15th Annual & Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Transcription

1 15th Annual

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3 Blessings from President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Dear Divine Souls, I am so glad to welcome you all to the holy banks of Mother Ganga, to the lap of the sacred Himalayas, to this land which is the birthplace of yoga. It is not a coincidence that you are here in such a holy place. You are truly the chosen ones to be here, to be able to imbibe the ancient and timeless nectar of yoga. Yoga is not only for health of the body; rather it also brings health, balance and stability to the mind, heart and your entire being. Pujya Swamiji is President of Parmarth Niketan, the largest ashram in Rishikesh and one of the largest spiritual institutions in India. He is a world renowned spiritual leader, visionary and divine guide. He is also the Founder of Ganga Action Parivar, India Heritage Research Foundation (IHRF), and Divine Shakti Foundation and Co-Founder of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, organizations working for education, health-care, women s empowerment, disasterrelief, environmental protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (see back cover). Pujya Swamiji has received innumerable awards, for example the Mahatma Gandhi Humanitarian award and the Surya Ratna (Jewel of the Sun Award). His religion is Unity, and he is a frequent leader at international interfaith conferences, forums and summits such as the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Parliament of World Religions, etc. He travels the world spreading divine nectar through discourses, satsang, darshan, retreats and other programs, bringing people of every religion, and every culture closer to the Divine. Know that you have come home, here at Parmarth Niketan. This is your Himalayan home. Everything that your soul needs is here in abundance: serenity, inspiration and the divine touch. Come, sit by the banks of Mother Ganga, absorb the divine energy of saints, sages and rishis who have meditated and performed yoga here for centuries. Surrender, surrender your grudges, pains, difficulties and obstacles into the flowing waters of Mother Ganga. Let go, and let Ganga wash away the barrier between you and the peace, joy and light your life is meant to embody. I always say, Come to nature, be with nature, and change your nature. Let your soul and spirit reach the height of the Himalayas in whose lap you are sitting. Let your joys, sorrows, attachments flow like the water in the Ganges. Become like the sunrise which brings light and warmth each day and a new day to all with no discrimination, no vacation, no hesitation, and no expectation. I extend great thanks to all our dedicated teachers who have traveled from every corner of the globe to come and offer their experience, enthusiasm and expertise to the Festival. With love and blessings always. In the service of God and humanity, Swami Chidanand Saraswati

4 Revered Saints, Yogacharyas and Teachers Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji A Shankaracharya is a title used for the heads of matha (monasteries) in the Advaita tradition. Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji is the 11th successor of the Bhanpura Holy Peeth. He was born in Nagaland, India. Shankaracharyaji is revered for his profound and deep commentaries on the Holy Scriptures. At the age of 27, he had a desire to understand the mysteries behind life and death. To gain awareness, he renounced home and moved from one place to another to meet saints and imbibe related knowledge. He was initiated into sanyas by his holiness Harishwaranand Teerthji at Chitrakot. In 1989, Swami Divyanand Teerthji was installed as Shankaracharya of Bhanpura. After becoming the Shankaracharya, he dedicated his life to enhance the value of human lives and to spread the principles of Sanatan Dharma. Shankaracharyaji travels within India and around the world to spread his teachings. Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a humanitarian leader and an ambassador of peace. His vision of a stress-free, violence-free society has united millions of people the world over through service projects and the courses he has developed. At the age of four, Sri Sri was able to recite parts of the Bhagavad Gita and was often found in meditation. In 1982, Sri Sri entered a ten-day period of silence in Shimoga located in the Indian state of Karnataka and in that silence, Sudarshan Kriya a powerful breathing technique was born. Later Sudarshan Kriya became the centrepiece of the Art of Living courses. Sri Sri is a much respected and deeply revered spiritual teacher not just in India but also around the world. Swami Madhavpriyadasji As a blessed disciple of SadguruShastrijiMaharaj Shree Dharamjeevandasji Swami, the founder of Rajkot Gurukul, Shri Madhavpriyadasji Swami completed his Gurukul studies in the year 1968 at Rajkot (Gujarat) Gurukul and completed the higher studies of Vedantacharya at Sampoornanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi in Shri Madhavpriyadasji has played a vital role in the education especially in that of the SGVP school and traditional Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya at Ahmedabad which are the first in India to receive an American Accreditation as an International school and Sanskrit college respectively. Shri Madhavpriyadasji has visited many countries around the world and also participated in the World Religious conference of the United Nations. Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasenaji Venerable BhikkhuSanghasena was born in the remote Himalayan region of Ladakh -an ancient sate located in the far north west of India, high on the Tibetan plateau. He was brought up within a religious familywho followed the ancient Buddhist traditions.in 1977, Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasenaji felt the inner spiritual calling and became a disciple of the renowned Buddhist scholar and celebrated monk, Venerable Acharya BuddharakkhitaMahathera, the abbot of the Mahabodhi Society Vihara, Bangalore, South India.In 1986 Venerable BhikkhuSanghasena founded the

5 Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Ladakh and has been tirelessly working to provide high quality education and safe shelter for underprivileged children, healthcare to the sick and needy, empowerment and literacy programmes for women and other socially disadvantaged groups amongst many other humanitarian services. Radhanath Swamiji Radhanath Swamiji is a Vaishnava sanyassin (a monk in a Krishna-bhakti lineage) and teacher of the devotional path of Bhakti Yoga. He is author of The Journey Home, a memoir of his search for spiritual truth. His teachings draw from the sacred texts of India such as The Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Ramayana, and aim to reveal the practical application of the sacred traditions, while focusing on the shared essence which unites apparently disparate religious or spiritual paths. Today, Swamiji travels throughout India, Europe and North America, sharing his teachings. He resides most of the year at the Radha Gopinath Ashram in Mumbai. For the past 25 years, he has been involved in community projects, ranging from feeding programs for children from the slums of Mumbai, to establish missionary hospitals and eye camps, co-friendly farms, schools and ashrams, an orphanage, and a number of emergency relief programs throughout India. Shri Mooji Mooji was born in Jamaica and is a direct disciple of Sri Harilal Poonja, the renowned advaita master, or Papaji as his followers call him. In 1987, a chance meeting with a Christian mystic was to be a life-changing encounter for Mooji. It brought him, through prayer, into the direct experience of the Divine within. Within a short period, he experienced a radical shift in consciousness so profound that outwardly, he seemed, to many who knew him, to be an entirely different person. As his spiritual consciousness awakened, a deep inner transformation began which unfolded in the form of many miraculous experiences and mystical insights. He felt a strong wind of change blowing through his life which brought with it a deep urge to surrender completely to divine will. Mooji lives a life of quiet simplicity and surrender to the will of God as it manifested spontaneously within him. Padmashri Bharat Bhushanji Padmashri Bharat Bhushanji has expounded the great Indian science of yoga internationally and is a well-known master in India. He was awarded the Padmashri award (one of the highest civilian awards given by the Indian government) for his contribution in the field of yoga. In 1973 he founded the Mokshayatan International Yogashram in Saharanpur, which offers degree courses in Yoga within a University curriculum. Bharat Bhushanji was instrumental in supporting the first International Yoga Festival and has been an esteemed panellist for many years.

6 Revered Saints, Yogacharyas and Teachers Jack Kornfield Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. He is a founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Jack has taught at Universities and spiritual centers worldwide and led the international Buddhist teachers meetings with HH the Dalai Lama and Teachers from across the globe. He holds a PhD in clinical psychology, and is a father and activist. His books which have sold over a million copies include A Path with Heart;Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace; The Wise Heart; andbringing Home the Dharma. Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa Gurmukh is the co-founder and director of Golden Bridge, the premier center for the study and practice of Kundalini yoga and meditation in Los Angeles, CA, and now also in New York City. For over three decades, students in Los Angeles and around the world have sought her classes in Kundalini yoga, meditation and pre and post natal training. She is the author of The Eight Human Talents: The Yogic Way to Restoring the Natural Balance of Serenity within You, and Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful: Experience the Natural Power of Pregnancy and Birth with Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. She also has three videos available, PreNatal Yoga, Post Natal Yoga, as well as Kundalini Yoga with Gurmukh, and trains yoga teachers throughout the world. Trudy Goodman Trudy Goodman is the founder and guiding teacher of InsightLA, a non-profit organization for vipassana (insight) meditation training and secular mindfulness education. She was a psychotherapist in private practice for 25 years and has studied Buddhist meditation for 40 years with Asian and Western teachers. Dr. Goodman was one of the original mindfulness-based stress reduction teachers with Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, and co-founded the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy in Cambridge, MA. She is also a contributor to Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness; Compassion and Wisdom in Psychotherapy; Mindfulness and Psychotherapy.

