FF April 2012

April 2012FOREST FLOWER

CONTENTS

3April 2012FOREST FLOWER

Main Article Pure Science, No Frills Sadhguru on the Significance of Shiva 4

In Conversation with the Mystic The Business of Environment Part 1 Sadhguru in Conversation with Seemantinee Khot and Jacques Rocher 6

News & Happenings Yaksha 2012 A Celestial Feast of Music and Dance Goes into the Third Yea 9 Expert Healthcare Just a Call Away Launch of Rural Telemedicine 12

Isha Hata Yoga Teacher Training Coming Up! 12

Mahashivaratri 2012: The Great Night of Shivay 13

Sharing Experiences

Mahabharat Saga Nonpareil A Participants Shares 16

Sadhguru Spot

Mahabharat Even Krishna is not Free 19

Upcoming Programs and Events Isha Yoga Program Highlights 21 Isha Recipes For Healthy Living This Month: Cantaloupe Banana Shake 22

Zen Speaks: The Generals Antique 23

Excerpted from a talk by Sadhguru during the Samyama program in February 2012

Questioner: Sadhguru, you place great importance on Shiva. Why do you not talk so much about other Masters, like Masters of Zen for example?

Sadhguru: Because there is nobody crazy enough for me. [Laughs] We are not talking about Shiva versus somebody else. That which you refer to as Shiva includes everything. There have been many wonderful human beings who have done great service to humanity. But in terms of perception, there has not been another being like him.

So you are talking about Zen. What greater master of Zen than Shiva himself? Have you heard of the Zen Master Gutei? Whenever Gutei was talking about Zen, he would always raise his fi nger, trying to show, Everything is one. In these Zen monasteries, little boys became monks at four, fi ve years of age. A little boy like this who was growing up in the monastery saw Gutei and also began to raise his index fi nger

whenever anybody said anything. Gutei watched this but waited for the boy to become sixteen years of age. Then one day, Gutei called the boy and raised his fi nger. The boy instinctively also did the same thing. Gutei took out a knife and chopped off the boys fi nger, and they say the boy attained. He suddenly saw the point that it is not about one, it is about nothing.

Shiva went further, a long time ago. One day, after a long absence, he came back home. He had not seen his son who was now ten, eleven years of age. When he came, this boy, who carried a little trident, tried to stop him. Shiva took off his head, not his trident. Parvati was hugely upset about this. So to fi x this, Shiva put a Ganas1 head on the boys body, who then became very brilliant. Even today in India, before people start education or anything else, they will fi rst worship this boy. Now people modifi ed it and the Gana head has become a gaja [elephant] head, so instead of Ganesha he would be Gaj-esha now. But he became the very embodiment

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PUre SCienCe, No FriLLsSadhguru on the Sigi cance of Shiva

SADHGURU


1 Celestial being; Shiva has been described as being in company of such beings

of intelligence and brilliance. They said there was nothing that he did not know.

So that was the fi rst act of Zen. Nothing in this world is left out of Shivas life; he is so complex and so complete. And he did not have a teaching, he only had methods, and these methods are one hundred percent scientifi c in nature. He gave 112 ways in which a human being can attain because there are 114 chakras in the human system, but two of them are outside the physical body, so he said, That realm is only for those who are beyond. For human beings, there are only 112 ways. And he showed clear methods as to how you can exploit these 112 dimensions of how this life is made. Through each one of them, you can realize.

There is a beautiful story. When Shiva was expounding the mechanics of life to the seven sages, he had one witness, Parvati, who was already realized. He had made her realize in a very intimate manner. But when the seven sages sat with him, he went into a completely different dimension of exploration. This was interesting for her something that happened to her so simply was such a complex process with them. As he was expounding different dimensions, he said, There are 112 ways in which a human being can attain. She being a woman, she being realized and above all she being the wife, she said, Why only 112? There must be more ways. She tried to explore different ways. After many years of sadhana, she came back. He was still talking to the Sapta Rishis or seven sages. As his wife, she could have come and sat beside him. But she came and sat one step below him to indicate that she had failed the challenge that she had thrown.

So there are 112 different ways. What Shiva was talking is mechanics of life, no philosophy, no teaching, no social relevance simply science. From this science, individual masters make technology. He did not give technology; he just gave the science of it. Behind the technologies that you are enjoying today, either in the form of a smartphone or a computer or some other gadget, there is a science. That science is not relevant to you; you are only using the technology. But if somebody had not grasped the science, you would not have the technology.

So what Shiva said is simply pure science. He left it to the Sapta Rishis to make the technology as it would suit the people who would sit in front of them on that day. Technology can be made up. Depending upon what we need, we produce a particular gadget, but the fundamental science is the same. Gadgets that are relevant today may be irrelevant tomorrow. So many gadgets that we once thought were very valuable are no more valuable because new gadgets have come but the science is the same.

