yoga history – Elliottelford.com

Sikhism: The Fifth Largest Religion in the World

March 29, 2016March 29, 2016 by Elliot

Sikhism: A Tradition Striving for Unity and Truth Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world(one of the fastest growing, too) and originated in Northern India in 1469. Sikhis (meaning disciple or learner) are monotheistic, believe in the unity and equality of all mankind, engage in selfless service, and strive for the prosperity of all … Read more

Swami Vivekananda

July 6, 2015 by Elliot

Swami Vivekanada was born in 1863 into an aristocratic Bengali family and was heavily influenced by his guru Ramakrishna while he taught concepts and philosophies of Hinduism around the world. He was a charismatic and well-known man who traveled the world speaking on Hinduism and bringing its form of spirituality to the west. He was … Read more

Practicing Ashtanga with Saraswathi Jois

April 5, 2015 by Elliot

Last day of practice with Saraswathi was a sweet one. Can’t believe I’ve been in India over 2 month, holy shit! So grateful for an amazing experience! #guruselfie #ashtanga #yoga #india #saraswathi A photo posted by Elliot (@pada_yogi) on Mar 31, 2015 at 5:35am PDT Tuesday marked the final day of my practice at the … Read more

Ashtanga Yoga and Yoga’s Modern Lineage

August 10, 2015March 19, 2015 by Elliot

What is Ashtanga Yoga? Ashtanga yoga sequences are a tradition expounded by Pattabhi Jois and is currently taught by teachers in different forms across the world. It is most likely that these sequences were originally created by Krishnamacharya for Pattabhi Jois, using knowledge he obtained from his guru, Brahmachari for short, who lived in a … Read more

Lakshmi | Lakṣmī | लक्ष्मी

March 8, 2015 by Elliot

Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, love, fortune, and is considered the embodiment of beauty. She is the wife of Vishnu and carries his active energy. Her fours arms represent purusartha, or the four primary aims of human life: Dharma, Kama, Artha, and Moksha and representations of her can be found in many … Read more

Places of Interest in Gokulam

January 31, 2015January 31, 2015 by Elliot

A few of my upcoming blogs are going to be simply photo blogs. Pictures speak a thousand words

Gokulam City Center, you can see the rickshaw stand on the right, and the street leading to the Jois Shala in the center

Gokulam Coconut Stand, somewhat the center of the town

cell_tower_Gokulam — Gokulam Cell Tower, on top of the hill in Gokulam

Saraswathi's_Shala — Saraswathi’s Shala, this is where I practice. In the morning, there is no one outside and it is dark

Sri Chakra House, quiet and highly recommended. Great food, great company, drinkable water, Wifi. This is a great place to rest, relax and refuel.

Osho Meditation Center and Mystic school, called by many the “second best” yoga Shala in Mysore. I hope to study there in March

Gokulam Children's Center — Gokulam Children’s Center, really beautifully decorated, but I never see any children there

Ashtanga Institute, Mysore — Jois Shala of the Ashtanga Institute, Gokulam, Mysore

The Buddha

April 29, 2015January 8, 2015 by Elliot

Siddhartha Gautama Siddhartha Gautama, or the buddha, is the sage whose teachings were interpreted to form Buddhism. ‘Buddha’ means awakened one, or enlightened one and is titular for the first awakened being of an age. Siddhartha is the supreme buddha (Sanskrit सिद्धार्थ गौतम | samyaksaṃbuddha) and taught a middle way between the opposing philosophies of indulgence and asceticism in … Read more

Hinduism vs. Buddhism

January 7, 2015January 6, 2015 by Elliot

Comparing two religions in their similarities, differences, and the in-between “Can you do a simple comparison of Hindu versus Buddhism at some time in the future?” -Inga D This article comes from a request from my good friend Inga, thanks for the great idea! Most of my experience with these two religions is based upon … Read more

The Different Styles of Yoga

December 17, 2023December 18, 2014 by Elliot

The origins of yoga date back to the beginning of civilization (read my article here) We live in a world that is highly evolved and diversified; yoga is no exception. Yoga has evolved rather quickly, since Krishnamacharya trained Iyegnar and Jois in the 1930s and 40s. With the astounding rise of the popularity of yoga, … Read more