7 Swami Yoganandaji Yogananda is a 103 year old yoga proponent who is a living example of the benefits of yoga on maintaining health and fitness. He has been practicing Sukshma Vyayam Yoga (an ancient simple form of yoga and stretching which induce relaxation) since the age of 17. He resides at Parmarth Niketan and teaches Sukshma Vyayam and Laughing Yoga to residents and students at Parmarth. Sadhvi Abha Saraswati Sadhvi Abha Saraswati is an avid yoga practitioner since the age of 25, when - through yoga - she cured herself of a terminal kidney ailment called nephritis. Since then she has delved more and more deeply into various forms of yoga and has become not only a practitioner, but also a teacher. Mataji took Sanyas diksha in 2003 from H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji. She resides at Parmarth Niketan, where she teaches yoga nidra, nada yoga and Vedic chanting to students as well as infuses the Ganga Aarti with the heavenly sound of her voice. She is the head of the Parmarth Yoga & Meditation Centre. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, PhD was raised in a traditional, affluent American amily. After graduating from Stanford University, while completing her PhD, she journeyed to India on what she thought would only be a short visit. A deep spiritual experience transformed her life and she has been living in Rishikesh, India at the worldrenowned Parmarth Niketan Ashram for nearly twenty years. She was initiated into the order of sanyas by her Guru, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the President of Parmarth Niketan, in She is the President of Divine Shakti Foundation, a charitable organization that provides free education, training and empowerment to impoverished women and girls. Sadhviji gives discourses and question-answer sessions, teaches meditation, and oversees a vast array of humanitarian programs being run at the ashram. Jeffrey Armstrong Jeffrey Armstrong is an award-winning author of numerous books on Vedic knowledge including his recent book, Spiritual Teaching of the Avatar: Ancient Wisdom for a New World. He has been a philosopher, practitioner and teacher of the Vedas for over 40 years. He has degrees in Psychology, History & Comparative Religion, and Literature. After a successful career as an executive in Silicon Valley, Jeffrey was a motivational speaker to Fortune 500 companies for 10 years before turning to teaching full time. Jeffrey (Kavindra Rishi) is the founder and director of the Vedic Academy of Sciences & Arts (VASA) in Vancouver, Canada, an online learning institution that makes available the large curriculum of the ancient wisdom of India in English.

8 Revered Saints, Yogacharyas and Teachers Rujuta Diwekar Rujuta Diwekar is a well-known Nutritionist who works out of Mumbai, practices yoga in Rishikesh, ideates in Uttarkashi and treks in rest of the Indian Himalayas. Winner of the Nutrition Award from Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, she is amongst the most qualified and sought after practitioners in India in addition to being the only nutritionist to have accreditation from Sports Dieticians, Australia. In the plethora of diet fads and fears, Rujuta s voice rings loud and clear, urging people to use their common sense and un complicate the act of eating. She is the author of two best-selling books which have been translated in to more than 5 languages. Her film Indian food wisdom & the art of eating right is out on DVD and already in the best seller charts. She is currently working on her 3rd book on exercise. Rujuta has won several accolades for her work some which include winning the Nutrition award from the Asian institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad; being voted amongst the 50 most powerful people in India by People magazine and being one of the only three Indians on the CNN Asia Hotlist 2010: People to watch out for. H.S. Arun Arunji s journey into yoga started with his study of yoga at the ShareerikaSiksha Kendra Bangalore where he managed to cure his asthma ailment with practice. He went on to pursue deeper studies with Dr BKS Iyengar who certified him to teach in His continuous research into all aspects of Yoga and its relation to the mental and physical well-being of man has helped him to introduce innovative methods of teaching Asanas. Arunji travels around the world delivering lectures and giving demonstrations in schools, colleges, organizations and hospitals. He is also an author and has written several books on Yoga. Sherri Baptiste Sherri Baptiste is the daughter of two of America s yoga-health-fitness pioneers: Magana and Walt Baptiste. She has been associated with yoga since she took her first baby steps or assumed her first lotus position, whichever came first. Today she is a top expert and educator in her field of yoga, yoga with weights, meditation, yoga and the brain, fitness and wellness. An inspirational speaker and coach to thousands of people across the United States her way of teaching is accessible to everyone; offering depth, dynamic results, renewal, joy in the journey, and inspiration.

9 Gurushabd Singh Khalsa Gurushabd, co-director of Golden Bridge, teaches classes that are musical, challenging, and provocative. He encourages students to move beyond old comfort zones, and into deeper and more meditative realms of being. Married for 27 years, Gurushabd and Gurmukh reside in Los Angeles with their many dogs. Matthew Sweeney Matthew has been practising Yoga as a teenager 25 years ago, and has been learning about Asana, the body, meditation, self development and spiritual practice ever since. He began Ashtanga Yoga in 1992, and has been teaching the traditional method since In recent years he has also incorporated alternative sequences into his teaching as a support to the standard Ashtanga sequences. All students are encouraged to work to their own particular level and inclination, so that the Ashtanga Yoga and Vinyasa Krama methods can support practitioners of any level. His workshops encompass a broadminded and holistic approach, to keep working towards true connection and spirituality. Website: Yogatemple.com R.S. Bhogal Shri R.S. Bhogal has served as the Principal of Govardhandas Seksaria College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis at Kaivalyadhama in Pune since 2004, and has more than 20 years in teaching experience as a Research Lecturer. Shri Bhogal holds an M.A. in psychology, and his areas of expertise include the experiential aspects of Yoga such as Pranayama, Omkar, and meditation as well as the psycho-physicological perspectives of Yoga and the psychology of Yoga and its relation to mental health. Shri Bhogal has over 23 years of research experience in the Yoga and psychological fields, and he has written six books and numerous articles on yoga and its relation to mental health, modern psychology and personal development, among other topics. Maa Gyaan Suveera MaaGyaanSuveera is the founder of the CiPlus Meditation technique. She lives in the KIRTI HERMITAGE in Rishikesh. With more than three and a half decades of experience, MaaGyaan conducts well-known courses on Healing, Wellness, and Meditation to people from around the world at her Kirti Hermitage in Rishikesh as well as through workshops on CiPlus Meditation, Reiki, Crystal healing, Tarot reading, Aura reading and a host ofindian,western and Zen practices.she has been teaching at the International Yoga Festival since 2001.

10 Revered Saints, Yogacharyas and Teachers Gabriela Bozic Gabriela Bozic is an internationally renowned yoga teacher known for her dynamic, passionate, life-loving and thorough approach in teaching. She skillfully blends mystical and practical teachings of yoga in her classes. Gabriela holds advanced certification in Jivamukti Yoga, where she is part of teacher faculty for leading Jivamukti trainings and workshops. Her personal goal is to inspire and motivate students to live an empowered life in truth, understanding and love and to integrate yoga into their lifestyle. She leads workshops and trainings internationally and is an established presenter at yoga conferences worldwide. She has been featured in many international magazines and TV shows. She co-authored with Patrick Broome the book Yoga for Life: Reconnecting to Mother Earth with Jivamukti Yoga published in German, Italian and Czech language. Hikaru Hashimoto Hikaru Hashimoto has been practicing yoga since the age of 23. In order to promote yoga widely in Japan, he established the Japan Fitness Yoga Association in 1993, where he has developed programs based on Dharma Yoga and Hatha Yoga. The association has trained hundreds of instructors and currently is in charge of more than 700 fitness yoga classes in Japan. Japanese Shinto Yoga, incorporates Hatha Yoga practices as well as the various exercises of Japanese Shinto, Japan s great ancient wisdom. Deepika Mehta Deepika Mehta teaches the ancient practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, with an emphasis on the union of breath, alignment and flowing series of postures, offering a powerful dynamic physical and spiritual practice to open up to the core of the body, mind and freedom of the present moment. She lays emphasis on strength, endurance, flexibility as well as the internal healing spiritual awareness. She has been a student of Ashtanga Yoga Guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and has grandson Sharath Jois since She is authorized to teach by the KPJAYI (Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute). She was the master trainer on the Indian reality television show The Biggest Loser, and has trained Bollywood celebrities. Deepika also has her own Yoga show on Ndtv Good times called Yoga City. Laura Plumb Laura Plumb is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Yoga Teacher and co-founder of Deep Yoga. She has studied Ayurveda and Jyotish with world renowned teachers in the East and West. Classes with Laura are an experience of Yoga as ritual, body as temple, breath as holy gift, movement as divine energy, an exhilaration of spirit. Laura also teaches classes in Ayurvedic cooking and has created a line of Ayurvedic Botanical Oils called Prakasha. She enjoys touching the hearts of other through her beautiful singing and kirtan.

