Being in India, I have been thinking a lot about my spiritual path and trying to be more intentional, devoted and laser focused. If you are a yogi, then chances are that like many of us, you have sought to lead a life full of purpose and happiness – free from suffering. You may have read about the philosophies which make up yoga teachings. But there is something fundamental and underlying in these teaching which speaks to the root cause of all human suffering: avidyā or ignorance. Avidyā is the forgetfulness or disconnection with our True Self caused by three impurities in the mind – mala (selfishness), vikshepa (monkey mind) and avahana (forgetfulness). Only when we dissolve these mental impurities will we be able to reconnect with our Divine Self—the knowledge that we are universally connected beyond body, mind, emotions and intellect. In this post I’ll explore how these three impurities of the mind contribute to feeling disconnected form one’s True Self according to Vedanta scriptures, as well as discuss the pathways offered by yoga practice for cultivating connection once again.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a physically demanding and dynamic style of yoga

Follow a set sequence of poses, gradually progressing through the series in a physically demanding practice. This style emphasizes the link between movement and breath, utilizing Ujjayi breathing and energy locks. 

Derived from an ancient manuscript called the Yoga Korunta, Ashtanga Yoga is a system passed down through generations. Developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, this style of yoga is based on the teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya. 

Discover the philosophy and principles of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, known as the Eight-limbed path. According to Jois, daily asana practice strengthens the body and cultivates a steady mind. 

Experience the power of Ashtanga Vinyasa with its six series, each containing a unique order of poses. Traditionally taught in the “Mysore” style, students progress at their own pace under personalized guidance. Focus on the Ujjayi breath to maintain awareness and presence throughout the practice. 

Explore the alignment of movement and breath with the term Vinyasa, connecting each asana seamlessly. Enhance your practice with the use of bandhas, energy locks that bring stability and direct energy throughout the body. 

Experience the modern-day practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, whether in the traditional Mysore style or a led class. Delve into the benefits of a regular practice, where clarity of mind and strength of body are achieved. Detoxify and realign with the Primary series, open your energy channels with the Intermediate series, and refine your body and mind with the advanced series.

Bhakti Yoga: Path of Selfless Devotion

Bhakti yoga reveals the main obstacle we face – our disconnection from the sacredness and divinity that fills the entire Universe, including ourselves. Instead, we view ourselves as insignificant fragments in a mundane world.

Bhakti yoga, a path of selfless devotion and recognition of divinity in all aspects of life, provides a solution. By nurturing a sense of reverence for something beyond ourselves, we can ignite the flame of Bhakti. It could start with simply appreciating the gift of waking up each morning or recognizing the life force within every breath and heartbeat. Even the beauty of a flower or the warmth of the sun can remind us of our sacred essence.

Cultivating Bhakti can also involve appreciating the effort that goes into the food we eat or engaging in prayer and mantra chanting. It is about devoting ourselves to seeing and loving the divinity in every creature and everything, continuously worshiping with full surrender. Profound rituals like Aarati and puja connect us to the divine qualities present in the manifested Universe.

Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita is the ideal chapter to explore this kind of prayerful and devoted yoga. Personally, I find it to be the path of the heart. Returning to the heart, being devoted to the heart, serving from the heart, seeing beauty in all through the heart, and meditating from a place within the heart.

The challenge lies in recognizing when we have discovered this sacred love and turning it inward. Through this journey, we may realize that the reverence and admiration we feel for external objects is actually the same sacred love residing within our hearts.

Bhakti leads us to recognize the divine thread that runs through EVERYTHING, including ourselves. The seer, the act of seeing, and the seen merge into a unified expression of the sacred and divine. Let us dissolve the barriers that separate us from our true nature and embrace the oneness that prevails.

Hatha Yoga: Balancing Body and Mind

Language holds immense power, and its impact varies across different cultures. Even in the world of yoga, one word – Hatha – carries multiple definitions. 

