The Sacred Thread of Yoga

A Celebration of Gratitude

The Teachings of the Generations

The acharyas (teachers) and gurus of India have traditionally worn the 'yajnopavita' or sacred thread. Dating back 5,000 years, to the time of the Vedas, it represents 'Guru Parampara', the 'lineage of the Guru Order'. It is generally made of hand-spun cotton. When worn in the 'stavya' position, it runs across the chest and rests on the left shoulder. It is traditionally made of three threads knotted together, symbolizing a variety of ancient triads. One triad is that of the trimurtis or three great Hindu deities of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. Another is the three conditions of sat, chit and ananda or being consciousness and bliss. Another represents the creation, the preservation and the destruction of the universe. Then there are the three qualities of sattva, rajas and tamas; the three states of waking, dreaming and deep sleep and the like; and the observation by the wearer of the triple control over mind, speech and body, or of thought, word and deed.

The reason that Guru-Sishya Parampara, or the lineage of teacher and student, has been preserved over the ages is because one generation has always been able to inspire the following one to preserve this lineage dating back to Creation itself. Yoga can also only continue if this sacred thread is preserved. There is the constant inspiration of Spirit as the Guru somehow inspires the Student with the vision of the Sacred.

All the Presenters at this Festival have been touched by this sacred thread that has woven its way down through the generations and into them. All of them have in their own way been inspired by someone whom they have willingly, and often at great personal sacrifice, travelled thousands of miles to study with, and in whose company they have studied, often for decades, and from whom they have imbibed the wisdom. Come and enjoy the presence of these Presenters—the foremost amongst those who continue to pass on the sacred thread and sacred teachings of yoga. Join them as they share the lives, the stories and the experiences of those who handed on to them this sacred thread, being some of the most remarkable people of our time. (These sessions are generally 1-½ hrs. long).

 

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