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Publisher,
otal Health
Yoga and T

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

Contents
4
5
7
8
9
11
12
16
17
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
31

Letters to the Editor

Defining Mysticism - Talk by Shri Yogendraji
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Implicit Belief in God - Talk by Smt. Hansaji J. Yogendra
Yogis - Dr. Jayadeva in Parisamvada
Padmasana
Mystics and Mysticism - Sadhakas
Yoga Kumbha at Ujjain - A Report
In Presence of Truth - Shri Antonio Jupiter
From the Archives of Yoga and Total Health - Mysticism - Interview with
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra
Couples Class
Miracles v/s Blind Belief - Shri Harishchandra Joshi
The Thinker
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - A Perspective - Shri Samar Chauhan
Ist Pillar of Yoga - Ahara/Diet - Smt. Minati Shah
IInd Pillar of Yoga - Vihara/Recreation
IIIrd Pillar of Yoga - Achara/Routines - Kum. Ankita Shah
IVth Pillar of Yoga - Vichara/Thoughts - Smt. Hansaji
Yoga News - Smt. A. N. Desai
Mystics - Sant Eknath

Cover Design : Onads Communication

Page Design : Shri Mayank Sen
Creative Design : Kum. Sheetal Kapoor
Edited and Published by Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, at The Yoga
Institute, Shri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santacruz
East, Mumbai - 400055. Phone: 022 - 26122185
Printed at Ranking Prints, 101, Mahim Industrial Estate, Off
Mori Road, Mahim, West, Mumbai - 400016. Phone: 022 24464210/24453476

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

Letters to the Editor

I would like to thank you for your kindness during my stay at the Institute. I truly
enjoyed it and found it to be very educational. All the volunteers, teachers at the
Institute were very knowledgeable and professional. It was truly a great experience. I
would like to extend an invitation to you to come to Canada and visit us.
Veena Duggal
Canada
Besides the great experience at the Pregnancy Camp, the experience of staying at
the The Yoga Institute, the food and in general the ambience and the atmosphere was
pleasant, peaceful and one of its kind.
Pallavi Chincholkar
Pune
I have been teaching yoga Asanas and deep breathing along with meditation in
Mangal Mandir here in U.S.A. for more than 15 months. They are all big classes
with at least 70 people in a hall. I am always proud of introducing myself in all these
classes as a certified Yoga Instructor qualified from The Yoga Institute, one of the
finest and the oldest Institute in the world.
Murtaza Khandvawala
USA
The teachers at The Yoga Institute accommodated the VI, IX and X standard
students of Arya Vidya Mandir School, Bandra(W) on 20th April 2016 in an organized
and well planned manner with an optimistic attitude.
Our visit was very essential for us class X students with our stressed out minds.
The discussion on The Effect of Kleshas in our Day to Day Living gave us a new
insight. In the Asana session we learnt the benefits of an erect posture with a straight
back and square shoulders and the disadvantages of a slouching back. We were served
simple nutritious, yet delicious Sattvik food. The simplicity and purity of yoga was
portrayed in the food.
The Yoga Institute gave us an exposure we never had in our lives. It taught us the
true meaning of the union of body, mind and soul. We are grateful to our school, our
yoga teacher Miss Smita and Mrs. Kumar for providing us such a useful exposure.
Students of Class X
Yoga Elective
Send letters to the editor, articles to yogatotalhealth@theyogainstitute.org
Notify change of address or non receipt of magazine to bookstore@theyogainstitute.org

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

Defining Mysticism
Talk by Shri Yogendraji
There are
things which
we understand
and there are
things which
we do not. We
understand
something
because we know the law, because we
can see the thing with our eyes or we
have something to correlate to it. We
may call that something like a science,
experience, understandable, where
laws are known and you can explain
everything with the known law. But
when something happens about which
you know little and which is governed
by laws that are beyond your knowledge,
how do you look at it?
When a thing passes beyond the range
of experience and understanding,
people call it by many names. They may
call it magic or miracle or mysticism.
Why? Because it is not within their
range of known experience or known
understanding. So man has formed
many words that correlate with
this subject - occultism, spiritism,
eccentrism, Sufism, mysticism, etc. It
only means one thing, that something
has happened or some knowledge exists
of which he does not know anything,
he has to either accept it for what it is
or to deny it.
Science has taken the position that
what it can understand according to the
law which it knows, it accepts and what
passes beyond that comprehension
simply does not exist. So mysticism is
a hotchpotch kind of knowledge which
science does not accept. Now why

does half of the humanity, or more

than that, believe in mysticism, just
as much as it believes in science? It is
because man reasons that all knowledge
is not available to him, there is always
something which is left out. Just like
this space is cut now; I know the hall but
I dont know what is beyond it. I cant
see and still there must be something;
somebody shouts from there and
says there is a chair, there is a pillow
and there is this and that. I wonder,
because I cant see anything. So a
range of knowledge within your sight,
within your expectation, within your
understanding is something reasonable
and quite alright for you, but something
beyond that, you pass as mysticism.
This was the common word used
because it correlates to something like
the spirit which means when you speak
materially that you are hungry then one
knows you want food. This is material
understanding, but for example when
people write to me from Russia the
word soul pain, we dont understand it.
We have never seen soul pain; we have
seen physical pain, we have seen mental
pain, we have seen the moral pain but we
dont know about soul pain. This word
that the Russian man gave is something
beyond our knowledge, for that we have
no remedy because we dont know what
this paining inside the soul is.
Now when you treat a man as a whole,
you cannot allow only half the things
to be understood and still live a life
of happiness. It is impossible because
half of your part is not known to
you. It is like a good building given to
you by your father and you know only
about three rooms in which you live,

