the man of steady wisdom insideaug 12, 2011 · by sri swami satchidananda from the living gita:...

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page �

Volume XII, No. 3 August 2006

Continued on 2 Continued on Page 14

in s i d eThe Man of Steady Wisdom by Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj...........Page �The Sage’s Experienceby Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj ..................Page �Sri Gurudev on the Qualities of a Yoga...by Marlene Sivani Alderman ........................Page 3

Lives of Luminaries ..............................Page 4 The Guru’s Leelasby Vidya Vonne ............................................Page 5Creative Offerings: Poetry ...................Page 6 Special Child TT Transformationby Michelle Demes ......................................Page 7Integral Yoga Updates .......................Page 8

Continuing Education ......................Page 9Yoga Mudra & Chin Mudraby Lakshmi Sutter ..............................................Page �0Member Benefits At-A-Glance .....Page �3 Speakers’ Schedules ........................ Page �8 Yogaville Programs Calendar ....... Page �9

The Man of Steady Wisdomby Sri Swami Satchidananda

From The Living Gita:54. O Lord, what is the sign of one of steady wisdom who is always in

Samadhi (superconsciousness)? How does this person talk, walk and sit?The Blessed Lord says:55. A person who has let go of all personal desires and is utterly content

in the truth of Atman, the true Self, is one of steady wisdom.

The Sage’s Experienceby Sri Swami Sivananda

I am ever free. I alone am. I am taintless, spaceless, timeless. The world appears like a mirage within me.

I am infinite, imperishable, self-luminous, self-existent, self-contained. I know neither pleasure, nor pain, neither joy nor sorrow, neither happiness nor misery.

I am beginningless. I am endless. I am decayless. I am birthless. I am deathless.

Never was I born. I am ever free. I am perfect. I am pure. I am independent.

I am tranquil. I am Pure Knowledge, transcendent.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 •

INTEGRAL YOGA® TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

Founder: Sri Swami Satchidananda

The Integral Yoga Teachers Association is a membership association open to all Integral Yoga teachers. Its mission is to provide mutual support and spiritual fellowship, to share information, to provide inspiration, and to conduct ongoing train-ing and guidance.

Director: Lakshmi SutterContinuing Ed. & Membership Coordinator: Sadasivam GreenstoneNewsletter Editor: Bharati (Meredith) Dufour Copy Editors: Vimala Cook, Swami Hamsananda, Swami Gurucharanananda (Mataji), D.L. Fiscus, Lakshmi SutterPlease contact us at:

Integral Yoga® Teachers Association Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville �08 Yogaville Way Buckingham, VA 2392� USA Tel: 434.969.3�2�, ext �77 Fax: 434.969.5545 E-mail (Newsletter): [email protected] E-mail (Membership): [email protected] E-mail (Director): [email protected] Website: www.iyta.org

The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every individual is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as a crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy.

Attain this through asanas, pranayama, chanting of Holy Names, self discipline, selfless action, mantra japa, meditation, study and reflection.

Om shanti, shanti, shanti, Ever yours in Yoga,

The Goal of Integral Yoga

Blessings of Peace, Joy, Love & Light, Bharati (Meredith) Dufour

Letter From The Editor

Namaste and blessings yogiji! As we continue to choose to raise our

consciousness and walk our spiritual path, we advance our spiritual growth with keeping company of those Masters who have tread the path before us. These “wise ones” inspire

us through their Divine example, guide us with their words of Truth, and help us keep the right perspective as we go about our daily experiences.

This newsletter is devoted to one such Light: Sri Swami Satchi-dananda Maharaj, in celebration of His bringing Yoga to the West forty years ago, and His guidance and inspiration to thousands of spiritual seekers all over the globe.

You might ask, “What does it feel like to be a ‘Wise One’? How can I and my Yoga students become more wise? What ‘special’ quali-ties shall I look for in seeking a ‘Wise One’ to guide my soul develop-ment? How will I know if I am progressing on my spiritual path?” It is with joy that you might find and contemplate the answers to these

questions, and others, in the following articles authored by Sri Swami Satchidananda, Sri Swami Sivananda and our IY teacher sangha members.

You might also find great benefit from receiving words of wisdom of Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj each week by email. If interested, email [email protected].

Another source of inspiration is just a phone call away. By dialing 434.WOW.GURU (969.4878), you’ll hear Sri Swami Satchidananda giving his monthly inspirational message.

And visit www.swamisatchidananda.ORG to gain greater understanding of and inspiration from his life of dedicated selfless service, interfaith teachings and steady wisdom.


If people see something good in you, let them learn from you.

One evening at satsang during Teacher Training we had the opportunity to ask Sri Gurudev two questions we hoped would ensure our success as Yoga teachers.

“What are the most important qualities for a Yoga teacher to develop?” Sri Gurudev did not hesitate a moment. “Humility,” he said, “learn from your students. You should think everyone is your teacher and you are the only student.”

“What are the most important gifts we can give to our students?” Sri Gurudev replied, “You can give nothing to your students. Remember that you are still learning. The most important thing you can do is to be a good Yogi and to set an example in your own life.”

Humility, selfless service and being a good example were themes Sri Gurudev often discussed in talks with new Yoga teachers. He shared the following thoughts about teaching at various graduation satsangs:

“The best teaching is by example. That is the advice I always give to the graduates. Our life must be one that is dedicated to the welfare of the entire creation. You live for the sake of others. That’s what you call a dedicated life. You have prepared yourself here. We are here to prepare ourselves to serve. In service we don’t expect any remuneration. If it comes to you, accept it. Don’t share for money or for anything but the joy of sharing. There’s a great joy in giving, in sharing and caring and not expecting anything in return. That’s what we learn from the Bhagavad Gita: ‘Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana.’ You are born to serve but not to expect the result of it, the fruit of it.

“No tree eats its own fruit. Every tree brings forth fruit and offers it to others. What a dedicated life we learn from the trees, the plants, and the animals because that is nature. Nature’s law is not to live for yourself but for others. That should be our nature. Other species live for the sake of others. That’s why they don’t need scriptures; they don’t need religions; they don’t need Raja Yoga courses. They don’t have to meditate because they live that life.

“But for whom are all these teachings, scriptures, dogmas and rituals? Only for this species: the human beings. It’s we who have forgotten that life. That’s why there are thousands of approaches

From Our Members

Sri Gurudev on theQualities of a Yoga Teacher

by Sivani Marlene Alderman

and ways of teaching humans this lesson of not living for yourself, but dedicating your life to others. So, you have prepared yourself in Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. In samadhi you are in super consciousness. The scriptures call it jagrat sushupti. That means awakened sleep. Sleep without sleeping. Do without doing. Act without acting.

