Yogic Mystery School™The written and diagrammed documents also helped reference some of the main points of each webinar. d d n n a a g g n n i i h h c c a a e e t t e e h h t t f

YYooggiicc MMyysstteerryy SScchhooooll™SSttuuddeenntt TTeessttiimmoonniiaallss aanndd FFeeeeddbbaacckk

TTeessttiimmoonniiaallss ffrroomm oouurr SSttuuddeennttss A fraction of the overwhelming appreciation we receive.

TTeessttiimmoonniiaallss wwiitthh nnaammee,, ppllaaccee aanndd pprrooffeessssiioonn

Sheryl Hastalis from New York: Yoga and dance teacher

WWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??I would recommend that they join one of Russill's webinars, andexperience the direct person to person energy, and wisdom, existingin these conferences.

HHooww ddiidd tthhee uussee ooff tteecchhnnoollooggyy hheellpp ffaacciilliittaattee tthhee ssppeecciifificc ccoonntteennttooff tthheessee WWeebb ccoonnffeerreenncceess??The ability to listen to these amazing teachings from Russill live andwith others on line, and as well the ability to save these teachingsand listen to them again, is a huge gift. The written and diagrammeddocuments also helped reference some of the main points of eachwebinar.

HHooww wwoouulldd yyoouu rraattee tthhee qquuaalliittyy ooff tthhee tteeaacchhiinngg aannddpprreesseennttaattiioonn??Russill Paul is an absolutely amazing teacher, beyond generous withhis time, and wisdom. He is truly a brilliant energy, a modern guru. Russill presents his teachings clearly, intelligently, with humor whenneeded, with profound caring for each individual's growth. He asksthat we join him on this distinguished level, to learn and assimilate,this mystical wisdom, and affords us the means to journey togethertowards a life filled with greater understanding , and appreciation of,the luminosity inherent in every moment.

Clare Fey from New Jersey: financial sector project manager

HHooww ddiidd tthhee uussee ooff tteecchhnnoollooggyy hheellpp ffaacciilliittaattee tthhee ssppeecciifificc ccoonntteennttooff tthheessee WWeebb ccoonnffeerreenncceess??At the moment, my life is filled with responsibilities. As it was, I couldonly attend a few of these sessions. The key benefit to me was that Icould participate without needing to travel or make any specialarrangements. Also, having the downloads of the conferencesmeans that when my life settles down, I can revisit thesesessions with full attention.

HHooww ddiidd tthhee ccoonntteenntt hheellpp // ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo yyoouurr ssppiirriittuuaall lliiffee??They provided an oasis in the midst of a high stress dessert

Home

One-on-One Coaching

Yogic Mystery School™ http://www.russillpaul.net/ymsfeed.html

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Katherine Duncanson from Ontario, Canada: Yoga teacher, vocalcoach and interdisciplinary performerWWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa wweebb ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??There is no reason to think that you won't be completely satisfied andengaged with the material and the teacher. If like me, technologyintimidates you, I think you will find that it becomes a “non-issue".The set up system is really straight forward, as are the methods ofparticipation during the conferences.

HHooww ddiidd tthhee uussee ooff tteecchhnnoollooggyy hheellpp ffaacciilliittaattee tthhee ssppeecciifificc ccoonntteennttooff tthheessee WWeebb ccoonnffeerreenncceess??Happily, I did not feel removed from Russill's teachings at all even,though I am somewhat intimidated by technology. It was very helpfulto have the slides, to hear everyone's voices so clearly and tocommunicate without inhibition either by speaking or texting. And ofcourse really wonderful to haveaudio files of all the lectures, meditations and discussions.

Carla Holt from Hawaii: Retired from lawyering in order to pursuepersonal/spiritual growth work.WWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa wweebb ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??It is a pleasure to be able to experience Russill's teaching in thepeace and quiet of my own home. This is a gift of evolvingtechnology.

HHooww ddiidd tthhee uussee ooff tteecchhnnoollooggyy hheellpp ffaacciilliittaattee tthhee ssppeecciifificc ccoonntteennttooff tthheessee WWeebb ccoonnffeerreenncceess??It was useful to be able to listen, watch the slides and take notes onmy own computer in "real time".

HHooww ddiidd tthhee ccoonntteenntt hheellpp // ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo yyoouurr ssppiirriittuuaall lliiffee??The content was absolutely outstanding. It brought together themesfrom many of the spiritual traditions without being committed to anyone religious approach.

Christopher Molinari from Pittsburgh, PA: Music Performance majorwith a concentration in Jazz Guitar at Duquesne UniversityWWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??I would say that it is a powerful experience that is able to be taughtfully in this capacity and that it is wholly worth it if this person wantstransformation of their daily life to allow it to be more spiritual.

IIss tthheerree aannyytthhiinngg eellssee yyoouu wwoouulldd lliikkee ttoo sshhaarree wwiitthh uuss wwhhaatt yyoouurreexxppeerriieennccee??Thank you so much for this chance! This is the thing I've been lookingfor so many years and even doing it a little bit, albeit without asystem. The system is what makes it work so well. This conferenceretreat made the practice feel legitimate and my confidence in itboosted and stayed strong over the five weeks and continues toremain strong. Much thanks to Asha for the technical support and Ilook


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forward to enjoying more time learning with you Russill in the future!

Pamela Wotton from New Hampshire: A Non-professional living asimple, rural lifestyle as a spiritual aspirant.WWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa wweebb ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??The webinar technology is easy to use. Just close the door to theworld, put on your headphones and immerse yourself in a trulyspiritual learning experience.

HHooww ddiidd tthhee uussee ooff tteecchhnnoollooggyy hheellpp ffaacciilliittaattee tthhee ssppeecciifificc ccoonntteennttooff tthheessee WWeebb ccoonnffeerreenncceess??::It was amazing, the combination of meditations with thecommentary and real time interactions it felt like being on retreat.

HHooww wwoouulldd yyoouu rraattee tthhee qquuaalliittyy ooff tthhee tteeaacchhiinngg aannddpprreesseennttaattiioonn??Excellent. I was very impressed with the depth and insight of thecontent. All questions were thoroughly and thoughtfully respondedto. There was a definite feeling of spiritual presence.

Mary Kedl from Tennessee: Retired and enjoying lifeWWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??If I can handle the computer to participate, it must be easy.

