Akhanda Yoga
Akhanda holistic Yoga in Rishikesh, Satsang in India, Meditation Retreats in India. Hatha Yoga (techniques in kriya, asana, bandha, pranayama, mudra and meditation), Jnana Yoga, Raja/Ashtanga Yoga, Mantra, Bhakti Yoga (kiirtan chanting, contemplation of devotional aphorisms and the attitude of surrender), and Karma Yoga.
Akhanda similar to the word yoga in Sanskrit, means indivisible, unbroken tradition, entire, and whole. Akhanda is the first word of a very inspiring Vedic mantra, Akhanda mandala karam – This Cosmos and the manifest universe is one indivisible entity. Yoga is the name we have chosen to identify the teachings and approach to class styles of Yogi Vishvketu (Vishva-ji) and Chétana Panwar through their organization, World Conscious Yoga Family. Their intention for Akhanda Yoga is to offer holistic, integrated Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) programs and yoga classes with an emphasis on the balanced sequencing of asana, pranayama, relaxation, mantra and meditation as well as discussions and readings on the yogic lifestyle and yoga philosophy. This integral approach to yoga classes is intended to give students access to more of the diverse teachings and techniques that the yoga system has to offer. When practiced and understood holistically, yoga becomes even more beneficial and helpful for humanity in bringing harmony and balance to our lives, families and to society.
They also would like to emphasize their commitment to the balance between checkpoints for body mechanics, and guidelines for inner inquiry. Checkpoints, or the method of approaching a physical posture from a safety point of view, are important as foundational touchstones. As yoga is fundamentally an experiential, inner inquiry, students are encouraged both to be aware of checkpoints, and to explore how the posture feels and manifests in their body during any given yoga experience. It is this student-centered journey which is at the heart of the Gnostic (experiential) yoga tradition, and which should not be overshadowed by technical instructions.
In particular, Yogi Vishvketu’s teaching is identifiable in its joyful and compassionate nature.
During challenging postures, students are encouraged to smile or to find the inner smile, thus making non-competition and contentment true aspects of the practice. He impresses upon teachers in training the importance of introducing students to the diverse aspects of the yoga tradition, as well as offering a balanced class. The concept of the balanced class not only includes the balancing all of the directional movements of the spine in every class, but the balance of effort and allowing, of yin and yang. The seamless flow created avoids any extraneous movements, and prevents disbalanced flexibility and disbalance or loss in the Pranic energy system.