“You should ultimately learn this trick of doing without doing. That is accomplished only when you clean up your mirrors well. Make the mirror completely pure and steady, like a crystal, and then you will know who you are. You will know who you are if the mind is cleaned well and stabilized well. With a steady, clean, colorless mind, you, the real you, will see yourself. Then you realize your pure ‘I,’ the pure Atman. With that vision you see everything as that pure Atman appearing as many. Only then does your vision become spiritual vision because you have understood yourself as the pure spirit, and from that you see everything.

“So to achieve this knowledge of the Self, Self-realization, the only way is to keep the mind clean. That’s why the second sutra of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras says, ‘Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah.’ The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga. That is the real Yoga. All other things are steps, aids, to help you to get into this space. Let the chitta be pure. That is the aim of Yoga.

“Yoga should help us to really know who we are and who others are, what everything is made of essentially. So if we keep this truth, this reality, in mind, we’ll be very useful to people. Our personal lives will be very peaceful also. When your life becomes useful your mind becomes peaceful. So if the mind becomes peaceful, you become easeful. Easeful means not disease-ful.

“Make your mind Yoga and from that yogic mind you will see things as they are, and you will know how to accept them as they are. That’s why Yoga practices or even religious practices are not to be preached; they’re for self-reformation. You correct yourself; and then if people see something good in you, let them learn from you. You don’t go out as a teacher. Others should learn from you and call you teacher.

“Wisdom is not something that you teach. It comes out of experience and it comes from within. You learn by seeing examples—sometimes even by making mistakes. The teacher repeats what he learned, you hear it, and by your example, pass

Continued on Page 14


Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj

This story was taken from the Integral Yoga Publication Lives of Luminaries, which is available through Integral Yoga Distribution. IYTA members receive a 40% discount.

It’s all His name, it’s all His form, it’s all His deed, and it’s all for good.

—Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj

The lesson I learned from all the great Masters was service; always serve, serve and serve.

This is a lesson Sri Gurudev learned by heart as a disciple, and one He had lived with all his heart ever since.

In his remarkable life, Sri Gurudev had personally known many of the saints and sages described in the booklet “Lives of Luminaries”. Throughout his long life he worked together for the cause of peace with many of the leaders of their organizations.

The devout family into which he was born on 22 December �9�4 were cousins of Kandaswami Swamigal. His family Guru was Sri Sadhu Swamigal, and many times as a child he visited Swamigal’s ashram. His first school lessons were the alphabet poems of Avvaiyar.

As a young man, he often visited Ananda Ashram to spend time at the holy feet of Papa Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai; later he entered the Ramakrishna Thapovanam, where he received pre-sannyas initiation from Swami Chidbhavanandaji. During this time he received the blessings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. And he was privileged to spend some time at Ramanashram during Ramana Maharshi’s last days.

Finally, in �949, he arrived at Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh, where he received sannyas initiation from Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. Soon after, he was called out into the world as a servant of God to minister to His children around the globe. Since then he touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of spiritual seekers with the light of truth and the love of God.

We too can learn the great lesson Sri Gurudev learned: to serve, serve and serve—and to thereby know ourselves the peace, the health, and the joy that have won him the love of so many dedicated friends, the reverence of so many devoted disciples, and the respect of so many other leaders in the world today.

Saints and Sages

Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidanandaji’s early life was spent in South India, a lad steeped in ageless scriptures and filled with holy men and women who found in God a peace and happiness more permanent than the fleeting wonders of the passing world could ever give.Desiring to conceive a child that would grow up to be like those saintly ones, his parents traveled to the sacred Palani Hill to seek God’s blessings. Here his mother was given a mantram to repeat that would develop a vibration within conducive to receiving such a soul.It is not surprising that when the child she bore grew to manhood, he gave himself completely to spiritual life, and his mantram became this: “To spend every breath I take in serving God and His humanity.”Today, Sri Gurudev has become well-known around the globe for his guidance, his teachings, his inspiration, his insight, his wisdom, his example, his universal love, and his all-embracing approach to religion. He respected the various names and forms, and saw the one universal Lord behind them all. He did not deny any individual, but accepted all people as his brothers and sisters in the one family of God.


From Our Members

The Guru’s Leelasby Vidya Vonne

One of Gurudev’s mentors was the great Sri Swami Vivekananda of the Ramakrishna Mission in India. In his beautiful treatise Bhakti Yoga, Vivekanandaji speaks of some of the many types of devotion to a personal manifestation of the One Consciousness or God as described in Hindu Scripture. Some of the types he discusses are seeing God as personal friend (sakhya), as our child (vatsalya), or as our beloved sweetheart (madhura). In my years studying with Sri Gurudev, I saw that these very same kinds of relationships are possible in our devotion to Guru. When God or Guru appears to “step down” to play a certain limited role in the life of a seeker, it is sometimes referred to as a “leela” or play. In the life and ministry of our beloved Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj, I have seen many of these amazing kinds of devotional leelas.

I first met Sri Gurudev “in the flesh” in January �970. Initially—whether looking at His photo, or seeing Him in life—I saw Him as an incarnate Deity. The light was so bright; I couldn’t see any human side. To me He was always seated in meditation or standing with hand raised in benediction. If He spoke to me at all (very rare!), it was as God speaking to a mortal. Every word He spoke seemed to come out from the vastness of the highest Samadhi and to reverberate like a cosmic mantra. Although I saw those around me having more personal relationships with Him, I couldn’t begin to imagine that. This lasted for the first couple of years of my studentship. It was probably for this reason I had little physical contact with Him at that time. I would not have been able to picture Him moving around, chatting, eating—doing normal human things!

Then one day in �973 this changed. I found I could have another type of relationship with Him. I had become distraught with my life and service at the Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) in Los Angeles, CA. I was so caught up in my unhappiness that I decided to “run away,” to just leave without saying a word, in spite of my being a member of the Institute’s staff and already a pre-sannyasin (a student on the way towards monastic ordination). I took my entire savings of $5, a toothbrush, one change of underwear and started out on foot, imagining if it were God’s will, I might end up in Gurudev’s physical presence in New York, where He was at that time leading a retreat.

I began to hitchhike across the country. Over breakfast at the IYI in Denver a fellow disciple looked me directly in the eyes and said, “Call Swamiji!” I could tell that it was not his own voice, but the voice of my Master coming through him and demanding this, and so I went directly to the phone and called the retreat center. When Gurudev got on the phone, His first words were, “Sweetheart, we’ve been so worried about you!” Suddenly, I was the child, the beloved child, and He the Father, the concerned and responsible parent. All notions that He was nothing but a celestial figure floating in the clouds were banished with that one word “sweetheart.”