In Western thinking, Hatha yoga is often associated with achieving harmony between the body and mind. Symbolically, ‘Ha’ represents the sun and ‘tha’ symbolizes the moon. Through Hatha yoga, practitioners aim to unite and balance these two energies. 

A Hatha yoga class typically involves a series of physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques, practiced at a slower pace with longer holds compared to Vinyasa flow or Ashtanga classes. 

However, the literal meaning of Hatha is ‘force’, and traditionally, it refers to ‘the yoga of force’ or ‘the path to yoga through force’. This system of asanas aims to purify the body, enabling individuals to gain awareness and control over their internal states, facilitating meditation. It encompasses the initial five steps of Ashtanga yoga, the path of physical discipline.

In essence, Hatha yoga encompasses various activities involving the body, including asanas, pranayama (breathing techniques), mantra chanting, mudra hand gestures, shatkriyas and shatkarmas cleansing techniques, and different types of visualization.

Experience the transformative power of Hatha yoga and discover balance within yourself – physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Jnana Yoga: The Path to Wisdom, Liberation, and Deep Inner Peace

Embark on a transformative journey of self-realization as you explore the depths of your being. Jnana Yoga, or the yoga of wisdom, will and intellect, takes you from the surface level of understanding to the profound essence of who you truly are.

In this practice, we use discriminative intelligence to solve spiritual problems and analyze ancient texts, gaining a deeper understanding of their meaning. By uniting our mind with the wisdom and bliss of the soul, we unlock a profound sense of inner peace and truth that resides within our hearts.

If you’ve ever wondered about the indescribable feeling you experience during yoga, or the yearning for more profound peace, Jnana Yoga holds the answers. This form of yoga, also known as ‘doubt-free intellectual knowledge,’ invites you to study the texts of self-realization and embark on a profound inquiry into your true nature.

Through this practice, we unravel the subtleties of the mind, its attachment to worldly objects, and the veils of ignorance that they create. By employing reason and logic, we use our mind as a tool to understand itself and uncover our innate wisdom.

If you’re ready to deepen your yoga practice and uncover the profound truths within, turn to Jnana Yoga. The Fourth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita serves as an invaluable resource on this transformative path.

Karma Yoga – Action Without Attachment

Escape the chains of selfishness and discover true freedom through Karma Yoga. According to ancient philosophy, our minds are tainted by an impurity called Mala, which pushes us to prioritize self-gain and material success. But there is an antidote to this mindset.

Karma Yoga, the path of action without attachment, offers a solution for those who lead busy lives. By infusing our actions with selfless service and letting go of expectations, we can break free from the cycle of karma and find liberation from suffering. It starts with small acts of kindness and gradually expands to transform our entire existence.

Explore the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita’s third chapter to delve further into this transformative yoga practice.

When we perform actions with the awareness of Consciousness as the Doer, known as “Karmin,” we can disconnect from the influence of our senses and engage in the highest form of action. Release the need for validation and outcomes. Embrace the joy of simply being able to act. Foster a connection with your authentic self. By relinquishing attachments and embracing wisdom, every action becomes a sacred expression of bliss.

Kriya Yoga: The yoga of Meditation

Experience the power of Kriya Yoga – a scientific, time-tested method for self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Through the flow of breath, this ancient practice oxygenates the body, prepares it for meditation, and unlocks your true potential.

Introduced in India in 1861 by Mahavatar Babaji, Kriya Yoga has since been passed on to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya. Today, Swami Yogananda leads modern Kriya Yoga, guiding individuals on a path of deep connection with their spiritual nature, rational thinking, emotional balance, physical health, and purposeful living.

In The Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna illuminates the profound impact of Kriya Yoga on our life force. Harmonizing the inhaling and exhaling breaths, this practice brings balance and control, releasing the life force from the heart.

Sage Patanjali recognizes the importance of Kriya Yoga, stating that it encompasses body discipline, mental control, and meditation. By disconnecting the cycle of inspiration and expiration, true liberation can be achieved.