11 Kia Miller Kia Miller is a devoted scholar, practitioner and teacher of Yoga who imparts her radiant spirit and joy for life in her classes, workshops and retreats throughout the world. Kia teaches at YogaWorks in Los Angeles and leads several of their 200- hour and 300-hour teacher training programs each year. Trained in both Hatha and Kundalini Yoga, Kia brings together a potent mix of asana, breath, meditation and chanting that leaves students uplifted and empowered. Tommy Rosen Tommy Rosen is a yoga teacher and addiction recovery expert who has spent the last two decades immersed in yoga, recovery and wellness. He holds certifications in both Hatha and Kundalini Yoga and has 20 years of recovery from acute drug addiction. Tommy is one of the pioneers in the burgeoning field of Yoga and Recovery assisting others to holistically transcend addictions of all kinds. He teaches regularly at yoga conferences and festivals, including Wanderlust, Hanuman and Tadasana. He is the host of the Recovery 2.0: Beyond Addiction Online Conference and teaches annually at Esalen, Omegaand Kripalu. Tommy s first book, Recovery 2.0, is due out from Hay House in Yogi Cameron A former successful supermodel who turned to the yogic path, Yogi Cameron is the author of The Guru in You (HarperOne) and The One Plan (HarperOne), a practical guide on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Yogi Cameron began his studies back in 2003 in Ayurveda at the Arsha Yoga VidyaPeetham Trust in India under the guidance of his guru Sri Vasudevan after training at the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City and Yogaville of Sri Satchidananda. He has brought the practices of yoga and meditation to Afghanistan as part of the reintegration program to prepare the country for troop withdrawal, while also working with young girls rescued from sex trafficking practices in Cambodia in coordination with the Somaly Mam Foundation. Bharath Shetty Bharath Shetty was drawn to Yoga after it helped him recover from chronic asthma. In order to spread the benefits of Yoga amongst people, he decided to become a professional teacher. In this pursuit he has studied extensively and trained under B.K.S Iyengar, the Indian Yoga Institute, Vivekananda Kendra, Bangalore and was also awarded the title of Yoga Acharya by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center. Bharath has also won the Himalaya Yoga Olympiad (Indian National Yoga championship) twice, once in 1998 and then again in Bharath currently runs his own Yoga school in Mysore called Yoga India where he has trained over 350 yoga teachers from around the world.

12 Revered Saints, Yogacharyas and Teachers Roberto Milletti Roberto Milletti has been featured in Om Yoga Magazine UK as one of the world leaders in new contemporary forms of Yoga. Roberto is an inspirational yoga teacher who teaches at studios and yoga festivals worldwide and is the founder of Odaka Yoga Contemporaneo (OYC) in Rome. He has created an innovative form of yoga that incorporates martial arts, zen and traditional yoga postures. Based on the dynamics of ocean motion and body rhythms that connect us, this beautiful flowing yoga style leads us to melt into the liquid form of the body making you free from all constraint and giving the ability to transform and discover new shapes in ourselves. Roberto teaches in Europa, USA, Australia, India and recently in Japan and Hong Kong. Siddhi Siddhi is a senior yoga teacher and teacher trainer from Santa Barbara, California. She has a nurturing style, sharing her deep understanding and love of Kundalini Yoga and Naam Yoga through creative and spiritually integrated teaching. She is also certified in The Khalsa Way for Pregnancy Yoga. Naam Yoga is the yoga of the healing sound. It incorporates mudra therapy and chanting of mantras to a powerful union to elevate people s soul. Brian Siddhartha Ingle Brian is a licensed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a Naturopath and a biodynamic cranial osteopath. He is a certified Hanna and Equine Somatic Educator and a Somatic Yoga teacher. He is a graduate of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine and of the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training. He is a past member of the teaching team at the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training and a licensed osteopathic physician in Australia. He is the founder and director of the Ingle Institute for Somatic Movement Education. Brian teaches all over the world, offering workshops and professional trainings in Clinical Somatics. Gayatri Schriefer Gayatri is a certified Hanna Somatic Educator, a Somatic Yoga teacher and a certified practitioner in Equine Hanna Somatics. She is a graduate of the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training, in California, USA. Gayatri is a core teacher at the Ingle Institute for Somatic Movement Education. She offers workshops and trainings internationally.

13 Mohan Bhandari Mohan is the co-founder and director of YogiYoga (China), the most famous and leading center in China. He has completed a 52 Yoga DVD with China Central Television (CCTV) and published a Chinese language book on the subject of yoga in Mohan studied with Yogacharya Sri B.K.S Iyengar, also holds a Diploma in Yoga from Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla (Pune), and Yoga Therapy Diploma from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anushandhana Samsthana, (Bangalore). He started teaching at the Parmarth Niketan ashram, and is now based in China, focusing on teacher trainings programmes, retreats, and workshops. Dr. TS Rukmani T.S. Rukmani has had a distinguished academic record and has been teaching and researching mainly in the areas of Hinduism, Advaita Vedanta and Sankhya-Yoga for almost fifty years. She joined the Department of Religion, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada, as Professor and Chair in Hindu Studies in 1996 and retired from that post in July She was given the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus after her retirement by the Senate of the University for her academic achievements. She was the first Chair for Hindu Studies and Indian Philosophy at University of Durban Westville, Durban, South Africa before taking up her post at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. Dr Rukmani will be sharing with participants the richness and depth of Patanjali s Yoga Sutras with the commentary by Vyasa. Brahmachari Vishwapal Jayant (Yogiraj) Brahmachari Vishwapal Jayant (Yogiraj) is a famous pranayama and power yoga expert and also an ayurvedic expert from Haridwar. Brahmachariji is the head of the Kanav Ashram in Kotdwar where he gives yoga and pranayama camps as well as ayurvedic treatment. Erica Kaufmann Erica is a devoted practitioner of yoga since the age of nine. In the lineage of Krishnamacharya, her mother is her life-long yoga charya. Teaching since 1984, Erica holds the highest level of Registry with Yoga Alliance. Her Lila Yoga classes and expertise are awarded by Yoga Journal s signature Karma Credit and featured in numerous publications including The Times of India, DNA India Bangalore Newspaper, Centered Magazine, and Center Daily Times, along with European and American TV for her work with Lila Yoga, Reconciliation, and Contact Improvisation.

14 Revered Saints, Yogacharyas and Teachers Akira Watamoto Akira s childhood is steeped in yoga as he took it up at a very young age. Blessed with such a childhood, he naturally evolved into teaching in Currently he teaches at Watamoto Yoga Studio, while training future yoga instructors, has authored more than 40 books, several magazine articles and made numerous TV appearances to teach and promote the benefits of yoga in Japan. Such contributions have brought about greater understanding and acceptance of Yoga in Japan as its popularity has soared in recent years. Chandresh Bhardwaj Chandresh Bhardwaj is an international speaker and a 7th generation spiritual guide. Hailing from a family of traditional gurus, Chandresh currently conducts talks all over the globe. He is a disciple of hisfather, His Holiness Shri Chamunda Swami, who is universally recognized as anauthority in the field of spirituality. Chandresh is the founder of the Break TheNorms Movement, with locations in New York and Los Angeles. Satya Kalra Satya Kalra is the founder and president of Path to Anandam as well as a seeker, teacher and international speaker. She has been a promoter of blissful living as well as a philanthropist for several years working closely to make destitute women and children self-reliant and independent. Following a divine call, she left the helm as a CEO of a biotech company after serving for 35 years to discover her True Self. SatyaKalra is the executive director of the International Divine Shakti Foundation as well as the author of many spiritual books. Chandanni Miglino Chandanni Miglino (Mariam Miglino) is an International role model for Femininity, Individuality and Whole Health. She facilitates retreats and festivals all over the world. She is the Founder of WeBeFree.com and creator of SUBMERGED YOGA AND MEDITATION, an infused and inspired yoga and meditation style.