Since that day I had many experiences of the parent/child leela. When I arrived at the retreat, I was allowed to sit at His feet as He spoke with some of the leading spiritual teachers of the day: Ram Dass, Sant Keshavadas, Rabbi Gelberman and Brother David. I experienced myself as a small child in the room with these giants. Another time, rushing out to greet Him at the Connecticut Ashram—and noticing that others had expensive gifts to give Him—I quickly grabbed a tiny purple forget-me-not flower from the ground and handed it to Him. I will never forget the experience, as He seemed to tune out the entire world, focusing on the tiny dime-sized blossom nestling on the palm of His huge brown hand. It was as if it were the most beautiful and valuable gift, the way a parent appreciates the gift of even a messy finger painting from his young child. At another time, hearing I was fasting, He fed me a fingerful of ice cream right from His large finger, putting it in my mouth with His finger as Indian parents do with their infants and toddlers.

Although for my own growth He would often ignore my presence for long periods of time, when He did turn His gaze upon me, it was often as father to child. Another time I had gone to work in NYC to earn money in order to accompany Him on a trip to India. On a visit back to the ashram, I told Him I’d been hired to do some work. He looked at me with feigned amazement and parental pride: “Who WOULDN’T hire you???” as if I were His sweet child, just heading out into the world for the first time. I felt a similar pride emanating from Him when I


Twameva Mataa Cha Pitaa Twameva Thou art my mother, my father Thou art. Twameva bandhus’ cha sakhaa twameva Thou art my family, my friend Thou art. Twameva vidyaa dravinam twameva Thou art my knowledge, my wealth Thou art. Twameva sarvam mama devadeva Thou art my all, O the Light of all Lights Thou art.


crEaTivE OFFErinGSExcerpt from What is Integral Yoga?

It’s a gentle calling, whispering wind, beckoning to the hidden potential withinIt’s a path less trodden, a step into the light, a new way to beginIt’s the state of just simply rejoicing in the nowIt’s a practice, a discipline, a journey, a deliverance, initiation and vowIt’s the mental strength gained from steady practice of meditationWith a life full of service, commitment and dedication

It’s a way of morally conducting oneself in yama and niyama,It’s a hunger, an ever longing for the truth, living usefully, burning out karmaIt’s becoming the seeker in order to know the seerIt’s keeping the faith ad rising above human fearIt’s keeping the faith and rising above human fearTo tame the intellect

It’s a synthesis of practices, an integral approach to reveal God’s lightIlluminating the way forward to a peaceful mind with loves flame burning brightIt’s Hatha Yoga, the physical strength gained through practice of our asanaWith cleansing through a yogic diet, kriya and pranayamaIts Jnana yoga, the path of subtle intellect where our knowledge eventually caves inTo the realization of the unchangeable the absolute and un-flickering flame withinIt’s Karma Yoga, the path of selfless service without expectationWith pure giving from the heart without gain leading to salvationIt’s Bhakti, the path of pure love and devotionAs one’s world dissolves into a divine love above all human emotionIt’s Japa, repetition of a sacred mantra, drawing within the source, the divineHolding its resonance, polishing the mirror, reflecting pure light to shineAll paths leading to the one infinity, yoga, the union, pure bliss, divinityIntegral yoga embodies the royal path of Raja, the path for the scientistWhere meditation and thought control path the way for knowledge wisdom blissWhere puja, love, study, dedication are the potions of God the alchemistTo create a world of spiritual blessing and eternal happiness

by Kelly Jo Ambha Howes Dorset, UK

Gurudev Would Have Loved It!

Swami Satchidananda was a revered yogi, and chose to live a rugged and ascetic lifestyle. He often went barefoot and as a result, developed calloused feet. He ate a sparing vegetarian diet, including many beans, and developed bad breath. He also went on a number of fasts, which caused him to become somewhat weak.

He was a “ Super-calloused fragile mystic with extra halitosis.”

by Swami Sarvaananda contributed by D.L. Fiscus

Seegra Swamiji Grace

On one occasion, following lively conversation and laughter, an informal gathering of ashramites began eating. Suddenly someone realized that no one had given grace. With all eyes cast his way, Gurudev paused, nodded, then without delay said, “Rama, Rama, thanks Momma...let’s eat!”

Hm-m-m. Bon appetite.by D.L. Fiscus


Special child TTTransformation

by Michelle Demes

From Our Members

At 32, I was divorced and mother to an autistic 8-year-old daughter. Physically, I felt like I was 90 years old; emotionally I felt very low. Spiritually, I knew I needed hope and direction. I was searching for a new way to live. The way I was going about things was not working anymore.

As the parent of a child with special needs, my life revolved around abnormal behaviors and confusion about what to do. Over the years I had sought many options for my daughter, Christine: physical therapy, occupational therapy, behavior modification techniques, etc.—more than I can list. It seemed that the more I looked, the more lost I felt.

A friend listened to how I felt and supported my idea of trying Yoga; it would help me relax and focus. I had never practiced but was curious. She gave me a “Yoga for the Special Child” brochure which described the work of Sonia Sumar, who used Integral Hatha Yoga techniques: mantra, pranayama, asana, and deep relaxation, with her Down Syndrome daughter. I could hardly believe such a program existed—Yoga for me with my daughter? The brochure advertised an upcoming basic certification course in our area.

I remember telling my friend, “It sounds like a dream job—to work with children and Yoga.”

Her response was, “Then do it!” Opening day of the program, I was the first student to arrive.

Sonia greeted me with a huge hug, and in that moment the door of Yoga opened up for me.

The week long program was filled with, among others, parents, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and special education teachers. I felt honored to be among them. The students’ embrace and Sonia’s unconditional love started to repair my damaged self-image, and Yoga began to seep into my pores.

Other mothers in my group had children with greater physical challenges than I had ever seen, and Sonia worked with these mothers and their children in such a deep and effective way, I was in awe.

This was my first experience chanting mantra. How powerful it was to chant “Om” with a group, lead by such a spiritual teacher! Then we learned to chant “Hari Om” with the children. During the program, the children remarked that the mantra stayed with them day and night—that they were hearing Sonia’s voice even in daydreams.


The pranayama portion of the program was more challenging than I had expected, and it prompted the deepest looking into myself. I learned the importance of the breath for children with special needs: improving physical and emotional strength by increasing lung capacity and correcting the breath’s rhythm. I could feel how much the pranayama increased my energy level and relieved the fatigue I had felt before practicing it. As Sonia said, “Breath is the door and the key.”

