AHYMSIN-Americas Newsletter Articles

  In India, the birthplace of yoga, travelers on narrow, forested roads often find themselves face-to-face with elephants, particularly under the cover of night. In such moments, drivers—whether navigating cars, auto rickshaws, or buses—know to stop and maintain a respectful distance. This mindful pause prevents startling the majestic creature, which could provoke a charge. Patience becomes a virtue for both drivers and passengers, who, in the dim light, watch the gentle movement   of the elephant's rear as it moves slowly and deliberately back into the embrace of the forest. Himalayan yoga teacher and retreat leader Silvia Baratta recounted waiting behind one such elephant while living in India. Observing its rear end blocking the road, she envisioned what this mighty creature might be doing with its trunk. She imagined the sweeping motions and the rhythmic sway of the elephant's trunk, considering whether it could be removing debris. In that moment, a profound realization ...

    Journey to the Inner Cave of the Self: Recurring Experiences of Full Moon Meditations   by Dowlat Budhram    Meditation has been a spiritual practice among Himalayan sages for millennia, passed down through the guru-shishya (guru-disciple) lineage. The Himalayan Mountains of India have long been home to these enlightened sages, who have shared their profound wisdom on various processes, disciplines, and practices with those eager to learn. These sages embodied the great spiritual teachings and imparted their knowledge of yogic principles to their disciples, who eventually became masters in the lineage. The wisdom of the Himalayan masters is not attributed to any single individual; rather, it is the culmination of thousands of years of divine inspiration from the Rishis—our first human scientists—who have enriched our understanding of life, human existence, and the cosmos.   Many spiritual paths and practices have...