The inward journey

Rashmi shares her inward journey:
"..I entered Isha Yoga also without any expectations of radical or dramatic changes. And I continued to be a skeptic. But half way through the person who could not sit still in one position for more than 5 minutes began to experience physical and mental calm. ....
......And so I completed the 21 days of the Isha Yoga kriya. And I continue to practice it at least 5 times a week. I can feel a real difference. My mind is free of nnecessary thoughts and worries. And I don't get that easily irritated by flies - real or metaphorical....."

Read the complete article here: http://youthcurry.blogspot.com/2007/12/journey-within-i.html

Pied Piper in Mumbai

A Mumbaikar writes about his vision of 'God':
"....I am sure you all have read of the tale Pied Piper. This is a tale of this modern pied piper whom humans would follow like mice, no matter where he went, even till the end of the planet...
...We felt this child like love for him, as if he was our universal mother and we were all united with this one string called unconditional love for him....."
Read the full article here: http://ivorymystic.blogspot.com/2007/12/day-i-met-god.html

The power of two statements

Shivs writes how the Isha yoga programs have become a living reality for her.
"...I find these two statements creep into the smallest aspects of my life, and help direct me deeper and deeper inwards........so that I become in complete control of the situation, and I am no more just a puppet of the circumstance....."
Read the full article here: http://pausingtime.blogspot.com/2007/11/power-of-two-statements.html

A Dimension beyond words

Shivani describes her experience during her stay at the Ashram:
"....But something too huge has changed, the realization of something far bigger has come.....and as much as I resist it, as much as I keep wanting to think its hypnosis or someone fooling me, I know this is too real to leave unheard....."
Read the full article here: http://pausingtime.blogspot.com/2007/10/stillness-inside-of-dead-opening-pages.html

Shivani shares her Wholeness experience

Shivani shares her Wholeness experiences:
"....Me, me, could this really be,Was me so peaceful, so divine!..
...I thirst for more, a glimpse of it all,For that one moment of peace I feel,I could give it up, could I give it all?..."
Read the complete article here: http://pausingtime.blogspot.com/2007/09/experience-to-share.html

Dhyanyatra chronicles!

Suchoo shares dhyanyatra experiences. The walk towards the peak:
"...I wish the whole of the balance living years become a "dhyana yatra" for me and wish I am humble enough to learn from pains and sufferings also - if they are destined to happen....!!...."
"....When I turned back towards the door, a temple guy was literally embracing me asking me to put some money in hundi with my prayer...(he was telling me ..."sab teek ho jayegaa baisaab....chintaa math karnaa!!"...while I obeyed him, I wanted to cry back "sab badiyaaah..hai...baisaab.....!!"...."
Read the entire articles here:
http://jollymusings.blogspot.com/2007/11/dhyana-yatra-trip.html

Community Living at Isha

A skeptic looks at community living at Isha:
"...I remember the way I once felt in a cab on my way to the ashram - the inexplicable sense that there's no place else I'd rather be.At least just then.And for a while, for just a little while, it feels like perhaps I could allow myself to unbelong - and still be home....."

Read the full article here: http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/Community/Ashram_Life_Heaven_or_Hell92006.asp

Suchoo shares her Dhyanayatra experiences

Suchoo shares her Dhyanayatra experiences:
"...there were countless instances where the volunteers who have joined this tour have been silently adding value to the tour making our once in a life time tour really memorable...
...Isha is an unique world and very colourful with such enthusiastic and dedicated youth who act as pillars of the solid foundation....Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev !!..."