The asanas were basic to start, but with Sonia’s guidance, they became a beautiful and humbling journey into my body and soul. I knew I wanted to teach like her and be like her. I also knew that was going to take a long time, but I could think of no better way to spend the rest of my life.

My daughter Christine came into the program as a demonstration student for Sonia. Christine did not really cooperate much physically, but that did not matter; Sonia made a connection with her that went beyond the physical level. It was a perfect example of how Yoga is limitless.

Observing Sonia working with the children was the most amazing part of the week. Her program made me realize that personal growth is necessary in order to work effectively with children. The “Yoga for the Special Child” program offered tools to help create that change in mind, body, and soul.

Throughout the course, Sonia shared her personal accounts of working with special children, as well as the teachings of her guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj. What an amazing combination of knowledge!

Immediately after the basic program, I began to read the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satchidananda and prepared to attend the Advanced Level � course just one month later. Some of the other students from my basic class did the same. It was nice moving through the program levels with familiar faces, bonding and learning from and about each other.

Every one of us spoke of the changes we had made in our lives since taking the program. We began to understand more about ourselves: the traits we wanted to change and the traits we could value more. My values began to shift toward the ones taught by Sonia: love, detachment, connection of souls, patience, trust, and fearless careful work. She asked us to allow these values into our everyday life; the more they manifest in our behavior,


On June �st Kate Chitra McDevitt opened the doors of Cat Cow in Mari-etta, PA, located along the Susquehanna River between York and Lancaster. She

currently offers two 90-minute traditional Integral Yoga begin-ner classes per week that “focus on relaxation and quieting the mind while tuning into what is happening physically.” She’s working on offering more classes in other styles of Yoga and healing arts.

T. Vijay Bonestroo, a Spring ‘06 Basic TT graduate has opened the War-saw Yoga Studio in Warsaw, Missouri on July 5th. What Vijay had experienced at a studio in Augusta, GA led him to

take the training course and share the healing process with others, as well as sharing techniques to integrate the mind and body. Photo: Amber, 14 years old, at her fifth class. She was the studio’s first student.

Yogaville Community GroupFormerly known as the Yogaville Community Association,

the new incarnation of this organization is undergoing a rigorous metamorphosis! We are currently developing bylaws for incorporation. The consensus agreement is that our purpose is to promote spiritual, social, economic and cultural development within Sri Swami Satchidananda’s vision for a global community, respecting the “Integral Yoga Lifestyle Principles.” The purpose is to be achieved by activities and projects developed by the leadership and the membership.

Please feel free to contact Germaine Gray at 434.969.2900 or [email protected] for more information.

Prayers and Blessings to:Rachel Preeti Greene’s soul and her family, especially

husband DanJoelle Sharada Rogers for radiant, vibrant healthMeera Kerr for career abundance and prosperity

inTEGraL YOGa updaTES

MEMBEr updaTES

IY Teachers GatheringMany of you are planning to attend the Double

Anniversary celebration in October, and we’re very much looking forward to your presence! If you are attending and would like to attend a seminar just for IY teachers on Monday morning, October 9, we’re planning a gathering just for you! Please register for the event as usual with ARC, and also phone or email the Academy so that we’ll know you are coming. If you will be attending the seminar, please phone the Academy Administration office at 434.969.3�2� ext �39, or let them know via email at [email protected].

IYTA Membership CoordinatorAre you a self-motivated individual looking to serve in

a dynamic office at Yogaville? The Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) is seeking a Membership Coordinator beginning mid-August, 2006. The Membership Coordinator will report to the IYTA Director and is preferably an Integral Yoga Hatha instructor. The IYTA is housed within the Integral Yoga Academy, where we offer a team-based and flexible working environment. If you are seriously interested in this 3/4–full time position, please contact Lakshmi Sutter at [email protected] or 434.969.3�2� ext �37. Limited compensation and housing are negotiable. We are requesting a 2-year commitment.

Bon Voyage to our Beloved Sadasiva Greenstone

The IYTA has been lovingly served by Sadasiva for close to a year. As you are probably aware, Sadasiva has served as our Membership Coordinator; many of you have gotten to know him through phone calls and email. Sadasiva and his wife, Satya, will be in Europe for several months this fall and again in the spring. He’ll certainly be back to Yogaville and potentially serving in varying capacities again in the future. We wish them both joyful travels and look forward to their fun return!

SASTRI Transcribers RequestedIf you are a good typist, accurate and good at spelling,

have a computer with sound system and would like to take part in digitizing Sri Gurudev’s satsang talks given in his voice, please contact Swami Murugananda at [email protected].


cOnTinuinG EducaTiOnTeaching Yoga for the

Special Child TTWhen I attended Yoga for the Special Child several years

ago at Yogaville, I felt privileged to learn of breakthrough techniques.

Her five keys to reaching and working with children with special needs address a real personal link that must be established. The first hurdle to cross is winning the trust of parents who may be traumatized by their own child’s condition. Sonia gave many examples and helps to understand the parents and still set boundaries for workable sessions to occur.

After establishing a degree of trust with the parent, whereby they allow you to interact with their child, then you have the privilege of opening up your sensitivity to the little human being. What are the unique parameters of this little person? How can you reach a response and cooperation level?

Sonia’s tremendous heart and knowledge touched everyone in my class as she lead us through a progression of simple body movements that are known to be useful. She showed us how to easefully adapt to each child’s specific needs. Her dedication to these techniques came from all the many times she has seen Integral Yoga unlock a dear child’s ability to relate, move and grow. She expressed clearly that most children can go beyond the limitations of case diagnoses, not to get caught in worst case projections, but to realize the spirit within each child that can surprise everyone.

She showed how each child is a world of his own, and you can enter that world through heart centeredness. Then you can utilize the brilliantly simply progressions of movement she teaches.

I have found all her insights and techniques to be valid and true with wonderful children whose parents have allowed me to work with them. Sonia’s application of yoga principles unlock potential of their young lives with respect and love.

With highest regards for the teacher Sonia Sivakami Sumar and the teachings of Integral Yoga.

Ananda Shakti

The next opportunity to begin the Teaching Yoga for the Special Child Teacher Training program with Sonia Sumar is September 22-29, 2006.*

YOGA TEACHER WORKSHOPS:

Adapting Yoga for Larger BodiesWith 65% of the American population overweight, Yoga

teachers need to be able to adapt traditional asanas for the larger body. Based on the Integral Yoga model, Big Yoga incorporates all the aspects of Yoga, including:

Hatha Yoga: Use props and adaptations for maximum comfort

Raja Yoga: Discover how Patanjali’s concepts, such as Pratipaksha Bhavana, can be useful for people who are chal-lenged by their weight

Bhakti Yoga: Experience heart-opening devotion through the power of sound. Meera is known for her exuberant chanting!

