Swami Nishchalananda was invited as a guest speaker to an audience of local people and overseas visitors. Driven by questions he gives a clear description of the basics of Yoga, and studying the subject. This is part one of a long session.
The recording has some extraneous noise just in the beginning part but that part is included as it sets the context for the recording and is a good introduction. It’s very interesting to hear Swami Nishchalananda give a simple introduction to Yoga and his lineage, so we ask your forbearance for the noises and occasional loss of clarity to the sound. It is packed with interest and information, please enjoy.
The first question asks about Swamiji’s journey and tradition. He explains simply that he’s revisiting India having studied with Swami Satyananda in Bihar, living with him for seven years then travelling around India teaching at his Guru’s behest for another seven years, although now he has established his own Yoga Ashram in Wales.
He talks about the lineage, how it derives from Adi Shankara, founder of four ‘Maths’, centres of spirituality, in India. Also of the backgrounds to Yoga, such as Samkhya philosophy, and Vedanda (Advaita) which connects to Gyana Yoga.
Other branches of Yoga are also talked about, Hatha, Bhakti, Mantra and Raja Yoga (Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra). Then there is Karma Yoga; Swamiji talks of the Bhagavad Gita and the depth of background to the seemingly simple ‘performing of actions as Yoga’.
Talking about different religions, Swami Nishchalananda observes that one problem with ‘Spiritual’ texts is that they are often subject to translation, or even just changes in the way the original language is used in more modern times. Herein is the value of Sanskrit, the language of the Yoga classics. It is only used in the context of the classic texts and Spiritual life, not in everyday conversation so the meaning of texts has been preserved very well even over millennia.
Swamiji talks of the importance of a teacher, whatever the subject, and of course now communications are such that information can be shared easily across the planet.
For those who know Swami Nishchalananda, it will be interesting to hear some of his history (prompted by another questioner), how he came to be practicing Yoga, what led him along that path.
A delightful and informed overview of the field of Yoga, please enjoy the recording below.
Swami Nishchalananda 
Leave a comment