15 Bhavini Kalan Bhavini Kalan has been immersed in the science and techniques of yoga and ayurveda for lifestyle and wellness, where now she is fully pursuing this passion in helping others. She has been trained in the disciplines of Sivananda, Ashtanga Vinyasa (Pattabi Jois tradition), as well as Kundalini Yoga. She specializes in lifestyle workshops and retreats around the world. She integrates her yoga teachings with the intelligence of ayurveda, and also brings the best of Eastern and Western lifestyle thinking. She is a strategy planning facilitator as well as a lifestyle coach, and assists leading destination spas with the program design and development of frontier wellness programmes. She spends time each year at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, her spiritual home. David Wei David Wei-Wei Limin had poor health during childhood, thus began to learn Qigong, Yoga, Tai Chi and other holistic fitness regimens, being taught by masters of yoga, Buddhism and Taoism. David became a teacher of Yin Yang nadis yoga, bringing together the traditions of yoga with the traditions of China. David is the founder of the first Hatha Yoga center in Shanghai in 2000, and he has published the first Chinese Kundalini Yoga books: 7 Chakras Yoga, Yin Yang Nadis Yoga for Health, and Yoga Medical Class. He hosts programs on yoga at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acts as a yoga health consultant for the university. He has been invited as a speaker by the 2009 India Tourism Year in China, a guest speaker at the 2010 Shanghai Expo India Pavilion Yoga Culture, and a a teacher at the Japan Yoga Festival. Yuva Dayalan Dr.Yuva Dayalan grew up in an unorthodox Hindu Family where the science of spirituality and discipline was practiced as a daily part of the lifestyle. He practiced yoga to cure himself of pneumonia when he was young and has continued to deepen his studies of the eight limbs of yoga with his guru Dr. T.A. Krishnan. Dr Dayalan teaches various yoga workshops around Asia as well as at his own school Yuva school of Yoga. He is a master of several eastern practices like Kalari, Ikbudo, Harness and Taichi. Yogi Dr T A Krishnan Dr T.A.Krishnan is a Brahamachari and the founder of Thirumoolar Yoga & Natural Diet Trust. He is a the student of Swami Vishnudevananda, Swamy Dehandra Brahmachari, Sri Sudhanandha Bharathi and Swami Geethananda. He is well versed in postures, Kriyas, natural diet preparations, and has also written books on it. Dr Krishnan has served in key positions in ThiruvaduraiAsharam for more than 30 years and is also well versed in Thirumoolar sthirumanthiram (an ancient text of Yoga). Dr Krishnan was awarded Yoga Ratna by the Late President of India, Mr.Zail Singh at the Vishwa Yoga Conference, New Delhi in 1986.

16 Artists/Musicians Sivamani A sought after performer both on Live - shows and recordings, Siva is widely recognized as one of India s best drummers. One of the best pair of hands in the world of percussion, Ustaad Zakir Hussain in a live show presented him as a phenomenon that walks the planet but once or twice in a century. South Indian geniuses Illayaraja and A R Rehman and other Bollywood music directors all regularly engage his variety of percussion. He features along with legendary masters such as Billy Cobham, Vikku Vinayakram, Freddy Santiago, Terry Bozzio, Wil Calhoun, Myanta, Ranjit Barot, T K Murthy, Rikki Ray and Dr. L. Subramaniam commanding the respect of a true Master Percussionist. Padmaja Suresh An intellectual and deeply spiritual dancer, teacher and choreographer, Padmaja Suresh s dance productions have won her critical acclaim over the world. She has been on numerous concert tours to several nations, both as an ICCR delegate and through private organizations. Her lecture demonstrations and workshops are regularly held at international conferences, including the UNESCO. She is a recipient of the Women s International network award in Nov 2010.PadmajaSuresh holds a doctorate for her thesis on the Science of Tantra and the Art of Natya a correlative study. Among her many achievements are performances of her troupe at various State events as well as atrashtrapathibhavan where she was honoured by Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India. Arushi Pokhriyal Arushi Pokhriyal is an eminent Kathak dancer specializing in Nishnaat. Having been fortunate to have the blessings of renowned Kathak dancers she has performed before distinguished audiences over the last twelve years, having worked with distinguished performers such as Birju Maharaj and Shashwati Sen ji.. Accomplished in several folk dance styles of India such as Garhwali, Garba, Ghumar (Rajasthani) along with modern forms as Punjabi Bollywood and Salsa, Arushi has received several accolades for her versatility as a dancer and performer. Besides the performing arts which has seen her perform all over the world, Arushi also enjoys being a published writer and poet with her two books on collections of poetry being featured and reviewed in various newspapers and magazines in India. Adding to her list of accomplishments, is her expertise and talent in design and fashion. Arushi is currently working on the preservation of Indian art and culture which she considers a lifelong passion and commitment.

17 Artists/Musicians Sharmila Bhartari Sharmila Bhartari is a classical Odissi dancer and disciple of late Protima Bedi. Sharmila Bhartari, hailing from West Bengal, is also a theatre personality and a social worker who uses her art forms for the conservation of Indian culture and environment. Residing in Dehradun, she currently teaches performing arts - dance, drama and ballets - to various schools and groups. Bhartari s ballets are a creative fusion of classical dance and drama with music and poetry. These ballets improvised from classical Indian dance and contemporary forms depict diverse historical and modern environmental themes in ways relevant to the present time. Anandra George Anandra studies Hindustani classical music in New Delhi at the feet of master teacher Pandit Baldev Raj Verma of the Indore Gharana. She is also a well-known international teacher of Sanskrit Mantra for meditation and practical life transformation. She invites her students and audiences into the heart of sound, the Self that shines through music and mantra. Kirtan with Anandra is a heavenly experience of call and response mantra chanting set to Indian classical ragas. Vaiyasaki Das and Kishori Internationally recognized for his musical abilities to perform the ancient art form of Kirtan & Bhajan, Vaiyasaki Das provides a rare opportunity to experience a taste of authentic devotional music from the Vedic tradition. In 1970, he found himself enamored by Krishna devotion and in 1973, committed himself to the path of devotion, or bhakti-yoga receiving formal initiation from His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. Today Vaiyasaki Das is a much sought-after performer, conducting workshops, doing concerts, and leading yoga festivals and retreats worldwide. Sharing his heart through music and chanting is the basis of his life. He has delighted audiences and taught Bhakti-yoga in 64 countries with people from all walks of life and cultures, and performs his music with a mission to uplift the consciousness of the planet. His considerable knowledge of the vast repertoire of Indian bhajans and kirtans has provided the foundation for a new generation of artists, in the flourishing genre of music for yoga and mantra meditation. Vaiyasaki Das travels the world and performs with his wife Kishori Devi, a bhakti yogini from childhood, master kartal player, and psychologist.

18 Divine Celebration on the Bank of Ganga Ganga Aarti Aarti is the beautiful ceremony in which dias (the oil lamps) are offered to God. Aarti can be done to a deity in the temple, it can be done on the banks of the Ganges to Mother Ganga, or it can be done to a saint. It is performed to God, in any manifestation, any form, by any name. Aarti is a time when we say thank you, and we offer back the light of our thanks, the light of our love and the light of our devotion. Aarti also means removal of pain. Ganga aarti is a time in which we break free from the normal stresses and strains of everyday life, and gather together in joy, reverence and peace. As the bright yellow sun dips into the water and the reflection of its rays bring tears to our eyes, we are filled a new with a deep sense of bliss, reverence and spiritual connection.

19 Divine Celebration on the Bank of Ganga Havan The havan is one of the most common rituals in Indian culture. Havan is, in essence, a purifying ritual. Just as fire purifies everything it touches, so we perform yagna that our lives may made pure. So, as we place the offerings into the flames, we symbolically offer all our impurities our anger, our greed, our jealousy, our grudges, our pains and we pray to God to make our lives as pure as the ghee we pour into the flames. Also, the yagna reminds us to give, and give and give. At the end of the mantras and shlokas chanted by the priests, it says, Idam Namamah, Idam Namamah. This means, Not for me, but for You. It reminds us that everything we do in life must be for others, for God, for the world. This is the root of yagna and the root of happiness in life.

