Author: yoga shobha

Guru Puja and Prarthana – Puja for the Masters and Prayer

Guru Puja and Prarthana – Puja for the Masters and Prayer

Nov 6, 2014 | , |

Guru Purnima is a sacred occasion to offer our prayers to our Gurus – to our spiritual masters as well as to our teachers. Words fall short in describing the greatness of a Guru. On this day we perform Guru Paduka puja of our Guru – Amma. At all of Amma’s Amrita Vidyalayam schools in India, there is also an opportunity to witness the performance of Samskriti puja. This puja is performed to revive the tradition of our ancient land and salutes our first teachers that is our mother then our father. We know the father’s role is great...

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Amma’s Essence of love and acceptance in Amrita Yoga, Amritapuri, India

Amma’s Essence of love and acceptance in Amrita Yoga, Amritapuri, India

Oct 28, 2014 | , |

“Only love can make you open up into God-consciousness. The whole of life is a lesson of acceptance. The presence, love, and touch of a divine soul has a great effect on people; it makes them so receptive that they open up.” – Amma from AWAKEN CHILDREN, Volume 9 I have known Amma since 2007, yet this past summer, I had a particularly strong experience of opening to Her unconditional love and acceptance. In Toronto, I went for darshan and I was crying, as usual. This time, though, instead of trying to hold back my pain or hold back the...

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4-Day Beginners Foundation Retreat at Amritapuri, India: September 2-6, 2014

4-Day Beginners Foundation Retreat at Amritapuri, India: September 2-6, 2014

Oct 28, 2014 | , |

Amma’s 61st Birthday celebration is on and Amrita Yoga is reaching out to many new participants adding to the call of the “moment for celebration”! Amrita Yoga is embracing new practitioners to begin their journey with the 4-Day Beginners Foundation retreat exclusive for beginners. Twenty-seven students from different countries, the majority from Europe, attended this season’s unique course. There were some first timers: first time meeting Amma, first time in India, and first time visiting an ashram! The yogashala is situated by the southern gate of Amritapuri. As soon as you enter the hall, your heart is captivated by,...

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Amma Changed My Life: Amrita Yoga Retreats, Amritapuri, India

Amma Changed My Life: Amrita Yoga Retreats, Amritapuri, India

Oct 21, 2014 | , |

How do I express, with words, feelings that overwhelm the heart? Going back in my memories, I realize that I have been in “the search” all my life, since I was very young. This search became more intense in the last 14 years due to a chronic disease that has given me a lot of pain and suffering. Searching for remedies outside, I finally ended up looking for the solution inside and entered into the realm of spirituality. I have tried many paths, including Buddhism, Zen, Taoism, etc. Each one has taught me something valuable and has made me...

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An Exploration of Yoga and Health – Part 2

An Exploration of Yoga and Health – Part 2

Oct 21, 2014 | , |

Let us also consider the aspects of mental and emotional health. The yogic systems include these aspects as part of the sheaths and chakras, the subtle bodies to be purified with sadhana. Practices including asana, pranayama and meditations to focus the mind on the Supreme within were all created to cleanse the subtle bodies. Each asana not only works on the physical level, but also works on the subtle levels. For example, chest opening asanas such as Supta Baddhakonasana allow for expulsion of impurities blocking the flow of prana to the heart. Teachers should be aware that asking students...

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