Integral Yoga and Hinduism

Yoga (literally meaning "union with God")    was practiced in India for thousands of years. According to Yogic philosophy, underlying all names and forms is the Supreme and Divine Self (God) which is Infinite and Eternal and is of the nature of Pure Consciousness. Yoga refers to system of philosophy and spiritual practices which elevates an individual's consciousness to that of Divine  cosmic consciousness. It is this mystic goal that was realized by saints and sages both in India (Valmiki, Vasistha, Sankaracharya, Buddha, and many others) and elsewhere (Tao, Christ, Mohammed). They felt the pulsation of universal life in their hearts, and reminded all human beings that they too could rise beyond the narrow confines of their minds and experience the joyous expansion of union with Divine Self. Such union is the true meaning of the word "Yoga". This cherished goal of Yoga is referred to in the East as Self-Realization, Moksha, Nirvana and Enlightenment whereas in the West as Liberation, Salvation and Kingdom of Heaven.

Integral Yoga implies a balanced and harmonious practice of the four main aspects of Yoga: Wisdom (Jnana Yoga), Devotion (Bhakti Yoga), Meditation (Raja Yoga), and Action (Karma Yoga). These four are not different Yogas but four aspects of one integral Yogic process, four interdependent movements on the path of mysticism. Integral Yoga has its roots in ancient times. The ancient scripture of Bhagvad Gita (which is condensed version of the Upanishads) teaches the four fold aspect of Yoga for integral development the four aspects of human personality - Reason, Emotion, Will and Action and realize the goal of Yoga - Enlightenment.

• Understanding of God 

• What is immortality ?

• Mystic art of God or Self-Realization

• How the mind evolves

• What is spiritual evolution ? (Part 1, Part 2)

Classes in Houston

Instructor: Raju Pakalapati, Ph.D

(Tentative Program)

Location: Sri Meenakshi Temple  7130 McLean Rd (C.R.104), Pearland, TX 77584
Time: 12 Noon -1 pm Sundays starting March 7, 04 (The basic course will last 12 Sundays) 
Registration: Seating is limited. (Please register early by emailing raju@pakalapati.com or calling 832-452-6999)

The course will be informal and is intended to provide basic understanding of Integral Yoga and Hinduism in general. The course content will be tailored to the needs of participants. Teenage children may also participate. The course is also intended to provide satsang (good association with like minded and spiritually inclined people), a key ingredient in one’s spiritual development. Some course material will be provided. Optional material (books, tapes, CD’s, videos) will  be available for purchase.

The course will also include introductory Yoga exercises (Hatha Yoga), Breathing exercises (Pranayam) and Meditation

His Holiness Sri Swami Jyotirmayananda

In our day, Sri Swami Jyotirmayananda stands as one of the most important personalities in expanding the consciousness and elevating the lives of thousands throughout the world. Through his inspiring message and great love for all, he is making a powerful impact on the world we live in. As author of over 50 books on Yoga and Hindu Philosophy, Swamiji occupies a unique place in international men of wisdom. As Director of Yoga Research Foundation, Miami, Florida he personally conducts an intense weekly schedule of classes in several scriptures including Bhagavad-Gita, Yoga Vasistha, Mahabharata, Upanishads, Panchadashi, the Bible, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga and meditation ... more

Anand Bhavan Project (Women's Development Project in rural Bihar, India)

Located 40 km from Patna, a modern three story building was inaugurated in February 2001 and is dedicated completely to the educational, economic, health and spiritual  development of women of this village. Lalitanand Girls school imparts quality education together with spiritual values, music and dance. Other vital activities include adult literacy, vocational training, music classes and weekly satsang all geared exclusively for women.

The orphanage located in Sonipat district of Haryana (1.5 hr drive from New Delhi, India) will initially provide for 60 needy and orphan girls up to age 7 and abandoned mothers. In the loving, home like atmosphere, they will be nurtured with a healthy diet, proper medical attention and a high quality education (both academic and spiritual) and help them realize their full potential. The       construction for this noble project was started in August 12, 2001 and is nearing completion. I visited the construction site in December of 2001 and was impressed by the pace and scope of activity