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

without knowing that there are eight

other rooms, which are facing the sea
or something very beautiful, that you
can occupy and be very happy. Because
of your ignorance you do not know and
when you do not know of the whole,
you pass your life in the knowledge
of which you possess and that is the
material knowledge. I may say that
there is something like an infinity and
which is the reality; however I dont see
it just as I see other things so I dont
believe it, I dont take it as real. People
with a belief in a higher reality know
what is the higher reality. They see it as
real. So when a human being acts, not
taking into account the unknown factor
which is far beyond him, which we call
as spirit, he lives his life accordingly as
a material man who has put value to
matter.
Now there is another set of people
who think of this world as destructible,
perishable. What I saw in the morning
is not in the evening. Even the body
changes so much that as I see you now
is not you; just now when I am speaking
to you, some tissue cells have under
gone change - you look like the same
but you are not the same. So why put
faith in something that is impermanent,
why not put faith into something which
is permanent? Then they tried to find
out what is that which is permanent
and they found there is something
6

which is permanent, otherwise nothing

can happen. The Upanishads say you
cannot add infinity to infinity, it will
still be infinity and you cannot take
away anything from infinity and make it
less, it is still infinity. So you just cannot
understand that something has gone
out, died and is destroyed but still it is
supposed to be existing. This higher
understanding, which by the nature
of life, materially or with your senses
you are unable to comprehend, has to
be conceived and lived accordingly. It
becomes a process of our spiritual life,
where the material considerations are
not taken into account. For example,
a piece of gold is lying on the road,
somebody probably lost it on the way,
a man passing through who is material
minded, will surely pick it up because
he knows it is gold. A Sanyasi or a Yogi,
passing by, also looks at it; he knows it
is gold, but to him a lump of gold and
earth are the same, like the Gita says,
so he just leaves it there and walks out.
Now how can you explain his mind when
everybody in the world would have
picked it up? Why does this particular
man simply see it and walk away? This
is spiritual awareness. Such a man has
an understanding of something much
higher, he knows this is destructible,
perishable, so he has not much of
an interest in it. He is searching for
something permanent and he calls that
as a permanent reality, a reality which
does not become incidental, minute by
minute or from hour to hour.
Now people who put faith in this thing
live a totally different life.They are the
people who cannot explain why they
are so. Whenever they act, it is mystical,
when they speak it is mystical, they
live their lives in some way in which
everything they do is mystical.

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

k|ydf]kb]z
of]lg:yfgsd+l3|e"nwl6d+ s[Tjf b[9+ ljGo:f]t\ .
d]9+"kfbdo}sd]j lgx\t+ s[Tjf ;d+ lju|x+..
:yf0f''M ;+oldt]+lb|of]rnb[zf kZo]b\d|'jf]/+t/+ .
Xo]TfGdf]Ifskf6e]bhgg+ l;4f;g+ k|f]Rot] ..#&..

Having placed on the perineal region the (left) heel, one should firmly fix the toes
between the calf and the thigh (of the other leg.) Next, the (heel of the other) foot
having been placed on the generative organ infixed (so that the toes remain between
the calf and the thigh of the other leg), the body being erect, the steadied person may
gaze between the eyebrow space with steadfast fixation having already conquered
his senses. This is called Siddhasana - responsible for opening the doors of salvation.
NOTE: What is described above is known to the Yogins as Siddhasana, while the
Siddha-Siddhasana practiced by the masters is very similar except the ankle-lock
formed by crossing of the heels. The simple Siddhasana, however, consists in the
proper placement of the heels as above but with less regard to which heel is placed
first or whether the toes are infixed between the thigh and the calf. The need of
pressure determines their respective use.

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

Implicit Belief in God

Talk by Smt. Hansaji J. Yogendra

Saints, sages,
mystics have
understood
that
the
material world
ultimately
gives
us
nothing
but
pain, suffering and confusion. So they
dont get attached to material things.
Even if the society around them is in
chaos, they remain peaceful and full of
faith and continue to do their part in the
world.
This strong faith in God or Higher
Reality is the most outstanding quality
in saints. There is a famous example
from the Puranas of a person who dies
and how everybody around him is in a
negative state and keeps asking, How
could he die? How could we lose him?
But there was a sage who was laughing.
He asked the people, Why are you
crying? You have no idea
that this person
will be reborn
to be a great
person
w h o
w i l l

help humanity to a great extent. His

death is good, because otherwise he
would have continued in this body for
long and humanity would not have
received his help.
Saints see the will of God in everything.
So what we consider as wrong from our
angle is seen as positive by saints. They
firmly believe that whatever happens,
happens for the good. There is always a
reason behind everything.
We should also take a decision, that
come what may, we will not lose our
balance. Faith should be part of every
moment of our life. It is not something
to be done at a certain time, like
performing rituals and later forgetting
all about God, speaking lies, becoming
anxious and tense. It would be the same
as doing Asanas for half an hour and
claiming that we did yoga.
Guru Nanak, Mirabai, Narsinh Mehta,
etc. are all examples of total faith
which we are not capable of having.
If someone gives us poison to drink,
we logically know that we will die. But
a saint like Mirabai was at a different
level. When given poison, she believed
it to be Gods gift and drank it. The
poison did not affect her because she
was above logic and the body. These
are very strong events which we cannot
do. For a person with highly developed
brain, this kind of total dedication and
faith is most difficult.
But at least we can learn something
from it. Can we decide that from now
on we will not worry and fear anything
or be sad?

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

Yogis

Dr. Jayadeva in Parisamvada

Since we come
to The Yoga
Institute
we
are acquainted
with this word
Yogi. It is likely
that we have
certain ideas
about
Yogis
that are common in the community
and society. Can anyone say as to
what people generally understand by
this term Yogi? Can
someone recall the
ideas that are usually
prevalent about Yogis.
Audience: They are
people who are away
from the society.
They are all the time
doing some miracle
and that is how the
misunderstanding is
there.
Audience: In a true
sense of the word
they
are
human
beings only. But all
the time they are
tuned to a higher
reality. They are not
self-centered. They
are always thinking
of the society instead
of being selfish.
Audience: He is a
person who has got
control over the situations. A balanced
mind, a balanced way of thinking, very
controlled.

