find your bliss

A personal reflection through Krishna, Patanjali, Osho & Paramahansa Yogananda — Viraj Malik This is a question I have sat with for many years—not as a philosopher, but as a seeker. As a child growing up in India, in a largely conservative environment, sex was never something we were encouraged to think about—let alone talk about. It was a taboo, wrapped in silence, discomfort, and moral caution. There was no conversation at home. No guidance from teachers. No formal education that explained what sex was, how to understand it, or how to relate to it consciously. This was also before the internet became accessible. Whatever little information we picked up came from street conversations, school gossip, or half-truths shared among friends. Much later, for many, understanding of sex came largely from Bollywood, Hollywood, or pornography—none of which are designed to educate, only to stimulate. As a result, a large section of our society today carries confusion, distortion, and ignorance around sex. Even now, it is rarely spoken about openly in families. In educated or elite social circles, it may surface casually, but seldom with depth or maturity. We continue to live in an old paradigm where sex is either hidden, joked about, or sensationalised, but never truly understood. --- The Confusion Deepens on the Spiritual Path What complicates this further is that when one begins the path of yoga, the confusion does not automatically disappear. In fact, for many sincere practitioners, it intensifies. A yoga student often wonders: Does yoga look at sex the same way society does? Is sexual desire something to feel guilty about? Is sex incompatible with spiritual growth? What about sex before marriage, sex outside marriage, or sex without love? There is deep confusion between sex and love, and an equally deep shame around our own bodies and desires. Many practitioners silently carry guilt—sometimes even about thinking about sex, forget acting upon it. Without clarity, yoga itself can become another layer of repression rather than liberation. --- India Was Not Always This Way What is often forgotten is that this taboo is not ancient. India, during its cultural and spiritual flowering, never treated sex as immoral. Temples, scriptures, and yogic traditions openly acknowledged sexuality as a natural and powerful force. The distortion has largely crept in over the last few hundred years due to social, political, and colonial influences. From a yogic and Vedic lens, sex is not a problem to be solved. It is energy—perhaps the most creative energy we are born with. --- Sex as Energy: The Yogic Understanding Yoga does not judge sex morally. Yoga asks a deeper question: What does sexual energy do to our consciousness? Sexual desire is śakti—raw life force. Like all powerful energies, it must be handled with care. If we repress this energy or label it immoral, it does not disappear → it turns inward as guilt, neurosis, or perversion If we overindulge in it unconsciously, it leads to attachment, restlessness, and bondage Yoga therefore asks for a fine balance—neither repression nor indulgence. This balance, however, is not possible without wisdom and understanding. Without awareness, sexual energy either controls us or distorts us. --- Krishna: Desire Aligned with Dharma One of the most liberating verses I encountered in the Bhagavad Gita is when Krishna says: > “Dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo ’smi” “I am desire that is not opposed to dharma.” (Gita 7.11)   This single verse dismantles centuries of guilt. Krishna does not reject desire. He refines it. Desire aligned with dharma—with responsibility, harmony, and inner integrity—is not something to feel guilty about. What binds us is desire driven purely by indulgence, ego-gratification, or compulsive pleasure-seeking. Krishna’s yoga is not escapist. It is integrative—teaching us how to live fully without being enslaved by desire. --- Patanjali: Mastery, Not Morality Patanjali approaches sex with remarkable clarity and neutrality. He introduces Brahmacharya as a principle of energy conservation, not moral judgment: > “Brahmacharya pratiṣṭhāyāṁ vīrya-lābhaḥ” “When moderation in sensual energy is established, vitality is gained.” (Yoga Sutra 2.38)   Patanjali never says sex is sinful. He simply observes that unconscious indulgence dissipates energy. Over the years, I have seen this clearly—both in myself and in people around me. Excessive stimulation weakens focus, clarity, and inner stillness. Moderation brings steadiness and depth. For Patanjali, Brahmacharya means: freedom from obsession mastery over compulsion and fantasy conscious relationship with desire   --- Osho: From Repression to Transformation Osho helped many of us unlearn guilt. He challenged centuries of repression and hypocrisy, yet he was equally critical of indulgence without awareness. One line of his stayed with me: > “Sex is the seed. Love is the flower. Prayer is the fragrance.”   