Read the full article here: http://jollymusings.blogspot.com/2007/10/professionalism-of-isha-walk-towards.html

The Charmer and the Charmed

Rams writes a poem about 'The Charmer'
"....Continues playing his magic flute,
I watch by, helplessly,
As I ceaseTo Exist..."
Read the full article here: http://ramsrules.blogspot.com/2007/10/charmer.html

Kirthi's poem

Kirthi's poem:
"...i remember the gentleness with which you used to set foot on this earth- ensuring that she got the warmth of your very being..."
Read the full article here: http://experiences-n-expressions.blogspot.com/2007/09/shoonya.html

Chistopher attends IE with sadhguru

Christopher shares his experience of Inner Engineering program with Sadhguru:
"....So in short…I went into this not being so sure what I was getting into and doubting the authenticity of this…but I have come away noticing a very positive change in my perception of existence. I can also say, that when you meet Sadhguru, you will melt into feeling freedom. Again, all of this is just a story to you know, but you have to go and just be there and go through it to know what the hell I’m talking about right now....."
Read the full article here: http://chrisonscooter.wordpress.com/2007/04/05/sowhat-happened-over-the-past-few-days/#comment-54

Ganesha Everywhere

BSP sharing from someone in Hyderabad:
"....Post BSP, my experiences in terms of my perceptions had changed so much that I started taking a closer look at these idols and could see a life behind every idol – the life of a craftsman who had painstakingly moulded the earth to get a beautiful shape. ...."
Read the full article here: http://nammajeevana.wordpress.com/2007/09/07/ganesha-everywhere/

What did you do to these people?

Deepak writes about his participation/volunteering at the Isha Gramotsavam:
".... 'I see people working day and night in the roads for this function. What did you do to these people?'.....People were dancing joyously for some strange reason you cannot point a finger at....."
Read the full article here: http://deepakktsnapshot.blogspot.com/2007/09/isha-gramotsavam.html

'I don’t see anything else but myself'

Soulmate covers the Isha Gramotsavam:
"...Sadhguru began with an explanation on why a mystic that he was, was planting trees. 'I am a Yogi. In this supreme state of evolution, only I exist. It is natural for me to take care of myself. So these planting trees and running medical centres, because I don’t see anything else but myself.' Just as one would attend to a hurting thumb, it was difficult for him to sit back when a part of him was suffering, he said..."
Read the full article here: http://soulmatemedia.blogspot.com/2007/09/isha-foundation.html

Disruptive market place ahead!

Balaji writes about the latest Isha Business:
"....Typically, a for-profit spin-off by a non-profit kills both. But given the background of the man in the helm of Isha Foundation - Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, Isha Business will be a proof by exception and possibly game changer too. Prior to his intense Yogic Experience at the wilderness of Chammundi Hills, Mysore, Jaggi Vasudev was a successful entrepreneur. And there is no dearth of talent, expertise or access for Isha Foundation to take Isha Business to success. Non-profits wakeup! Disruptive market place ahead!..."
Read the full article here: http://labsji.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/isha-business-a-potent-bold-way-to-fundscale-social-ventures/

Feel good factor 110%!

'Stottpot' covers the plantation celebration at the Isha Gramotsavam:
"....As I wondered around the festival site, I found people working together, happily and with a common goal. It was a pleasure to witness...."
Read the full article here: http://stottpot.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/planting-celebration/

Mystic's Musings

Christopher writes his experience of reading the book 'Mystic's Musings'.
".....And may I say that this book was worth all the time it took to read, because it blew my mind…literally broke my mind...This book literally felt like a huge step in my spiritual adventure, and I have finished the book with a new perspective and a fresh sense of joy about things...."
Read the complete article here: http://chrisonscooter.wordpress.com/2007/03/14/mystics-musings/

The First Day

Shivs describes her first visit to the Isha yoga center:
"...I feel a bit restless right now.....so many things in my mind, so many uncertainities. I don't even know exactly why I'm here.....but I'll find out is what I tell myself. For now I'm just being and doing what is necessary. I will believe in the energy vested here and let it take me places........"
Read the full article here: http://pausingtime.blogspot.com/2007/09/my-first-day-at-isha-ashram.html

Rajadurai volunteers for the Wholeness program

Rajadurai shares his experience of volunteering for the Wholeness Programme conducted by Sadhguru.

I got an opportunity to volunteer for Wholeness program that happened at Ashram last week. It was a seven day program with Sadhguru. My wife attended the program and I volunteered. It was an amazing experience to narrate in words.

