Volume 6 / Issue 10 October 2018 Annual Subscription ` 180

Just playing…
There are private spaces
in my mind where I agree
with all and sundry. But
there are public spaces in my
mind where I could debate
all that anyone says or thinks.
This is not a Contradictory
Existence, just that deep down
I never took sides of any sort.
Though I stand stoutly for all
that I take up. Don’t you go
thinking I am in a confessional mode
Just playing with you, as deep
down in this me there is really
no you and me. Just playing…

Grace & Blessings

October 2018 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | B

 EDITORIAL

Dear Readers,
The most special time of the year annual leadership intensive, INSIGHT:
for Devi is coming up this month. The DNA of Success, which is scheduled
“Navaratri: How to Receive Devi’s for the end of November.
Grace” has all the information you need
Also in this issue: In our Mahabharat
to prepare yourself. Find out about
series, “Bhima Saves Draupadi” and
the special sadhana that Sadhguru
Duryodhana is again denied revenge
devised for this purpose and the many
over the Pandavas; the News &
offerings at Linga Bhairavi’s abode near
Events are packed with happenings
Coimbatore during these nine nights
from Isha’s Kerala flood relief efforts
in celebration of the Divine Feminine.
and the Kailash Manasarovar yatra,
Get into the mood with the beautifully
to Conversations with the Mystic,
illustrated article “My Navaratri
the launch of a photo book about
Experience in Isha,” which evokes the
Sadhguru, and the first few events of
warm, all-enveloping atmosphere
the Youth and Truth movement. Lastly,
of the Linga Bhairavi procession and
our “Pearl Millet Dosa” recipe presents
Maha Arati.
a savory way to enrich your menu with
Then, in culmination of Dussehra, there a healthier, more nutritious alternative
is of course Vijaya Dashami, the day of to regular rice. Enjoy!
victory and success, which brings us to
The Editorial Team
the second main theme of this edition:
success. First of all, “How Do You
Define Success?” In our Lead Article,
fresh from a Youth and Truth event in
Delhi, Sadhguru expands the context
beyond social and material aspects to
life itself. Does that mean all of us should
withdraw from the world and become
ascetics? Not at all, as the ”Insights
for Success in Business” by Sadhguru
show. The article offers a taste of Isha’s

Contact the Editorial Team:

Isha Forest Flower, Isha Yoga Center, Velliangiri Foothills, Ishana Vihar Post, Coimbatore – 641114
forestflower@ishafoundation.org
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2 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER October 2018

CONTENTS

LEAD ARTICLE MAHABHARAT

How Do You Define Success? 04 Part 47: Bhima Saves Draupadi 09

LEAD ARTICLE
How Do You Define Success? 4

MUSINGS
Insights for Success in Business 7

MAHABHARAT
Part 47: Bhima Saves Draupadi 9

NEWS & EVENTS

Isha’s Kerala Flood Relief Work 11
Kailash Manasarovar 2018 12
Sabyasachi in Conversation with the Mystic 13
Launch of Sadhguru Photo Book by Raghu Rai 13
“Youth and Truth” Takes Off 14

SHARING EXPERIENCES
My Navaratri Experience in Isha 16

GET INVOLVED
Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha Training 18

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Navaratri: How to Receive Devi’s Grace 19
Isha – Program & Event Highlights 20

ISHA RECIPES
Pearl Millet Dosa 21

ZEN SPEAKS
What’s Not a Prime Cut? 23

October 2018 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 3

 LEAD ARTICLE

How Do You Define Success?

In this excerpt from his Youth and Truth interaction at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB),
Sadhguru dispels the fear of missing out – a pervasive concern, especially among the youth. In this context, he
contrasts success with fulfillment. The following question is a thematic continuation: “How to deal with being
average?” Here, Sadhguru gives his very own definition of success and explains why dying as a “blissful failure”
is actually a sign of doing great in life. In the end, it is all a question of vision. Read on to find out why.

