.

Of the greatest blessings during these difcult times of Covid was getting the opportunity to be a part of the Advanced TTC at The Yoga Institute. From being guided by the very talented and humble senior teachers who brought in techniques combined with the embodied philosophy of yoga to being part of the fun activities of the public speaking sessions and enjoying tranquil meditation sessions, it was a package beyond my expectations. One of the greatest highlights from the course would always be when the teachers would share stories about Dr. Jayadev, Shri Yogendraji, Mother Sitadevi and of course our sessions with Hansa Maa. Her wisdom and guidance always enveloped us with a tender motherly affection during the course. For 4 months, I was surrounded by everything Yoga, I spoke, breathed and ate yoga until it is now forever etched in my DNA. You know you are a privileged part of a great tradition when you nally emerge out of the course completely transformed. It may be a Teacher Training course for many, but to me it was a life- transforming experience that I will cherish in my heart forever.

Mitchelle MatharuStudent

Dr. Neha AgrawalTeacher at The Yoga Institute

27 YOGASATTVA

SadhakaThe Yoga Institute has helped me learn to go with the ow while taking the pressure about the future into the present without letting it hamper my life. The Institute has also helped me getting to

know my efciency and contribution in terms of work. Working as an editor is a whole different experience as I have gotten the opportunity to create videos around a variety of topics. I can use this

learning in my professional as well as my personal life. In addition, I have been learning how to calmly handle anger even in the most difcult situations, thus making my life a lot simpler.

Akshay DalalSadhaka

The very rst spark of my love for yoga started with The Yoga Institute. The people there helped me to discover not only more about yoga but myself as well. I feel condent in my skills to help others shine their light through yoga. This place is blessed with amazing ambience and best teachers. Beyond grateful!

Shalin RajStudent

TESTIMONIAL

I did 200 hours YTTC online mode recently from this institute. I learnt two major things- Yogic postures and life management. I would say this institute focuses on teaching the yogic approach of living life along with physical level yoga. The way our mentor taught the practical application of yogic scriptures into modern day life is just amazing. My experience with the knowledge given and faculty is great. this course was indeed a life changing experience. I thank everyone who was part of this teaching. I highly recommend the yoga institute.

Deepika SharmaSadhaka

28 YOGASATTVA

TYI MONTHLY PLANNER > UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

*All camps/ courses are subject to the extension of the lockdown period.

29 YOGASATTVA

CAMP

21 Days Better Living Course

21 Days Better Living Course

1 Month TTC(Instructor’s Course - QCI- LEVEL I)(English)

1 Month TTC(Instructor’s Course - QCI- LEVEL I)(English)

7 Months TTC(Advanced Teachers Training Course - QCI - LEVEL II)(English)

1 Year TTC (Advanced Teachers Training Course - QCI - LEVEL II)(Hindi)

Pregnancy Camp for Ante & Post Natal

Meditation Camp

21 Days Better Living Course

PranayamaCamp

Back & Joint Camp

DESCRIPTION

Ideal for individuals who have no major health problems and who wish to experience the yogic lifestyle to feel rejuvenated and fresh.

Ideal for individuals who have no major health problems and who wish to experience the yogic lifestyle to feel rejuvenated and fresh.

Offered in English, this course is best suited for individuals who wish to teach Yoga to school students and young adults who have no health problems. An intensive Yoga teachers’ training that introduces both, the theoretical and the practical aspects of Yoga.

Offered in English, this course is best suited for individuals who wish to teach Yoga to school students and young adults who have no health problems. An intensive Yoga teachers’ training that introduces both, the theoretical and the practical aspects of Yoga.

Offered in English, this course covers Asanas, Pranayama, Kriyas, Bhavas, attitude training, counseling, public speaking, methodology of teaching, practice teaching, essentials of anatomy & physiology, Yoga Sutras and Samkhya Philosophy.

Offered in Hindi, this course covers Asanas, Pranayama, Kriyas, Bhavas, attitude training, counseling, public speaking, methodology of teaching, practice teaching, essentials of anatomy & physiology, Yoga Sutras and Samkhya Philosophy.

This 2-days camp enables the would-be-mother to accept the coming event of motherhood cheerfully and prepares her without fear or misgivings.