So what kind of gadgets we produce simply depends upon who is sitting in front of us right now, what the need of the hour is. In this context, there is a very big difference between what you refer to as the Adiyogi and other masters. Others grasped one aspect and made a certain technology for people who were sitting in front of them. It has worked for people that is all that matters at that moment. This is happening to science itself: Right now, all the funding for research is towards technology, not much towards science, because today, funding essentially comes from commercial forces. When commercial forces invest, they will ask the scientist, We will give you that much money, what will you produce for us? Research is either oriented towards military use or commercial use. Very little of it is towards science per se.

So with the Adiyogi, we are looking at the fundamental science. At a time like this, when for various reasons, humanity is in the kind of state that it is in, it is important that the essential science is strengthened.


6Seemantinee Khot: Namaskaram. Through this conversation, we are going to better understand one of the most crucial questions of our time: What is the relationship between business and environment? Conceptually, it is easy to understand that one cannot grow at the cost of the other. But in practice, businesses in their pursuit to grow use the environment for individual profit pursuits. And in todays competitive environment, business growth means cheaper, more and continuous supply of raw material because in business, if your expense is low and your sales price is high, your profit margins are larger. [] Business is required, but it should not be

at the cost of environment. Lets start with some of your advice to companies.

Sadhguru: [Laughs] Now, to simplify this very complex question: How to eat the cake and keep it too? [Laughter and applause] One thing is, we must learn to eat it slowly, which is not the business of the business that you are talking about, but the business of humanity as a whole. The other thing is, we must be able to produce more cake out of less dough, and yet another thing is, we need to reduce the number of mouths that want to eat the cake.

You know, it is no more a myth. The facts state it clearly: The way we are going right now is

In Conversation with the Mystic is an exclusive series of interactive episodes where eminent personalities from various walks of life explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru.

The following is an excerpt from the most recent edition in this series, a conversation between Sadhguru and his guests Seemantinee Khot (Suzlon) and Jacques Rocher (Yves Rocher Group). Jacques Rocher is the President of Yves Rocher Foundation

and Director of Sustainable Development of Yves Rocher Group, a worldwide cosmetics and beauty brand. Seemantinee Khot heads Suzlon Foundation, the CSR arm of the Suzlon Group of companies, a global wind power company and the fifth largest wind turbine manufacturer in the world. Suzlon and Yves Rocher have been supporting initiatives of Isha Foundation in the fields of rural development (Action for Rural Rejuvenation) and environmental conservation (Project GreenHands).

The Business of Environment Part 1


7disastrous, but we call it business as usual. If we go on with business as usual, the planet is in for a very serious turndown. People say recycling will help; the use of alternative power will help. Yes, it will all help, but we are not yet looking for solutions; we are only looking at slowing down the disaster. We dont want the disaster to happen in our lifetime; we want our children to face it. That is all we can do with these kinds of interventions.

But if we as humanity are serious about saving the environment, one thing we need to understand is, all ecological problems have come because of irresponsible breeding among human beings. In the sense, there is something called natural selection which nature always does. Because of our intelligence and technologies, we are now capable of seeing to it that in most countries, almost every child that is born survives. The infant mortality rate has been considerably brought down in many countries, though it still needs to be worked upon in many other countries, including India for that matter. The important thing is, medical sciences kind of postponed our death, but we are refusing to postpone birth. Women were bearing children at fourteen, now the average child bearing age may be over twenty-two, which is a little bit of postponement, but at a world population of 7 billion or 7.2 billion, it is not an effective postponement.

Now coming to the businesses, we need to understand whatever ones business may be, the problem right now is, instead of using commerce for our wellbeing, we are driven by commerce. I will come to more practical solutions, but it is very important we understand the present situation we are in. At the rate at which we are biting into the cake, there will be no cake left after twenty-five, thirty years. That is a very conservative projection. A more drastic one is that it will only be ten to twelve years. The planet has an enormous capability to recuperate from the damage that it goes through, but we have to allow a certain amount of time, otherwise it cannot recuperate. Either we consciously handle this or Mother Earth will do it to us in a cruel manner. This possibility is looming in front of us, but we are in a

mode of self-destruction. I am not making this out as a doom story or a doom prediction.

The important thing is, the gravity of what we are facing has to be realized. You dont try to lift a ton of weight with your little finger. Right now, that is what we are trying to do we are trying to handle a mega problem with small incentives here and there. For a drowning man, even holding onto a straw seems to be a great support. But that is not the way it needs to be addressed if you are serious about a solution. What I see in the world right now is that there is no seriousness. We are still trying to satisfy somebody. We want to look eco-friendly in front of somebody else. We do not see that if we do not do the corrective action right now, we will pass on a legacy that we will be ashamed of and that we will be accused and hated for by our children, the next generation.

Is it all in the hands of the business? No it is not in the hands of the business alone. But business can play a significant role. It is important that ecological solutions become a business because only then they are sustainable. We are talking about sustaining the ecology, but the business also has to sustain itself. If any human activity has to sustain itself, the two parties involved in it should both benefit. If only one party benefits, it is not going to be forever; it will fall apart. Whether it is the business of mega interactions between corporations or nations, or it is within communities or even just between two human beings, if your marriage has to work, it should be beneficial to both people. If only one person is being benefitted, it is not going to last for long.