The Fear of Missing Out

Questioner: Sadhguru ji, one of the most trending
question that we have here in campus is FOMO –
the fear of missing out. We have the fear of missing
out on our activities, our placements, on anything
whatsoever under the roof. When do we realize
that we have to stop this and that this should not
influence our decision-making?
Sadhguru: Let’s look at life beyond where you are
right now. Your stay in the educational institution
is only a transition. You have come only to equip
yourself for something. You have not come to
an educational institution as a destination. It is
a packaging place to package you nicely. I am
not making a commentary on education but on
how we go through it. About the fear of missing
out… First of all fear, let’s address fear, before we
address missing out. Fear is always about what
4 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER
Fear is about “What will happen?” That
means your fear is about something
that does not exist.
may happen or may not happen. Fear is not about
what we are experiencing right now. Fear is about
“What will happen?” That means your fear is about
something that does not exist.
You are suffering something that does not even
exist. If you are suffering something that does not
even exist, it is not about life, education, or career –
it is about your mind being out of control. Is it
not important to learn to manage your mind first
before we allow you to manage an industry or a
business? If you do not know how to manage your
mind, what are you going to manage in the world?
October 2018
Managers are all freaking out and growing ulcers
in their stomachs. Today it has become normal
that if you are a CEO, if you don’t have an ulcer by
forty-five, you are not a great CEO. Because you
are managing by accident. The fear comes because
there is an accidental possibility.
Let’s say you didn’t know how to ride a bicycle. The
bicycle was on a stand, you sat on it, you were just
pedaling for fun. It came off the stand and started
rolling – is there anxiety or not? Started rolling
faster – fear or not? Very fast – terror or not? It’s not
because bicycles produce terror – it is just that you
don’t know how to ride. If you know how to ride,
the faster it goes, the better it is. The very reason
why we created a bicycle is because we wanted
it to go faster than walking. That’s the idea. But
if you do not know how to ride, how much fear it
creates! Right now, your problem is not with the
world or with your education. Your problem is your
education system, right from kindergarten, hasn’t
told you a thing about how to manage yourself.
They think you are going to manage the world
without knowing how to manage yourself.
When you are a mess, you can only create a mess.
You may be successful. Success happens for a variety
of reasons. There are situations, there are times
which supports us in many different ways, and of
course, your bit is there. But just because someone
is successful, it doesn’t mean they have figured out
everything. It doesn’t mean they are at ease with
life. It doesn’t mean their life is in some way fulfilled.
Today, our idea of success is just doing a little better
than someone else.
You doing a little better than someone else means
and you are very happy about that, what it means
is you are actually enjoying other peoples failures. If
someone enjoys another person’s failures, I call that
sickness, not success. Unfortunately, this is how you
are going. This is the reason why human potential
is not unleashed. Because if you are a lame person,
you are happy to be one step ahead of him. Only
when you meet Mr. Bolt, will you understand who
you are. Until then, you think you are a great runner.
There is nothing to miss out in life. Life is happening
to all of us. The question is only, “If I miss this
party, am I missing out on something? If I miss this
examination, I am missing out something? If I miss
this job, am I missing out something?” This is simply
because right now, who you are is not internally
managed. It is externally stimulated. Right now,
you are in a very controlled campus atmosphere –
a beautiful campus, I have to say. When you step
out in the world, if you leave it to other people to
decide what happens within you, they are going
October 2018
to drive you crazy in no time. Here, what should or
should not happen to you is all managed for you by
someone else.
When you step out on the street, if you leave it
to other people to decide whether you are happy
or unhappy, you are going to miserable, for sure,
because they are going to do many things. What
happens within you must be determined by you.
And anyway, why are you copying people? Most
people don’t know what the hell they are doing.
This happened: Shankaran Pillai was working at the
Pentagon. He kept moving his work table from one
office to another. Then he moved to the corridor; he
moved into the garden; he moved here and there.
Then he moved into the men’s restroom, settled
down there, and started working. Everyone was
looking at this – what’s wrong with him? Initially,
they thought he was a Russian agent. Then they
thought he must be a Muslim terrorist. Then they
thought all kinds of other things, but he didn’t
cause any harm to anyone. They told the Pentagon
psychiatrist that this guy has gone loony, settling
down in the men’s room and working there.
The psychiatrist strolled in, as if he wanted to use
the men’s room, and started chatting. Then he
found Shankaran Pillai was quite normal; everything
was fine with him. He said, “Why are you sitting
and working in the men’s room?” He said, “I moved
everywhere and saw in the end this is the only damn
place where people know what they are doing.”
Being Average
Questioner: Most of us here at IIM Bangalore have
been consistent achievers, at least in some domain
or the other, for all our lives. But some time at IIM
Bangalore is good enough to make you feel that
you are not good enough. How do you deal with
the pressure of being relatively average?
Sadhguru: It is best someone makes you feel that
right here, because anyway that may happen in
… none of us are ever really good enough.
your life. It can happen in your work; it can happen
in your family – someone will tell you, you are not
good enough. So whether they tell you or not, I
want you to understand none of us are ever really
good enough. If you have a large-scale intention
in the world, you are never really good enough.
People keep telling me, “Sadhguru, you have done
so many things, so many projects.” I’ll tell you my
project. Because the day before yesterday, I was at
ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 5
the Chamundi Hill. 7.6 billion people. So I know I will die a failure. And
everything else I wish to do, I know I will probably
This happened thirty-seven years ago. I went up
not even fulfill ten, fifteen percent of it. But I will die
Chamundi Hill and sat there. For no reason, I was
blissfully. I am living blissfully and I will die blissfully.
overflowing with ecstasy – every cell in my body
It is best that you are a failure in your life – that
exploding. I didn’t know what was happening.
means your vision is large. If you are a success, you
When I spoke to my closest friends, they said, “Tell
have a constipated sense of life.
me – what did you drink? What did you pop?” This is
the only thing they could ask. When I asked my own
skeptical mind, it said, “Maybe you are going off the
If you work incessantly, and still, at the
rocker.” But I knew I had hit a goldmine. Something
fantastic was happening within me, without any
end of your life, the job is not done, it
reason. If I simply sit like this, I become so ecstatic, doesn’t mean you are a failure. It means
what I think is two minutes, has gone into seven, you had a great vision.
eight hours. Have you noticed this, when you are
very happy, time just flies. If I close my eyes and
open them again, eight, ten hours are gone like Success means what? “I made it!” What did you
that. I saw, “This is fantastic – if I simply sit here, I make? “I bought a house site.” “I got a job.” “I
am completely blissed out.” made this much money.” If you think these are
achievements, it is a very constipated way of looking
I decided to make the whole world blissful. At that
at life. I want people to look at it in terms of how we
time, the world’s population was some 5.6 billion
can do something that cannot be completed in this
people. I made a specific plan, how I would do it. I
lifetime. “Oh! What will happen if I don’t fulfill it?” If
thought in two and a half years’ time, I would have
you work incessantly, and still, at the end of your
the entire world blissed out, because it doesn’t take
life, the job is not done, it doesn’t mean you are a
anything. If you simply sit here, it happens. Thirty-
failure. It means you had a great vision.
seven years later, we may have touched 500, 600
million people on the planet, but that’s not my
idea of the world. My idea of the world today is
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6 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER October 2018