All the techniques of classical Yoga of Patanjali aim to create more awareness in individuals that helps them discover the self shining forth in one's own true nature. Recent research has proven that meditating regularly changes the brainwaves for the better.

Ideal for individuals who have no major health problems and who wish to experience the yogic lifestyle to feel rejuvenated and fresh.

Learn how to manage asthma, bronchitis, common cold, cough and sinusitis with simple Asanas, Pranayamas and the right diet.

Manage back & joint disorders like cervical spondylitis, lower back pain, slipped disc, frozen shoulder, knee conditions, arthritis and such other problems through simple and effective yogic techniques.

TIME

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Monday to Saturday10:00 am - 6:00 pmandSunday 9:00 am -11:30 am

Monday to Saturday10:00am - 6:00pmandSunday9:00am - 11:30am

Monday to Saturday5:00pm - 8:00pmandSunday9:30am - 10:30am

Monday to Friday1:00pm - 4:00pm

5:00pm - 8:00pm

5:00pm - 7:00pm

7:00am - 8:30am

8:00am - 11:00am

5:00pm - 8:00pm

DATE/ DAY

31/01/2021 -20/02/2021 01/02/2021 -21/02/2021

Starting on 01/02/2021

01/02/2021 -27/03/2021

Starting on01/01/2021 -

Starting on01/01/2021

06/02/2021 -07/02/2021

13/02/2021

14/02/2021 -06/02/2021

14/02/2021

20/02/2021

TYI MONTHLY PLANNER > UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

30 YOGASATTVA

DESCRIPTION

Ideal for individuals who have no major health problems and who wish to experience the yogic lifestyle to feel rejuvenated and fresh.

Experience this unique method of preventing and treating heart - related ailments.

It is an experiential introductory course to Yoga theory and practice where one can experience a yogic way of life. This camp will help the campers to incorporate yogic ideals in daily life.

Learn how to manage your weight permanently through a holistic approach.

The hourly classes are scheduled for men who wish to incorporate Yoga as a part of their daily routine. They consist of Asanas, Pranayamas, Kriyas and guidelines on yogic lifestyle. Students can enrol on any day of the month.

The hourly classes are scheduled for men who wish to incorporate Yoga as a part of their daily routine. They consist of Asanas, Pranayamas, Kriyas and guidelines on yogic lifestyle. Students can enrol on any day of the month. The hourly classes are scheduled for women who wish to incorporate Yoga as a part of their daily routine. They consist of Asanas, Pranayamas, Kriyas and guidelines on yogic lifestyle. Students can enrol on any day of the month. The duration of the class is one and half hour. Each class is planned for those who wish to practice Yoga but can't spare time on weekdays due to their busy schedule.

CAMP

21 Days Better Living Course

Cardiac and Hypertension Health Workshop

7 Days Health Camp

Weight Management Camp

Regular Classes (Online)

Regular Classes for Men (On campus)

Regular Classes for Women(On Campus)

Weekend Classes (On Campus)

TIME

7:00 am - 8:30 am

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

7:00 am - 7:30 pm

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

6:30 am - 7:30 am 7:30 am - 8:30 am 8:30 am - 9:30 am 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

7:00 am - 8:00 am &7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

6:30 am - 7:30 am 7:45 am - 8:45 am 10:30 am - 11:30 am 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm

Saturday8:00 am - 9:30 am and 5:00 pm - 6:30 pmSunday8: 00 am - 9:30 amand10:30 am - 12:00 pm

DATE/ DAY

21/02/2021 –06/02/2021

21/02/2021

27/02/2021 –5/03/2021

27/02/2021

Monday, Tuesday,Thursday & Friday

Monday, Tuesday,Thursday & Friday Monday, Tuesday,Thursday & Friday Saturday & Sunday

CHOOSE FROM

500+ PUBLICATIONS (AVAILABLE IN HINDI, ENGLISH, MARATHI, GUJARATI & KANNADA)

HEADQUARTER - SANTACRUZ (E)

Shri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santacruz East, Mumbai - 400055, India. Tel: +91-22-26122185/+91-22-26110506CENTRES INDIA & INTERNATIONAL

The Yoga InstituteFirst Floor, Khajina Mahal, S.V. Road Andheri (W), Mumbai - 400058 Call: 9820429029, 9820929029, 9920329029

ANDHERI (W)

PUBLICATIONS & CENTRES

The Yoga InstituteC - 308, Kailas Business Park, Hiranandani Link Road, Powai, Mumbai

Call: +91-9820696800

MATUNGA (CR)

The Yoga InstituteGround Floor Backside,Abhijat Bunglow, Plot No. 48,NS Road Number 7,Opp. Siddhivinayak Building,JVPD Scheme, Juhu.