In that sense, it is best that every ecological solution becomes a kind of business, because only then it can be sustained over a period of time. And what can those businesses do whose business is not ecology? Now the engine is roaring somewhere. We know that it is causing damage to ecology but you cannot stop the engine. All of us need the engine to roar. If it stops even for a moment, we will all complain. We are in this mode humanity as a whole has still


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not faced reality the way it is. Probably this is the unfortunate way of the larger part of humanity the disaster has to strike, then only they will know. But the more aware part of humanity which is in positions of responsibility and power has to act now. Right now, we are doing ecological awareness all over the world and asking common humanity to act. But that small segment of humanity which holds the power in the world and could make a difference is not yet acting for political reasons, military reasons, economic reasons, all kinds of reasons.

One reason is the democratic setup that we have. A lot of leaders refuse to have a long-term vision; their

vision is only for four years or fi ve years. In India, it is only four, fi ve years; in the United States, it is eight years four plus four. People are not thinking beyond that. If there was some kind of international law, things would be different. It should just take a day to arrive at it, if all of us were willing but it is going on endlessly.

To be continued

New Release in this Series:

84 min. Rs. 114.50

Following the launch of the biography, Sadhguru More than a Life, author Arundhathi Subramaniam, who always believed Gurus belonged to another era, poses a series of questions which she encountered as she delved into Sadhgurus life-story from the energy which allows him to maintain seemingly superhuman schedules, to the compassionate conspiracy through which the Guru functions.

And has this human being, who in Arundhathis words, seems to pack the intensity and adventure of several lifetimes into a single one, ever had a bad day? No. He says he makes every day into a good day, no matter what is happening. For me, he explains, every moment is like this: if there is somebody here or nobody here, my life is like an ongoing fi rst time love affair.

The DVD can be ordered online at www.ishashoppe.com, or download the video at

the Isha Download Store, www.ishafoundation.org/IDS

Compassionate Conspirator


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YAKSHAPresents:Presents: A Celestial Feast of Music and Dance Goes into the Third YearA Celestial Feast of Music and Dance Goes into the Third YearA Celestial Feast of Music and Dance Goes into the Third YearA Celestial Feast of Music and Dance Goes into the Third Year

YAKSHAYAKSHAThis is the thirtieth year for Isha and Devi is stepping into the third

year this years Yaksha was a very special event for us.

Sadhguru

13 February Alarmel Valli

14 February Pandit Channulal Mishra

Yaksha 2012 opened with renowned Bharatnatyam dancer and choreographer Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Alarmel Valli. Against the beautiful backdrop of the Linga Bhairavi Temple, Alarmel Valli appropriately began her performance with a composition dedicated to the Mother Goddess, followed by vignettes from the life of Krishna, the pure dance composition Nrityalahiri, and, as special offering to Sadhguru a dance composition based on the poem Vigil by Arundhathi Subramaniam. When asked after the performance what dance means to her, Alarmel Valli said, Dance, to me, is a prayer with my entire being. Speaking very much like an Isha although this was her fi rst visit to the ashram, she added, Dance is a form of yoga. The sadhana, the bhakti, the commitment, the practice, the holding of the body, the mind, the spirit, all that goes into the making of the dancer if you dance with truth.

Padma Bhushan Pandit Channulal Mishra, a noted exponent of the Kirana Gharana school of Hindustani classical music, shared before the concert: When classical music is performed, it is not on a stage, which is for drama; not on a platform, which is for speeches. When classical music is performed, it is always as if it is offered in a temple. Today we will literally be playing at the Devi temple, which automatically uplifts both performer and audience. After an invocation to Durga, Panditji began the evening with Raga Shyam Kalyan a raga dedicated to Krishna and Shiva. Panditji said, I have played in so many places but none so beautiful as this. After a charming juxtaposition of the Carnatic and Hindustani styles and an array of offerings from the Banaras region, he concluded the concert with the theme of Holi in two variations Radhikas playful Holi, and that of Shiva in the smashana (cremation grounds).


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15 February Shubha Mudgal

17 February Dr. L. Subramaniam

16 February Chitravina N. Ravikiran and Tarun Bhattacharya

Padma Shri Shubha Mudgal, a well-known singer of Hindustani classical music as well as pop, began her recital with an evening raga, the mellifluous Yaman. The first composition was in praise of Shiva: Devan Dev Mahaan, followed by Devi Dayani Daani Daata in praise of the Goddess. Before the performance, Shubha Mudgal said, To sing in a space charged with this kind of energy is always special it has been designed so carefully. I feel this is not really a performance, it comes from a tradition of making an offering. In a series of short presentations, Shubha Mudgal drew liberally from Bhakti and Sufi saints, including Kabir, Raidas, and Amir Khusrau. It was an absolute treat to hear their poems in Shubha Mudgals voice.