I had attended wholeness program in Aug 2006. The volunteering experience this time was quite different. We had Sadhguru Darshan all the seven days. The program included Hatha yoga, Kriyas, Shoonya and sathsangs with Sadhguru twice a day. Swami Ullasa was the teacher. Sadhguru initiated the participants into Shoonya. Volunteers were allowed inside Spandha hall for all the evening Sathsangs. We were also allowed to participate in the Guru Pooja by Sadhguru prior to Shoonya initiation. That experience cannot be explained in words. Spandha hall was a different world with Sadhguru’s energy.

There were evening walks with Sadhguru into the forest and also to a nearby tribal village on another day.

There was also a trek to Velliangiri first hill top. While participants started climbing at 8.30 AM, we volunteers started at 6 AM carrying about 10 kgs of load each to prepare food for the participants at the hill top. We had a 1.25 hrs trek. I felt almost broken carrying the load. But it was unbelievable when I reached the hilltop in 1.25 Hrs. I still remember it took 2 Hrs when I climbed last year as a participant yet with no load. We were again carrying huge barrels of water on the hill top with an ease which I can’t even dream of doing on my routine day at home. Sadhguru works in different ways! There was a Sathsang with Sadhguru at the hill top. There he sang “Nadha Brahma”. One of the celebrity participants Sudha Ragunathan sang a classical song in praise of Shiva which brought out tears to quite a many. Our downhill walk was much more exciting. It started raining when we were at the hilltop. So the entire path became very slippery with mud and it was quite risky. It took more time to reach Ashram than our morning trek. Participants belonging to all age groups completed the trek joyfully and safely in spite of the rain.

Grandeur dinner was arranged for the participants on three evenings (twice in the lawn in front of spandha hall and once inside the dining hall). With the live music of Sounds of Isha soothing the ears, it was an ethereal atmosphere in Sadhguru’s presence.

I belonged to decoration team through the entire program. It was a nice experience to decorate Spandha hall in a different way each day and also the lawn for dinners. We had two wakeful nights too. Yet it did not feel so in our experience. We worked the next days too.

In Ashram, time does not exist. It stood still. Yet seven days went past like a small dream. The closing ceremony of the program happened on Saturday morning. Thankfully, volunteers were also allowed inside the Spandha hall. It was an emotional 2 hrs. There was a meditation and chanting towards the end of the program. When Sadhguru chanted the 3 songs (including Nagendra Haraya), we all burst into a world which was totally Sadhguru’s! No eyes were left without tears. When Sadhguru blessed each participant with a lotus flower, they played “Deva Devasya” by Pandit Jasraj. It was all tears of love. We were totally drenched in Sadhguru’s grace. Participants and volunteers began dancing in joy when they played Sounds of Isha tracks.

After lunch, the Participants parted with pain. We bought the book “Encounter the enlightened” and got it signed by Sadhguru.

“If tears of love, joy, and ecstasy have not washed your cheeks, you are yet to taste life.” – Sadhguru

We certainly did taste at least a little.

My words might not have conveyed what we experienced, yet I wanted to share with you all.

Prabhu volunteers for Inner Enginnering - London

Prabhu Loganathan shares his experiences of volunteering for the Inner Engineering program held in London.

I had an opportunity to volunteer myself for inner engineering happened here in London. I wanted to share my experience with you all.

Before coming to UK, i called up the organisers and enrolled myself for volunteering. They had also arranged for stay in a volunteer house.

I started to London from Sheffield (where my work is based) last Friday. There were so many surprises awaiting me.

I met the volunteer at the train station and he drove me to his home. His name is Satwinder. He shared that his children are studying and wife is working at ashram home school. He & his mom will also join ashram in few months after completing some formalities here. I was very happy to hear that.

I had a guilty feeling about my inability to support isha in a bigger way. Having understood that Satwinder convinced me that his way was different and it may not be necessarily be the same for others. I accepted it.

The next day we went to the venue where the program was happening. I was bit reluctant as my stupid mind was busy in concluding things about the program.

The moment i entered into the kitchen all my conclusions were shattering. To my surprise, there was no difference in the atmosphere that i had in India. The same smile, the same namaskaram with the habit that without even asking who am i. I was really feeling home.

The count of volunteers had outnumbered the participants. Teacher (Sheela) had mentioned that this has been happening for most of the classes and that was good.

