PHILOSOPHY OF A.I.
These are the three fundamental aims of all true Yoga: a mind swept clean of distractions; a body dedicated for serving others; and speech that is direct, honest and pure. --Anandamaya Yoga Sutras
The Anandamaya Institute for Yoga and Transpersonal Studies is dedicated to the path of knowledge, learning, personal growth and Spiritual development, as the interior world is explored and investigated from a variety of perspectives.
At the center of our academic efforts is the growing cultivation of a grounded core Self which can be attained through the process of meditation.
It is interesting that while many consider meditation to be exclusively an esoteric art, those spontaneous daily activities that bring us peace of mind or relaxation, may be considered a form of meditation.
All of us have our own ways of finding this state of relaxation, but few know how to maintain this awareness, and even fewer know how to attain the deeper peace, healing and joy that is always within the true Self.
In this sense, the mind is like the gentle striking of a Tibetan metal bowl whose resonating sound waves ripple through the air unseen, but which are perceived nonetheless. In order to become aware of the true Self, you must learn to still, or filter, these ripples. Distractions are then abated, and the mind is quieted. Practice is required. A path is followed.
Anandamaya Yoga Meditation is such a path. One that leads to greater discipline of the mind and a deeper sense of awareness of the authentic Self. The term "Anandamaya," is an early Sanskrit word which may be translated as, "the blissful state of the inner Self."
Anandamaya Yoga is a form of inner-contemplation which has its historical roots in an ancient Yoga philosophy known as Jnana yoga (or the 'Yoga of knowledge.') According to the Bhagavadgita, Jnana Yoga serves as the means to achieve liberation). This school of thought is a very early, pre-Patanjalian system of Yoga meditation, that was dedicated to the growth and development of the true Self.
