Bharat and Beyond

Yoga is ideally practiced in person, in the presence of the teacher. Books, audio and videos are a great inspiration, however a deeper transformation occurs when the teacher and student both commit to each other. However,In these unprecedented times, we feel guided to offer immersions via Zoom, in order to offer our ongoing support to our sangha through yogic practices. Immersions are a deeper way to learn and transform, as they create a container for deeper understanding of the subject. The commitment and the joint sankalpa of the teacher and students allow for the teachings to come alive and build a foundation for ones individualized sadhana.

sojourns • Yatras • retreats AYURVEDA • YOGA • MEDITATION

What is Yoga?

To put into a paragraph or two the colossal spectrum of Yoga Darshana (loosely translated as philosophy), is not only impossible, but foolish to attempt.
Yoga is amongst one of the six systems of teachings that emerged in ancient Bharat (India). Together, they are referred to as Shad Darshana – They are: Sankhya; Yoga; Nyaya; Vaisheshika; Mimamsa; and Vedanta.
The word Yoga is derived from the root word Yuj, which means to join, or to yoke.
What in the modern world has now come to be recognized as “Yoga,” is a myopic view of one of the many paths of Yoga, specifically the path of “Hatha Yoga.”
The other paths are Raja Yoga; Jnana Yoga; Bhakti Yoga; Karma Yoga; Laya Yoga; Mantra Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. It is imperative to realize that all wisdom teachings of the eastern traditions are fractal in nature.
Yoga has been defined in many texts and in many contexts; here we give you some definitions of Yoga that resonate with us. We encourage you to allow the practice itself, the do’s and don’ts of which will be suggested below, to reveal the definition(s) that are the best fit for you, as an individual.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.1 Atha Yoga Anushasnam –

This simple invitation, which means “now is the time for practicing/studying Yoga.” The word Anushasana refers to a systematic and methodical order and repetition. The word Atha often used both as an “auspicious beginning,” as well as “now.” "Now" being an interesting word to start a text on Meditation, which to me can be interpreted as both in this moment now, as well as after some sort of preparation has been done by the student.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.2 Yogha chitta vritti nirodhah
Yoga is the nirodha (mastery, regulation, suspension, channeling, stilling, quieting) of the activities and fluctuations of the thinking mind.

Charaka Samhita (Sharira-sthana) 1.137 – Yoga moksha pravartakah –
Yoga is that which grants liberation from the continuous cycles of birth and death, pain and pleasure, attachment and loss.

Bhagavad Gita 2.48 Samatvam Yoga Uchayate.
In the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna defines Yoga to be “a state of balance.” The equanimity of the mind is the ultimate objective of Yoga.