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31

5 Healthy Weight Loss Tips from Ayurveda

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Excerpt: Ayurveda approaches weight loss and fat reduction by providing guidelines for all dimensions of your being.  This article details Ayurveda’s recommendations for your Physical Dimension in order to fight obesity and get fit.

In the article Healthy Ayurveda Diet to Lose Weight & Burn Fat, we discussed what constitutes a healthy weight loss diet based on Ayurveda’s model of Vata, Pitta & Kapha body types.  In that article we indicated that the Kapha Dosha (humour) is primarily responsible for fat and adipose tissue and by reducing Kapha we reduce fat and excess weight.  To get a quick overview of Ayurveda and the 3 doshas please read the following article: Introducing Ayurveda – Alternative Medicine for Self Healing.

Weight Loss

Continuing on the war path against excess weight, Ayurveda proposes the following weight loss tips to help reduce Kapha Dosha and thus battle obesity and being overweight.   Of the 4 dimensions of our being, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, in this article I will cover the Physical Dimension which is most important for the reduction of Kapha and the correlating reduction in weight.  In future articles I will cover the other dimensions.

Weight Loss Tips from Ayurveda for The Physical Dimension:

1.  Ayurvedic Diet for Weight Loss:

The Healthy Ayurveda Diet article already detailed this most important food aspect for reducing Kapha and burning fat so I wont repeat that here, but, please note that diet is a very key aspect in this battle against being overweight.

2.  Exercise for Weight Loss: 

The following Ayurvedic guidelines should be followed for proper exercise with regard to weight loss:

  • More Exercise the Better:  Kapha’s qualities of fixed, dull, heavy, soft and cold are all negated via exercise.  In other words, the more exercise you do the more you reduce Kapha and therefore fat in your body.
  • Exercise Without Excessive Strain:  According to Ayurveda, Kapha individuals need the most vigorous exercise, but at the same time, the exercise should never be extreme.  Find a good balance between doing too little and over doing it.  Breaking a nice sweat is good, but being totally breathless is probably too much.
  • Be Consistent:  A Kapha body type has a propensity towards weight gain so you need to make exercise a daily part of you life.  The hardest part will be to get the exercise program underway.  Once this is done Kapha people tend to be very determined and steady, so they will be able to adhere to it long term.  Getting started though is another matter for Kapha types and usually requires shock treatment.  In the spirit of shock treatment, understand that by NOT exercising and NOT losing the weight you are putting your longevity and quality of life at risk.  Enough said, start today!
  • Yoga for Weight Loss:  In the article Online Yoga Exercises for Healthy Weigh Loss I have provided a potent yoga set to help you burn fat and lose weight.  Feel free to incorporate that into your exercise regiment.
  • Post Exercise Diet:  After exercises do not drink cold liquids.  This period is key as you are trying to increase the metabolic fire in your cells so they burn more calories and drinking cold liquids at this time will negate this important benefit which exercise bestows.

3. Hard Physical Work to Burn Calories:

According to Ayurveda reduction of Kapha is promoted by living a physical, active lifestyle.  In today’s age of technology, computers, TVs, TiVO, internet, etc. manual labor is getting more rare for people to do.  So you need to consciously incorporate physical work into your life.  Whether that be mowing the lawn, tending to the garden or shoveling snow, it is important to not live a sedentary live of watching TV and eating twinkies.

4. Massage Therapy to Reduce Fat:

There are many treatment modalities in Ayurveda of which massage is highly recommended.  In the context of weight loss and reducing Kapha, strong massage with light oils such as mustard or flaxseed is helpful.

5. Sleep Guidelines for Weight Loss:

No napping or going to bed early.  Yes, a recommendation from a Meditation and Yoga website to actually not retire to bed early :-).  If you want to reduce Kapha and weight remember you burn more calories when you are awake and being active, than when you are happily snuggled under the blanket.

Feel free to join the Free Online Weight Loss Course offered here to help you in your goal to reduce weight and get fit.  In the next part of this series I will cover Ayurveda’s Emotional, Mental and Spiritual recommendations for burning fat and reducing weight.

Internet Resources Below

Ayurveda Resources:

The Ayurvedic Institute
American Institude of Vedic Studies

Other Weight Loss Resources:
FDA Nutrition & Weight Loss Q&A
How to Use Fruits & Vegetables to Manage Your Weight (Center for Disease Control & Prevention)
Tips for Exercise Success (American Heart Association)
How to Stop Emotional Eating (Mayo Clinic)

32

Healthy Weight Loss Via Yoga, Breathing & Meditation Program- Online Course #104

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Healthy Weight Loss via Yoga, Breathing & Meditation Program- Online Course #104 

Weight Loss via Yoga, Breathing & Meditation Program- Online Course #104 

Welcome to the Free Online Guided Meditation and Kundalini Yoga classes.  All the material needed for this Weight Loss and Fitness Program is available via the links on this post and you can start anytime you wish.  For more information on the free online classes offered at Mastery of Meditation, please read the Expanded Free Online Guided Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Classes post.  This course focuses on burning fat, increasing metabolism, improving psycho-physiological systems and weight loss to help you achieve optimum health and your ideal body weight. 

Healthy Weight Loss

The course is designed for 2 weeks, but you are welcome to continue for a longer time if you wish.  In this post I will provide the program objectives, details, syllabus and participation guidelines.  Please read through everything carefully so you will be able to get maximum benefit from the program.

This holistic and energy oriented course combines using the BODY, BREATH and MIND to help you lose weight and attain your ideal body.  It uses Kundalini Yoga Exercises, Yoga Pranayama Breathing Techniques and the Power of Thought via Visualization Meditation to safely help you achieve a healthy, fit body and ideal weight.

To register please just leave a comment on this post that you are going to start the Online Weight Loss Via Yoga, Breathing & Meditation Program, or just send me an email at anmol@anmolmehta.com.  This way I know what kind of participation and interest there is. 

PLEASE ALSO READ THE FAQ below.  It addresses many of the common questions about the online classes:

FAQ For Free Online Guided Meditation & Kundalini Yoga Classes

Weight Loss via Yoga, Breathing & Meditation Program Objectives:

  1. Burn Fat and Reshape the Body.
  2. Increase Metabolism.
  3. Lose Weight to achieve the Ideal Body Weight.
  4. Optimize Health and Fitness.
  5. Increase Energy, Vitality and Vigor.
  6. Cure Diseases.
  7. Purge Negative Emotions to Create Emotional Balance.
  8. Purge Negative Thoughts to Promote Peace & Joy.
  9. Develops the Nervous System, Respiratory System and Digestive System.

Weight Loss via Yoga, Breathing & Meditation Program Details:

Class Structure: 

Each class session consists of 3 sections: Breathing exercises (pranayama), Kundalini Yoga Kriyas (sets) and Guided Meditation Practice.  The exercises are designed to allow you to pace yourself, so whether you are a beginner or experienced yogi you will find the class useful.  The total time for this class is approximately 10-50 minutes / day.  Do the best you can and most importantly, walk the middle path with regard to each session.  DO NOT OVERDO OR OVER STRAIN and at the same time don’t have it be too easy either.

