Announcement 

It has been decided by Hansaji, that from now all the other meetings like Swadhyaya, Volunteers meeting, special class teachers meeting etc. etc will be held on 3rd Saturday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm as 'Yoga Jigyasu'. No other separate meetings will be held. 
During this time Dr. Jayadeva and Hansaji will interact with the group as well as there will be Practice of Asanas and some project work eg. re-establishing YI techniques in all the courses at the YI. 

Swadhyaya cum Yoga Jigyasu Course

Specially for the Teachers of the Yoga Institute

Swadhyaya cum Yoga Jigyasu Course specially designed only for the Teachers of The Yoga Institute. This is with the purpose of helping those who require some structure to continue to work on one self; that one begins during the Certificate in Yoga Education Course (7mns, 1 yr., and 3mths. TTC)

The first meeting was held on May 12, 2013 (second Sunday of the month) from 10:30 to 12:30.

For the benefit of those who could not attend and for the associate members of Swadhyaya the proceedings of the meeting cum class are being emailed to all Swadyaya members. Kindly note that being physically present is not the only way to participate in this course;  All can participate by working on Self through a Yoga project, benefiting from the talk session summary, Practice of Experiential Yoga technique and by sharing their progress either in virtual or actual environment.

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Inaugration

The Day 1 was inaugurated by Hansaji: Hansaji set the tone by asking a few questions; 

Hansaji : How are you managing your life- Easy, disturbed, happy, worth living and are you able to manage it? Are we managing life happily or not?

Everyone was made to speak for themselves. Some of the answers were yes, half the time, have learnt to get up and move on each time we fall.

Hansaji continued: More struggle and it will get you going. You can only evolve when you take the challenges.  More the challenges the progress is fast. Life is a challenge but one who makes the most of it and goes forward. Yoga is a path of self development.

This course we are aiming at how to see life? Our institute is to be taken as a family. So we meet every month to communicate with each other. Also to know how we are doing or managing our life.

The aim of these meetings is also standardizing the technique; also to re-establishing institutes approach and technology. The authenticity of our technique is to be maintained. So all teaching will be experiential. Secondly every month when we meet we know about what activities is going on in the institute. What is happening in the institute? Also we will learn about little bit of Samkhya, Yoga Sutra and Bhagvad Gita with the view to application in life.

Hansaji asked everyone present to start contacting your class mates especially those who are teaching Yoga to come for this course, including home tuition teachers. She will also come to class and help to enhance the teachers’ competency.

The aim is ultimately Self Development. This is not just 4 years course. It is also an ongoing process.

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Talk on The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali by Kartik Vyas

He started with chapter 1 sutra 1; Atha Yogah Anushasanam. He said, let’s start from the simple ‘atha’ i.e. now. Now that we are ready let us ask ourself; What is it that I wish to get out of this course?  Am I conditioning myself to get maximum out of Yoga? What kind of Yoga I am ready for? Well begun is half done. Dharma gives you direction. Atah gives the same indication. Are we going to explore the opportunity we have been given? Anything which is done with concentration is Yoga.  Vyasa says every chitta is capable of concentration. Am I giving direction to my life by way of Yoga? Am I giving some form of focus? Am I doing anything with concentration through the day? This will make us aware of our current state…. Founder’s  translation of citta is brilliant; he did not call it mind he called it personality complex; as the chitta is not a single faculty it includes senses, and other faculties so it is a complex and in modern terms these go to make up our personality.

Maharishi Veda Vyasa speaks of 5 types of chitta and each one as capable of Yoga or concentration. He then enumerated the characteristics’ of each type of chitta.

Kshipta citta:- People with this type of chitta are for power. If they find anything interesting they can concentrate. Whatever the source of power they can concentrate on that; may it be money, position, following, service, entertainment, anything that they see as giving them power; politicians are the best example. In kshipt chitta Rajas is predominant, Tamas comes after that and most subordinate is Satva. They are not interested in the immediate and cannot think of far-sightedness because they lack clarity.

Mudha chitta: Tamas is predominant, Rajas after that and most subordinate is Satva. People with such a chiita are capable of concentrating on objects of sensory pleasure. Anything which gives them pleasure can be their object of concentration.