Dr. Jayadeva: Generally when one

thinks about the Yogi, one thinks of a
strange person having some powers.
This is the usual way we understand.
But as rightly said here, he need not
have any special external appearance.
A Yogi need not show that he is a Yogi.
He may look ordinary. It is likely that
from an early age he was interested
in understanding more about himself,
about life, and that interest is kept up.
He need not have to turn into a Yogi,
having a beard, etc.
But some kind of
a change in his
personality, in his
values,
approach,
does occur. Some
incidents take place in
life and they alter the
individuals thinking.
The
individual
consistently persists
and in course of
time even though
he is living an
ordinary life, his
interest,
attitude,
purpose,
become
different. There are
people who are of
the thinking kind
and they recognize
the limitations of
material life and are
somehow interested
in understanding the
truth, understanding
what is real. And as
they pass through
life they read, share thoughts, visit
people, practice some self-control
and some difference starts, and
in course of time they plunge for

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

a non-materialistic kind of life. Then

it is likely that at a later stage they are
very wise, balanced, etc. But all this
may happen without their claiming
anything.
So even amongst us in this city there
are people who have a different attitude,
different values, but they have not put
up any shops and called themselves
yoga centres or put up any boards to
announce that they are Yogis. They are
generally not recognized but in their
dealings with others they definitely
have a slightly different approach. They
are more trustworthy, more truthful,
sincere, dedicated. These differences
are there.
So if at all one is interested to know
them, one has to remain associated,
search, and in some future time it may
happen that one discovers such a person
and benefits. I know of so many people
like that. I remember once we went to
a village and there was a person who
was a very ordinary individual. He tried
to help us go around. We had some
foreigners also with us. Very sincerely,
very dedicatedly he showed us various
things, he took us to his home also
which was a very ordinary house and
showed us his stove. At that time they
had started using Gobar gas for fire.
He lighted up the thing and showed
us. It was very nice. Now here was an
individual who had no self-interest,
who was dedicated to the job. While
others did not take interest he took
interest. And I am told that he lived
that life, always useful, always helpful,
right till the end. He had a family also.
Now nobody called him a Yogi but he
had all the traits.

As I said there are many people of

that kind. The distinguishing mark is
that they are not interested in material
things, they are strong in character and
they pursue good things. They lead an
ordinary life, they dont change the kind
of clothes they wear or call themselves
Swamis. Rather they want to be quiet.
So it is for us to keep in mind some
things about persons of that kind and
search or look for them and definitely
we will find some individual. It may
be our driver, it may be our peon, who
has a different attitude. Though they
dont pretend to be Yogis and nobody
would like to learn under them, but
on their own they have attained some
deep understanding and have changed
their life. Their experiences can be very
useful provided we can approach them
in the right way and they are happy to
share.
We had another man who was a
tailor. He came here with somebody;
he liked the place and he continued
his associations. Always very helpful,
he thought that The Yoga Institute
had a lot of rooms and there was no
other activity except the classes. He
suggested that we have a residential
place where people could come and
stay. He personally set up our 7-Day
Residential Course. He would get the
food, cook it if necessary, clean the
rooms with his own hands and set up
things. Arjunbhai didnt know English,
but he was the man responsible for our
7 day camp. Totally disinterested.
So, there are individuals of that kind
whom we may not call Yogis but they
lead a Yogic life.

To listen to audios of talks by Dr. Jayadeva and Smt. Hansaji visit:

theyogainstitute.org/blog or www.mixcloud.com/theyogainstitute
10

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

Padmasana
Conditioning enables one to strengthen ones faith. It rids one of negative thought
and emotions, freeing the mind of confusion, agitation, inaction and tension. It helps
one foresee difficulties and thus be prepared to face them. It also helps one to be
flexible in carrying out ones plans, to function effectively and efficiently.

Method:
1. Place right foot on the top of left thigh, soles up.
2. Now place left foot on right thigh, soles up
3. Place the left hand on heels palm facing up, and right hand on left, palm up.
4. Keep the spine erect, eyes closed. Breathe normally.
Benefits:
Padmasana increases blood circulation in abdomino-genital region and helps tone
nerve centers in pelvic region. Chest is thrown forward, shoulders held straight and
abdomen is held in normal contour. This improves and betters respiration. By this
correct sitting posture, intra-abdominal pressure is normalized and this benefits the
internal organs.
Limitations:
Severe Arthritis, Sciatica, Slipped Disc, Colitis, Piles, Varicose Veins

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

11

Mystics and Mysticism

Sadhakas
Mysticism is a transcendental kind of
understanding. A mystic looks at things
in a very characteristic way. He has a
wider perspective, a finely developed
nervous system, high awareness and is
very mindful. It is something that has
mainly been gifted to him and he has
strengthened it on his way through
constant efforts.
Ordinary individuals have the
handicap of not being able to hold their
attention for long, so they do not enjoy
comprehensive understanding. They
talk about God, spiritual life, etc. but
are restricted to words, gestures and
imagination. The mystic, on the other
hand, is one who can hold his attention
for long, can experience and live in that
experience of spirituality. He does not
need to use words to explain about
God, he is convinced about God. His is
a totally different kind of thinking.
When Guru Nanak was sleeping with
his feet toward Mecca, a Maulvi became
very angry and asked him how he dared
to sleep like that. To this Nanak replied,
I am very tired, will you please shift
my feet in the direction where God is
not present?

A mystic carries out some kind of

a study right from an early age. He
tries to understand and go beyond the
apparent reality. He utilizes logic that
can shock us. Once on the banks of a
river, Guru Nanak saw some people
taking water and throwing it in the air.
When he enquired, he was told that
they were offering water to their dead
ancestors so that their souls may rest in
peace. Nanak went to the other side of
the river and started sprinkling water
in the opposite direction. When asked
what he was doing, he replied, My fields
lie in that direction and I am sprinkling
water so that my crops may not dry
up. The person had a hearty laugh
and said, How can the water reach
your fields? Nanak replied, When
the water you have thrown can reach
your dead ancestors, the water I have
thrown can definitely reach my fields.
The mystics have a totally different
way of thinking. They can place the
finger on the reality. They are sensitive
and act when the situation demands
it. A poet, a doctor and a lawyer were
near a river in which a donkey was
drowning. The doctor started talking
about how, medically speaking, the
donkey would be affected. The lawyer

12

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

started analyzing as to who could be

held responsible. While the two were
thus busy talking, the poet jumped into
the river to save the donkey. Similarly,
a mystic wants to plunge and reach,
whereas, we only want to discuss. We
therefore, neither put in the efforts nor
get the results.
The mystic has set his heart on
something different from the ordinary
person. He can start creating
introvertedness, quietness, serenity,
clarity and understanding at an early
age. He withdraws from normal life
and chooses certain paths, people and
thinking. The inherent tendencies hence
keep growing. He perceives things and
comprehends them in a unique way; it is
always in a larger perspective.

the ways of the world; he gets frustrated

if things go in another direction. The
mystic can rise above the immediate and
advice, help and give solace to others.
A brilliant young boy was selected
as a deputy collector at the time of the
British. He was the follower of a Sufi
saint in whom he had great faith. He
went to the Sufi to seek his blessings.
The Sufi asked him what he was hoping
to become. When he replied that he
wanted to become the collector of the
District, the saint asked him to stay
back and become the collector of the
whole world. The young boy stayed
back and himself became a Sufi.

