Author: yoga shobha

Spiritual Family in Amritapuri

“An ashram is not a mere cluster of inanimate buildings, temples and trees; rather it is the very embodiment of the sadguru’s grace. It is a vital, dynamic and living institution that helps the aspiration of the sincere student to attain the state of Oneness” – AMMA Amritapuri ashram is the perfect place to experience many aspects of spirituality and a deep understanding and progress of our own spiritual practice. Amma’s uplifting presence permeates a holy vibration and her guiding light shows us the right path towards the Divine. Her example is an inspiration to all of us, and...

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Ashtanga Yoga – The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Maharishi Patanjali’s Classical Yoga text refers to the “Eight-Limbed Path” of yoga practice. Like a tree with different branches that extend from the same trunk, the eight limbs are different forms of  practice  but  lead  to  the  same  goal  of  reunification  with  consciousness. The consciousness with which we seek is our own true nature as embodied spirit. Although the imagery of branches on a tree implies a sequential approach, in practice the limbs can work simultaneously to draw us closer to our essential nature. The limbs are: Yama – Ethical disciplines Niyama – Self-observation Asana – Posture Pranayama –...

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Amma’s 2015 New Year Message – How can I put an end to suffering?

January 1, 2015 The advent of the New Year is a joyous occasion that kindles hope, enthusiasm, and optimism in all hearts. Amma prays to the Paramatman that in the coming year both the world and each individual are filled with peace, harmony, and prosperity. This past year bore witness to much sorrow and suffering. Thousands fell prey to the bullets of terrorists. The death toll in the African subcontinent from the Ebola virus was shocking; so too the recent mass shootings in Pakistan and Assam. Recovering from such tragedies is not easy. One may ask, “How can one...

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Yogasana for Children

Love makes you innocent like a child. A child is the most receptive person. Keep the child within alive. A child never tires of hearing the birds sing, never gets bored looking at flowers. – Amma What is the best gift for our children? We live in a busy world. Our children are affected by the stress of extra classes, competitive sports and busy parents.   Yogasana practice can help counter these pressures. Learning techniques for health, relaxation and inner growth, children are better able to manage life challenges. Improvements in self-esteem and body awareness are achieved by non-competitive activity...

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Amma’s Ashram at Amritapuri, Kerala, India

In no other place in the world can you witness the resilient nature of spiritual understanding that continues to exude from the land of India. Temples, reverence, Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient science and art of yoga, Self-realized Masters, spirituality, and beauty in all shapes and colors have originated from this diverse land. One would have lost their senses completely not to feel the energy emanating from such a place. Located in the small fishing village of Parayakadavu on the coast of Kerala, the Amritapuri ashram (also called the Mata Amritanandamayi Math) is one hour north of the Kollam District,...

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