 MUSINGS

Insights for Success in Business

In Sadhguru’s welcome address to participants of INSIGHT – The DNA of Success last year, he outlines what
Isha’s leadership intensive is about. He identifies key ingredients for exceptional success and explains why
addressing the inner dimension is vital for success to be sustainable and not take a toll you. “If you enhance your
activity without enhancing yourself, you will die of stress,” Sadhguru says.

System and Star Player
If you look back on the history of any really great
successes, there are two dimensions: Certain things
succeed because of systemic excellence, systemic
cleanliness, and systemic competence – this is very
important. At the same time, the biggest successes
always have one star player. Without the star player,
the system would have never been a great success.
“Star player” means in some way, this person had
a deeper insight than the rest of the generation of
the time. This person was able to see something
that others could not see. This person was able to
do something that others could not imagine. It is
because of that, that this one person made such a
big difference.
Even today, you can see this. Some time ago, I
was at the Wembley Stadium. It was supposed to
be a friendly match between Brazil and England.
It was a goalless match; both of them played very
badly. But one man stood out. The moment he
got the ball, the entire crowd of 85,000 people
unknowingly would become breathless. There
were twenty-two people out there – all of them
were good, international-level players. But if this
one man got the ball, everyone would gasp, as if it
was certain that something would happen now. It
was Neymar. He is the most expensive man in the
world right now – 262 million dollars. But a star like
this cannot do anything unless the other ten players
have a good system. If there is no good system, the
star will go waste. But without the star, the team
will go waste.
Activate Your Genius
In everyone’s life, there are moments when you
have flashes of genius. Especially for leadership,
it is important to know how to spark it on a daily
basis. If one day, ten years ago, you had a bright idea
and did something beautiful, it is not good enough.
Every day, every moment, your genius should fire.
We want to explore the inner dimension – what it is
and what the right things to do with yourself are, so
that the best in you is coming out. You should not
function below your capability but always at your
optimum. For this to happen, a certain amount of
care, a certain amount of consciousness, and certain
types of practices are needed.
Exploring the inner dimension may not look like
business at all. But business is, after all, done by
human beings. The quality of the human being
determines the quality of the activity we perform.
One of the greatest mistakes that modern societies

