BY SUSHANT PANDEY Raja yoga is understood as one of the classical branches of the yoga tradition. Literally, the term ‘Raja Yoga’ connotes, the culmination or highest state of yoga. Raja means royal; it is so named because it enables the yogin to reach the illustrious king within oneself, the supreme self or atman. In…
Read MoreStudying yoga in an Ashram in India: What You Need to Know
BY ANASTASIA I often get approached by people, who ask for recommendations of ashrams in India where they can study yoga. At some point in time, both beginners in yoga and experienced yoga practitioners long to come closer to the source of knowledge. Before suggesting a concrete place to go, I always ask, what is…
Read MoreFinding healing through Yoga in Mysore
BY ANGELA McHARDY There’s a band in Scotland, ‘Del Amitri’ sing the tune ‘Driving with the Brakes On’. The title resonates with my journey with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is described as a ‘degenerative neurological condition, caused by impaired dopamine levels, affecting physical, cognitive and emotional functioning.’ It feels a bit like ‘Driving with the…
Read MoreEssentials of Meditation
BY SUSHANT PANDEY The process of meditation entails centering, mindfulness and internalization of awareness. Traditionally, the process of meditation is seen as a continuous process of an inward journey from the field of sensorial dimension to the innermost state of being. Technically this process begins with the stage of Pratyahara (withdrawal of mind). Pratyahara is…
Read MoreWell Known Spiritual Gurus of India
Religion and spirituality hold a significant place in Indian culture and the nation is almost brimming with mystics, sages and ascetics. Some are fraudulent but some have been known to benefit humanity in their unique way of imparting spiritual wisdom. Through these gurus, people all over the world connect with the supreme power within which…
Read MoreStudying Yoga at Sagar University
Yoga is quickly being recognized by modern Indians and Westerners as a proper science and one of the leading institutions that help to impart this ancient knowledge is Sagar University. Dr Hari Singh Gour University, formerly and more popularly known as Sagar University is located in the city of Sagar, the state of Madhya Pradesh,…
Read MoreThe Price of Yoga : Fees & Certifications of YTT programs in India.
BY GOWRISHANKAR HOSAKERE One of the first things I asked myself when I started Samyama Academy of Yoga was, “What is it that I want to teach?” and “How much fees should I charge the students?” I wanted to find my expression in a wide variety of meanings, as yoga the age-old and oft-misrepresented science is…
Read MoreHistory and Lineage of Bihar School of Yoga
BY SUSHANT PANDEY A few decades ago, yoga was the subject of only philosophical debates and study, very few people knew the practical side of it. It was Swami Sivananda (of Rishikesh) who completely changed the approach towards yoga. He presented before the people the practical and more scientific aspects of yoga. Indian culture has…
Read MoreWhat is Yoga Therapy?
BY MEREL MARTENS Since yoga is becoming more and more mainstream, yoga therapy is rising in popularity too. I have studied medicine myself and have been practicing, studying and working with yoga for many years now. It is beautiful to observe that yoga therapy is not only being embraced by so-called ‘alternative people’ and…
Read MoreYoga in Contemporary India: Northern India
DR. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI Banaras Hindu University has been actively involved in Yoga Research, therapy as well as Yoga Education through the Yoga Sadhana Kendra in Malaviya Bhawan. Prof TR Anantharaman who was the director, Institute of Technology, BHU and the president of the Indian Academy of Yoga has contributed immensely to the union of…
Read MoreYoga in Contemporary India: Eastern & North-eastern India
Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani EASTERN INDIA Swami Satyananda and his disciples have put Bihar on the Yoga map with the Bihar School of Yoga that has been a beacon light for the seeker of Yoga. With numerous branches all over the world and Australia in particular, Swami Satyananda built up the Bihar School of Yoga…
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Yoga in India 