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Blessings from President and
Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan
H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
Dear Divine Souls,

I am so glad to welcome you all to the holy banks of Mother Ganga, to the
lap of the sacred Himalayas, to this land which is the birthplace of yoga.

It is not a coincidence that you are here in such a holy place. You are truly
the chosen ones to be here, to be able to imbibe the ancient and timeless
nectar of yoga.

The International Yoga Festival is not only a festival where people learn yoga;
rather, the festival itself is yoga – a divine union of the east and west, the
north and south. On the banks of Mother Ganga, people of every country,
every culture, every color and every creed are coming together as one
family, connecting to the Divine within themselves and to the Divine within
others. It is a time of uniting not only one’s hands to one’s legs, but a time
of uniting oneself to the Divine, to the Divine that exists in every single one
of you. Yoga is not only for health of the body; rather it also brings health,
balance and stability to the mind, heart and your entire being.

Know that you have come home, here at Parmarth Niketan. This is your
Himalayan home. Everything that your soul needs is here in abundance:
serenity, inspiration and the divine touch. Come, sit by the banks of
Pujya Swamiji is President of Parmarth Niketan,
Mother Ganga, absorb the divine energy of saints, sages and rishis who
the largest ashram in Rishikesh and one of the
have meditated and performed yoga here for centuries. Be touched and
largest spiritual institutions in India. He is a world
transformed by the divine, sacred energy of this holy place. Surrender,
renowned spiritual leader, visionary and divine
surrender your grudges, pains, difficulties and obstacles into the flowing
guide. He is the Founder of Ganga Action Parivar,
waters of Mother Ganga. Let go, and let Ganga wash away the barrier
India Heritage Research Foundation (IHRF), and
between you and the peace, joy and light your life is meant to embody.
Divine Shakti Foundation, and Co-Founder of the
Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, organizations
I always say, “Come to nature, be with nature, and change your nature.’
working for education, healthcare, women’s
Let your soul and spirit reach the height of the Himalayas in whose lap you
empowerment, disaster relief, environmental
are sitting. Let your joys, sorrows, attachments flow like the water in the
protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (see
Ganges. Become like the sunrise which brings light and warmth each day
back cover for details). Pujya Swamiji has received
and a new day to all – with no discrimination, no vacation, no hesitation, and
innumerable awards, for example the Mahatma
no expectation.
Gandhi Humanitarian Award and the “Surya
Ratna” (Jewel of the Sun Award). His religion is
I extend great thanks to all our dedicated teachers who have traveled from
Unity, and he is a frequent leader at international
every corner of the globe to come and offer their experience, enthusiasm
interfaith conferences and summits such as the
and expertise to the Festival.
UN, World Economic Forum, Parliament of World
Religions, etc. He travels the world, bringing
May God bless you all with the continued awareness of the Divine within you
people of every religion and culture closer to the
and continued connection to the Divine Source.
Divine.
With love and blessings always,
To learn more about Pujya Swamiji and
all the divine projects being run under
His leadership and vision, please visit: In the service of God and humanity,
www.pujyaswamiji.org
facebook.com/pujyaswamiji
twitter.com/pujyaswamiji
www.youtube.com/parmarthniketan Swami Chidanand Saraswati
Revered Saints who will be blessing the Yoga
Festival with their presence, words and blessings
throughout the week.
In addition to the revered saints who will be giving lectures and specific teachings, these revered
saints will bless us with their presence - mostly in the time of Ganga Aarti -- and share their
words of wisdom and inspiration.

H.H. M.M. Swami H.H. M.M. Swami H.H. Swami Ramdevji

Asanganandji Satyamitranandji

H.H. M.M. Swami H.H. Dr. Pranav H.H. M.M. Kailashanand

Avdheshanand Giriji Pandyaji Brahmachariji

H.H. Brahmachari H.H. Mahant H.H. Acharya

Brahmaswarupji Ravindra Puriji Balkrishanji
Welcome Message by Director of
International Yoga Festival
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji

Jai Gange!

It is such a great joy and blessing to welcome you all to the holy
banks of the Mother Ganga river, to the lap of the Himalayas, to
the birthplace of yoga, a place where for thousands of years saints,
sages and rishis have performed their meditation, their yoga and
attained enlightenment.

The International Yoga Festival is a beautiful time of seeing the world

come together in the name of yoga, or union. We have a union of
countries, cultures, colors and creeds, a union of different lineages of
yoga, a union of saints, yogacharyas and seekers.

This week as our world International Yoga Festival family gathers Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is the President of
the Divine Shakti Foundation, a humanitarian
together we will unite with our inner selves, with the Divine and with
organization which focuses on holistic programs
the Divine embodied in and reflected by ourselves and each other. to provide for the wellbeing of women, children
and the Earth, and Secretary-General of the
During this transformative and sacred week, we will learn asana, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, an interfaith
organization dedicated to bringing clean water,
pranayama, meditation, philosophy and so much more from world
sanitation and hygiene to all (see back cover for
renowned yogacharayas. We will delve into hatha yoga, ashtanga details).
yoga, raja yoga, kundalini yoga, so many other forms of yoga and
also of course the triveni sangam of bhakti yoga (devotion), gyan To learn more about Sadhviji, please visit:
yoga (wisdom) and karma yoga (taking yoga off the mat and into www.facebook.com/sadhvibhagawatisaraswati
service of the world). www.twitter.com/sadhvibhagawati
www.youtube.com/parmarthniketan

During the week you are here, imbibe not only the teachings but
also the divine touch and transformation of this sacred place. Let
the waters of Mother Ganga wash over you, and let the blessed
atmosphere transform your whole being, filling you with joy, love,
peace and the true union or “yoga” of body, mind and spirit.

With love and peace from the holy banks of Mother Ganga,
In His seva,

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswat

Revered Saints, Yogacharyas & Teachers
H.H. Pujya Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji
A Shankaracharya is a title used for the heads of matha (monasteries) in the
Advaita tradition. Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji is the 11th successor
of the Bhanpura Holy Peeth. Shankaracharyaji is revered for his profound and
deep commentaries on the Holy Scriptures. At the age of 27, he had a desire to
understand the mysteries behind life and death. To gain awareness, he renounced
home and moved from one place to another to meet saints and imbibe related
knowledge. He was initiated into ‘sanyas’ by his holiness Harishwaranand Teerthji
at Chitrakot. In 1989, Swami Divyanand Teerthji was installed as Shankaracharya
of Bhanpura. After becoming the Shankaracharya, he dedicated his life to
enhance the value of human lives and to spread the principles of Sanatan Dharma.
Shankaracharyaji travels within India and around the world to spread his teachings
and the message of universal brotherhood, love and righteousness.

H.H. Pujya Swami Dayanandaji

Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswatiji is a distinguished traditional teacher of Vedanta.
He has been teaching Vedanta in India for more than four decades and around the
world since 1976. He has also initiated and supported various philanthropic efforts.
He is the founder of the National and International Arsha Vidya Gurukulums, teaching
Sanskrit and Vedanta to thousands of people.

H.H. Pujya Ramanandacharya Hansdevacharyaji

H.H. Pujya Ramanandacharya Hansdevacharyaji is a revered saint from Haridwar,
who is renowned for spreading great wisdom and inspiration. Having been given
the title of Ramanandacharya, he belongs to one of the oldest and most renowned
lineages.

H.H. Pujya Mooji

Mooji was born in Jamaica and is a direct disciple of Sri Harilal Poonja, the renowned
advaita master, or ‘Papaji’ as his followers call him. In 1987, a chance meeting with
a Christian mystic was to be a life-changing encounter for Mooji. It brought him,
through prayer, into the direct experience of the Divine within. Within a short period,
he experienced a radical shift in consciousness so profound that outwardly, he
seemed, to many who knew him, to be an entirely different person. As his spiritual
consciousness awakened, a deep inner transformation began which unfolded in the
form of many miraculous experiences and mystical insights. He felt a strong wind
of change blowing through his life which brought with it a deep urge to surrender
completely to divine will. Mooji lives a life of quiet simplicity and surrender to the will
of God as it manifested spontaneously within him.
H.H. Pujya Prem Babaji
Sri Prem Baba is a Brazilian spiritual leader from the Sachcha Baba lineage. He has
built the Sachcha Mission Ashram in Sao Paolo and also spends some time each
year at the Sachcha Dham Ashram in Rishikesh. He teaches a system which he has
called the Path of the Heart, which is primarily based on jnana yoga, the path of self-
discovery, bhakti yoga, the path of devotion, and karma yoga, the path of selfless
service. He is the founder of the Alegria Institute for a Better World in Brazil, a non-
profit organization which promotes holistic education.

H.H. Radhanath Swamiji

Radhanath Swamiji is a Vaishnava sanyassin (a monk in a Krishna-bhakti lineage) and
teacher of the devotional path of Bhakti Yoga. He is author of The Journey Home, a
memoir of his search for spiritual truth. His teachings draw from the sacred texts of
India such as The Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Ramayana, and aim to
reveal the practical application of the sacred traditions, while focusing on the shared
essence which unites apparently disparate religious or spiritual paths. Today, Swamiji
travels throughout India, Europe and North America, sharing his teachings. He
resides most of the year at the Radha Gopinath Ashram in Mumbai. For the past 25
years, he has been involved in community projects, ranging from feeding programs
for children from the slums of Mumbai, to establish missionary hospitals and eye
camps, co-friendly farms, schools and ashrams, an orphanage, and a number of
emergency relief programs throughout India.

H.H. Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasenaji

Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena was born in the remote Himalayan region of Ladakh
– an ancient state located in the far north west of India, high on the Tibetan plateau.
He was brought up within a religious family who followed the ancient Buddhist
traditions. In 1977, Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasenaji felt the inner spiritual calling
and became a disciple of the renowned Buddhist scholar and celebrated monk,
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita Mahathera, the abbot of the Mahabodhi Society
Vihara, Bangalore, South India. In 1986 Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena founded the
Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Ladakh and has been tirelessly
working to provide high quality education and safe shelter for underprivileged
children, healthcare to the sick and needy, empowerment and literacy programmes
for women and other socially disadvantaged groups amongst many other
humanitarian services.