Required Reading:

Suggested Reading:

Course Materials:

Weight Loss via Yoga, Breathing & Meditation Program Syllabus:

The following describes the 3 sections comprising the 10-50 minute daily yoga, pranayama and meditation session for this class.  The approximate total times for each section and set are also given.  Take more rest if you need to, or if you feel comfortable do the poses and exercises a little longer.  Each breathing exercise, Kundalini Yoga Kriya and Guided Meditation technique below is a link to the article with all the details you need.

Weight Loss Via Yoga, Breathing & Meditation Program: Each day for 2 weeks do the following…

Section 1: Breathing Exercises Section (Pranayama):  Total time 2-10 Minutes

Section 2: Kundalini Yoga Section:  Total time 5-30 minutes

  • Online Yoga Exercises for Health Weight Loss:  Do this set but instead of doing Exercise #9 (Relax in Shav Asan w/ the Visualization Given) substitute the specific Weight Loss Visualization Meditation given in Section 3 below instead.

Section 3: Guided Visualization Meditation Section:  Total time 3-11 minutes

Weight Loss via Yoga, Breathing & Meditation Program Participation Guidelines

Following are the guidelines which I suggest we follow…

  • Please post all comments, questions and feedback in the comments section of this post.  This way all will benefit from the discussion.  Feel free to ask questions or discuss issues, as that is one of the main reasons for this particular class format.  Of course, you are free to email me as well if you would like the discussion to not be public.
  • If you like, you can indicate with a comment that you have completed your daily session.  Could be as short as “did it”, or of course could be questions, issues or more detailed feedback.  The hardest part with a daily yoga and meditation practice is establishing consistency and regularity and I think having to acknowledge that you completed your daily sadhana (spiritual work) will help in facilitating that.  In addition, your comments would inspire others as well. 
  • I will post all information regarding the class in the comments section below as well, so please check periodically for updates.
  • Before starting your daily yoga and meditation session, take a moment and tune in to your higher self for guidance and protection.  At the end of every session, visualize yourself and the world as you would like it to be.
  • Do the best you can and modify the class as you require.  It is more important to do something, than be overwhelmed and not do anything at all.
  • I wish you all a wonderful learning and transforming experience and of course a Killer Body by the end of the program :-).

Internet Resources for Weight Loss:

FDA Nutrition & Weight Loss Q&A
How to Use Fruits & Vegetables to Manage Your Weight (Center for Disease Control & Prevention)
Tips for Exercise Success (American Heart Association)
How to Stop Emotional Eating (Mayo Clinic)

33

Weight Loss Visualization Meditation w/ 3SRB Breathing Technique- Guided Meditation Book- Ch 6

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Weight Loss Meditation

Guided Meditation #6:  Weight Loss Visualization Meditation w/ 3SRB

Background of Weight Loss Visualization Meditation w/ 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing Technique:

In the article Mind Power to Manifest Intentions & Desires Instantly the power of the mind to reshape the body overnight was discussed.  The most important point to take away from that article is that the Power of Thought to help manifest desires to bring about changes in the body should not be underestimated. 

Weight Loss

In this article I will provide a visualization meditation technique that exploits this immense power of thought and intention to help you with achieving weight loss and fat reduction.  The real key to this technique lies in the special breathing that will be used while performing the visualization meditation.  This breath control technique is called 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing (3srb) and it creates the optimum state for communication to occur between all levels of your being.  In fact, whenever you are practicing affirmations or visualizations to help bring about changes in yourself and your life, I strongly suggest you first engage 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing, as that will greatly enhance the power and penetration of your thoughts to manifest your intentions.

For more information on 3SRB, transmitted to us by S. N. Tavaria you can visit 3srb.org.

Tools for Weight Loss Visualization Meditation w/ 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing Technique:

  • An alarm clock, stop watch or other time device.

Benefits of Weight Loss Visualization Meditation w/ 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing Technique:

Primary Benefits: 

  • Sets into motion the manifestation of the intention to lose weight and burn fat.
  • Sets into motion the manifestation of the intention to reshape the body.
  • Sets into motion the manifestation of the intention to be healthy and fit. 

Secondary Benefits: 

  • Establishes 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing which is optimum for the absorption of Prana (Life-force) into the Energetic body.
  • Builds concentration and focus. 

Cautions for Weight Loss Visualization Meditation w/ 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing Technique:

Remain positive no matter what.  In practicing any techniques that are designed to help you manifest your desires it is important to remember that the Universe Knows Best.  I recommend reading the article 4 Keys Laws for Manifesting Desires if You Absolutely Must to understand what you should be trying to manifest.  Listen to your inner voice and then put your best foot forward and leave the rest up to the Universe.  Even in the case of health and weight loss it is important to keep this attitude of Universe Knows Best close at heart.  Do the meditation with your full reverence and energy and then just allow the Laws of Attraction and other subtle laws of the Universe to work their magic for you.

Guided Weight Loss Visualization Meditation w/ 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing Technique:

  • Set your alarm or other time device for 3 to 11 minutes.  You may wish to start with 3 and then build up to 11.
  • Lie on your back comfortably, close your eyes and begin 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing (3srb) as follows. 
  • 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing (3srb):  Without changing the quantity of air you normally take in, start to breathe in and out to the following rhythm.  3 seconds for the inhalation and 2 seconds for the exhalation.  So 5 seconds per complete breath.  This will mean you are breathing at 12 breaths per minute (down from 15-17 you normally do).  In addition, have your chest and abdomen rise and fall together as you inhale and exhale respectively.  3 Step Rhythmic Breathing is an extremely valuable tool for your spiritual advancement.  In this case we are just using it to set the stage for your desires and intentions to manifest, but, just doing it starts to shift your level of awareness and being from the gross to the refined.
  • Spend at least 1-2 minutes just doing 3SRB to establish the rhythm and then move forward.  Your mind and body should now be relaxed and everything should be ripe to receive your intentions.
  • Now while immersed in this beautiful rhythmic breath begin the visualization meditation below. 
  • Without animosity to the fat cells of your body (as they are a part of you), visualize a white light entering from the soles of your feet.  Imagine now this light traveling up your body slowly and as it moves up it is dissolving fat deposits and reshaping those regions.  For areas where you carry excess weight spend more time.  All the time keeping up 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing.
  • Once the light has reached the very top of your head, inhale deeply, hold your breath and visualize your body exactly as you would like it to be.  Make sure when you visualize your body shape you are also sending the message of being not just slim and trim, but, also healthy and fit.
  • You may repeat the visualization meditation a few times if you like.
  • Once you complete your last visualization meditation cycle, try to think of nothing and just remain silently empty, only doing the 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing.