Once Khwaja Muhammad Chishti, a

Sufi Saint, saw a courtier looking very
sad and dejected. When Muhammad
Chishti asked the reason for the
courtiers sadness, the courtier replied
that the Emperor had given him a
birthday gift which was very small.
Muhammad then told him that he
should be happy that the Emperor, who
had so many important things to do,
had atleast remembered his birthday.

The word miracle goes with a

mystic because the mystic suggests a
mysterious person, who is difficult to
understand. He belongs to a different
world and follows certain laws which
are not part of our world. He talks of
God, spirit, disinterest, etc. which we
do not appreciate due to our ego and
natural interests. He does not bother
to explain what he does, in our terms.
We cannot understand and do not try
to also, because we do not aspire to
reach there. Our attitude is of criticism
instead of learning what he knows.

The mystics represent certain higher

ideals. They are like spokesmen of God.
They dont just talk; they also practice
what they preach. They talk about
God because they believe in God, they
see God and live by Gods guidance.
In the case of an ordinary person, he
rarely thinks of God at an early age. He
believes that he can think of God only
in his old age. He has no clarity of goal,
no distinct objective. He only wants to
keep on talking about God. Sometimes
even though he may be interested in
these ideas, he is unable to understand

Miracles are an external way of

recognizing mystics. The reason for
occurrence of miracles is that, when a
person rises in his capability of intense
concentration, with disinterestedness
in all the worldly affairs, he makes
changes in his environment and this
change can cause the occurrence of a
miracle. The other reason is that when
a person is steady and concentrated,
he sees all happenings with a broader
outlook. His deep clarity causes such
miracles to happen. The comparison
given here is of getting a better view

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

13

be, there are people who are honest,

true, selfless, and spiritual, and but for
them society would have disintegrated
and fallen. They contribute in a subtle
way. It is a paradox that persons who
contribute the most to society are the
least esteemed and known.
of the valley as we go higher up the
mountain. So for the mystic, the miracles
he performs are not anything unusual.
At the high level of consciousness
in which he is, it is the most common
occurrence. He does not claim anything,
nor does he want others to remind
him of the unusual things that happen
through him.
Mystics were considered mysterious
and strange (Vratyas) even during the
Vedic times. One verse refers to a Vratya
- a mad Muni, who flies through air and
says, We are distinct from all of you and
you cannot understand us. It creates a
feeling of magic and fear in us. What
is unnatural to us is natural to them.
The mystic considers his world as the
real world and his life is devoted to that.
Other worldly things are unreal to him.
Even when a miracle takes place he is
not surprised. In fact it strengthens his
faith. He will not speak about them. He
glorifies God in all such unusual things.
He is devoid of limitation, narrowness
and ego. He is a ready instrument of
God and Nature can work through him
because he offers no resistance.
There are no schools or colleges where
mystics can be manufactured. Right
from the beginning of civilization,
mystics have been interested only in
the largest perspective and not in the
mundane and small things. However
bad and corrupt the present society may
14

Mystics do not have detailed

technology or any complicated
philosophy to offer. They understand
the reality as God. They believe in that
and live that sort of a life. Their main
aim is to reach God.
A mystic can smile in the midst of
extreme torture and suffering because
he feels that is a transient thing and
the real thing is something else. Once
Khawaja Muhammad Chishti was
sitting in meditation. His mother came
and told him that there was no food for
the night. He very calmly replied, Do
not worry, mother. Tonight we will be
guests of God. What he meant by that
was, that they would go hungry that
night. After saying that, he continued
his meditation. If for one day, we lose
our faith in God or lose our balanced
state of mind, we are least bothered.
Some people are not even aware of such
a loss. Whereas, a monetary loss or loss
of self-esteem would shake our very
foundation.
Once a person has decided on a
spiritual path, there comes a point
of awakening in his life - a change in
rhythm of consciousness where one
realizes that the external world is not
everything. There are four such stages:
1. Purgation
2. Purification of will
3. Illumination and
4. Unification of the will with the
divine.
At this stage, he finally becomes one

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

with the object of his concentration.

The guiding factor is the original desire.
These stages are according to Christian
belief. The Sufis believe in seven valleys
of high and low.

and thus power. This is said to be the

stage of Trikaldarshi or the states when
the past, present, future can be seen
together. This is only possible in a state
of detachment.

The mystics state of intoxication is

unlike the negative intoxication caused
by drugs or alcohol, in which there is
no control and no Nirodha. The mystics
intoxication eradicates the Samskara
which the other cannot. The mystic
remains full of objectivity, undisturbed
by anything and can do unusual things.
According to a study done in parapsychology, one out of every five
individuals does well in the inverted
card test thereby showing that he
has extra sensory perception. These
capacities are lost due to not working
on them. But an individual can increase
these capacities of telepathy, perception
of things at a distance, materializing or
changing things, by working on them.
Dr. Lozenov, a Bulgarian scientist,
has used one of these techniques for
relaxation. Relaxation is supposed to
help in learning. In the USA, there is
a Super Learning Technique, where
a person learns much more than he
normally does, mastering languages
within lesser amount of time all
through relaxation, as the grasping
power is better during a relaxed state.
Tension cannot do it.
In yoga, the Yogi does not require
external help. He can get in and out
of these states as and when he wishes.
During Samyama, concentration being
great, he can see the object in totality in past, present, future. The substance
is the same; the change is only in the
appearance. Concentration techniques
of yoga can lead to unusual knowledge