Immerse yourself in the transformative power of Kriya Yoga. Rejuvenate your brain cells, enhance your memory, and gain control over your emotions. Clear the path to your inner divine power through sincere practice of Kriya Yoga.

Traditional Kundalini Yoga

Delving into the ancient roots of Kundalini, we discover its connection to the word Shakti, both of which hold profound significance. The Sanskrit term “kundala” translates to “coil,” evoking the image of a resting serpent. Similarly, “shakti,” derived from “shak,” implies “power” or “ability.” Together, these words form the concept of “the coiled-up power” or “the resting potential.”

For centuries, Kundalini Yoga remained a secret practice, exclusively taught to a select few who underwent years of initiation. The spiritual and physical teachings of Kundalini masters were inaccessible to the general public. The science of Kundalini was closely guarded, confined to an elite community of Indian yoga masters and disciples.

According to tantric philosophy, the entire universe is a manifestation of pure consciousness. When manifesting, pure consciousness seemingly divides into two aspects, each dependent on the other. Shakti, as a projection of pure consciousness, covers consciousness with countless illusory forms, known as “maya.” This vast array of illusions constitutes what we perceive as the universe. Shiva and Shakti, these two fundamental principles, are intrinsically united. However, in our worldly existence, an illusion of separation emerges, distorting our understanding of reality.

Preparing for the awakening of Kundalini holds greater importance than the actual awakening itself. Through the practice of yoga asanas, including purifying exercises, the body becomes equipped to handle the heightened energy of Kundalini. Advanced postures, energy locks, breathing exercises, and sealing techniques called mudras and bandhas redirect and awaken the dormant energy of Kundalini.

By gaining control over prana, the life force energy that governs the mind and body, yogis can exercise control over their thoughts and physical being. While prana typically flows outward, connecting the mind with the senses, channeling this concentrated energy upward through the chakras allows the mind to detach from the physical body, leading to inward absorption in meditation. Through specific practices, energy is withdrawn from the ida and pingala nadis, and channeled through sushumna, the central channel of the spine. This merging of energies generates intense heat and friction, arousing the dormant Kundalini, which ascends through the brahma nadi.

Aside from physical practices, Kundalini can also be awakened through concentrated meditation on specific sensory nerves and chakras. This meditation, accompanied by mantra repetition and visualization, allows energy to awaken and concentrate in specific centers.

Brahmacharya, the path of physical and mental celibacy, offers another means of Kundalini awakening. Instead of dissipating vital force through pleasure and procreation, the yogi learns to absorb and direct this energy upwards. The external union between male and female is forsaken, replaced by an internal union between the male (shiva) and female (shakti) principles.

Tantra yoga emphasizes the worship of Shakti, the mother of the universe, in cultivating this union. Contrary to Western misconceptions, tantra is not solely focused on sexual relations. It involves a transformation from the physical plane to the realm of energy and consciousness. Partners relate to each other as embodiments of Shiva and Shakti, the lord of consciousness and his consort.

In its purest form (samaya), tantra involves worshiping Shakti through meditation and mantra, establishing a direct and conscious relationship with the personified forms of Shiva and Shakti within oneself, and uniting them.

Kundalini awakening represents a profound path to self-realization, attainable through dedicated practice. Physical and mental discipline, along with faithfulness and truthfulness, serve as vital prerequisites on the journey towards enlightenment. Understanding and awakening the ascending force of Kundalini, in combination with the descending force of grace (kripa), unveils the transformative power of Shaktipata – a form of grace that manifests when the student demonstrates sincere and selfless effort.

Laya Yoga: Path that teaches how to dissolve the ego into the infinite

The ancient art of Laya Yoga: a powerful meditation practice that unlocks your energy centers and propels you towards higher consciousness. Founded by the revered sage Gorakshnatha, this transformative practice focuses on dissolving karmic patterns and merging with the transcendental reality.

Through targeted meditation techniques, Laya Yoga awakens the dormant Kundalini energy at the base of your spine, guiding it through the seven energy centers. Unlike traditional meditation, Laya Yoga harnesses the power of Prana to activate your Kundalini and propel you towards a state of supreme consciousness.