Osho helped me see that sex and meditation are not opposites. They are different expressions of the same life energy. Repressed sex turns neurotic Unconscious sex becomes addictive Conscious sex begins to transform In my own journey, I have seen that fighting desire only strengthens it. Witnessing it weakens its grip. --- Paramahansa Yogananda: Conservation for Higher Realisation Yogananda approached sex through the lens of Kriya Yoga and Vedanta. He acknowledged sex as natural, but reminded seekers that sexual energy is sacred creative force, meant to rise through the spine toward higher consciousness. He emphasised: moderation love-based intimacy gradual sublimation through meditation For seekers, celibacy was a means, not a moral badge. For householders, balance and fidelity were essential. Yogananda helped me understand that spiritual life is not about extremes—it is about direction. --- So, Is Sex a Sin or Divine? Yoga gives a beautifully non-dual answer: Sex is neither sinful nor automatically divine. Sex is energy. Unconscious Sex Conscious Sex Compulsion Choice Energy loss Energy refinement Attachment Awareness Bondage Inner growth   --- A Personal Closing Reflection Yoga does not ask us to reject life. It asks us to live life with awareness. The real yogic question is not: “Should I have sex or not?” It is: > “Who am I when desire arises—and am I aware?”   When awareness grows, desire naturally finds its right place. And when desire finds its right place, inner freedom begins. --- Viraj Malik Founder, Utsav Yoga Exploring yoga as a path of awareness, balance, and inner freedom

  Yoga did not begin as a subject to be studied or a technique to be mastered. It began as a living experience , transmitted from Guru to disciple in moments of stillness, observation, and shared presence.    For centuries, yoga was an oral tradition . The Guru did not merely teach postures or philosophy; he transmitted insight , often without words. What was passed on was not information, but a way of seeing life .    The Spiritual Meaning of Guru       In the spiritual tradition, the word Guru is symbolically understood as:    Gu (गु) — darkness, ignorance    Ru (रु) — remover, dispeller   👉 A Guru is one who removes darkness .    This darkness is not a lack of education, but confusion about who we truly are. The Guru’s role is not to add beliefs, but to remove what blocks clarity .    Teacher vs Guru     A teacher gives knowledge.  A Guru facilitates inner realization .    A true Guru does not want followers. He wants free beings . His highest role is to guide the disciple inward, until the disciple discovers that the real Guru has always been within .    Why Presence Matters More Than Words     Yoga places great emphasis on Satsang —being in the company of truth.    It is said that just as a magnet does not try to magnetize iron, a realized being does not try to transform others. Transformation happens    naturally in presence .    When the mind quietens, something deeper begins to listen.    A Simple Story: The Lamp in the Dark Room     There is an old yogic story.    A man enters a completely dark room and begins searching for a switch. He stumbles, knocks over furniture, and grows frustrated.    Someone who is already familiar with the room enters and simply lights a lamp .    The room does not change. The furniture does not move.  But suddenly, everything becomes clear.    The Guru does not rearrange your life.    The Guru turns on the light .    The obstacles you struggled with were never the problem— not seeing clearly was .    Finding a True Guru in Today’s World     In modern times, confusion often arises. With branding, marketing, and mass appeal, it can feel like there are more Gurus than seekers .   Yet a true Guru is easy to recognize—not by appearance, but by impact .    A true Guru:    Is not interested in your money    Is not chasing fame or numbers    Speaks directly to your inner state, not abstract philosophy    Is willing to point out your blind spots    Is rooted in humility and unconditional care    Most importantly, a true Guru does not ask you to believe—he invites you to see for yourself .    The Guru May Come Disguised     A Guru may not always appear on a stage or in robes.    Sometimes the Guru arrives as:    A friend who tells you the truth    A teacher who challenges your ego    A relationship that humbles you    A life situation that forces you inward    For sincere seekers, life itself becomes the Guru .    When Life Becomes the Guru     When we approach life with openness instead of resistance, every experience becomes a teacher. Joy refines us. Difficulty deepens us.  Silence reveals us.    When ego softens and trust deepens, grace flows effortlessly .    What once felt ordinary begins to feel sacred.    The Essence of Yoga and the Guru’s Role     Every realized being has pointed to one simple truth:    👉 What you are seeking is already within you.     The Guru’s role is not to take you somewhere new, but to help you return home —to stillness, clarity, and inner freedom.    This inward journey is the essence of yoga.    And every true Guru, whether visible or invisible, serves only one purpose:  to remove darkness so that your own light can shine .     

