Frequently Asked Questions
1) I am not of Indian origin. Can I become a volunteer?
Yes you surely can. Yogic philosophy doesn't believe in any sort of discrimination.
2) What kind of things will I be involved in during the residential camp?
There will be discussions, non-university lectures :), interactive sessions, games, asanas (physical exercises) and lot more.
3) Why do you charge the fees if the organization is non-profit and all work is volunteered?
Organization has to sustain. We have to host the website. We have to pay for all materials - printing, papers, banners, magazine advertisements. We need to pay the guests some token of appreciation, if not as a salary. When charity here claims that they are non-profit, what they really mean is no salaried volunteers. But for all other misc expenses, the money has to come from donors and sponsors.
4) Are these workshops mainly for poeple from Indian origin?
No. Its for entire humanity. Yoga Bharati works towards prolifiration of yoga and yoga related activites for the betterment of entire humanity.
5) Do you teach some concepts which are known to Indians as passive knowledge? Will I be a lost figure if I am not an Indian?
A lot of Indians have lived in an environment where terms like yoga, veda and related things were known to them. But the workshops assume no pre-knowledge of these concepts. You certainly will not be a lost figure if you are not an Indian. If you feel some concepts are getting taken for granted, please express your concern and it will be fully addressed. We will make sure that you never get lost.
6) Can I bring my non-Indian friends too?
Yes. People of all religions, sects, races are welcome. Basic human values are taught here.
7) Do the yoga workshops focus on Hinduism and Indian Philosophy?
They do not focus on Hinduism as a religion, but they learn from it as a culture. The workshops derive their motivation from the philosophy originated in Indian subcontinent for the entire humanity. Yoga originated in India, so it can be called as a part of Indian Philosophy.
8) Why don't you just teach the asanas (physical exercises)? Why do I need to cope up with the phiolosophy also?
Yoga focuses on a complete development of a human being. The yogic and vedic philosophies are not like university lectures. They are down to earth practical ways of living. A healthy body alone is not sufficient for a happy and healthy life.
9) What language will the workshops be in?
All the workshops will be conducted in English.
10) I am able to attend only 1 session in the weekend workshop. Will it be beneficial?
Yes. We encourage you to attend the workshop even if you are unable to attend all the sessions on any weekend. You could also attend the session you missed in one of our other workshops. Click on the Workshops link to view a list of available workshops and camps.
11) Are there any prerequisites to attending the workshops?
No. All the Yoga workshops are open to all. Every workshop will be unique by itself. It is recommended you try to get benefit out of all of them.
12) What is the objective of the residential camps?
The main objective is to create rich Yoga awareness among the participants. There will be many one-hour lecture-Q/A sessions covering wide topics on Yoga, Spirituality, Ayurveda, Vedic Sciences and Indian Philosophy etc. The camp will also include Yogasanas, games and other fun filled activities. There will be lectures on specialized subjects by invited speakers. In short, it will be a very unique and Yogic experience!
13) Why do we need yoga?
The short answer is that yoga makes you feel better. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit. Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time. And, all these components will be in total coordination and harmony.
14) What is Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad-gita is one of the most popular scriptures in the world. Its a book on philosophy of life and was provided by Lord Krishna in India thousand of years ago. Because of Bhagvat Gita's lucidity and practical approach, even an ordinary person without a background in philosophy or theology can grasp its message and apply it in daily life. The message of the Gita is universal, not limited to a particular class of people. It delineates absolute truth and teaches the art of living, by which one can obtain ultimate happiness and the supreme goal of human life.
15) What is Veda?
The Vedas(plural of Veda) are a vast set of spiritual teachings dating from the dawn of history. They consist of the mantras of numerous great Himalayan yogis and seers, who were said to have founded the spiritual paths for humanity at the beginning of this world-age over ten thousand years ago. The Vedas are the origin of Indian culture and have influenced religions and philosophies all over the world. The Vedas contain the basis for the spiritual traditions of India that arose in the Himalayan region. The Vedas also contain keys to the Pre-Christian traditions of all Indo-European peoples - the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Germans and Slaves - whose ancient languages and cultures resemble the Vedic. The Vedas reflect the ancient solar religions and enlightenment traditions that once dominated the world from Mexico to China. As such the Vedas represent the ancient global spiritual culture and yogic approach to life behind the earliest mystical traditions of the world.
16) What is Upanishad?
The word "Upanishad" consists of three words—"Upa" means "near", "ni" means "down" and "shad" means "be seated". So, "Upanishad" means, "be seated at the feet of the Guru to receive the teaching." The Upanishads constitute what we call the Vedanta (Veda-anta), the end of the Vedas, not merely because they constitute the last part of them, but above all because they are their ultimate teachings, reaching to the highest metaphysical state, beyond which is the realm of Silence. The Upanishads are clearest and most understandable portion of the mysterious Vedas. They present the spiritual secret of the Vedas, the knowledge of the Supreme Self or Divine I-am.
17) What is Vedanta Darshan?
Darshan means Philosophy. Vedanta darshan is the philosophy of life as revealed in the end of the Vedas.
18) What is Sanatana Dharma?
The two words, "Sanatana Dharma", come from the ancient Sanskrit language. "Sanatana" is a Sanskrit word which denotes that which does not cease to be, that which is eternal. The word "Dharma" is a term which is only properly rendered into the English language with difficulty. Its approximate meaning is "Natural Law," or those principles of reality which are inherent in the very nature and design of the universe. Thus the term Sanatana Dharma can be roughly translated to mean "Eternal Natural Law." Sanatana Dharma, thus, is by its very essence a term which is devoid of sectarian leanings or ideological divisions. Sanatan Dharma refers to the culture and way of life that was prevelant in Indian subcontinent thousand of years ago is a motivating force for a lots of religions in and outside India. | 
