Devi Mohan is a multifaceted humanitarian and a role model for many women. She has been an integral member of the Mohanji Foundation, the international spiritual mission of her husband and spiritual guide Mohanji, since its formation in 2007.
She represents the Foundation as its Global Ambassador at various international events, initiatives, and forums: from interfaith dialogue and world peace-related forums such as the Parliament of World’s Religions, Living Peace Projects, and Unity Earth, to non-violence and women empowerment-related events and initiatives such as Vegan India Conference, Women Emerging and Festival of Womanhood. Through her inspirational talks, she aims to touch people’s hearts and serve the cause of peace and women’s empowerment through the active expression of love and expansion of consciousness.
Catch Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar in conversation with Devi Mohan, Global Ambassador for Mohanji Foundation, Global President of ACT Foundation, an internationally active charity, and Director & Senior Faculty (E-RYT 200) of the Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga (HSTY).
Namita Nayyar:
You are an international Yoga instructor and promote the traditional form of Yoga taught by the ancient sages and Masters and codified by Maharishi Patanjali. Please share your journey to becoming an internationally recognized yoga trainer.
Devi Mohan:
My journey of being an instrument of the ancient science of yoga definitely extends beyond this lifetime (as was confirmed to me during a Past Life Regression done in Delhi in 2008 as well as a Nadi (palm leaf scrolls) reading done in Tamil Nadu in 2015). This is the only reasonable explanation as to why the depth and intensity of my connection with yoga took place within me the moment I started my yoga practice in a dedicated way.
After completing my Master’s Degree in Peace Studies in the USA, due to several profound and life-changing spiritual experiences, I did not pursue my worldly career in diplomacy but instead came to Dubai in 2005 to be closer to Mother India. My strategy was to get any job that would enable me to sustain myself while I study yoga and travel to India as much as possible. I completed my Yoga Teacher Training in two different ashrams in India in 2007 and 2008, as well as one in Europe in 2015, with Yoga Alliance certification. I chose these different yoga training in order to get to understand yoga from both angles, that of East and West.
Only when I met Mohanji and our own Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga (HSTY) got formed in 2016, did I commit myself to the spread of yogic teachings and wisdom, primarily by serving through my own example. I represented HSTY at various events such as Sedona Yoga Festival (in Arizona, USA) in 2017, during various retreats with Mohanji across the globe, etc.
During my own yoga journey, I noticed that true yogis, that is, the people who have mastered the mind not only the asanas, are usually simple, humble, and express themselves with clarity, without much elaboration. The famous Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are comprised of a series of aphorisms. They are so deep and layered, written from such a high level of consciousness that each one of those aphorisms could be developed into a doctoral dissertation. Yet, the point is not in the discussion and endless analysis, but in living those teachings.
To me, yoga is entirely simple. First of all, yoga teaches us to be natural. People who fail to live their truth and abandon their authentic expression simply because they are burdened by what other people may think of them, cannot be natural. Those who live in the lower frequency of violence, be it violence at the level of thought, word, action, or intentions, cannot be natural, because unconditional love indeed is our true nature. Pure love and higher consciousness exclude any form of violence, malice, revenge, jealousy, etc. Patanjali’s yamas and niyamas clearly reflect that.
In the Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga, which spontaneously blossomed within Mohanji’s spiritual platform in 2016 thanks to an amazing man and gold medalist in yoga – Sanjay Sir, we talk exactly about naturalness, simplicity, return to nature, and return to oneself. This is of crucial importance, especially nowadays. Yoga has taught me that in order to work on ourselves we need nothing more than the readiness to witness our own breath, emotions, and thoughts, to always await the inner confirmation before making any important decision, to live our truth, serve those who need our help and simply live in the mode of gratitude and acceptance.
The very act of directing one’s attention within during Yoga asanas, and redirecting the prana (subtle lifeforce energy) through the naadis (roughly translated as energy meridians) during pranayama, along with switching between challenging and relaxing asanas, pose and counterpose (thus loosening the grip of the pattern-driven mind), opening our heart to gratitude and unconditionality of love, accepting ourselves and our body as it is, surrendering the fruits of our actions to Divine (karma yoga), avoiding violence in any way, including food obtained through violence (meat and dairy products), etc – all of these aspects are crucial in developing a long-term yogic lifestyle which brings about the true rewards of the ancient science of yoga.
