YogLek

07/12/2025

PRANAYAMA - MEETING OUR INNER VITALITY

Some days, everything just feels… off. We all have those days when the mind is all over the place, the breath feels tight, and it is like the whole inside of us is moving in different directions. I’ve had plenty of those days. And honestly, on days like that, no advice helps. What I really need is just a moment to come back home to myself. That doorway has always been the breath, knowingly or unknowingly.

Over time, in my own practice and while teaching, I have realised something simple but so true: our breath always shows us what is happening inside. While life becomes rushed, the breath shortens. When we are anxious, it turns uneven. When emotions weigh us down, the breath quietly carries that heaviness. And yet we hardly pause to notice it.

That is exactly where Pranayama gently steps in - not to fix us, but to sit beside us like an old friend while we pause, listen, and slowly find our balance again. And the beginning does not need anything big- just a quiet corner, a willingness to pause and a few gentle breaths. As you inhale, you gather yourself; as you exhale, you release what you no longer need. Soon, the mind settles, the body relaxes, and the quiet sense of ‘all is well’ starts to return.

What looks simple from the outside is, in truth, a deep inner science. As explained in The Prana and Pranayama (Yoga Publications Trust, Bihar School of Yoga, Munger) by Swamiji_ Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati. Pranayama is far beyond breathing exercises. It is about tuning prana — the subtle life force that animates us. The breath is the doorway, but prana is what truly transforms from within.

The book describes our pranic system with such clarity. We have five major currents- Prana, Samana, Apana, Udana and Vyana - each governing different aspects of physical and mental functioning. Alongside them are the upa-pranas, which look after the finer processes of our body, like sneezing, yawning, etc. When these energies flow smoothly, we feel lighter, centred and naturally energized. And when they don’t, that strange inner fatigue shows up - the kind that appears even when we eat well, rest well, and seem to be doing everything right.

This is where different pranayamas make such a difference. Some techniques are energising, some are balancing, some are deeply calming. Honestly, this is the stage where people begin to truly feel prana. Before this, prana often feels like a concept — something we visualise, imagine, or philosophise about.

Practices like psychic breathing, Naadi Shodhan, adding Hastha Mudras as well as Prana mudra Pranayam slowly take us from the outer breath to the inner breath, where we begin actually to feel 'prana'. Not as imagination but as a lived experience - a soft warmth, a gentle tingling, a sense of expansion or just a subtle awareness. It differs for each person, yet the experience is unmistakably real.

When a student shares such an experience it just fills up my heart in the nicest way.Because, that is the moment their practice stops being mechanical and becomes experiential.

In the end, Pranayama does not promise miracles, nor is it magic. It is just about tuning the subtle energy that sustains us, helping us sense when prana is scattered, depleted, or flowing freely. It simply gives us presence, clarity, calmness, and that little bit of space inside that makes everything feel lighter. With time, it stops being a “practice” and becomes a quiet companion - an anchor you can return to whenever the world feels loud.

So if you can, take a few minutes today. Sit with your breath...Just a gentle awareness of your inhalation, your exhalation, and the still space in between. You may be surprised at how much shifts when you give your breath a chance to speak.

04/12/2025

JUST A PERSONAL REFLECTION!

Sn. Devanandji, my teacher and mentor in the Bihar School of Yoga Tradition- listening to the podcast felt exactly like being back in his class- grounding, inspiring and filled with simple, profound wisdom.

The heart of the interview is 'The Bhagavad Gita'. As Sn. Devanandji beautifully points out, the Gita is not just a spiritual text; it is the classical text of yoga. Spoken in the middle of a battlefield, it reminds us that Yoga is not an escape from life but a way of engaging with life with more clarity, courage and steadiness. Bhagavad Gita is perhaps the greatest management manual for today's youth - a guide on how to act without anxiety, how to work without losing yourself, how to find inner balance even when the outer world feels chaotic.

Listening to him speak, I felt once again how this tradition has shaped me - a tradition that moves quietly and sincerely. No promotions, no advertisements, no noise. If you have reached a teacher from this lineage, perhaps you were destined to. Everything unfolds organically. That is the beauty of this tradition. Yes, A tradition where the teachings find you at the right time and once they do, they settle into your life most naturally!