Gaining knowledge and rejecting it

are equally important. Miracles are
only a part of evolution. One should
not get lost in or enamored by them. A
genuine Yogi just forgets these miracles.
He only uses them to strengthen his
faith, because getting involved in them
creates Karma.
Mystics are usually born and not
made. The spiritual urge is very strong
and intense. They inherit a certain kind
of temperament and nervous system
which is different from the usual.
Some are not born mystics, but certain
things occur that transform them.
Though they are misguided, they have
certain extraordinary strength, capacity,
characteristics and personality traits.
Angoolimal was a very ferocious dacoit.
He was known for his ruthlessness
and terror. When Buddha heard about
him, he decided to meet him. People
tried to dissuade him but Buddha
was determined. When Angoolimal
saw Buddha coming towards him, he
removed his sword and was ready to kill
him. But Buddha was fearless and calm
and stood his ground. This unusual
sight surprised Angoolimal. He asked
Buddha, Are you not scared of death?
contd on page 22 .......

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

15

Yoga Kumbha at Ujjain

A Report

On 5th May 2016, Smt Hansaji. J. Yogendra Director of The Yoga Institute,
Mumbai graced the occasion of Yoga Kumbha at Ujjain.
Yoga Kumbha was organized by Ujjain Yoga Life Society (UYLS) founded by Pt.
Radheshyam Mishra (an alumnus of The Yoga Institute), as a part of Simhastha
Ujjain 2016. During the one month of Kumbha, different programs were organised
everyday and various yoga teachers and masters representing different schools of
yoga conducted theory and practical sessions.
Smt. Hansaji conducted a practical session on yoga techniques, which was much
applauded by the scores of yoga enthusiasts. In her speech on Yoga for Life
Management, and Yoga and Meditation, Smt. Hansaji emphasized the importance
of holistic well being of body and mind. Smt. Hansaji also inaugurated the Yoga
Convention.
Eminent luminaries in the field of yoga from different parts of India also participated
in this progressive gathering. Mr. Subodh Tiwari (of Kaivalyadhama) conducted
a session on Pranayama followed by Dr. Rajan Narayanan (of Life in Yoga, USA)
conducted a session on Universal Coherence. Kum. Divya Naithani from The Yoga
Institute spoke on The Yoga Institutes approach on Yoga for Youth.
May 1st to 4th was the time for the International
Spiritual Film Festival - India (ISFFI) showcasing various
films from the spiritual realm. At the end of the Film
Festival, all the film makers whose films were selected
for the festival were given participation certificates in a
valedictory function where Smt. Hansaji was amongst
the dignitaries on the dais.
16

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

In Presence of Truth
Antonio Jupiter

Ever since I was a child back in my

country, Costa Rica, I knew that I wanted
to visit India. There was something
about this land that called out to me
through different phases of my life, be
it my fascination with colours and the
arts at a younger age or an interest in
spirituality once I grew up.
I came to India for the first time in
2004 to study yoga, and as the options
were many, I went through different
styles and traditions. Finally, I ended
up at The Yoga Institute in 2012,
expecting from it nothing more than I
would have from any other yoga school.
How wrong I was! The entire approach
to yoga followed by the Yogendra family
was a life-changing revelation. It finally
put me on the journey to self-discovery
that I had been seeking, consciously and
sub-consciously, all my life.

My time at The Yoga Institute has

transformed me. Initially, it created an
internal upheaval; because I not only
realized a way of evolution, but also
had to confront the darkest parts of my
personality. It was a journey of light
and darkness and both Dr. Jayadeva
and Hansaji were there through it
all, invisibly monitoring my spiritual
cleansing layer by layer, through the
years that I lived with them.
That is why I celebrate them beyond
the concept of birth and death because
they transcend these mundane words
for me. I celebrate them today and
forever from the depths of my sincere
silence.

This would not have been possible

without the help of Dr. Jayadeva and
Hansaji. As soon as I realized that I was
in the midst of a fountain of wisdom
(wisdom that I had been wrongly
trying to purchase earlier), I took
the decision to leave everything behind
and live at The Yoga Institute. Was it
a hard decision? No, not at all, because
somewhere in the depths of my being,
I felt that I was coming to live with my
family. Mere words cannot do justice to
my feeling; maybe quantum physics and
the energy of love can explain it better.
YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

17

From the Archives of Yoga and Total Health

Mysticism
Interview with Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra
A. After having dealt with physical
health, disease, stress and education it
was decided to deal with the healthy
mental states. These states which are
considered as mystic states are the
blossoming and flowering that occurs in
healthy normal person. That is why the
topic of mysticism has been selected for
the fourth volume of the Cyclopedia.

Although I had heard about mysticism

nearly three decades ago at The Yoga
Institute, this interview with Dr.
Jayadeva was a milestone in our trying
to understand this fascinating but
difficult subject. Doctor is a man of
few words; one has to be very attentive
while listening to him, for if you miss
hearing a word, you miss something
vital. Moreover, one has to keep aside
the intellect and listen with the heart.
Doctor has the happy felicity of helping
his listeners gain insight, of explaining
the most abstruse of subjects in the
simplest and direct manner.
The theme of Mysticism is an
important subject for the 7-Month
Teacher Training Course at The Yoga
Institute. From time to time we also
feature this theme in the Yoga and
Total Health journal. The Fourth
Volume of the Yoga Cyclopedia will be
on Mysticism and will be out shortly.
Q. Why is Mysticism selected as the
theme for the fourth volume of the
Cyclopedia?
18