Padmashri Bharat Bhushanji

Padmashri Bharat Bhushanji has expounded the great Indian science of yoga
internationally and is a well-known master in India. He was awarded the Padmashri
award (one of the highest civilian awards given by the Indian government) for his
contribution in the field of yoga. In 1973 he founded the Mokshayatan International
Yogashram in Saharanpur, which offers degree courses in Yoga within a University
curriculum. Bharat Bhushanji was instrumental in supporting the first International
Yoga Festival and has been an esteemed panellist for many years.
Revered Saints, Yogacharyas & Teachers
Dr. Vandana Shiva
Dr. Vandana Shiva is a world-renowned environmentalist and activist. In 1991 she
founded Navdanya, a national movement to protect the diversity and integrity of
living resources – especially native seed – and to promote organic farming and fair
trade. For the last two decades, Navdanya has worked with local communities
and organisations, serving more than 500,000 men and women farmers,
conserving more than 3000 rice varieties from across India, and establishing 60
seed banks in 16 states across the country. Dr. Shiva’s work spans teaching
at universities worldwide, to working with peasants in rural India, to serving on
expert environmental groups for governments around the world. She has authored
numerous books on sustainable agriculture, biopiracy, water issues, gender issues,
and the social, ecomonic and ecological effects of corporate-led globalization. Time
Magazine identified Dr. Shiva as an environmental ‘hero’ in 2003, and Asia Week has
called her one of the five most powerful communicators in Asia. In November 2010,
Forbes Magazine identified Dr. Shiva as one of the Seven Most Powerful Women on
the Globe.

Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa

Gurmukh is the Director of Golden Bridge Yoga. With centers in Santa Monica and
New York City, Golden Bridge is the premier center for the study and practice of
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Since being baptized 45
years ago with the spiritual name that means “one who helps people across the
world ocean,” Gurmukh has dedicated her life to fulfilling her namesake. As the
world’s leading Kundalini Yoga teacher, she and her husband Gurushabd travel
worldwide, bringing this vast Technology and Teachers’ Training Programs to
students globally in the U.S.A., Mexico, Europe, Russia, India, and South Africa.
She is as well the creator and pioneer of The Khalsa Way Prenatal Teachers’ Training
Program, now in its 32nd year.

Sadhvi Abha Saraswati (Mataji)

Sadhvi Abha Saraswati is an avid yoga practitioner since the age of twenty-five,
when – through yoga – she cured herself of a terminal kidney ailment called nephritis.
Since then she has delved more and more deeply into various forms of yoga, and
has become not only a practitioner but also a teacher. Mataji took Sanyas diksha
in 2003 from H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji. She resides at Parmarth
Niketan, where she teaches yogasana, yoga nidra, nada yoga, yogic philosophy and
Vedic chanting to students from around the world, as well as infuses the evening
Ganga Aarti with the heavenly sound of her voice. She is the head of the Parmarth
Yoga & Meditation Centre.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, PhD was raised in a traditional American family. While
completing her PhD in psychology, she journeyed to India, and a deep spiritual
experience transformed her life. She has been living in Rishikesh, India at Parmarth
Niketan for over twenty years. She was initiated into the order of sanyas by Pujya
Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji in 2000, marking her pledge to a life of service,
renunciation, purity and devotion. Sadhviji is Director of the IYF, as well as President
of Divine Shakti Foundation, a charitable organization that provides free education,
training and empowerment to impoverished women and girls, and Secretary-
General of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, an interfaith organization dedicated
to bringing clean water, sanitation and hygiene to all. Sadhviji gives discourses
and question-answer sessions, teaches meditation, and oversees a vast array of
humanitarian programs being run at the ashram.

Rujuta Diwekar
Rujuta Diwekar is a well-known Nutritionist who works out of Mumbai. Winner of
the ‘Nutrition Award’ from Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, she is amongst the
most qualified and sought after practitioners in India in addition to being the only
nutritionist to have accreditation from Sports Dieticians, Australia. In the plethora of
diet fads and fears, Rujuta’s voice rings loud and clear, urging people to use their
common sense and un-complicate the act of eating. She is the author of two best-
selling books which have been translated in to more than 5 languages, and her film
“Indian Food Wisdom & The Art of Eating Right” is in the best-seller charts. Rujuta
has won several accolades for her work, including the ‘Nutrition Award’ from the
Asian institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, being voted amongst the ‘50 Most
Powerful People in India’ by People magazine, and being one of the only three
Indians on the CNN Asia-Hotlist 2010: People To Watch Out For.

H.S. Arun
Arunji’s journey into yoga started with his study of yoga at the Shareerika Siksha
Kendra Bangalore where he managed to cure his asthma ailment with practice. He
went on to pursue deeper studies with Dr BKS Iyengar who certified him to teach in
1978. His continuous research into all aspects of Yoga and its relation to the mental
and physical well-being of man has helped him to introduce innovative methods
of teaching Asanas. Arunji travels around the world delivering lectures and giving
demonstrations in schools, colleges, organizations and hospitals. He is also an
author and has written several books on Yoga.
Revered Saints, Yogacharyas & Teachers
Deepika Mehta
Deepika Mehta teaches the ancient practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, with an
emphasis on the union of breath, alignment and flowing series of postures, offering
a powerful dynamic physical and spiritual practice to open up to the core of the
body, mind and freedom of the present moment. She lays emphasis on strength,
endurance, flexibility as well as the internal healing spiritual awareness. She was
the master trainer on the Indian reality television show ‘The Biggest Loser’, and has
trained Bollywood celebrities.

Laura Plumb
Laura Plumb is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Yoga Teacher and co-founder of Deep
Yoga. She has studied Ayurveda and Jyotish with world-renowned teachers in the
East and West. Classes with Laura are an experience of Yoga as ritual, body as
temple, breath as holy gift, and movement as divine energy and exhilaration of spirit.
Laura also teaches classes in Ayurvedic cooking and has created a line of Ayurvedic
Botanical Oils called Prakasha. She enjoys touching the hearts of other through her
beautiful singing and kirtan.

Janet Attwood
Janet Bray Attwood is the New York Times best-selling author of “The Passion Test
– The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Life Purpose” and “Your Hidden Riches –
Unleashing The Power of Ritual To Create A Life Of Meaning And Purpose.” Janet
has presented her programs on the same stage with the Dalai Lama, Sir Richard
Branson, Stephen Covey, Jack Canfield, and others. Janet’s “Passion Test” is the
number one process being used worldwide to support people in finding their passion
and living their purpose, and she has personally trained over 1500+ Passion Test
Facilitators worldwide.

Kia Miller
Kia Miller is a devoted scholar, practitioner and teacher of Yoga who imparts her
radiant spirit and joy for life in her classes, workshops and retreats throughout the
world. Kia teaches at YogaWorks in Los Angeles and leads several of their 200-
hour and 300-hour teacher training programs each year. Trained in both Hatha and
Kundalini Yoga, Kia brings together a potent mix of asana, breath, meditation and
chanting that leaves students uplifted and empowered.
Tommy Rosen
Tommy Rosen is a yoga teacher and addiction recovery expert who has spent the
last two decades immersed in yoga, recovery and wellness. He holds certifications
in both Hatha and Kundalini Yoga and has 20 years of recovery from acute drug
addiction. Tommy is one of the pioneers in the burgeoning field of Yoga and
Recovery assisting others to holistically transcend addictions of all kinds. He teaches
regularly at yoga conferences and festivals, including Wanderlust, Hanuman and
Tadasana. He is the host of the Recovery 2.0: Beyond Addiction Online Conference
and teaches annually at Esalen, Omega and Kripalu. Tommy’s first book, Recovery
2.0, is due out from Hay House in 2014.

Dr. Surakshit Goswami

Hailed as one of the most influential and prominent health gurus of India, Yogacharya
Dr. Surakshit Goswami has been leading a health revolution in India for over three
decades. Associated as Yogacharya with one of the biggest media houses in the
world, The Times Group, he has been spearheading a healthy movement through
numerous articles, features and write-ups in magazines, newspapers and websites,
talk shows on TV channels and radio stations. Dr. Goswami has helped bring yoga
and healthy living to numerous sectors of society, including youth and the corporate
workforce. In the aim to make India disease-free through yoga, Surakshitji has
devised therapy programmes that are a combination of yoga asanas, health tips
and diet plans. As a way to connect with the masses of this country, Surakshitji has
been conducting yoga classes and camps across the nation and around the world,
inviting one and all to attend the camps and benefit from this knowledge.

Yogi Cameron
A former successful supermodel who turned to the yogic path, Yogi Cameron is the
author of The Guru in You (HarperOne) and The One Plan (HarperOne), a practical
guide on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Yogi Cameron began his studies back in 2003
in Ayurveda at the Arsha Yoga VidyaPeetham Trust in India under the guidance of his
guru Sri Vasudevan after training at the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City and
Yogaville of Sri Satchidananda. He has brought the practices of yoga and meditation
to Afghanistan as part of the reintegration program to prepare the country for troop
withdrawal, while also working with young girls rescued from sex trafficking practices
in Cambodia in coordination with the Somaly Mam Foundation.

Gurushabd Singh Khalsa

Gurushabd, co-director of Golden Bridge, teaches classes that are musical,
challenging, and provocative. He encourages students to move beyond their
comfort zones, and into deeper and more meditative realms of being. Married for
thrity-two years, Gurushabd and Gurmukh reside in Los Angeles, traveling and
teaching worldwide.
Revered Saints, Yogacharyas & Teachers
Jules Febre
Jules Febre is an internationally-acclaimed Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga
Teacher, and travels the world teaching Jivamukti Yoga, Hip Hop Asana, as well as
immersion programs and retreats. He leads the 300-Hour Jivamukti Yoga Teacher
Training Programs in addition to mentoring in the 800-Hour Jivamukti Apprenticeship
Program. Jules is recognized for his unique self-expression and a progressive
teaching style that is filled with fun, humor and inspiration. Jules teaches a rigorous
class with creative sequencing permeated by yoga philosophy that inspires, uplifts
and serves all those he meets.

Hikaru Hashimoto
Hikaru Hashimoto has been practicing yoga since the age of 23. In order to promote
yoga widely in Japan, he established the Japan Fitness Yoga Association in 1993,
where he has developed programs based on Dharma Yoga and Hatha Yoga. The
association has trained hundreds of instructors and currently is in charge of more
than 700 fitness yoga classes in Japan, including programs in fitness clubs, cultural
centers, daycare centers, schools, nursing homes, police stations and courthouses.
Japanese Shinto Yoga incorporates Hatha Yoga practices as well as the various
exercises of Japanese Shinto, Japan’s great ancient wisdom.

Bharath Shetty
Bharath Shetty was drawn to Yoga after it helped him recover from chronic asthma.
In order to spread the benefits of Yoga amongst people, he decided to become
a professional teacher. In this pursuit he has studied extensively and trained
under B.K.S Iyengar, the Indian Yoga Institute, Vivekananda Kendra, Bangalore
and was also awarded the title of Yoga Acharya by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Center. Bharath has also won the Himalaya Yoga Olympiad (Indian National Yoga
championship) twice, once in 1998 and then again in 2001. Bharath currently runs
his own Yoga school “IndeaYoga” in Mysore, where he has trained over 500 yoga
teachers from around the world.

