Neeta Datta - Yoga is integration of Body, Mind, Intelligence and Consciousness with the Self | Part 3 of 3

Episode 20. Join me for the third part of an insightful conversation with Neeta Datta, a highly regarded Iyengar Yoga teacher, as she reflects on her nearly 50 years in Yoga. In this episode, Neeta speaks about the meaning of svādhyāya, self-study; why it is essential to give ourselves time to observe and examine our reactions and mind. Neeta offers some crucial advice on how to approach our Yoga practice with an open mind and seamlessly integrate it into our daily lives.

Episode 19. In the second part of the interview Neeta Datta speaks about the importance of developing the ability to observe, reflect and connect for a Yoga practitioner. “If we just pick the words of Guruji and repeat them, they will have no value because we are not connected with ourselves, and we are not true to our nature. We have to learn to develop our own understanding. Be true to our nature,” says Neeta. Neeta also reflects on her learnings and experience of assisting Guruji in his classes in Mumbai. What a trainee teacher should be mindful of at the beginning of their teaching journey? How to learn to observe and what to observe when guiding your students? May this interview give you encouragement and direction in your own practice!

Episode 18. Neeta Datta started attending Yoga classes with Guruji in Mumbai in 1975. Her father, Hasmukh Mehta, who had also been studying under BKS Iyengar, guided all of his children to join Guruji’s classes. Neeta started assisting Guruji after a few years and continued to do so until she moved to the US in 1987. Neeta now lives and teaches Yoga in Cupertino, California. She is the elder sister of Birjoo, Rajvi, and Aarti Mehta, who are also highly regarded Iyengar Yoga teachers. In this episode, Neeta speaks about the importance of going beyond the words and instructions in Yoga. She reminds us that words have limited meaning, and that language cannot express everything. We have to observe and absorb, be open about everything, rather than just take words. May this interview be of help in your own journey!

Episode 17. Father Joe Pereira is a Roman Catholic priest from Mumbai. He is a devoted disciple of both Guruji BKS Iyengar and Mother Teresa. He is also the founder of the Kripa Foundation, now the largest non-profit organization in India that helps people affected by substance abuse, addictions, and HIV/AIDS in their rehabilitation process. After meeting Guruji BKS Iyengar in 1968 at a concert of Yehudi Menuhin, Father Joe joined Guruji’s classes in Mumbai and since then has been his close disciple. At 82, Father Joe practices Yoga every day. He teaches Iyengar Yoga and conducts Yoga workshops around the world. He also does various research on the effectiveness of Yoga in detoxification and healing people with addictions. Father Joe is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences. In his Yoga classes, Father Joe keeps sharing Guruji’s message that “every asana is a prayer.” He also emphasizes the importance of calming the body to calm the mind. For his commitment and contributions to society, Father Joe has received numerous awards. These include the Padma Shri Award, one of the highest civilian awards bestowed by the Government of India, and a Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received from the President of India. Today, Father Joe shares his story and insights from practicing Yoga for over 50 years and learning it directly from Guruji BKS Iyengar. __ Links to the videos, books and articles mentioned in the interview: Kripa Foundation: https://kripafoundation.org/about-fr-joe-kripas-founder/ "Relaxation response" by Dr Herber Benson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Relaxation_Response “Jesus Christ, My supreme Yogi" Father Joe Pereira: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/christ-the-supreme-yogi/articleshow/4382443.cms BKS Iyengar on Kripa Foundation and Fr.Joe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIA8XDVs1eA&t=311s "The Blissful Brain" by Shanida Nataraja: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/3087740 Glossary (Sanskrit words and sutras from the interview): Ida, Pingala and Sushumna nadis - are the three principal energy channels running from the base of the spine to the head. Sushumna is in the center with Ida on the left and Pingala on the right of it. Antaratma - a Sanskrit word contains of 2 parts: antara meaning "inner" and Atma meaning "soul" or "Self.” Antaratma generally refers to the "inner Self" or "inner consciousness”. Anga - limb (asta anga means eight limbs). pinda vritti nirodha - pinda refers to the physical body or the corporeal form of a being. pinda vritti nirodha emphasizes the importance of calming both the physical body to reach a state of inner stillness and clarity. yo māṁ paśhyati sarvatra sarvaṁ cha mayi paśhyati tasyāhaṁ na praṇaśhyāmi sa cha me na praṇaśhyati Bhagavat Gita Chapter IV verse 30. “He who sees(experiences) Me in all beings and all beings in me never becomes lost to me, nor do I become lost to him". When the individual self has become one with Atma, the individual and the supreme Self live together. Atma trupti - self-gratification. Brahmacharya - religious study, self-restraint, celibacy. Bahiranga - is a Sanskrit term which means “external” or “outside”. In the 8-fold path of Yoga, it is associated with the first 5 limbs: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara. Antaranga - “internal,” “inner” or “inside.” It is typically associated with the last three limbs of the 8-fold path of Yoga: Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. chitta vritti nirodha - Yoga Sutras of Patanjali I.2. “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind”. snayu vritti nirodha - snayu refers to the muscles and ligaments, tissues that control body movements. Hence this verse could be translated as “cessation of the fluctuations of the fascia”, or “eradication of the dysfunctions of the muscles, fascia, ligaments, tissues”. yat pinde tat brahmande - is an ancient Sanskrit verse from the Vedic texts. It can be interpreted as “All that is outside you is within you,” or “Your body is a miniature universe.” Panchatatva - Panch means five and tatvas mean elements. Panchtatva connotes the five elements i.e. ether (Akash), wind (Vayu), fire (Agni), water (Jal) and earth (Prithvi). These five elements form the warp and woof of the entire cosmos. Pranamaya kosha - kosha means "sheath”, prana is vital energy, breath, air. Koshas are sheaths which are covering the Atman, Self. There are 5 koshas, pranamaya kosha is the breath body, energy sheath. It includes 5 elements: apana, udana, samana, vyana, prana. prayatna shaithilya ananta samapattibhyam - Yoga Sutra of Patanjali II.47. “Perfection in an asana is achieved when the effort to perform it becomes effortless and the infinite being within is reached”. Bhishmasana - an asana intended for rest and relaxation, allowing the practitioner to recover and rejuvenate. There are 3 kinds of Bhishmasana: 1 - lying on 7 bricks, 2 - sitting in front of the chair, 3- standing and bending over a trestler. tato dvaṅdva-an-abhighātah - Yoga Sutras of Patanjali II.48. "From then on, the sadhaka is undisturbed by dualities". The practice of asana results in victory over the dualities of life. There is no longer joy or sorrow, heat or cold, honour or dishonour, pain or pleasure. Anandamaya kosha - the most subtle of all 5 koshas, the bliss body.