As there were more volunteers and the work was only few, some of us were idle for sometime. But i could feel the awareness even those times. Finding tiny tiny jobs and doing them, made us happy.

We had fruit salad and herbal drink for snacks.

We were allowed inside the class room after that. The class was about food. I happened to capture something that i missed when i attended the class. That was Sadhguru saying "if you have an awareness to live a higher life, you can eat anything you want". I had to have some negative pranic food on the same day night. But i was aware that the food is only for body and said to myself that i wouldn't fall into trap again whatever happens.

Back to class:

Also i had a chance to find myself deceiving regarding acceptance. Time for re-learning that "if you cannot accept, Accept that you cannot accept". That made me realise how foolish i am to deceive myself as if i was accepting everything. Only then i came to know that i cannot accept few things.

This has brought me a different dimension in my experience. When i accept that i cannot accept that is inevitable, i can avoid suffering and see what makes me not to accept. This brings more awareness to myself and stops self-deceiving.

I was to fortunate enough to watch Sadhguru's video beautifully explaining how this karmic baggage was created. I accepted and re-iterated myself to "experience the way it is", not to like or dislike. If i like or dislike, i will again start into dividing the world. When i divide my world i can only dream of unity not be united. I was able to watch my mind was being wiped without leaving any marks.

The big day (initiation day) had arrived.

The next day we had games in the morning. We were unable to make it up and went to venue straightly.

Back to kitchen. I don't know the English name for most of the food items. Thank Sadhguru that i had learnt some of them. There were even more volunteers in the kitchen on Sunday. We loved doing works as and when necessary and paused for a while enjoying by observing what others doing at idle times.

We had a small meet regarding allocation of works and targeted making lunch within an hour. When things were 95% complete, we were asked to come into the classroom.

Sadhguru voice started initiating the participants with grace & love. There was some problem with the audio system. Even though we hadn't opened our eyes (i believe so as i was closing my eyes).

It was just few moments!!!!!! I let the way it happened. It broke off.

Teacher asked the participants to have lunch. I was thinking that it wouldn't have been ready.

Again it was amazing that everything was in order. We had the background music (Sounds of Isha) playing. Though the participants were busy talking we didn't disturb them. So thought the teacher.

The session was wound up with 'Isha Video' followed by Q&A session.

I had no words to describe how Sadhguru has been working to make such difference even in a country where people are in a different culture and who had not any spiritual background. The truth struck that "how blissful we are".

There was the Sathsang after that. I had to leave in order to catch the train.

I had a feel that as if leaving from home with tears in heart asking "into the trap again?".

My mind nodded gently & silently "no way".

The deafening silence

Balaji lamets on the fact that
"When an A-lister bites the toenail it is discussed with vivid detail in Blogosphers. When something Earth changing like a Mass Tree Planting Marathon is underway, I’m surprised by the deafening silence!"
Read the full article here: http://labsji.wordpress.com/2006/10/17/project-green-hands-mass-tree-planting-marathon/

'IshaIT' dabbles on saving the world!

Deepak shares his experience of volunteering for Project green hands.
"Work moves effortlessly! Some how, the group brings with it, a catalyst that turns mundane work in to a flow - a flowing rythm - that you realize only at the end. I think two hours must have passed - at the end, we had bagged about 1200 packets.
.....
One elusive art I am trying to put my finger on is to see how to bring this quality to my day-to-day Life. If things move effortlessly inside, no matter what the outside situation - this is the only goal that all of Isha's programs try to achieve for the common person. One volunteer was in tears at the end of her sharing."
Read the rest here: http://deepakktsnapshot.blogspot.com/2007/09/project-green-hands-2nd-sep-2007.html

Mystic's Musings

Chris reads "Mystic's Musings" and shares his thoughts and experiences:
"Well, well, I have finally completed Mystic’s Musings. And may I say that this book was worth all the time it took to read, because it blew my mind…literally broke my mind. This book documented a series of conversations between “seekers” and Sadhguru, and he covered issues of life, death, rebirth, suffering, karma, and the journey of the Self. Candid, audacious, and unpretentious, Sadhguru slices conventional definitions of morality, religion, and spirituality, and pushes the reader into uncomfortable, yet ultimately comfortable spaces. This book literally felt like a huge step in my spiritual adventure, and I have finished the book with a new perspective and a fresh sense of joy about things."
Read the entire article here: http://chrisonscooter.wordpress.com/2007/03/14/mystics-musings/