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22 Living Yoga on a Daily Basis By Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati The secrets of the ancient science of yoga were passed down from the divine rishis, saints and sages who came to the Himalayas for divine inspiration. Through their meditation, austerities and prayers, a treasure-chest of wisdom was bestowed upon them for the benefit of humanity. The sage Patanjali is the one most renowned for compiling this treasure chest of yogic wisdom for the benefit of the world. Yoga is not about physical postures, it is much more Yoga is not a religion. It does not require you to believe in a certain God or to chant certain mantras. Yoga is an ancient science which leads to health in the body, peace in the mind, joy in the heart and liberation of the soul. Yoga is a way of life, and its teachings should penetrate every aspect of your being The 8 Limbs In Patanjali s Yoga Sutras, yoga is explained as 8 limbed tree, with the highest branch being Samadhi, or the ultimate, divine bliss and ecstasy which comes from a complete, transcendental union with the Divine. The foundation of the tree are the yamas and niyamas (moral and ethical codes of conduct), then one moves upward through asana and pranayama which use the body and the breath as the medium, then into the aspects in which one s mind becomes fine-tuned and ultimately united with God, - a state of divine liberation. Moksha or Liberation is about while we are here on Earth, not that after death. Liberation every moment of every day. It is liberation from anger, greed, worry, desires, despair, depression, and the list goes on Yamas and Niyamas We begin with the 5 Yamas the moral restraints and injunctions which, when followed with dedication and discipline, helps us to master of our bodies, minds and lives. 1. Ahimsa non violence This is the fundamental, most basic and crucial tenet of living as a good human. Do not cause pain or injury to another. Ahimsa encompasses all forms of violence violence in thought, violence in speech and violence in deed. We must think pure and loving thoughts. We must speak pure and loving words, and we must practice pure and loving acts. It also means that one must take care of Mother Nature, protecting and preserving our natural resources, as well as no cruelty to animals.

23 Lord Krishna to Arjuna on Yoga - Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6: Tatraikaagram manah kritwaa yatachittendriyakriyah; Upavishyaasane yunjyaadyogamaatmavishuddhaye There, having made the mind one-pointed, with the actions of the mind and the senses controlled, let him, seated on the seat, practice YOGA for the purification of the self. Importantly, it also means bringing no harms to oneself, physically and mentally, be it bad harmful relationships, abuse, drugs, bad nutrition, etc. 2. Satyam truthfulness We must speak and importantly live the truth. Satyam means being true to our promises and vows, fulfilling our word to ourselves, to others and to God. However, there is also restraint in speaking truth. If the truth is neither kind nor beneficial to the listener, then it should not be spoken. 3. Asteya not stealing Asteya is refraining from stealing of any kind, not just material things. It is also about respecting people s time, energy, and space, so as not to steal from others without realizing it, through negative aspects like gossip or complaints. We steal people s credit by claiming to have done something that actually was accomplished by someone else. We steal from Mother Earth by using more than we need in terms of the global concern for environmental pollution. Another concern is the exploitation of people all over the world, be it child labour, and other issues, robbing people of their dignity. In the cycle of abundance, prosperity is also about sharing and giving in one has excess of everything that brings joy and touches lives and people. 4. Brahmacharya Brahmacharya is translated as celibacy or abstinence, but actually its meaning is more comprehensive than refraining from sexual activity. Rather, it actually means one who is brahma-acharya, this means one whose actions are are all dedicated to God, one whose actions are all pure and holy. It means one whose attention, energy and life are focused on God. The law of brahmacharya also pertains everybody, not just monks and saints. In a broader sense, it is about restraint and moderation. It is about directing one s energy in every way to the divine path, be it in marriages, sexual relationships. We must ensure that those relationships with ourselves and others are pure, are loyal, are honest all bringing us closer to God. 5. Aparigraha non accumulation. Aparigraha literally means non-hoarding. It means, live simply, and use only that which you require. Purchase only that which is essential. It is about striving for simplicity, even if one has excess material means. Travel light in every way, as it affects the mind. Non accumulation amounts to less clutter and hence affecting a clearer state of mind. Aparigraha also means that there should be no sense of mine in life. We should realize that everything is God s and we have simply been lent a certain amount for a temporary period of time. In yagna ceremonies,

24 after each mantra, the priest chants idam namamah. It means Not for me, God. It is for you, God. This is aparigraha. Nothing is mine. Everything is His. Everything is for Him. We also have 5 niyamas the spiritual and ethical observances. These 5 niyamas are internal laws, rules which we set for ourselves and follow to live a truly yogic, spiritual, disciplined and divine life. 1. Saucha which means cleanliness and purity, not only physical cleanliness but, but also purity on the inside, purity of thought and action. We must purify our thoughts through japa, meditation and the practice of positive thinking. We must purify our lives by ensuring that our actions are models of integrity, dharma and righteousness. Saucha also pertains to that which we allow to enter our bodies and minds, what food we take through our mouths and also what food we take through our ears and eyes. Saucha means refraining from putting anything impure into our being this includes everything ranging from drugs and cigarettes to negative gossip to to pornography etc. It is about honoring oneself in every way, and ensuring that nothing toxic goes in at mind, body level which affects our spiritual way of life. or not. Tapas teaches us mastery of emotions, of senses and controlling the vacillating mind. 4. Svadhyaya sacred study. It is very important to read something spiritual, something inspiring every day. This helps to keep us on track and to keep our mind pure. Otherwise we tend to get lost in our own mind s sea of confusion. Importantly, one must also put these readings into practice. Further, Svadhyaya also means self-study. Introspection is one of the greatest tools of a spiritual path. Our egos, our fears, our desires, our misconceptions and even just the hecticness of our lives keep us from truly examining our own lives. Each night we must ask ourselves, Where do I stand? Take stock every night where you are going. 5. Ishwara pranidhana devotion or surrender to God. This is the final, ultimate commandment of leading a dharmic life. It doesn t matter what name or what form of the Divine you worship. What matters is that you are surrendered fully to God. Only through living for Him and dedicating all of our actions to Him can we find peace, joy and meaning in life. 2. Santosha contentment. Sadly, a disease of the human mind is that we are rarely, if ever, satisfied. Our scriptures say that whatever we are given we should accept as Prasad from God. One of the most important personal characteristics toward which we should strive is the attitude of gratitude. We should be thankful to God and keep chanting His holy name regardless of the condition in which He keeps us. We should accept more and expect less. Expectation is the Mother of Frustration and Acceptance is the Mother of Peace and Joy. 3. Tapas austerities/ sadhana. Through the performance of regular tapas we learn to be the master of our body and mind. Tapas puts the control into our hands, into the hands of our higher Self. Tapas does not mean only doing japa or fasting or doing a certain number of ahutis in the yagna. Tapas can extend to every area of our lives, for example the practise of tolerance in relationships. Through practicing tapas, we learn to have control over ourselves so that we can choose whether to act

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26 India - Let it Inside You By Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati If one more person pushes and squeezes me in the aarti again I m going to scream! The tears in her eyes are testimony to the very real and sincere pain this young woman from London is experiencing. To an Indian this pain is unfathomable. Pushing and squeezing are part and parcel of the Indian way of life and the spiritual sector isn t an exception. Overcrowding is not, in these cases, the reason, for there is plenty of room if one is only prepared to be a little further from the center of the action. The reason touches upon something much deeper and more profound about the culture of India, and explains one of the reasons that visits to India, particularly spiritual pilgrimages, are so emotionally difficult for people from other countries. After living in India for nearly 15 years I have realized that there is absolutely no concept of social space the way we understand it in the West. This is neither a good thing nor a bad thing. It just is. In the West, there is an unspoken but universally understood buffer zone around each of us, physically and emotionally, which can be trespassed upon only by intimate friends and relations. If two people who are standing and speaking with each other start to get too physically close (unless of course there is romance brewing) an invisible yet almost tangible magnet will pull them backwards until the comfortable social distance is re-established. In India this is not the case. If two people are sitting next to each other, with a socially comfortable 5 or 6 inches of space between them, that space counts as a seat and an Indian could very easily come and squeeze him/herself into that spot with absolutely no sense of having committed a social faux-pas. I cannot say the number of times someone has come and sat down basically on my lap in a variety of religious functions in halls, temples and elsewhere. But how in the world did a voluptuous, wellendowed woman think there was room to sit down in six inches of space? I used to wonder. Didn t she realize she d be sitting on my legs? Of course she realized. The difference is that to her there s nothing wrong with that, if she s Indian. My legs, my lap, my personal space are absolutely viable options for places to sit. Of course, there is no accompanying sense of embarrassment or apology, for -- by Indian cultural standards -- there is no such thing as social space, and if it doesn t exist then it certainly can t be violated. The same is true emotionally. Are you married? Why aren t you married? How come your parents let you come to India? Don t they want you to get married? How much money do you make? Are your brothers and sisters married? How much money do they make? The questions flow out in a fast stream, like a waterfall upon an unsuspecting bather who went into a pond for a relaxing dip, not realizing what was about to rain down upon his head. The look of bewilderment, of insult, of embarrassment on the face of the questionee doesn t seem to deter the questions either. For, again, there is no personal/ social space they have invaded. It just doesn t exist. This is where the choice comes for Westerners visiting India or living in India. We have two options. Either we can try to turn India into America or Europe and attempt to impose our standards and cultural norms upon India or we can let India be India and open ourselves to the transformation which is possible. The former is what we normally do, but it is an exercise in futility and frustration. The latter is where the real possibility of India manifests.