Brian Siddharth Ingle

Brian Siddharth is a licensed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a Naturopath and a
biodynamic cranial osteopath. He is a certified Hanna and Equine Somatic Educator
and a Somatic Yoga teacher. He is a graduate of the British College of Osteopathic
Medicine and of the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training, and is a
past member of the teaching team at the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and
Training and a licensed osteopathic physician in Australia. He is the founder and
director of the Ingle Institute for Somatic Movement Education. Brian teaches all over
the world, offering workshops and professional trainings in Clinical Somatics.
Mohan Bhandari
Mohan is the co-founder and director of YogiYoga (China), the most famous and
leading center in China. He has completed a 52 Yoga DVD with China Central
Television (CCTV) and published a Chinese language book on the subject of yoga
in 2004. Mohan studied with Yogacharya Sri B.K.S Iyengar, holds a Diploma in
Yoga from Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla (Pune), and Yoga Therapy Diploma from Swami
Vivekananda Yoga Anushandhana Samsthana, (Bangalore). He started teaching
at Parmarth Niketan, and is now based in China, focusing on teacher trainings
programmes, retreats, and workshops.

Yogiraj Vishwapal Jayant

Brahmachari Vishwapal Jayant (Yogiraj) is a famous pranayama and power yoga
expert and also an ayurvedic expert from Haridwar. Brahmachariji is head of the
Kanav Ashram in Kotdwar where he gives yoga and pranayama camps as well as
ayurvedic treatments.

Anand Mehrotra
Anand Mehrotra was born and raised in Rishikesh, India – the birthplace of yoga.
Combining the ancient wisdom of his upbringing with a lighthearted rebelliousness,
Anand’s unique brilliance appeals to modern audiences in both the East and
West. He is the founder of Sattva Yoga – a holistic practice that combines asana,
pranayama, meditation, kriya, and wisdom. Sattva Yoga inspires students to
experience freedom, radical aliveness, and their most authentic Selves on every level.
Anand currently teaches around the world: giving wisdom talks, offering satsangs
and meditations, leading Sattva Yoga journeys, and guiding students through
immersions, retreats, and trainings. He is featured in the award-winning documentary
“The Highest Pass”, and the top-selling Daily Om online course “Himalayan Wisdom
for Life Beyond Fear”.

David Wei
David Wei-Wei Limin had poor health during childhood, thus began to learn Qigong,
Yoga, Tai Chi and other holistic fitness regimens, being taught by masters of yoga,
Buddhism and Taoism. David became a teacher of Yin Yang nadis yoga, bringing
together the traditions of yoga with the traditions of China. David is founder of the
first Hatha Yoga center in Shanghai in 2000, and he has published the first Chinese
Kundalini Yoga books: “7 Chakras Yoga”, “Yin Yang Nadis Yoga for Health”, and
“Yoga Medical Class”. He hosts programs of yoga at the Shanghai University of
Traditional Chinese Medicine and acts as a yoga health consultant for the university.
Revered Saints, Yogacharyas & Teachers
Maa Gyaan Suveera
Maa Gyaan Suveera is the founder of the CiPlus ( Cosmic Intelligence + ) Meditation
technique. She is a Healer at heart, a gifted yogini, astrologer, Tarot Reader and
a specialist of Life Force Energy. With more than three and a half decades of
experience, Maa Gyaan conducts well-known course on healing, wellness, and
meditation to people from around the world at her Kirti Hermitage in Rishikesh
workshops throughout India and abroad, as well as workshops on CiPlus Meditation,
Reiki, Crystal healing, Tarot reading, Aura reading and a host of India, Western and
Zen practices. She has been teaching at the International Yoga Festival since 2001.

Erica Kaufman
Erica is a devoted practitioner of yoga since the age of nine. In the lineage of
Krishnamacharya, her mother is her life-long yogacharya. Teaching since 1984,
Erica holds the highest level of Registry with Yoga Alliance. Her Lila Yoga classes
and expertise are awarded by Yoga Journal’s signature Karma Credit and featured
in numerous publications including The Times of India, DNA India Bangalore
Newspaper, Centered Magazine, and Center Daily Times, along with European and
American TV for her work with Lila Yoga, Reconciliation, Contact Improvisation,
Movement Improvisation and Mindfulness. Erica is on faculty at Shambhala
Mountain Center in Colorado, USA and at Penn State University.

Yogrishi Vishvketu
A teacher of teachers, Yogrishi Vishvketu facilitates trainings and workshops
internationally incorporating diverse aspects of Yoga practice into his classes: asana,
pranayama, meditation, cleansing kriyas, Ayurveda and Vedic chanting. He calls
this holistic style of teaching Akhanda Yoga. A learned teacher and yogi, Vishva-ji
has studied and practiced Yoga and the Vedic healing arts in the Himalayas since
childhood. He also holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Yoga Philosophy from the holy city
of Haridwar. He is founder of the Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram Trust in Rishikesh,
India where he offers his teachings and trainings. With his fun-loving nature, Vishva-
ji inspires students and teachers from around the world to live the yogic life with
joy and dedication. He teaches from the heart and leads students to connect more
deeply to themselves: “You are blissful, joyful, playful and fearless.”

Yuva Dayalan
Dr.Yuva Dayalan grew up in an unorthodox Hindu Family where the science of
spirituality and discipline was practiced as a daily part of the lifestyle. He practiced
yoga to cure himself of pneumonia when he was young and has continued to
deepen his studies of the eight limbs of yoga with his guru Dr. T.A. Krishnan. Dr.
Dayalan teaches various yoga workshops around Asia as well as at his own school
Yuvaa School of Yoga. He is a master of several eastern practices like Kalari, Ikbudo,
Harness and Taichi.
T.A. Krishnan
Dr. T.A. Krishan has been practicing yoga for over 40 years, and holds a doctorate
in Yoga as well as numerous certificates and diplomas in yoga and naturopathy.
Over the years he has been awarded numerous honors for his achievements in the
field of yoga, including the “Yoga Ratna” award from the former President of India
Shri Zail Singh. Dr. Krishnan has established the Thirumoolar Yoga & Natural Diet
Trust in Chennai. He is well-versed in postures, Kriyas, natural diet preparations,
and Thirumoolar’s Thirumanthiram (an ancient text of Yoga), on which he has written
several books. Dr. Krishnan has served in key positions in Thiruvadurai Ashram for
more than 30 years.

Dr. Krishna Raman

Dr. Krishna Raman MBBS, FCCP, MD (AM) is the founder of Krshn Yoga, and has
been practising yoga since the age of 14 years. Under the tutelage of Mr BKS
Iyengar, he learned about the immense clinical potential of hatha yoga. A graduate
in Medicine from Madras Medical College, Chennai, he furthered his study in the
clinical potential of yoga and its application in main stream medicine. With continuing
research and amazing results on ailing patients, who remain asymptomatic, he now
propagates yoga in its unique avatar.

Dr. Fharzana Siraj

Dr Fharzana Siraj MD (AM) is the co-founder of Krshn Yoga and a doctor of Alternate
Medicine specialising in therapeutic yoga . She is a consultant at the Krshn yoga
clinics in Chennai. She is also certified by Guruji Shri BKS Iyengar to teach Iyengar
Yoga.

Mark Robberds
Mark Robberds has been studying yoga since 1997. He is a Certified Ashtanga Yoga
teacher (one of the few Certified by KPJAYI) and spent the last 10 years travelling
regularly to India to practice with the late, legendary Guru Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois,
and the last 6 years with his grandson R. Sharath, of Mysore. Mark has studied
extensively with some of the world’s best yoga teachers and his teaching reflects the
essence of these influences. He is currently studying Yoga philosophy, particularly
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, with his teacher Professor Nagaraj Rao in Mysore. Mark
wishes to share the teachings of yoga in a way that inspires people to develop a
passion and love for the practice. He incorporates the philosophy of yoga into his
talks, music and devotional songs, so that the deeper aspects of the yoga tradition
can connect people and bring them closer together.
Revered Saints, Yogacharyas & Teachers
Mert Güler
Mert Güler is a well-known Yoga teacher, meditative guide and lecturer in Turkey.
Being influenced by the teachings and the mystical beliefs of Rumi, Mert Güler,
emphasizes inner awareness and a feeling of completion in his seminars, drawing
inspiration especially from the meditational works and experiences he has received
through Rumi’s teachings. For his master’s degree (MA), he has done unique
scientific research on “The Effects of Yoga Excercises on Wellness and Quality of
Employees Life”. He conducts seminars at universities, private institutions and
Governmental foundations to contribute to the beneficial development of Yoga and
Meditation.

Sukhmandir Singh Khalsa

After experiencing manifold Kundalini experiences daily in the 1960s, Sukhmandir
was drawn to the renowned master Yogi Bhajan, whom he studied with for many
years. Sukhmandir was directed to help start the Kundalini Research Institute
(KRI), and has developed many Kriyas and sets which have since been published.
Since the late 1970s, Sukhmandir has continued to explore and expand in creating
new ways to bring the wisdom of Kundalini yoga and Yogi Bhajan’s teachings to
people, including a free broadcast class every week which has reached audiences
both through a podcast and a local TV show for the last seven years. Sukhmandir
hopes to bring the experience of a shared mind space to the IYF, creating space
for participants to access portals between consciousness and dream, along with
strength, wonder, joy, exploration, devotion and sublimation of the Ego into the Inner
Light.

Chandanni Miglino
Chandanni Miglino is an international role model for Femininity, Individuality and
Whole Health. She facilitates retreats and festivals all over the world. She is the
Founder of WeBeFree.com, WeDharma.com, and creator of SUBMERGED Yoga &
Meditation, an infused and inspired yoga and mediation style. Chandanni is an artist,
a public speaker, a certified Kundalini yoga teacher, an Ayurvedic Practitioner and a
certified Osho Meditation facilitator. She is the Co-Founder and Director of the Divine
Shakti Festival. Her life’s work is to re-define the role of women and men in the 21st
Century and to promote peace and well-being, encouraging awareness and unity for
all.
Komilla Sutton
Komilla Sutton is the co-founder & Chair of the British Association for Vedic
Astrology. She is on the faculty of Amercian College of Vedic Astrology and was on
the Council of Astrological Association of Great Britain. She is one of the pioneers
of Vedic Astrology (Jyotish) in the West. Her life work is to make this ancient
knowledge more accessible and build bridges between the East and West. She is
an internationally renowned author, consultant, teacher and lecturer since 1995.
Komilla leads numerous trips to India, online study programs, advanced courses,
and annual Vedic Astrology Conferences with the aim to promote new generation of
Jyotish Masters and encourage their interaction with seasoned Masters of Jyotish
knowledge.