Vikshipta chitta: They are very inconsistent and that is the tragedy of this cittabhumi. The occasionally steady; When one is  steady only then one is in this cittabhumi otherwise you are descended to the previous two cittabhumis. Rajas is predominant, Satva after that and most subordinate is Tamas. When steady you get into a balanced state of mind. If it lengthens for hours at a stretch than only it reach to ekagra chitta

Ekagra chitta: When your concentration is extended for many hours from occasionally steady state then the chitta is capable of Yogic concentration.  Satva is predominant, Rajas after that and most subordinate is Tamas.

While all types of chitta are capable of concentration but concentration per-say is not Yogic. Yogic concentration has certain characteristics;

1)      Occurs predominantly in ekagra chitta

2)      Weakens the kleshas

3)      Loosens the bond of karma

4)      Prepares the way for Niruddha citta

5)      Brings about a definite exposure of real entity i.e. purusha

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Experiential Yoga Technique by Bhakti

Sthithprathanasana was reintroduced to the group; a suitable conducive atmosphere was created stating that conditioning is the desired mental state to begin any activity it is more so for a Yoga activity like this course. One way of doing this is by doing Sthithaprathanasana. She first directed the class to steady the posture then focusing of eyes on a point finally on nose tip and the movement of air in and out of nostrils. And slowly let the class to be still and be on their own for nearly 8 minutes. The class then shared their experience. Some of the sharing were – somehow have not done this for long when at one time it was a faviourite asana. Thank you for revival, still there was swaying, knew that there will be swaying so was ready to stop that and could do it to a good extent, felt steady, was mentally in the temple, and so on. 

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Assignment/Project work coordinated by Suchitra Pareekh:

Each one of us are doing some Yoga oriented activity e.g. some work at the Yoga Institute or teaching Yoga somewhere or doing our own Asana practice or some selfless service, etc. to begin with take that as your project. Define what the project is, become clear about what will the completed project look like, what purpose it is to serve, the time line for its completion, etc. The project is required to be written out so also its progress.  

The Self Growth: Do the project with full attention, concentration on self and detachment.

It is a worthwhile exercise to become aware of which chitta bhumi you spend more time in; which is your predominant state of mind as it reflects in our thoughts, speech and action. Use the project time to observe oneself and make note.

Ask yourself these Awareness raising Questions often /periodically in a day:

·         What kind of cittabhumi am I in?

·         Am I concentrated on whatever I am doing?

·         Is this a Yogic concentration?

·         Is this weakening the kleshas in me?(if yes than only it is yogic concentration)     

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AGM

The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Swadhyaya started with an audited Report  presented by the Secretary Mr. B L Agarawala. A detailed of Income, Expenditure, and Assets & Liabilities, was presented and approved. 

Members were informed of the website, www.tyiaa.org , launched during the year in which particulars of appx. 2500 trained teachers are being loaded. And the particulars of the members is being updated regularly. 

Since no application for new committee members was received in advance, the members for the new committee for the FY 2013-14 were elected by floor nomination as under:

1)    Mr. Manoj Alimchandani

2)    Mr. Deepak Shah

3)    Mr. B L Agrawala

4)    Ms. Geeta Udasi

5)    Ms. Suchitra Pareekh

    Since there is vacancy for 5 more committee members it was decided to contact other ordinary members who didn’t attend the annual general meeting to come forward and join the new committee for the FY 2013-14

A programme of devotional songs was presented by Mrs. Veerbala Suresh Gaba with her team Shri Suresh Gaba , musician Mr. Alkesh Ranga & on Tabla Mr. Ravindra Belvansi  for 40 minutes which was uplifting and unforgettable moment for the members present and was remarked as the best Annual programme in the last 8 years.

Swadhyaya President, Hansaji, concluded the session with her guidance to the members of the association. Yoga is part of our daily life. We need to live a yogic life truthfully. This is only possible if we have clarity about the “Purpose” of doing any activity which can be peace, happiness, serenity etc. An eg. of marriage given here by her was a union between 2 people for accepting ,loving and caring each other but normally we forget the purpose and start finding  drawbacks and shortcomings of each other and instead of becoming a partner we try to become a teacher and leader. The purpose of life should be to experience “ Anand”  i.e inner happiness and we should measure ourselves from time to time whether we are progressing towards such happiness. We should think good, we should do good & should remain attached to the parent organization i.e the yoga institute where from all the members can get vibrations of steadiness and which is a source of permanent learning .