Not only does Laya Yoga offer spiritual benefits, but it also has therapeutic qualities. This practice purges the mind and body, elevating your consciousness and opening you up to levels beyond the material and egoistic. By locating and meditating on the different centers of your spine, Laya Yoga transforms your consciousness, leading you to a state of ultimate enlightenment.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner transformation with Laya Yoga—the path to supreme consciousness and inner harmony.

Mantra Yoga: Tap into the Sacred Sounds

The ancient practice of mantra yoga is where the power of sacred words brings transformative results on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. These potent mantras, rooted in the Sanskrit language, hold the key to unlocking divine energy within.

Through the art of japa, the repetition of specific root-word sounds, mantras guide the wandering mind to a state of peaceful meditation. By engaging the mind fully, mantras bring us closer to the essence of divinity residing within.

The positive vibrations generated by chanting mantras not only benefit the chanter, but also resonate with those who listen. This ancient tradition boasts a library of 70 million mantras, each a unique expression of the divine.

As the mantra is repeated, the aspirant absorbs the power of the presiding deity, reinforcing the connection to the divine. This practice floods the cells with divine energy, restoring strength and warding off negativity.

According to the revered text, Yoga-Yajnavalkya, the whispered repetition of a mantra holds a thousand times greater benefits than mere spoken or mental recitation. And the ultimate spiritual breakthrough lies in meditating on the mantra itself, amplifying its impact a thousandfold.

Explore the profound aspect of japa in mantra yoga. Experience the transcendental realms of absolute reality through the recitation of divine mantras. Each mantra is a symbol of supreme divinity, with its own teacher, meter, presiding deity, seed, and inherent energy.

Unlock the transformative power of mantras and immerse yourself in blissful union with the divine. Through mantra repetition, elevate your consciousness and embark on a profound journey towards ultimate union with God.

Nada Yoga: Exploring the Mysteries of Sound

For millennia, the enigmatic relationship between sound and consciousness has captivated civilizations throughout history. Yet, even today, sound remains a remarkable enigma. However, the sages of India have gifted humanity with sacred wisdom that sheds light on this profound connection.

Rooted in the Sanskrit word ‘Nad’, meaning sound, ‘Nada’ holds the key to unlocking the flow of consciousness. Resonating with the primordial energy of ‘Om’, Nada yoga is an ancient practice that merges the individual with the divine through the power of sound and music.

In this transformative discipline, practitioners focus their attention on the inner sound known as anahata nada. These ethereal melodies, ranging from thunderous drums to gentle flutes and buzzing bees, emanate from within the core energy channel of the heart. By diverting their attention inward, individuals experience a profound stillness that reconnects them with their soul.

Yogis venerate the ten astral sounds, each a stepping stone towards attuning oneself to the cosmic vibration of ‘Om’. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali acknowledge ‘Om’ as the ultimate expression of the divine absolute, its significance unfolding with every intoned repetition.

Of the four Nadas, Para Nada stands as the highest frequency, devoid of any vibration. The omnipotent sound of ‘Om’ embodies Paranada, permeating every fiber of our being with pure energy and light. By delving into Nada yoga, one can elevate self-awareness and access the profound depths of their inner world.

Recognizing that music holds immense spiritual power, Nada yoga presents a gateway for honing concentration and deepening one’s yoga practice. The ability to listen to ahata nada, the external sound, with unwavering focus and a tranquil mind, cultivates a skill that extends far beyond the yoga mat.

While the technique of nada yoga described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika requires extensive dedication and preparation, there is a more accessible approach for modern yogis. Engaging in ahata nada yoga, practitioners can choose calming music as a focal point during meditation. By immersing oneself in the soothing melodies and gently returning to the music when thoughts arise, one can develop heightened listening abilities and concentration. With practice, you can practice without external sound and simply listen to the sound within.

The therapeutic aspects of Nada yoga are remarkable. It has the power to calm the mind, elevate consciousness, and promote a sense of joy, harmony, flexibility, and fulfillment.

