June 2022 | Volume 3

A yogic symphony for the soul

Celebrities from all walks of life including Madonna, Sting, Andy Murray, and Ariana Huffington have accelerated the popularity of Yoga in the west, as the 'go to form of fitness’ exercise for millions of people.

Pop culture has embraced Yoga with open arms and Lululemon athleisure has become the new cool. From Times Square in the US, to Marina Bay in Singapore, walking to work with your yoga mat has become the new head mover. A Yoga vacation is the new way for friends and family to hang out. In fact, there are estimated to be over 300 million Yoga practitioners around the world and around close to a million teachers too.

While we are all happy to see Yoga embraced by the world, do all practitioners know what is the secret sauce of Yoga? Do they know that it is designed to bring our mind to higher and higher states of calm?

So what is Yoga, really?

While we relate to Yoga as yet another form of Bodywork or exercise, Patanjali has defined it to be a state of the mind.

In the ancient texts the opening line is normally a summary of the whole text captured in these few words. So, in this line “Yogas Citta Vritti Nirodhaha” Patanjali says that by bringing the waves (Vritti) of the mind (Citta) to a state of stillness “Nirodha”, the practitioner attains a state of calm (Yoga). This, as per the great master, is the path to true happiness. He goes on to say in the next few sutras that only in such a state of calm, are we all able to bring out best self into work and life.

As a society, we are focused on appearances; we tend to associate Yoga mostly with its physical benefits: better strength, flexibility, good skin, getting in shape. The pandemic times have exposed the flaw of such a limited approach and, fortunately for us, the effects of the practice of a holistic form of Yoga can go much deeper than the skin, muscles, and bones. By engaging with the essence of Yoga, we can find our way to focus, calm, and happiness. And, with that, to a healthier body and mind which brings us to being better at work and in life.

And now we present the musical version of the Sutra sung in the first Song of our newly launched ‘Seeds of Yoga’ album by Grammy Nominee and Padma Shri Awardee, Bombay Jayashree.

In ‘Seeds Of Yoga’, BeingSattvaa founders Renuka and Subba have aimed to bring the message of the Yoga Sutras to the world through the medium of music. Other than the song here, there are 5 others including the Invocation to Patanjali.

Do join our upcoming sessions to know more about the wisdom and the music.

Check out the full album on Spotify | Apple Music | JioSaavn RIGHT NOW!

Follow her on Facebook & Instagram and know more about her here.

Apart from running the retreat centre, Renuka has conceptualised the range of international vegetarian and vegan culinary delights offered there. Check out her very special banana bread recipe that you can try at home!

A fascinating fact which may not be a coincidence: the Sanskrit word 'sneha' means both 'oil' and 'love', as the effects of abhyanga, physically, emotionally and psychologically, are akin to being nurtured with love.

The simple daily ritual of abhyangam doesn't just increase your energy levels but also has the following benefits: Fights fatigue, enhances muscle tone, improves digestion, increases immunity, promotes better sleep and blood circulation, enhances skin glow and hair health, aids in toxin removal by stimulating the lymphatic system, lubricates joints

Tip: If you're unsure of what oil to use for yourself, opt for Jojoba oil as it suits all body types (vata, pitta or kapha).

Upcoming events

Best Life Retreat, Bali : LIMITED SLOTS ONLY

Join us for a rejuvenating retreat with Subba at Being Sattva, Ubud, Bali where everyday will be a celebration! Dates: 30 Nov - 04 Dec 2022 (5 Days, 4 Nights)