I am grateful to be part of this lineage, grateful for a teacher who embodies its essence and so happy that his words are reaching so many more hearts through this podcast.

tapasvibhyo ’dhiko yogī
jñānibhyo ’pi mato ’dhikaḥ
karmibhyaśh chādhiko yogī
tasmād yogī bhavārjuna

Meaning :
The yogi is greater than the ascetic,
greater even than the scholar,
and greater than the one who performs rituals.
Therefore, Arjuna, become a yogi.( BG 6.46 )

A yogic way of living - with awareness, steadiness and inner clarity is the highest path. And that is exactly what this tradition nurtures - not doing yoga but becoming a Yogi!

Welcome to a journey of Yoga, Gita, and Inner Transformation.Join Devanand Ji, an experienced yoga teacher trained at the Bihar School of Yoga, as he reveals...

15/11/2025

FROM FOMO TO JOMO

Sometimes I feel the young generation is constantly pulled in many directions. There is always something happening somewhere, and the fear of missing out sneaks in quietly. I understand this so well because I also went through it. My FOMO was not about events or trends….mine was a constant hunger for new knowledge, new information, new insights. I wanted to know everything. I felt that if I didn’t keep learning continuously, I would fall behind, and without realising it, this restlessness started draining my energy.

But yoga slowly began to change that for me. Not in a dramatic way - but gently, from the inside. When I started practising regularly, I began to see how much of my mind’s rush came from comparison and insecurity. Even something positive like learning can become overwhelming when it is driven by fear instead of clarity. Yoga taught me to pause, to breathe and to observe myself honestly. Bit by bit, I realised I don’t have to chase every piece of information that comes my way. I can trust my own pace.

I feel today’s young people are very capable. They think, analyse, weigh pros and cons… they are smarter than they sometimes realise. All they need is a little inner stillness to know where to place their energy. Yoga helps with that. When you sit quietly, even for a few minutes, you begin to understand your strengths and your weaknesses with honesty and without judgment. You see where your energy should go, and where it shouldn’t. You stop running behind everything, and you start choosing what truly matters.

My own freedom from FOMO came from a deeper place, too. A lot of it has been my inner journey - my acceptance and the gratitude practice. Over time, I understood that life flows in its own rhythm. Every day, yoga brings me back to that truth. It helps me follow my heart, enjoy simple things and stay aligned with myself. I still have a wild heart inside, always curious and excited, but now, it has a direction. It doesn’t pull me restlessly anymore.

I feel grateful that Yoga crossed my path, that it softened me, steadied me, and showed me that I don’t have to fear missing out. When I am connected to myself, I am exactly where I need to be. Nothing is missed. Nothing is lost. Everything comes to me at the right time. So instead of fearing what I might miss, I am learning to enjoy what I choose. Maybe that is what life is gently teaching us- to slow down, to breathe, to trust ourselves a little more. So, yes - let us embrace the ‘Joy of Missing Out’ …JOMO. Because when we are present, nothing meaningful is ever missed out.

10/11/2025

GRANDMA'S KEERTHAN TO GEN Z EFFECT - THE BHAJAN WITHIN

Bhajans and Kirtans are not something I discovered later in life - they were the foundation of my childhood, the background score of my existence.

I was blessed to grow between two ancestral homes - paternal and maternal- both steeped in devotion. In both homes, my grandmothers were deeply spiritual; their strong faith and devotion quietly defined the rhythm of daily life. And both homes had the close presence of a temple. So, my mornings didn't begin with an alarm but with temple bells or devotional hymns or songs playing through loudspeakers. At dawn and dusk, my grandmothers would sit by the lamp singing kirtans in voices filled with unwavering devotion. That was life. That was home.
As life unfolded and I naturally gravitated toward yoga and eventually became a yoga teacher, I realised something beautiful:
Bhajans are not separate from yoga. They are yoga -the path of Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion, the yoga that opens the heart.

