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PATANJALI YOGA

It is a Brahmacharya discipline and not a philosophy; but it can also be considered as summary of the Indian way of living.This is a part of Samkhya philosophy. This prescribes a method to attain Samadhi, a thoughtless state (a serene and peaceful state). Repeatedly if a practitioner enters Samadhi, he is likely to see light in the form of a bimba or reflection of Atman, prevails experiencing Atman itself, and attains Kaivalya, Freedom or Liberation.Patanjali Yoga prescribes following and practicing Yamas (virtues) viz. Ahimsa (non-injury), Satya (non-lying, being truthful), Asteya (non- stealing), Aparigraha (non-collection of wealth beyond what is necessary), and Brahmacharya (Celibacy or no to sexual mis-conduct).


These are the ethical part of life. Without ethics or morality, a practitioner is considered unfit to practice Yoga or spirituality. Adoption of these will raise Consciousness (Atman) to a higher level.Its practice consists of pranayama (breathing excercises), following certain postures for a healthier body, sitting in a comfortable position and meditating or concentrating mind. Transcendental meditation involves meditating on a mantra. If this is practiced for a couple of years or more, practitioners will be able to achieve freedom from internal enemies (arishadvargas) and mind biases (default settings of the brain, which is also known as MAYA - the matrix of embedded narratives which imprisons the mind). After these processes, saadhaka will be able to suppress arising thoughts and quietens the mind.

Kundalini Yoga

This is a Tantra based yoga. Because of the esoteric nature of Tantra, people are in awe of this yoga. Tantra is basically a divinification of body and mind. Unused energies of body and mind are harnessed for this practice. We know that we use only eight percent of our brains and balance remains unused; further we have an autonomous nervous system that controls our reflex actions; thus the unused energies which are at the base of spine, are used to activate this dormant energy, also known as Kundalini. Yamas (virtues) are not used in this practice. However, practitioners are taught Vedanta before embarking on this journey.


Hatha yoga methods such as kaya shuddhi (shatkarmas), postures (asanas - 84 recognized ones), and meditation on body areas (mandalas) are used to harness the Kundalini power (The female principle of SHAKTI) by carefully directing through Ida, Pingala and Sushumna naadis to the depths of brain to complete the journey (Sahasraara), which is presumed to connect with universal consciousness.

It's ideal to practice this under the guidance of an accomplished Guru (Yogi). If not properly done, the practitioner will undergo mental and physical breakdowns leading to the most harmful consequences. Those who are fortunate to get an accomplished Guide will succeed in this tumultuous practice. The concept is to accomplish the union of Shiva and Shakti.​


Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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