HHooww ddiidd tthhee ccoonntteenntt hheellpp // ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo yyoouurr ssppiirriittuuaall lliiffee??I find the meditations especially powerful--especially as a (virtual)community

HHooww wwoouulldd yyoouu rraattee tthhee qquuaalliittyy ooff tthhee tteeaacchhiinngg aannddpprreesseennttaattiioonn??excellent

Richard Wynne from New York: Recently retired from 35 yearsworking for corporations in many aspects of Information Technologyfrom programmer to manager.WWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??The first thing that I would say is that the technology does notpresent a barrier. We began with a meditation and Russill chanted.These immediately brought me to a deep place. I do not think that itwould have been any different if we were in the same room. Also wedid not have to take notes. We have a full copy of the presentation.We can return to it anytime. There is also an audio version which wecan listen on our portable devices.

HHooww ddiidd tthhee uussee ooff tteecchhnnoollooggyy hheellpp ffaacciilliittaattee tthhee ssppeecciifificc ccoonntteennttooff tthheessee WWeebb ccoonnffeerreenncceess??Via the technology we had excellent visual (slides) and audio(Russill’s lecture). Because it was live, Russill could return to previousslides to reiterate or emphasize. The participants had the opportunityto raise their hands at any time to ask questions or make comments.All participants could hear the questions and Russill’s answers.


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Questions could also be submitted via text which Russill would readand answer.

HHooww wwoouulldd yyoouu rraattee tthhee qquuaalliittyy ooff tthhee tteeaacchhiinngg aannddpprreesseennttaattiioonn??The teaching and presentation were excellent. The content was clearand understandable. The answers to questions were very helpful.

Linda Molinari from Connecticut, Human Resources/Operations/Financial Manager for Internet Marketing FirmWWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??DO NOT HESITATE ONE MOMENT. This is probably the best thingyou could do for yourself. I needed to participate via ipad and at thebeginning I did run into some technical problems but Asha was righton it and they got resolved very quickly and efficiently. It waswonderful being able to participate with my ipad because I could bein my private meditation space where I don't normally have acomputer.

HHooww wwoouulldd yyoouu rraattee tthhee qquuaalliittyy ooff tthhee tteeaacchhiinngg aannddpprreesseennttaattiioonn??Excellent, excellent, excellent - beyond excellent. Russill is impecablewith his presentation and the depth of what he presents comes rightthrough the phone lines into the soul.

IIss tthheerree aannyytthhiinngg eellssee yyoouu wwoouulldd lliikkee ttoo sshhaarree wwiitthh uuss wwhhaatt yyoouurreexxppeerriieennccee??Just huge huge gratitude for you, your support, the experience of theexperience. It was truly life changing and I wouldn't hesitate to doanother in the future. Again, grateful that I COULD participatebecause it would have been difficult for me to travel for it.

Raj Saini from California: Software engineer and spiritual seekerWWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??Drop the doubts!HHooww wwoouulldd yyoouu rraattee tthhee qquuaalliittyy ooff tthhee tteeaacchhiinngg aannddpprreesseennttaattiioonn??Excellent!

HHooww ddiidd tthhee uussee ooff tteecchhnnoollooggyy hheellpp ffaacciilliittaattee tthhee ssppeecciifificc ccoonntteennttooff tthheessee WWeebb ccoonnffeerreenncceess??Very well

HHooww ddiidd tthhee ccoonntteenntt hheellpp // ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo yyoouurr ssppiirriittuuaall lliiffee??This web conference gave me a gift I had been longing for sometime.Now I can feel the presence, tap into it anytime of the day and growthe experience deeper through out my life. I am grateful to Russill andthe universe for this gift!!

Karen Morse from VirginiaWWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??I would tell them it’s a great opportunity to attend a seminar within


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the comfort of their home. The webinar was interactive and theycould ask questions for clarity.

HHooww ddiidd tthhee ccoonntteenntt hheellpp // ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo yyoouurr ssppiirriittuuaall lliiffee??The content helped contribute to my spiritual life by practicing thebasics of being in touch with spirit throughout the day on a dailybasis, being present and aware each moment.

HHooww wwoouulldd yyoouu rraattee tthhee qquuaalliittyy ooff tthhee tteeaacchhiinngg aannddpprreesseennttaattiioonn??The rate and quality of the teaching and presentation was excellent.

Stephanie Doherty from California: Banker and Yoga TeacherHHooww ddiidd tthhee uussee ooff tteecchhnnoollooggyy hheellpp ffaacciilliittaattee tthhee ssppeecciifificc ccoonntteennttooff tthheessee WWeebb ccoonnffeerreenncceess??I'm not an especially computer savvy person and this was so easy!!! Itwas so great to be able to do this from home and not have to travelto take this course

HHooww ddiidd tthhee ccoonntteenntt hheellpp // ccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo yyoouurr ssppiirriittuuaall lliiffee??well, I think I'm still understanding all I have learned, but I will say, itkeeps me on my path, keeps me disciplined about my meditation andtaking the time to stop and just be quite. I do notice I'm watching lessTV and reading my spiritual books and meditating longer and moreoften!

HHooww wwoouulldd yyoouu rraattee tthhee qquuaalliittyy ooff tthhee tteeaacchhiinngg aannddpprreesseennttaattiioonn??excellent

WWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa wweebb ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??go for it!! It's so personal and will add so much to your life, you won'tregret it.

IIss tthheerree aannyytthhiinngg eellssee yyoouu wwoouulldd lliikkee ttoo sshhaarree wwiitthh uuss wwhhaatt yyoouurreexxppeerriieennccee??I did not think I would really like the Webinar style of class, but Iwanted to continue to study with you. However it turned out that Iloved it !!! It has allowed me to continue to study with you, I don't likehave to many teachers and we are far geographically far so this wasGREAT and I really got so much out of the course!! And am glad tocontinue my studies with you!

Carolyn Cornish from Quebec, Canada: a Resource Teacher at an Elementary School who has been on a

Spiritual Path for years.

WWhhaatt wwoouulldd yyoouu tteellll ssoommeeoonnee wwhhoo iiss hheessiittaanntt aabboouutt ppaarrttiicciippaattiinnggiinn aa ccoonnffeerreennccee lliikkee tthhiiss??A Spiritual Teacher does not have to be in the same room as you forthe Grace and wisdom, and peace s/he shares.