27 India is not a country which can be seen at an arm s distance. It is not a country which can be seen from behind the lens of a camera. It is a country which can ONLY be seen when it has entered and affected every single cell of our being. To try to hold India at an arm s distance is about as effective as holding up a stop-sign at an approaching tsunami. You re going to get wet, stop-sign in hand or no stop-sign in hand. And that s the beauty of India. India does not show us India from the outside. It s not about the buildings or the sights. Yes, of course these are beautiful and interesting, but they re not India in terms of what India has to give. They can just as easily be seen in postcards. India shows us India not in bricks, not in cement, not even in mud or thatch, but India shows us India only from the inside. Once it has entered our being, whether we invited it or not, once it has held up the mirror of ourselves to ourselves, once it has brought out both the very worst and also the very best in us (sometimes alternating almost comically in a period of merely minutes or hours), once it has turned us upside down and inside out, then and only then has India showed us India. Europe can be held at a distance. One can visit Europe, enjoy Europe and see Europe by visiting the various cities and country-sides, by visiting the cathedrals and ancient ruins, by sipping coffee in a road side cafe and eating baguettes and brie on park benches in the shade. But India wants to get inside. And it will, for our own benefit. If medicine were unable to penetrate the cell wall, if it were unable to get deep within our cells and spill its contents there, it would be unable to help us. Merely floating around in our bloodstream, helpless in the face of an impermeable cell wall, medicine would be futile. Our flus and fevers and blood pressure and cholesterol and blood sugar would remain unchecked and untreated. In the same way, India is meant to heal us. But only from the inside. Only if it can penetrate the walls. Only if we let it in. When I first came to India I decided almost immediately that I would wear sarees. Many people tried to dissuade me by telling me how difficult it is to tie a saree, but I decided that if half a billion

28 people (approximately 50% of the population of India is women), most of whom were uneducated, could figure it out, it couldn t be so complex. Hence, I started wearing sarees, and I wore them poorly at first. So poorly in fact, that every time I wandered around outside of the ashram, random women would come up to me, stick their hands into my saree, grab the place where the pleats get tucked into the petti-coat, and -- with a few sharp tugs -- pull my saree into proper place. The first time it happened, I remember thinking, Oh my God. That woman just stuck her hands into my underwear. And I didn t even know her. But then I stopped and I realized there was another way of looking at this. Rather than thinking that a random, unknown woman had just violated my personal space in a very significant way, I could also think, Wow. That woman just did for me exactly what she would have done for her own daughter. That woman on the street just adopted me. Suddenly, rather than being violated, I had been adopted. Day after day after day by woman after woman, until I finally learned to tie my sarees correctly. The number of Indian women who adopted me in that way is uncountable. India is a country where everyone is a family relation. Uncle, Aunty, Bhai and Behen are ubiquitous suffixes to everyone s name. So a new woman we meet, older than ourselves, is not just Vinita or Vinitaji, but rather she is Vinita Aunty. A new man we meet of a similar age to ourselves is not just Vinod, but rather he is Vinod bhai. The concept of Vasudheva Kutumbhakam (the World is One Family) is not merely a trite platitude. It is truly the way that India operates. If she s my aunty and I m her niece then there s nothing wrong with her sitting half-way into my lap. If she is Mataji and thus I am her daughter, then of course she can put her hands in my underwear to fix my saree. So, when someone sits down on top of our legs because he/she has decided that the 5 inches of space next to us is enough to squeeze into, or when someone places their bags, or their baby, on our lap as though we were a shelf, or when someone asks us questions more personal than we d comfortably tell our own therapist, let us pause for a moment and realize we have a choice. We have either been violated or we ve been adopted. The choice is up to us, and the outcome of our trip to India - whether it was heart opening and transformative in a beautiful and divine way, or whether it was frustrating, infuriating and nervewracking, bears direct correlation to which choice we make. Violated or adopted? What other country offers such a choice?

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30 Satsang/Lifestyle/Healing - Living Yoga for Balance and Union Divine discourses by revered spiritual masters Satsang with revered spiritual leaders The Yoga of Love discourse with Radhanath Swamiji Question/Answer Satsang with Shri Mooji The Yoga of the Awakened Heart with Jack Kornfield and Trudy Goodman Spirituality, Healing & Happiness with Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Sattvic, Yogic Lifestyle with Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Explore the Psychology of Yoga with Jeffrey Armstrong Exploring the wisdom of Patanjali s Yoga Sutras with Dr T S Rukmani Lecture on using the ancient principles of Ayurveda to enhance one s personal practice by Yogi Cameron Reiki healing with Maa Gyaan Suveera Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes to work the Mind, Breath and Body. Bharat Yog with Padmashri Bharat Bhushanji Kundalini Yoga with Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa Iyengar Yoga with H S Arun Primary Series Mysore practice with Deepika Mehta Vinyasa Krama Yoga with Matthew Sweeney Baptiste Method of Yoga with Sherri Baptiste Kriya Yoga with Sadhvi Abha Saraswati Devi Sadhana and Ganga Yoga with Laura Plumb Japanese Shintoh Yoga with Hikaru Hashimoto Hatha Yoga Adjustments & Alignment with Mohan Bhandari Kaivaladham Yoga with R S Bhogal Kundalini morning Sadhana with Gurushabd Khalsa Naam Yoga, the yoga of Healing sound with Siddhi Hatha Vinyasa with Bharath Shetty Yoga and recovery with Tommy Rosen Hatha Yoga focussing on the principles of Agni and Soma with Kia Miller Jivamukti Yoga with Gabriela Bozic Odaka Dance Flow Martial Arts Yoga with Roberto Milletti Pranayama with Brahmachari Vishwapal Jayantji (Yogiraj) Anandam Yoga with Satya Kalra Somatics Yoga with Brian Siddharth Ingle and Gayatri Schriefer. Siddha Yoga practice with Yogi Krishnan Yoga Martial Arts, Sports Science practice with Yuva Dayalan Submerged Yoga with Chandanni Miglino Exploring the Chakra-Bandha system in Yoga with Akira Watamoto Lila Yoga with Erica Kaufmann Vinyasa Yoga Biorhythmic Flow Namaskarams with Bhavini Kalan Yin Yang nadis yoga with David Wei

31 Living Yoga Off the Mat Mantras/Kirtan and Music Therapy... Clean Green Serene, Yoga & the Sacred Environment with Pujya Swamiji Ganga Clean Up program with Ganga Action Parivar team Kirtan with Radhanath Swamiji Vedic Chanting with Mataji Kirtan with Vaiyasaki Das and Kaisori Kirtan and chanting with Anandra George Good News! International Yoga Festival is so glad to also welcome beloved and respected Sri Prem Babaji Sri Prem Baba is a Brazilian spiritual leader from the Sachcha Baba lineage. He has built the Sachcha Mission Ashram in Sao Paolo and also spends some time each year at the Sachcha Dham Ashram in Rishikesh. He teaches a system which he has called the Path of the Heart, which is primarily based on jnana yoga, the path of self-discovery, bhakti yoga, the path of devotion, and karma yoga, the path of selfless service. He is the founder of the Alegria Institute for a Better World in Brazil, a non-profit organization which promotes holistic education. Shantimayi Shantimayi was born and raised in the United States and is a spiritual leader from the Sachcha Baba lineage. ShantiMayi eclectically draws upon the quintessence of many traditions : Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and the Aboriginal Tribes of the Americas and Australia. Her talks are forums of inspiration. where she and the assembly have an opportunity to address the concerns, questions and discoveries that people bring to this precious time.