Jnana Yoga: Learn how to teach self-love and self-study to uncover the underlying reasons for carrying excess weight

Karma Yoga: Gain a deeper understanding of our perfec-tion, as a creation of the divine

Facilitated by Meera Kerr on September 27-October 1, 2006.* (RYT 500)

Principles of Therapeutic Yoga—Adapting Asana to Individual Needs

Learn how to precisely adapt Yoga to individual needs and health issues. Support your students by learning how classical asanas can be adapted to accommodate people of various ages, body types, and physical conditions while still preserving a powerful and authentic Yoga practice. Mark Whitwell will use the example of chronic lower back pain to explore the principles of adapting asana to suit individual student requirements.

Facilitated by Mark Whitwell on October 20–22, 2006.* (RYT 500)

Inner Practice of YogaThis seminar is experiential in nature and based in

the practical applications of mindfulness and cognitive restructuring to a traditional Hatha Yoga practice.

Facilitated by Rev. Manjula Spears,RYT and Richard A. Panico M.D. on November30-December 3, 2006.

*For more information or to register for these training programs, contact ARC at [email protected] or 800.858.9642. Mention your IYTA membership to receive your 5% discount for Special Child TT or �0% for teacher workshops.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page �0

Yoga MudraYoga Mudra is so called because it unites the individual consciousness with the supreme consciousness, or the outer nature with the inner nature. Among all the mudras, Yoga Mudra is considered suitable to be practiced by everyone. Some schools will teach this with an attitude of psychic union.

As a mudra, Yoga Mudra is practiced differently than an asana. A mudra is an energy seal, not an asana. It seals in the energy—not letting it dissipate. Therefore, emphasize inner awareness versus focusing on the stretch.

In Yoga Mudra, or yogic seal, the legs are comfortably crossed, and the arms are crossed behind the back taking hold of one wrist. In this bound position, hinging forward to bring the forehead toward the floor directs restless dissipating prana inward toward the head (the third eye or crown chakras). In the Integral Yoga class, Yoga Mudra follows asana practice leading one to the more subtle realms of prana and consciousness.

Preparing for the PracticeOne may begin in padmaasana (lotus pose), ardhha padmaasana (half-lotus pose), or any comfortable, cross- legged position.Bring the hands behind the back, taking hold of one wrist with the opposite hand (see additional hand variations).Close the eyes and relax the whole body.It can be helpful to pause here for several breaths to allow the spine to elongate, bringing the natural curves into the spine. Simultaneously, one may feel expansiveness in the heart area and a relaxation of any muscular effort that isn’t involved with holding the body upright.

Moving into the PracticeAllowing the breath to move the body, bend forward slowly with an elongated spine, as if to touch the floor with the chest. Using a slow exhale while bending forward, synchronize the movement with the breath so that the forehead just touches the floor as the air is fully expelled from the lungs.

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If the forehead does not reach the floor, one may rest the forehead on a block or other prop. If the forehead comfortably reaches the earth, one may first touch the head to the earth and then bring the chin to the earth.Ideally, the sitting bones will remain grounded, allowing a connection to the earth. If the sitting bones lift, it is acceptable. One may wish to try the practice with hips supported on a prop to experience the difference keeping sitting bones grounded may make.

Experiencing the PracticeMaintain normal breathing throughout. The respirations should be as slow as possible without the slightest strain.One can bring their awareness to several focal points. Consider focusing on:

the pressure of the heels against the abdomenthe beat of the heartany sensations in the bodyany feelings of pranic movementthe spine—feeling the prana flowing up and down the spine with each breathsynchronizing the subtle movements of the body with the breath and on relaxing the back and abdomen

Over time, build up comfort to remain in the mudra for two minutes.

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MUDRASHatha Yoga includes asanas, pranayama, mudras and

bandhas. Hatha Yoga is essentially concerned with prana—or the harmonious flow of subtle energy. Asanas easily work at the most physical level of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When practiced with awareness, asanas serve as a preparation for the more subtle practices of working more directly with prana through pranayama, mudras and bandhas.

The word mudra literally means gesture or attitude and is a means to seal or circuit the flow of prana. The word is often translated as seal. Generally, prana is being dissipated outward through the legs, hands, through the eyes, tongue, etc. Mudras are a means to direct that prana inward. When prana moves outward,

the mind is busy and distracted but when directed inward, the mind becomes focused and calm. Practicing mudras keeps the mind fixed on the points over which they are applied.

Since mudras involve redirecting subtle energy it takes a greater sensitivity to perceive the effect, or the channeling of prana; thus mudras may be appreciated more by advanced students. One must cultivate a deeper sensitivity to eventually feel the energetic effects of mudras.

Mudras can come spontaneously. They are in all spiritual traditions. There are hundreds if not thousands of mudras ranging from simple hand gestures such as Chin Mudra to mudras involving the entire body such as Yoga Mudra.

IYTA Newsletter • August 2006 • Page ��

Coming out of the PracticeWhen releasing the seal, feel that the breath lifts you back to a seated position. With an inhale, let the chest s l o w l y lead the torso upright, hinging upward from the hips. When the torso is erect, keep the eyes closed and observe your experience.Allow quiet time to reflect within.

All these movements should be performed in a harmonious, smooth and synchronized manner.

Consider alternating the direction the legs are crossed each time you practice Yoga Mudra.

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VariationsFor those who are comfortable in padmaasana, several arm

variations become available:�. Place closed fists behind the heels of the feet, so that the

thumb and index finger touch the back of the heel. The pinky finger side of the hand will apply pressure to the abdominal area. Allow the elbows to bend out to the sides.

2. Place palms down on the soles of the feet.3. Place palm to palm with the fingers pointing upward in

the middle of the back (this is hamsa or swan mudra).4. For those who have the flexibility in the shoulders and

length in the arms, they may sweep the right arm around the back of the body and take hold of the right great toe in chin mudra. The left arm will simultaneously sweep behind the body to hold the left great toe in chin mudra.

ModificationsPeople with stiff backs and those unable to sit in padmaasana

comfortably may perform the practice from sukhaasana or vajraasana. If adopting the latter, bend forward into shashankaasana with the hands clasped being the back. If vajraasana is uncomfortable, the knees maybe separated slightly, allowing the chest to come closer to the floor.

Contra-indicationsThose experiencing sciatica, high blood pressure, pelvic

inflammatory disease or any other serious abdominal ailment should avoid this practice.