Padma Bhushan Dr. L. Subramaniam is an acclaimed violinist, composer and conductor who performs in the Carnatic style but is also known for his forays into Western classical music. For this concert, he was joined by his son Ambi Subramaniam. Dr. L. Subramaniam began his performance with a kriti2 in Raga Hamsadhwani in praise of Lord Ganesha. The next piece was a composition by the artistes father Prof. Lakshminarayana that describes the glory of Shiva. The audience was not only treated to Dr. Subramaniams masterly command of the violin but also impressed with the 19-year-old Ambi, who has clearly inherited the talent that apparently abounds in the family. Dr. Subramaniam and party finished the recital with a couple of very melodious short solos.

This evenings performance was a jugalbandi a collaboration between the Carnatic musician Chitravina N. Ravikiran and Tarun Bhattacharya on the santoor in the Hindustani style. Before they began, Ravikiran explained a bit about the instruments they are playing. The old Indian name for Santoor is shata tantri veena for it has almost 100 strings. The Chitravina is a slide instrument with 20 to 21 strings the strings are plucked with the right hand and the slide is moved by the

left. The artiste-duo started off with the romantic evening Raga Keeravani. Then, after a lingering alap1, Ravikiran, who is also a vocalist, sang the opening notes of the composition Paratpara, Maheshwara, Dayakara set to Adi Talam. They concluded with a brief portrayal of Hamsadhwani set to Roopak Talam. Both artistes said they were delighted to perform in such beautiful surroundings.


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18 February Neyveli Santhana Gopalan

19 February Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

Neyveli Santhana Gopalan, a respected Carnatic vocalist, is known for his traditional and purist styles of rendering ragas, musical compositions and swaras3 . The artiste, who had been to Isha before to conduct workshops and interact with the Samskriti children, said he was very happy to be back again. Neyveli began with an invocation to Lord Ganesha: Vatapi Ganapatim in Raga Hamsadhwani. Then he sang the composition Nada Tanumanisham in Raga Chittaranjani, in which Saint Thyagaraja calls Shiva Nadatanu, the embodiment of the primordial nada or sound. In keeping with the dominant theme for the evening, Shiva, the artiste sang Ramanatham Bhajeham in Raga Pantuvarali, a kriti about Shiva in Rameshwaram by Muthuswami Dikshitar. Neyveli Santhana Gopalan continued with Chandrachuda Shiva Shankara, a Kannada composition by Purandara Dasa. The artiste then ended his recital with a dhrupad4 piece in Raga Purvi.

Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is an Indian classical musician who plays the sarod 5 and was born into the illustrious Bangash lineage that brought the rabab 6 to India and gradually transformed this instrument into the sarod as we know it today. Ustadjis opening piece was a mellow composition that weaved together a few beautiful evening ragas Shree, Marwa, Purya Dhanashree, and Purvi. The artiste said this was a tribute to Sadhguru for his work and his commitment to humanity. The next item was peppered with bhajans much cherished by Mahatma Gandhi: Vaishnava Jana in Raga Khamaj and Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram. In our family, we feel connected to every soul, every religion of the world. We are grateful to God for creating music, Ustadji said. He performed the next piece Raga Shuddha Kalyan in the dhrupad style, and a fast piece in Raga Yaman. This was followed by a folksy melody in Raga Zila Kafi. The next piece was the hauntingly lovely Charukeshi a borrowing from South Indian classical music. Then came a tarana in Raga Bahar, which was a salute to Hazrat Amir Khusrau, followed by a nod to the great Rabindranath Tagore with the ever popular Ekla Chalo Re. Ustadji finished the concert in a traditional manner with the sublime Bhairavi.1 Opening section of a typical North Indian classical performance 4 Hindustani classical vocal genre2 A format of musical composition typical to Carnatic music

5 Stringed musical instrument used in Indian classical music3 The seven notes of the scale 6 String instrument used in North Africa, the Middle East, parts of

Europe, and the Far East

As the last notes faded, Sadhguru took the mic to sum up the experience of this evenings concert and Yaksha 2012 as a whole: This subtle and exquisite instrument sarod, I believe in our generation, nobody but Ustad can explore it with the authority and finesse that he has. This brings us to the close of Yaksha 2012. [] Its been truly fabulous. This one week of scintillating music and this finale, we couldnt have had it any better. And I would like to acknowledge the wonderful audience that you are. Its a joy for any musician to play for you.


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EXPert HeaLthCare JUst a CaLL AWaY

Isha Hata YoGa TeaCher TraininG CoMinG UP!

Launch of Rural Telemedicine

The Isha Rural Health Clinic (IRHC) in Alandurai, Coimbatore, in collaboration with Apollo Hospitals launched the fi rst telemedicine center in rural Tamil Nadu. The facility involves video conferencing and allows patients at the IRHC consultation with specialists of various Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, Chennai, New Delhi, and Mumbai. Various areas of expertise and healthcare are provided on different days of the week and dealt with through such video conferencing. There are plans to eventually offer a variety of super-specialty consultations on a daily basis.

