Holistic Approach to Yoga

https://www.rishikeshyogisyogshala.org/holistic-approach-to-yoga/ Holistic Approach to Yoga: An Overview Today yoga is very much in the news and there are a lot of teachers and traditions. But are they all teaching authentic yoga? Are they teaching the classical yoga, as envisaged by the seers and sages? How does one know which one is the correct yoga? Correct and classical yoga can only be taught by a tradition, whose founder is a sage who has experienced the higher dimensions of the mind and see the entire situation in a holistic way. A traditional and authentic yoga is culmination of years of intense search and practice by the founding seers. At Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala, our team of the teachers has lived for more than 10 years in an ashram environment developing the experiential aspect of yoga. A few decades ago yoga was the subject of only philosophical debates and study, very few people knew the practical side of it. It was our Paramguru Sw. Sivananda (of Rishikesh) who completely changed the approach towards yoga. He presented before the people the practical and more scientific aspects of yoga. Indian culture has always been rich in terms of philosophical ideas, but teachings of Sw. Shivananda equipped the people with certain techniques and modalities through which they could lead a life full of health, creativity and mental, emotional as well as spiritual fulfilment. Sw. Sivananda gave a very clear mandate to his disciples to propagate yoga in society. Later on his disciple Swami Satyananda established Bihar School of Yoga and systematised the entire system of yogic practices and made them easy and graduated so that any person could benefit from the practices regardless of his state of health physical, mental or otherwise. Yoga became established as a therapeutic tool, as an aid in training, as the ideal lifestyle, as a means for total education. He made the practices easily intelligible to the modern mind. At Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala, we incorporated the teachings from most authentic and traditional schools in India such as Sivananda Yoga and Bihar School of Yoga. Salient features of a Holistic Yoga Tradition   Yoga as a holistic science Yoga has been known to be the science, which addresses the issues like awakening the dormant faculties and refinement of the human mind. Any person feels that he needs to improve in certain areas, but then he finds himself helpless when he does not find an appropriate technique or a way out. There is no one science in the present education scenario, which can take care of this requirement completely. There are exercises for physical fitness, which again address limited parts of the body. And in spite of recent advances in psychology, there are no standard practices to improve the quality of the mind. Yoga is the only system, which provides a “complete” methodology for the development of total human being. Yoga as a “need based” tool In traditions like Satyananda yoga which we follow closely, has developed a series of graduated practices, called the pawanmuktasana, which makes it easy for a beginner to start the practices. A beginner on the path will not be able to do complicated postures, because his joints are stiff and his body is not flexible. Pawanmuktasanas are a boon for him. It is this system of graduated practices that makes “Satyananda Yoga” accepted so easily worldwide. It does not mean that the system caters only to beginners on the path, (and there are practices which are very advanced), but it means that an aspirant has to go step by step and cannot really take jumps. Yoga as a means for developing awareness Our approach makes one develop “awareness”; a quality of alertness, which makes a person stand apart. A person who is aware is balanced, awakened to life experiences, has clarity of mind under all situations and acts efficiently. Developing awareness through yogic practices is the hallmark of our endeavour to teach traditional and holistic yoga. Yoga for eliminating psycho-somatic overload One very important complementary practice of Bihar School of Yoga which we teach at our centre, is the practice of pratyahara or a process to withdraw the mind from the senses. The gross mind is normally totally extroverted in the waking or aroused state and is always busy in responding to the input from the senses in the form of sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. In this way it gets overloaded and accumulates stress, because there is no knowledge of how to stop this process. In yoga there is a methodical process to stop this overloading so that the mind comes to a state deep rest and relaxation.  Bihar School of Yoga has founded a very simple and highly effective practice of mental relaxation called Yoga Nidra. This practice has been instrumental in helping psychosomatic problems like hypertension, diabetes, asthma etc. The modern medical science has not been effective in treating these diseases because there is no technique available to ease the mental tensions. The practice of yoga nidra is complementary to the package of practices and it makes it easier for the other practices of asana and pranayama to take root. Only when the deeper tensions are removed can the body mind absorb or assimilate other practices better. Cleansing of toxins Traditional Hatha Yoga accepts that there can be gross impurities in the physical body, which can bar one’s progress on the path of holistic and positive living. Modern life style and habit patterns are the factors disturbing the equilibrium of physical and the mental health. The accumulated toxins in the physical body can be removed through the hatha yogic process of shatkarmas or the six cleansing practices which cleanse the digestive tract, the sinuses, the frontal lobe of the brain, the inner and the outer vision, the prana vayus and doshas. Thus through the collective practices of the holistic yoga one finds the centre of existence within oneself as awareness grows and there is spontaneous flowering of “inner discipline or Anushashanam, our approach to yoga does not restrict the yogic practices to the practice room only but it believes in the principle of taking yoga into one’s life and living yoga and life with awareness and fullness. Read More...  Read Less...

