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New York City
1 hr 30 min
Think Calm
·
Raja Yoga & Breathwork

Sivananda Ashram

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About the experience

What will I experience

At the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, you will practice Raja Yoga through asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Guided by ancient teachings, you can calm your mind and master your thoughts. You will explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga, focusing on mindfulness and concentration to achieve inner stillness, clarity, and holistic wellbeing aligned with Indic wisdom.

Benefits of this experience

Participating in this experience builds mindfulness by training you to focus through breathwork, meditation, and postures. It sharpens your ability to stay present, reduce distractions, and observe thoughts calmly, enhancing clarity and intentionality in daily life.

Incorporation in daily life

Incorporate the learning from this experience by making breathwork, meditation, and focused movements a daily practice. Use mindful breathing to stay calm in stress and observe thoughts to improve decision-making. Integrate these techniques for a focused, steady mind.

About the destination

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in NYC, part of a global organization established in 1957, provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Rooted in the teachings of Swami Sivananda, the center emphasizes holistic wellbeing through Yoga and Vedanta. Its welcoming environment encourages a balanced lifestyle, focusing on physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. With a rich heritage, the center serves as a hub for fostering inner peace and personal growth in a supportive community.

Context

Ancient & modern provenance

Ancient texts and treatises:

Ancient text name: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (circa 200 BCE)

  • Context: A foundational text of classical yoga that outlines the philosophy and practice of Raja Yoga.
  • Mention of Raja Yoga: Raja Yoga is systematically detailed as an eight-limbed path (Ashtanga Yoga), with practices like dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and pranayama (breathwork) directly aimed at building mindfulness, focus, mental clarity, and inner calm, promoting holistic wellbeing.

Modern scientific researches:

Title: Rajyoga Meditation Experience Induces Enhanced Positive Thoughts and Brain Regional Structural Changes: A Voxel-Based Morphometric Study

  • Author: Rai
  • Date of Publishing: 2021
  • Abstract: This study analyzed gray matter volume changes in the brains of Rajyoga meditators compared to non-meditators using structural MRI scans. Results indicated that meditators had significantly higher global gray matter volume and increased regional gray matter in areas associated with positive thinking and emotional regulation. Long-term meditators also exhibited higher positive thinking scores, suggesting that Rajyoga meditation enhances mental wellbeing by promoting positive thought patterns and structural brain changes.
  • Link to the paper

Full plan of experience

The following schedule provides a general outline of the duration and activities aimed at facilitating the integration of the experience's teachings into your daily life.

At the place
New York City
Duration
1 hr 30 min

Experience Schedule

Preparation and Practice

  • Arrival & Preparation: Settle in, arrange your yoga mat, and mentally prepare for the session while following health and safety protocols.
  • Asana Practice: Engage in classical yoga postures to align the body and enhance physical readiness for mindfulness.
    Pranayama: Practice breathing techniques to calm the mind, improve focus, and foster inner tranquility.

Relaxation and Reflection

  • Relaxation: Experience guided relaxation to deepen mindfulness and promote mental clarity.
  • Closing Reflection: Reflect on insights from the session and discuss integrating mindfulness practices into daily life.

Inclusions

Exclusions

CONDUCTED BY

Sivananda Center

Mindful mastery through Raja Yoga

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