October 2018 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 7

have made is, we are always trying to enhance
our activity. If you enhance your activity without
enhancing yourself, you will die of stress. If this
“machine” [yourself] is well enhanced, activity will
happen effortlessly. If this is not enhanced and
you up the activity, it is like you have a Maruti
800 but you decide to compete in Formula One
races. Of course, all the five wheels will fly in five
different directions – the fifth wheel being the
steering wheel.
First Enhance Yourself
You don’t have to aspire for a certain activity – if
you build yourself up, naturally, activity will come.
With the reverse approach, that is you enhance
the activity and then struggle with the activity on a
daily basis, you are killing yourself. Success is killing
people. The most successful people have the most
tense and anxious faces. This must change. To be
an entrepreneur means to do what you want to do.
If you are suffering that, it is not right. If you want
to function well, you must know how to be at ease,
how to be joyful, how to be pleasant to yourself and
everything around you. To be successful, it is very
important that you are alive to life around you.
Without being lively, you will not see reality as a
whole – you will only see a very small picture. And
8 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER
once you see a small picture, you will act within
this small boundary. Isha INSIGHT mainly focuses
towards this dimension – to enhance the human
being in such a way that the play that you have
taken up in your life happens effortlessly and joyfully.
About INSIGHT
INSIGHT: The DNA of Success is a business leadership
intensive conducted by Isha Leadership Academy
that explores the science of scaling up one’s
business as well as one’s own self. Through four
days of intense interaction, INSIGHT offers a rare
chance to see through the eyes of successful
leaders and experientially learn the DNA of Success.
Who should attend?
This program is designed for highly motivated and
committed entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, who
are keen to invest substantially in themselves:
CEOs, potential CEOs and Senior Executives from
both public & private undertakings, who are aiming
to “multiply” their businesses
Founders and promoters of small and medium
enterprises, who are ambitious to grow their
companies or institutions to global class and scale.
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October 2018
 MAHABHARAT
SERIES
Mahabharat
PART 47
Bhima Saves
Draupadi
What happened so far: The Pandavas and Draupadi completed their twelve years of forest exile. The next
challenge was to live undiscovered for another year, that too among people, in a city. They had to come up with
a smooth disguise.
Life continued for the Pandavas and Draupadi
during their time living undercover in King Virata’s
kingdom. Yudhishthira became very popular with
the king. They were waiting for these twelve
months to get over. By the eleventh month,
Duryodhana was desperately trying to find the
Pandavas and Draupadi. His spies did not produce
any results, so he sent out his brothers to search
for them everywhere. They tried to find out their
whereabouts in all kinds of ways, asking astrologers,
aghoris, and mystics to find out where they are.
But it was upon Krishna’s advice that the Pandavas
and Draupadi went to Matsya, under the guidance
of the sages Dhaumya and Lomasa. So they were
under Krishna’s protection. He assured them, “No
matter what happens, you’ll not be discovered in
that one year. Don’t fear; just go and settle there.”
Kichaka’s Desire
In the eleventh month, a certain incident happened.
One day, the queen’s brother Kichaka set his eyes
on Draupadi, the flower girl. He went mad with
desire. When warriors came back from campaigns,
they were in a certain mode, thinking they could
grab anything they wanted. They were used to
that. Wherever they went, in every kingdom they
conquered, they grabbed the women they wanted.
So when he came to see his sister, and he saw
Draupadi, he instantly went crazy. He told his sister,
“I want this girl.” She tried to tell him, “It seems she
has five Gandharva husbands.” He said, “Rubbish. If
they come, I’ll make sure that she has no husbands –
it’s as simple as that.” He was a battle-hardened
man, and he wanted her.
October 2018
Initially, when the queen asked her to go to him,
Draupadi said, “No.” But later on, the queen insisted,
“Take wine and go to Kichaka’s quarters in the
evening.” Then Draupadi activated Bhima, though
she was not supposed to contact anyone. She knew
if she went to Yudhishthira, he would talk dharma.
And, above all, if you do anything to Kichaka, the
chances of being discovered were too high. Virata
was the king of the Matsya kingdom only in name,
because he had become old – almost seventy years
of age. Kichaka was the real power. He was the one
who controlled the army. If something happened to
Kichaka, it would be serious trouble. So she went
and instigated Bhima. She said, “I’m not going to
that man. Either you do something about it, or I’m
going to kill myself today.”
Bhima Leaves His Mark
A secret rendezvous was arranged with Kichaka.
Bhima came and killed him. It had been a long time –
eleven months since he killed anybody. He had
done nothing but cooking – now he was itching
for action. So after Bhima killed Kichaka, he did not
leave it at that but pushed Kichaka’s arms and legs
into his body with sheer brute force. At first, when
the news spread, no one knew who killed Kichaka.
When the queen said, “It must have been Draupadi’s
Gandharva husbands,” everyone got scared of
Draupadi, that she has some magical husbands who
mysteriously came and killed someone like Kichaka.
Since Kichaka was a strong man, people could not
believe he could be killed like this, with bare hands.
ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 9
When the news went to Duryodhana, he was
alarmed. He asked, “How was he killed?” They said
that each limb was pushed into the body. Then he
said, “Only Bhima does that. It is his modus operandi.”
After killing somebody, he pushed the limbs into the
body, because he’s not satisfied killing – he has to do
something more. So Duryodhana said, “It is Bhima –
let’s go there.”
The Kauravas Go on Attack
Duryodhana, Dushasana, Karna, Bhishma, Drona,
Kripacharya, all the stalwarts decided to ride there,
along with a small battalion of the Kaurava army.
And they asked a friendly king to steal Virata’s cows,
so that Virata would go chasing the cow thieves.
They took away the cow herds in one direction.
Virata and the whole army went there, chasing the
thieves. None of them was in the city when the Kuru
army came there. Just Virata’s only son Uttara, who
was about seventeen years of age, was at home
with his sister, his friends, and all the women. When
he realized the Kuru army was approaching, he said,
“I will go and take them on single-handedly.”
Only among the harem women was Uttara brave.
He knew nothing about fighting. He had never
been in a battlefield. Still, he thought he could beat
the Kuru army and boast about it. But he needed
a charioteer, and there was no one around. Then
Arjuna came forth to volunteer, in the guise of
Brihanala, a eunuch. Uttara said, “It would be a
shame for me to be charioted by a eunuch. No, find
a man as a charioteer.” But there was no one else.
Then Yudhishthira, who was Kanka now, came and
said, “Take Brihanala – you’ll have no problems. I
know he’s a great charioteer.” So, Arjuna went as a
charioteer, Uttara as the warrior, to face the Kuru
army. When Uttara saw all these battle-hardened
warriors standing there, he shook in his pants, and
his heart sank into his footwear.
Arjuna Drops His Disguise
Uttara told Arjuna, “Let’s turn back.” Arjuna replied,
“Why turn back? We wanted to fight them. Let’s
fight!” “No way! Turn back, immediately! I order
you! Let’s go back.” Arjuna said, “No.” Uttara got
off the chariot and started running. Arjuna chased
him, caught hold of him, put him in the chariot,
and said, “Wait.” Arjuna took down his Gandiva and
told Uttara, “I’m Arjuna.” Just then, the thirteenth
year was over, according to the solar calendar.
According to Duryodhana’s calculations, there were
still a few days left. Duryodhana’s argument was,
“We are Chandravamshis, so we must go by the
lunar calendar.” At first, people could not recognize
Arjuna. But then he came out as a warrior. When he
10 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER
strummed the Gandiva, it always made a particular
sound that struck terror in people’s hearts. So when
Arjuna strummed the Gandiva, people realized
it was him.
Duryodhana was happy, thinking that now Arjuna
was caught, and the Pandavas would have to go
back into exile for twelve more years. Bhishma
frowned and said, “You are ignorant of these things.
The solar calendar gives them their freedom – the
thirteenth year is over. That is the reason why
Arjuna appeared in front of us.” Duryodhana said,
“Nothing doing. We are Chandravamshis – we
must follow the lunar calendar.” Bhishma said, “We
may be Chandravamshis by lineage, but on the
battlefield, we belong to Surya, and that is the cycle
we go by. That is the dharma in this land. You can’t
change that now, simply because it doesn’t work to
your advantage.”
Arjuna and the Kauravas Face Off
Then they went into battle. Arjuna told Uttara that
his sister, a young girl of fifteen or sixteen years of
age, had told him to convey the following message:
“Brother, when you win the war, get the upper
clothes of all the Kauravas for me. I want to use
them to dress up my dolls.” That was dangerous.
When they went to battle, Uttara saw the magic of
Arjuna’s archery. Karna said, “Wait, I will finish him
today. Whether it’s twelve years, thirteen years,
fourteen years – what does it matter.” Arjuna gave
him battle in such a way that he broke Karna’s bow.
Karna had to turn back andPART escape45
from the fight.
Arjuna used a weapon that made them all faint.
After everyone fainted, Uttara went there, took the
upper clothes of Duryodhana, Karna, Dushasana,
and Ashwatthama – leaving out the elders – and
went away. When they came to their consciousness,
they discovered their upper clothes were gone. It
was a matter of shame that someone came in the
battlefield, took off your clothes and went away,
and you could not do anything about it.
Completely shamed, they left. But Duryodhana
was still arguing, according to which calendar or
astrologer the years should be calculated. Bhishma
said, “They went by the law. You have to keep your
word.” Duryodhana had always been determined,
but now he expressed it: “It doesn’t matter if it is
thirteen years or fourteen years – I’m not going to
give back anything to them.”
To be continued.
October 2018
 NEWS AND EVENTS