The session ended with a vote of thanks  and complimentary Sattvic lunch. 

Extract of discussions by participating members  in the monthly meeting .

Subject: HOW TO HELP IN LEARNING CONCENRATION

1)   Participation by email:

a)    How to concentrate : The reply of Dr. Jogendra was quoted, “ Just do it ” and that is all that was done and it happened. It needed preparation part ,the motivation and the intensity of purpose.

b)   Sit comfortably with spine vertical, neck vertical, head vertical, eyes focused on  nose tip (Nasikagra) , watch own breath, be thoughtless except watching breath(One thought only) doing silent OM..this will lead to concentration. If eyes are to be closed(instead of Nasikagra), then focus on space between eyebrows, tongue touching the upper palate ( Kechari Mudra) .

2)   The Zeal, Enthusiasm is the ingredient to decide the level of concentration.

3)   Discussion by the participating members:

a)    Certain basic practices like Sukhasan & maintaining positive attitude are necessary for learning concentration.

b)   Following certain routines like early to bed, early to rise basic practices like Sukhasan, Contentment or greedless attitude & kriya yoga i.e Tapa,  Swadhyaya,  Ishwar Pranidhan helps in concentration.

c)    Any activity done needs concentration. Hence everybody is learning concentration by default but for reaching excellence better quality of concentration is needed. First one has to help himself to practice concentration and then only others can be helped in learning concentration.

4)   Yastikasana, focus on  breath, & Abdominal breathing helps in concentration.

5)    Basics of yoga i.e. Yama & Niyama are foundation for learning concentration. Hurting oneself or  others, untruthfulness, stealing name fame or money or getting too much sensual i.e. satisfying the senses create restlessness & hence should be avoided if one wants to learn concentration.

Sunday 10^th March 2013

Swadhyaya's next monthly meeting.  

Topic as given by Dr. Jayadeva: 

" How to help in learning Concentration" 

Members who cannot attend the meeting are requested to send  a note on "HOW TO HELP IN LEARNING CONCENTRATION " by email to swadhyayatyi@gmail.comfor discussion in the meeting.

Oxygen Parlor 

Welcome to the “Oxygen parlor’’   were our guides words when we entered a place named ‘Keshav Srusti’ ('Krishna's World') at Uttan Village, Bhayander.

Nature Trail 

Swadhyaya members along with their families… a group of 21 people visited this nature-surrounded place on 10 Feb 2013 by Car-pooling and some by train. The kitchen staff was informed in advance about our food requirements and as instructed, they served us sattvic breakfast and herbal tea.

This followed a guided nature trail where we saw 1100 varieties of trees planted here for their medicinal values and used for manufacturing Ayurvedic Medicines. Out of 3000, trees identified for their medicinal values in the world 1100 are grown here. After walking for almost an hour in this pleasant climate, some of us stopped by to enjoy and rejuvenate ourselves with their organically grown Coconut water.

That followed our trip to the ‘Gaushala’ / ‘Cow shed’ where there were almost 200 cows whose milk is given to the children studying in Keshav Srushti schools itself and the cow dung / Gobar and cow’s urine / Gaumutra are used for medicinal and natural fertilizer purpose.

Musical Housie

After the trail, we all sat to play a very common game in an uncommon way. ‘Musical Housie’ – as the name says we played Housie with 90 old songs sung by three of the members instead of just calling the numbers. This turned out to be fun and entertaining. Actually, we had two children in our group. However, this game brought in everyone’s inner child.  Post Lunch we had some time for relaxation before going into the next set of our activities. During this time everyone moved around the whole place either  strolling, visiting the small aquarium or  buying organic vegetables, saplings and natural products from their pharmacy and not to forget , some had the most energetic and naturally sweet  –  Sugarcane juice. The two children in our group aged 6yrs and 9 yrs. utilized this time by feeding the 200 cows for over an hour and could have gone on for another hour too.They even missed out an hour of their group games.  A perfect example of Karma Yoga by not even knowing what it means.

Feeding the Cows

The next session concluded with evening snacks, some group games and feedback for the association’s growth. The day ended with gratitude to the organizing/managing committee and to everyone including the two drivers of two of our members who were there throughout picking and dropping the members.