Q. In the West, mysticism has flowered

from what are known as the mystery
schools; the origins of Christian
mysticism for example, can be traced
back to the mystery school of Greece.
Is there something similar in India
mysticism?
A. Well, yoga basically believes in mystic
states. Transcending the ordinary
consciousness and experiencing a
higher level of awareness is accepted.
Mysticism is not related to something
mysterious or magical but is a
sequential experience of superior states
of consciousness. The stories in the
Upanishads about Annam Brahma
or the story of Indra and Vairochana
suggest logicality.
Q. How is mysticism related to
spirituality?
A. Spirituality as a superior state of
consciousness is what mysticism is
all about. Possessing a superior value
reality, the individual rejects the lower
levels and to that extent he is free of
the constraints of the material world.
During this freedom, that the person
enjoys, different states of consciousness,
known as the Ekagra and Niruddha state
occur. Spirituality is such an awareness

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

of the superior experiences. In yoga we

reach these states and live in those states
permanently. In the case of a mystic
there is a continuous shift from one to
another state. Much of it is sudden and
inexplicable. Yoga is a systematic kind
of spiritual development.
Q. How is mysticism related to yoga?
A. We are trying to look at yoga with the
coloured glasses of modern thinking.
The word mysticism is not translatable.
Yoga thinks of the whole being and its
evolution and not of a part. The mystic
may have some unusual perception and
experience. Yoga does not encourage
this. In yoga there is no dark night
of the mystic, there is a continuous
progression. The superior states of a
Yogi are similar to that of the mystics
experiences.
Q. What difficulties does a mystic
encounter on his path, both internally
and externally?
A. Mystics think in a very idealistic
way; neither his organism, nor the
external factors are of that level.
There is tremendous anguish. There
is a gap between the ideal and the real.
The mystic often experiences pain
and sadness because of this. This is
manifested physically and emotionally
too. Sometimes the persons look
mentally sick. The mystic may know
what is happening and holds on to his
faith. It (pain) passes away and he again
reaches a higher level.
Q. Is the mystic born or made?
A. There are certain personalities with
a fragile and sensitive nervous system
who occasionally at an early age are
drawn to spiritual ways. They already
have that kind of a mystical approach
to life. Later on they cast their lot fully
on the side of spirituality.

Q. Because of this sensitivity of the

nervous system, do physiological
changes take place after a mystic
experience?
A. A certain tendency is there and
because of this physiological changes
also do occur. Being sensitive, they
react very fast. They are swept away by
certain moods. Certain hormonal and
chemical changes can occur.
Q. Is there some common ground
between the rapture of the mystics and
that of the Yogi?
A. In yoga they do not talk of the
rapturous and joyous states; emotional
states are recognized as alternating
between the negative and positive
states. The idea is non-pain rather than
pleasure.
Q. What are the characteristics of a
mystic?
A. He is other worldly. He is
spontaneous; he views life from a
transcendental
angle.
Ordinary
problems which disturb us do not
disturb him. He gives solace to those
suffering.
Q. Do the students study mysticism
here at The Yoga Institute?
A. Some students opt for this kind of
life. They meet and discuss, read the
lives of mystics and follow that path.
Q. Doctor, we would like to ask a final
question; who is a mystic?
A. One who pursues the transcendental
order and tries to maintain that
awareness all the time, is a mystic.
By H. Sequeira
Published in Yoga and Total Heath
April 1995

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

19

Couples Class

75 couples have joined the Couples Class at The Yoga Institute this year. The
chief coordinators Smt. Priyam and Shri Sharad Waghmare, work hard to hold
interesting sessions every month for the couples. Prominent guest speakers are
invited to talk on various topics related to home and marriage. Interesting innovative
and engaging family meetings, which are a part of the class help to strengthen the
bond and promote harmony. This year the couples went for their annual picnic to
Silent Hills Resort, Manor. It was a first experience of a picnic for some of the
couples. Some comments:
Thoroughly enjoyed enacting the skit. Our first experience of acting together in
front of so many people.
The picnic was a wonderful platform to connect with different mindsets and try to
understand various points of view.
A great place in the midst of nature. Sharing sessions gave a lot of insights for
self development.
Entertainment session brought out hidden creativity in all.
Stating idiosyncrasy of partners in a humorous way, singing two lines of a song
for the partner, sharing of a joke by each member, playing a game of physical cross
and knot, couple court martial game, recreation by each couple on ideas of no milk
at home, keys left at home, wrong movie tickets was great fun.
20

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

Miracles v/s Blind Belief

Harishchandra Joshi

India is a land of mystics and miracles.

We all know about so many Indian
mystics and their mystical powers,
but it must be remembered that a true
mystic never displays his mystical
power to the common people. For him,
mystical powers just happen. They are
simply a by-product of a long-long
Sadhana or Tapa (deep meditation /
trance). However, we the common
people always look out for some sort
of mystical power or miracle before
we believe in such Yogis. And not only
Yogis, but even for believing in God, we
look for some Chamatkaar or miracle.
This is because we are so engrossed
in our materialistic world that in our
quest of full-filling our materialistic
desires of getting a good life partner,
son, job, business, house, wealth, health,
etc, we keep hopping from temple to
church to some Dargah (tomb or shrine
of a Muslim saint).
Only if we could understand that
whether it is prosperity, relationship,
disease or life and death, all has already
been decided on the basis of our Karma.
Even God cannot change the rule of
Karma. (It is believed that only pure
Bhakti/total surrender to God can erase
the effects of Karma).
Suppose a doctor declares that I have
a life threatening disease which is
incurable, my family will start making
rounds of various temples. In the
process some well wishers may advise
them to go to so and so temple or
church or some Pir-Fakir Baba (Sufi
saint), where miracles work. Now if I
get cured at one of these wish fulfilling
places and the so called miracle happens,
my family will lose its belief in all other

temples. With a little bit of coaxing,

brain-washing, they will start believing
that there is no God in those temples,
but only in the place where I got treated
because only the God over there is real
who loves and cares for me.
This is what I call blind belief and not
some miracle or mystical power. There
is a very thin line between blind belief
and the belief in the mystical power of
a true mystic.
We see so many posters of Baba Abdul
Shah Bengali and his likes in trains and
other places who guarantee benefits
in 24 hours for all our materialistic
problems. I have also seen programmes
on some TV channel and posters in
Mumbai city, put by some father or
pastor regarding the miracle healing
and solutions for all worldly problems.
Besides, there are numerous Babajis
(Godmen) and Matajis (God women),
too who get believers through out of
mouth publicity.
All these people and their businesses
are thriving because of our blind belief,
and our blind belief is the result of our
attachment to our materialistic desires.
We can put an end to all these things by
only one process, that is self-realization.