Isha’s Kerala Flood Relief Work

Kerala, Aug-Sept 2018:

As Kerala reeled under its worst flood in nearly
a century, 175 Isha volunteers including 50 Nadi
Veeras and several doctors were on the ground
involved in rescue efforts, providing basic amenities,
medical aid, and cleaning houses and temples. In
these ongoing efforts, they have reached out to
68,000 people so far.

Nadi Veeras in action, cleaning the Shankaracharya

temple in Kaladi.

An Isha doctor checks the vitals of a little girl at a

relief camp.

While mopping a school, volunteers pause to take in

In solidarity with the people of Kerala, the volunteers
the messy situation.
at Isha Yoga Center have been skipping dinner
on Monday evenings. The money saved will go it’s important that we express our empathy to the
towards the flood relief efforts. Sadhguru tweeted, people of Kerala.”
“Our financial contributions may be nothing for
the scale of devastation that has happened but

October 2018 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 11

Kailash Manasarovar 2018

On sturdy legs, Sadhguru leads a group up rocky slopes. Outside the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

A mystical reunion – the 13th year of the Kailash yatra. A blazing initiation process to receive the Grace of Kailash.

Nepal/China, late August:

Excerpted from Sadhguru Spot:
Three weeks of Altitude… Though I handle altitude
quite well, it does leave one breathless with a bit more
activity than one should. From Lake Kagbhusundi
and Annapoorna South to Manasarovar and Kailash
– not only breathless but speechless too. From the
Power of Natural Beauty that is without parallel to
the Majestic Presence of Mysticism. A heady mix
that leaves you spinning and throbbing in Mind and
Heart, a dizzy intoxication…
Love and Grace,
Sadhguru
Surveying the magical Manasarovar.