Episode 16. In this episode with Dr. Rajvi H Mehta we explore the essence of Guru-shishya tradition and the principle of non-duality, and why it is critical for a Yoga teacher to fully incorporate it into their life. Can we have ambitions and goals when it comes to our Yoga practice? What makes a good teacher, and what makes a good student? How does a teacher know that he or she is good at what they are doing? How should we understand the instructions in Iyengar Yoga? May what you listen to give you encouragement and direction in your Yoga practice. Glossary (Sanskrit words mentioned in the interview): Guru-shishya parampara - the ancient tradition of teaching where teachings are transmitted directly from a Guru (teacher) to a shishya (disciple).This tradition reinstates a sense of belongingness towards one's teacher and a complete surrender to him. It also meant spending the entire duration of education at the abode of the Guru until the student attains perfection at the art or skill he is learning. It could be Yoga, any forms of art, music, spirituality. Gurukul - a type of education system in ancient India with shishya (disciple) living near or with the Guru in the same house for a period of time where they learn and get educated by him. If you are an Iyengar Yoga student yourself and you have a specific question you'd like to ask a senior teacher, feel free to share your question with me on Instagram @thefourthniyama or by email [email protected] 

Episode 15. Dr. Rajvi H Mehta is among the most senior teachers of Iyengar Yoga from Mumbai and has been studying directly under BKS Iyengar since 1979. Rajvi grew up in Yoga, and ever since her childhood it has been a natural part of her life. Her parents and siblings all studied Yoga directly under Guruji. All of Rajvi’s siblings - Neeta Datta, Arti Mehta, and Birjoo Mehta - are also among the most senior students and teachers of Iyengar Yoga. Dr. Rajvi H Mehta has a master's in Microbiology and a doctorate in IVF, and is one of the first clinical embryologists in India. Since 1994, Rajvi Mehta has also been a founder-editor of Yoga Rahasya, a quarterly publication of RIMYI which aims to share the essence of Guruji’s teachings. In this episode, Rajvi ji shares how she came to Yoga, her first memories of Guruji and his classes in Mumbai, and why even as a kid she was mesmerized by him. You’d also hear the story of Yoga Rahasya, how it started and turned into a personal opportunity for Rajvi to explore the subject of Yoga close to Guruji and the Iyengar family. Rajvi Mehta’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rajvi.mehta.562/?hl=en Yoga Rahasya https://bksiyengar.com/modules/referen/yr/yr.htm

Episode 14. Join me as I continue my conversation with Italy-based Iyengar Yoga practitioner and teacher David Meloni. In this episode, we discuss how and when to introduce "advanced asanas" into your asana practice, why strong commitment and the practice of tapas are essential for your progress and transformation in Yoga. Evolution or illusion: how to understand whether what you practice is working for you, and not against you; and why a sincere practitioner of Yoga should be ready to face critique with mildness, and not just easily get offended by it. May what you listen to here give you inspiration and direction in your Yoga practice.  David Meloni’s website https://www.davidmeloniyoga.com/  David Meloni’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/davidmeloniiyengaryoga/?hl=en  Glossary (names and Sanskrit words mentioned in the interview): YSP 1.7. pratyakṣa-anumāna-āgamāḥ pramāṇāni - Correct knowledge is direct, inferred or proven as factual. prajna - awareness. jnana - knowledge, wisdom.

