“Purna” means “complete.”  Purna Yoga is a complete practice that nurtures all aspects of the being – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.  The practice embraces all facets of life as areas of potential growth.  The smallest part of the work is on the mat; that is not where we live the majority of our lives.  The true practice is in infusing our daily existence – our thoughts, words and deeds – with the truth and wisdom of our spirit.  If the yoga does not integrally change the way life is lived, then why do it?  Purna Yoga is a transformation of our consciousness to the highest state available, and a harmonizing of our lives around that consciousness.  The practice doesn’t simply open the body or calm the mind.  It frees our latent capability and allows us to fulfill our highest potential.

Purna Yoga was created by Aadil Palkhivala and his wife, Savitri (see www.purnayoga.com).  It consists of four primary areas of focus:

1. Asana and Pranayama, emphasizing precise alignment of the body based on the principles of Iyengar yoga (this prepares the container for holding the more powerful vibration of heightened consciousness);
2. Nutrition and Lifestyle, drawing on the wisdom of ayurveda, Chinese nutritional philosophy, and modern Western nutrition (this supplies the energy necessary to fuel the practice);
3. Applied Philosophy, embracing the wisdom of the Vedas, the Gita, the Yoga Sutras, and the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother (this guides us in channeling our heightened energy towards growth and transformation); and
4. Meditation, incorporating active techniques that connect us to our spirit, our divine self, which is Light (this enables our highest aspect to be the guiding voice in our lives).

Purna Yoga was created to help you explore, discover, and fulfill your dharma, or life mission.  It allows you to unveil the reason that your soul descended into your body at this time and in this place.  It moves you past the common existence of slavishly adhering to the wants of your ego and towards ultimate purpose.  Purna Yoga leads you to your true path.