Certified Yogic Counselor Course (Foundation Level)

From "Rishi Tales 2" emerges a tale of a greedy seeker and a restless Rakshasa, symbolizing the incessant demands of the human mind. Just as the Rakshasa craved tasks, our minds yearn for occupation. Amidst detractors and supporters, it's the mind that reigns supreme, shaping our journey to success or failure. Ancient wisdom emphasizes the mind-body connection, urging control over impulses for a harmonious existence. Vedic seers, through meditation, sought solace within, transcending worldly troubles. As we delve into the mind's labyrinth, let's heed the ancients' counsel, mastering our thoughts for a life of serenity and purpose.

In this world, people have always wondered about who we really are and what makes us tick. One Vedic idea that helps us explore this is called "Atmana." It's a word that points us to look deeper into ourselves, beyond just our bodies and everyday thoughts. Atmana invites us to go on a journey to learn more about what makes us truly us. As we start this journey, we'll uncover secrets about our minds and find out how much we're really capable of when we understand ourselves better.

In Vedic wisdom, concepts like Dharma, Karma, and Shakti have endured the test of time, offering invaluable insights into leading a meaningful and purposeful existence. Unfortunately, these profound principles are often misunderstood and misinterpreted, leading to a life plagued by dissatisfaction and suffering. However, by unravelling the true meanings behind Dharma, Karma, and the relative nature of Shakti, we can discover transformative paths towards personal growth and fulfilment.In the vast tapestry of ancient Vedic wisdom, concepts like Dharma, Karma, and Shakti have endured the test of time, offering invaluable insights into leading a meaningful and purposeful existence. Unfortunately, these profound principles are often misunderstood and misinterpreted, leading to a life plagued by dissatisfaction and suffering. However, by unravelling the true meanings behind Dharma, Karma, and the relative nature of Shakti, we can discover transformative paths towards personal growth and fulfilm

In the tapestry of human existence, friendships and enmities weave intricate patterns, shaping our interactions and societal dynamics. Delving into the timeless wisdom of Vedic scriptures, we embark on a journey to illuminate the essence of these relationships. Through profound shlokas, we uncover the impermanence of bonds, the virtue of detachment, and the significance of ethical conduct. These insights offer a guiding light in navigating the complexities of human connections, inspiring compassion, wisdom, and harmony. Join us as we explore the profound teachings that transcend time, enriching our understanding of friendships and enmities in the tapestry of life.

Yoga goes beyond physical postures, meditation, and ethical guidelines, and offers profound wisdom for navigating life's challenges. One of its core teachings is the concept of Vairagya or detachment. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of letting go, relinquishing attachments, and finding inner peace. But how do we discern when it's the right time to let go? Let's explore the Vedic Sanskrit perspective on detachment and when to apply it in our lives.

The Gitas found in Vedic texts like Valmiki’s Ramayana and Vyasa’s Mahabharata, offer timeless wisdom through counseling sessions between individuals facing dilemmas and sage Rishis. These texts contain seven Gitas, sharing a common thread of imparting the wisdom of Yoga, distinct from modern yoga. A Seeker (Sadhak) aspires to learn Yoga, while a Yogi has mastered it. The Gitas transcend time, delving into the unchanging nature of the human mind, a powerful force shaping experiences, desires, actions, and consequences. They emphasize detachment (Vairagya) without aversion, offering profound insights into personal peace, prosperity, and solutions to humanity's challenges.

The Vashistha Gita explores yogic counseling principles. It emphasizes self-awareness, compassion, and empathy, encouraging counselors to maintain detachment from outcomes. Mindfulness and meditation play a crucial role in calming the mind and promoting introspection. Non-judgment is advocated to create a safe space for individuals seeking guidance. In essence, the Vashistha Gita chapter highlights how yogic principles can enhance the counseling process, promoting self-discovery and inner growth while fostering a compassionate and non-judgmental environment for those seeking guidance.

"The Ashtavakra Gita" delves into the profound wisdom imparted by the sage Ashtavakra. This ancient Indian text challenges conventional beliefs and explores the nature of the self, reality, and liberation. Ashtavakra's teachings transcend ordinary perception, urging readers to transcend dualities and recognize their true nature as unbounded consciousness. This chapter unveils deep insights into the human condition, highlighting the importance of self-realization and inner freedom. It offers a transformative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, inviting seekers to question their preconceptions and embrace the timeless wisdom within these verses.

In the timeless epic, the Mahabharata, nestled amidst its epic battles and moral dilemmas, lies a chapter of profound wisdom known as the Vidura Gita. This enlightening chapter, often considered a hidden gem within the grand narrative, is a fountain of counsel and insight, imparted by the sagacious Vidura to the troubled King Dhritarashtra. As we delve into the essence of the Vidura Gita for counseling, we embark on a journey of unparalleled guidance, where ancient teachings offer solace and direction to those grappling with life's complexities. Within these sacred verses, Vidura's words illuminate the path to inner peace, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of true wisdom.

The Krishna Gita, popularly known as Bhagavad Gita, a timeless dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, offers profound wisdom applicable to counseling and personal growth. It's a treasure trove of guidance for anyone seeking insights into human suffering, inner peace, and the path to enlightenment. This article explores why the Krishna Gita is essential reading for counselors and individuals seeking a more fulfilling life, providing transformative insights for both counseling and everyday challenge.

Bhishma Gita, a lesser-known gem within the Vyasa's epic Mahabharata, contains invaluable insights for counseling. It's a conversation between the venerable Bhishma Pitamaha and Yudhistha, where Bhishma imparts profound wisdom to Yudhishthira. This discourse delves into ethics, duty, and human dilemmas, offering guidance for life's intricate moral and emotional quandaries. Counselors find it invaluable for its teachings on decision-making, resilience, and the pursuit of righteousness. Bhishma Gita's timeless wisdom remains a beacon for navigating the complexities of human existence, making it a hidden treasure in the world of counseling and personal growth.

Vyadha Gita, an enlightening episode from the Mahabharata, offers unique insights for counselors seeking to distinguish knowledge from the wisdom and bring clarity to those in turmoil. In this story, a humble butcher imparts profound wisdom to a sage, highlighting that true wisdom transcends one's occupation or status. For counselors, it underscores the importance of discerning between raw information (knowledge) and the profound insights (wisdom) needed to guide individuals through chaos and confusion. Vyadha Gita serves as a reminder that understanding the essence of wisdom can equip counselors to offer profound clarity to those grappling with life's complexities, ultimately fostering personal growth and inner peace.

The Avadhoota Gita, a profound treasure found in Vyasa's Mahabharata, is a source of invaluable wisdom for counselors. It presents the teachings of an enlightened being, the Avadhoota Dattatreya, who has transcended worldly attachments. This scripture offers insight into detachment, self-realization, and the true nature of existence. For counselors, the Avadhoota Gita serves as a guide to help individuals navigate life's complexities by differentiating between the transient and the eternal, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition. Its timeless wisdom empowers counselors to assist those in need, facilitating their journey towards clarity and inner peace.

Schedule a personalized two-hour one-on-one session with U. Mahesh Prabhu to address your queries, clarify doubts, and gain a deeper understanding of Yogic Counseling techniques.