Messages

 Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati

 


Satsang to Bihar Yoga Bharati Graduates
1 January 1996


The following reminiscence came flooding back to my mind this evening and I thought that I should share this message with other ex-students of BYB and Satyananda Yoga teachers in general.

After a very inspiring and action packed four months in Munger in 1995, we the students of the inaugural four month Certificate Course in Yogic Studies were informed that Paramahamsa Niranjanananda had arranged a satsang with Paramahamsa Satyananda on 1 January 1996 at the Alakh Bara, Rikhia. This was an unexpected joy for all of us as we had already been in Paramahamsaji's presence at the Sat Chandi Maha Yagya for about two weeks, just one month earlier.

After the long bus trip from Munger we finally arrived at our destination, Paramahamsaji's residence at Rikhia. We were invited to sit with Paramahamsaji who was seated at the main Mandap, which was used during the Chandi Yagya. He referred to our group as the 'first batch' to come out of Bihar Yoga Bharati and during this darshan and satsang he imparted some subtle instructions. Directions were given that were to inspire us in our yoga teaching when we returned home.

My interpretation of Paramahamsaji's instructions, relevant to all Satyananda Yoga teachers is as follows:

He told us not to place too much emphasis on the mystical benefits and applications of yoga, you will only be able to benefit a small percentage of society. He also explained that these mystical experiences are only momentary and fleeting. Paramahamsaji instructed us to teach mainly about the therapeutic applications of the practices of yoga as we will then be in a better position to help a larger section of society.

Another revealing instruction was then given to us regarding remuneration or fees received for yoga teaching. Paramahamsaji's instruction was that all fees or income derived from teaching yoga should be put back fully into propagating and teaching yoga. He said that if you needed money for something not yoga related, you should have another source of income.

Paramahamsaji's final instruction on this matter to those of us present and who were prepared to operate in this way, was that

"I will give a blank check (of inspiration) to these people"

Karma works in subtle ways. Devotees and disciples of Paramahamsas Satyananda and Niranjanananda, and yoga teachers of Satyananda Yoga might find this information interesting and beneficial.
"Keep looking in the same direction as your inspiration"


Swami Mounamurti Saraswati
Copyright © 1999

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