IIss tthheerree aannyytthhiinngg eellssee yyoouu wwoouulldd lliikkee ttoo sshhaarree wwiitthh uuss wwhhaatt yyoouurreexxppeerriieennccee??Warm and comfortable, at home, I could sit quietly with theteachings after the Webinar, and absorb.

SSttuuddeenntt SSppoottlliigghhtt 11:: KKaatthheerriinnee DDuunnccaannssoonn,, TToorroonnttoo,, CCaannaaddaa


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In the Spring of 2008 I was introduced to the music of Russill Paul byone of my Kundalini Yoga students. I remember very clearly, standingin my living room, transfixed and transported as I listened to Russill's rendering of a mantra I had never heard before. It was a mantra thatinvoked Ganesh (remover of obstacles).

The next day, I bought and read Russill's remarkable book, The Yogaof Sound. As soon as I finished reading the book, I signed up for boththe three year program of his newly launched Yogic Mystery Schooland registered for the Chanting Pilgrimage to India in January 2009.

I did not know how I would manage to pay for everything, or find thetime to study and travel. I had not met or even spoken to Russill orAsha yet. I recall saying out loud as I pushed computer buttons thatsecured my registration. " I have to do this.... and somehow themoney will come!"

Well, in fact, the money did come, and in a most unexpected way: Aclose friend won a million dollars from a lottery that supportedresearch on heart disease and he paid for my trip! ( Russill and Asha,I am not sure you know this story :))

Well so..why have I presented this story here? I guess because, fromthe very beginning of my initial exposure to Russill Paul, I have to saythat it has been a rather magical, mystical journey. Of course, lifegoes on and challenges need to be met and " there is alwayssomething" ... but amidst all this, I am constantly amazed by whatthe Yogic Mystery School has given me in means of support~ both incoping with the ups and downs of everyday life, and in the guidanceand deepening of my spiritual practice and unfoldment.

Perhaps at this point I should say, that I have always been a personwith a deep interest in Spirituality but who also has both (bare) feeton the ground. I am not interested in a teacher who seeks followersor presents himself/ herself as guru. Russill is an expert in his field,and teaches as such.

So...now it is 2013 and I am a 2011 graduate of the Yogic MysterySchool (3 year program) ~ and I have enrolled again...from thebeginning. The material, lectures, and instruction are so deep and richthat no matter how often I have engaged in a topic, practiced ameditation or a mantra, written the mantras in Sanskrit, etc etc, thereis so much more that is revealed to me and so much more toexperience.

YMS has anchored me, excited me, inspired me, challenged me. Mylife has been so enriched by the teachings and the way inwhich Russill's wisdom has been imparted. I recommend the YogicMystery School to anyone who is ready to take a beautifully guidedleap into their own depth of Spirit. By the way, if you are intimidatedby technology, don't be. The sessions, conferences and webinars areeasy to access and have a very personal touch. A reallylovely community is established with Russill, Asha and all fellowstudents.

Om,


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Katherine

www.kyogavoice.com

TTeessttiimmoonniiaallss ffrroomm ssttuuddeennttss wwhhoo hhaavvee ssttaayyeedd ffoorr aa wwhhiillee

I've had moments throughout my day when everything seems likespirit and spirituality … just from uttering the mantra … very powerfuland awesome.

Even before I get out of bed. I feel the energy of blessing on my skin inthe shower… it all feels full of the Presence of a blessing!

I love how the most seemingly simple and subtle practices are reallythe most profound. Thank-you!

A feeling of warmth and comfort, a sense of belonging and that all isright in the universe. But there is a deeper, underlying stream ofenergy also happening.

What an awesome experience when whispering the mantra … it'slike an instant connection with the awakening energy and I feel itdeeply all over myself inside out so soothing and at the same timereverently Divine, leaving me in this peaceful and safe space.

This practice is so wonderfully immediate and powerful. Just thewhisper of [the mantra] fills me with divine presence.

This is methodically so well done in regard to progression; fromlaying the foundation in opening up to presence and with thatblessedness, (in my experience is the other side of this coin; when wemake ourselves available for presence – blessedness permeates allexistence), to establishing the association of presence with thesacred syllables shiva; to outfitting us with an anchor by leading usto this vantage point beyond view points, so we can follow the callfor transformation safely, which once you open up to presence again– is inescapable. This framework is set in the rhythmic movementfrom “study” within the experience of community through interactionwith you and fellow students; to times of self reflection and learningto trust and focus on our own experiences without the need ofconfirmation of others. The pace of this program, gives enough timeto become intimate enough with each offering, to have it in one’sbackpack so to say - able to access it at any time. Without evengoing into the content and the chanted mantras you gifting us with -this truly is an exquisitely powerful gem within the jewels of YMSclasses.

In the session, Russill spoke to me about the value of spiritualexperience and recitation. It was so clearly laid out that experience isof paramount importance, and that repetition is a tool in facilitating


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extension and deepening of that experience when used correctly. Icould feel the knowledge pouring through the phone line - knowledgeof what the teachers and scriptures say about the tradition, and alsowisdom that Russill has garnered throughout his life as a spiritualpractitioner. I enjoyed his opening and closing prayers very much andcould feel in my heart and Being that this is what the tradition speaksand points to - what it is and where it comes from. I still feel thatpeace, presence, and pure awareness, even if it as intensely, as Iwrite this.

My experiences with the practices in YMS have been life changing.Returning to the core mantra and pure awareness in small pockets ofthe day have allowed me to do much more than I could haveimagined and with a stable, peaceful state of mind, at least incomparison to the past. It has saved me much time from being in lessthan helpful states of mind, and from acting from a state ofinstability. Now … I am beginning to feel the intended effects at theintended time of day. As I am finally catching up to the YMS group, Iam excited to be actively involved once again in a community ofspiritual practitioners on their journeys forward under the guidance ofa phenomenal and blessed teacher, whom we are blessed to be inthe presence of. For this I am grateful, and I am grateful to have thechance to write this review and take note of my progress.

My experience with everything in the program to date has beenawesome. Through all of the audios and other materials I've comemuch closer to myself and my experience of life and God all aroundme. The Nyasa practice is amazingly powerful and simple. Most ofthe time very subtle, but even these simple moments of absorptionhave been deeply profound.

I have found that doing Nyasa and within the cultivation of my coremantra, I feel more grounded and steady among the craziness anduncertainty of life. My evening practice has become very comfortingto me and I've found it to be a place to recenter at the end of the day.