Bhavini Kalan
Bhavini Kalan has been immersed in the science and techniques of yoga and
ayurveda for lifestyle and wellness, where now she is fully pursuing this passion
in helping others. She has been trained in the disciplines of Sivananda, Ashtanga
Vinyasa (Pattabi Jois tradition), as well as Kundalini Yoga. She specializes in lifestyle
workshops and retreats around the world. She integrates her yoga teachings with
the intelligence of ayurveda, and also brings the best of Eastern and Western lifestyle
thinking. She is a strategy planning facilitator as well as a lifestyle coach, and assists
leading destination spas with the program design and development of frontier
wellness programmes. She spends time each year at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh,
her spiritual home.

Krishnamurthy Mohan Raj

Krishnamurthy Mohan Raj is the Founder and Director of Namaste Mysore Yoga
Culture Communication Center (China). Krishnamurthy Mohan Raj started practicing
yoga at an early age under the guidance of his mother and brother. His practice
moved into its next, deeper level when he started teaching yoga at the age of 14
in his birth place of Mysore. He assisted in Aarogay Marga Yoga Shala from 2000
to 2005, and in mid-2005 got the opportunity to promote yoga in China. He is
now based in China, focusing on his workshops and the promotion yoga culture,
encouraging his students to not only practice yoga, but to feel the magic of yoga.
Revered Saints, Yogacharyas & Teachers
Dr. Anjana Bhagat
Dr. Anjana Bhagat, a renowned Aroma therapist and very much sought-after
speaker on Wellness and Healthy Living, is passionately involved in popularizing
Aromatherapy through her extensive research and discourses at various forums
and conferences. A strong believer and proponent of Yoga and Alternate Therapy,
she has enlarged the scope and meaning of Aromatherapy to include Wellness and
Healthy Living holistically. Dr. Anjana has traveled both within India and abroad,
presenting at various exhibitions, conferences and festivals on the power of
Aromathery, healthy living through Indian spices, and healing with India spices.

Dr. Urvashi Inamdar

Dr. Urvashi Inamdar is a yoga instructor and dietitian/nutritionist, with a practice in
alternative medicine and therapy, as well as a specialist in cardiac rehabilitation,
clinical metal toxicology and Ozonicair. Dr. Urvashi has been working since 1992 as
a yoga and pranayama exponent, and since 1994 in alternative medicine. Through
this work, she has helped cure many diseases in patients who were deemed
“incurable”. Dr. Urvashi has taught numerous workshops in yoga, pranayama, and
mind-body health around the world, as well as classes and lectures in numerous
institutions, health clubs and ashrams in Gujarat and Mumbai. Additionally, she has
written two books on yoga, “Ultimate Truth” and “Treasure of Happiness.”

Surekha Sengupta
Surekha Sengupta is the founder of Aatmvishkaar Past Life Regression Research &
Training Center, which has trained several PLR therapists and conducted session
for more than 2,000 people since its inception in 2010. Surekha’s presentation
on ‘Xeneglossia in Past Life Regression’ presented new techniques to get direct
validations for past life memories through linguistic means. She has been a
presenter at prestigious spiritual conferences around the world. With articles in
spiritual magazines and discussion on television, Surekha has been taking this
powerful therapy to the masses. She has also been conducting research in the use
of PLR to heal cancer in children.
www.TathaastuShop.com
Artists / Musicians
Sivamani
A sought after performer both on Live - shows and
recordings, Siva is widely recognized as one of India’s best
drummers. One of the best pair of hands in the world of
percussion, Ustaad Zakir Hussain in a live show presented
him as a phenomenon that walks the planet but once or
twice in a century. South Indian geniuses Illayaraja and
A R Rehman and other Bollywood music directors all
regularly engage his variety of percussion. He features
along with legendary masters such as Billy Cobham, Vikku
Vinayakram, Freddy Santiago, Terry Bozzio, Wil Calhoun,
Myanta, Ranjit Barot, T K Murthy, Rikki Ray and Dr. L.
Subramaniam commanding the respect of a true Master
Percussionist.

Daphne Tse
Daphne is a spirited, soulful artist and teacher originally
from Texas. Her passion for music started from a
young age, and after her initial yoga class in 1994, she
has explored merging her spiritual practice with her
contemporary folk singer/songwriter style. She studied
music at The University of Texas at Austin, Berklee College
of Music, The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago
and Kirtan with kirtan master, Jai Uttal. She has travelled
extensively sharing her music in Europe, North America,
South America, Asia and beyond. Her music has been
featured on yoga music compilations with Shiva Rea and
she recently released her 2nd solo album, Finding Water.

Anandra George
Anandra studies Hindustani classical music in New Delhi
at the feet of master teacher Pandit Baldev Raj Verma of
the Indore Gharana. She is also a well-known international
teacher of Sanskrit Mantra for meditation and practical life
transformation. She invites her students and audiences into
the “heart of sound,” the Self that shines through music
and mantra. Kirtan with Anandra is a heavenly experience
of call and response mantra chanting set to Indian classical
ragas.
 Indra Udayana
Indra Udayana will be presenting the beautiful and divine
musical showcase at IYF 2015 “Bali-India Sangam: Sacred
Art from the Paradise Island of Bali.” He is the Founder
and Chairman of Ashram Gandhi Puri in Bali, bringing the
work of Gandhi into Balinese culture and study programs.
Indra Udayana has been actively engaged for the last
decade in promoting Gandhian values in Indonesia through
his ashrams in Bali and Lombok, based on the principles
of non-violence, truth and humanitarianism. He participates
in various national and international forums on nurturing
democracy, religious harmony through inter-faith dialogue,
education, and involvement of youth in activities promoting
Gandhian values.

Sharmila Bhartari
Sharmila Bhartari is a classical Odissi dancer and disciple
of late Protima Bedi. Sharmila Bhartari, hailing
from West Bengal, is also a theatre personality and a
social worker who uses her art forms for the conservation
of Indian culture and environment. Residing in Dehradun,
she currently teaches performing arts - dance, drama and
ballets - to various schools and groups. Bhartari’s ballets
are a creative fusion of classical dance and drama with
music and poetry. These ballets improvised from classical
Indian dance and contemporary forms depict diverse
historical and modern environmental themes in ways
relevant to the present time.

Dr. Prakriti Bhaskar

Dr. Prakriti Bhaskar combines a rare blend of an elegant performer, meticulous
teacher, imaginative choreographer, accomplished nattuvanar and a prolific writer.
Prakriti has trained under three of the most distinguished gurus of Bharata Natyam.
Her meticulous training under these stalwarts helped her evolve into a mature
artiste with a highly creative mind and sensitivity. Prakriti holds a Masters Degree in
Fine-Arts and is a National Scholar. She specializes in rhythmic choreography and
nattuvangam (the art of playing the cymbals). She has been awarded numerous
awards. Carrying forth her guru’s legacy, she has been zealously training students
for over two decades at Shiladhish Art & Research Institute.

Anita Babu
Anita Babu is the founder of Odissi Natya Sala. started learning Odissi at the age
of 7 and became a disciple of Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. She has been refining
her dancing skills under the constant guidance and encouragement of her Guru as
well as of the other senior students of the Orissa Dance Academy. She also has a
Masters in Arts degree in Anthropology.
Divine Celebration on the Bank of Ganga
Ganga Aarti
Aarti is the beautiful ceremony in which dias (the oil
lamps) are offered to God. Aarti can be done to a
deity in the temple, it can be done on the banks of the
Ganges to Mother Ganga, or it can be done to a saint.
It is performed to God, in any manifestation, any form,
by any name.
Aarti is a time when we say “thank you,” and we offer
back the light of our thanks, the light of our love and the
light of our devotion. Aarti also means ‘removal of pain’.

Ganga aarti is a time in which we break free from the

normal stresses and strains of everyday life, and gather
together in joy, reverence and peace. As the bright
yellow sun dips into the water and the reflection of its
rays bring tears to our eyes, we are filled a new with a
deep sense of bliss, reverence and spiritual connection.
Divine Celebration on the Bank of Ganga
Yagna / Havan
The havan is one of the most common rituals in Indian
culture. Havan is, in essence, a purifying ritual. Just as
fire purifies everything it touches, so we perform yagna
that our lives may made pure. So, as we place the
offerings into the flames, we symbolically offer all our
“impurities” – our anger, our greed, our jealousy, our
grudges, our pains – and we pray to God to make our
lives as pure as the ghee we pour into the flames.
Also, the yagna reminds us to give, and give and give.
At the end of the mantras and shlokas chanted by the
priests, it says, “Idam namama, Idam namama.”
This means, “Not for me, but for You.” It reminds us
that everything we do in life must be for others, for God,
for the world. This is the root of yagna and the root of
happiness in life.
Living Yoga on a Daily Basis
By Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati

The secrets of the ancient science of

yoga were passed down from the divine
rishis, saints and sages who came to the
Himalayas for divine inspiration. Through
their meditation, austerities and prayers, a
treasure-chest of wisdom was bestowed
upon them for the benefit of humanity.
The sage Patanjali is the one most
renowned for compiling this treasure chest
of yogic wisdom for the benefit of the
world. Yoga is not about physical postures,
it is much more…Yoga is not a religion. It
does not require you to believe in a certain
God or to chant certain mantras.
Yoga is an ancient science which leads to
health in the body, peace in the mind, joy
in the heart and liberation of the soul. Yoga
is a way of life, and its teachings should
penetrate every aspect of your being…

The 8 Limbs Yamas and Niyamas

In Patanjali’s “Yoga Sutras, yoga is explained as 8 We begin with the 5 Yamas – the moral restraints and
limbed tree, with the highest branch being Samadhi, injunctions which, when followed with dedication and
or the ultimate, divine bliss and ecstasy which comes discipline, helps us to master of our bodies, minds
from a complete, transcendental union with the and lives.
Divine.
The foundation of the tree are the yamas and 1. Ahimsa – non violence
niyamas (moral and ethical codes of conduct), then This is the fundamental, most basic and crucial tenet
one moves upward through asana and pranayama of living as a good human. Do not cause pain or
which use the body and the breath as the medium, injury to another. Ahimsa encompasses all forms of
then into the aspects in which one’s mind becomes violence – violence in thought, violence in speech
fine-tuned and ultimately united with God, - a state of and violence in deed. We must think pure and loving
divine liberation. thoughts. We must speak pure and loving words, and
Moksha or Liberation is about while we are here on we must practice pure and loving acts.
Earth, not that after death. Liberation every moment It also means that one must take care of Mother
of every day. It is liberation from anger, greed, worry, Nature, protecting and preserving our natural
desires, despair, depression, and the list goes on… resources, as well as no cruelty to animals.
 Lord Krishna to Arjuna on Yoga - Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6:

Tatraikaagram manah kritwaa yatachittendriyakriyah;

Upavishyaasane yunjyaadyogamaatmavishuddhaye

“There, having made the mind one-pointed, with the actions

of the mind and the senses controlled, let him, seated on the
seat, practice YOGA for the purification of the self.”

