Yog(a)


  • Photographer
    Andy Richter
  • Prize
    Honorable Mention
  • Date of Photograph
    2012/2013

As a photographer and yogi, my intention is to expand consciousness beyond the popular Western view of yoga as a purely physical practice to a richer understanding of the essence of yoga. This ongoing work explores Patanjali’s eight limbs (or aspects) of yoga, known as rāja or aṣṭānga yoga—which includes asana, bhakti yoga (devotion), karma yoga (selfless service) and jñāna yoga (the path of knowledge). The journey has taken me to the feet of many great masters and enlightened beings, to ascetics meditating in caves, and most importantly, to my own deeper experience of yoga.

Story

“Yoga is not about physical postures, it is much more…Yoga is not a religion. It does not require you to believe in a certain God or to chant certain mantras. Yoga is an ancient science which leads to health in the body, peace in the mind, joy in the heart and liberation of the soul. Yoga is a way of life, and it’s teachings should penetrate every aspect of your being…”

-Pujya Swamiji, saint and spiritual leader, head of Parmarth Niketan ashram

The Western world has attained great wealth, technological advancement and physical comfort in the material realm. Still we continue on in search of mental clarity, emotional stability, peace, and ultimately, true happiness. Stressed and anxious, and consuming unprecedented amounts pharmaceuticals, millions look outside of themselves for answers. Yet recently, there has been an upsurge of people reflecting and looking within to find meaning and direction in life.
Because of this “reawakening” and the desire for health and vitality, yoga is growing globally with amazing speed. In the United States alone, over seventeen million people are practicing yoga asana (postures) and a multi-billion dollar industry has emerged. Still the West has much to learn as it begins to turn to yoga; this ancient Indian science has deep roots and the writings of the sage Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, give us illuminating insight and specific instructions to know this liberating way of life.
As a photographer and yogi, my intention is to expand consciousness beyond the popular Western view of yoga as a purely physical practice to a richer understanding of the essence of yoga. There are many paths to yoga. This ongoing work explores Patanjali’s eight limbs (or aspects) of yoga, known as rāja or aṣṭānga yoga—which includes asana, bhakti yoga (devotion), karma yoga (selfless service) and jñāna yoga (the path of knowledge). The journey has taken me to the feet of many great masters and enlightened beings, to ascetics meditating in caves, and most importantly, to my own deeper experience of yoga.

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