12 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER October 2018

Sabyasachi in Conversation with the Mystic
A conversation themed on “Fifty Shades of Grey:
Sadhguru in Black and White”
Launch of Sadhguru Photo Book by Raghu Rai
Of extraordinary size, the book is a testament to an extraordinary life.
Delhi, 3 September: On Sadhguru’s birthday, an
audience of over one thousand people filled the Isha
Delhi Center for the launch of the much awaited
photo book Sadhguru by master photographer
Raghu Rai. A Padma Shri awardee with fifty years
October 2018
Delhi, 2 September: Sadhguru and
fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
had an intriguing discussion which
covered the currently irresponsible and
blatant use of textile products, and how
by using natural fibers, India could be
the guiding light for the world to reverse
this situation. It is here that Sadhguru
announced that on 2 October, the
150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,
a Save the Weaves campaign will be
launched to preserve the vast variety of
India’s weaves, which are on the verge
of extinction.
of photographic excellence and recognition, Rai
mentioned, “This is the biggest book the divine has
granted me to do.” Capturing the many facets of
Sadhguru, this limited edition coffee table book is
available for purchase at ishashoppe.com.
ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 13
‘Youth and Truth’ Takes Off

A movement to inspire and empower India’s youth

During the month of September, Sadhguru has been connecting with
millions of youth online and offline through interactive, candid sessions in
colleges across India. Celebrity youth icons have been posing their burning
questions to Sadhguru as well, creating a buzz on social media. Youth and
Truth provides a platform for young people to get answers on anything
of interest to them – career, parents, addiction, stress, relationships,
sexuality – nothing is off-limits. The campaign aims to bring clarity and
balance to young Indians, and make them a positive force that will shape
the future of the nation.

Delhi, Shri Ram College of Commerce

4 September: The first
event saw the indoor
stadium at Shri Ram College
of Commerce (SRCC) packed
to capacity as its student
community turned out in full
strength to catch a glimpse
of Sadhguru. Sadhguru
answered questions ranging
from Adiyogi to social
media; relationships to
parenting, and goal setting
to confidence building.
A trio of students in the tricolor kick off the first event in the national capital.

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

An informal meet with Sadhguru under the Banyan tree, after the main event.

10 September: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University questions on stress, violence against women,
(TNAU) warmly hosted the second episode of Youth agriculture, and ignorance.
and Truth. The bilingual session covered pressing

14 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER October 2018

 Chennai, College of Engineering, Anna University

Sadhguru and Chennai youth in motion for truth

12 September: After battling with 700 different drugs, relationships, education, and love at first
and unique questions, the engineering students sight. An impressed student shared: “Every person
finally narrowed down their questions and shot has walked out as a smarter person than the way
them at Sadhguru, encompassing politics, religion, he entered the hall.”

Bengaluru, Mount Carmel College

13 September: Students at
Mt. Carmel did not hesitate
to grill Sadhguru on topics
including homosexuality,
feminism, fashion, and
depression. Sadhguru tweeted
after the event: Only today
I realized that two years
of my education happened
in Carmelite Institutions. I
congratulate and appreciate
the nuns and teachers of
Mount Carmel Convent for
continuing the possibility of
education to thousands. –Sg
#UnplugwithSadhguru
There is palpable excitement in the air at the all-girls college.

October 2018 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 15

 SHARING
EXPERIENCE

My Navaratri
Experience in Isha

Sometimes, a chance visit turns out to be not by chance at all. That is what Usha Iyer found, looking back at a
spectacular and intense Navaratri night at Isha. Enjoy her beautifully illustrated account.
It was a matter of sheer chance that I said yes the flickering diyas, the flower arrangement – all of it
to going to Ooty for a couple of workshops at a leading to a feeling of gratitude. The Akka gestures
residential school there, and later decided to spend that the time is over. I do my namaskaram, crying.
the evening before at Isha. I was dropped off at the
I hadn’t seen the Linga Bhairavi in my previous visit.
parking from where the Adiyogi was visible. The
When I climb down the stairs, I see this amazing
breeze was crazy. My goal was the Dhyanalinga, so
Devi in red. Covered in sindoor, with the three Devi
I spent no time here. I walked on and on for what
eyes and a gold spiral nose pin. I am in time for the
I was told would be a 7 minute walk.
evening aarti. The next few minutes are magic!
I was hoping I wouldn’t be late for the darshan of the When the aarti finishes, I am again crying, happy to
Dhyanalinga. That would have been devastating! have made it in time for this. All of it felt like I was in
I walk up and ask someone if I could still go inside. another world. I actually was.
When I say that even it is only for three or four
As I walk out, I see a bunch of people standing there,
minutes, it’s okay with me, an Akka leads me into the
as if waiting for something to start. The gate behind
dome. I sit and look at the Dhyanalinga. What a space!
me shuts. In front are some men in white dhotis,
What energy, what vibrations! The subtle lighting,
red angavastrams, and a green leaf mala. Some of