Unity of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness is just a concept of the mind until one actually goes through deep inner experiences of endless silence and expansion in love and consciousness, experiences so vast they cannot be turned into words nor compared to anything. Mohanji, my greatest inspiration in life, usually says: “Let my presence speak louder than my words.” That is it. The one who is dissolved in consciousness and no longer functions from the level of ego radiates and lives the very unity that yoga represents. In the presence of such a person, love awakens in the heart, enormous grace descends upon us and a huge transformation takes place, especially when one consciously chooses to be of service to others and express love. Without that conscious choice of love over our own greed and slavery to seeming limitations reflected in attachment to comfort zones, there is no real opening to the higher consciousness.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2023 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
With increasing cases of stress & depression among individuals, how can one undergo unique deep inner processes in order to tap into the deepest of pain and rise above it through yoga practice?
Devi Mohan:
It is important to point out that through regular yoga practice our automatic stress reaction pattern gets changed and actual re-wiring takes place in the brain. Our consistent effort during yoga practice in remaining calm and focused on the breath instead of the discomfort is what creates the greatest neurobiological effect of Yoga! The secret to why Yoga works is in its challenging postures, not in the relaxing ones. Training ourselves to remain calm during challenging positions and then diving deep into a relaxed state after such positions is what really makes the difference. Through an intentional sequence of exertion and conscious deep relaxation, as well as through different forms of discomfort in Yoga (e.g. twists, flexing and stretching of the muscles, inability to breathe freely in challenging positions, etc.) followed by blissful relaxation, what actually happens within amounts to the retraining of the automatic stress response in the nervous system so that the brain stops with prolonged fight or flight response to stressful situations. In other words, we are no longer held in the clutches of our limbic brain.
In other words, our brain does not discriminate between a challenging asana, running away from a barking dog, or the pressure of passing an exam or finishing an impossible report within a tight deadline. The physiological response will be the same and the brain regions involved will be the same. The muscles will get tense, the breathing rate will increase, the heart rate will increase, negative or anxious thoughts will come, and levels of cortisol and other stress hormones will increase.
However, if yogic techniques of focusing on the breath and not the discomfort, activation of the witnessing aspect of the mind (sakshi bhaav), a conscious relaxation of facial muscles, use of Ujjayi breath to slow down the breathing, a complete focus on the here and now, affirmation of the lightness of the body, etc. are used, with a certain period of training and reinforcement of this response to what our brain identifies as stress during Yoga practice, one is empowered to apply the same techniques in everyday life during all stressful situations and circumstances.
It is fascinating that the process indeed works both ways and that through breath and awareness, we can work on our mind and body. We just need to understand that the brain’s habit of automatically invoking the stress response is nothing but a habit reinforced through time, and like all our habits, this one too can be changed – if one assumes direct responsibility and commits to a regular yogic practice.
Namita Nayyar:
According to you what are the key essentials of practicing yoga?
Devi Mohan:
Yoga is not just a practice, but a way of life. Aside from asanas and pranayama, it includes a sattvic diet, positive thinking, spiritual study, healthy relationships, silent meditation, and selfless service. Chanting of ancient mantras in the Sanskrit language which has a vertical vibration and profound effect on the body-mind system is of great help.
In my view, yoga needs to become a lifestyle that brings one into balance, lightness, love, and gratitude. In the present day of Kali Yuga, most people are leading a ‘bhogi’ life. A bhogi chases happiness in possessions, roles, status, and all outer achievements that gratify his/her sense of ‘I’ and mine. He (or she) engages himself endlessly in competing for space, position, and material resources. His actions gradually entangle him in a web of greed, ego, and attachment. A bhogi ultimately becomes a ‘rogi’ – physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually unhealthy. Whether we want to be a Yogi, Bhogi, or Rogi is a matter of choice.