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

21

contd from page 15 .....

To which Buddha replied, No, I am
still and it is you who are trembling.
This transformed the dacoit; he fell at
Buddhas feet and became one of his
best disciples.

All ordinary people realize that it

is very difficult for them to become
mystics. They understand that they
should let go of their desires and
cultivate a little of the mystics life and
spiritual outlook. So they question as
to how a mystic leads his life and what
can be imbibed from the mystics life.
For eg, their intensity of perception
is unique and problems do not bother
them. They experience, think and
realise things very differently. Thus,
overall, we learn from their attitude to
be cheerful in life and not just live it to
eat, but lead a life with a purpose. This
might require a change in the overall
personality. Our attitude should be such
that we can function in any situation.
If we have the attitude that if you get
something, it is the grace of God and
if you do not get something, that also is
His wish, we can carry along. Today, as
the values are very poor, we realize that
we have to improve the basic values of
life. This we can do by reading about
and understanding the mystics life and
trying to emulate them.
(Transcribed from talks by Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra)

22

The Thinker
The central problem of ours is
the senses; the eyes, the ears, the
nose, the tongue, the skin. They
draw us to the external world and
continuously keep us busy. If we can
switch off these inputs, then there
is no problem. Some of the greatest
mystics have been people who dont
have eyes, or such organs, which
get them in touch with the external
world. We love our senses, because
through them we can see things,
touch things, feel, etc. Can we follow
the suggestion learn to control
the senses, dont become a slave of
the senses.

Do send us your views at

yogatotalhealth@
theyogainstitute.org

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - A Perspective

Samar Chauhan

Chapter 1.11
cg'Ef'tfljifofc;dk|df]z ;[dltM..!!..
Anubhuta Vishaya Asampramosah Smrtih

The Sutra tells us about the mechanism by which things which are heard, seen,
felt or touched get registered in our minds. This mechanism is termed as Smritis
or memory.
It is not as if everything that is seen, heard, felt or touched would get registered.
But certain things which may be out of the ordinary - exciting, painful, funny, strange,
etc. would register instantly. Over time, we may even recall the thing several times.
Such a mechanism could have a positive or a negative effect. For instance, we may
make a mistake and suffer as a result. But then we make certain corrections in our
lives. After that, even on repeat of similar events or circumstances, we are still able
to recollect the past sufferings or happenings, which in turn, helps us to take the
right step. Similarly, if we are able to recall something very noble or spiritual, the
same can lead us in the right direction.
Unfortunately, most of the times we do not notice or enjoy the good things and
so can hardly remember them. Instead, we keep remembering or talking about
our fights, complaints, arguments, etc. This makes us spiritually weaker. And each
time we recall it by thinking or talking about it, we end up refreshing the negative
thought in our mind.
The base of it all is memory, which by its very nature registers things. So a
person who has taken to yoga has to be very aware and careful about what is being
registered. The attempt should be to try and retain the good things and repeat them
so as to make us stronger. If this is followed, our lives can be changed for the better.
(Based on Parisamvada talks)

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

23

Ist Pillar of Yoga - Ahara/Diet

Minati Shah
Some mystics have used food as a medium to create greater understandings. In
Samvat 1556 Guru Nanak Dev, while going towards Lahore, stayed with a poor
carpenter Bhai Lalo. He was invited by a rich landlord named Malik Bhago for
food. Nanak Dev went there but did not eat anything. Annoyed by this Rai Bhago
asked Guru Nanak Dev, How come you accepted the food offered by the carpenter
and not by me? Nanak Dev replied, An act done truthfully is the gateway to the
path of liberation. What the carpenter served was the result of his hard work.
Food served by you is made from the money earned by harassing and exploiting
people.
Akho, the saint poet from Gujarat (1600-1675) in his Chhappa(a poem or stanza
of six lines), reveals the Truth. In Chhappa no. 153 he says, If a hungry man goes
to sleep, he eats in his dreams. In spite of eating in his dreams his stomach remains
empty. Similarly people with an ignorant mental state enjoy worldly pleasures
created by three Gunas throughout their life, but it does not satisfy their hunger of
reaching the Ultimate Truth (which is the very purpose of life).
Shamal another poet (1640-1700) writes, Food is the biggest mother; without it
everything is zero - no life, no happiness, feet will not walk, worshiping God will
not be attractive, God does not look lovable, singing songs to praise him will not
be enjoyed. It is food which rids of the above mentioned pain.
So let us have some Sattvik food.
Lemon Grass Sherbat
Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Jaggery
2 Tbsp Lemon juice
1 Tbsp Lemon grass extract
Rock salt to taste
Method:
1. Soak jaggery in water (measuring approx. 2 glasses) for one hour.
2. Mix all the other ingredients. Churn, sieve in fine muslin cloth and serve.
To make Lemon grass extract
1 cup lemon grass cut into 1 inch pieces
1inch ginger piece
1/4 cup mint leaves
Grind ingredients in a blender with little water and sieve through a muslin cloth.
Note - Lemon grass extract can also be served with pineapple juice.
(Recipe contributed by Kavita Karnik and Varsha Mehta from 1-Year TTC )

24

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

IInd Pillar of Yoga - Vihara/Recreation

Find these words hidden in any direction of the puzzle :Mystics, Mysticism, Devotion, Surrender, God, Enlightened, Blissful, Peaceful,
Wisdom, Virtuous, Humility, Compassion, Divine-Love.

Laugh it Off
A Patient to his Doctor: Im learning how to relax Doctor,
but I want to relax better and faster! I want to be on the cutting
edge of relaxation!!

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

25

IIIrd Pillar of Yoga-Achara/Routines

Ankita Shah
Bhakti Yoga is one of the types of yoga that can be practiced. While some people
prefer to take a more scientific and pragmatic point of view to life, others prefer to
add an element of faith in it. Faith is something that we all need as it is essential to
keep us grounded.Whether it is faith in a deity or higher power or a Guru, it is the
light that guides us at the darkest of times.
There are many ways to keep strengthening our faith. Some of the best methods
we can practice every day is to read spiritual books and scriptures, Japa or even
spending some time in the service of others.