A Yogic Perspective Inspired by Paramahansa Yogananda     Introduction: Beyond the Festival   Christmas is often celebrated with lights, gifts, and gatherings—but at its heart, it marks the birth of a divine state of consciousness .  Paramahansa Yogananda, the great yogi who brought Kriya Yoga to the West, taught that Jesus was not only a historical figure, but a master yogi—fully established in Christ Consciousness .  In this light, Christmas becomes an invitation—not merely to remember Christ, but to awaken the Christ within .  Who Is Christ, According to Yogananda?   Yogananda explained that “Christ” does not refer only to Jesus of Nazareth, but to a universal, omnipresent intelligence —what yogis call Kutastha Chaitanya or Cosmic Consciousness .  Jesus realized this state completely, just as Krishna did in India.  Thus, Christ Consciousness and Krishna Consciousness are one and the same truth , expressed through different cultures.  “Christ Consciousness is the universal intelligence existing in every atom of creation.”  — Paramahansa Yogananda       Yoga: The Inner Path Jesus Taught   Yogananda revealed that many of Jesus’ teachings—especially those preserved in mystical interpretations—point to inner communion with God , not outer ritual.  “The Kingdom of God is within you” mirrors the yogic journey inward.  Silence, meditation, breath mastery, and purity of heart were central to Christ’s path.  Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness reflect a deep yogic sadhana —withdrawal from the senses to commune with the Divine.  In this sense, yoga is not foreign to Christianity—it is its mystical core .      Christmas as a Yogic Birth   In yogic symbolism, the birth of Christ represents the awakening of divine consciousness in the medulla and spiritual eye —the inner Bethlehem where God is born.  Yogananda described:  Mary as pure devotion   Joseph as discrimination   The manger as humility   The star of Bethlehem as the spiritual eye   Thus, Christmas is not just an event—it is a meditative experience available to every sincere seeker.      The True Gift of Christmas   From a yogic perspective, the greatest gift is inner purification and awakening .  As the year ends, Christmas offers a powerful moment to:  Release ego and accumulated impressions (samskaras)  Cleanse the body and mind  Enter the New Year renewed, receptive, and inwardly still  This is why ancient systems like Ayurveda and Panchakarma resonate deeply with the Christmas spirit—they prepare the inner temple for divine presence.      Living Christ Consciousness Today   Christ Consciousness is not achieved through belief alone, but through daily inner discipline :  Meditation and breath awareness  Selfless service  Compassion and forgiveness  Conscious living and purification  When practiced sincerely, yoga becomes a living Christmas —the birth of light in consciousness.      Conclusion: Christmas Within   As Paramahansa Yogananda taught,  “The Second Coming of Christ is the awakening of Christ Consciousness in the hearts of devotees.”   This Christmas, may we move beyond celebration into realization .  May we cleanse, quiet, and prepare ourselves—so that Christ may be born within us anew    

In a world overflowing with information about yoga postures, diets, and quick-fix mindfulness, the real essence of yoga often gets diluted. True yoga is not merely about flexibility of the body — it’s about the awakening of awareness.   If you’re someone walking the path of yoga, these three books are not optional — they are companions of transformation.   1️⃣ Autobiography of a Yogi – by Paramhansa Yogananda   This isn’t just a book — it’s a living vibration. It tells the story of Paramhansa Yogananda, the first Indian yogi who carried the light of Kriya Yoga to the West in the early 20th century.    His journey from India to America was not one of ambition but of divine service — to awaken souls through yoga and meditation.   The book is filled with real experiences that defy logic — meetings with saints, miraculous healings, and profound insights into life, death, and consciousness. It’s no surprise that this was the only book on Steve Jobs’ iPad, a testament to its timeless spiritual magnetism.   If you’ve ever wondered what yoga really feels like when lived fully — start here.   2️⃣ The Complete Book of Yoga – by Swami Vivekananda   Swami Vivekananda’s teachings distill the vast ocean of yoga philosophy into pure clarity. This compilation of his lectures covers Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga — the four classical paths that together form a complete way of life.   Through his words, you understand that yoga isn’t confined to the mat; it’s a way to live consciously, serve selflessly, love deeply, and think clearly.   If you wish to understand the “why” behind the practice, Vivekananda’s words are like the Upanishads reborn for the modern mind.   3️⃣ Yoga Also for the Godless – by Sri M   Written by Sri M, a contemporary mystic who was born as Mumtaz Ali, this book bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and the rational modern seeker. Having apprenticed with his Himalayan guru, Sri M brings the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to life in a way that is practical, lucid, and accessible to all — even those who do not identify as “spiritual.”   He reminds us that yoga is not about belief, but about experience — about quieting the mind to discover the truth that lies beyond it.   Logical, structured, and deeply human, this book shows how yoga is for everyone — whether you call yourself a believer or not.   🕉️ Final Thoughts   These three books — one mystical, one philosophical, and one practical — form a complete triad for any sincere yoga aspirant. They guide you through the heart, the head, and the hands — devotion, wisdom, and action — the very pillars of yoga itself.  