16 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER October 2018

 them have picked up
musical instruments –
the pakhawajs, the I can’t believe my luck and thank all the
typical bugle, cymbals. powers that have made me experience
Others are carrying something I didn’t even know I wanted to.
flags (illustrated)
and a thick log with Bhairavi, Jai Bhairavi. The sound gives me goose
torches. Now the bumps. As I watch the entourage turn, I turn to the
bugle is blown, and person next to me. He is dressed in red and very
as the drums beat, clearly, he isn’t an Indian. I tell him how blessed
suddenly, the Linga I feel and ask him if this is an everyday event. He
Bhairavi is out in wipes his tears away and says this is only for the 9
procession. Seated days of Navaratri.
royally, the Devi is
moving amidst all the I can’t believe my luck and thank all the powers that
music, light from the have made me experience something I didn’t even
torches, the fragrance know I wanted to. I realize all things in life are not
of camphor and by our design. My write-up and illustrations will
flowers. It is dark and do little justice to the spectacle. But try I must to
the space belongs only recreate it.
to this amazing bunch of people and their Usha Iyer is an artist and design faculty in New Delhi
devotion to Linga Bhairavi. Awestruck, I move
with the crowd, silently. Now the procession
goes up and down the stairs to loud chants of
Jai Bhairavi, Jai Bhairavi. The procession stops
and the men move to position in front of the
huge Nandi.
What follows is an aarti. Then five men on either side
pick up torches, and start to dance. Choreographed,
but very powerful, deeparadhanai. This goes on for
a while till the music changes. The torches are put
on the floor and cymbals are picked up. What starts
as an organized dance suddenly turns chaotic. The
sound of the cymbals is now a din, and we know the
crescendo isn’t far.
After it, silence again. Deeparadhanai to Devi and
the Dhyanalinga over, the men take position, pick
up the doli, flags, etc., and proceed to where they
started, climbing the stairs to more chanting of Jai

October 2018 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 17

 GET INVOLVED

Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha Training

Sadhguru has opened up possibilities for Isha volunteers to get trained in consecration processes. Bhuta Shuddhi
Vivaha, the process of consecrating marriages, is one such sacred offering.

The Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha Process:

“There is a certain beauty in two lives trying to merge into one. To think beyond yourself, to feel
beyond yourself, to accommodate one another is also a stepping stone for the Ultimate Union.
Vivaha is a certain form of consecration for marriages. This is a very ancient form that has its origin
in the yogic system. It is based on the process of Bhuta Shuddhi, which means mastery over the five
elements. In the Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha, we want the couple to achieve a union beyond thought,
companionship, emotion, body –on an elemental level.” - Sadhguru

The Training: Who can apply?

• The 8-day training program is conducted at
Linga Bhairavi, Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore.
• Dates: 1–8 December 2018
• Those who complete the training and will be
authorized to conduct the process will be call
Sumangalas.
• Currently, the Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha process is
conducted only at Linga Bhairavi, near Isha Yoga
Center. After this training program, Sumangalas
will conduct Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha processes
worldwide, as per request.
• Isha volunteers who have attended the Inner
Engineering/Isha Yoga program and the Bhava
Spandana Program.
• Above 30 years of age
• Preferably couples
“I want you to know the joy and fulfillment
of offering something that touches and
transforms lives.” – Sadhguru
Contact: For more details: 83000 83111
To apply online: bit.ly/bsvtraining

18 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER October 2018

Navaratri: How to Receive Devi’s Grace
Navaratri, nine nights in celebration of Devi, is coming up from 10 to 18 October 2018. Here is a brief background
of what Navaratri is about and ways to connect with Devi and receive her Grace.
Navaratri
Navaratri is a journey from darkness to light, and is
dedicated to the feminine nature of the Divine. Linga
Bhairavi unites all three dimensions of the divine
feminine that represent the three basic qualities
of existence (tamas, rajas, sattva – traditionally
represented as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati), with
three days dedicated to each quality – the first
two towards survival and sustenance, and the third
towards aspiring to go beyond.
This is the most conducive phase of the year to
receive Devi’s Grace. Every evening of Navaratri,
devotees will have the opportunity to participate in
a special Navaratri Abhishekam at Linga Bhairavi,
near Isha Yoga Center. There is also a possibility
to offer Annadanam on any of the Navaratri
days. Maha Arati, concerts and cultural programs,
and a crafts fair complement the celebration of
the feminine.
After Navaratri, the tenth and final day of Dussehra
is Vijayadashami (19 October), the day of victory,
which symbolizes the conquering of all these three
qualities. A special Vidyarambham to initiate and
support children (ages 2 to 12) in the process of
education will be offered at Linga Bhairavi on the
same day.
October 2018
Navaratri Sadhana
Sadhguru created a special Navaratri Sadhana for
this period that you can do at home to become
more receptive to Devi’s Grace. This sadhana is
to be practiced on all the nine days of Navaratri,
following these simple steps:
• Light a lamp for Devi.
• Chant a minimum of three cycles of the Linga
Bhairavi Devi Stuti in front of a photo of Devi,
Linga Bhairavi Gudi, Linga Bhairavi Yantra, or
Avighna Yantra. It is advisable to chant eleven
cycles (one cycle is the recitation of 33 names
of Devi).
• Make an offering. There are no restrictions on
what can be offered.
The sadhana can be done at any time of the day
or night, by all, and along with other traditional
celebrations. There are no dietary restrictions,
though it is preferable to have sattvic food.
For more information, contact: +91-83000 83111
or send an email to info@lingabhairavi.org.
Navaratri: 10 to 18 October 2018
Vijayadashami (and Vidyarambham):
19 October 2018
ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 19
 UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Date Program Place Contact