32 Styles and Lineages Satsang and Darshan with Revered Saints Satsang and discourses with our Revered Saints and spiritual, yogic leaders is one of the great highlights of International Yoga Festival and sets it apart from any other yoga event around the world. Satsang means to be in the presence of Truth, that divine and complete Truth which unveils the very nature of who we are and why we are here. It is a great blessing to be in the company of enlightened masters, with an assembly of persons who listen to, talk about, and assimilate the highest truth. This involves listening to or reading scriptures, reflecting on, discussing and assimilating their meaning, meditating on the source of these words, and bringing their meaning into one s daily life. There will be a range of discourses in term of Yoga, Vedanta, Ayurveda and Hindu Philosophy this week, as well as Living Yoga off the Mat. Classical Hatha Yoga Classical Hatha Yoga is the foundation form of all the yoga forms we know today. Many advanced styles, variations and schools are borne from this knowledge base. It is a simple deep practice for cleansing the mind, body and soul, as well as living a Holistic Sattvic Way of Life. The practice is devotional in itself, with a focus on simplicity, chanting, and not over-working the body. This takes us back to the times of the Gurukul and Ashram traditions in India. Practiced the simple way, there is a focus on balancing the Gunas with the aim of optimal mind and body balance. In this style, we have yoga nidra, vedic chanting, traditional methods of alignment, as well as pranayama workshops - Padmashri Bharat Bhushan, Sadhvi Abha Saraswati Mohan Bhandari, Brahmachari Vishwapal Jayant, Kia Miller Ashtanga Yoga in Lineages An ancient system of Yoga, taught by Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta, and passed from Krishnamacharya to Pattabhi Jois. The practice is about synchronized breath and body movement for Chikitsa body cleansing and purification. Breathing and moving together while performing asanas increases circulation and removes toxins from the body, resulting in pushing out impurities and disease from the organs. Long and even breathing (through the Ujjayi Breath) tones the nervous system. The focus on bandhas (body locks) results in better breathing, and getting into deeper asanas. When mula bandha is perfect, mind control is automatic. There is also a focus on clearing the six poisons, which surround the spiritual heart. In the yoga shastra it is said that God dwells in our heart in the form of light, but this light is tainted by six poisons: kama, krodha, moha, lobha, matsarya, and mada. These are desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy and sloth. When yoga practice is sustained with great

33 diligence and dedication over a long period of time, the heat generated from it burns away these poisons, and the light of our inner nature shines through. - Deepika Mehta Iyengar Yoga Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of living yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar and begins with learning the art and science of asana and pranayama. The method of study is orderly and progressive, and the postures are adjusted to meet the physical conditions and needs of each student. Iyengar yoga emphasizes a balance between strength and flexibility, the building of endurance and the development of self-awareness through precision, movement and attention to the more subtle aspects of posture and breath. Strength, coordination, flexibility and an increased sense of well-being are some of the benefits of the Iyengar method of yoga. Through the consistent practice of asana and pranayama students of Iyengar yoga are guided towards increased awareness of their physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. Students experience meditation in action, a state of being focused and absorbed in the moment. - H S Arun Kundalini Yoga A science taught and spread by Yogi Bhajan is a specific series of asanas, kriyas, pranayama, chanting and meditation that bring about a relaxed state of mind, a healthier body, a more balanced glandular system, and an overall lightness of being. This practice helps to develop strength, courage and wisdom to cope with challenges of daily life. Through this week of practice, experience Kundalini to see how much we really do affect one another, and can ultimately heal and uplift one another. Work your emotions on the Banks of Mother Ganga and relax to the sound of the Sacred Gong. Here there is early morning Sadhana practice, the Kundalini class immersion in mornings, and the restorative class in the afternoons. - Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Gurushabd Singh Khalsa Kriya Yoga The Kriya Yogi mentally directs her/his life energy to revolve, upward and downward, around the six spinal centers (medullary, cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses); correlating to the chakras. It is deep and meditative practice, where Kriya sadhana has been described as a practice of being in Atman. There is a lot of focus on advanced breath control, body discipline, mental control, and meditating on Aum. Kriya entails several acts that have evidently been adapted from the Gita, the Yoga Sutras, Tantra shastras and from conceptions on the Yugas. We offer a week-long immersion for you to benefit from this science. - Sadhvi Abha Saraswati (Mataji), Yogi Krishnan Sivananda Yoga This style is a simple and balancing sequence of Hatha Yoga with balanced elements of pranayama, asana, chanting, and following a Sattvic Food Regime for effective practice. The Sivananda Vedanta Academy Schools have been set-up around the world to spread these TTCs, with the headquarters in Kerala. - Swami Tattvarupananda Saraswati Vinyasa Yoga Vinyasa Yoga is focused on the dynamic sequencing of postures, with a focus on meditation through movement. This style has its prime

34 influence from Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore. Vinyasa teachers have integrated their teachings with either ayurveda, dance, martial arts, or bhakti. Vinyasa journeys are experienced in progressive series and different scientifically synchronized sets of asanas. Understand how Vinyasa can work for different body types, practice with music and specific chants, and incorporate inspirations and readings to move from physical to the philosophical and other aspects of yoga. The mind, body, soul become stronger through this process of Yoga Chikitsa (body purification). There are several creative variations of this form being offered at the International Yoga Festival. - Bharath Shetty, Matthew Sweeney, Tommy Rosen, Bhavini Kalan Baptiste Method of Yoga The purpose of this dynamic system of mind/body fitness is to stretch, strengthen and purify the muscles of your mind as well as those of your body. The class is based on a series of traditional time-tested Hatha Yoga postures [asanas] held in accurate alignment, giving full range of motion of muscles, bones and joints, as well as learning to develop and control a deeper breathing pattern. The Baptiste Method of Yoga, a system developed over many years, includes not only Hatha Yoga, but a variety of old and new skills for accessing and sustaining mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. - Sherri Baptiste to scriptural texts, music, spoken word, asana sequencing and yogic breathing practices. A Jivamukti Yoga class is a vigorous physical and spiritual practice leading to higher awareness. This vinyasa-based Hatha Yoga method incorporates five elements that form the foundation of each class: scripture, bhakti (devotion to God), ahimsa (nonviolence and compassion), nada yoga (deep listening), and meditation (connection with the unchanging reality within). - Gabriela Bozic Somatics Yoga Somatic Movement Education is a safe, gentle and common sense approach to eliminating chronic muscle pain for the long term. It is an educational process of neuromuscular re-training, a sensory motor method that teaches you to reverse the cause of most chronic muscle pain. Through Somatic Yoga, practitioners empowered to enjoy freedom from pain along with flexibility and ease of movement in their mind and body. The focus is on mindful movement, daily self-help programs, and gentle exercises to gives back the ease, comfort and flexibility one remembers from childhood. - Brian Siddharth Ingle, Gayatri Schriefer Sukshma Yoga Rise bright and early to a daily fitness regime offered by an inspirational 103 year yogi. This regime is about circulation improvement and a warm up practice. The style is inspiring and humorous with the aim of bringing simplicity into morning fitness rituals. - Swami Yogananda Jivamukti Yoga This style integrates the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of yoga practices into a modern lifestyle without losing sight of the ancient and universal goal of the practice liberation. The name Jivamukti comes from the Sanskrit word jivanmukta meaning living liberated. Each class focuses on a theme, which is supported by Sanskrit chanting, readings, references

35 Shintoh Yoga Shintoh yoga is a very therapeutic practice, a blend of Hatha Yoga with Japanese ancient Shinto techniques, a good blend of relaxation through yoga, and fitness through Shinto arts. - Hikaru Hashimoto Odaka Yoga: Roberto Milletti Odaka Yoga Contemporaneo combines different experiences such as martial arts with Yoga, creating a dynamic balance between tradition and innovation and making the discipline flow into natural creativity and infinite possibilities. It is art in motion, a flux of conscious energy in constant transformation. Starting from one s own physical perception, experiencing each gesture with control and fluidity, we rediscover the beauty of the body through elasticity and tonicity of every muscle, flexibility and alignment in each posture, while a calm state of mind gives inner stability. It becomes a dance of poses and counter- poses, a constant flow of waves-like gestures chasing one another, till merging themselves into inner strength and harmony. - Roberto Milletti Deep Yoga Deep Yoga has developed a unique approach to Asana Practice that offers a passageway into healing, self-awareness, higher consciousness and liberation. Vedic wisdom informs the imagery, mantra and meditation applied in practice. Ayurveda is infused into the experience for balance, harmony, purification and energetic alignment. Through the application of this ancient wisdom, students learn to open their hearts, access their inner intelligence, deepen their compassion, expand their consciousness and liberate themselves from the stress and anxiety that permeate our modern culture. - Laura Plumb Kaivaladham Yoga Yoga is also offered at a university and tertiary education level in India. The Kaivaladham Institute is one such, where there is a focus on continuous research study on Yoga. One of the main focus areas here is the psychosomatic aspect of Yoga. The K Dham technique is focused on the integral results of the dedicated practice of asana, pranayama and meditation towards increased awareness, combined

