Yoga is to see through all the limited and distorted perceptions of oneself and reality, and instead see things as they truly are. Yoga is direct knowledge of Self. Like a light dispelling darkness, Self-knowledge cuts through all of the distortions of the mind. It is then that the mind becomes a humble and obedient servant of the Self. Rather than functioning out of it's own confused ignorance, the mind begins to function more fully out of a luminosity and clarity directed by the Light of Wisdom and Truth.

Hatha Yoga - Asana / Pranayama / Vinyasa / Mudra / Bandha / Drishti

(Balancing and awakening the subtle energy through use of movement, breath, bandha (subtle energy locks), and drishti (steady physical gaze and inner focus). Helps to gradually release any tension and 'holding patterns' present in the body and mind, resulting in increased health, peace of mind, and an energetic environment most conducive to relaxing into the truth of one's Being. The effort and intention initially involved with the practice of Hatha Yoga, with proper guidance, over time becomes more and more subtle, until eventually the "practice" becomes effortless and all sense of doership ceases. It is here that Hatha Yoga meets Raja Yoga)

Raja Yoga - Meditation / 8 Limbs of Yoga

At the highest level, meditation is continuous and unbroken and the Light of the Self shines clearly from within, and from within it is also seen without. All time, space, and duality ceases. To truly have this depth of understanding one must abide in clear seeing which transcends mind, intellect, and all sense of doership. The only way to truly know It is to be It, for It is prior to the mind, It is the Original Face of all, the Primordial Self)

"To one who sees the distinction between the mind and the Self, thoughts of mind as the Self cease forever." - Sage Patanjali

Japa Yoga - Mantra Repetition

Holds an energetic space to help "unveil" the light of Consciousness.

Jnana Yoga / Advaita Vedanta - Self-Knowledge

(Not what is thought to be oneself, but rather the actual reality of what is. Clear Light and Clear Seeing which cuts through all thought, all delusion, and all ideas of a separate self. Forever resting and remaining in the Silence, Peace, and Truth of the eternal, all-pervading Self)

"Simple Being is the Self. " - Ramana Maharshi

Sanskrit Chants

Recommended Reading:
- “The Bhagavad Gita,” translated by Eknath Easwaran.
- “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,” translated by Swami Satchidananda.
- “Light on Yoga,” by B.K.S. Iyengar.

"The Self is hidden in the lotus of the heart.

Those who see themselves in all creatures

go day by day into the world of Brahman hidden in the heart.

Established in peace, they rise above body-consciousness

to the supreme light of the Self. "

~ From the Chandogya Upanishad ~