The initiative was launched on 19 February by Apollo Hospitals Group Chairman Dr. Prathap C. Reddy and Coimbatore Collector Mr. Karunakaran, in the presence of Sadhguru. Mr. Karunakaran acknowledged Ishas existing healthcare initiatives the rural medical care provided as part of Action

for Rural Rejuvenation (ARR) and Isha Arogyas holistic approach that includes both allopathic and traditional healthcare systems and described the new telemedicine initiative as a path-breaking moment for healthcare in Alandurai. Dr. Prathap Reddy expressed his gratitude for being a part of this initiative of bringing effective healthcare to the rural population and asserted that the 70,000-strong Apollo family would ensure that the initiative was a success. Sadhguru spoke about the upcoming Isha Arogya Hospital near the Isha Yoga Center and stressed the importance of human beings paying attention to both their internal wellbeing as well as their external wellbeing

What: A 12-week course to establish classical Yoga in its true form. The program will revive and impart various dimensions of this ancient science which are largely absent in the world today.

Students will be trained to teach fi ve different modules of Hata Yoga 3-day, 7-day, 15-day, 1-month and continuous Yoga program packages. The program is specially structured with various components that will prepare the student to understand the subtler dimensions of Yoga. These components consist of various processes and sadhanas to help establish an experiential understanding of the principles of Hata Yoga; the appropriate diet for a yogic lifestyle; learning about the human body and its functions in depth; exploring the numerous asanas in detail; pilgrimages to sacred places in southern India and sadhana in those places that will support the training; simple aspects of Ayurveda and Siddha treatments.

When: The training will begin on the auspicious day of Guru Pournami, 3 July 2012, with Sadhguru initiating the students into the training.

Where: Adiyogi Alayam, Isha Yoga Center, India

After the training: Isha will issue certifi cates after careful assessment of the students performance during the training. After certifi cation, teachers will be qualifi ed to establish their own studio or teach private lessons. Post-training support will be provided by Isha. Starting from next year, this basic level program will be followed by a 3-month advanced program.

For further information, please contact:+91 - 9868561807

[email protected]


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Pancha Bhuta Aradhana and Guru Pooja

The great night of Shiva started on a mystical note with Sadhguru personally conducting the Pancha Bhuta Aradhana, a process to purify the fi ve elements within the human system, at the Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple. The already charged-up atmosphere turned electric when the Master himself performed Guru Pooja in front of the Dhyanalinga.

Dollu KunithaOver the years, they have become an almost indispensable part of the Mahashivaratri celebrations in Isha: the Dollu Kunitha folk group from Ramnagar, Karnataka. The energy, exhilaration and abandon of their drum dance a traditional way of worshipping Shiva set the tone for the night.

Nirvana Shatakam While the folk artistes earthy performance inspired the audience to heights of enthusiasm, the brahmacharis added depth with their chant of the ancient Nirvana Shatakam, a Sanskrit Sloka by Adi Shankara that summarizes advaita or non-dualism.

Wasifuddin Dagar As per family tradition, Padma Shri Wasifuddin Dagar, a classical dhrupad singer in the

21st generation, began in Raga Puriya with the alap Om Anant Tam Taran Tarini Twam Hari Om Narayan, Anant Hari Om Narayan, a prayer for the end of darkness. The jor in the beat Chautal was in praise of Shiva. Taking up Raga Malkauns, the artiste talked of how the body is the gaatri veena the singing veena, from which all other instruments arise. The singer then invited the audience to join him in the next chant, which they did with involvement and fairly well. Choosing to end on a high note, he sang a tandav in Raga Adana Shiva, Shiva, Shiva. Earlier in the day, he had said, What does music have? Sound and rhythm. But there is another beautiful aspect that music has silence. Silence between words is also speech, silence between notes is also music.

It was a night of celebration and music, meditation and silence, truly befi tting Shiva, the Adiyogi, the all-encompassing epitome of exuberance and extremes. This year, over 800,000 people participated in Mahashivratri at Isha Yoga Center; in addition, thousands of Isha meditators celebrated it in 150 Isha centers, and many more followed the events including Sathsang with Sadhguru, powerful meditations, concerts, and cultural performances through live web stream and TV broadcast on Aastha Channel, Jaya Plus, Polimer, and TV5.

Here is a brief recap of the events:

Mahashivarathri was a blast. Probably, there has never been a more exuberant crowd. Sadhguru


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Sounds of Isha

Sounds of Isha, Ishas home-grown band, needs no introduction. From the Bhairavi Shatakam to the lively riffs of Velliangiri, they kept the audience enthralled. With the opening notes of Oru Anniyar, a roar went up in the crowd. This hugely popular song tells of a man who came by and took away the sounds, one by one, leaving behind only silence. When Sadhguru stood up and encouraged everyone to dance, the excitement overflowed.

New Releases

What better day than Mahashivaratri to release Sounds of Ishas latest album Trigun, a compilation of chants in honor of Shiva, the Mahadeva The CD was launched by singer Hariharan of Colonial Cousins. Other new releases include the book Of Mystics and Mistakes, the music CD Ishana by pop singer Smitha (presented by former actress and politician Hema Malini), Ishas new Hindi magazine Isha Lehar (presented by Leslie Lewis of Colonial Cousins) and a range of Isha Arokya health products (presented by Dr. Prathap Reddy of Apollo Hospitals).