Hints & Tips for Weight Loss Visualization Meditation w/ 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing Technique:

  • When doing the visualization concentrate on the light and its action on the body and allow the 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing to happen by default if possible.
  • At the end really concentrate on doing the 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing and try to just relax as much as possible.  It takes some time to master 3SRB so don’t worry if you can’t do it perfectly right off the bat.
  • A helpful technique to do 3SRB is to count 1, 2, 3 slowly while inhaling and count 5, 6 while exhaling.  We skip “4” to account for the slight pause that takes place between the inhalation and exhalations.  In 3SRB the breaths just follow each other so don’t extend the pause consciously.
  • 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing is a very powerful technique which deserves its own article to fully explain and I will put that together in the near future and link to it here once its ready.
34

Online Yoga Exercises for Healthy Weight Loss – Book of Kundalini Yoga Poses and Kriyas

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Kundalini Yoga Set #6 – Online Yoga Poses to Lose Weight

Weight Loss Kundalini Yoga Program Video

Free Online Yoga Video Series

 

1

Background of Online Kundalini Yoga Techniques for Healthy Weight Loss:

Don’t be deceived by the apparent simple nature of the yoga exercises that constitute this set.  Once you begin to practice this program you will realize its profound benefits to healthy weight loss and much more in a relatively short period of time. 

Healthy Weight Loss

The eight yoga exercises that form this set come primarily from the schools of Kundalini Yoga & Hatha Yoga.  They, like all yoga poses and movements, work on your being at many different levels.  This potent set is designed to not only help you lose weight and burn fat effectively, but, also helps you significantly at an energetic and metabolic level. 

The breathing exercises done in conjunction with the movements, help expand you lung capacity, improve your circulatory system and raises the internal heat of the body, thus helping it to burn up and eliminate toxins, dead gases and waste products.

For safe and healthy weight loss, practice this set daily if possible.  Start off doing each exercise for only about 30 seconds or 1 minute each and then build up from there.  Use the modifications that are provided if you need to and be sure to pace yourself. 

If you need to take a short break between the exercises do so, otherwise do them in sequence one after the other without rest.  The purpose of this kundalini yoga set, is not only to help you loose the weight, but also to develop a healthy, fit body full of abundant energy.

For complicated postures, illustrations have been provided.  Also, provided below is the Breath of Fire Breathing Exercise Video, as this kundalini yoga pranayama is extensively used throughout this set.

Free Online Yoga Video of Breath of Fire

 

1

(From the Article: Breath of Fire Kundalini Yoga Pranayama Video)


Instructions for Kundalini Yoga Exercises for Healthy Weight Loss:

1. Yoga Arm Raises:

a. Guided Instructions for Yoga Arm Raises:

  • Stand up tall.
  • Inhale deeply through the nose as you swing both your arms up with palms facing forward.
  • Now swing the arms down and powerfully exhale through the mouth.  The exhalation is brief and powerful.  Just throw the air out of the system.
  • Continue at a fairly brisk pace, swinging your arms up and down in this fashion in conjunction with the breathing.

b. Duration for Yoga Arm Raises: 1-5 mins

c. Benefits of Yoga Arm Raises: 

  • Very effective in getting your energy going.
  • Expands your chest cavity and lung capacity.
  • Throws all negativity out of your body (toxins, negative emotions, stress, negative thoughts).  Assist this process by visualizing any negativity that has been troubling you being expelled from your system as you exhale.
  • Works on your shoulders, promoting flexibility and strength. 

d. Practice Tips for Yoga Arm Raises:  As you develop mastery over this exercise, try to work through the discomfort in the shoulders this exercises produces.  You will notice that after you get past the initial points of resistance, the energy pathways open up and the exercise gets easier. 

2. Kundalini Yoga March:

a. Guided Instructions for Kundalini Yoga March:

  • Continue standing.
  • Have your arms in jogging position and begin marching in place.
  • Begin the Breath of Fire Breathing Exercise.
  • Try to bring your keens up high as you march.

b. Duration for Kundalini Yoga March: 1-5 mins

c. Benefits of Kundalini Yoga March: 

  • Gets your heart rate going.
  • Quickly oxygenates your blood.
  • Effective warm-up before doing the more strenuous exercises.
  • Works on your legs.

d. Practice Tips for Kundalini Yoga March:  To modify this exercise switch to Long Deep Breathing or Normal Breathing if Breath of Fire is too much to do.  You can also not bring the knees up too high and walk in place instead.

3. Kundalini Yoga Jogging:

a. Guided Instructions for Kundalini Yoga Jogging:

  • Continue to have your arms as if you were jogging, also continue the Breath of Fire Breathing Exercise, and start jogging in place.
  • Try to bring your keens up high as you jog.

b. Duration for Kundalini Yoga Jogging: 1-5 mins

c. Benefits of Kundalini Yoga Jogging:  

  • Picks up your heart rate and really gets the blood circulating throughout your body.
  • Done with Breath of Fire the benefits of this exercise are significantly magnified.  Doing a few minutes with Breath of Fire is equal to doing the exercise much much longer with normal breathing.
  • Works on your legs.

d. Practice Tips for Kundalini Yoga Jogging: To modify this exercise switch to normal breathing, if Breath of Fire is too much to do.  You can also not bring the knees up too high or just continue to walk/march in place instead, if you feel over worked.

(Take a break at this point if you are feeling very winded.) 

4. Kundalini Yoga Jumping Jacks:

a. Guided Instructions for Kundalini Yoga Jumping Jacks: 

  • Stand with your arms down and feet together.
  • Now take a half inhalation and jump your legs to about shoulder width apart and swing your arms straight out to the sides parallel to the ground.  The palms are facing down finger are extended.
  • Now complete the inhalation as you jump and bring your feet wide apart.  At the same time swing your arms directly above your head and clap your palms together.
  • Now do a half exhalation as you jump your feet back to shoulder width apart and swing your hands back to being parallel to the ground with palms facing down and fingers extended.
  • Now complete the Jumping Jack by jumping your feet back together and bringing your hands back down all the away.
  • Continue on for the duration of the exercise.

b. Duration for Kundalini Yoga Jumping Jacks: 1-5 mins

c. Benefits of Kundalini Yoga Jumping Jacks:  

  • Good for your heart and lungs.
  • Works on building concentration and focus.
  • Works on your calves and leg muscles.
  • Works on your arms and shoulders.

d. Practice Tips for Kundalini Yoga Jumping Jacks: This yoga exercise is not as easy as it sounds initially as you have to focus in order to break the pattern of how you normally do Jumping Jacks.  The partitioned breathing will help build your lung capacity.  To modify just do the legs or just the arms as needed.

(Take a break at this point if you are feeling very winded)

5. Deep Squats Yoga Exercise:

a. Guided Instructions for Deep Squats Yoga Exercise: 

  • Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  • Extend both arms straight out in front of you, with fingers extended and palms facing down.
  • Inhale through the nose as you squat down.
  • Exhale powerfully through the mouth as you stand back up.
  • Continue at a smooth pace for the duration of the exercise.

b. Duration for Deep Squats Yoga Exercise: 1-5 mins

c. Benefits of Deep Squats Yoga Exercise:  

  • Excellent for toning and strengthening the large muscles of you thighs and buttocks.
  • Builds vitality and virility.
  • Works on your shoulders.

d. Practice Tips for Deep Squats Yoga Exercise : If you have bad knees you need to careful with this exercise.  Only go as far down as you are comfortable.

(Take a break at this point if you are feeling very winded.)