People with serious eye, heart or back conditions and those in the early post-operative or post-delivery period should not attempt this practice.

Benefits of Yoga MudraExcellent preparatory practice for meditationCalms the adrenal system and engenders a sense of relaxation from the pressure along the abdomen and chest created by the legs and heels Relieves anger and tension, inducing tranquility, and develops awareness and control of psychic energyReminds the practitioner of the purpose of life, during meditationRelieves many disorders of the abdominal viscera (abdominal disorders)Tones the nervous systemRelieves constipation and indigestionHelps to overcome seminal weaknessHelps to rouse the Kundalini Sakti, or latent power, within when practiced for a fairly long timeRestores balance to the body, mind and energyCan bring added benefit to the practice of pranayama

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Chin MudraChin Mudra is a symbol of wisdom and surrender.All the fingers of the hand represent something

The thumb represents the higher or Universal SelfThe index finger represents the individual selfThe middle finger represents the egoThe third or ring finger represents the illusion of the mindFourth or pinky finger represents the worldly actions and their reactions

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Sources: Integral Yoga® Hatha Training Manuals; Integral Yoga Hatha by Sri Swami Satchidananda; Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Seated in a comfortable cross-legged position, or any other appropriate position, allow the hands to rest on corresponding knees. Turn the palms upward. On each hand, touch the tip of the thumb with the tip of the index finger. Point the remaining three fingers on each hand downward.

During Chin Mudra, the individual self symbolically renounces all worldliness and rises up toward the higher Self. While watching the efforts of the individual self, the higher Self gracefully bends down to meet it. So, the union of the Universal and individual selves is symbolized by this Chin Mudra.

Univeral Self

individual self

ego

illusion of the mind

worldly actions and reactions

Drawing by Amanda Parr


The Man of Steady Wisdom—continued from page 1

56. A person undisturbed by difficulties, who doesn’t yearn to be happy, who has no favorites, no fear and no anger is a sage of steady wisdom.

57. Whoever is free of all mental attachments, who is not excited when good things happen nor dejected when evil comes is poised in wisdom.

58. When one can withdraw the senses from sense objects, like a tortoise draws within, his wisdom is unwavering.

A nice example is given here that will also illustrate pratyahara in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. When your senses are completely under your control, you may see sense objects, but you are able to withdraw your senses from them. The senses should not draw you out against your will. That’s pratyahara, withdrawal of the senses from the sense objects.

59. By abstaining from sense objects, they will drop away. Longing for them will also disappear upon realizing the highest truth.

You may control the senses, but still impressions from past desires, the vasanas, are there. You may not be enjoying the objects of your desires, but that doesn’t mean that you are completely free from them. You may have a little longing still. Sometimes when people fast, even though they are away from food, unfortunately they think more about food. So just staying away is not enough. The question really is: how do we get rid of this longing, these vasanas? The answer is, not by force, but by real understanding of the truth. Ask yourself, “Who is eating the food? Am I or is my body? It’s the body that longs for the food. I’m not hungry. I’m not thirsty.”

When you’re rooted in this truth, then even the longing goes away. My Master used to sing: “I’m not the body, not the mind; immortal Self I am!” When you’re rooted in that, then you’ll look at the body and say, “Hey, you’re not really hungry. You’ve eaten enough. There’s a lot of storage. Finish up all that and I’ll give you some more later on.” And you won’t dwell on it. That’s why they say: “When you realize the Supreme, even the longing goes away.”

As long as you’re still striving, be extremely careful not to be deceived by overconfidence, thinking, “I have achieved everything. Now I’m completely in control.” You can be deceived at any time. Lord Krishna warns:

60. If the senses become excited, Arjuna, they will carry away even the mind of a wise person aiming for perfection.

61. But the yogi learns to control the senses by meditating on me as the highest goal. As the senses come under control, the yogi’s wisdom becomes steady.

Now, he gives a chain reaction that shows how people ultimately destroy themselves. It is a beautiful part of the Gita to remember always.

62. From brooding on sense objects, attachment to them arises. Out of that attachment, personal desire is born. And from desire, anger appears.

63. Anger confuses the thinking process, which, in turn, disturbs memory. When memory fails, reasoning is ruined. And

when reason is gone, one is lost.Where does it all begin? Brooding

on a sense object. When you start brooding, you end up perishing. Here’s an example. You go to work every day by the same road. You see many people coming and going along your way, but you don’t even notice them. All of a sudden one form gets registered in your mind. “Ah, who is this lovely woman?” Then you walk on. But something is fixed there. “Who could that be?” The next day you happen to see the same woman and your interest grows a little more. Within a couple of days you

desire to find her address and telephone number. You’re hoping for a date. Somehow, you come to know that someone else is already courting her. What happens then? Competition arises. When you see him getting in your way, you become angry. The anger ruins your discrimination. Because you’re mad for her, an enmity develops, and you want to destroy the other suitor. You get into a terrible fight. The law doesn’t understand that it comes from a mental fixation, and you are both put in jail. Life gets ruined.

Everything begins with the mind. When the mind becomes attached to something, you don’t usually question your mind. You don’t analyze it. The mind wants it, so you just chase after it. That’s what’s meant here—not that you should totally avoid looking for good friendships. But let the desires be under your control. Don’t just be carried away by the mind. That’s the teaching. Personal desire creates anger. It’s a temporary insanity. Basically, there’s no difference between one and the other. If you are temporarily insane, they say you’re mad.

64. But the yogi who has disciplined the mind and has control of the senses can move about amidst sense objects, free of attraction and aversion, settling more deeply in tranquility.

...the yogi who has disciplined the mind

and has control of the senses can move about amidst sense objects, free of attraction and

aversion, settling more deeply in tranquility...



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EDUCATION

IYTA:


I am above good and evil, virtue and vice.I am one. I go nowhere. I come from nowhere. I abide in

myself. I pervade the entire universe. I am all-permeating and interpenetrating.

I am Absolute. I am non-dual. I am pure Wisdom. I am pure Consciousness.

I am the limitless, infinite ocean of consciousness. The wind of mind produces the waves of worlds.

I am Atman, impersonal and all-pervading. I am Atman, the Self of all beings. I am the Substratum, support, source for everything.

I am the nectar which is Knowledge Absolute. I am beyond the reach of the mind, the intellect and the senses.

I am unattached (Asanga). I am not the doer (Akarta). I am not the agent. I am not the enjoyer (Abhokta). I am the silent Witness (Sakshi).

Free from subject and object am I, Satchidananda Brahman am I.

The one, the taintless, transcendental Truth am I. Ever stable, peaceful, immovable, immutable, invulnerable, unperturbable Truth am I.

