Tuesday June 3, 2019 NYC
ANNOUNCEMENT: Shri Mahayogi’s Visit to New York ~ Summer 2019 ~
We are very grateful and delighted to announce that
our Spiritual Master, Satguru Shri Mahayogi Paramahansa, will visit NYC this summer!
Programs will begin July 14th 2019
and will be held at Still Mind Zendo: 37W 17th St, #6W NYC
*
SADHANA PROGRAMS with the Master
• July 14, 21, 28
• August 4, 11, 18, 25
• September 1
Sundays: 6pm-8pm
SATSANGHA
Opportunities to learn and receive the teachings of Yoga—Self Realization—
through Q&A with the Master.
• July 20
• August 10 & 31
Saturdays: time TBA
Please mark these dates in your calendar!
More details and information on how to register will be announced soon.
And, if you have not yet attended a program with Shri Mahayogi,
we strongly suggest that you read the following report,
and watch In The Cave With The Master,
a DVD documentary produced by Mahayogi Yoga Mission in 2005.
REPORT: Screening of In the Cave With the Master
On Saturday May 25th, in Astoria, Queens, a gathering was held in the home of a disciple to view the Mahayogi Yoga Mission’s documentary—In The Cave With the Master. Attendees entered into discussion after the viewing. Among those present were various disciples of Shri Mahayogi, new students and a friend.
In the Cave with the Master is a documentary that overwhelmingly captures the unparalleled relationship between a spiritual Master and seeker, and the sacred moment in which true initiation takes place. As the film unfolds we catch a glimpse of how Shri Mahayogi (Master) guides Niranjan (seeker) to the path of Yoga through the practice of advanced asana (being rehearsed for another project), and at the same time, we can sense that there is something beyond what the eye can see, something deep within, that is unfolding in the heart of the seeker through receiving that guidance. And it is precisely in that which is unfolding within, where the true essence of practice of Yoga can be found. In fact, whether through basic asana, advanced asana, or one of the many other disciplines contained within the system of Yoga, it is indeed that internal guidance from the Master and resulting transformation that is the heart of what Yoga truly is. Shri Mahayogi’s strong presence and guidance remains steady throughout the footage that is herein documented and this is without a doubt a rare opportunity to witness how the willingness and earnestness of the seeker itself sparks the unconditional and unwavering grace of the Guru, the combination of which result in genuine initiation.
To date, there is no video recording of Shri Mahayogi available other than what is here in this documentary. Truly it is rare footage, at times even capturing Shri Mahayogi himself demonstrating asana!! Shri Mahayogi’s asana, which came to him completely spontaneously and which he practiced daily throughout his teenage years, was not witnessed by anyone, as he practiced only after all his family had gone to sleep. To see his body effortlessly form the various asana even after over 30 years of interval is truly awe-inspiring, hinting to us that asana has a depth that is far beyond the simple forms. Indeed, his demonstration reveals his internal state—YOGA.
* The rare footage shown in this documentary is not what was originally planned for when this DVD was first conceptualized and in fact the main content is coming from what was recorded for the simple purpose of documenting the process of preparing for another project.
* This documentary has been shown publicly only twice before in New York City when the DVD was first released in 2005: at Sufi Books and at the Merce Cunningham Dance Studio.
Here we would like to introduce the voices of several viewers:
“After viewing the DVD, In the Cave with the Master, last week, there was a moment that made me ponder more deeply about what the actual process is or the way in which the mind is being transformed through the practice of Yoga. Of course, every time we have the opportunity to watch it we can discover something completely new—a nuance or a depth of the practice that we hadn’t yet discovered.
This time it made me think that Yoga is not something that we can have a preconceived idea about. That every time we think we understand something and take credit for it, Shri Mahayogi will actually create the condition in which the mind, our way of thinking, will be dismantled in order to create the space in which we can move closer to experiencing that which is beyond it. I think all the practices in Yoga can create the condition for that, but probably it is few of us who consider it possible for that to happen through the practice of asana. From watching the DVD it seems that Shri Mahayogi is truly using every opportunity to turn that into an actual experience, an experience in which the practitioner is left face to face with his or her mind, and confronted with whether that mind is real or not.” (Ekanta)
“ …I had watched this documentary in the past, but I was able to notice more subtle aspects that were not noticeable to me before. As the images of Shri Mahayogi appeared on the screen, I started to sense more and more that his body was there, in that space and that situation, simply for the benefit of those around him—absolutely for no other reason. The way Shri Mahayogi’s body moves, his demeanor, his eyes, his hands and all of his physical being appears animated only for the purpose of transmitting a message from long ago, or far away, or from a place of timelessness. And as I noticed this unique characteristic of his material existence in this world, an uncontainable sense of gratitude and awe grew inside of me. There is no way to grasp or contain the nature of Shri Mahayogi, but this video captures some images that hint at the mystery and the endlessness of who Shri Mahayogi is and what he teaches.
As the documentary progresses, the practitioner featured, expresses: “Yoga is confronting your biggest fear.” “What was his biggest fear?” I asked myself for an instant. But in the end, it did not matter what his fear was but the fact that we all live with such intense fears at all times, and that to see our true Self, we must let go of such dominating fears. I made a mental note that I must be strong enough to face my biggest fear, whatever that may be. Immediately, I could sense those fears lurking around in my mind, making it even clearer that this confrontation must take place and be provoked, not just passively waited for. This practitioner’s story is an example of how to lead the mind to give up of its fears.
Shri Mahayogi´s knowing and being is the central force in this documentary. That is what I came to realize this time. Without him, the real Guru, there is no disciple; without him, there is no real “giving up.” Because we can only trust and surrender entirely to something or someone who embodies the Truth itself, and That is Shri Mahayogi.” (Karuna)
“I thoroughly enjoyed the DVD screening.
I had already watched the DVD before, but I enjoyed it more while watching it with everyone.
The conversations that followed after was the icing on the cake. Being able to hear from other fellow practitioners, their experiences and their perspectives was what I enjoyed the most. That is apart from your hospitality; you made us a very nice and special tea. Thank you. It’s been a long time since I have had quality time with friends without alcohol and had a good time.
Hope you organize more of these gatherings.” (Mr. D)
“Witnessing the seeker’s journey while receiving guidance from our Guru, Shri Mahayogi, was deeply moving and emotional. I could really feel the powerful teachings of Shri Mahayogi come alive through the seeker’s experience.
This was my second time watching the DVD and I got a similar feeling to the one I have gotten when I have read The Universal Gospel of Yoga or Satori: I discover new things each time, almost like reading or watching it with different eyes. Since then, there are things that Shri Mahayogi had said in this documentary that pop into my mind (like correcting my posture when I am at work and I realize my spine is not straight and Shri Mahayogi mentioned the fact that this doesn’t come naturally, that one has to work at it—to give an example).
Having this amazing opportunity to hear and see Shri Mahayogi guiding the seeker is something that I will always cherish and that I wish everyone would experience, as there is no greater gift other than receiving direct teachings from a true Guru.” (Elena)