Yoga Bringing True Union to Europe!

Isha in Europe picks up momentum as fired-up volunteers carve out uncharted paths, bringing Inner Engineering programs to six new cities.

A time for change has come. For many years now, Isha volunteers in Europe have been maintaining the center in London with regular activities, programs and events. This year however, Sadhguru’s offering has spread across borders and oceans, with volunteers all over Europe teaming up to offer “Inner Engineering” in 6 new cities.

In the last two months, “Inner Engineering” programs have taken place for the first time in Rotterdam, Paris and Zurich. And within the UK, 3 new centers are growing outside of London – in Reading, Leicester and Birmingham.

Netherlands

Inspired after completing “Inner Engineering” programs in India, the US, London or Germany, a small group of volunteers decided to gather and open up this possibility to their near and dear.

After an Introductory session to students in Amsterdam, a young lady came over and said: “That is what I am looking for, I know that I have to change.”

One inspired his father, another her daughter, others, friends and colleagues, and gradually the word started to spread, and the momentum started to grow to include many more seekers. After an Introductory session to students in Amsterdam, a young lady came over and said: “That is what I am looking for, I know that I have to change.”

The program in the Netherlands took place in Rotterdam. In a matter of a few hours’ time, what was otherwise an empty and cold office floor inside a corporate tower, was transformed into a colorful hall. As the program progressed and unfolded, participants were themselves transformed by Sadhguru’s reminder about living a life of inner exploration and constant gratitude. Since then, the community of volunteers has also blossomed, nurturing a shared desire for a willing process of expansion and inclusion. As a result, the attendance to the monthly satsangs has grown exponentially to embrace more people than ever before.

Et puis Paris

Unlike Rotterdam, the program in Paris happened in the green and calm suburbs of Bourg-La-Reine. On a certain day, the volunteer taking care of promotion for the program opened a delivery box to find posters 3 times the size she had ordered! A sign for grander action plans!

Pushkar, another participant, said, “Inner Engineering is extremely useful to maintain inner wellbeing. I could experience it in just one week.”

Over the following days, the team was determined to brave the cold and the rain to cover all the “free expression” billboards within the municipality with large-scale posters. The program itself left all participants overjoyed, deeply touched and rejuvenated.

“Everything was very well organized and explained. I have felt the benefits in the first week already. I am looking forward to continuing the practice and participating in other Isha programs. Thank you deeply to all”, said William, one of the participants.

Pushkar, another participant, said, “Inner Engineering is extremely useful to maintain inner wellbeing. I could experience it in just one week. It made me feel steady in my day-to-day jobs. I will recommend this program to my near and dear. Looking forward for some more in the near future.”

Hand-in-hand for Switzerland

In Switzerland, some might have heard of Sadhguru addressing the World Economic Forum or the IMD University in Lausanne, but many are still to discover “Inner Engineering.”

Inspired by the first International Day of Yoga, a few volunteers in Zurich had trained to offer the 5-minute tools for transformation to public audiences last year. Following this endeavor, many of the participants had expressed their wish to take part in a more “in-depth” program with Isha – and last month, their wishes were fulfilled.

One of the guests shares, “Thank you to this great Master and wonderful human being so devoted to share with us all, that which should be the most simplest thing to experience – as we carry it already within…”

As Switzerland is a small country closely connected to those around it, the borders were open for all to easily join in from neighboring countries. The small group of local volunteers suddenly grew much bigger with others flocking from London, Germany and the Netherlands, transforming the program’s culmination into a cross-cultural collective event! Likewise, the participants were an equally mixed group. One of them, having missed the program in Paris, shared how happy he was to be able to join this one in Switzerland soon after.

In spite of the various cities and premises, the atmosphere within these programs created a sense of home to all. In spite of the various encounters and exchanges, the shared experience created a sense of family for all.

At a time when various forces seek to divide humanity and set one against the other, yoga can be a means to create an inclusive humanity. The word “yoga” means “union”, so perhaps yoga can be a means to create a true European Union – and perhaps a united humanity!

One of the guests at the intro talk in Rochefort en Yvelines expressed it beautiful by saying:

“I searched the net to listen to Sadhguru for months now. His sayings are a balm for my soul but also serious revising and studying and ongoing reflection concerning the wisdom I could find in the messages of nature, the animals and my soul. His work is more than admirable and inspiring and so necessary for humanity’s and our planet’s sake. There are no words to express my highest gratitude for this great work and I am deeply convinced that India will play an important role in the future and guide us all back to our inner intelligence and thus to universal wisdom, peace and deepest bliss. May it be so is my deepest soul and heart wish! Thank you to all. Thank you to this great Master and wonderful human being so devoted to share with us all, that which should be the most simplest thing to experience – as we carry it already within…”

Editor’s Note: Find out more about Inner Engineering, including upcoming program dates and venues.