Health is not just the absence of disease but a state of wellness in which one enjoys physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. Most diseases today are psychosomatic, caused by negative emotions, overload of stimuli and information through electronic media, as well as the overall speed of life. Negative impressions stored in the system adversely influence any individual’s attitude, outlook, dietary habits, relationships, and behavior. As a consequence, norms of physical and mental health are violated. When the body’s tolerance limit is crossed by repeated violations, disease sets in.
A yogic lifestyle doesn’t mean renunciation or shedding family responsibilities. A yogi is empowered to maintain his mental equilibrium even in adverse situations. He is naturally free from addictions and unhealthy habits. A yogi celebrates the spirit of love through a very deep and authentic spiritual connection with others and Mother Nature.
All in all, Yoga sets a strong, solid Satvvic base for our full spiritual blossoming, which, if in line with our individual karmic agenda, leads us to the ultimate unity with the Absolute while in the body. Aside from numerous benefits at the physical, emotional, and mental levels, the consistent practice of Yoga leads to self-knowledge, i.e. knowledge of the truth of our being, considering one’s true self as an immortal soul having an eternal relationship with the Supreme Soul. With purity of intention and diligence in practice, through Yoga, the ancient promise of Unity is sure to get fulfilled.
Namita Nayyar:
You are the Global Ambassador for Mohanji Foundation, Global President of ACT Foundation, an internationally active charity, and Director & Senior Faculty (E-RYT 200) of the Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga (HSTY). Please elaborate on the aim of Mohanji Foundation and how far have you been successful in its purpose.
Devi Mohan:
I play many roles within our spiritual platform, as you have mentioned in your question, but I am not defined by any of them. The main slogan of Mohanji Foundation is “adding value to humanity“, wherever we may be (and we travel a lot).
I met Mohanji in Dubai in 2007 and from that moment a whole new life had begun, a life that continues to write novels. In my natal chart, Jupiter is in the house of marriage and that is why it was simply given to me to have my ultimate spiritual guide (Guru) for a husband. With Mohanji I learned what it means to live in the present moment and let the path be formed in front of our feet as we walk.
I have no monthly salary or savings, nor do I have anything that is guaranteed in my life, which is exactly what the mind would like. I let myself go completely and while being in the present I do my best to live the spiritual teachings and the truth that we teach. In short, it is an experiential spirituality with an emphasis on selflessness, spiritual practice (meditation, yoga), charity work, and assuming responsibility for everything that happens to us, while nourishing gratitude through all experiences, pleasant and unpleasant.
Mohanji Foundation is now present in more than 90 countries, while our charity ACT Foundation is present in 26 countries, with active, dedicated teams of selfless volunteers on the ground. The very fact that the growth has been organic and volunteer-driven speaks volumes about the purity of intention behind these platforms and Mohanji’s ability to inspire others through his own example and the immense love that he radiates. Both of us work much more than before when we were in the corporate world, but would never think of going back to it. When a higher purpose takes over, one’s dharma (sacred duty) starts becoming stronger than karma and nothing feels difficult. One simply flows.
The spiritual path to which Mohanji and I belong is like a flowing river. It naturally attracts those souls which are ready to recognize it at the given moment. We deal with numbers, neither on the programs and meditations nor in general. I have never seen Mohanji disappointed because the number of people who attended a programme was less than expected. He has no expectations and that is what he’s teaching us as well. Only when we become aware of that, do we see how much our mind loves nurturing expectations, disappointments, gossip, blaming others for those disappointments, etc. Whoever was supposed to come, they came. That’s how it’s been since the beginning. This is the path of pathlessness, without big rules and routines, uniforms, or titles. This is the path of fire that burns all our limiting beliefs, fears, and ego trips, so it’s not very comfortable and it’s not given to everyone.
But it’s wonderful witnessing what one becomes after one starts walking this path. I have personally seen many transformations in people and new ways in which Mohanji (who for me isn’t just my husband or a person, but pure consciousness) brings people into situations through which they overcome their own barriers and start breathing in completely new energy and potential. Through volunteering, the Mohanji platform provides everyone with the possibility to approach that fire that transforms them and raises them to the higher frequency on which all that’s unnecessary falls off. That is why we often say: “It’s not about what someone gained on these programmes, but about what they lost”, i.e. what they got liberated from because this is the path of spiritual liberation.
