Practicing Yoga in the Presence of a Living Master

Inspirational talk at Amrita Yoga program.

Practicing Yoga under the Guidance of Amma

It is very rare to find a realized master. Seekers dream of finding such a person and studying yoga under their guidance. You can find this in Amritapuri Ashram. Amrita Yoga curriculum was formed under the direct guidance of Amma.

Who is AMMA?

Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known as AMMA is a spiritual leader. She is the founder of many humanitarian initiatives around the world. Amrita University and Amrita Institute Medical Sciences are some examples. Mata Amritanandamayi Math headquarters is located in the Amritapuri Ashram.

Amma has served the world for decades, imparting wisdom and inspiration. She has inspired thousands to follow the path of selfless service.

Amma, the founder and creator of Amrita Yoga.

Amma is an embodiment of compassion. She has dedicated her life to help humanity through the simplest of gestures – a hug. To this day, Amma concludes her programs by embracing each attendee. These personal meetings take up the vast majority of Amma’s time.

Sankalpa: Divine Intention 

A realized master is known by their intent. Their works are a reflection of their love and service to the world. This is their sankalpa. Amrita Yoga was born from Amma’s intent.

In the beginning, Amma gave one on one instruction to her followers. She taught meditation, pranayama, visualizations, yoga asanas and mantras. Eventually, Amma synthesized a powerful practice called IAM – Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique®. She also initiated the teaching of AMRITA YOGA®.

Amma stresses to focus on two important aspects when practicing yoga: awareness and heart-centered intention. Such intentional practices help us attune to the highest and ultimate goal – Self Realization. This is what makes AMRITA YOGA so unique. Students experience a living master’s yoga tradition.

You can experience the power of a master’s divine sankalpa. Amma’s darshan sows a divine seed within that will grow if we nurture it with spiritual practices.

Organic gardening at Amritapuri Ashram in India.

The Paths of Yoga

Yoga is known as the Fourfold Path according to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Amrita Yoga is a traditional lineage that reflects all the four major paths of yoga. Sadhana Retreats integrate all four paths of yoga.

1- Karma Yoga – The retreats’ structure allows students to participate in the many seva (selfless service) volunteer work at Amritapuri. You can help in the kitchens, gardens, recycling, bookstores etc. You can also choose to volunteer with Amrita Yoga.

Devotional singing at an Amrita Yoga program.

2- Bhakti Yoga – Devotion is a personal connection. You have the space and time to explore your feelings of devotion. The teacher encourages you to find the form of the Divine you resonate with. You can easily commune with the divine in Amritapuri. The beautiful Kali Temple, the ocean, the tulsi gardens, etc. are some of the places where you can find inspiration. Amma does not insist devotion to any particular form. She simply wants us to go within to find it. Every retreat starts with a Puja, the lighting of the Inner fire.

Students make a silent offering of flowers. Every day is a celebration in Amritapuri. You can join the joyous devotional singing every night and give voice to the longing within!

3- Jnana Yoga – Communion with a realized master ignites the inner light of wisdom. Amma’s teachings are introduced through satsanga. These are discourses with senior disciples, sanyasins and ashram residents. You can ask that spiritual question you always wanted to.

4- Raja Yoga – Meditation is possible in the presence of Amma. Our retreats allow space and time to go deep within. We introduce various meditation techniques. Nature is a great backdrop to attune to the present moment. The teacher guides students to states of awareness using our breath and the sound of the waves outside the yoga mandiram. Amma leads the meditation at the seashore on certain days.

Come and experience Amrita Yoga with Amma in Amritapuri. International Retreats happen twice a year. Classes are conducted in English. The Yoga Mandiram is not just a yoga studio. It is a temple that lets in the living presence of the divine. In the beautiful open air yoga mandiram, you can experience your connection to the world around you. To book your retreat please visit: http://amritayoga.com