Author: yoga shobha

Establishing Two Pillars In Our Spiritual Life

Sometimes the simplest advice can change your life. In my early years at Amritapuri, Amma gave me some really precious and life-changing advice. She said, “Amma wants you to erect two pillars in your life: your morning practice and your evening practice. Learn to make them strong by regularity, and by developing a love for your practice.” She said, “You develop this love for your practice by experiencing how much you benefit from that regularity. Day by day, the depth that comes from your practice starts to carry over into your work, your service, and everything you do.” Amma...

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‘Shiva Shakti: Bringing Rhythm and Stillness to Your Life’

Restoratives with Therapeutics Amrita Yoga at Nerul Ashram, Navi Mumbai, India 2-day Weekend Workshop on June 28th & 29th, 2014 The body and mind are both interconnected and interdependent instruments. A healthy mind and body are vital for holistic living. To ensure the wellbeing of both, the ancient Indian rishis (seers) divined the holistic practices of yoga and meditation. Masters, who have interpreted and adapted the age-old teachings, in keeping with the times, have shared this invaluable wealth to interested seekers throughout the ages. Today, Amma is imparting the riches of this ancient wisdom to modern society through Amrita Yoga. Amrita Yoga offers...

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Pranayama and Mantras

In the last article, ‘The Use of Mantras in Asana practice’, we discussed how mantra chanting has always been an integral part of yoga, even while performing asanas. In this article, we will explore the use of mantras in Pranayama, both with Amrita Yoga and in a historical context. Pranayama, also translated as “breathing exercise”, is the next limb after asana in the classical system of Ashtanga Yoga. Amma does not recommend taking up pranayama techniques without the close guidance of a yoga master. In our retreats at Amritapuri, following Amma’s advice, we are only teaching simple breathing techniques...

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How to Serve Older Adults through Yogasanas?

A large number of seniors walk into the yoga studio. They come seeking a gentle practice and can even be desperate due to lack of physical strength and energy to compete with youth. How do we serve them? How can we appropriately accommodate them through a class? Here are some tips for you to consider when designing a session for active older adults: Incorporate simple, gentle, effective and specific movements. Have a supporting teacher to assist students who might need modifications. Limit the class size to not more than 15 students. Teach simple spinal alignment for every pose to...

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ODE TO AMRITA YOGA

Stretching with awareness aimed at alignment engenders inward expansion. On the rhythm of breath, yoga-dance brings gaze both within and without, uniting all in ultimate awareness— limitless and luminescent. Beyond boundaries, free of barriers, infinite insight instills sweet serenity. Graced with presence through posture, we continue to practice super-conscious compassionate activity bringing bliss to all beings. Author: Rema Devi...

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