Swadhyaya Group with their families

At the end of the day, everyone had a smile on his / her face. Was it ‘each other’s company’? Or… was it the `Oxygen parlor’?  Or…. could be both. Well, I can guess for everyone, it was both. Felt like staying back. Unfortunately, they had no facilities to stay there. We wish to see such more exciting trips in future.

Swadhyaya Managing Committee

The Association is pleased to announce a one day

 Yoga Picnic

On Sunday 10th February 2013.
Time: 9am-5pm

Place:  Keshav Srusti

@  `300 per head which includes breakfast, lunch, evening tea and a 2 hour NatureTour.

Either Payment can be made by depositing a cheque favoring “Swadhyaya” or by Cash in a sealed envelope in the drop box placed outside the main hall of the Institute OR can also pay cash to Shashank Ranjit on Sundays in the Institute.

Transportation (To and Fro) will be either by car pooling or Self.

For Details : Send an email at swadhyayatyi@gmail.com,  Or     B L Agrawala, at 9324371694 as early as possible.

It is proposed to take around 30 members/family members of the members on first come basis.

     

You can also visit http://www.keshavsrushti.com/picnic

Good Reasons To Laugh

Compiled by

Deepak Shah

1. Laughter is a stress buster: It reduces the levels of stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol.

2. Laughter strengthens the immune system: The immune system is important in maintaining good health by keeping infections, allergies and cancers at bay. Recent research into the effects of laughter by Dr. Lee S. Berk, Professor at Loma Linda University, California, USA, demonstrates that laughter will increase the count of natural killer cells (NK cells - a type of white cell) and antibody levels. Laughter therapy helps to increase antibodies (Immunoglobulin A) in the mucous of the nose and respiratory passages.

3. Laughter is anti-ageing: It tones facial muscles and expressions. Laughter causes an increase in blood supply to the face, which is why some people look flushed. This nourishes the skin and makes it glow. People look younger and more fun when they laugh!

4. Laughter is aerobic exercise: Laughter stimulates heart and blood circulation and is equivalent to any other standard aerobic exercise. Dr. William Fry, Stanford University, USA claims one minute of laughter is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine. The singular benefit almost everybody derives is a sense of well-being because more oxygen is taken in during laughter. It is an exercise regime suitable for all, including people confined to a bed or a wheelchair.

5. Laughter is internal jogging: Laughter massages internal organs by enhancing the blood supply and increasing their efficiency. This is especially good for proper bowel movement. Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps to improve muscle tone.

6. Laughter is a Natural Pain Killer: Laughter increases the levels of endorphins – the body’s natural pain killers. Norman Cousins, an American journalist who was suffering from an incurable disease of the spine, benefited from laughter therapy in a situation when all painkillers were ineffective. Endorphins released as a result of laughter may help in reducing the intensity of pain in those suffering from arthritis, spondylitis and muscular spasms of the body.

7. Laughter can control high blood pressure: Laughter helps to control blood pressure by reducing the release of stress-related hormones. Experiments have demonstrated that a 10 minute laughter session leads to a reduction of 10-20 mm in blood pressure. This however does not mean that patients taking 2-3 tablets for blood pressure every day will be completely cured.

8. Laughter can help dump depression and anxiety: The stress and strain of modern life takes a heavy toll on the human mind and body. Some people claim that as a result of regular laughter exercise, they can manage without prescribed anti-depressant pills and tranquillizers.

9. Laughter Alleviates Bronchitis and Asthma: Laughter improves lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood. Laughter Club members report a marked reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks.

10. Laughter just makes you feel good: Laugh and the world laughs with you.  How you react to life is up to you. Live life laughing!

When you laugh, you change and when you change, world changes

The next Swadhyaya monthly meeting of the members will be held On Sunday 13th January 2013 at The Yoga Institute, Santacruz East, at 11.00 am.

" Scientific research shows that laughter can reduce stress, improve efficiency , strengthen the immune system and is anti- ageing . It is a aerobic exercise and internal jogging as well. It is also a Natural Pain Killer and can control high blood pressure It can help dump depression and anxiety. It alleviates Bronchitis and Asthma and just makes you feel good. It helps in team building and enhances creativity. When you laugh, you change and when you change, world changes.

COME AND JOIN MR. DEEPAK SHAH FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Members who cannot attend the meeting are requested to send a note on Laughter as Management of Stress by email to swadhyayatyi@gmail.com for discussion in the meeting.