One recent experience remains etched in my soul - the Lakshmi Narayan Mahayagna at Sannyas Peeth, Bihar School of Yoga, in 2024.
The bhajans started softly, then the claps joined, the rhythm grew, the energy swelled, and before anyone realised, the entire hall stood up together- Smiling, swaying, totally immersed. No planning, no instructions, just surrender!
I stood up too and joined the singing and dancing.
Not because I thought about it… But because something inside me peaked and moved on its own.
​
Last year, Nandagovindam bhajans became a part of my everyday soundtrack - in the kitchen, while working, during quiet moments, in the in-between pauses of life. When their Guruvayur performance happened the other day, I so wished I could be there, but I ended up watching it online. And still, even through a screen, the energy was unreal. Thousands singing together, voices rising, hearts opening. That same familiar peak -where sound becomes surrender, and surrender becomes bliss.

And that brings me to the viral trend happening among the younger generation - the rise of ‘Bhajan Clubbing’ -a new kind of spiritual euphoria among Gen Z.

Young souls gathering under fairy lights, singing devotional lyrics over fusion beats, clapping in rhythm, radiating collective joy. Their setting may look different from temples and ashrams - but the feeling? The feeling is the same.

The same longing.
The same surrender.
The same need to connect.

Yes, the expressions evolve, the beats transform, the vibe changes with generations…
But the essence remains the same.

From my grandmothers’ voices in temple-draped ancestral homes…
To the sacred halls of Bihar School of Yoga…
To Nandagovindam on my phone speakers…
To young voices of the Bhajan Clubbing trend....
One truth echoes unchanged:
A bhajan is not just a song — it is a bridge back to the heart.

16/10/2025

NEUROPLASTICITY AND YOGA – REWIRING YOUR MIND

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “That is just the way I am, I can’t change now”?
I have said it too. Maybe it is about being too anxious, losing patience easily or struggling to focus. We all carry patterns that feel permanent.
Here is the truth. Science has discovered something remarkable – our brain can learn, grow and change at any age. This is called Neuroplasticity. Sounds like a big word, right? - It simply means our brain can rewire itself, like updating an old roadmap with new routes.
Think about it – Have you ever learned to cook a new dish, or picked up a new hobby later in life? At first, it feels awkward. But with practice, it becomes natural. That is neuroplasticity in action!
Every thought we repeat, every emotion we dwell on, and every action we choose leaves a mark. Over time, these marks become habits, and those habits shape who we are.
Here is the good news! - If we can create patterns of stress, we can also create patterns of peace, joy and clarity.
Now, you might ask, what does this have to do with yoga?
A lot, actually.
Yoga is not just about bending or stretching. It is about training the body, breath and mind to work in harmony.
Let me share something personal – On stressful days, my mind used to race in circles. I could not sleep, and my thoughts would not stop. Then I began to practice deep, mindful breathing – just five minutes before bed. I noticed my breath calming down, my heart slowing and sleep coming peacefully. Over time, this became my body’s new habit. My brain had learned calmness.
This is how Yoga rewires the mind:
When you move mindfully in asanas, your brain learns balance and awareness.
When you sit quietly and breathe deeply, your brain learns relaxation.
When you practice Yoga Nidra, your brain learns how to let go.
When you meditate, your brain learns focus.
It is like carving a new walking path in a forest. At first, the path is rough and hard to see, but the more you walk on it, the clearer and stronger it becomes and soon, it feels natural.

RESHAPING THE MIND, NOT JUST THE BODY

With steady practice, Yoga does not just change the body- it reshapes the mind and personality. Science calls it neuroplasticity, but long before science gave it a name, yogis understood that inner discipline and awareness could transform the very pattern of our being.
So, let me ask you, what patterns do you wish to change?
Stress? Restlessness? Lack of focus?
Imagine being able to gently guide your brain toward peace, clarity and strength! – Yoga gives us that power.
Next time you roll out your mat, remember - You are not just stretching your body, you are training your mind, you are planting the seeds of a ‘new’ you, and you are creating a life filled with calmness and joy.

27/08/2025

YOGA CAPSULES: A DAILY PRESCRIPTION FOR INNER BALANCE
[Sharing the wisdom of my Guru, Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati ]

Life often teaches us to push through stress or escape it, but yoga gently reminds us to pause, breathe, and reconnect with ourselves. Swamiji designed these yoga capsules so that anyone, regardless of their busy life, can incorporate the essence of yoga into their daily living.