There have been no moments of explosive awakenings or anythinglike that, however I have felt moments of profound stillness, fullnessand a sense that there was someone there with me.

I have been away...but am still connected with you through mypractice.. No matter how remote and off the grid my physicallocations have been, I am still vibrating with you through theteachings. I am working through some very big family issues andeven though I cannot always practice as much, or have the solitudeto do so, my core mantra, in particular, gives me solace and strengthas I walk, as I wait, and when I awake in the night. Sometimes thechallenges have left me feeling lost but I have never felt alone. I amdoing my best to trust, to have faith, to surrender to my Soul andSpirit.Thank you for the beautiful audio meditation you sent outrecently. Thank you for everything Russill and Asha.

After having been introduced to a core mantra practice and to NyasaI have made a point to keep up with them on a daily basis with all thedevotion that they imply. On these days my core mantra chantingseems to immediately and so naturally come up as a response when Iam witnessing wonderful simple events or when I am in the presenceof the awesomeness of nature. For sure I can tell that everythingseems so much clearer, and I am much more present in the moment.Thanks Russill for your prompt feedback, and the audio soundtracks,it is really helping me understand better the practice and theconcepts.

After a crazy, hectic and exhausting move involving multiple long


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trips, I am feeling extremely grateful for the Nyasa and core matterpractices. I am feeling a lot of "shift" that I attribute to the YMSpractice overall. When I am engaged in practice, I am feeling anincredible sense of peace and connection to a greater presence. It ishard to express. This morning I felt energy moving within my bodywhile engaged in the core mantra practice. Samskaras are definitelyarising, but I am better able to step back, assess, and "unhook" frommy habitual patterns. My immediate family members are eachundergoing major life changes, and I am hoping to maintain somecalm in potentially rough waters. Thank you for the blessing of thesepowerful, transformative practices. And thanks to all for your sharing.It is enormously helpful.

I am so grateful to have this daily practice of core mantra and nyasathat Russill has given us. Engaging with my core mantra provides somany things- solace, grounding, joy and the bliss of absorbtion withthe divine. My practice of nyasa is becoming more fluid and I amstarting to be more in the experience. At first I was a bitoverwhelmed by all the sounds and placements involved but usingRussill's benchmarks and having the audios and videos have beenreally useful for learning

I was very moved by what Russill said about our practice as acommunity in one of the webinars. He said we don't do this practicejust for ourselves but we also do it for our species. "By our practice,we help the spiritual ecological balance of those who may not havetime to meditate , who may be burdened with their lives and cares.."In light of all the heartbreaking world events happening right now,the fact that we as a community are also practicing for others givesme solace and hope.. Blessings to you all.

I just listened to the Enlightened Practitioner series for the first timeand makes me so happy to have you, Russill and this community inmy life. I'm so grateful for the support and wonderful guidance.

I can truly say that I've been altered by the Nyasa and Core Mantrapractice. Over the past few months I've seen huge changes in all myrelationships, both personal, with my husband of 34 years which hasnever been better and professionally I'm able to connect to peoplelike never before.

Even with traveling more than normal this summer my daily practiceis getting stronger and more reliable. Which doesn't mean it's alwayssmooth or pleasant but I'm learning to accept the inevitable doubtsand foibles.

Nyasa and core mantra practices truly are becoming my touch stonesfor being in a more alive state, feeling the pulse of life in all things,aware of the interplay of the perceived and perceiving.

Resting in absorption, the breath becomes a gate that swings backand forth where the two worlds of presence meet. The breath, theliving prayer of holy communion.

Also, I notice that as I listen and review the audios Russill hasprovided, I am am hearing more of what he is saying because I amnow having a taste of the perception from which he was speakingfrom.

I've been away spending time with family. There are some difficultchallenges there at this time. However, I'm finding that the CoreMantra and Nyasa practices helped to sustain me, and to ride out theenergetic and emotional waves in a much more balanced way than Iwould have in the past.


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I've had minimal time to practice Nyasa, but even so I'm finding thatplacing a few vowels creates little energetic threads of peace thathelp to instantaneously connect me to a more joyful space. And myCore Mantra seems to always be with me now in one way or another.I feel my connection with the Divine deepening into a truly livingrelationship.

A big Thank You to Russill, Asha, and the YMS community! I feel veryBlessed to have these teachings and the shared spiritual experiencesin my life. I'm looking forward to having more time to focus onpractice again now that I'm home. It is so great to have a practicethat I look forward to each day as a new opportunity for exploration!

So glad to be back in touch with you all. So happy to have thepractice and to be a part of something bigger than myself. TheNyasa is so subtle and powerful, so simple, so energizing. I especiallylove the way Anirud gave us the physical placement of the coremantra. It works on me in the same way as another practice calledthe microcosmic orbit. I love embodying the core mantra this way. Itfeels so much more personal when I do it this way.

Drawing the AUM at the beginning of practice also really helps me toembody the sounds. I feel as though it is getting easier and easier forme to settle into a place of stillness when I come to my practice. I amhoping to cultivate this more and more so that I can learn to not be sosusceptible to things that are not part of my truth when I am not inmeditation.

It is so beautiful reading everyone's sharing and I'm deeply gratefulfor this blessed community. Just when I think it couldn't get anybetter, we receive another audio or video that takes everything to adeeper level in a manner that makes this all so possible for me, anordinary, every day person with a yearning to connect with theDivine. Thank you Anirud and Asha for all that you are doing to makethis possible.

Sometimes my practice feels very deep, very connected, and othertimes not so much...especially when I'm not feeling good or feelingfrustrated about things...yet when I take the time to breathe and saymy core mantra it does help to bring me back to center...or at leastcloser to center and to my heart.

I just want to let you know how powerful the last audio series,"Enlightened Mantra Practitioner", has been for me, and how helpfulit was to connect the recordings with the PDF. I have been havingsome interesting experiences with this practice, both on and off themeditation cushion. I also have been having some interesting dreams.And speaking of dreams, there was one day this week when I feltthat the events and the interactions with people were just like theyare in a dream. Everything seemed so ephemeral and impermanent,and a part of me was witnessing all of this. I have noticed that thewaking state is, in many respects, like the dream state. The events,emotions, people, etc. in the dream are similar to the events,emotions, people, etc. that we experience in the waking state.Intellectually, I knew this, but when I experienced it, it felt a littlestrange, as if I were dreaming while I was awake; it seemed surreal.Also, I continue to have the experiences that I described to youbefore. Thank you again for all the you and Asha do for us. I amdeeply grateful.