Raja Yoga and the Art of Meditation

Discover the royal path to inner peace and self-realization with Raja Yoga. Systemized by Patanjali in the second century B.C., this ancient practice combines the essence of all yoga paths to guide us towards our true nature. Free yourself from the limitations of the body and the world, and embrace the eternal bliss of God’s presence.

But, overcoming the constant chatter of the mind and our attachment to our limited sense of self is no easy task. Enter the path of royal sages and great yogis – Raja Yoga. Calm your mind and enter a state of profound stillness where you can experience the indescribable essence of existence – Purusha or Brahman, the key to ultimate enlightenment.

To tame the mind, we must unravel its clever resistance to change and its web of mundane thoughts. Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita provides valuable insights for Raja yogis on this journey. 

Additionally, the Yoga Upanishads offer a comprehensive system of practice to complement meditation and develop fitness, stability, and self-awareness.

Patanjali, the ancient sage, compiled the Raja Yoga Sutras, guiding us through the 8 Limbs of Yoga. From foundational principles to one-pointed focus, Patanjali’s wisdom leads us towards true enlightenment.

While Hatha Yoga focuses primarily on the physical and energetic bodies, don’t confuse it with Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga delves deep into the study of the mind and guides us towards transcendence.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime and unlock the secrets of your true nature with Raja Yoga. Find serenity, clarity, and the boundless ocean of consciousness that lies within us all.

Swara Yoga: Harness the Power of Breath and Cosmic Consciousness

Swara Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word “swara” meaning sound or musical note, and “yoga” meaning union, is a profound and ancient science. It encompasses the understanding and manipulation of the breath flow through the nostrils to attain cosmic consciousness.

Dating back over ten thousand years, Swara Yoga was once a secret science, reserved for select individuals such as kings and dedicated sadhaks. Passed down by ancient sages and saints, this divine knowledge held immense power and was kept pure in the hands of those who possessed a spiritual attitude and unwavering devotion.

Swara Yoga involves harmonizing the breath with the phases of the moon, time of day, and direction. Unlike traditional pranayama techniques, Swara Yoga recognizes the intricate relationship between the breath, celestial bodies, seasons, and individual physical and mental states. By aligning oneself with these subtle connections, one can enhance success, predict auspicious times, and even overcome planetary influences.

With the ability to read and manipulate the breath, practitioners of Swara Yoga can maintain harmony within themselves and with the outer world. By ensuring a balanced flow of breath, a profound shift in consciousness can be achieved.

The key technique of Swara Yoga lies in influencing the nadis, the subtle nerves that carry the life force or prana throughout the body. By understanding and utilizing the dominant nostril, known as the “Pingala” or “Ida,” which corresponds to solar and lunar energies respectively, practitioners can tap into heightened awareness and free themselves from negative influences.

Swara Yoga provides a profound understanding of the governing forces of life, the nature of the universe, and the effects of elements on the mind and body. By observing and working with the different patterns of breath, one can transcend the limitations of the mind and achieve a state of expanded consciousness.

What makes Swara Yoga truly fascinating is its simplicity. By being aware of the swara (dominant nostril) in relation to the environment, one can manipulate the outcome of their actions. From choosing the correct foot to take the first step to ensuring success in all endeavors, Swara Yoga offers practical techniques to navigate life’s challenges with precision and positive outcomes.

Tantra Yoga to Awaken Kundalini 

This ancient practice aims to awaken the Kundalini, the powerful energy residing at the base of your spine, and unite it with the crown chakra, also known as Lord Shiva. By engaging in rituals, chanting sacred names, and offering prayers, you can experience a state of perfect harmony.

According to Swami Gnaneshwara Bharati, Tantra yoga is about understanding and embracing both Shiva and Shakthi as one. Through the awakening of the Kundalini, these two forces merge in a state of ultimate union. In other words, Tantra yoga seeks to unite the dynamic (Shakti) and static (Shiva) aspects of your being.