Namita Nayyar:
Share input on your daily routine. How do you like to kick-start your day?
Devi Mohan:
When I am in my routine and not traveling, I practice Consciousness Kriya by Mohanji around 5 am (the precious, golden time between 3 am and 6 am should be used for one’s deep spiritual practice), yoga around 6 am (which includes gazing at the rising sun if possible) and then I start my day.
Namita Nayyar:
What type of diet do you follow or one should follow a yoga routine? What foods to include and avoid?
Devi Mohan:
I follow a sattvic (balanced) vegan diet. Since 2001, I first gave up on red meat, then white meat, then seafood, eggs, and finally dairy products. This was my journey, which went hand in hand with yoga practice and increase in subtlety. I generally aim to wake up before sunrise, and first drink warm water with a bit of lemon or lime. I eat only after 9 am and stop eating after sunset. I don’t eat fruits after solid food, don’t drink cold water (only room temperature or warm), and twice a year I do Neera Detox Diet (by Madam Bal from Switzerland) which I really enjoy because it is so liberating to eat nothing for ten days (only a certain syrup is taken with water and lemon) and never feel hungry.
Namita Nayyar:
You have been a part of Women empowerment talks? According to you how far have you been successful in your purpose?
Devi Mohan:
Yes, I have invested my heart into many women’s empowerment talks and wove the depth of that subject into my autobiography as well. I believe in the importance of the revival of the ancient women’s circles and a true understanding of the importance of respecting and nurturing the sacred feminine and sacred masculine principles in all human beings. This is a deep subject that we explore every year through a Womanhood Festival, a truly fantastic event by the women, for the women (www.womanhoodfestival.com) that a couple of us ladies started with utmost love and dedication.
We live in a time when the role of a woman becomes crucial for peace and stability. A woman is the spine of the family and a true anchor of peace. Without true honoring of women in any society, without recognition of the divine quality of the very principle of motherhood (which need not always be physical but can also be the attitude of selflessness and caring towards all who are in need of support and nurturing), there is no lasting peace and stability in our world. This is something I believe in and this is why I give such great importance to women’s empowerment at this point in time when the rusty structures of patriarchal society indeed are crumbling down. The role and value of the woman are now being redefined, not as per patriarchal society’s norms (through which women’s emancipation often turned into women’s masculinization), but by true values rooted in recognition of the sacred feminine principle.
Namita Nayyar:
How can beginners try to attain inner peace? According to you what is a peaceful state of mind? How can one know they are progressing in the right direction?
Devi Mohan:
Witnessing is the first step. To beginners I recommend focusing on the central axis through breath (that is, breathing up and down the spine), especially if one can do that out in nature, leaning on a tree. This simple method is super powerful and leads to inner peace and great strength. A peaceful state of mind is easy to recognize by a drastic reduction of thoughts per second. Instead of fighting the mind to reduce the number of thoughts, one just needs to observe the thoughts and focus on the breath. However, when one performs any act of selfless service and then sits to meditate, it becomes evident just how amazing karma yoga truly is – as the heart expands, higher purpose brings inner fulfillment and unnecessary thoughts disappear. As always, love is the answer – and ultimately, only love is real. When our life is filled with unconditional love, we know we are progressing in the right direction.
Namita Nayyar:
What Pain management techniques women should follow in their daily life?
Devi Mohan:
If we recognize pain as a great teacher, its higher meaning is revealed to us. All pain can be healed or transcended. I spoke on this topic in depth in my autobiography “Home for a Refugee“ which is available on Amazon and Kindle. I never use painkillers or any allopathic medicine because I do believe that shoving something under the carpet will not resolve anything. In specific terms with regards to pain management, aside from homeopathy, I choose energy work called Mai-Tri Method for deeper clearing of blockages that hide behind pain at a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual level.
Namita Nayyar:
What motivational quote do you live by?
Devi Mohan:
“One of the highest signs of human refinement is total selflessness.
It takes selflessness to experience perpetual contentment.” – this is my favourite quote by Mohanji. It says everything. When we naturally start giving like a cup that overflows, we start living a life of fulfillment.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2023 Women Fitness