A yoga capsule is not a lengthy session that demands you to rearrange your schedule. Instead, it is a set of small, bite-sized practices spread throughout the day. Taken together, they require only about 40 to 50 minutes, yet because they are divided into simple, manageable segments, they feel light and effortless.

The Five Yoga Capsules

Here is how Swamiji beautifully designed these transformative practices:

Capsule 1: Morning Mantras

Before stepping out of bed, awaken your day with sacred sound vibrations that uplift your heart and mind:
*Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra – 11 repetitions for healing and overall well-being
**Gayatri Mantra – 11 repetitions to awaken clarity and wisdom
***32 Names of Durga – 3 rounds to invoke courage and strength
These mantras work deeply on the subconscious, planting seeds of positivity for the day ahead. I have found that this simple ritual makes mornings calmer, brighter, and full of purpose.

Capsule 2: Energising Asanas (Before Breakfast, 10–15 minutes)

After freshening up, give your body a gentle wake-up call:
*Tadasana (Palm Tree Pose)
*Tiryaka Tadasana (Swaying Palm Tree Pose)
*Kati Chakrasana (Waist Twist)
*Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations)
*An inverted posture (Vipareetkarani or Sarvangasana, if suitable)
*A brief relaxation in Shavasana
This short series opens up your energy channels, brings lightness to the body, and prepares you for the day.

Capsule 3: Energising Pranayama

*Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
*Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath)
Capsules 3 and 4 act as a reset button, awakening the body, steadying the breath, and clearing the mind. If you cannot fit this pranayama practice into your morning, it works beautifully as a midday breathing break before lunch.

Capsule 4: Afternoon Yoga Nidra

Before transitioning into evening activities, take a short, restorative Yoga Nidra:
*Lie down in Shavasana.
*Rotate awareness systematically through the body.
*Watch the breath or silently repeat “So-Ham”.
This simple power nap-like practice dissolves the fatigue and worries of the day, helping you meet your family and evening life with fresh energy and calmness.

Capsule 5: Evening Reflection and Meditation

End your day in peace and gratitude. Spend 5–10 minutes reviewing the day, moment by moment, as if you were watching a film. See your experiences with compassion rather than judgment. Over time, this deepens mindfulness and self-awareness.

A Gardener’s Path

Swamiji often reminds us that we are not meant to be warriors in life, but gardeners. Each of us is given a small patch of land—our body, mind, and soul. With care and consistent effort, we can nurture this space into a flourishing garden. Yoga capsules are a way to begin this gentle cultivation. Just a few mindful moments each day can lead to profound inner growth over time. All that is required is your willingness to take these small, nourishing steps daily.

17/07/2025

MORNING YOGA OR EVENING YOGA - WHICH IS BETTER?

This is a question that often comes up in yoga circles - and even more often in our own minds as we try to fit a consistent practice into a busy day. Should I do yoga in the morning? Or is evening just as good?

THE BEAUTY OF MORNING YOGA

There is something undeniably special about greeting the day with yoga. The early hours offer a clean slate. Morning practice helps anchor the body and mind, allowing one to set intentions and step into the day with clarity and strength.
Traditionally, yoga sadhana includes a blend of
*asana[ postures]- to awaken the body
* pranayama -to steady the breath
*meditation- to centre awareness and
* relaxation- for integration.

Practicing at dawn is like letting a gentle Sun rise inside - gradually lighting up one’s inner space.

THE GIFT OF EVENING PRACTICE

Evening yoga has its own quiet magic. As the day winds down, it offers a pause to release physical fatigue and mental clutter. It is like unpacking the emotional and physical baggage of the day and preparing oneself for a restful night.

Having said that, evening practices are best kept gentle. It is not the time for intense backbends or energizing pranayama. Rather, it is a space for

*deep stretches
*calming breathwork
*yoga nidra and
* restorative postures.

As the world begins to quieten again, yoga becomes a refuge to return to oneself.