36 with specific techniques for Dhyana to gradually restore the psycho-physiological functions back to its healthy, harmonious and balanced state. In addition, the yogi holistic approach of diet and daily habits such as sleep, recreational and working habits is assessed to ensure a balanced body-mind complex, with a focus on the positive lifestyle changes for sustainable balanced living. - Shri R S Bhogal Meditation Techniques Experience insight-based meditation with Jack Kornfield and Trudy Goodman. Experience oneself flowing freely like the waters of Mother Ganga. Also dive inward to experience an Expanded Consciousness meditation, a loss of the boundaries of self and merging into the One. - Jack Kornfield, Trudy Goodman, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Hatha Yoga Traditions of Meditations as well as Yoga Nidra and Aum Meditation. - Sadhvi Abha Saraswati, Mohan Bhandari The Cosmic Intelligence Plus (Ci Plus) method is a direct path to self realization - an easy meditation technique developed on the personal energy matrix discovered by each practitioner in his meditation. - Maa Gyaan Suveera Mantra Yoga Become entranced in the energy of Bhakti Yoga. Experience the deep yogic benefits of universal devotional music, prayer and chants. Light your inner light everyday on the Banks of Mother Ganga with the Sacred Divine Ganga Aarti. Enjoy this Holy Happy Hour! - Parmarth Niketan Ashram daily Healing & Life Management techniques Work with the energy of Reiki. With this connection you can allow the flow of very high vibrations of energy through your auric field and into your physical body. This energy works to harmonize, or bring into balance, the total you: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. You can easily learn to give Reiki treatments to yourself, family and friends. It will help create and maintain close bonds, as well as enrich your sense of giving and receiving. The Reiki energy treats and energizes you even while you are treating others. Reiki can be used in conjunction with western medicine to provide a more speedy recovery from disease and ailment. The principles that govern this healing inn no way contradict conventional therapy. - Maa Gyaan Suveera Discuss the impact of our off the mat choices and lifestyle on the planet. Explore ways to bring yogic living and the practice of ahimsa into every choice, every decision and every action. What we wear, what we purchase, what we eat and how we live have great, far-reaching impacts on Mother Earth. Discuss ways to live simply so that others may simply live. - Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

37 Frequently Asked Questions Room issues? Each residential block has its own reception where they can help you address room issues. You can pick up towels, soaps, toilet paper there as well. As part of Karma Yoga, you are encouraged to keep own sacred space clean; please ask building reception for cleaning supplies. Laundry? Drop off your laundry at the building receptions. Put your name and room number on bag which will be provided. Laundry will be returned within a day, however if it is rainy within 2 days NB: in Indian custom, undergarments are to be washed individually. Hot water? Yes in all rooms. If your room has a geyser please turn it on 30 minutes before showering and switch off immediately after use. Please help conserve! Other rooms have solar heated water. Safe Drinking Water? Drinking water is provided in the Yoga Hall area in coolers, as well as in the building receptions and the dining area. Fill up your bottles with these. Please be sure to only drink bottled or filtered water. Medical attention? We have our own clinic with dispensary onsite called Swami Shukdevanand Charitable Clinic. Hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 11am and 3pm to 5pm. If you require attention outside these hours, please go to the Help Desk and someone will contact the resident doctor s, phone calls and money exchange There is free wifi in the garden area between Ganga and Yamuna blocks (registration area) and also in the cyber-cafe in the Yoga Garden area. Phone calls can be made at three locations in the ashram; please see the map of the ashram. There are ATMs in the marketplace.

38 Safety precautions It is unadvisable for females to travel alone into deserted areas day or night. It is not safe to venture into the forest before dawn or after dusk as wild elephants and leopards habitat this area. If anyone tells you they do horoscope readings, healings, or other private services & wants to come to your room, please note this is not permitted. No unauthorized guests allowed in guest rooms at any time. Darshan (Blessings) with Pujya Swamiji At registration, you will be assigned to a group and time to meet Pujya Swamiji for Darshan. If you want a one-on-one, please arrange with Pujya Swamiji s reception. Also, there is daily open darshan/satsang immediately following Ganga Aarti in Pujya Swamiji s garden (near reception).there is a question basket in the reception, so if you feel shy to ask your question publically, please put your questions in this basket and these will be addressed in the Satsang sessions. Indian etiquette: Be sensitive and respectful, dress as modestly as possible, especially in public areas and during the Ganga Aarti. Shoulders and knees should always be covered, at all times, including in classes. To preserve the purity of sacred places, remove your shoes. Shopping/Exhibition This year we have opened the grounds to an exhibition/shopping area of local vendors. Please note that Parmarth and IYF do not endorse or vouch for any of the services or products exhibited or sold in the stalls. Ashram Donations Please make donations only at the main reception desk. Make sure to receive your receipt (even if you don t require it). Please see the brochure in the Welcome Package which details the charitable and humanitarian activities of the ashram. Please do not tip anyone, as this is against the Ashram Policy. Your feedback is important We will be given Feedback Forms during the festival. Please keep your mind open to improvement, and fill them in. We will be requiring that you fill this out before receiving your key deposit if you are staying at the ashram. We hope that your time here at Parmarth Niketan is comfortable and enjoyable. If you are having any problems or need assistance in any way, please stop by the IYF office or the Reception Office.

39 IYF throughout the Years

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44 IYF Feedback over the Years Expect less and accept more. It is our own expectations and our own egos that cause frustration and disappointment in life. - Pujya Swamiji Yoga means unity and this festival was truly a festival of unity unity between people of different cultures and faiths, unity between the East and West, unity between modern and traditional, unity between the body, mind and soul. The teachers have taught us so much through their teachings. We have a spread of so many styles of yoga and meditation and we learn from each teacher. It also helped us to be flexible in mind and understand and appreciate other styles of yoga. Parmarth Niketan is lit up like a beautiful magical paradise in the evenings. What more to be on the banks of Ganga, to be graced by the Himalayas and to be in this sacred space of such divine beauty. The energy of the rishi s and saints can be felt at this Ashram. Yoga students and teachers can travel to India but it is only when one comes to Rishikesh and the welcoming atmosphere at Parmarth does one feel the true essence of Yoga and being a Yogi. I wish to attract more teachers to this divine home with the love and blessings of Pujya Swamiji. We learnt how to incorporate the principles of yoga into our lives and how to work towards balance and peace. Yoga off the mat! Watching the Rishikumars and the other yoga performances has been inspiring. More importantly, spending time with the Rishikumars and understanding Parmarth s Karma Yoga projects has enforced certain aspects of divine action in our own work. The Dust To Diamonds programme is such an amazing project. We were not only taught by the learned teachers, but we were also touched by the deep wisdom from the Saints and transformed by the divine atmosphere in the holy land, on the banks of Mother Ganga, in the lap of the Himalayas. Pujya Swamiji has a unique way to express the deepest and most profound thoughts and insights in ways that are understandable, meaningful, inspirational and transformative to people of all cultures, all backgrounds and all walks of life. We were not only taught by his wisdom, but were also touched by the divine messages and boundless love that flow from his heart. This is my fifth time at IYF and my seventh time at Parmarth. I connect deeply with all the people I meet here, I see the yoga of action, am part of gatherings with inspiring yogis, and each time there is a deeper sinking of welcoming ourselves to our inner HOMES --- I feel so blessed. The caliber of all the teachings have been excellent. The teachers are so inspirational. Ganga Aarti lights the lamps in our hearts. I have for the first time felt divine love and felt divine tears as I did at Ganga Aarti. The soul gets lifted and the mind transported into a meditative bliss. Swamiji says it a happy hour and it is truly a divine hour. All delegates from all around the world, from different religions, were completely immersed in divine union during the Ganga Aarti.

45 Map of Parmarth Niketan Ashram

46 Canada Is Now Available In Countries Around The Globe USA Mexico Caribbean West Indies Norway Finland Sweden England Denmark Poland Germany Switzerland Greece South Africa India Singapore Indonesia Thailand In our vision to expand internationally in the eld of spirituality, Tathaastu: So Be It is now available in more countries and regions around the globe. These include: Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Greece, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, West Indies and the Caribbean. Tathaastu is already available in USA, Canada and the land of Eastern wisdom, India. Nourish Your Soul. Subscribe Today! ForSubscription: Call (ext. 114) or visit Advertising Inquiries: Call Planet Archives,LLC 25 S. Main Street, Suite # 2, Edison, NJ USA. Australia New Zealand International Yoga Festival Thanks Our Media Partners

47 explore Uttarakhand Uttarakhand offers a huge selection of ancient temples, ashrams, mountaineering, national parks, shopping, skiing, yoga and meditation, trekking, spotting tigers, white-water rafting all rapidly unfolding as the mystical Ganges river winds its way down from the glaciers of the Himalayas to through the rolling hills and forests into sweeping plains.

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