6. Kundalini Yoga Archer’s Pose: (Article: Online Illustration of Kundalini Yoga Archer Pose)

Illustration of Kundalini Yoga Archer Pose 

free illustrated Kundalini Yoga Archer pose for confidence and self esteem

a. Guided Instructions for Kundalini Yoga Archer’s Pose: 

  • Stand and place your feet wide apart.
  • Now have your left foot pointing to your left, have you right foot pointing in slightly, the heels of both feet should be in a straight line.  Your torso should be straight and facing forward.
  • Low lean to the left so that 70% of your weight is on your left leg.  Your left knee should occlude your left foot from view if you were to look down.  There should be a stretch in your right upper thigh.
  • Now extend your left arm out to the left as if holding a bow and turn your head to the left and gaze over your left fist.
  • Now with the right hand pretend as if you are pulling back the bow strings.  Your right hand should be all the way past your right chest.
  • Do Long Deep Powerful Breathing while holding this posture and gazing steadily over your left fist.
  • After half the time reverse the direction of the posture.

b. Duration for Kundalini Yoga Archer’s Pose: 1-3 mins / side

c. Benefits of Kundalini Yoga Archer’s Pose:  

  • Excellent yoga posture for your entire body, mind and spirit.
  • Opens up and expands your energy channels.
  • Builds strength of character, self-esteem, confidence, concentration and mental focus.
  • Expands your chest and lungs.   Also, works on your nervous system.
  • Good for your legs and shoulders as well.
  • Eliminates Stress.

d. Practice Tips for Kundalini Yoga Archer’s Pose : This yoga asana (posture) is the favorite of many students and teachers alike.  It will make you powerful and strong.  Don’t over do it if you already have ego issues.

7. Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn Exercise:

a. Guided Instructions for Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn Exercise: 

  • Lie on your back, bend your legs and bring you knees in towards your chest.
  • Hold on to each knee.  Right hand grasps right knee, and left hand grasps left knee.
  • Now try to explode off the ground like you are a pop corn popping.  So you are trying to launch your whole body towards the ceiling (you will probably not leave the ground, but its the effort that counts here :-)
  • If you are doing this right, pretty soon your abdominal muscles will let you know.

b. Duration for Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn Exercise: 1-5 mins

c. Benefits of Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn Exercise:  

  • Very good for building your core power and abdominal strength.
  • Good for building overall fitness and stamina.

d. Practice Tips for Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn  Exercise: Another yoga exercise that you should not be quickly fooled by.  If doing it correctly it is a great way to burn calories and develop strong abdominal muscles without putting any strain on the joints and lower back.  Make sure you are using a soft surface when doing this exercise.

8. Kundalini Yoga Dance & Shake:

a. Guided Instructions for Kundalini Yoga Dance & Shake: 

  • Sit Comfortably with your legs crossed.  Use a firm cushion if you need to.
  • Raise your hands above your head.
  • Now move everything from the hips up vigorously and chaotically.  You should be moving your arms, shoulders, chest, waist, fingers, head, etc.
  • Breath very deeply and powerfully during the entire duration of the exercise.  You navel should be pumping due to the force of the breathing as well.
  • Don’t hold back let everything fly.

b. Duration for Kundalini Yoga Dance & Shake: 1-5 mins

c. Benefits of Kundalini Yoga Dance & Shake:  

  • Charges, invigorates and awaken all your cells and organs.
  • Excellent for throwing out all the garbage of the past and breaking down deep rooted patterns of thought and behavior.
  • Detoxifies your system and builds your ability to handle more energy.

d. Practice Tips for Kundalini Yoga Dance & Shake : If you are listening to music, turn it up during this exercise.  It is the last physical exercise for this set so give it all you have got.

9. Relax in Yoga Corpse Pose: (also called Shav Asana)

a. Guided Instruction for Yoga Corpse Pose:

  • Lie on your back and have your arms out to your sides about six to twelve inches away from your body.
  • Turn your palms slightly upward.
  • Relax your body and breath.
  • With every breath visualize your body as you would ideally want it to be.  Visualize it taking that shape and visualize yourself having optimum health and fitness.  Visualize the weight melting away.  Don’t underestimate the power of your mind.  Really believe this to be taking place, especially because is it.

b. Duration for Yoga Corpse Pose: 1-5 minutes.

c. Benefits of Yoga Corpse Pose:

  • Attracts that which you set your mind to (in this case, a healthy, fit, toned, slim body). 
  • Allows the body to consolidate the gains from the previous exercises.
  • Helps the body heal and rejuvenate itself.
  • Promotes relaxation and peace.

d. Practice Tips for Yoga Corpse Pose: If your mind wonders, don’t judge or criticize yourself, just gently return back to the visualization process.  You have done your part, now let the Universe do Hers.

This concludes the Online Yoga Exercises for Healthy Weight Loss Program.

Internet Resources for Weight Loss:

FDA Nutrition & Weight Loss Q&A
How to Use Fruits & Vegetables to Manage Your Weight (Center for Disease Control & Prevention)
Tips for Exercise Success (American Heart Association)
How to Stop Emotional Eating (Mayo Clinic)

35

Free Online Meditation & Yoga Classes

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36

Expanded Free Online Guided Meditation & Kundalini Yoga Classes

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 Please Go To The New –> Online Classes Page

 

New Free Online Guided Meditation & Kundalini Yoga Classes Now Online

As many of you know at Mastery of Meditation I offer Free Online Guided Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Classes.  The first of these classes was launched on May 1, 2007 and I want to specially thank all the students who are currently taking part in that course and paving the way for others.  Since I found the class to be of interest and value to others, I have decided to expand to offering multiple classes and also fine tune them as follows.

Online Guided Meditation

PLEASE ALSO READ THE FAQ below.  It addresses many of the common questions about the online classes:

FAQ For Free Online Guided Meditation & Kundalini Yoga Classes

Below are the new details for the Free Online Guided Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Classes…

 

  • Going forward many different classes will be offered, each focusing on a particular dimension of your being.
  • You may JOIN and START any class at any time, as I realize it is best to start when inspiration strikes.
  • To register just leave a comment in the comment section of the “Syllabus and Feedback Post” of that particular class, the comment section of this post or email me at anmol@anmolmehta.com.  This is the only way I can gauge interest so please do let me know if you are participating.
  • As before, all questions/issues/feedback will be addressed in the comments section of the “Syllabus and Feedback Post” of a particular class, or you can email me if you prefer.
  • All course material, as before, will be published on the website.
  • Do the best you can, it is more important to start and do something, than try to be perfect and not do anything at all.
  • The purpose of the classes is to help you establish or deepen your daily meditation and yoga practice and help you achieve your highest potential.  I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to learn the wonderful arts or meditation, yoga and pranayama (breath control).
  • If there is a particular aspect of yourself you would like to work on, please let me know and I work towards designing a class for that or point you towards material already available which will help.  I wish you all the best and hope the class is a wonderful experience for each of you.
  • You can read the original and more detailed post announcing the classes here (Free Online Guided Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Class)

 

Guided Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Courses Currently Online:

(The Class titles below are links, select them to go to that class syllabus page.)