Meditations and Discourse by Sadhguru

Closer to midnight, Sadhguru took the dais to speak about the essential aspects of this spiritual tradition, from the Adiyogi, the origins of yoga and the true meaning of yoga, to enhancing ones perception and the Third Eye, to the physical and a dimension beyond it. Through a meditation process that included the chanting of Shiva Shambho, Sadhguru then offered a possibility for people to actually touch this dimension beyond time and space.

As the midnight sandhya approached, Sadhguru spoke about the relationship between human being, Sun, Moon, and Earth, concluding, The human body has evolved to its limit. Now the only thing you can do is transcend the physical and approach other dimensions of life. He then translated the theoretical understanding into practical experience. During the Maha Mantra process, the intensity of AUM Namah Shivaya rising from hundreds of thousands of throats reverberated through the air. As an offering to the pancha bhuta or five elements, Isha Brahmacharis performed a fire dance. From the elements back to the Adiyogi, Sadhguru began an intense rendition of the chant Yogeshwaraya that was picked up by Sounds of Isha while Sadhguru walked on a ramp through the venue, engulfing everyone in his presence.

Kailash Kher

After midnight, Kailash Kher and his band brought in a fresh infusion of rhythm and verve, making sure that everyone could not help but meet the essential requirements to benefit from this auspicious night staying awake and aware. He performed many of his hits, including Teri Deewani, Rang Deeni, and Saiyyan. When Sadhguru danced with abandon down the ramp, no one remained seated. After the popular film song Allah Ke Bandhe, the dynamic singer concluded with the upbeat Ye duniya utpatanga. After the concert, he shared, It was a wonderful concert but its not just about entertainment, its more than that: enlightenment through music. The spirit of my album Kailasa was in sync with the atmosphere here. He said that he


had been trying for years to come to Isha to perform but managed only now, adding that it was all Shivas grace. Hum sab Shivji ke godh mein baite hai! [We are in Shivjis embrace], he added.

Colonial Cousins

Colonial Cousins is a band formed by the Indian duo composed of singer Padmashri Hariharan and singer-composer Leslie Lewis. Both successful solo artists in their own right, they come together to create a fusion of Indian and Western musical genres.

They performed Dheem Dheem Dhirana and the mellow Indian Rain before Hariharan asked the crowd, Will you listen to a Tamil song? The roar of approval was unmistakable. So he rang out with Uyire, uyire, blended into the Hindi

original of the hit Roja. Much to the joy of the audience, they followed up with another Tamil song, Nilakaadiradu, only to up the excitement even more with the soulful Sa Ni Dha Pa, the jazzy Let Me See the Love, and the boisterous Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale.

Closing

Sadhguru concluded with the following words: Few places if any anywhere in the world can witness such an ecstatic crowd throughout the night. [Applause] Having been touched by this night I would beg you to do something to create an inner ambience that will allow new possibilities to happen. Life not in terms of what happens around us, life in terms of what happens within us. To create this possibility, just once a day, with all your heart, with everything

that you have, just utter Shiva Shambho. It will create the necessary space within you for new possibilities to blossom. A little bit of space is all it takes for the Divine to sprout and grow in such a way that who you are right now will just not matter. Saying this, he initiated the chant Shiva Shambho with a kind of intensity that could not leave anyone untouched. As he slowly drove away, one could still hear him chanting the mantra, until the microphone signal faded

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1 Traditional drawing on the ground using rice powder

MahabharatSaga Nonpareil

A Participant Shares

Mahabharat a timeless, dynamic story, soaked in multi-faceted dilemma, emotion, and drama, weaving every imaginable human character into its ambit. Its magic has been experienced by almost every wide-eyed child and story-telling parent in India. Powered by the depth and perception of a mystic, this timeless tale took on a completely different dimension

Entering the Mahabharat program, I felt like I was a character entering a different world. For a long time after moving to the ashram, I thought my days of dress-up and glamor were over. As always, Sadhguru proved me wrong, telling us clearly: You must be fi t to enter a palace. With this in mind, I kept checking myself before every session would the palace security let me in or not?

Slowly, as the days passed, I felt myself melting into different characters every day. Each morning, as I entered the Adiyogi Alayam, the dcor would shift me into a new space or new facet of the Mahabharat story. With spear-wielding guardsmen greeting us, fl ower malas for our hair and sweets for our palate, the exotic food, and even a chariot kolam 1 outside the Alayam (symbolizing a chariot waiting outside a palace), volunteers made sure we were transported into a palace of Hastinapur.

Mornings began with a special Mahabharat chant, along with the echoing sound of the conch, which initiated our exploration into the timeless epic. As we all chanted together, Mahabharat felt like a huge being fi lling the hall, which carried every possible manifestation of human and even animal nature. With each session, Sadhguru introduced

character after character and tuned every aspect of the situation for us to explore them. As he described a particular character, he would show us a special painting to reveal its essence, along with music and poetry (written by him), which brought each one of the characters alive. Suddenly the space seemed to reverberate with that character, sweeping me in a wave of moods and emotions. The most intense was for Draupadi, as she was being disrobed and humiliated by the Kauravas, while her husbands were standing by helplessly. She sang to Krishna with all her heart, offering her life and her breath to him. Tears of her shame, her strength, and her mad passion and devotion came to me spontaneously, leaving me feeling bare and naked afterwards.

