Orangetown Public Library
000 Mainstreet, Tappan NY 10983. 000-000-0000
Yoga seekers would find the following sources/sites under different categories very useful.
Books
- Sage Physician Patanjali's yoga sutras - Yoga principles compiled over 2000 years ago. Yoga students follow this text, it is also good for those who are not practicing Yoga (asanas/exercises).
- Swami Sivananda was a medical doctor, he wrote around 300 books. Many on Yoga and meditation practices. Indian government released a postage stamp in his honor, some of Swami's books are available online as free e-books, they are master pieces.
- Swami Rama, the founder of Himalyan institute wrote over two dozen books, this masters works are definitely worth reading.
- Bhagavad gita - This is a philosophical narration of many aspects of Yoga. Stanzas in this book were narrated to a warrior on a battle field by Krishna, 5000 years ago. This war also happens within us, within our minds; When we quiet the mind, we see the light.
- Autobiography of a Yogi, by Swami Paramahansa Yogananda - It's an excellent book, read by millions all over the world in many languages, the truly unbelievable experiences of a yogi. It is difficult to put it down once you start reading it.
Unique books on yoga and health are available at book stores located in the ashrams/yoga places listed below.
Ashrams
An ashram is a place where Yoga, meditation, chanting, philosophical discussions and contemplation take place. These are non profit organizations. Listed are ashrams in NYC or in commuting distance from NYC region, and their distant branches. Yoga, meditation, kirtan (chanting), health, diet and many other yoga related classes are offered to public at these locations, these listings are a compilation from my own personal experience over the years.
- Ananda Ashram was established by Dr.Mishra aka Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati. Dr.Mishra was a brain surgeon, he authored many books on Yoga and meditation. This ashram can be reached within an hour of commuting distance from NYC.
- Sivananda Ashram located upstate NY, was established by a disciple of Swami Sivananda. In NYC, there is a branch, where students can take various different classes.
- Yoga vacations at sivananda ashrams, they are located in such places as Paradise island in Bahamas (ocean front), Quebec Canada, Austria, India, California. Rigorous yoga teacher training certificate programs are also conducted at these locations. Accomodations are available. Vegetarian meals are prepared and served as a group. Yoga classes are compulsory.
- Integral Yoga institute located in NYC, has an ashram called Yoga Ville in Virginia.
- Himalayan institute located in NYC is another wonderful place, although it is not classifed as an ashram, there are branches in several parts of the world.
Kirtan
Kirtan is singing, call and response, you repeat after the lead singer. During the kirtan, Mantras are repeated over and over. Kirtan quiets the mind, when you are deeply involved in the kirtan, the chatter within your mind is no longer there. When the mind is quiet a new horizon opens that which you have never experienced before, where you become one with every thing, there is no duality. Mantras are compositions of words that have a vibratory effect on the body and mind, it can be a very deep meditation that opens a channel between you and the divine or what ever you may want to call it. Musicians may accompany a lead singer. This type of singing is not to be confused with musical concerts, though they may have the same characteristics. Kirtan is conducted at all ashrams and most yoga places. Following are samples of recordings, but being present in live kirtans is when awakening takes place initially.
- Dave stringer is a western singer who sings mantras, and his kirtans are soul awakening.
- Jai Uttal from california, who tours NY from time to time, he can be seen live at Yoga centers in and around NYC.
- Krishna Das chanting. Krishna Das spent many years in India, learning from his Guru, and eventually took up chanting as a profession. He gives kirtans all over the world, especially in NY region.
