Paramahamsa Madhavdasji –A true yogi
Ancient India has a rich tradition of Guru–shishaya “parampara” (“lineage.”) Rig Veda has equated a teacher or Guru to be equivalent or comparable to a supreme consciousness or God.
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णु र्गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः
गुरु साक्षात परब्रह्मा तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः
Paramahamsa Madhavdasji –A true yoga guru
A true Yogi- Paramahamsa Madhavdasji
Paramahamsa Madhavdasji (1798 — 1921) was a true yoga master from Mukhopadhyaya family in Bengal. He was a major advocate responsible for the resurgence of yogic practices, which had almost vanished from most parts of India. His holiness – Madhavdasji’s childhood inspired in him a strong devotional faith towards yoga. At the tender age of 23, he left home in pursuits of studying different Hatha yoga techniques and health benefits of Yoga practices, fo r the promulgation of spiritual health and development of the consciousness. It is said that he travelled around India on foot and learnt everything he could about yoga. For more than 50 years practised yoga techniques in the Himalayas and at the age of 80, he settled on the banks of Narmada River, Gujarat.
In 1916, Paramhamsa Madhavadasji was giving a discourse at Madhavbaug in Mumbai where he met Shri Yogendraji (then known as Mani).
Shri Yogendraji- Founder, The Yoga Institute
Shri Yogendra (Manibhai Haribhai Desai) (1897 – 1989) was born, in the village of Surat, Gujarat. He was already in his teens when he revealed his innate talents in creative writing and scientific temperament. In 1916 Shri Yogendraji found himself drawn to a photograph of the great teacher. The picture was hung up in the hostel room of a fellow student, where they were studying (St. Xavier’s College in Bombay.) The teacher had visited Bombay a year and a half back, and the possibility of Shri Yogendraji meeting him was bleak. He even toyed with the thought of meeting such a spiritual guru, who had for sure something to do with the change in his attitude towards sages and saints.
The Coincidental meet- Guru–Shishaya
The Universe had a wonderful way of putting Shri Yogendraji in touch with his destined guide and spiritual master- Shri Madhavdasji. On his classmate’s insistence, he went to attend a spiritual congregation where Madhavdasji was presiding.
Shri Yogendraji was so impressed by the wisdom and eminence of his teacher. He felt that by reading the words of this yogi, the reader could gain in technological understanding as well practical conduct. He took the simple narrative style, interspersed with humorous anecdotes and maintained throughout, a devotional fervour in his speech. One glance was enough, and the precious bond of student-teacher consecrated. Thus began the incredible yogic journey of Shri. Yogendraji back in 1916.
The Yoga Institute
The founder of the Institute in Santacruz, Mumbai, Shri Yogendraji played one of the key roles in the “Renaissance of Yoga.” He ensured that the difficult classical yoga tradition of the 20th century was available to the common man.
Now, almost 100 years old The Yoga Institute continues spreading the message of humanity, peace and goodwill by adhering to the principles laid down by the founder and his holiness Paramahamsa Madhavdasji.
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