YOGESHVAR
Teacher of traditional yoga and Vedanta
Blessed to be born in the timeless tradition of sanatana dharma, with the grace of my gurus, I have a decent level of expertise in the practice and teaching of traditional yoga and facilitating self-knowledge in the light of the teachings of Vedanta.
I follow the traditional methodology according to the advaita tradition of Sri Shankaracharya for Vedanta, Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali for Raja yoga and the approach of Tamil siddhas for hatha and laya yoga practices. I was blessed with opportunities to learn traditional Yoga and Vedanta from many competent teachers.
Known in the Tamil speaking world as ‘Yoga Karthik’ through my TV program ‘Yoga Kalai’ on Jaya TV, India (1999 – 2011). Around 2007, I adopted the name Yogeshvar , as a pseudonym for my work. My official name is M.Karthikeyan.
I have designed yoga curriculum for schools and mentored yoga teachers. I’m a visiting yogacharya at the Advaitam ashram , Bangalore rural, where I conduct my retreats.
I’m experienced in teaching people from varied backgrounds and designing customised yoga programs for individuals and groups. I also facilitate therapy using the tools of yoga both as a stand alone method and in cooperation with other systems of healing and conventional medicine. I was also a student of Carnatic Music, Science, Psychology, Social Work and People Management.
My way of teaching is usually scientific and informal yet uncompromising in maintaining the quality and sophistication of the Indian Spiritual tradition.
Feel free to write to me if you would like to know anything specific.
Typical classes
This is a selection of the typical classes that I teach, but a lot of the times I tailor the classes to the students needs.
Traditional Hatha Yoga
A harmonious journey with the tamil siddha approach to hatha-yoga for psycho-physical wellbeing, classes can be for basic and intermediate asanas, pranayama- basic and advanced, some of the shat kriyas, vyayamas and laya yoga practices. Right practice of hatha-yoga removes diseases, makes our body light and agile and prepares us for Raja yoga.
Mantra and Tantra seminar
A one day or a two day workshop on basics of chanting like pronunciation and intonation, rules for mantra practice, introduction to a few popular mantras and shlokas, art of manifesting the power of a mantra in our life, basic ritualistic worship (panchopachara puja), overview of tantric practices and their relevance to our everyday lives.
Traditional Raja yoga
Classes take the form of discussions and practical guidance on the eight limbs of raja yoga based on the yoga sutras of patanjali. Highlights are : special guidance on yama & niyamas for today’s way of life, detailed practice of raja yoga pranayama ( sagharbha – combining mantras and nirgharbha – only using attention without mantras ) that leads to Dhyana.
Vedanta
Foundation and intermediate level classes in the form of regular everyday classes or as retreats, on the teachings of Vedanta as per the advaita tradition of Sri AdiShankaracharya. I usually do it using a text chosen for the group. Sometimes, a I also give general overview of the basic concepts for beginners depending upon the student need and time available.
Yoga therapy
The format would be an interactive workshop that covers the principles of yoga therapy, connection with ayurveda, how to integrate with western conventional medical treatment and the challenges associated with it and the art of tweaking the traditional method to suit therapeutic needs without compromising the basics.
Generic satsanga
These popular sessions directly address the different spiritual questions relevant for the participants. The satsangs usually start with a small puja and chanting to invoke a divine atmosphere, followed by group chanting and prasad. This traditional format is flexible depending upon the situation or group’s sensitivities.
Customizing Yoga
Here, I bring the benefits of yoga to individuals and groups based on their practical situation and needs. Stepping out of the traditional restrictions without compromising the fundamentals I aim to optimize the benefits under given conditions and if necessary collaborate with other professionals like doctors or trainers who may be addressing the given situation.
MY BLOG
Studying, Living and Sharing…
It is a very healthy trend these days that more people are looking for spiritual knowledge and solution than just succumbing to the pressure from religious ‘cult beliefs’ and sentiments.