Author: yoga shobha

Lingashtakam Stotram

Lingashtakam Stotram

Sep 2, 2018 | , |

The Lingashtakam is a strotram (hymn) in praise of Sri Shiva, also called Maheswara, Rudra, Pasupati etc. The Linga is a symbol for Shiva, just like Sankha (conch shell) and Chakra (discus wheel) are symbolic of Sri Vishnu. Linga also means the gender of a being. We have Stree Linga (Female gender), Pumlinga (Male Gender) and Napumsaka Linga (literally non-male Gender, but meaning neutral gender). The Lingasthakam Stotram is a prayer formed of eight salutations or invocations offered to the Supreme Deity in his aspect as Linga. Linga is the universal symbol of creation and source of everything. This...

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Yoga in India in the Presence of a Living Master

Yoga in India in the Presence of a Living Master

Aug 19, 2018 | , |

A Living Master A yoga retreat and workshop at Amrita Yoga, Amritapuri, India is very unique because it takes place in the presence of a Self-Realized Living Master. Indian scriptures say it’s a rare blessing to practice spiritual sciences and yoga under the direct guidance of a Living Master. Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known throughout the world as “Amma”, is a spiritual leader, humanitarian and visionary. She has served the world-community for decades, imparting wisdom, strength and inspiration. Through her extraordinary acts of love, inner strength and self-sacrifice, Amma has endeared herself to millions. She has inspired thousands to...

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How Different is Amrita Yoga at Amritapuri than Yoga in the West?

How Different is Amrita Yoga at Amritapuri than Yoga in the West?

Jul 22, 2018 | , |

Arrival I met Amma with my family around 2010 on one of her North American stops. As I arrived this time to Amritapuri, I was looking for the Amrita Yoga Retreat. I found the 4-Day Beginners Retreat in January 2015 right in place during my time of stay. I happily registered and was surprised that an Indian Brahmacharini was leading the retreat. I was curious to know more about Indian culture and Indian women. Brahmacharini Shobhana was very much plugged into Amma’s vigour and joy. She infused a vital spiritual understanding into the asana practice. During one of our...

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Feeling the Relaxation in Savasana at Anytime, Anywhere!

Feeling the Relaxation in Savasana at Anytime, Anywhere!

Jul 15, 2018 | , |

Savasana at anytime, anywhere! Attempting to lie still after actively moving your body for up to ninety minutes can be difficult for anyone. Savasana is not a posture you can master through physical exertion, although repeated practice makes it easier to let go of the mind and sink into a much deserved state of deep relaxation. (“Savasana” is the posture of laying down on the back with complete, conscious relaxation.) Savasana requires our mindfulness without becoming lost in the mind. It requires complete relaxation without falling asleep – and a degree of inner and outer stillness rarely encountered in...

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The Use of Mantras in Asana Practice

The Use of Mantras in Asana Practice

Jul 1, 2018 | , |

Throughout my life, one of my passions is to attend yoga classes during my travels. I explored different yoga styles including Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini, Sivananda, Anusara, Sridaiva, Jivamukti. No matter what the style, though, there was one thing in common; the class almost always started with the chanting of OM. Even if there were no other mantras and prayers chanted there was at least one OM. Recently, however, I visited some spas and fitness clubs with regularly scheduled yoga classes. Sadly I noticed ‘OM’ was missing. Yoga has become so popular by appealing to people’s motivations for health...

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