Episode 13. David Meloni is a devoted practitioner and highly regarded teacher of Iyengar Yoga from Italy. David began his Yoga journey in 1996, initially learning from BKS Iyengar's book, "Light on Yoga."  When the light of Yoga sparked within him, David committed to this path, seeking not just any guidance but direct guidance from BKS Iyengar himself. Since 2003, he has been visiting Pune, staying there continuously for months and studying under Guruji's direct guidance. "Guruji's verdict was, 'Your practice is empty,'" David recounts. "You must unlearn everything, return to the foundations, and grasp the connection between correct actions." Through David's unwavering efforts, perseverance, and devotion, he not only learned from his Guru but also delved deeper into the subject of Yoga. This experience also made him realise the importance of moving Yoga practice beyond its physical aspects.   In the first part of the interview David talks about his experience of learning Yoga from the book, his learnings and the challenges that new students should be alert to. We also discuss the difference between Iyengar Yoga and Guruji’s teachings; why it is critical for a practitioner of Yoga to understand the importance of experiential knowledge and not simply rely on dry information from notes or books; what the true purpose of props is and how they could support your progress on the path of Yoga. May what you listen to here give you encouragement and direction in your Yoga practice.  David Meloni’s website https://www.davidmeloniyoga.com/  David Meloni’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/davidmeloniiyengaryoga/?hl=en 

Episode 12. Welcome to the second episode of an insightful conversation with Corine Biria, a devoted student and a highly regarded teacher of Iyengar Yoga from Paris. In this episode Corine reflects on why it is important to work on the yogic path within regular life and why Guruji never wanted his students to renounce the world but face the reality and learn to deal with the daily struggles as a practitioner of Yoga. We also explore why it is essential for a Yoga teacher to be truthful about their personal practice at all times, and what was it like for Corine to walk on the path of Yoga together with her life partner Faeq Biria. “Svādhyāya is the subject of every minute,” Corine says. "It is a continuous wondering and examination of one’s actions and behaviour".  I hope this interview will be a great support and inspiration in your Yoga practice and in your own svādhyāya, in your own study and discovery of the Self. Glossary (names and Sanskrit words mentioned in the interview): saṃskāra - conditioning, mental impression. Vishvamitra - one of the most venerated sages of ancient India; through long meditation, he gained a number of spiritual powers. brahman - the class of men who are the repositories and communicators of sacred knowledge. Vasishtha - a sage and the Guru of King Dasharatha (one of the figures from the Ramayana epic). bhoga - indulgence, enjoyment, sensual pleasure. "Astadala Yogamala" - is book and a collection of works of B.K.S. Iyengar (a set of 8 volumes). If you are an Iyengar Yoga student yourself and you have a specific question you'd like to ask a senior teacher, feel free to share your question with me on ⁠The Fourth Niyama Instagram⁠ or email me at [email protected]. 

Episode 11. Corine Biria is among the most senior direct disciples of BKS Iyengar and a highly regarded Yoga teacher from Paris. Corine embarked on her Yoga journey in 1981 at the age of 20, and from the very beginning, it was clear for her that this was her path. Shortly after starting her Yoga practice, she met her husband Faeq Biria, one of the most devout students of BKS Iyengar and an internationally recognized Yoga teacher who has been spreading Yoga through his courses, intensives, and by training hundreds of teachers around the world. In 1983, after two years of intensive Yoga practice, Corine came to Pune to establish herself more firmly on the path of Yoga and to study directly from Guruji. This was a transformative experience for her, forming a strong foundation for her Yoga practice to this day. In this interview Corine is reflecting on her journey in Yoga, her initial steps on this path, her first intensive course in Pune led by Guruji, her experience studying directly from him and why she felt protected and full of confidence while being guided by her Guru BKS Iyengar.   What does it truly mean to be humble? Why could the wrong perception (branti darshana) be a serious obstacle to your progress on the path of Yoga? What does it mean to have a Guru, and what is his purpose in his students' lives? These questions and more will be addressed in this episode with Corine Biria. Iyengar Yoga Center in Paris where Corine Biria teaches. https://centreiyengar-paris.fr/le-centre-iyengar/ I hope this interview will be insightful and beneficial for you and would serve you as an inspiration in your Yoga practice.