Importantly, it also means bringing no harms to 4. Brahmacharya

oneself, physically and mentally, be it bad harmful Brahmacharya is translated as celibacy or
relationships, abuse, drugs, bad nutrition, etc. abstinence, but actually its meaning is more
comprehensive than refraining from sexual activity.
2. Satyam – truthfulness Rather, it actually means one who is brahma-acharya,
We must speak and importantly live the truth. this means one whose actions are are all dedicated
Satyam means being true to our promises and vows, to God, one whose actions are all pure and holy. It
fulfilling our word to ourselves, to others and to God. means one whose attention, energy and life are
However, there is also restraint in speaking truth. If focused on God.
the truth is neither kind nor beneficial to the listener, The law of brahmacharya also pertains everybody,
then it should not be spoken. not just monks and saints. In a broader sense, it is
about restraint and moderation. It is about directing
3. Asteya – not stealing one’s energy in every way to the divine path, be it
Asteya is refraining from stealing of any kind, not just in marriages, sexual relationships. We must ensure
material things. It is also about respecting people’s that those relationships with ourselves and others are
time, energy, and space, so as not to steal from pure, are loyal, are honest – all bringing us closer to
others without realizing it, through negative aspects God.
like gossip or complaints. We steal people’s credit
by claiming to have done something that actually 5. Aparigraha – non accumulation.
was accomplished by someone else. We steal from Aparigraha literally means “non-hoarding.” It means,
Mother Earth by using more than we need – in terms live simply, and use only that which you require.
of the global concern for environmental pollution. Purchase only that which is essential. It is about
Another concern is the exploitation of people all over striving for simplicity, even if one has excess material
the world, be it child labour, and other issues, robbing means. Travel light in every way, as it affects the
people of their dignity. In the cycle of abundance, mind. Non accumulation amounts to less clutter and
prosperity is also about sharing and giving in one has hence affecting a clearer state of mind.
excess of everything that brings joy and touches lives Aparigraha also means that there should be no sense
and people. of “mine” in life. We should realize that everything is
God’s and we have simply been lent a certain amount
for a temporary period of time. In yagna ceremonies,
after each mantra, the priest chants “idam or not. Tapas teaches us mastery of emotions, of
namamah.” It means “Not for me, God. It is for you, senses and controlling the vacillating mind.
God.” This is aparigraha. Nothing is mine. Everything
is His. Everything is for Him. 4. Swadhayay – sacred study. It is very
We also have 5 niyamas – the spiritual and ethical important to read something spiritual, something
observances. These 5 niyamas are internal laws, inspiring every day. This helps to keep us on track
rules which we set for ourselves and follow to live a and to keep our mind pure. Otherwise we tend to get
truly yogic, spiritual, disciplined and divine life. lost in our own mind’s sea of confusion. Importantly,
one must also put these readings into practice.
1. Suacha – which means “cleanliness and Further, Swadhaya also means self-study.
purity,” not only physical cleanliness but, but also Introspection is one of the greatest tools of a
purity on the inside, purity of thought and action. We spiritual path. Our egos, our fears, our desires, our
must purify our thoughts through japa, meditation misconceptions and even just the hecticness of our
and the practice of positive thinking. We must purify lives keep us from truly examining our own lives.
our lives by ensuring that our actions are models of Each night we must ask ourselves, “Where do I
integrity, dharma and righteousness. Suacha also stand?” Take stock every night where you are going.
pertains to that which we allow to enter our bodies
and minds, what food we take through our mouths 5. Ishwara pranidhana – devotion or surrender
and also what food we take through our ears and to God. This is the final, ultimate commandment of
eyes. Saucha means refraining from putting anything leading a dharmic life. It doesn’t matter what name or
impure into our being – this includes everything what form of the Divine you worship. What matters is
ranging from drugs and cigarettes to negative gossip that you are surrendered fully to God. Only through
to to pornography etc. It is about honoring oneself in living for Him and dedicating all of our actions to Him
every way, and ensuring that nothing toxic goes in at can we find peace, joy and meaning in life.
mind, body level which affects our spiritual way of life.

2. Santosha – contentment. Sadly, a disease of

the human mind is that we are rarely, if ever, satisfied.
Our scriptures say that whatever we are given we
should accept as Prasad from God. One of the most
important personal characteristics toward which we
should strive is the “attitude of gratitude. We should
be thankful to God and keep chanting His holy name
regardless of the condition in which He keeps us. We
should accept more and expect less. Expectation
is the Mother of Frustration and Acceptance is the
Mother of Peace and Joy.

3. Tapas – austerities/ sadhana. Through the

performance of regular tapas we learn to be the
master of our body and mind. Tapas puts the control
into our hands, into the hands of our higher Self.
Tapas does not mean only doing japa or fasting or
doing a certain number of ahutis in the yagna. Tapas
can extend to every area of our lives, for example
the practise of tolerance in relationships. Through
practicing tapas, we learn to have control over
ourselves so that we can choose whether to act
India - Let it Inside You
By Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji
“If one more person pushes and squeezes me in “But how in the world did a voluptuous, well-
the aarti again I’m going to scream!” endowed woman think there was room to sit down
in six inches of space?”
The tears in her eyes are testimony to the very real
and sincere pain this young woman from London is I used to wonder. “Didn’t she realize she’d be sitting
experiencing. To an Indian this pain is unfathomable. on my legs?” Of course she realized. The difference
Pushing and squeezing are part and parcel of the is that to her there’s nothing wrong with that, if she’s
Indian way of life and the spiritual sector isn’t an Indian. My legs, my lap, my personal space are
exception. Overcrowding is not, in these cases, absolutely viable options for places to sit. Of course,
the reason, for there is plenty of room if one is only there is no accompanying sense of embarrassment
prepared to be a little further from the center of the or apology, for -- by Indian cultural standards -- there
action. is no such thing as social space, and if it doesn’t
exist then it certainly can’t be violated.
The reason touches upon something much deeper
and more profound about the culture of India, and The same is true emotionally. “Are you married?
explains one of the reasons that visits to India, Why aren’t you married? How come your parents
particularly spiritual pilgrimages, are so emotionally let you come to India? Don’t they want you to get
difficult for people from other countries. married? How much money do you make? Are your
After living in India for nearly 15 years I have realized brothers and sisters married? How much money do
that there is absolutely no concept of social space they make?”
the way we understand it in the West. This is neither
a good thing nor a bad thing. It just is. In the West, The questions flow out in a fast stream, like a
there is an unspoken but universally understood waterfall upon an unsuspecting bather who went
“buffer zone” around each of us, physically and into a pond for a relaxing dip, not realizing what
emotionally, which can be trespassed upon only was about to rain down upon his head. The look of
by intimate friends and relations. If two people bewilderment, of insult, of embarrassment on the
who are standing and speaking with each other face of the questionee doesn’t seem to deter the
start to get too physically close (unless of course questions either. For, again, there is no personal/
there is romance brewing) an invisible yet almost social space they have invaded. It just doesn’t exist.
tangible magnet will pull them backwards until the This is where the choice comes for Westerners
comfortable social distance is re-established. In India visiting India or living in India.
this is not the case.

We have two options. Either we can try to

If two people are sitting next to each other, with a
turn India into America or Europe and attempt
socially comfortable 5 or 6 inches of space between
to impose our standards and cultural norms
them, that space counts as a “seat” and an Indian
upon India or we can let India be India and
could very easily come and squeeze him/herself
open ourselves to the transformation which is
into that spot with absolutely no sense of having
possible. The former is what we normally do,
committed a social faux-pas. I cannot say the
but it is an exercise in futility and frustration.
number of times someone has come and sat down
The latter is where the real possibility of India
basically on my lap in a variety of religious functions
manifests.
in halls, temples and elsewhere.
India is not a country which can be seen at an arm’s Europe can be held at a distance. One can visit
distance. It is not a country which can be seen from Europe, enjoy Europe and “see” Europe by visiting
behind the lens of a camera. It is a country which the various cities and country-sides, by visiting the
can ONLY be seen when it has entered and affected cathedrals and ancient ruins, by sipping coffee in a
every single cell of our being. To try to hold India at road side cafe and eating baguettes and brie on park
an arm’s distance is about as effective as holding up benches in the shade.
a stop-sign at an approaching tsunami. You’re going
to get wet, stop-sign in hand or no stop-sign in hand. But India wants to get inside. And it will, for our own
And that’s the beauty of India. India does not show benefit. If medicine were unable to penetrate the cell
us India from the outside. It’s not about the buildings wall, if it were unable to get deep within our cells and
or the sights. Yes, of course these are beautiful and spill its contents there, it would be unable to help us.
interesting, but they’re not India in terms of what Merely floating around in our bloodstream, helpless in
India has to give. They can just as easily be seen in the face of an impermeable cell wall, medicine would
postcards. be futile. Our flus and fevers and blood pressure and
cholesterol and blood sugar would remain unchecked
India shows us India not in bricks, not in cement, and untreated.
not even in mud or thatch, but India shows us India In the same way, India is meant to heal us. But only
only from the inside. Once it has entered our being, from the inside.
whether we invited it or not, once it has held up the
mirror of ourselves to ourselves, once it has brought Only if it can penetrate the walls. Only if we let it in.
out both the very worst and also the very best in us
(sometimes alternating almost comically in a period When I first came to India I decided almost
of merely minutes or hours), once it has turned us immediately that I would wear sarees. Many people
upside down and inside out, then and only then has tried to dissuade me by telling me how difficult it
India showed us India. is to tie a saree, but I decided that if half a billion
people (approximately 50% of the population of older than ourselves, is not just Vinita or Vinitaji,
India is women), most of whom were uneducated, but rather she is Vinita Aunty. A new man we meet
could figure it out, it couldn’t be so complex. Hence, of a similar age to ourselves is not just Vinod, but
I started wearing sarees, and I wore them poorly at rather he is Vinod bhai. The concept of Vasudheva
first. Kutumbhakam (the World is One Family) is not merely
a trite platitude. It is truly the way that India operates.
So poorly in fact, that every time I wandered around If she’s my aunty and I’m her niece then there’s
outside of the ashram, random women would come nothing wrong with her sitting half-way into my lap.
up to me, stick their hands into my saree, grab the If she is Mataji and thus I am her daughter, then of
place where the pleats get tucked into the petti-coat, course she can put her hands in my underwear to fix
and -- with a few sharp tugs -- pull my saree into my saree.
proper place. The first time it happened, I remember
thinking, “Oh my God. That woman just stuck her So, when someone sits down on top of our legs
hands into my underwear.” And I didn’t even know because he/she has decided that the 5 inches of
her. But then I stopped and I realized there was space next to us is enough to squeeze into, or when
another way of looking at this. Rather than thinking someone places their bags, or their baby, on our lap
that a random, unknown woman had just violated as though we were a shelf, or when someone asks
my personal space in a very significant way, I could us questions more personal than we’d comfortably
also think, “Wow. That woman just did for me tell our own therapist, let us pause for a moment
exactly what she would have done for her own and realize we have a choice. We have either been
daughter. That woman on the street just adopted violated or we’ve been adopted.
me.” Suddenly, rather than being violated, I had
been adopted. Day after day after day by woman The choice is up to us, and the outcome of our
after woman, until I finally learned to tie my sarees trip to India - whether it was heart opening and
correctly. The number of Indian women who adopted transformative in a beautiful and divine way, or
me in that way is uncountable. whether it was frustrating, infuriating and nerve-
wracking, bears direct correlation to which choice
India is a country where everyone is a family relation. we make. Violated or adopted? What other country
Uncle, Aunty, Bhai and Behen are ubiquitous suffixes offers such a choice?
to everyone’s name. So a new woman we meet,
Satsang/Lifestyle/Healing - Learn techniques for lifestyle balance...
• Divine discourses by revered spiritual masters
• Satsang with revered spiritual leaders
• Yogic Philosophy According to Vedanta with H.H. Pujya Shankaracharya Swami
Divyanand Teerthji
• Question/Answer Satsang with H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
• “How to BE a yogi, not only DO yoga” with H.H. Pujya Swami Dayanandaji
• The Power of Yoga with H.H. Pujya Swami Ramdevji
• Question/Answer Satsang with H.H. Pujya Shri Mooji
• Path of the Heart discourse with H.H. Pujya Prem Babaji
• The Yoga of Love discourse with H.H. Pujya Radhanath Swamiji
• Yoga, Ayurveda & Health with H.H. Pujya Acharya Balkrishnaji
• Buddhist Meditation with Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasenaji
• Spirituality, Healing & Happiness with Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji
• Lecture on using the ancient principles of Ayurveda to enhance one’s personal
practice by Yogi Cameron
• Lecture on the art of eating correctly, in a balanced yogic way with Rujuta Diwekar
• How to find your passion and life’s purpose with Janet Attwood
• Healing with Hatha yoga with Dr. Urvashi Inamdar, Dr. Krishna Raman &
Dr. Fharzana Siraj
• Reiki healing with Maa Gyaan Suveera
• Vedic Astrology with Komilla Sutton

