Jivamukti Ashram
oṁ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ, tat savitur vareṇyaṁ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi, dhiyo yo naḥ praćodayāt.
Earth, Space, Heavens. We meditate on the divine light of the radiant source. May that inspire our hearts and thoughts.
-The Gāyatrī Mantra Translation: Manorama
YAMAS & NIYAMAS: Foundational Yoga Practices that lead to Devotion
How the practice of Niyamas lead us from Study to Devotion
“In the village, a sage should go about like a bee, which, not harming Flower, color or scent, Flies off with the nectar.” –The Dhammapada
According to the Sutras of Patañjali the Niyamas (Observances) are the internal principles that form the foundation of a yoga practice. Through a deeper understanding of the Niyamas we can strengthen our desire for self-inquiry, and learn to build on engaging with the Yamas (restraints). In fact the practice of Niyamas allows us to approach the Yamas with graceful ease. Peace with ourselves and with our world becomes expansive — both on and off the mat.
Yogeswari and Ian will teach vigorous Jivamukti classes and share what has inspired them about Jivamukti Yoga, with its challenges and its potential.
How the practice of Yamas informs your Karma Yoga
“Hasten to do good; refrain from evil. If you neglect the good, evil can enter your mind.” –The Dhammapada
Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless service, is one of the four classical forms of yoga, as described by the Bhagavad Gita. The Yamas (restraints) are the ethical principles that form the foundation of a Yoga practice according to the Yoga Sutra of Patañjali. Deliberately engaging in uplifting society by serving others purifies the heart and mind and makes the practice of Yamas easier. Yoga practices, especially Asana can easily lead to spiritual ego and/or a self-centered, narcissistic body cult. Karma Yoga is essential for practitioners who consider themselves compassionate activists and want to progress on the spiritual path. Maria and Yogeswari will teach vigorous Jivamukti classes and share what inspired them to create their respective foundations (Fundacion Radika and AZAHAR Foundation).