5 Reasons Why Plan Spiritual Retreats in India

https://www.rishikeshyogisyogshala.org/5-reasons-plan-spiritual-retreats-india/ It is the regular hum drum of life that most of us are stuck in. Household chores, Office work, Kids PTAs, Dinner with Friends, Dinner with Boss, Boyfriend Management, Girlfriend Management, Husband Management, Wife Management – not to mention the big ‘Family Management’ – we are all managers of something or the other, responsible for certain chores, functions, performing our social and societal duties, working as fillers, sustainers, etc. etc. (Not a typo!) Where is the space for ‘Me’? Not the selfish ‘Me’ – but ‘Me’ as someone who is a thriving entity, a person who is mentally inspired, physically active and spiritually awake.  Somewhere, at some point down the long (sometimes, really long!) road – this element gradually diminishes. And, now you probably do not even feel connected to yourself anymore. Sometimes, you might even ask yourself this question, “Who am I?” In response, you are unable to find an answer to this question. Your soul is no longer in touch with its physical form. The sub-question is, “Do you want to know the answer?” If yes, then it is time to get ready for some serious soul-searching by submitting to spiritual retreats in India. Whether you have a week, a fortnight or a month to spare – a spiritual tour in India does not let you go back empty-handed or feeling vacated. To understand this more deeply, read about the five major reasons behind why planning spiritual tours in India is a boon for all those curious and fried souls searching for a life-altering experience: Immerse Yourself into the Most Authentic Spiritual Experience India – the land of yoga and spirituality, also the birthplace of yogic lineage and spiritual gurus, offers the most authentic spiritual retreats in the globe. Immerse yourself in a soul-rehabilitating experience by dwelling among spiritual gurus and engaging in insightful conversations with them. Attain the art of reconnecting with the spiritual self in the most authentic form. Reconnect With Your Spiritual Self under the Guidance of Recognized Yogis India has borne and continues to bear yogic patriarchs and spiritual ancestors. Heading for a spiritual vacation in India becomes a legacy since it is the birth place of the most recognized and most revered spiritualists in the globe. Getting an opportunity to understand the true implications of life and what is the actual purpose of a human soul from these revered gurus, is a honorable one. Feel Inspired and Spiritually Alive at some of the Most Revered Locations in India From picturesque mountains to meditative forests, from peaceful beaches to beautiful meadows – India has it all. These places heal you and its yogic environment is exceptionally inspirational, where every entity is engrossed in discovering the realms of spirituality. You feel inspired, invigorated to keep moving ahead in your aim. Learn about the Philosophy of Yoga and Spirituality from its Origin Understand and attain the philosophy of yoga and spirituality straight from its source – where it all began, where it was discovered. It couldn’t get better than this. Attaining knowledge from the very place where it all started. India is the ultimate resource center, the treasurer of yoga and spirituality since its birth. Unearth true potential here. Discover the strength and the beauty of soul. For Evolution of the Mind and the Soul ‘Evolution’ – big word! Isn’t it? Many of us devote our entire lives in understanding its definition. Only a fraction of us actually undergo with it. While most of us simply live our lives as it is, without actually discovering its real assets. Those who have the zeal to explore how a mind and a soul evolve towards fulfillment they are advised to take the leap and hail on a spiritual trip to India. This is where the answers are! It is okay to be ‘selfish’ sometimes, if it is for the greater good of your soul. So, pack your bags and travel to the land of yoga and spirituality – bring back home a resurrected soul. Read More...  Read Less...