The nectar of Immortality am I. The immortality-giving knowledge am I. Ever-blissful Siva am I.

I am the taintless Nirvana. I am Turiya, the fourth stage of consciousness. I am Be-ness.

I am Freedom Absolute. I am Supreme Peace Transcendental. I am Supreme Silence Stupendous.

There is neither space nor time in me. I am Infinity. I am Eternity.

First I abandoned desires, then attachment. Now I abide in Supreme Peace.

I do not mix much. I do not move. I meditate. Now I abide in eternal peace.

I controlled the senses and the mind. I cultivated dispassion. Now I abide in everlasting peace.

The world is an illusion. Brahman is the only Reality. Knowing this, now I abide in peace that passeth all understanding.

“I am all-pervading, immortal Atman.” Knowing this, now I abide in peace immortal.

I have renounced both action and inaction. I live happily in any state now. So I abide in perennial peace.

The sense-objects are the robbers. I have annihilated these robbers. I am quite safe and happy. Now I abide in unalloyed peace.

Excerpt from Spiritual Experiences by Sri Swami Sivananda, pp 166-168.

The Sage’s Experience—continued from page 1

Sri Gurudev on the Qualities of a Yoga Teacher—continued from page 3

it on to others. It’s almost like a fruit ripening. By its maturity, the color, the flavor, the taste, everything comes. Nobody can teach the fruit to become ripe, but they can give it some nourishment, good sunlight, and protection from animals. You can do all that, but you cannot make the fruit grow. By your well-balanced mind, beautiful ideas come from within. Even if it doesn’t come from within, you will receive those ideas from the cosmic mind. School education is only partial.

“The ultimate teacher is God. All you have and all you do is God’s gift. Think of that as often as you can. Everything is God’s. You didn’t bring anything with you; you’re not going to take anything with you. Everything was given to you: money, power, position, even knowledge. So what was the purpose of giving those things to you? For you to possess? No. They were given for you to use for the sake of the general good, for the service of the whole Universe. You are using those things for others’ sake, for the sake of the entire cosmos. If you think that way, you don’t have pride about ‘Oh, I’ve done this, I’ve achieved something.’ Humility comes automatically. Humility is the greatest virtue. If you take pride in your money, pride in your power, pride in your

possessions, at the same time, fear comes—because your pride is based on those things you don’t want to lose. So, the humble man is the peaceful man, always.

“Well, I’m glad to see all the fruits of Yoga. Certainly, a tree is known by its fruits, and I am sure that you are all sweet fruits. Sometimes, one fruit may have many seeds. After you finish eating the fruits, you plant the seeds, and they give rise to more trees and fruits. So may the great science of Yoga that brings health and happiness to the entire humanity be served well through your very life and example. May the Lord bless you and guide you to find easefulness in the body, peacefulness in mind, and thus usefulness in your life. OM Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi.”

Thanks to Swami Muruganandaji and SASTRI for Sri Gurudev’s Satsang transcripts from which these teachings were excerpted and compiled. Sivani is a teacher of Integral Yoga Hatha, Raja Yoga and Meditation. She is a Seminarian studying for the Integral Yoga Ministry.


the more successful we can be with the children we teach. As Sonia would say, ”You cannot give to someone else what you do not have yourself.”

Nearly six years later I have seen an incalculable number of changes in Christine and in myself. She has gained self-help skills that she could not master before we started our Yoga practice, such as using the toilet. She is a calmer, easier-tempered young lady, expressing real emotion at the appropriate time. She smiles a real smile; her happy face can light up a room! She has a much more open attitude toward other children; she used to avoid them but now she seeks out the interaction. Both of us have changed our diets, and we are rarely ill. I now serve my daughter as a better parent, being more understanding. I now allow life to happen, since I’m not trying to control what I can’t anymore. I’m not constantly planning and worrying, or chasing the next cure for autism. I follow a teacher that keeps me on the path of Truth. “Yoga for the Special Child” is special. I thank Sonia from the bottom of my heart for all she gives me, more than mere words can describe.

Special Child TT Transformation—continued from page 7

Michelle Demes is a Registered Yoga Teacher, a Certified Yoga for the Special Child™Instructor, and a licensed Yoga for the Special Child™ Basic Certification Program Instructor. She is currently the Director of Chidambaram Yoga Center in Evanston, Illinois.

The Guru’s Leelas—continued from page 5

gave a speech in Tamil at the temple associated with Ramana Maharshi in South India. It wasn’t that I was so great, or doing so well; it was the leela of father and small child. The father is naturally proud of his young child, however halting or stumbling their steps.

Our guru/disciple leela changed once again when I became a swami. Once in awhile He would pull off the amazing magic of making it seem as if we were colleagues! As if we were two swamis, detached and free! I had sprained my ankle and was hobbling around the ashram. He looked at me and grinned, “Deho naham jivo naham Bramaivaa hum!” (Not the body, not the mind – Brahman (consciousness) I am!) It wasn’t said as if He were teaching a student, but as if He were just reminding a colleague of what she knew and lived continuously! Other times He would ask my advice, as if we were colleagues guiding the organization.

Other students related to Him in completely different ways. Some saw Him as their child, to be fed and clothed and washed. Others saw in Him a strict disciplinary teacher or professor, and still others found in Him the Husband to their bride, or even Bride to their husband! To still others He was a good friend, someone with whom to share walks, to share projects, or to share discussions. He could be Mother, Father, Grandparent,

Guru, God Incarnate. Or Child, Friend, Guide, even the funny grandfatherly man who told jokes and made them laugh. To some He was just a teacher to learn something from, one among many.

But, even now, when I gaze upon His face on my altar or hear His voice in my head, it is most often as father that He comes to me; when I make my mind sweet and innocent like a small child is when I feel His presence most, and know that He is with me, guiding me still.

“If you love the image of a mother, God can manifest as mother for you. If you love the image of a father, let God come as a father to you. If you adore nature, call God by the name of Nature. God can be a brother, a sister, a friend, a tree. God is all of these things and more.” H.H. Sri Swami Satchidananda

Vidya Vonne met Sri Gurudev in 1970 and has served at the IYI of Los Angeles, in Yogaville Connecticut, and now at Yogaville Virginia. Vidya founded the month-long Integral Yoga Teacher Training program in 1975, and is a former editor of the Integral Yoga Magazine. She served as Head of Publications and edited Gurudev’s The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Healthy Vegetarian, and other books.

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Sri Swami Satchidananda


65. In that tranquility all sorrows fall away [because] the discerning intellect of a calm mind is soon secure in equilibrium.