In a way, the Pandavas, Draupadi, Duryodhana, and Karna sat (not bothering to hide or be subtle about it) in the back of the hall, watching us relive their drama. These larger-than-life sculptures were


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2 South-Indian cast-metal or stone vessels

appropriately dressed and redressed in the course of the events to match their part in the story. On Vanavas day, or the day the Pandavas were sent to live in the forest, palm trees, shrubs, and green malas adorned the hall. The day of war was fi lled with black and red fl ags, spears, and cushions. One couldnt help but wander and gape at the intricate detail of the decoration. I couldnt help thinking that such care and attention can only be given by the Divine itself

Of course Sadhguru was fully immersed in this new role of story-telling, with an uncanny mastery of the names, dates, and numbers in this great epic. How meticulously he seemed to re-shape himself to fi t each program and situation! I wanted to soak in every moment of the delicious story.

As any good story-teller, by the time the story reached a pitch of intensity and suspense, Sadhguru would say something like, You know Krishna loved food! breaking the session for lunch. Of course, he had made sure that even the food had a story to tell. As the scenes shifted from one place to another, the food was tailored to mirror that situation. Whichever the day, the food and dining was done up to fi t a palace, allowing us to sink into that atmosphere more and more.

After a long afternoon break, as the sun was getting ready to set, we took our seats in front of the Bhairavi Temple for the evening Yaksha performance. The starry night, ethereal music, and of course, Devis outpouring of Grace, left us all in a trance. How the music acquires power and electricity in that space! Many evenings were so intoxicating and still that I walked in a daze to the next Mahabharat session only to fi nd an even more other-worldly setup awaiting us in the new Theerthakund! Fierce-looking men with spears, and tall, overfl owing fi re bowls outlined the top of the massive Theerthakund stones, as the powerful Mahabharatam chant echoed from within. As we neared, the entire space was transformed into a cave-like womb, with torches, fi re urlis2, and booming drums. Sadhguru telling the story in darkness, with the fl ickering light of fi re all around this is one image which will stay with me forever.

[image performances]

On some of the evenings, Daksha Sheth along with Isha Sharvani and their dance troupe enacted some portion or emotion from the Mahabharat. In a mock war scene, screams pierced the air as bare-chested men, seething with the pain, anger, and courage of the battlefi eld, stabbed and fought each other with cold, deadly blades. That feeling of life or death, of leaving aside all civilities and sensibilities, of a one-pointed agenda to destroy the other this was very new for me. My whole body responded and became a part of that. I dont know where else I would have


had an opportunity to go through a whole war scene, sitting calmly with my hands open.

The whole experience of Mahabharat has left me in a deep sense of ease and understanding of the characters in my own Mahabharat. There is a new ability in me to distance myself from situations and act as is needed, not just based on my judgments and discriminations. In an attempt to create that

distance, I used to avoid action, afraid of making a wrong move. Through Krishnas message, Sadhguru has shown this way of dharma, which I had, till now, thought was a Sunday-school philosophy. It pushes me to look within myself, beyond the ideas in my head, and to act sensibly.

Aathira, Ishanga

It is not for entertainment that we created all this. This is an opportunity to

go through the situation, to live through it and grow out of it. Without injury,

we can go through a battle, what more. Without shame, we can go through all

the shame. Without raging with hatred, without somebody doing something

to us, we can go through all that. Sadhguru

Sadhguru Spot

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Sadhguru SpotMusings from the Master

We are in the throes of Mahabharat. Over 450 participants from all over the world have come to take part in this grand epic, a story that happened over 5,000 years ago, but in many ways is as relevant today as ever. Over 100,000 verses depicting a few thousand characters from their births to their deaths their conquerings, joys, miseries and previous lives. For these eight days, we are not covering the story as a story, but as it is relevant to us. It is an opportunity for people to live through the story, to experience the depth and dimension of what it means to be a human being.

Even Krishna is not free from what it means to be a human being. He says, Now that I have come in a human body, I am subject to all the limitations of being human, though I am capable in a different way. When I wish to, I can move to another sphere. But I am born out of a mothers womb. I will die and I will go through everything else that every human being goes through.

That is dharma. Many things that you did when you were 14 years of age, dont you look back and say, Was this me? I had to do all these things? If you dont think so, that means you have not grown at all, you are still only 14. So, there is a certain process. Once you take this body, there is a certain natural law about this process. But it also leaves you with one end open; this is the thing about being human. For every other creature, nature has fixed both ends. For a human being, nature has fixed only one end. Krishna clearly says, Even for me, one end is fixed. The other end is open. And I want to see that this is open for everyone else.

