Guru Purnima – The Bridge To Consciousness
Significance of Guru Purnima – The blessed day of Guru Purnima is customarily the time when learner offers the Guru their gratitude wholeheartedly. Guru Purnima is also considered an especially beneficial day to practice Yoga and meditation. This Guru Purnima-The Bridge to consciousness should be explored.
Our tribute to the Great Gurus
Parents are the first gurus a child will know. They are the best preacher to the child. Then why does the need arise for a Guru? Guru is the divine link between the super consciousness and the human soul. Guru shapes and guides the person on the path of peace and knowledge.
Lord Brahma recited and great Guru Vyasa wrote all the four Vedas for benefit of mankind. He also wrote many Puranas. Thus, a full moon day was dedicated to the Gurus and called as ‘Guru Purnima.’ Every person in this world is in debt to saint Vyasa for his invaluable contribution to the world.
Lord Shiva or Adi-Yogi passed down the knowledge of Yoga to the world. He is the first Yogi of the world.
Remembering – Paramhamsa Madhavadasji Guru of Shri Yogendraji
Paramhamsa Madhavadasji Guru of Shri Yogendraji
His Holiness Paramhamsa Madhavadasji – He was born in 1798. His parental influences inspired in him a sacred attitude and faith. He left his home at the tender age of 23 in search of spiritual pursuits. He learnt Yoga from different traditions during his travel in Assam, Tibet, the Himalayas, etc., A learned Guru with great first-hand knowledge of practical yoga.
In 1916, at the age of 118, Madhavadasji was in Mumbai for a homily where he met Yogendraji (then known as Mani). A strong bond developed between the Guru and Shishya, and he guided and trained Yogendraji on the path of yoga.
Founder Shri Yogendraji
Founder Shri Yogendraji
Through a chance meeting, Yogendraji found his Guru, Shri Paramhamsa Madhavadasji, and learnt all about yoga from him. With the blessings of his Guru, Yogendraji founded The Yoga Institute and went on to spread knowledge of yoga among the masses, as he believed it could improve the lives of every householder.
Smt. Sitadevi Yogendra (founder’s wife)
Smt. Sitadevi Yogendra (founder’s wife)
Fondly known as Mother, Smt. Sitadevi Yogendra, married Shri Yogendraji and helped him in his mission of spreading yoga to common people. She began teaching Yoga to women and children at The Yoga Institute. She has written many articles and books on the subject. The Crypt of Civilisation, USA has preserved Yoga Physical Education for Women written by mother.
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra (President of The Yoga Institute)
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra (President of The Yoga Institute)
Shri Yogendraji’s son, Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, was a simple man and a true Yogi. He dedicated his life to the Institute work and welfare of society. February 2018, he passed away. As President of The Yoga Institute, he carried on the Founder’s legacy in his silent and sincere way. He was a prolific writer and editor-in-chief of the Institute’s monthly Journal, “Yoga & Total Health”. Dr. Jayadeva finished his Masters in Samkhya at the Bombay University in 1952. At the Institute, he introduced many Yoga courses, and did pioneering work in Yoga Education and Therapeutics.
Dr. Hansaji Yogendra (Director of The Yoga Institute)
Dr. Hansaji Yogendra (Director of The Yoga Institute)
Hansaji Yogendra is currently the Director of The Yoga Institute. Also, she is a distinguished Chairperson of the yoga certification committee for Quality Council of India (QCI) & President of International Board of Yoga. She has made major contribution in areas like yoga education, research, experiential learning, standardisation of yoga practices and management has been widely recognized.
Celebrated charismatic presenter of the popular television series ’Yoga for Better Living’, first aired in 1980 on DD (National Channel)
NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) – In 1989 Smt. Hansaji was a distinguished committee member alongside Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra. They spearheaded the important project of designing and formulating Yoga education syllabus for schools nationwide.
We pay homage to all the great Gurus and teachers of The Yoga Institute. This Guru Purnima-The Bridge to consciousness should be explored, please join us for Satsang this Sunday on 29th July 2018 at The Yoga Institute Shri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santacruz East, Mumbai – 400055, India. Entry free.