Vinay gets plugged-in

Vinay attends Inner-Engineering program:
"....but it was quite an experience. During the initiation, I was shivering and shaking all over. Probably, it must have been due to the energies of so many people around. But, after the initiation to this day whenever I practice the Shambhavi Mahamudra I am shivering all over though not with the same intensity as on the day of initiation. Dunno whats it all about.
But now I happen to be doing both vipassana and isha yoga practices. No idea where all this is heading to........ "
Read the complete article here: http://vinay.in/isha-yoga

Savita Flying high after BSP!

Savita shares her experience about Bhava Spandana Program:
BSP Experience:

I don’t know how to start. Basically I am a very talkative girl. I had so many doubts before going to BSP – how can I stay for 4 days away from family. But after BSP, I wanted to stay in the ashram for some more days. I did not even think about my family for these 4 days. Before BSP, I felt there is something I am missing in life. I am not satisfied. I used to think about it many times but no answer. But BSP answered all my questions. All gaps are filled. I am fully satisfied with my life now.

I feel like a new born child. All past history is erased out of my mind. When I see the leaf, mountain or my relatives, I feel I am seeing them for the first time with lots of love and affection. My entire house is filled with peace and love.

I am walking – no, I should say I am flying. My body is very light. Absolutely no thoughts. I don’t want to talk to anybody. I just want to be myself. These 4 days have changed my life altogether.

In one meditation, I reached my highest energy level almost 3 times. Tears rushed from my eyes not withstanding the energy flow. I wanted to be in that state for ever. Another time, I witnessed my own death, I realized my body is not me. My whole body froze. I don’t know where my hands are. It is true that BSP is once in a lifetime experience.

So far I have not seen Sadhguru in person. When I see him in video itself, I will start crying. Last day of BSP, I saw hundreds of Sadhguru in front of me. All the people around me were Sadhguru. Just imagine my feelings. I could not withstand the powerful energies around me. I almost dissolved.

After BSP – for 10 days, I was in a dream land. I am doing things – but it is not me. I am walking – but I could not feel my legs. Sadhguru’s words in website had the true meaning of my state of mind. – ‘LIVING LIFE UNTOUCHED’.

Now I realize, all these days we have been running around things which are useless. Without knowing the purpose of life, we have wasted all these days. But, better late than never, - now I know the purpose of my life. This feeling is simply great.

Just to preserve this state of mind, I am doing meditation and kriyas everyday.

Some wonders after BSP – when I think of somebody, immediately they call me. I was surprised. So many strangers come to me and talk voluntarily with so much happiness. In a temple, I was just looking at an old person. He came near me and told me – ‘I see you are very happy. You are spreading happiness to this whole place. The purpose of life is to make others happy. I am very happy to meet you.’

I just started crying holding his hands.

How can 4 days make such a huge difference in anybody’s life? I really want to explore more. I have decided to attend HATA yoga and SAMYAMA this year. I want everybody to experience BSP. I have decided to send my whole family one by one.

Rams completes his Silence Program

Rams recounts his experience of his first Samyama program:
"Man, for the dosage he gives, the pain encountered during the preparations was nothing but a mean trifle. I don't have words to put my state as language is handicapped when it comes to experience."
Read the complete article here: http://ramsrules.blogspot.com/2006/03/insanely-intoxicated.html

Kannan shares his Bliss

Kannan recounts how his mother dragged him into his bliss:
"It was then I realized how big a blunder it would have been, if I had objected to my mom's decision and failed to attend the so called Yoga class!, haa, now the very thought of having not attended this, sends a sharp chill down my spine....."
Read the full article here: http://www.kannanv.com/kannanv/index2.html

Somebody gets floored!