Isha Life Health Solutions

3 Oct, 27 Oct 044-28885333 / 83000 45333
Obesity Treatment Program (opp. Spencer Plaza),
2018 programs@ishalife.org
Chennai – India

Isha Yoga Center,

10–14 Oct 83000 93555 / 83000 83111
Samyama Sadhana Velliangiri Foothills,
2018 iycprograms@ishayoga.org
Coimbatore – India

Isha Life Health Solutions

12 Oct, 29 Oct Joint and Musculoskeletal 044-28885333 / 83000 45333
(opp. Spencer Plaza),
2018 Disorders Treatment programs@ishalife.org
Chennai – India

Isha Yoga Center, 94437 00982 / 83000 83111

15–17 Oct Yogasanas for Beginners
Velliangiri Foothills, hathayoga.iyc@
2018 (at IYC, Nalanda)
Coimbatore – India ishafoundation.org

Isha Yoga Center,

18–21 Oct 83000 93555
Guru Pooja Training Velliangiri Foothills,
2018 iycprograms@ishayoga.org
Coimbatore – India

Isha Yoga Center,

18–21 Oct 94890 45164 / 83000 83111
Inner Engineering Retreat Velliangiri Foothills,
2018 ieretreat@ishafoundation.org
Coimbatore – India

Isha Institute of Inner-

19–21 Oct Bhava Spandana Program +1 (931) 229-0709
sciences, McMinnville,
2018 with Sadhguru bspregistration@ishausa.org
TN – USA

Isha Rejuvenation,
0422-2515464
21 Oct – Isha Yoga Center,
Yoga Marga isharejuvenation@
10 Nov 2018 Velliangiri Foothills,
ishafoundation.org
Coimbatore – India
Isha Yoga Center,
24 Oct – Shivanga Sadhana Initiation Velliangiri Foothills, 83000 83111
5 Dec 2018 (Gents) Coimbatore & local info@shivanga.org
centers – India

Isha Yoga Center,

25–28 Oct 94890 45164 / 83000 83111
Inner Engineering Retreat Velliangiri Foothills,
2018 ieretreat@ishafoundation.org
Coimbatore – India

Isha Yoga Center, 94437 00982 / 83000 83111

29–31 Oct Yogasanas – Advanced
Velliangiri Foothills, hathayoga.iyc@ishafoundation.
2018 (at IYC, Nalanda)
Coimbatore – India org

Isha Yoga Center,

22–25 Nov INSIGHT: The DNA of 83000 84888
Velliangiri Foothills,
2018 Success with Sadhguru leadership@ishainsight.org
Coimbatore – India

Live in a Consecrated Space Isha Yoga Center,

94890 45136 / 94890 45133
22 Dec 2018 – Yantra Ceremony with Velliangiri Foothills,
yantra@lingabhairavi.org
Sadhguru Coimbatore – India

Current at the time of print, however subject to change. For full program schedules and updates, please visit
www.ishayoga.org/Schedule/Yoga-Programs

20 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER October 2018

 ISHA RECIPE Pearl Millet Dosa

INGREDIENTS METHOD

1 cup pearl millet (bajra/kambu) 1. Wash the millet and rice and soak them for
about 4 hours.
1 cup idli rice (medium grained parboiled rice)
4 red chilies 2. Drain the water and grind them with a little
bit of water, along with red chilies and salt.
1 tsp. fennel seeds Towards the end, add the fennel seeds too
Salt to taste and grind them for just a minute. Adjust the
consistency of the batter by adding a little water
Oil (as needed) so it is spreadable.
Small bunch of coriander leaves and curry 3. To the ground batter, add chopped coriander
leaves – chopped and curry leaves. Add the grated carrot and
½ carrot – grated cabbage and mix thoroughly.
¼ of a small size cabbage – grated 4. Take a ladle full of batter and spread it evenly
on an oiled hot pan, in a circular fashion. Add a
few drops of oil and cook from both sides until
Tip: Serve with sambar, coconut chutney, or
golden brown.
other chutneys of your choice.

October 2018 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 21

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October 2018 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 22

 ZEN SPEAKS

Courtesy Zen Speaks

Published by: B. RAJESH CHANDER on behalf of ISHA FOUNDATION

Published from 117/50, Luz Church Road, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004, TAMILNADU

Printed by: S. PRAKASH; at FINE DOTS, No.15, Boo Begum 3rd Street,
Anna Salai, Chennai – 600 002, TAMILNADU. Editor: K. SEKAR

October 2018 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 23

 Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India under No. TNENG/2013/53333 WPP license no : TN/PMG (CCR)/WPP–446/2017–2019
Registered with Patrika Channel Egmore RMS under Registration No. TN/CH(C)/492/17–19. Published on 2nd of every month – October 2018

You see.
valley shall not hold me
The comfort of a pleasant

down from the harsh Mountains.

Propelled by that One Mountain Dweller,

24
A || ISHA
ISHA FOREST
FOREST FLOWER
FLOWER October
October 2018
2018