A multi-style teacher training program rooted in authenticity, depth, and self-growth.   They say you don’t become a yogi in one lifetime. It’s a journey across many lifetimes, and then one day your practice turns into a calling. It’s no longer just about asanas or pranayama, but about understanding life itself. At Utsav Yoga, we believe yoga is not something you do, it’s who you become.   And our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (TTC) is designed to awaken that calling within you, to bring out the yogi that already resides inside.   Why this journey matters   Yoga starts with movement, but it becomes something deeper. It’s about clarity, presence, resilience, and connection to yourself and the world.  When your weekend class starts feeling too familiar and you sense there’s more beneath the surface, that’s the moment to lean in.  With a training that supports your personal growth and gives you the tools to teach, you step into a new version of your practice—and your life.   What sets Utsav’s 200-Hour TTC apart()   Flexible & Weekend-Friendly Format  You’re working, studying, balancing life—and you still want to dive deep. That’s why we designed a format that fits your schedule.   Authentic, Experienced Teachers  Our faculty are Rishikesh-trained, with 10+ years of practice and teaching experience. They’ve walked the path, and they guide from experience.   Multi-Style Curriculum  From Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa, to Yin and Aerial Yoga—this isn’t one style only. You’ll master breadth and depth.   Studio Internship & Real Teaching Exposure  It’s not just theory—get hands-on, assist live classes, and gain confidence to teach your own. Career & Growth Support  Whether you aim to teach or simply deepen your practice, we provide mentorship, placement support, and a vibrant alumni community.   Scholarships & Flexible Payment Options  We believe in access. If you’re committed, we make it workable.   What you’ll learn & experience   Here’s a snapshot of your journey:   Multi-style Asana Practice – Hatha for foundation, Ashtanga Vinyasa for flow, Yin for depth & stillness, Aerial for fun and suspension.   Pranayama & Meditation – Build a personal practice that anchors you.   Yoga Philosophy & Lifestyle – 8 limbs of yoga, yamas & niyamas, Ayurveda basics, living yogic life.   Anatomy & Biomechanics – Understand bodies, alignment, and safe modifications for all.   Sequencing, Cueing & Teaching Labs – Learn to design classes, use props, give assists.   Studio Internship – Assist, co-teach, and build teaching confidence in a real environment.   Personal Growth & Reflection – Journals, peer community, mentor check-ins, transformation beyond the mat.   Who this course is for and what it leads to ​​​​​​​ For aspiring teachers   If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to teach yoga…” this training gives you the certification, skills, and confidence you need.   For serious practitioners   If you’re not teaching, but your practice is shifting—perhaps life’s asking you to step up, own your mat, and live with more intention—this is for you too.   Outcomes you can expect   Deep personal transformation: more presence, clarity, resilience   Ability to lead your own yoga classes with confidence   A new community of like-minded yogis, mentors, and peers   Pathways into studio teaching, retreats, wellness collaborations   A richer, more integrated life (on and off the mat)   What to know before you enroll   Next batch starts soon, weekend format designed for flexibility.   Seats are limited for small groups and deeper attention.   Scholarships and EMI payment options are available.   Your next step- Enroll Now One lifetime isn’t enough to become a yogi—but within this journey, you’ll start to become one.  If you’re ready to answer the call, deepen your practice, teach from your truth—then this training is your door.  Step through it. We’ll be on the mat, waiting. Testimonials Of TTC 200hrs Listen to the experience of our students, Ellen, Rachna, and Joystna. Sign up now, only a few slots are available.