1. Introduction to Guided Meditation & Kundalini Yoga Class:  Course #101 

This class, is a 2 week course and is designed to give you a solid introduction to Kundalini Yoga Kriyas and Guided Meditaion Techniques.  In addition it provides the important benefits detailed below…

 

  • Pranayama Breathing exercises to build your energy and awareness
  • Kundalini Yoga Kriyas for an overall workout and building your core abdominal strength.
  • Guided Meditation Techniques to promote peace, joy and insight.

 

2. Heart Chakra Meditation, Balancing and Healing Class: Course #102

This class is a 1 week course and is designed to open the Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra), which governs the region of respiratory and circulatory systems.  It is also the source of love, compassion and forgiveness.  Class objectives and overview are as follows…

 

  • Yoga Pranayama Breathing Exercises to activate your energy.
  • Kundalini Yoga Kriyas to open the lower energy centers and then the heart center to promote flow of energy into this region.  The kriyas benefit the heart, lungs and digestive system.  They also promote kindness and softness in one’s personality.
  • Guided Meditation Technique to help your Higher Self shine through and help you realize the non-dual nature of Reality.

 

3. 3rd Eye (Ajna Chakra) Opening & Balancing Class Syllabus: Course #103

This class is a 1 week course designed to open, activate and balance the Third Eye or Ajna Chakra.  The class incorporates powerful breathing exercises (Pranayama), Kundalini Yoga Kriyas and Ajna Chakra Mantra Meditation Techniques to accomplish its goals.  Below is summary of the class objectives…

 

  • Chakra Balancing Breathing Exercises (Nadi Shodhana/Shuddhi Pranayama) to clear the psychic channels of blockages.
  • Kundalini Rising Raja Yoga Set to move energy to the higher Chakra centers.
  • Ajna Chakra OM Mantra Meditation to directly activate and open the Third Eye Center.

 

4. Weight Loss Via Yoga, Breathing & Visualization Meditation: Course #104

This class is a 2 week program designed to help you lose weight, burn fat and get fit.  The course uses the power of the BODY, BREATH & MIND to help you achieve your ideal body weight as well as optimum health.  Here is an overview of the program…

 

  • Bhastrika and Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayamas to increase metabolism, burn fat and cure diseases.
  • Kundalini Kriya for Healthy Weight Loss to promote burning calories and increasing energy.
  • Visualization Meditation with 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing to use the Power of Thought and the Intention Manifestation to reshape the body.

 

37

Core Abdominal Power Yoga Exercises – Free Book of Kundalini Yoga Poses & Kriyas – Ch 3

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Yoga Exercises for Core Abdominal Power

Free Yoga Poses for Navel Strength & Power

Kundalini Yoga Set #3

 

Video of Core Power Kundalini Yoga Set

(From Free Yoga Videos, yoga video #2, Yoga Workout for Ripped Abs)

 

1

 

Purpose of Core Abdominal Power Yoga Exercises:

The following set of Kundalini Yoga exercises builds the navel center and works on the 3rd Chakra (energy vortex) of the Kundalini Energy System.  The 3rd Chakra is called the Manipura or Nabhi Chakra.  The navel center is not only important for core energy and necessary physical fuel, but also the Manipura chakra, which governs this region, is associated with the attributes of willpower and strength of character.  Thus, it is recommended that early in one’s yoga practice one builds and balances this chakra.  Doing so helps one to remain committed to their yoga and meditation practice, thus reaping the full rewards that such practice brings.  Of course developing washboard like abs in the process does not harm either :-).

Core Abdominal Power

Description of Core Abdominal Power Yoga Exercises:

1. Single Leg Rotations Kundalini Yoga Exercise:  (Chkra Padasana)

a. Guided Instructions for Single Leg Rotations Kundalini Yoga Exercise:

  • Lie flat on your back.
  • Raise your right leg up to about 45 degrees.
  • Point your feet and toes away from you.
  • Begin the Breath of Fire Breathing Exercise and keeping your leg straight rotate it in a big circle clockwise.  Make the circle as big as you can without touching the floor.
  • Do 10 rotations in 1 direction and then without resting rotate the same leg in the other direction (counter-clockwise).
  • Repeat with the left leg.

b. Duration for Single Leg Rotations Kundalini Yoga Exercise: Takes about 1 minute / leg, but use the count provided above.

c. Benefits of Single Leg Rotations Kundalini Yoga Exercise:

  • Builds your Navel Center and strengthens and tones your abdominal muscles.
  • Activates and balances the Manipura Chakra (naval center)
  • Builds willpower and strength of character.
  • Loosens and opens up the hips. 

d. Practice Tips for Single Leg Rotations Kundalini Yoga Exercise:  To modify the exercise bend you knees or do fewer rotations at a stretch.  You can also take rest as needed.

(Take a short break to let your hip flexors and abdominals recover).  

2. Double Leg Rotation Kundalini Yoga Exercise:

a. Guided Instructions for Double Leg Rotations Kundalini Yoga Exercise:

  • Continue to lie flat on your back.
  • Now raise both legs up to about 45 degrees.
  • Point your feet and toes away from you.
  • Begin the Breath of Fire Breathing Exercise and keeping your legs straight rotate them in a big circle clockwise.  Make the circle as big as you can without touching the floor.
  • Do 10 rotations in 1 direction and then without resting rotate your legs in the other direction (counter-clockwise).

b. Duration for Double Leg Rotations Kundalini Yoga Exercise: Takes about 1 minute, but use the count provided above.

c. Benefits of Double Leg Rotations Kundalini Yoga Exercise:

  • Builds your Navel Center and strengthens and tones your abdominal muscles.
  • Activates and balances the Manipura Chakra.
  • Builds willpower and strength of character.
  • Loosens and opens up the hips. 

d. Practice Tips for Double Leg Rotations Kundalini Yoga Exercise:  To modify the exercise bend you knees or do fewer rotations at a stretch.  You can also take rest in between as needed.  To support your lower back you may want to put your hand underneath your buttocks with your palms facing down.

3. Relax in Yoga Corpse Pose: (also called Shav Asana)

a. Guided Instruction for Yoga Corpse Pose:

  • Lie on your back and have your arms out to your sides about six to twelve inches away from your body.
  • Turn your palms slightly upward.
  • Relax your body and breath.

b. Duration for Yoga Corpse Pose: 1-2 minutes.

c. Benefits of Yoga Corpse Pose:

  • Allows the body to consolidate the gains from the previous exercises.
  • Helps the body heal and rejuvenate itself.
  • Promotes relaxation and peace.

d. Practice Tips for Yoga Corpse Pose: Try to consciously relax your entire body.  Release all your tensions and worries and stay in the present moment as best you can.

4. Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn Exercise:

a. Guided Instructions for Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn Exercise: 

  • Lie on your back, bend your legs and bring you knees in towards your chest.
  • Hold on to each knee.  Right hand grasps right knee, and left hand grasps left knee.
  • Now try to explode off the ground like you are a pop corn popping.  So you are trying to launch your whole body towards the ceiling (you will probably not leave the ground, but its the effort that counts here :-)
  • If you are doing this right, pretty soon your abdominal muscles will let you know.

b. Duration for Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn Exercise: 1-5 mins

c. Benefits of Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn Exercise:  

  • Very good for building your core power and abdominal strength.
  • Good for building overall fitness and stamina.

d. Practice Tips for Kundalini Yoga Abdominal Pop Corn  Exercise: Another yoga exercise that you should not be quickly fooled by.  If doing it correctly it is a great way to burn fat and develop strong abdominal muscles without putting any strain on the joints and lower back.  Make sure you are using a soft surface when doing this exercise.

5. Yoga Boat Pose (Maha Shakti Kriya or Naukasana)

a. Guided Instructions for Yoga Boat Pose:

  • Lie flat on your back.
  • Have your arms straight out to the sides with your palms facing in. Keep your legs together and straight out as well with your toes pointing forward.
  • Now bring your legs and torso up such that you are balancing on your sacrum.  Keep your eyes focused on your toes, this will help you keep your balance.  You are forming a V shape, with your legs and torso.
  • Begin the Breath of Fire Breathing Exercise.

b. Duration for Yoga Boat Pose: 1-3 minutes

c. Benefits of Yoga Boat Pose:

  • Builds your Navel Center and strengthens and tones your abdominal muscles.
  • Activates and balances the Manipura Chakra.
  • Builds willpower and strength of character.
  • Awakens all the systems in the body (digestive, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, etc.).
  • Develops focus and balance. 

d. Practice Tips for Yoga Boat Pose: To modify the exercise hold on to your knees or thighs.  Keeping a steady gaze upon your toes will go a long way in helping you keep your balance.  If you need to, you can take a break and then come into the pose again once you are ready.  This is a very powerful kundalini yoga pose and is sometimes practiced on its own as a complete set (kriya).  You can build up the time for Maha Shakti Kriya to 11 minutes.

6. Relax in Yoga Corpse Pose (#3 above) for 2-5 minutes:

This concludes the Core Abdominal Power Yoga Exercises.

38

Stop the Madness of Self-Discipline

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The Art of Meditation: Personal Development and Spiritual Growth:

Everywhere you look nowadays the new holy grail of success seems to be self-discipline. From, diet plans, to sports, to the stock market, to the arts and also, most unfortunately, even in the practice of meditation, yoga and the related spiritual sciences. Raw material enters boot camp, is put through the patented regiment, and out comes a finished product. Discipline yourself to eat right, exercise right so you can get healthy, discipline yourself to sleep less so you have more productive time, discipline yourself to sit endlessly hour after hour watching your breath so you can gain enlightenment. Is this the way? Is self-discipline necessary? I don’t think so. Let me tell you a story…

Stop the Madness

Story: The War of The Rice Farmers 

In a small village far from the hustle and bustle of the city, there lived a rice farmer, Barbary Rao. He was a simple man and had a small rice paddy, which he would tend to diligently and which rewarded him with ample harvest to support his family. Now Barbary loved to farm. He was born to farm. He loved to hoe the land, build irrigation canals, study the weather patterns, research fertilizers, and most of all he loved his rice…. yes eating it also. He knew all about farming rice. From end to end he was an expert farmer. Barbary had also developed new systems to improve the quality and quantity of his dear crop and other farmers would often visit him and his farm to learn from him new techniques in de-husking, storage, aging, packaging etc etc. One such visitor was Coolun Das.

Coolun Das was from a neighboring village and he was a very strong man. His body was strong, his will was strong and most of all his ambition was strong. Coolun was eager for success and worked very hard to make his farm productive and profitable. He knew that Barbary was his main competition in the region and so worked very hard to learn his systems. One season, there was great excitement among the villages, that Barbary had developed a formula for new hybrid rice seeds that would double the yield of the harvest. Upon hearing this news, Coolun was very disturbed. What if Barbary refused to share the formula? What if he decided that this was too good to give away, as he had done with his other discoveries, and using it made himself the richest and most powerful of the region? Coolun began to have nightmares. So one night he snuck into Barbary’s farm and stole the formula and seedlings. Barbary was unable to reproduce the stolen formula and eventually moved on to other work.

Coolun utilized the formula and had a bumper crop that year and in the common market, where all the farmers would bring their crop and samples, he sought out Barbary to gloat. Much to his surprise and irritation Barbary was quite undisturbed by his success. Barbary congratulated him on having such a good year and began discussing with him new techniques in polishing that he was working on. Coolun wondered how come he was not as contented as Barbary. He decided it was probably due to the fame Barbary had in the region, so Coolun made up his mind to achieve greater fame than Barbary and thus greater gratification. Coolun knew Barbary worked very hard so he decided to discipline himself to work even harder. He started sleeping in the barn so that the dawn calls of the cocks would awaken him. He trained himself to eat only one time a day, so he would be even more time efficient. He learned to concentrate and work through pain, discomfort and fatigue becoming a non-stop farming machine. All that hard work brought him great success and in a few short years he became the richest and most famous farmer in the region. But alas, every year that he met Barbary in the market, he would be reminded that he was not the happier of the two.

Coolun tried everything, he had a huge estate built, purchased large farm lands, grew in political power, gave away rice to the hungry, all the time using great self-discipline to achieve these successes, but even when old and gray whenever he met Barbary, he know there was something he had missed. Eventually, they both grew very old and as luck would have it they passed away on the same day. In the line outside the pearly gates, Coolun and Barbary met again.  As usual, Barbary greeted him happily and began discussing the latest research on creating vitamin enriched rice. Finally their turn arrived to meet the Big Boss.

Once inside the Big Boss turned to Barbary and said, “Well done my boy, here come take a seat you need the rest.” He then turned to Coolun and asked, “Any questions?” “Yes,” Coolun replied, “How come you have asked him to rest and not me? I have worked just as hard, if not harder than him, throughout my life. Also, how come Barbary was always happier than me, even though I achieved so much more success, so much more wealth, power and fame?” “Well that answer is really very simple,” replied Big Boss. “You, Dearest Coolun, were meant to be a wrestler not a rice farmer. So your work is yet to be done. Off you go…” and with that Coolun was sent back down for another go.

Commentary & Analysis of Passion vs. Self-Discipline 

One of the most important things in life is to figure out what you really love to do. This is not always easy. What makes it harder is that what you love to do is not necessary what you want to do. You may want to spend all your time sitting around watching TV, or playing World of Warcraft, or golf. This does not mean you have figured out what you love to do. I am not saying you don’t do the things you want to do either, its just if you have not figured out what you love to do in life, you will do these things to escape from the tedium that your life will eventually become. So how can we figure out what we love to do in life? That is your first and foremost challenge and I have found the following questions to help with that process…

Questions to Help You Discover Your True Passion: 

  1. What is it that you like to do for its own sake, without any concern for reward or compliment? Do you like the joy of building things? Do you like to just create music? Do you like to teach? Do you like the challenge of watching your thoughts in action?
  2. If you won the lottery, I mean the really, really big one how would you like to spend the rest of your life?
  3. If you were informed you are about to die shortly, what would you regret most as not having spent your time doing?
  4. No matter where on Earth you are. In a rich, first world country, in the bush lands of Australia or high up in a Himalayan village what do you see yourself doing regardless of location?
  5. What activity do you always find yourself coming back to throughout your life?
  6. What activity can you just not see yourself doing without?