SO, WHICH ONE IS BETTER?

It depends entirely on a person’s lifestyle, energy patterns and intention. Some find mornings energizing and purposeful while others cherish the soothing quality of evening movement. There is no universal rule-Yoga gracefully meets each person where they are.

And what if your biggest hurdle is TIME?

It is here that I want to mention the YOGA CAPSULE, thoughtfully designed by Param Pujya Swami Niranjananda Saraswathi, the spiritual head of the Bihar School of Yoga. In today’s fast paced world, making time for regular yogic practice can be difficult. Understanding this, Swamiji has given us a simple yet powerful solution- a short daily sadhana that supports all aspects of health without needing major changes to one’s lifestyle.

Each Yoga Capsule takes just 10 to 15 minutes a day.

It includes:
*3 mantras for focus and inner connection
*3- 5 asanas for movement and flexibility
*2 pranayam techniques to balance the breath
*A short relaxation to complete the practice.

Just like we might take a daily vitamin for physical health, these yoga capsules nourish the body, calm the mind and balance the emotions.

Swamiji’s intention is clear and compassionate - To help people, no matter how busy they are, stay connected with yoga in a regular and meaningful way.

With deep gratitude to Swamiji and the Bihar School of Yoga, I truly believe the Yoga Capsule can make a big difference!

Let Yoga become your daily companion - whether under the rising Sun or in the quiet of Twilight!

Hari Om Tat Sat!

P.S. Curious about the Yoga Capsule? I will be sharing it more deeply in my next blog post.
Stay tuned!

10/07/2025

FROM SEEKING A PERSON TO REALIZING A PRESENCE
- My Jouney into Guru Tattwa

On this Sacred day, I offer my heartfelt pranams to the Guru Parampara, the timeless lineage of wisdom guiding sincere seekers across generations. Today, we not only honour the teachers who have shaped us outwardly, but also the Guru Tattwa , the inner guiding light that reveals itself quietly and unexpectedly.
This blog is my offering on this special day- a personal journey of what the word ‘Guru’ has come to mean to me over the years. From seeking outside to discovering within, from confusion to clarity, from the title to the truth!

WHEN SOMEONE CALLED ME ‘GURU’

Not long ago, at a small formal gathering, one of my students introduced me,sincerely, as her ‘Yoga GURU’. I was touched,but also humbled by the weight of that word. I took that opportunity to speak of the tradition I follow, where the word ‘Guru’ is not used lightly. It is not merely a mark of respect, it is a sacred recognition — a reflection of an inner transformation in the shishya (disciple). Yes, I teach and guide. But I know in my heart that the title is not mine to claim.

THE WORD ‘GURU’ NOW EVERYWHERE

These days, the word ‘Guru’ is everywhere.
It is splashed across social media bios, workshop flyers and even casual conversations - Fitness Guru, Instagram Guru, Marketing Guru, ……It is tossed around so easily that its original meaning feels lost and reduced to something fashionable, even promotional. And everytime I hear it used this way, I get disturbed because I now understand how long it took to unlearn my assumptions and truly grasp the sanctity of the word.

THE LONGING THAT SPARKED MY SEARCH

For the longest time, I believed that a Guru was simply a person. A wise, evolved being. A spiritual authority who could tell me what to do when I could not trust myself. That longing had a deeper root - I lost my father during my teenage years. And with him, I lost the comforting sense of someone who knew better, who could guide and steady me through life’s confusions. It was from that tender space that the longing for a Guru arose - not out of spiritual ambition, but from a deeply human need to have someone to turn to.Not consciously at first, but slowly I began looking outward for someone to fill that space- I explored, I read books, I followed speakers, I listened to teachings - Some touched me, some left me confused, some I admired but none filled that void.

THE GENTLE UNFOLDING

Somewhere along the way, I started noticing that at several turning points in my life, when confusion clouded me and no one else could decide for me, I somehow made the right choices. Not always easy but right. Looking back, I now see that the GURU TATTWA - the inner guiding principle, had been quietly present all along. I could not name it. I had not recognised it. But it was there.