5 Ways a Spiritual Retreat in Rishikesh Changes Your Life

https://www.rishikeshyogisyogshala.org/5-ways-spiritual-retreat-rishikesh-changes-life/ Do you wish to discover your true being in stillness and tranquility, to find the true purpose of your life, to explore what’s missing in your life or to feel complete and contented. Do you need tools to say goodbye to your egoic and aggressive mind? Do you wish to make your life quiet and peaceful? If you do so, then go for a spiritual retreat in Rishikesh! A Spiritual retreat is a time away from the daily hectic schedule to connect with your divine self. It helps in examining the priorities of life and teaches a healthy, happy and harmonious way of living. It takes you towards personal conversion. Coming on a spiritual vacation in Rishikesh can be a turning point in your life! Let’s find out how: Deep and authentic knowledge of Yoga Rishikesh, the land of yoga, spirituality, sages, and saints is the ideal destination for anyone seeking inner peace and contentment. It has been unofficially entitled as Yoga capital of the world. Most of the world’s greatest yoga masters and spiritual leaders belong to this city. Coming here on a spiritual retreat gives the opportunity to learn from highly experienced and renowned yoga masters who deliver an in-depth understanding of various layers of yoga and help you on your path of spiritual discovery. Staying for a while in the shelter of such great personalities will take your knowledge and practice to a level you always yearned for. Get a New Perspective No phone buzzing, no deadlines, no pending work, no commitments! On your spiritual in Rishikesh, you will be far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stay here and discover how beautiful life is. Breathe deeply in the fresh and rejuvenating environment of nature. Forget all the tensions and worries of life and be in the present moment. The serenity of nature, the tranquility of atmosphere, the shelter of highly qualified yoga instructors, and the company of like-minded spirits, a spiritual retreat in Rishikesh will change your way of thinking. Transform your personality If you are still stuck in your past pains or you doubt your worth, coming on a retreat can help you by cutting out all the negativities around you and will refill your mind, body, and spirit. On retreats, you practice yoga and spirituality in a powerful and reviving environment. This helps you in beginning your personal journey and finding the true purpose of your soul. It allows you to reconnect with yourself and bring a lot of positive changes in your personality. These yoga and spirituality oriented trips are the effective ways to get rid of your past memories by delving deeper into your inner consciousness and bring a profound balance in your life. Break your Bad habits On retreats, all you do is right breathing, practicing yoga and connecting with divine with yogic and spiritual techniques. During your retreats in Rishikesh, your day starts with yoga and ends with spirituality. With no choice of flavorsome yet unhealthy food, all you have to eat is healthy nutritious food. Your busy schedule keeps you away from constant texting, tweeting, updating Facebook and gossiping with friends. On a retreat, you unplug from your usual life and follow a set of good habits. Your old and bad habits are replaced with new and healthy ones. These retreats help you in being your best. Find the friends of Lifetime Being the birthplace of yoga and numerous world’s greatest yoga masters and spiritual leaders, Rishikesh attracts a million of people from all over the globe for yoga and spirituality. On your spiritual vacation, you meet like-minded companions sharing the same set of thoughts, habits, likes and dislikes. You live, laugh, practice, learn and spend all your time between your kind of people who later become your besties or friends-forever kind of friends. A Life-changing Experience Coming to Rishikesh and staying here is no less than a rollercoaster ride. You will gain a multitude of experiences. The city presents the right blend of luxury and austerity. Your spiritual journey on the land of adventure will be full of surprises, twists and turns. At one moment you can have all the facilities and the very next moment you can be clueless. Here, you will get to see yourself in a new light. Tuning yourself in the environment of Rishikesh will provide you with lifetime lessons. Go on a spiritual getaway in Rishikesh and re-balance yourself, accept yourself, and love yourself! Read More...  Read Less...