One important thing to remember is that nowhere am I saying that what you love to do is going to be easy. It may be very hard, very challenging, but what I can assure you is that you will do the hard work, with a smile on your face and not needing a shred of self-discipline.

The passion for the work will carve its own discipline. It is like a river carving its own banks, making its own path, no outside influence is required. Similarly when you are doing what you love to do, you don’t need to impose any external discipline. You just do what you love to do. Pay attention to the demands that the work makes on you and you will find your life being given great order by that.

Self-discipline being imposed from outside is violence. It is not born out of intelligence and the natural demand of the work at hand. You can look at it this way, either you are devoted to yourself and, like Coolun, discipline yourself through will to attain what you believe you need to succeed in life, or like Barbary, you are devoted to your passion and you do what it requires from you. One leads to frustration and one to contentment. Time to stop the ugliness of imposed self-discipline and embrace the path of wisdom and grace.

39

Yoga for Weight Loss | 5 Weight Loss Pitfalls Yoga Helps You Avoid

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Kara Leah Doing Yoga

Is Weight Loss a goal for you for next year?  If so, this video is for you.  In it we will deep dive into the 5 main reasons it is difficult to lose weight and keep it off.  We will then explore how Yoga deals with these 5 most common pitfalls of a weight loss program, so that you can be equipped with the right knowledge and techniques to help you achieve your ideal weight and body shape.

Losing weight, burning fat and getting fit and healthy is a very rewarding experience.  Furthermore, being able to keep the weight off and maintain your figure is equally important and comes with it’s own challenges.  So to help you accomplish both, losing the excess weight AND keeping it off, the techniques yoga offers are invaluable.

In addition to the Yoga for Weight Loss video I have also provided the full transcript below.  Often readers prefer to read though the content, rather than watch videos, I know I do at times :-).

Also, please note I have provided important links to the techniques which the video details that are essential for avoiding the weight loss mistakes and being successful.

Yoga Best for Weight Loss YouTube Video

Direct YouTube Link — > https://youtu.be/FcMgA5viJeQ

1. Beginner’s Yoga for Weight Loss:

Best Yoga for Weight Loss – Complete with Illustrated Yoga Poses and Exercises

2. Yoga for Emotional Balance:

Beginner’s Kundalini Yoga Exercise for Emotional Health

3. Pranayama to break addictions:

4 Free Yoga Tips to Quit Smoking & Break Addictions

4. Yoga for Toning Stomach and Building Willpower:

Terrific Yoga Ab Exercises & Workout for Toned Stomach

5. Meditation for Beginners:

Learn How to Meditate | Beginner’s Meditation Class

Transcript of Yoga for Weight Loss Video:

Namaste my friends. Today, we’re going to discuss five reasons why weight loss programs often fail and how yoga and meditation can help you in avoiding these pitfalls.

So, the first and most obvious reason for not losing weight is not burning enough calories and not doing the right amount of exercise, and what I’ve found is those who are looking to lose weight are often not in very good shape or perhaps unhealthy in some ways that prevents them from attending a rigorous aerobic program at the gym or starting a resistance training program, cross training program, etc.

So, to get started in your journey and beginning and begin losing the necessary calories, yoga is very helpful. This is because there is a wide range of exercises and sets that yoga offers that can suit your level of fitness. If you are very out of shape, there are easy postures and exercises that you can begin with, and then as your health improves, you can, I assure you, find challenging sets that are quite vigorous, that will help you continue to burn unnecessary calories for you to be able to lose weight and reshape your body.

I want to mention here quickly that in the information section of this video, I offer links to these various sets and they are free and you may go ahead and see which of these suits you so you can begin your fat burning aspect of your weight loss program.

Now, second reason why weight loss programs often derail is because there is a problem emotionally that has led one to use eating as an escape. Now, this is where Yoga, along with meditation and the sister science of Pranayama can be very helpful in helping you regain your emotional balance. There are specific exercises that help purge traumas, hurts, and various blockages within you that lead to these emotional imbalances and clearing your system in this way and achieving emotional balance, achieving the joy and peace that yoga meditation bring can really help overcome this problem of emotional eating.

Now, closely aligned with this second reason is the third. And that is having unhealthy patterns and addictions that, really make it difficult for you to sustain your weight loss program and achieve your weight loss goals over a long period of time, maintain that ideal weight for a long period of time. And, to tackle this, specifically in the field of Pranayama or breathing exercises, there are very specific such exercises to help break addictions and also there are certain yoga postures and poses that help you move your energy in new patterns, helping you to break various patterns within that translate into unhealthy patterns and lifestyles.

Now, the fourth reason why weight loss programs often sputter is that you can begin with a lot of energy. You are very inspired and you can sprint for a period of time and then you lose steam and you’re not able to sustain your program. Now, in terms of Kundalini Yoga or Chakra theory, the third Chakra is where you need to work in order to build character and willpower. Building this character and willpower is absolutely essential if you’re going to be able to sustain the program that you have set out to do and establish a long-term routine. That is when you have maximum benefits, both in terms of your weight loss goals, as well as all the other benefits that we know that meditation and Yoga bestow upon you. So, building your character and willpower are absolutely essential for a long term healthy weight loss program.

And finally, what you want to achieve in your life is a full life, a meaningful life, a life lived with passion and a healthy life. Not all of that is only possible if you have discovered within what it is your true passions are and discovered the strength and courage to live them. Eating excessively or whether it be turning to drinks or drugs or other forms of superficial entertainment simply to be able to pass time is a very compromised way in my view of living this unique life that you have been gifted. Really do not want to waste this opportunity. You want to make the most out of this very special opportunity that you have as a human being. So, turning to food as the option so that you feel somewhat pleasured for a period of time and then returning to the dullness of your life is no way to spend your time here on this wonderful planet and Yoga and meditation and Pranayama are definitely the sciences that can help you live a meaningful life, help you discover your true talents, help you live a passionate life, and help you be healthy and fit.

So please go ahead, explore the links below in the information section, or in the article on the blog, I will provide the links as well as I upload this video to the blog and find what it is that you require at this time. So, you can begin or sustain your weight loss program. And I wish you an absolute success in this endeavor of yours.

Thank you everybody. God bless you all.

*****

So if weight loss is your objective or New Year’s resolution, be sure to incorporate Yoga into your program.  With Yoga by your side, you will succeed!

40

Who is God?

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Welcome to Part 6 of The Seeker’s Story, where Namit continues his exploration into yoga philosophy and discusses one of the biggest questions of all – God: Who is he?

Previous Chapters:

Chapter 1 & 2 – Yoga Sutra – A Seeker’s Story Part 1.

Chapter 3 –      What is Yoga?

Chapter 4 –      Yoga’s Theory of Creation 

Chapter 5 –     Happiness and Oneness 

Chapter 6 –     Does Magic Really Exist?

Yoga Sutra – The Seeker’s Story

By

Namit Kathoria

 

Shoulder Stand Pose 
 

Chapter 7 – God: Who is he?