The teachings and practices continue to deepen for me -- not alwaysin a linear way with some days more than others but overall therepetition is becoming more powerful and accumulative. The recentaudios that Russill has shared have enabled me to connect even


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more with these practices. It has been a very busy time recently so Ihave not dedicated the amount of time I would like to. But I havefound that saying the core mantra and/or doing a few placements ofthe Nyasa practice during a busy day does help shift my mind to lessthinking, it provides a means to stop the negative thinking habits andhas helped me be more in the moment. Thank you Russill and Asha!And thanks to all for sharing.

Thank you for sending the MP3 of yesterday's session.I listened to itagain this morning. Russill's comments were extremely helpfulregarding the question I had posed about adapting to a profound lifechange event, i.e. moving to a very different location and lifestyle. Heoffered very specific advice concerning the application of two skills tothe Core Mantra and Nyasa practices, and the critical importance ofmaintaining consistency during a period of profound change.Meditation has been a part of my daily life since the age of 15, when Ilearned the Transcendental Meditation method. Gradually I fell awayfrom that practice as I explored a more contemplative mode ofmeditation when I studying the work of Thomas Merton and CynthiaBourgeault. More recently, I have engaged in mindfulness meditationas a part of a wellness program held at a local healthcare facility. ButI have found that the practices I have been learning from the YogicMystery School, especially Nyasa and the Core Mantra practice, to befar more powerful. The YMS [Yogic Mystery School] program helpedme realize that I had been living in a rut of sorts, and has providedme with the means to connect to divine presence and guidanceduring this transformational period of my life. Asha and Russill, I feelvery blessed and grateful to be a part of the YMS community. Thankyou......:-)

Thank you for sharing the prayer you use to bond with or create arelationship with Presence. I have used modifications of the prayerand I think this will be of great help to me. I have not yet felt the kindof intimacy with Presence as I hoped I would. There is anawkwardness that I have not overcome and I have not had theopenness or vulnerability in this relationship with presence. It feelslike I have not been able to find my authentic voice in creating arelationship. I have often viewed the Divine differently and had amore distant relationship than how you are sharing with us how toapproach the Divine in a relationship. The videos were very inspiring.Thank you for sharing about your own practices -- it really enablesme to better understand the practices and realize what is possible.Again, many, many thanks for all that you and Asha are giving usthrough YMS.

The last month of practice has been very enjoyable! I've been doingthe Mantra Siddhi with Pranayamah in the mornings, and overall amfinding that I can hear my inner voice much more strongly. I'm alsobetter able to keep my focus in the various parts of my body and thestate of absorption longer.

My Nyasa practice in the evenings is growing stronger as well. Iabsolutely love the practice of tracing and placing the letters, and amcurrently doing this with all of the vowels. I finish with the rest of theNyasa practice and my core mantra. Sometimes I try using my coremantra with the Mantra Siddhi Pranayamah format, which is verynice.

Overall the core energy in my body is stronger. I often feel a gentleenergy pulsing up from the base of my spine at the start of practice.Tracing the letters is very relaxing for me, almost trance inducing. Theabsorption after the Nyasa practice is much deeper,longer and moreprofound too. I think that I also had one experience of 'seeing' the


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internal energy in my body! That was quite interesting and exciting :)

Russill, I want to thank you for sharing and guiding us in learningthese awesome practices! I feel my life is quickly changing for thebetter.

My deep appreciation to Russill for the private consult—he covered alot and had some specific recommendations for me that I will beworking on for some time. The recording is invaluable since hecovered so much; I listened to it twice more this afternoon and am soglad for the individual spiritual direction. The experience wasintense.

The experience of peace that I felt immediately during our session isstill holding. You intuited so accurately how to help me through theparticular challenge I have been facing. I have followed yourinstruction for practice and have received such relief. Thank you for atruly remarkable session!

SSttuuddeenntt SSppoottlliigghhtt 22:: SStteepphhaanniiee DDoohheerrttyy,, TTooppaannggaa CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa

Occupation: Wells Fargo Bank 25 years.

Yoga teacher, practitioner and student RYT 500 hr Yoga Alliance.

I have studied, taught and practiced yoga in India, Europe and in myNative

United States.

I have for a long long time been attracted to yoga and it's philosophy,it's

roots, and deeply attracted to Mantra and Sound.

Asana is what is mostly taught and abundant here where I live, alongwith

Kirtan, but I was seeking deeper knowledge and experience. I lovedthe sound of

Mantra and Chanting and wanted to learn it.

But where? It is very different than Kirtan ....

I found this in my teacher Russill Paul.

Soon after my Pilgrimage to India with he and his lovely wife , Asha, Istarted

my studies in the Yoga Mystery School.

I was in his first group:) and have been with him since!!

I'm so thankful I am able to study with him thru the the media of Webinar's,

the Internet, Mp3 etc. And .. I have very basic knowledge of theInternet and

all that goes with it and this course is completely doable!!

It is an amazing course, professional, interactive, and it feels sopersonal.

We get plenty of support and dialog with Russill and have ourwonderful YMS

community. A group of smart, different, open individuals from all overwho are


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serious spiritual seekers with lots of insight to share.

The discipline and experiences I have had thru this time have alteredmy life,

sent me on a great and unexpected journey of self discovery!! Ajourney I had

not expected and did not know all that was inside of me, and all thatI was

capable of experiencing.

SSttuuddeennttss wwhheenn tthheeyy fifirrsstt eennccoouunntteerr tthhee pprrooggrraammss

Russill has configured a structure without an option zero, without "nopresence" as the default setting. It's not even a possibility within thissystem. So if you find yourself in a "no presence" state, your onlyoption is to use the mantra to return immediately to the "rationalmode" where there is presence by definition. From there you cancontinue on to the deeper modes. If you find yourself in a "nopresence" state, you can't stay there and still be "playing this game". Brilliant!