JUHU - CENTRE 1

The Yoga Institute 35, Kimberly Road 11/F, Tsim Sha Tsul, Hong Kong.Call: 21919651

HONG KONG

PUBLICATIONS & CENTRES

The Yoga InstituteViva Chorão, Near Our Lady of Grace Church, Madel Chorão, Tiswadi Goa, 403102

Call: +91-9820557676

GOA

The Yoga InstituteSanyas Ashram Temple,Off. Bajaj Road, Vile Parle W,Mumbai - 400056

Call: +91-9821367588,9833864964

JUHU - CENTRE 3

THAILAND

The Yoga Institute Thailand (Doi Saket Yoga Training Center)198 Moo 2, Luang Nuea Sub-Ditrict, Doi Saket - 50220Chiang Mai - Thailand. Call: +66 931783213

The Yoga Institute, Delhi Swami Parmanand Prakritik Chikitsalaya ( SPPC) Near Main Mother Dairy I.P Extension, Delhi

Call: 011- 22478881 / 83

DELHI

The Yoga Institute, KandivaliTeens Dance & Fitness Studio, Top Floor, S.C.N Sports Club, Saraf Chaudhary Nagar, Thakur complex, Kandivali (East), Mumbai

Call: +91-9987011679

KANDIVALI (E)

FRANCE

The Yoga Institute, FranceCentre Lothlorien,Domaine de Moiron 52800 Foulain, FranceCall: +33 (0) 325034086

The Yoga Institute, Indore1st oor, Plot No. 3, Akshay Deep Colony MR 9, Near Lotus A.B. Road, Indore (M.P.) – 452010.

Call: +91-9981114056, 9920171359

INDORE

The Yoga Institute,Saket College,Saket Vidyanagri Marg,Katemenivali, Chinchpada Road,Kalyan, Maharashtra -421306

Call: +91-9664976447

KALYAN

COSTA RICA

The Yoga Institute Costa Rica, Finca Elefante, Provincia de Alajuela, Atenas, 20501Call: (506) 8729 3102

The Yoga Institute,Dharmayogakaruna, Via delle Genziane 36, 36050 Creazzo (VI) Italy. Call: +39 348 2156449

ITALY

The Yoga InstituteRotary Club of Bombay WestRotary Service Centre,Rotary Chowk,Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz W,Mumbai 400049

JUHU - CENTRE 2

POWAI

The Yoga InstituteSri Kanyaka Parmeshwari Temple, Plot No 403, Vasavi Nilayam, Telang Road, Matunga (CR), Mumbai

Call: +91-8879955000

You may also order our publications & games onlineat www.theyogainstitute.org/books

31 YOGASATTVA

FOUNDER, SHRI YOGENDRAJI

YOGASATTVAMONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE YOGA INSTITUTE, INDIAOLDEST ORGANISED YOGA CENTRE IN THE WORLD

FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE

“Begin and end every day with a

heart full of gratitude. Make this attitude

a part of your personality, and your

life will change for the better.”

Shri Yogendraji -

It is the continuation of contemplation by the mind

that produces the state in which all objects other than

the object of contemplation are eliminated leading to

merger of mind with the object of the contemplation.

Thus ‘ Samadhi ‘ is the merger of mind with the object

of contemplation

Likewise, in practice of Anitya -Bhavana when

intensied will lead to a situation where mind will get

isolated from all that is “ Anitya. “, leaving mind itself

getting merged with it’s source—Consciousness,

being “ Nitya “.

Thus the mind practicing Anitya-Bhavana at its best

get isolated from all possessions, being Anitya and

itself becomes witness by identifying itself with

consciousness.