Raj's Yoga Blog

A mantra is a combination of syllables, sounds or phrases, realized by ancient sages, which have been widely known in India for thousands of years. They are evocative sounds and through their power of vibration have subtle, yet powerful and penetrating effects on the mind and body. --Swami Satyananda Saraswati

The ingredients of health and long life are prayer, Japa (Mantra repetition), Kirtan, meditation serenity, cosmic love, temperance, regulated life fresh open air, regular exercise, regulated breathing exercises or Pranayama, sun-bath and good wholesome food. Do unconditional and unreserved self-surrender to the Lord. He will take care of you. Be at ease. You will be free from fear and worries. You will enjoy health and happiness. Practice the presence of God. Behold Him in all faces, in all beings, in all forms. See Him everywhere. You will enjoy real peace, health and happiness. Meditate ceaselessly on the desireless, ever blissful Atman (the Self), Chant OM, Sing OM, Do Japa of OM. You will be blessed with health and happiness. Source: Sivananda YOGALIFE Magazine, Summer 2007.

I completed one month Yoga Teacher Training at the Yoga Institute Santacruz, Mumbai, India ( http://www.theyogainstitute.org/ ) in April 2010 and I would like to share my experience at The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, India. Overall experience was good but I wanted to learn more details about Yogic practices (Asanas, Pranayamas, Bandhas, Kriyas). In my opinion, the course is suitable for people who have not practiced Yoga before or have very less experience with Yoga and good for people especially from India as teachers quote such examples while teaching theory & concepts which could be understood by Indians only. In my humble opinion "The Yoga Institute" in Mumbai, India is not for people who are looking for deeper yoga training in a traditional way. Many asanas and pranayamas have been simplified to a great deal which is good for people who are not able to perform difficult postures. I have to agree that the teachers (who were part of one month Yoga teacher training prog