I awoke the next morning thinking about what I could ask the yogi. I wanted a question that was even bigger to me than my question about magic.

Okay I had decided what I was going to ask him. Since I was a kid I had always wondered who God was.

And I had never had a sensible answer from anyone who I had asked. The most common answer that people gave me was that he was the one who created the world. Some people told me that he did not exist and other people told me that he was actually a she! Well I did think it would be interesting to ask a yogi so later in the day I went off to the temple and met my spiritual teacher.

On this particular day I found the yogi with his legs pointing straight above him in an upside down position and supporting himself just on his shoulders again.

‘Yogi ji!’ I said with an enquiring tone.

‘It is good to be upside down Jake once you have had the appropriate teaching. It allows blood to enter the brain so that you have more nutrients there and you can think more clearly. Your thoughts are more peaceful. It also allows blood to return back to the heart from the legs so you generally feel more healthy and more relaxed. Your poor heart is not having to pump blood around the body and legs against gravity and it can relax.’

‘Good to know yogi ji I promise you I will learn one day. Okay yogi ji today I have a big question for you. Is it okay for me to ask now?’

‘Yes of course it is Jake. Just let me finish and then we will sit and chat.’

I noticed that day that yogi ji’s breathing was quite audible and that he was really focusing his own attention on his breaths.

In time yogi ji sat down next to me and we began the discussion for the day. 

‘Who is God yogi ji?’ I asked.

‘Okay now that is a big question again Jake!’

‘Well I do want to use my time here to learn about some of the answers that come from this spiritual country’ I told him. And that was the truth I did want to learn.

‘I am glad that you think that way Jake. Okay so in my spiritual country which is your spiritual country too because we are all connected, this is what we believe. God is the one with the most love amongst us all. God is the one who shows more forgiveness, mercy and love than you can ever imagine. He cares about everyone infinitely.’ The yogi stumbled. ‘No actually more than infinitely.’

‘Well then why does he allow so many natural disasters to occur?’

‘Jake God is not in charge of the physical things of matter. He is not a God of matter. He is a God of something else. He is a God of spirit, of feelings. He cannot and does not enter the world of matter. In the world of matter people become attached to things of matter, precious objects and when they lose these precious objects they become upset. God cannot enter this world. He is detached from it and that is what allows him to fill himself with love and to send us and give us true love.’

‘So God does not allow all these natural disasters to happen?’

‘No of course not. Could you imagine a father so full of love for his children allowing them to be hurt? The world of matter is not his place, the world of matter is a foreign land for him. It is a land he cannot enter although he wants to help his children so much.’

 ‘Okay so he does love us then.’

‘Yes Jake he loves us more than you can possibly imagine.’

‘Well does he give us any rules or commandments?’ I asked the yogi.

‘No he is a God of love he does not force us but explains with love. He just gives us guidelines for being a good person. Guidelines for good karma, for living a good life, for being good to others. This kind of a life will give you more happiness and more fulfilment. It will really help you to feel the connection to others. But do not care about others so much that you forget about yourself. You are just as important as everyone else and you should allow yourself to feel this way.’

‘Does he judge us?’ I asked yogi ji as I had always felt that this was a fear that people had put inside me.

I had basically wanted to be and enjoyed being a good person but I wanted to be that way because I enjoyed being that way. I did not want to feel that I was being forced or judged into being a good person.

‘No he just forgives us. This is what a loving God does. If we do feel bad after we have done something bad then it is as a result of our conscience or because of the bad karma that we have created which brings negative results.’

 ‘What do you mean by that yogi ji?’

‘I mean that if you do something bad then you feel pain from negative actions such as hurting others. You feel their pain too.’

‘Okay that makes sense but what is karma? You just talked about it now.’ I asked.

‘We can talk about this tomorrow Jake. This is another big subject. Tonight you are invited to come to my house for dinner.’

 ‘Thank you so much yogi ji’ I replied. I was really excited.

That night I met yogi ji’s wife for the first time and saw his house for the first time. This man had travelled all around India and had so many artefacts. The most impressive things in his house were the paintings from Rajasthan which is a state in India.

His house was small but really clean and filled with the smell of burning incense. I felt really comfortable there. Dinner was nice, rice and a bean curry, but not as tasty as Mrs Rai’s cooking. I kept that bit quiet and simply told the couple that the food was lovely.

The conversation was really pleasant and I felt that I could ask now about why he himself was so interested in yoga.

‘It is the idea of union that I like the most Jake. During my grandfather’s time India was split into two countries, India and Pakistan, and there was so much bloodshed. Hindus and Muslims were killing each other. Every time I hear about this Jake I feel pain inside.’ Yogi ji looked truly upset.

‘I understand yogi ji’ I assured him.

‘The idea of a lack of unity in this world makes me feel so upset. My grandfather would always tell me so many sad stories from this time Jake.’

 Yogi ji then took out a small stone which was wrapped in a cloth and tied in a string. He untied the string and unwrapped the stone. There was an image carved in the stone of a man sat in meditation with his feet crossed.

‘My grandfather was born in a little village which is now in Pakistan. The village was called Harappa. One day he was playing near the village and found this old stone. Apparently there is now an archaeological site near his village. This stone has always brought me great peace Jake. Maybe it is a carving of one of the first yogis practising meditation.’

‘Maybe it is yogi ji’ I smiled at him. I really did feel a sense of peace coming from this stone.

‘It is peace I want in this world Jake and unity. When India and Pakistan split my grandfather came to India and settled here in this village. He felt it was a special place.’

I had to agree. The village really lived up to the expectations that my sister had given me. There was natural beauty and a sense of peace everywhere.

‘What do you do in the daytime yogi ji before you meet me?’ I asked because I had been a little bit curious.

‘You remember the school behind the temple ruins?’

‘Yes yogi ji’ I replied. I had seen a school there with children playing during the daytime.

‘I am a teacher there. I teach Hindi and English.’

Hindi is a common language in the north of India and the fact that yogi ji taught English also now made it obvious to me why his English was so good.

‘The Rai’s children are my students’ he continued.

‘Oh!’ I chuckled thinking about how mischievous they could be sometimes.

‘Sharing knowledge with others just makes me feel happy.’

‘I know it does yogi ji’ I smiled. I could tell that every time he taught me something that made me feel happy he felt a sense of inner satisfaction too.

‘Who taught you yoga?’ I then asked

‘My father and my grandfather mostly Jake. Yoga has been in our family for generations but I think my grandfather was the one who took it the most seriously because of what he had seen.’

[Stay tuned for Chapter 8: Karma next week]

About Namit Kathoria

Namit Kathoria has a Bachelors Degree from King’s College London in Pharmacy and a Masters Degree in Clinical Pharmacy from Queen’s University Belfast. He is also a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and has worked the Pharmacist Advisor to NHS Direct. He hence has a vast knowledge of health which he applies to his yoga teaching. He has studied yoga across the world including various parts of his native India including Dharamshala, Rishikesh and Mysore. He currently teaches yoga retreats in Spain at Yoga Sutra Shala in Sayalonga. To read more please visit www.retreats-yoga.com.