Mantras/Kirtan and Music Therapy...

• Kirtan with H.H. Radhanath Swamiji
• Vedic Chanting with Sadhvi Abha Saraswatiji
• Kirtan and Chanting with Anandra George and
Daphne Tse
Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes to work the Mind, Breath and Body.
• Bharat Yog with Padmashri Bharat Bhushan
• Kundalini Yoga with Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Sukhmandir Singh Khalsa and Kia Miller
• Iyengar Yoga with H S Arun
• Primary Series Mysore practice with Deepika Mehta
• Ashtanga Series with Mark Robberds
• Kriya Yoga with Sadhvi Abha Saraswati
• Devi Sadhana and Ganga Yoga with Laura Plumb
• Japanese Shintoh Yoga with Hikaru Hashimoto
• Hatha Yoga Adjustments & Alignment with Mohan Bhandari
• Kundalini morning Sadhana with Gurushabd Khalsa
• Hatha Vinyasa with Bharath Shetty and Krishnamurthy Mohan Raj
• Yoga and recovery with Tommy Rosen
• Hatha Yoga focusing on the principles of Agni and Soma with Kia Miller
• Jivamukti Yoga with Jules Febre
• Pranayama with Brahmachari Vishwapal Jayant (Yogiraj)
• Somatics Yoga with Brian Siddharth Ingle
• Siddha Yoga practice with T.A. Krishnan
• Yoga Martial Arts, Sports Science practice with Yuva Dayalan
• Submerged Yoga with Chandanni Miglino
• Lila Yoga with Erica Kaufmann
• Sufi Yoga with Mert Güler
• Vinyasa Yoga Biorhythmic Flow Namaskarams with Bhavini Kalan
• Yin Yang Nadis yoga with David Wei

Yoga off the Mat...

• Clean Green Serene, Yoga & the Sacred Environment
with Pujya Swamiji
• Yogis for WASH and Ganga: Taking yoga off the mat
and bringing energy, experience and expertise into
service projects that honor and value the Creation as
part and parcel of Consciousness
• Ganga Clean Up
Styles and Lineages
Satsang and Darshan with mind, body and soul, as well as living a Holistic Sattvic
Way of Life. The practice is devotional in itself, with a
Revered Saints focus on simplicity, chanting, and not over-working the
body. This takes us back to the times of the Gurukul
Satsang and discourses with our Revered Saints and and Ashram traditions in India. Practiced the simple
spiritual, yogic leaders is one of the great highlights of way, there is a focus on balancing the Gunas with the
International Yoga Festival and sets it apart from any aim of optimal mind and body balance. In this style, we
other yoga event around the world. Satsang means to have yoga nidra, Vedic chanting, traditional methods
be in the presence of Truth, that divine and complete of alignment, as well as pranayama workshops.
Truth which unveils the very nature of who we are and - Padmashri Bharat Bhushan, Sadhvi Abha Saraswati,
why we are here. It is a great blessing to be in the Mohan Bhandari, Yogiraj Vishwapal Jayant, Kia Miller,
company of enlightened masters, with an assembly of Yogi Cameron, Yuva Dayalan, T.A. Krishnan
persons who listen to, talk about, and assimilate the
‘highest truth’.
Ashtanga Yoga
This involves listening to or reading scriptures,
reflecting on, discussing and assimilating their An ancient system of Yoga, taught by Vamana Rishi in
meaning, meditating on the source of these words, the Yoga Korunta, and passed from Krishnamacharya
and bringing their meaning into one’s daily life. There to Pattabhi Jois. The practice is about synchronized
will be a range of discourses in term of Yoga, Vedanta, breath and body movement for Chikitsa – body
Ayurveda and Hindu Philosophy this week, as well as cleansing and purification. Breathing and moving
Living Yoga off the Mat. together while performing asanas increases circulation
and removes toxins from the body, resulting in pushing
out impurities and disease from the organs. Long and
Classical Hatha Yoga even breathing (through the Ujjayi Breath) tones the
nervous system. The focus on bandhas (body locks)
results in better breathing, and getting into deeper
Classical Hatha Yoga is the foundation form of all the
asanas. When mula bandha is perfect, mind control
yoga forms we know today. Many advanced styles,
variations and schools are borne from this knowledge
base. It is a simple deep practice for cleansing the
is automatic. There is also a focus on clearing the
six poisons, which surround the spiritual heart. In the
yoga shastra it is said that God dwells in our heart
in the form of light, but this light is tainted by six Kundalini Yoga
poisons: kama, krodha, moha, lobha, matsarya, and
mada. These are desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy A science taught and spread by Yogi Bhajan is a
and sloth. When yoga practice is sustained with great specific series of asanas, kriyas, pranayama, chanting
diligence and dedication over a long period of time, and meditation that bring about a relaxed state of
the heat generated from it burns away these poisons, mind, a healthier body, a more balanced glandular
and the light of our inner nature shines through. system, and an overall lightness of being. This practice
- Deepika Mehta, Mark Robberds, Erica Kaufman helps to develop strength, courage and wisdom to
cope with challenges of daily life. Through this week
Iyengar Yoga of practice, experience Kundalini to see how much
we really do affect one another, and can ultimately heal
and uplift one another. Work your emotions on the
Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of living yoga
Banks of Mother Ganga and relax to the sound of the
master B.K.S. Iyengar and begins with learning the art
Sacred Gong. Here there is early morning Sadhana
and science of asana and pranayama. The method
practice, the Kundalini class immersion in mornings,
of study is orderly and progressive, and the postures
and the restorative class in the afternoons.
are adjusted to meet the physical conditions and
- Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Gurushabd Singh Khalsa,
needs of each student. Iyengar yoga emphasizes a
Sukhmandir Singh Khalsa, Tommy Rosen, Kia Miller
balance between strength and flexibility, the building
of endurance and the development of self-awareness
through precision, movement and attention to the Kriya Yoga
more subtle aspects of posture and breath. Strength,
coordination, flexibility and an increased sense of The Kriya Yogi mentally directs her/his life energy to
well-being are some of the benefits of the Iyengar revolve, upward and downward, around the six spinal
method of yoga. Through the consistent practice of centers (medullary, cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral,
asana and pranayama students of Iyengar yoga are and coccygeal plexuses); correlating to the chakras. It
guided towards increased awareness of their physical, is deep and meditative practice, where Kriya sadhana
emotional, and spiritual lives. Students experience has been described as a practice of being in Atman.
meditation in action, a state of being focused and There is a lot of focus on advanced breath control,
absorbed in the moment. body discipline, mental control, and meditating on
- H.S. Arun ‘Aum’. Kriya entails several acts that have evidently
been adapted from the Gita, the Yoga
Sutras, Tantra shastras and from
conceptions on the Yugas. We offer
a week-long immersion for you to
benefit from this science.
- Sadhvi Abha Saraswati (Mataji), Dr.
T.A. Krishnan

Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga is focused on the
dynamic sequencing of postures,
with a focus on meditation through
movement. This style has its prime
influence from Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore. Vinyasa sequencing and yogic breathing practices. A Jivamukti
teachers have integrated their teachings with either Yoga class is a vigorous physical and spiritual practice
ayurveda, dance, martial arts, or bhakti. Vinyasa leading to higher awareness. This vinyasa-based Hatha
journeys are experienced in progressive series and Yoga method incorporates five elements that form the
different scientifically synchronized sets of asanas. foundation of each class: scripture, bhakti (devotion
Understand how Vinyasa can work for different body to God), ahimsa (nonviolence and compassion), nada
types, practice with music and specific chants, and yoga (deep listening), and meditation (connection with
incorporate inspirations and readings to move from the unchanging reality within).
physical to the philosophical and other aspects of - Jules Febre
yoga. The mind, body, soul become stronger through
this process of Yoga Chikitsa (body purification). There Somatics Yoga
are several creative variations of this form being offered
at the International Yoga Festival. Somatic Movement Education is a safe, gentle and
- Bharath Shetty, Tommy Rosen, common sense approach to eliminating chronic
Krishnamurthy Mohan Raj, Bhavini Kalan muscle pain for the long term. It is an educational
process of neuromuscular re-training, a sensory
Jivamukti Yoga motor method that teaches you to reverse the cause
of most chronic muscle pain. Through Somatic Yoga,
This style integrates the physical, psychological, and practitioners empowered to enjoy freedom from pain
spiritual aspects of yoga practices into a modern lifestyle along with flexibility and ease of movement in their
without losing sight of the ancient and universal goal mind and body. The focus is on mindful movement,
of the practice—liberation. The name Jivamukti comes daily self-help programs, and gentle exercises to gives
from the Sanskrit word ‘jivanmukta’ meaning “living back the ease, comfort and flexibility one remembers
liberated”. Each class focuses on a theme, which is from childhood.
supported by Sanskrit chanting, readings, references - Brian Siddharth Ingle
to scriptural texts, music, spoken word, asana
 compassion, expand their consciousness and liberate
Lila Yoga themselves from the stress and anxiety that permeate
our modern culture.
Influenced by Jiddu Krishnamurti’s philosophy - Laura Plumb
and Krishnamacharya’s teachings, Lila Yoga is a
traditional Hatha Yoga vinyasa practice, along with Ying Yang Nadis Yoga
Raja (philosophical), and Bhakti (devotional) Yoga.
Practicing asanas to cleanse & balance the body, Ying Yang Nadis Yoga brings together traditional
and to understand the mind, Lila Yoga explores the Hatha yoga with the traditions of China, mixing classic
possibility of living in brilliant ease by rejuvenating Self- yogasana poses with Qigong, Tai Chi and other holistic
trust and love, awakening energy within the body, and fitness regimens.
uniting with universal currents of energy around us. - David Wei
- Erica Kaufman
Sufi Yoga
Shintoh Yoga
Sufi Yoga is influenced by the teachings and the
Shintoh yoga is a very therapeutic practice, a blend of mystical beliefs of Rumi. This practice emphasizes
Hatha Yoga with Japanese ancient Shinto techniques, inner awareness and a feeling of completion, drawing
a good blend of relaxation through yoga, and fitness inspiration especially from the meditational works
through Shinto arts. and experiences one can experience through Rumi’s
- Hikaru Hashimoto teachings.
- Mert Güler
Deep Yoga & Ganga Yoga
Meditation Techniques
Deep Yoga has developed a unique approach to
Asana Practice that offers a passageway into healing, Experience oneself flowing freely like the waters of
self-awareness, higher consciousness and liberation. Mother Ganga. Also dive inward to experience an
Vedic wisdom informs the imagery, mantra and Expanded Consciousness meditation, a loss of the
meditation applied in practice. Ayurveda is infused boundaries of self and merging into the One.
into the experience for balance, harmony, purification - Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
and energetic alignment. Through the application
of this ancient wisdom, students learn to open their
hearts, access their inner intelligence, deepen their Hatha Yoga Traditions of Meditations as well as Yoga
Nidra and Aum Meditation.
- Sadhvi Abha Saraswati, Mohan Bhandari

The Cosmic Intelligence Plus (Ci Plus)

method is a direct path to self realization
- an easy meditation technique developed
on the personal energy matrix discovered
by each practitioner in his meditation.
- Maa Gyaan Suveera
Mantra Yoga maintain close bonds, as well as enrich your sense of
giving and receiving.
- Maa Gyaan Suveera
Become entranced in the energy of Bhakti Yoga.
Experience the deep yogic benefits of universal
Find your passion and discover how you can live your
devotional music, prayer and chants.
life’s purpose.
- Anandra George and Daphne Tse
- Janet Attwood

Light your inner light everyday on the Banks of Mother

Learn about the importance of what we eat and the art
Ganga with the Sacred Divine Ganga Aarti. Enjoy this
of eating correct, in a balanced, yogic way.
Holy Happy Hour!
- Rujuta Diwekar
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram daily

Learn about traditional and ancient Vedic Astrology

Healing & Life Management (Jyotish)
techniques - Komilla Sutton

Work with the energy of Reiki. With this connection Discuss the impact of our “off the mat” choices and
you can allow the flow of very high vibrations of lifestyle on the planet. Explore ways to bring yogic
energy through your auric field and into your physical living and the practice of ahimsa into every choice,
body. This energy works to harmonize, or bring into every decision and every action. What we wear, what
balance, the total you: physical, emotional, mental and we purchase, what we eat and how we live have great,
spiritual. You can easily learn to give Reiki treatments far-reaching impacts on Mother Earth. Discuss ways
to yourself, family and friends. It will help create and to “live simply so that others may simply live”.
- Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
 Want to take yoga off the mat?
Join us for
The Seva Celebration
March 8th - Parmarth Niketan
The Seva Celebration will be a collaborative, 2.5 hour event, with a variety of teachers uniting from
across the globe to share their teachings with one common intention: to celebrate the importance
of being in service. This class will be full of ecstatic energy, with meditation, mantra, kriya,
pranayama, asana and kirtan.

In honor of International Women’s Day, we will be connecting to the energy of Ma Ganga,

the Devi, by invoking her powers of wisdom, creativity and compassion that ultimately lead us
back to that space deep within our hearts which fuels us with inspiration to GIVE BACK.

All proceeds raised at The 2015 Seva Celebration will go toward Global Non-Profit Organizations
that support women - The Divine Shakti Foundation & Yoga Gives Back.

This is a donation-based event.

To get your ticket, visit the Parmarth IYF Reception Office or Jaipur Inn.

Learn more at
www.SevaCelebration.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Room issues? Safe Drinking Water?
Each residential block has its own reception where Drinking water is provided in the Yoga Hall area in
they can help you address room issues. You can pick coolers, as well as in the building receptions and the
up towels, soaps, toilet paper there as well. As part dining area. Fill up your bottles with these. Please be
of Karma Yoga, you are encouraged to keep own sure to only drink bottled or filtered water.
sacred space clean; please ask building reception for
cleaning supplies. Medical attention?
We have our own clinic with dispensary onsite called
Laundry? Parmarth Niketan Hospital. Hours are Monday to
Drop off your laundry at the building receptions. Friday 8am to 11am and 3pm to 5pm. If you require
Put your name and room number on bag which attention outside these hours, please go to the Help
will be provided. Laundry will be returned within Desk and someone will contact the resident doctor
a day, however if it is rainy within 2 days… NB: in
Indian custom, undergarments are to be washed Emails, phone calls and money
individually.
exchange
Emails, phone calls and money exchange Two
Hot water? internet cafes are available at Parmarth, in the main
Yes – in all rooms. If your room has a geyser please courtyard and also in the Yoga Garden. Please
turn it on 30 minutes before showering and switch off see the map of the ashram for all locations from
immediately after use. Please help conserve! Other which phone calls can be made, which are open at
rooms have solar heated water. different and varying times. There are ATMs in the
marketplace.

Travel Requirements?
If you need any assistance with booking of transport or travel, please contact Siddharth Ahya on
+91-9898236194, Bijender Singh on +91-9456122722 or Neeraj Gupta on +91-9811111044
Safety precautions Indian etiquette:
It is unadvisable for females to travel alone into • Be sensitive and respectful, dress as modestly as
deserted areas day or night. It is not safe to venture possible, especially during the Aarti. Shoulders
into the forest at before dawn or after dusk as wild and knees should always be covered, at all times,
elephants and leopards habitat this area. If any local including in classes.
tells you they want to do Astro- readings, Healings, • When in doubt, observe what others are doing, or
etc. & says they will come to your room, this is a simply just ask.
definite NO, we do not offer these services so we do • To preserve the purity of sacred places, remove
not allow this at the Ashram. No unauthorized guests your shoes.
allowed in guest rooms at any time. • To avoid potential misunderstandings and for
hygienic reasons, when greeting someone, fold
Darshan (Blessings) with Pujya your hands in Namaste.
• Indians reserve their left hand for unclean
Swamiji activities so it is customary to give and receive
Your group can sign-up to have a special meeting
with the right hand.
with Pujya Swamiji. To sign-up for a timeslot to have
darshan (divine meeting) with Pujya Swamiji, please
find the sign-up sheet in the registration area during Ashram Donations
registration, and in Pujya Swamiji’s Reception Office Please make donations only at the main reception
after the IYF registration area has closed. Your desk. Make sure to receive your receipt (even if
group can sign-up for one timeslot, and we ask that you don’t require it). Please see the brochure in the
your group maintain responsibility for remembering Welcome Package which details the charitable and
that timeslot. Due to the potential high volume of humanitarian activities of the ashram. Please do not
groups who would like to meet with Pujya Swamiji, tip anyone, as this is against the Ashram Policy.
your timeslot may be shared with one or two other
groups. Please note: this sign-up is for groups Your feedback is important
only. To meet with Pujya Swamiji individually, please We will be giving Feedback Forms during the festival.
come to the daily open darshan/satsang/question- Please keep your mind open to improvement, and
answer sessions immediately following Ganga Aarti in fill them in. We will be requiring that you fill this out
Pujya Swamiji’s garden (near Reception), or arrange before receiving your key deposit if you are staying at
privately. Additionally, there is a question basket in the ashram.
Reception, so if you feel shy to ask your question
publicly during the evening darshan/satsang/
question-answer time, please put your questions
in this basket and these will be addressed in the
Satsang sessions.

We hope that your time here at Parmarth Niketan is comfortable and enjoyable. If
you are having any problems or need assistance in any way, please stop by the IYF
office or the Reception Office.
IYF throughout the Years
Exhibitions
2015 International Yoga Festival is proud to host exhibitions by organizations and
companies working towards a more sustainable, green planet, while providing products
and services for enhancing our lifestyle. These entities emphasize the use of organically
grown materials in their products, promote traditional methods of production and are
dedicated to empowerment of local farmers and artisans.

The Speaking Tree

From its beginning as a column on the opinion page of The Times of India in 1996,
the Tree has branched out as an eight-page Sunday newspaper with seven city
editions and a vibrant, interactive website.
speakingtree.in
The Speaking Tree Sunday newspaper brings you stories that inform, entertain and
inspire reflection. Appealing to all ages, gender and interests, whether sceptic or
believer, evolved or unsure – it offers a range of writings from do-it-yourself practical
guides to good living, wellness, yoga, meditation, abstract philosophy and inter-faith
insights to mythology, discussions on ethics and morality, provocative interviews and
debates on the mystery of life.

The Speaking Tree’s website is a globally popular spiritual social networking platform
where anyone can interact with the enlightened, seek answers, discuss, debate and
express their views on spiritual, moral, ethical and philosophical issues.