The idea that the core mantra can help me to quickly regain myspiritual center was another eye opener. I have identified manyopportunities during my day where the core mantra will help me tokeep my spiritual center. These are opportunities where I would nothave considered using mantra before the webinar - so thank you! *

For me, the content and your very personal sharing of your coremantra is received with deep gratitude for the support it provides onthis mysterious journey. In answer to your question ‘how are youdoing with your core mantra practice’ my short answer is I amexperiencing profound understanding and depth in which there areglimpses or sparks of a greater knowing of Divine Presence – notsustainable simply because my head or egoic mind quickly pulls meout, but these moments are more frequent and easier to sink into.

I usually find the music accompanying the words is helpful to quietthe mind at the start of my meditation practice, however havediscovered the quiet depth of audio tracks 10 and 11 only have taken


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me instantly deep into a beautiful meditative state of incredible joy.

"I know it is this practice that is helping me. One of my spiritualcounselors and I recently had a session and he commented,"Whatever you are doing, keep it up." And so I keep at this practice...each little bit I learn and practice, I know is helping me."

"I have found over the past few months that the Upasana fills mewith joyful energy.... despite our abysmally cold, grey Montreal winterI have found that my spiritual practice has me literally skipping withjoy down the snowy, icy street :)... even when it's -25C."

"Friends have commented that my energy seems so clear and thatthey notice that something is different - lighter - and I feel it is thispractice clearing out old samskaras and making space for cleaner,clearer energy to flow through me."

"I am not sure that I can adequately articulate the many ways thatthis practice is affecting me but I do know that it is shifting the waythat I am showing up in my life and in my interactions in every aspectof my life - at home, at work, with my family and my friends...workingwith these mantras and ritual is so beautiful! Friends havecommented that my energy seems so clear and that they notice thatsomething is different - lighter - and I feel it is this practice clearingout old samskaras and making space for cleaner, clearer energy toflow through me."

SSttuuddeenntt SSppoottlliigghhtt 33:: AAddrriieennnnee ““MMaakkoottee”” DDeeGGuueevvaarraa,, NNCCMMTT

The book, Yoga of Sound was my first introduction into Russill’s work.This book came across my path while I was working on my thesisabout sound and its healing affects on the body. The Yogic MysterySchool felt like the natural progression of my studies and has givenme a strong foundation for the deepening of my spiritual life. Thepractices are carefully measured out creating a gentle entry into themonumental changes that can occur from mantra. Special attentionis put on contextualizing mantra for our culture, opening the door ofunderstanding as a participant rather than a Westerner looking infrom the outside.

Russill combines lecture, guided meditations, video instruction,written word, and experiential exercises as a way of covering alllearning styles. This attention to a varied learning experience createsa depth of discovery as well as accessibility to all. He has a gentleand clear teaching style and his devotion to sharing his knowledgewith others is transmitted by his willingness to be vulnerable abouthis own experience.

The use of technology is particularly relevant for our times. It givesthe modern mystic the ability to study and practice while stillengaging in the necessities of family, work, and community.


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Adrienne “Makote” DeGuevara, NCMT, is an artist, dancer, and bodyscholar. She is a Western-style herbalist, and bodyworker. Hertraining includes Chinese Five Element theory, Traditional ThaiMassage (Nuad Boran), Plant Spirit Medicine and CranioSacraltherapy. Through manual therapy and guided imagery, she supportsindividuals in working through symptoms brought on by imbalancesin the emotional body. She has been a humble student of Mantra forthree years and incorporates sound healing into her bodyworksessions.

BBeeggiinnnneerr LLeevveell FFeeeeddbbaacckk

This is the first time I have studied anything long distance, Internetbased etc. I am moved by how “real” the experience is. Every time Ilog into the Yogic Mystery School – I enter a classroom in a temple.Even I sit in front of my computer I experience myself in a room withall of the other students and you. To me the course is unfolding in athreefold: there is me in the community of my fellow students, you asa teacher and me as a student; and lastly there is me alone, bringingwhat I learnt in the classroom into my internal life so it will slowlymanifest itself in my entire life.

"I love the Yogic Mystery School training I am doing with Russill Paulin the yoga of sound." That's a direct quote from a conversation Iwas having earlier today. I'm impressed with how organized theprogram is (and I have high standards), I am keeping up with thecurriculum/material, the pace does seem manageable, and I find thisto be a very satisfying and rich program that is a good fit for me atthis time. I already look forward to doing one or all of the tracks morethan once -- not because of any issue with keeping up or continuingin succession, but because it seems I'm inclined to do so with suchexperiential endeavors.

Thank you so much for this program. It is so much more than Ithought it would be. Your level of participation is what makes it sopowerful. The intellectual context is very helpful to me. Thank youfor sharing your spiritual life with us. Watching you in the videos I felt, and I don’t know if I am using the right words, something liketenderness or affection or maybe a sense of the holy which at themoment I am typing this feels like it contains affection andtenderness . I also am feeling gratitude and affection toward myfellow classmates when I read what they have written. Many times Ihave had the same thoughts in the back of my mind but never thinkto write to you about them.


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I feel that participation in this program is moving things around insideme in a deep way. I can feel changes in my voice when speaking andespecially when chanting or singing; I hear and feel resonance inplaces that have long felt constricted. My deepest sense is that whilethe curriculum is powerful and obviously designed with a great dealof care in every aspect (which is a great pleasure), the realtransformation available here for me is rooted in making an explicitpersonal connection with you. I have never really had a teacher oreven much consistent mentoring in my spiritual practices before, sothis sense is a bit mysterious, and yet, underneath, there is a sense ofdeep familiarity, a "Oh yes, this!" I am amazed that you are able toconvey this sense of true personal caring and connection viaelectronic media, but you do.

Learning from you is a beautiful experience to me. What you presentevery week is just like a treasured gift, a lovingly prepared meal – Ienjoy every moment of it and immerse myself into it without anyexpectations on what I should experience, where it should lead me –what I should feel. I just play, discover, and get intimate with eachaspect. I treat your gifts with utmost respect, cherish them – but atthe same time I take them not too seriously, find humor in them and Iam not afraid to soil them – meaning I use them everywhere andanytime, if I sit in my car driving, at the restroom at work or stand infront of my altar. They are my favorite pair of clothing – I wear themeverywhere. All of it, the Sanskrit, Mantra and Ritual feels so familiarto me, there is nothing strange, difficult – I feel I arrived home.