Our man gets floored after attending the 8-day Isha Yoga program!
"I don’t know how I can express my gratitude to Swami Lokanetra who handled one of these courses. I have not been with him for more than 20 days, but I can see him changing my life. Initially I was very distant from him. I went to his discourses wearing denims that I had not washed for days. While he was dressed in white kurta which was impeccably clean. There could not be two people who are more different at least externally. "
Read the complete article here: http://antorocks.blogspot.com/2005/11/what-is-that-i-want-from-life.html

Vivek's journey

Vivek shares his journey from being a participant in the Isha Yoga program to being a Program organizer:
"My volunteering in Isha has transformed me as an individual.Made me more outreaching & humane . I now have more friends and well wishers.I am able to concentrate more in my business.I have good relationship with my family members. I'm able to balance between family & businessbetter now."
http://vivektut.blogspot.com/2006/07/vivektutl-my-osha-experiences-i-was.html

Kansas is going bye-bye

Prasanna Srinivasan writes about his experience of Isha Yoga program:
"If i had to relive my whole 23 yrs again, going thru all the hardships again, i wil do all of them, with a big smile, keeping this day in mind
Today was just awesome.That was the truth at that moment. "
Read the full article here: http://prasannasv.livejournal.com/2832.html

Volunteering

Anonymous had just finished his/her first volunteering:
"I've been thinking hard of something intelligent to say when I will have an opportunity to meet him and get his blessings this evening .. but I think I'll just shut up and let the moment take over and do what naturally happens."
Read the full article here: http://gondooz.blogspot.com/2006/11/volunteering.html

The Pilgrimage

Shobha Vishwanath visits the Isha Yoga Centre.
"An enormous feeling of quietness envelops me and I close my eyes. Not in prayer, not in entreaty or invocation. I feel my eyes brim with tears. They spill and pour and run down my cheeks and as much as my mind tells me to cut it out, they flow. My logic cannot fathom this strangeness. Yet I know when I open my eyes that nothing was, or ever will be the same as before. "
Read the full article here: http://www.indiatravelogue.com/leis/pilg/piltr1.html

Nothing is the same again

Deepak writes about his Bhava Spandana experiences:
"If only for a moment,
But Oh! – Nothing is the same again. "
Read the full article here: http://deepakktrenewal.blogspot.com/2005/01/bhava-spandana.html

The Angel

Shruthi's goes to the ashram where she see an 'Angel in White'. :-)
"In the background, emerald green hills, grey clouds, green lawns, with the rain coming down. And framed in this setting, stood a vision, swathed in spotless white. The pure white in stark contrast to the bright green lawns, freshly washed with rain. "
Read the full article here: http://nychthemeron.blogspot.com/2006/07/angel-in-white.html

Ausgezeichnet

Kalki talks about his/her experience of the Isha Yoga Program.
"That moment experince was impeccable.I could not help tears rolling down from my eyes.On the way back home I thought may be the classes have ended but my journey towards a completely different path has begun!!!!...."
Read the full article here: http://thedal-vp.blogspot.com/2006/06/enthralling-experience.html

The Heady spiritual cocktail"

Nagini shares her experience of going to Kedar with Sadhguru:
"When I left the temple that evening, I was filled with awe and gratitude for the experience I had received, which I knew was in no small part a result of being accompanied by Sadhguru on this journey. Sadhguru later described Kedarnath itself as a ‘heady spiritual cocktail’ --an unfathomable mixture of elevated spiritual energies from every kind of extreme yogic process that has been practiced there for thousands of years. My mind-blowing experience of Kedarnath was a blissful sip of that cocktail. It is a drink everyone should taste at least once in their lifetime."
Read the complete post here: http://alivingmystic.blogspot.com/2006/03/below-is-article-i-wrote-about.html

How her ocean calmed

Theresa talks beatifully about how her own ocean has calmed down these days:
"The spiritual is in the everyday moment. When I hate where I am or what I'm doing, I reject the love and joy that is there waiting and wanting to be a part of my experience. Nothing needs change for that to come to me, except my own perception. There is great power in a simple change of perspective. That's all that's happened in my life. I've had a change of perspective. The facts of my life are still the same. Only the inside has shifted some."
Read the full post here: http://www.xanga.com/merridian/568718512/item.html