Mandakini Women Weavers of Garhwal &

Panchachuli Women Weavers of Kumaon
Mandakini Women Weavers of Garhwal in partnership with Government of
Uttarakhand, and Panchachuli Women Weavers of Kumaon have joined together with
Divine Shakti Foundation to engage and reach out to 300 families in the Kedarnath
Valley, the sacred pilgrimage region in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, to train
them spinning in weaving, creation and production of handloom and textile products.
The women being trained are mostly widows from the devastating flood disaster of
June 2013 when thousands of menfolk and pilgrims lost their lives.

Now, a year after the floods, having been trained, these women have produced a
range of gorgeous hand loomed products in Cashmere and Lambswool, which we
are proud to bring to you during the International Yoga Festival. Your purchase of
these products would not only be conscious consumerism in action but empower
hundreds of women to weave their lives with hope for a brighter, more resilient and
self-sufficient future.
Organic India
At the heart of ORGANIC INDIA is a commitment to be a living embodiment of love and
consciousness in action. Organic India works with thousands of family farmers in India
to cultivate tens of thousands of acres of sustainable organic farmland. All ORGANIC
INDIA products support health and True Wellness and are made with loving care. Each
product is one link in a chain of connectedness between Mother Nature, farmers and you.
By choosing ORGANIC INDIA, you are completing this chain, actively participating in its
mission to create a sustainable environment of True Wellness, providing training and a life
of dignity to ORGANIC INDIA’s farmers, and bringing health, happiness and True Wellness
to you. ORGANIC INDIA’s success serves as living proof that shared abundance can be
created with an uncompromising commitment to environmental and social responsibility. organicindia.com

Fabindia
Fabindia is India’s iconic lifestyle brand known for its contemporary range of craft-based
products sourced from rural craftspeople. Created using traditional craft techniques
and processes, Fabindia’s distinctive offering extends from clothing, jewellery, bags &
footwear to furniture, linen, lighting, giftware, organic foods and personal care products.

The Fabindia range combines the elegance and comfort of natural materials such as
cotton, silk, and jute with traditional techniques - intricate weaves, patterns and vibrant
colours. While focusing on innovation and design, Fabindia nurtures traditional craft
skills by providing an accessible retail platform for crafts produced by rural artisans and
offers products that emphasise an alternate to the mass produced. Fabindia is India’s
largest private retail platform for craft based products and has 193 outlets worldwide.
Fabindia at Rishikesh: Shop No. 3, Luxman Chowk, Luxman Jhula, Rishikesh.
fabindia.com

Nourish Organics
Nourish Organics is about helping you make the right food choices. Nourish Organics
has an array of ready-to-eat snacks that work for you and your body at all times, even
on-the-go! Their products are made from delicious & wholesome ingredients, grown
organically, free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. They are suffused with invaluable
oils, natural antioxidants and wholesome fiber, creating a multitude of positive effects
on the body from healthy hearts to weight control. Super foods like flaxseeds, pumpkin
seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts and fruits combine to give you a high-powered dose of
Essential Fatty Acids, Omega Oils and proteins.

Nourish Organics’ aim is to educate and impart good eating and snacking habits,
improving health and creating awareness about organic and healthy food products. Our
products include: Breakfast Muesli, Health Bars, High Fiber snacks, Nuts and Seeds. nourishorganicfoods.com

Blossom Kochhar
Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt. Ltd (BKBP) was established in 1992 to
manufacture and market aromatherapy oils and aromatherapy based cosmetics under
the brand name “BLOSSOM KOCHHAR AROMA MAGIC”. Today the company
operates out of 9 cities, managed by more than 175 stockists and a large network of
dealers. The Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic brand is manufactured in the company’s
state of the art factory in Uttarakhand.

Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic enhances the lives of its customers through expert and
customised beauty care solutions. The wide range includes Skin Care, Hair Care, Bath &
Body Care, Essential and Blended Oils and Professional Products. aromamagic.com
 TRIFED / TRIBES India
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) is
an agency of the Government of India under Ministry of Tribal Affairs, which is
primarily engaged in the development and marketing of tribal traditional products
including handicrafts and natural products.

TRIFED aims to improve the livelihoods of tribal communities by creating markets

and opportunities for them based on their cultural, traditional skills whilst ensuring
fair and equitable remuneration.

As part of its marketing initiatives, TRIFED has already established a chain of 40

unique showrooms called “TRIBES India” located across the country. TRIFED
has also been organizing exhibitions at different locations for promoting sales
of tribal art and craft items in different States. TRIBES India also operates
in Rishikesh; please visit their outlet near Omkarananda Ashram, near BSNL
Exchange to oversee the artifacts.
tribesindia.com

DEE DEE Exports

DEE DEE Exports offers a vast range of Yoga & Meditation Products - which
includes Yoga Bags, Meditation Cushions, Bolsters, Zafu, Zabuton, Eye Pillows,
Yoga Clothes, Jewellery, Acupressure Mats, and more. DEE DEE Export’s
products are well-finished, soft, comfortable, lightweight, eco-friendly and long
lasting.

Being the most trusted private label designers, developers and manufacturers
in Asia, DEE DEE Exports assures customers about the quality of their yoga and
meditation products. With their wide market network, they are able to access a
variety of raw materials and techniques for their products.

deedeeexports.com

Kairali Ayurvedic Group / Sanskriti Vedic Retreat

Kairali Ayurvedic Group has been founded on authentic Ayurvedic principles and
philosophy, and has been healing for last 85 years. The Group is into Ayurvedic
Medicines, Ayurvedic Retreats & Healing Centers across the globe.

Its flagship retreat and multiple award winning centre, Kairali -The Ayurvedic
Healing Village, is one of the leading Ayurvedic health retreats in Asia, and among
the top 50 wellness centers in the world. The retreat, is spread across 60 acres
of land, with lush, green serene, foliage apt for undergoing treatments from one’s
ailments.

The Sanskriti Vedic Retreat at Rishikesh is away from worldly qualms, stressful
day to day activities as this place offers a combination of yoga, Ayurveda, vegan
& nutritious food. This place is a unique amalgamation of the best of ancient
Indian traditions -Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality, situated in the
legendary foothills of the Himalayas, by the holy Ganges.
kairali.com
IYF Feedback over the Years
“Expect less and accept more. It is our own
expectations and our own egos that cause
frustration and disappointment in life.”
- Pujya Swamiji

“The teachings are so deep, the “The Yoga Festival has been a perfect inspiring yogis, and each time there is a
atmosphere is beautifully light and the reason to finally come home to India.” deeper sinking of welcoming ourselves to
people are so open. The International our inner HOMES --- I feel so blessed.” ‘
Yoga Festival is more than I can ask for “Initially I came for the yoga, but now I
from any yoga event.” return for the people.” “We were not only taught by the learned
teachers, but we were also touched by
“Yoga means unity and this festival was the deep wisdom from the Saints and
truly a festival of unity – unity between transformed by the divine atmosphere
people of different cultures and faiths, in the holy land, on the banks of Mother
unity between the East and West, unity Ganga, in the lap of the Himalayas.”
between modern and traditional, unity
between the body, mind and soul.” “Yoga students and teachers can
travel to India but it is only when one
“We learnt how to incorporate the comes to Rishikesh and the welcoming
principles of yoga into our lives and how atmosphere at Parmarth does one feel
“The interesting blend of Indian and to work towards balance and peace. the true essence of Yoga and being a
Western approaches to yoga is so Yoga off the mat!” Yogi. I wish to attract more teachers
refreshing. The International Yoga Festival to this divine home with the love and
is both serious and fun simultaneously.” blessings of Pujya Swamiji’.

“I come to Parmarth Niketan to

International Yoga Festival every year to
recharge my batteries and to find my
center again.”

“Pujya Swamiji has a unique way to

express the deepest and most profound
thoughts and insights in ways that are
understandable, meaningful, inspirational
and transformative to people of all “The caliber of all the teachings have
cultures, all backgrounds and all walks been excellent. The teachers are so
of life. We were not only taught by his inspirational.”
“I am opening my mind in the foothills of wisdom, but were also touched by the
the Himalayas with so many great people, divine messages and boundless love that “Ganga Aarti lights the lamps in our
in such a beautiful place. It’s wonderful.” flow from his heart”. hearts. I have for the first time felt divine
love and felt divine tears as I did at
“As a new yoga teacher it’s amazing “This is my fifth time at IYF and my seventh Ganga Aarti. The soul gets lifted and the
to listen and learn from so many great time at Parmarth. I connect deeply with mind transported into a meditative bliss.
teachers, and especially in such a divine all the people I meet here, I see the yoga Swamiji says it a ‘happy hour’ and it is
location.” of action, am part of gatherings with truly a divine hour.”

‘All delegates from all around the world, from different religions, were completely immersed in
divine union during the Ganga Aarti.’
 Map of
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
 International Yoga Festival
Thanks Our Partners

Learn more at
www.internationalyogafestival.com/partners
 Uttarakhand offers a huge selection of ancient temples, ashrams,
explore mountaineering, national parks, shopping, skiing, yoga and
meditation, trekking, spotting tigers, white-water rafting – all rapidly
Uttarakhand unfolding as the mystical Ganges river winds its way down from the
www.uttaranchaltourism.in glaciers of the Himalayas to through the rolling hills and forests into
sweeping plains.
 Our Programs
for a More Peaceful World
H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
Pujya Swamiji is the inspiration behind IYF, and with His vision,blessings, leadership and
direction that these seva projects of peace listed below are flourishing.
www.pujyaswamiji.org

Global Interfaith WASH Alliance

Launched at UNICEF Headquarters, GIWA brings the world’s faiths together, so that even the
most poor and marginalized people can have safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
www.washalliance.org

Divine Shakti Foundation

Dedicated to the holistic well being of women, their children,
and orphaned/abandoned children, and to all of Mother Nature and Mother Earth.
www.divineshaktifoundation.org

Ganga Action Parivar

Launched at the hands of HH the Dalai Lama, HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and many
others, GAP brings together networks and partnerships of the world’s preeminent researchers,
environmentalists, engineers, religious and business leaders, and the general public. Together, we
work towards creating thoughtful solutions to the numerous problems plaguing the Ganga and Her
tributaries.
www.gangaaction.org

Project Hope
Providing ecologically-sustainable relief and restoration in times of natural disaster
www.projecthope-india.org

India Heritage Research Foundation

Committed to education, healthcare, interfaith harmony and the upliftment of women. IHRF has
also created ashrams in Mansarovar as well as the world’s first comprehensive Encyclopedia of
Hinduism.
www.ihrf.com

Encyclopedia of Hinduism
An unprecedented encyclopedia, drafted by some 1,000 experts over a 25-year time-span.
www.theencyclopediaofhinduism.com

Green Kumbh Initiative

Promoting clean and green festivals and education for healthier populations and ecosystems.
www.parmarth.com/updates/kumbhspecial.pdf

IHRF