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The Philosophy of Yoga: Going Beyond the Mat

bySayujya YogaYoga retreats across India, Goa, Mumbai, and PokharaStarts from45,000 per courseView full gallery

Yoga is a path of inquiry, not just a physical routine. We explore the ancient wisdom of the Yoga Sutras and Upanishads to help you find clarity and connection, both on and off the mat.

We explain the deeper meaning of the Forgiveness Mantra. It is not about mere forgiveness, but about asking for the discriminative knowledge to know right from wrong.

Who said yoga is all about asanas? We explore the complete eight-limbed path of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, which includes ethics, breathwork, and meditation.

A philosophy session on the 'Trigunas' (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas). Understanding these three qualities is fundamental to understanding the levels of the mind (chitta bhumi).

Explaining Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion. We discuss the difference between Saguna Bhakti (worship with form) and Nirguna Bhakti (formless worship).

Are we truly practicing Asteya (non-stealing)? We discuss how this yama applies not just to material things, but also to stealing ideas or energy from others.

Chanting the Shanti Mantra 'Om Sahana Vavatu' before class. This prayer sets the intention for the teacher and students to work together with great energy and without dispute.

A holistic yoga practice includes much more than asanas. We incorporate mantras, japa, bhakti, pranayama, and philosophy to enrich the student's journey.

A New Year resolution for all yogis: practice accessible yoga over "Instagram yoga." Focus on how you feel, not just how you look.

Who is a yogi in the social media age? We teach that being a yogi is about the state of your mind, not just the flexibility of your body.

Are you using your critical thinking skills? In an age of influencers, yoga helps develop the 'viveka' or discriminative knowledge to discern truth for yourself.

About The Philosophy of Yoga

If you feel like your practice has become a repetitive loop of asanas without purpose, it is time to revisit the source. We do not just teach movements; we look at the 'chitta bhumi' or levels of the mind, and discuss how to use 'viveka jnana' (discriminative knowledge) to navigate your daily life. Before you commit to a practice, ask yourself: are you just stretching your body, or are you training your mind to find stillness?

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