Thank you so much for your sensitive, supportive and informedteachings ... The information was just the right amount withoutbeing "too much" and yet challenging enough to require a stretchingof our understanding and progress. Having a month to continue toprocess the information and experience is a really good idea for meand sounds like others as well. I really feel the Divine coming throughthe Mystery School, even as an internet-based endeavor. You aredefinitely being blessed in and for this purpose, as are we! I amsurprised at the depth of experience that this practice of chanting thevowels and mantras has induced within me.

There are no words, only warm tears of deep love and gratitude forall you are and all you share. And your closing bulletin is profoundbeyond comprehension—how I wish everyone could be instructed inthe Way of Love from infancy onward. What we do for love is allthat ever matters. And I wish to testify that my work with your Yogaof Sound and very beginnings of the Yoga of the Tongue have helpedme more than all the years of Hatha Yoga, all the japa, all the kirtan,all the shaktipat—because you are giving us the reality, the Truth, theessence of what is Love.

My work schedule is pretty brutal right now—mostly 6 days a weekof 12-hour days (at least). It’s OK, though, and I thank God for yourcourse because it enfolds me in sacredness no matter what my outercircumstances are, and I find that I really am experiencing the peaceof the eye of the hurricane, which is amazing and humbling and very,very beautiful. I believe this is because of the energy and care that


16 of 24 6/22/17, 2:09 PM

you put into this course and how remarkably that energy istransmitted through your audio and video teachings as well as yourmessages and sharings.

I do want to say that the depth of the knowledge in each offeringbecomes more and more powerful each week. Recalling ourplacement on this planet and in this universe before beginning ourpractice and then accessing the 16 directions (8 within, 8 without),organically tied to the awareness of all creation being uttered intoexistence by the Divine, all of which seen/heard/felt by the ancientrishis and all encoded in the Sanskrit alphabet. It is something thatinstantly magnetizes one into a meditative state, and it will carry mefor many, many years of contemplation on this marvelousunderstanding.

I am loving the program. I love the video and audio that you offeronline as well as on the DVD. I feel like I am there with you along thisjourney especially because you are intimately sharing your ownpersonal practice. This is a special program and I am so happy to bepart of it.

Thank you so much for your attentiveness to us as students. Youropenness of heart comes through with gentle clarity even on theInternet. Yes, the curriculum speaks to me--subtly and deeply. I reallyappreciate the detail that you give with this work. I feel very held byyour teaching style and though I get impatient to go fastersometimes, in the end I always see the wisdom in this pace.

So far, I am really enjoying the material and content of the course,and feel very grateful for this process. It is a delight and a gift toexperience how the vowel sounds are related to the energy centers inmy body, and I love going through the vowel sequence, bothdownward and upward, and feel the energy move accordingly. I likehow the practices are balanced with theory and a foundationalknowledge of the material.

Part of the work I do involves teaching English to second languagestudents, and I have found our study of the vowels from anexperiential basis to be very useful for me in the pronunciation class Iteach. To experience the vowels as the sounds that give energy tothe consonants has been a revelation for me, and this realization hasraised my awareness of how students perceive the sounds they arehearing and then attempt to produce them in the context of words.

I want to say 'thank you" for developing this program and making itaffordable. I feel fortunate to be able to learn from one asaccomplished as you are in your field. I do love the Sanskrit languageand desire to honor it by pronouncing it as correctly as possible.

I have to say that your essence, which is so sacred, does transmitswell in your on line course study. Once again, you are back to beingthis person on my video screen but now I have experienced the raysof your smile, your kindness, but most importantly your passion to


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serve mankind in finding the mystical that resides in everyone. Yourlight is so strong with me now and you inspire me to sit up straightand keep practicing! .

I love chanting the vowels. I teach yoga...I've become more aware ofthe sound of my voice. Like I can hear myself more clearly. Havingan awareness of my voice is something I can't easily explain, so nowI visualize the 16 pedals of a lotus flower. I know the time was rightfor me to explore this course, I had your book Yoga of Sound for awhile. My intention is to bring chant into my life.

I am so grateful for all that I am learning and the feeling that it istransforming my life in ways that I cannot even grasp yet. I don'thave a lot of questions about the lessons so far. Everything seems tobe presented in a very clear, concise and intensely sweet manner.

The course as you have designed it is allowing for a rich and well-paced introduction the very basics of mantra and its historical,spiritual and personal implications. The balanced presentation ofaudio, video and written word is effective, plus the forum where wecan share and see what others are experiencing makes for a well-rounded approach to this study. The website is easily understoodand works very well in supporting us along the course. I amthoroughly enjoying the actual content of this track as I find itinteresting, to say the least. The expanded view of the Sanskritlanguage, of the meaning and energy dynamics of the vowels, forinstance, is just amazing. The supplemental materials you provideeach week adds a vital and enriching element to established coreunits. These, in combination with your book, The Yoga Of Sound, andyour musical CD's is giving me a great introduction to this vast areastudy with which I feel safe and comfortable.

I am very grateful to have the opportunity to receive the gift not onlyof your long study and practice and sincere and evident devotion toyour path, but also of the simple fact of your presence in this life. Ilook forward to seeing how this blessing unfolds over time.

I estimate the value of mantra very highly, wish to understand itbetter, and desire to become more proficient in its use andapplication. What I have seen of your course so far I like. It startswith the basic building blocks, which is of course the Sanskritalphabet, and to me it has a sacred quality that is hard to pin down.Even the writing of the letters has that quality. There is somethingvery special about it. Maybe there are deeply buried memories ofincarnations in that ancient land? I look forward to proceed deeperinto the program.

I was so excited to learn this material about mantra that I enrolled assoon as I learned about the program from reading Jesus and theLotus. I have been able to keep up with the DVD and most of thesupport material. Thank you for your continued support andpatience.


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I am finding the writing of the Sanskrit syllables particularlyinteresting. I have garnered a smattering of the language over theyears because of my interest in Indian philosophy--just enough to getme in trouble. I realize, now, that it would have been useful to havehad someone to teach me the basics, at the outset, so I am gratefulto have your videos and the handbook to rely upon.

I know that you have put a lot of effort into this course, and I amespecially touched by your kindness and attention to each individual. I am fascinated by the subject matter, and I want to thank you forhaving the insight and initiative to launch this course.

I have been enjoying the modules and exercises... I feel it is awonderful way to enhance and help advance my yoga practice, as Ibelieve the spiritual work more important than physical (asana).Content and pace are good. I will continue to practice writing andmantra regularly. Thank you so much for all you do!