MEETING THE TEACHINGS THAT NAMED MY EXPERIENCE

It was very much later that I came across the teachings of the Bihar School of Yoga when I began to understand something I had always sensed but never quite articulated: that the Guru is not merely a person. The Guru is a living principle - a stream of consciousness that flows through the lineage of realised beings and awakens the divine potential within every sincere aspirant.

In the yogic path, especially in the Bihar School of Yoga, this is known as Guru Tattwa - not just a concept but a potent presence that leads the seeker to turn the gaze inward and awakens awareness.

THE WEIGHT OF A WORD AND THE TRUTH BEHIND IT

One of the most beautiful things I have understood through this path is that a true Guru never proclaims himself to be one.
He lives the truth.
He radiates clarity not through words, but through presence.
He does not gather followers - He awakens leaders.
He does not need titles or branding - He holds a space where others can rise into their own light.

Happy GURU POORNIMA!

10/07/2025

Sree Gurubhyo Namah🙏

01/07/2025

WHEN THE HASHTAGS FADE...

Ten days have quietly slipped by since Yoga Day. The hashtags are fading from our feeds. The stage has been dismantled, and the banners folded away. Photoes have made their rounds – liked, loved and shared. The excitement that once filled parks, halls and virtual gatherings has softened into silence.

But one gentle question lingers in the stillness: What remains now? And the answer rises like breath through still air – Yoga remains😊.

Yoga day is beautiful in its power to unite, to spark curiosity and to offer a glimpse into a deeper way of living. Yet, for those who walk this path sincerely, there is an unspoken understanding that it is never about just one day. It is not performance or pageantry. It is 'presence'. Yoga lives in the quiet, daily choices we make.

At the Bihar School of Yoga, each year is guided by a theme that helps anchor this understanding. This year, the theme is especially resonant – “The Year of Positive Connection”.

And how softly those words land – positive connection not just with people, but with nature, with time, with situations, with life itself and most intimately, with oneself.

This theme draws us back to the roots of yogic life: the Yamas and Niyamas. These are not rules carved in stone. They are gentle principles, quiet companions shaping the way we think, speak and act.

Each year, BSY highlights one Yama and one Niyama for contemplation. This year, the spotlight is on Dharma and Samatvam.

DHARMA: Showing Up with Sincerity

Contrary to how it is often portrayed, Dharma is not a burdensome duty or a lofty ideal. It is simpler and softer. It is about showing up – for life, for others, for ourselves – with clarity, care and sincerity. Whether it is in the big responsibilities we shoulder or the unnoticed gestures of daily life, Dharma is about what needs to be done – fully and mindfully.

A verse from the Bhagavad Gita often lingers in my mind:

"śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ"
(Bhagavad Gita 3:35)
A gentle reminder to walk our path, even if imperfectly, rather than perfect someone else’s journey.

SAMATVAM: Finding Balance Within

Samatvam means Equanimity, inner balance, not just in how we move on the mat, but in how we navigate life. It is all about staying steady in the ebb and flow of praise and criticism, success and struggle.

The Gita sums it up in one timeless line:

“Samatvam Yoga Uchyate” Equanimity is Yoga. (2:48)

This kind of balance is not performative calmness. It is a deep-rooted steadiness. A choice to not be swept away by emotional highs or lows, but to hold space for it all, gracefully.

Of course, this is not always easy. Life today is fast, loud and often overwhelming. Distractions are many, and expectations are even more. Some days, living by these values feels natural. Other days, it is an uphill climb. But through it all, one truth has stayed with me – when there is a willingness to try, a door quietly opens. Support arrives – sometimes from within, sometimes from unexpected places.

Together, Dharma and Samatvam invite us into a deeper relationship with life. They remind us to slow down, to be present, and to let life unfold with patience and gentleness.

So, yes, the banners may be packed away. But the real Yoga? It quietly continues.

Every day, in every breath, in every moment we choose Presence over Pressure, Steadiness over Stress.

And in that sense—truly—every day is a Yoga Day!

21/06/2025

MY YOGA DAY REFLECTION

It was around this time, five years ago - just before the International Yoga Day 2020- that yoga began revealing itself to me not merely as a practice, but as a path.