To truly grasp the nuances of this transformative practice, it is recommended to learn from a guru or preceptor. The journey begins with Bhuta Suddhi, a tantric rite that purifies the five elements within your body. This purging allows you to become a receptive vessel for the divine light of the goddess. Additionally, Nyasa, a powerful tantric rite, involves touching various parts of your body with specific mantras. This practice helps to channel divine energy.

As you delve deeper into Tantra yoga, you will encounter Kavacha, a means of protection, and Mudra, hand gestures that delight the deities invoked. There are 108 mudras to explore, each inviting a unique divine presence. Finally, Yantra, a sacred diagram, serves as an object of worship and channels the energy of specific deities.

Ultimately, the goal of Tantra Yoga is to unite Shiva and Shakthi, allowing for the creation of profound spiritual healing. By harnessing the energy within your lower chakras, you can unlock your full potential and live a more fulfilling life.

Moreover, the vibrations of sound are capable of reducing the heart rate, relaxing brain wave patterns, and alleviating physical discomfort.

Unlock the mysteries of consciousness and harness the transformative power of sound through Nada yoga. Tap into the ancient wisdom and embark on a journey of self-discovery that will transcend the limitations of time and space. 

Yoga Vashishta is the Earliest Scripture About Yoga

Yoga Vashishta the ancient wisdom of the earliest scripture on yoga. Journey with Lord Rama as he receives spiritual instructions from the wise sage Vashishta. In this poetic masterpiece, Vashishta reveals the illusory nature of the world and guides Rama towards the path of the supreme spirit.

Contained within its 32,000 verses, Yoga Vashishta takes the form of enlightening conversations between Rama and Vashishta. Explore profound truths about human existence, suffering, and the pursuit of happiness through captivating stories filled with deep metaphysical insights.

Divided into six sections – Dispassion, Aspiration, Origin, Existence, Quiescence, and Liberation – each part unravels the profound teachings of Vedanta in a simple and understandable manner.

Unveiling remarkable truths, this ancient scripture challenges conventional beliefs and urges readers to question the very fabric of reality:

1. The universe doesn’t exist – According to Yoga Vashishta, the world is as real as a mirage. Modern physics supports this notion, suggesting that life as we know it is merely a dream.

2. The mind creates our world – Harnessing the power of our minds, we have the ability to shape our reality. Yoga Vashishta reminds us that the mind is the creator of the world and the driving force behind our actions.

3. Time is relative – Einstein’s theory of relativity shows that time is not absolute. It varies depending on the observer, challenging our perception of chronological events.

4. Life exists beyond Earth – Long before the modern fascination with extraterrestrial life, Rishi Vasistha revealed the existence of various beings in other universes. Expand your horizons and contemplate the vastness of existence.

5. The mind is a powerful but illusory entity – Despite being devoid of self or form, the mind has a profound impact on our lives. Discover the mystery behind this unreal but influential force.

6. Overcoming fear by understanding the true nature of the mind – Our minds often deceive us, leading to fear and mistrust. Yoga Vashishta offers insights to help us navigate these challenges and find inner peace.

7. Dismissing the idea of fate – Reject the notion of divine dispensation and embrace the freedom to shape your own destiny.

This path prepares us to question, challenge, and ultimately expand your understanding of the world and your place within it.

Ultimately, the process of choosing a spiritual path is an incredibly personal journey. We are all on a different journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to spirituality. We must take the time to really reflect, soul search, and discover what our own needs require. This may take time and patience, but will be rewarding in the long run if we are able to discern what truly makes us feel connected with ourselves and our world. Keep in mind that it’s totally ok if your path takes unexpected turns or evolves as you go through life. Find comfort in exploring different ideas that seem important and meaningful to you even if others don’t understand it or it seems silly – this is your journey after all! Let your intuition guide you and embrace whatever comes along the way with love and kindness. The ultimate goal is to find practices that work best for each individual person because there’s no single answer when it comes to spiritual growth! So go forth on your unique journey with courage and enthusiasm!

Best of luck!

Love,

Michelle