66. There is neither wisdom nor meditation in an always-changing mind. Without a meditative, one-pointed mind, there is no peace. And without peace of mind, how can anyone be happy?

Without peace, how can you find happiness? These slokas speak of the yukta, the person of discrimination. In that discriminative knowledge, you get right understanding, which makes the mind profound. Without that profundity, there’s no peace. And when there’s no peace, there’s no happiness. We are all looking for happiness; but, unfortunately, we’re not looking where the Gita tells us to. We look outside ourselves for it. The very fact that we’re looking outside disturbs the mind. But if we realize that happiness is reflected in the tranquil mind, then we won’t disturb our minds—even to chase happiness. It’s there in us always.

67. Like a ship tossed helplessly about by a gale, a mind subject to the roving senses loses all discrimination (viveka).

68. When the senses are completely withdrawn from the sense objects, Arjuna, then the mind is poised perfectly.

69. What seems night to others is the state of awakening for one with a mind thus disciplined. And what appears day to others is as night to the sage who knows the Self.

Here is another beautiful verse that says in simple words: What is real to an enlightened person seems unreal to an ordinary person. And what seems real to an ordinary person is unreal to an enlightened person. Naturally, then, the enlightened one calls the others insane, and we call him or her insane. When someone wants to lead the spiritual life a of a renunciate, we say, “I don’t know why he’s letting go all of this. He could enjoy life so beautifully. He has wealth; he has youth, he has everything. I don’t know why he’s renouncing everything. Why can’t he live like a normal person? Is he crazy?” They ask the seeker: “Are you crazy? You’re young; you’re beautiful; you have everything. With

all your beauty you could win a beauty contest! Why do you want to waste it?” As if youth and beauty can’t be utilized for a higher purpose. And as if winning contests were the goal in life.

Now Krishna gives an example of the ocean:70. Someone with personal desires will not experience true

peace. But when all desires merge, like different rivers flowing into the vast, deep ocean, then peace is easily realized.

The ocean is contented. It never sends invitations to the rivers. It’s just happy by itself. And that’s the reason why all the rivers want to flow into it. They say, “You seem to be so happy while we’re restless. By coming to join you, we’ll be happy.” So they all run into the ocean. The ocean doesn’t want anything; it’s not after the rivers. Therefore the rivers are after it. That’s one important point. Another is that even after all the rivers have come into the ocean, the ocean retains the same contentment. It doesn’t get excited: “Look how great I am! All the rivers are coming to me! The Missouri has come; the Mississippi is here; the Ganges also has come!” Excitement disturbs even the contented mind.

71. Peace is experienced by anyone who lives without longing for anything, free of all personal desires and with no individual sense of “me” and “mine.”

72. This, Arjuna, is the absolute state. On experiencing it, there are no further questions. If established in this awareness at the time of bodily-death, there is just the merging into the one-ness of God.

This ends the second chapter. Isn’t it sweet to study the Gita? But please remember that the entire Gita is right there in front of you. The best book to read is the book of life. With that book, you will be constantly learning everything. Written scriptures are only here to show that since they also say the same things, we can trust our experiences: “Yes, here in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna also said the same thing. Okay, then probably it must be right.” We want an authority to confirm our experiences. Scriptural study is good for confirming our convictions.

Excerpt from The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad GitaBy Sri Swami Satchidananda Maharaj, pp 27-31

The Man of Steady Wisdom—continued from page 12

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25–27 The Heart of Movement: Yoga Asana, Dance & the Grace of Subtle Alignment with Vimala Devi

25–27 Ayurveda for Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging with Michael Muktan Sullivan, D.C, D.Ay.

SEPTEMBER�–4 Self-Healing and the 5 Bodies: Incorporating Yoga into Daily Life with Sw. Ramananda, Richard Panico, MD, & Rev. Manjula Spears

8–�0 Bodhisattva Way and the Ten Transformative Practices of Enlightened Living with Lama Surya Das

�0–24 Split Basic Hatha Yoga TT, Part 2

�5–�7 Sadhana Yoga Chi (Fluid Power): a Union of Vital Life Force with Body, Mind and Spirit with Doug Swenson

�5–24 Acupressure Certification Program, Part � with Michael Reed Gach

22–24 Basic Meditation: Sharpening the Mind, Relaxing the Body with Swami Gurucharananananda (Mataji)

22–29 Yoga for the Special Child Teacher Training

23–Oct � Navaratri (9-Night Worship of Divine Mother)

27–Oct � Adapting Yoga for Larger Bodies with Meera Kerr

29–Oct � Developing Your Intuition with M. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D.

OCTOBER6–9 40th Anniversary Weekend and IY Teachers Gathering

�0–�5 Thai Yoga Massage Intensive I with Rishi Dion

�2–�5 Fall Silent Retreat

�5–Nov �2 Fall Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training

�7–22 Thai Yoga Massage Intensive II with Rishi Dion

20–22 Transformation: How To Get Unstuck with Swamis Karunananda and Priyaananda

20–22 Principles of Therapeutic Yoga: Adapting Asana to Individual Needs with Mark Whitwell

27–29 Chanting: The Heart of Devotional Yoga with Jai Uttal

NOVEMBER3–5 The Breathing Body with Victor Van Kooten

�0–�2 Deepening Our Understanding of Spiritual Life with Swami Asokananda

�7–�9 Ananda Dance: Joyful Yoga-Inspired Dance and Movement with Supriya Swerdlick and Sumati Bates

23 Thanksgiving Worship Service & Luncheon

24–26 Celebrate Body, Mind and Spirit with Swami Priyaananda and Prakash Shakti Capen

30–Dec 3 NEW! The Inner Practice of Yoga with Rev. Manjula Spears and Richard Panico, M.D.

Fall 2006

To make a reservation or receive a Yogaville Program Guide, contact the Ashram Reservation Center (ARC) at 800-858-YOGA (9642) or [email protected].

IYTA members receive a 5% discount on Teacher Trainings and a 10% discount on Weekend Programs.


Integral Yoga® Teachers Association�08 Yogaville WayBuckingham, VA 2392�434.969.3�2�, ext �77Fax: 434.969.5545E-mail: [email protected]: www.iyta.org

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There is one Cosmic Essence—all-pervading, all-powerful. This nameless, form-less Essence can be approached by any name, any form, any symbol that suits the taste of the individual. Variety is necessary for enjoyment. If life were the same everywhere, it would become monotonous. Follow your religion, but try to understand the real purpose behind all of its rituals and traditions, and experience that Oneness.”

—Sri Swami Satchidananda

Rama DiMaria

the man of steady wisdom insideaug 12, 2011 · by sri swami satchidananda from the living gita:...

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