Until then, yoga was something I quietly practised for myself. It was my personal space- my way to stay fit, flexible and balanced. Out of ignorance, or perhaps simply a lack of awareness, I hadn’t paused to reflect on its deeper, more holistic impact.

Yet, I consider myself fortunate - over the years, I have had the opportunity to learn from three ‘Acharyas’. They came into my life at different times - Two in my hometown where I live [Yoga Acharya Shri. Keshavankutty, Ottapalam & Warrier Mash, Pattambi] and One in my native place [Shri Vishwanathan Sir, Chaithanya Yoga, Ernakulam South]. And each of them, in their own unique way, laid the foundation- unknowingly preparing me for a turning point I didn’t see myself coming. I remember them with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude.

That turning point arrived during the stillness of the pandemic. The schools everywhere were closed and classes had been abruptly shut down. From June 17 to June 21 , 2020, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan teaming up with SPICMACAY had organised a five - day online YOG SHIVIR in celebration of International Yoga Day 2020 - an uplifting, intentional initiative to support physical well being and inner balance during a time of deep uncertainty. As part of this thoughtful effort, my daughters’ school [ Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ottappalam ] invited students to participate in the YOG SHIVIR online. I decided to join in alongside my daughters - simply wanting to see what it was all about.

Each morning, we would wake up early to attend the sessions. I found myself more enthusiastic than my girls! The sessions were led by Sn. Devanand Ji, a Karmasannyasi trained in the Bihar School of Yoga tradition. At the time, I didn’t realise how significant this would be - that it would become my first meaningful contact with the tradition.

Every day began with Mantra chanting- something I had always felt drawn to. The sound vibrations of the mantras set the tone for the session. From there, we moved through the different components of yoga at a calm, steady pace with clear and relaxed instructions - it all opened something meaningful in me.

By the end of those five days, a quiet connection had taken root. I found myself wanting to walk deeper into this path. I began searching online for courses under the Bihar School of Yoga. For a while, nothing came up - until about two weeks later, when I came across an ad for a fundamental course in Yogic Studies by Atma Darshan Yogashram, Bengaluru. I enrolled immediately, fingers crossed, not knowing what lay ahead.

To my surprise and absolute joy, on the very first day of the class, my teacher was none other than Sn.Devanand Ji. I had no idea he was a senior faculty member at ADY. It felt like more than coincidence. It felt like grace. What I thought would be just learning turned out to be an immersion into a living tradition. Since then, Sn. Devanandji has remained a mentor and a guiding presence in my journey.

Through Atma Darshan Yogashram, I have had the opportunity to learn from many inspiring teachers - Poorna Sannyasin- s, Karma Sannyasin- s, Jignasu- s - all committed initiates of the Satyananda Yoga tradition, walking different stages of the spiritual journey. Swami Dharmakeerthi Ji, Swami Yogmaya Ji, Sn. Krishna Roopam Ji, Sn. Devashree Ji - all shared their wisdom with deep sincerity and grace at ADY.

Ever since, I have remained closely associated with ADY - attending classes regularly , continuing my studies and eventually enrolling in the Teacher Training Course. This steady learning not only deepened my understanding but anchored me more firmly in the Satyananda Yoga tradition, [also known as the Bihar School of Yoga].

I feel immensely grateful to be even an ‘iota’ [a tiny part] of this living tradition - which traces its roots in Adi Shankaracharya’s Dashanami Parampara and follows the Guru- Shishya lineage of : Swami Sivananda Saraswathi of Rishikesh [Founder of the Divine Life Society, Swami Satyananda Saraswathi [founder of the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger and Swami Niranjanananda Saraswathi [Paramacharya of BSY and Successor of Swami Satyananda Saraswathi].

Five Years ago, I stepped into that five-day Yoga Shivir without knowing what awaited me. That simple decision turned out to be the doorway to a life- changing journey.

My humble endeavour now is to share Yoga as it was given to me - with love, clarity and devotion. Not diluted, Not modernised.Simply as a way of life.

On this Yoga Day, I bow to the path and the grace that led me here.

To walk this path is a blessing,
To share it is my offering,

Happy International Yoga Day 2025!