Faith is the bird that feels the light

and sings when the dawn is still dark.
- Rabindranath Tagore

26

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

IVth Pillar of Yoga - Vichara/Thoughts

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Yoga News
A. N. Desai

On 5 th May 2016, Smt Hansaji. J. Yogendra, President of The Yoga Institute,

Mumbai graced the occasion of Yoga Kumbha at Ujjain. For a detailed report on
Yoga Kumbha, turn to page 16.

250 children in the age group of 8-14 years from different schools of the
Rangoonwala Foundation participated in a progressive Yoga Camp at The Yoga
Institute on 19th May 2016.

On 20th May 2016, The Yoga Institute conducted a Holiday Yoga Camp at the
Wadia Vachha School, Dadar (W), for a group of 140 curious, challenging Parsi
youngsters in the age group of 16 to 19 years. This programme gave extensive
exposure to career and emotional guidance besides Asanas, Pranayamas, Kriyas and
conceptual games. It is interesting to note the participants honest comments. To
quote their words, Contrary to our expectations of a boring dull session, which we
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YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

thought was meant for the old and the complacent, the session, to our pleasant
surprise, turned out to be delightfully energizing. We gained insights into the
concepts of Yoga Philosophy. Asanas were easy and simple to practice, Pranayamas
were reinforcing and overall we thoroughly enjoyed and would love to come again.

Students practicing Parvatasana

Group picture of teachers of the Holiday Yoga Camp

The last children camp of the season was organized on 23rd and 24th May 2016.
The happy voices were ringing with the words of the song, We have come to the
yoga camp to learn to live, learn to live, learn to live.

Smt. Malati Kedia a teacher of The

Yoga Institute, brought 16 of her
students, in the age group of 40 to
70 years, to attend womens camp
at the Institute on Friday 27th May
2016. During the 5 hours duration
of the camp, the campers were given
tips on diet, gynecological issues and
yoga hygiene. Many of the ladies
had personal issues like low esteem,
attention seeking, boredom, depression
due to hormonal fluctuations, pre and
post menopause issues, etc, which were
addressed. Most importantly, Smt.
Hansaji spoke to them about making
positive choices in life and living
by them to improve quality of life.
YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

29

 21 - day Better Living Course starts on the first

Sunday of every month.
Teacher Training Course starts on the 1st of
every month.
Health Camps Year 2016

7 Day Health Camp (English)

7 Day Health Camp (Hindi)
Meditation Camp
Cardiac + Hypertension
Diabetes
Orthopaedic
Stress Management
Pregnancy Ante and Post Natal
Respiratory
Weight Management
Life Management (Personality Development)
Womens Camp

JUNE
JULY
2016
2016
25th to 1st July 23th to 29 July
9th to 15th
18th
16th
5th
3rd
4th
2nd
26th
24th
12th
10th
20th to 21th
16th to 17th
11th
9th
18th
16th
19th
17th

The Yoga Institute, Shri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santacruz East,
Mumbai 400 055.
Join us at the BOOK CLUB
Email: info@theyogainstitute.org
Every Sunday, just after Satsang
Website: www.yogainstitute.org
Book under discussion:
Phone: 2611 0506 / 2612 2185
Patanjalis Yoga Sutras

SUBSCRIBE NOW ! to Yoga and Total Health

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3. To purchase the digital version (pdf): please visit http://www.magzter.com/IN/TheYoga-Institute/Yoga-and-TotalHealth/Education/48176

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YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH June 2016

Mystics
Sant Eknath
Mystics possess virtues like equanimity, serenity, universal
love and compassion. Once, a man tried to make Saint (Sant)
Eknath angry by spitting on him several times, but each time
Sant Eknath washed it off in the river. Finally the man felt
guilty and asked him the reason of his composure. Sant Eknath
said that bodily dirt can be cleansed easily, but anger creates
mental dirt and severely defiles the mind!
The highly revered Bhakti poet mystic Eknath was born at
Paithan, Maharashtra, India in the 16th century AD. He was
the great-grandson of Sant Bhanudas. He was a scholar who wrote in many
languages, fought against Untouchability and edited the Dnyaneshwari which had
got corrupted over time. His parents died when he was an infant, so his grandparents
brought him up. Once he was balancing the accounts to give his Guru, Sant Janardan
Swami, and he found a discrepancy of an amount less than a paisa, due to which
he stayed up all night! What honesty and devotion to the Guru! He lived with his
wife and children and perfectly balanced his worldly and spiritual duties. He wrote
Marathi devotional poems, dramas and couplets (Abhangs, Bharuds, Owees). His
masterpieces of Marathi literature are: Eknathi Bhagavata, Bhavartha Ramayana,
Rukmini Swayamvar and others. It is believed that Lord Vitthal was so pleased
with his devotion, that Lord Vitthal disguised himself as a young male devotee and
served Sant Eknath for twelve years. When Sant Eknath got this revealing news, the
devotee (Lord) disappeared!
In this Marathi poem Sant Eknath, speaks of faith and surrender to the Divine
Will.
Aavaddeene bhaave Harinaam ghesi; Tujhi chinta tyaasi sarva aahe.
Nako khed karu konnatya goshteecha; Pati tto Lakshmi cha jaannatasse.
Sakal jeevaancha karito saambhaal; Tuj mokaleel asse naahee.
Jaisi sthiti aahe taishaapari raahe; kautuk ttoo paahe sanchitaache.
Eka Janardani bhog prarabdhaacha; Hari kripe tyaacha naash aahe.
Translation:
With emotions of love and fondness, chant Gods Name (Harinaam);
And all your worries will become His.
Do not feel sorrow over anything; For the Dear Lord knows everything.
He looks after everyone in the Universe; And He will never abandon you. Accept
whichever condition you are faced with in life; and with admiration, observe your
storehouse of past actions (Sanchita Karmas), being exhausted.
Eknath, the disciple of Guru Janardan says, that even pre-ordained/destined
suffering (Prarabdha Karmas); can be cancelled out by Divine Grace.

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