Love and Grace,

Mahabharat Even Krishna is not FreeExcerpted from Sadhguru Spot of 15 February 2012

Visit: Sadhguru.org/spot


BrinG Devis GraCe into YoUr HoMe!One who earns the Grace of Bhairavi neither has to live in concern or fear

of life or death, of poverty, or of failure. All that a human being considers as

wellbeing will be his if only he earns the Grace of Bhairavi. Sadhguru

Being within the sphere of Linga Bhairavis energy, you can reap the bene ts of living in a consecrated space.

For more information on the Yantras and on how to receive one, please contact us:

Tel.: +91-094438 35000, +91-094432 51234 Email: [email protected]

Receive your consecrated Linga Bhairavi Yantra or Linga Bhairavi Avighna Yantra in

a special ceremony with Sadhguru on 6 April 2012 at Isha Yoga Center!

The Linga Bhairavi Yantra is geared to create inner and outer wellbeing in your home, while the Linga Bhairavi Avighna Yantra is designed for personal and material wellbeing in larger spaces, especially business locations and offi ces, as well as residential estates of more than 3000 sq. ft.

Linga Bhairavi YantraLinga Bhairavi Avighna Yantra

Since we got the Yantra, we have experienced tremendous wellbeing on all levels our physical health, emotional stability, spiritual growth, and material growth. The Yantra works in miraculous ways to enhance your life as you become more and more devoted to the Devi.

Purnima Rathod, Director, Endoscopy Asia, Mumbai, India

From the day we received the Linga Bhairavi Yantra from Sadhguru, anxiety, fear and anger that had crippled me got transformed into serenity, calmness and peace. Now that Devi is in our home, the house is fi lled with elation and tremendous energy. This is also felt by people who visit our house and who know nothing about Devi. J.D. Ghosh, Professional, Essex, UK

Program Highlights

These programs are conducted in English, unless indicated otherwise. Current at the time of print, however subject to change. For full program schedules and updates, please visit our website: www.ishafoundation.org.

Date Program Place Contact

31 Mar- 1 Apr 2012Shambhavi MahamudraConducted by Sadhguru

Singapore +65-96660197 [email protected]

4 - 7 April 2012Shoonya Intensive

Residential ProgramIsha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, India

[email protected]

4 - 10 April 2012 Inner EngineeringMES Alumni Association,

Mysore, India

9242120270, 934364117 [email protected]

5 - 8 April 2012 Inner Engineering Retreat Residential Program

Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, India

0422-2515421 [email protected]

11 - 17 April 2012 Inner Engineering

Tamil Kalai Mandram,

Visakhapatnam, India

99856 72092, 94402 78683 [email protected]

13 - 16 Apr 2012 Guru Pooja Training Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, India

[email protected]

19 - 22 April 2012 Inner Engineering Retreat Residential Program



20 - 22 April 2012 Guru Pooja Training Conference Hall, New Delhi, India

9818646666, 9650092105 [email protected]

22 - 25 April 2012Bhava Spandana Program (Gents)

Residential Program


[email protected]

27 Apr - 1 May 2012Nature Awareness

Program For Children


09894418089 [email protected]

3 - 6 May 2012 Inner Engineering Retreat Residential Program



3 - 7 May 2012Nature Awareness

Program For Children


09894418089 [email protected]


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Isha Recipes For Healthy Living

CANTALOUPE BANANA SHAKE

The cantaloupe or musk melon is an excellent source of Vitamin A on account of its concentrated beta-carotene content. Once inside the body, beta-carotene can be converted into Vitamin A. Both Vitamin A and beta-carotene are important vision nutrients.

The cantaloupe is also an excellent source of Vitamin C. While beta-carotene and Vitamin A are fat-soluble antioxidants, Vitamin C is water-soluble. In addition, Vitamin C is critical for good immune function and a vital ingredient for wound healing. Vitamin C stimulates white cells to fi ght infection, directly kills many bacteria and viruses, and, by disarming free radicals, regenerates Vitamin E after it has been inactivated. One cup of cantaloupe contains 98% of the daily value of this well-known antioxidant.

Cantaloupe also qualifi es as a very good source of potassium and a good source of Vitamin B6, dietary fi ber, folate (Vitamin B9), and niacin (Vitamin B3). Folic acid is a vital vitamin that is known to prevent anemia and neural tube defects in growing embryos. B-complex vitamins are also required for processing carbohydrates (including sugars) in body cells, and cantaloupes fi ber helps ensure that the fruits sugars are delivered into the bloodstream gradually, keeping blood sugar levels on an even keel.

Cantaloupe

METHOD OF PREPARATION

1. Halve the cantaloupe and scoop out the seeds. Cut into thick slices and remove the peel. Then chop the flesh of the melon finely and place it in a blender.

2. Slice the banana and add it to the blender.

3. Add coconut milk and palm sugar.

4. Process until smooth.

5. Add a few ice cubes while blending if you want to serve it chill.

6. Pour into glasses and serve.

QUANTITY INGREDIENTS

1 small Cantaloupe/muskmelon1 Ripe banana1 cup Coconut milk1 cup Palm sugar

SERVES 2

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