I have so enjoyed the entire experience....the auditory, the visual, thewritten, and the physical practice of sounding and writing. Iappreciate the depth of study that you offer....very grounding. Thanksagain for your teaching and depth of knowledge.

I can notice and feel the movement of energy when I chant thevowels, sometimes more than at other times. I feel so encouraged byyour lectures and readings. I must admit that I cried when you talkedabout the throat chakra being the "opening of the mystic feminine"and restoring the feminine voice. It's so rare to have a manunderstand, much less acknowledge, the oppression that all womenfeel around their voice. What a gift to be able to restore that balance,and then, hopefully, in the future, to be able help others do that too.

IInntteerrmmeeddiiaattee LLeevveell FFeeeeddbbaacckk

I'm very excited about resuming my studies with you this season. There has been such a wealth of information given, and the sense ofstructure and focus in the presentation of the material is astounding.

I appreciate the great care that has gone into preparing each lessonand your thorough explanations. The use of mantra is fairly new tome, but I can already feel changes as I incorporate mantra into mymeditation practice. It is indeed healing. I am very grateful that thisprogram is available to me at this time.

I really appreciate all your practical suggestions. My mind isoveractive and I can easily spend all my meditation time in anelaborate day dream story or in worrying and planning. Eachphysical suggestion mudra gives my mind something new to focus onfor a while.

On the whole, the program has been amazing. There are leaps andbounds in my own personal experience in practicing the material. Mysense of the Divine has deepened through the work … and I'm proudof myself in trusting the process you so graciously offered. I'm really


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very happy, Russill, about the progress, the content and working withyou and Asha. My gratitude and well wishes for continued health andlearning with the mystery school.

I admire you for the work you are doing ... no, that is not quite what Iwant to say ... more that I see the light work that you are about, andit is of a nature that I resonate with, and feels inspired to me. We arefortunate to be able to learn from you! I knew going into this modulethat there would be a lot of repetition for me of what I have alreadyexperienced, learned, even taught in my own work. But I wanted togo through your entire course, to follow your current so to speak. Ifeel it has been valuable to me, and again, an offering to the worldthat is deep, authentic, and right on! Although I really don’t want tobe on computer so much, I find that this is offering me a way to bewith your teachings and knowledge that is possible. SO I amgrateful.

Not surprising but loving the program. All these practices are sopowerful, I’m not surprised but always amazed and delighted. Inotice though as I practice the high pitches over and over it getseasier and doesn’t feel so strained ... I do like the variations you gaveus to apply to everyday life when we’re either too up or too down,very helpful. Doing these practices on the way to the dentist, makesthat experience a little easier! As for Level 2, loving it, eating it up.

What a deep satisfaction and pleasure and feeling of connectednessI am getting from this work. It's kind of inexplicable to me but I guessthat's the 'mystery' part of the work we're engaged in. Thank you somuch for this teaching and for putting it into an online course.

I would have thought I was way too busy to be able to 'take' such acourse if it involved going somewhere else and having to be on a setschedule. But this way, I can do it on my own time which works outvery well for me. The last comment I have is harder to put intowords. It has to do with an increased feeling of connectedness I havein my day to day life - with everything - other people, trees, eveninanimate objects. A sense of the invisible energies permeating it all.

I'm greatly enjoying this level and very happy to see the continuedwork with Sanskrit. I have no definitive expectations for this workother than that they support my intention to always move towardliving by yogic principles. Needless to say, they have fulfilled thisfunction.

I love your support materials, particularly the online video clips. I findthat the energy dynamics of my practice are much more profoundwhen I practice along with them. I look forward to continuing withyou. I tend to be a bit reserved and expressing my thoughts andopinions can be challenging for me. Anyway, the lessons were welldone. Thank you again for sharing this material and yourself.

First of all I want to express my gratitude to you for making thematerial in the Yogic Mystery School available. It has been invaluable


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to me as a student of yoga and of the Wisdom traditions. It hashelped me make connections with other esoteric studies that I havepursued over the years and it has filled in the gaps. Overall, this studyhas been a wonderful growing experience for me even though someof it has been challenging. It has stretched me in ways that wouldotherwise not have been possible.

I love the rituals you have shared... water, clearing... I love the shortmantras and the sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet and the petalsounds. These take me deeper into the experience of God. The longer,more complex ones with many musical changes and devotional onesare quite beautiful and I understand why many people want to singor chant these.

I am thoroughly enjoying the level. It has been delightful to use myvoice and feel the changes occurring within my body. Additionally, Ihave noticed changes in my attitude for the positive as well asincrease in courage to stand in front of others and share. While myvoice is developing, I have enjoyed the exercises with variousintervals. Perhaps soon, I will be able to share that aspect of mylearning with others.

First, I want to say how moving it was for me to listen / watch yourreflections in Level 2. I was quite moved, and so aware of yourhonesty and genuine desire to share. I appreciate you, your insights,your method of sharing what you are passionate about ... your authenticity, and willingness to look at the shadow side as well, as itis comforting to me to hear of your path, and see similarities of myown process.

I want to say to you that my practice / experience / learning that youhave and continue to inspire and guide permeates my life, in subtleand in gross ways. This process has been quite an internal one forme, a very personal process. These words will not adequately reflectwhat is going on ... the mystery of it satiates me, fills me to tears ofexpansion, love, devotion. I feel the deepening, the embodiment ofthe practice/s and how my experience of them shifts ... how they shiftme.

Personally your lectures have calmed a nagging sense of in-authenticity surrounding the use of Sanskrit mantras and chants asan American. Even when I believed in their power myself, I wasuncomfortable sharing it with others. That sense of discomfort has,for the most part, dissipated thanks to your clear, open and carefullythought out lectures. I feel and appreciate the care, the insight, andthe wisdom you bring to your teaching.

I have been practicing a silent, transcendent-style mantra meditationfor almost 20 years now, and I have found that guided meditationsand physical meditations such as walking, writing, and Ikebana,disturb the meditative process and keep me on the surface, outside.They are calming activities, but they don’t produce in me themeditative state. However, when I chant the Sanskrit mantras that


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you are teaching, I do attain a meditative state and this is new andpositive for me. I now suspect the problem for me has been themispronunciation of the Sanskrit. Everything is great. I'm gettingmuch out of the Ganesh mantras. It's amazing to me how somethingso simple can become so powerful.

AAddvvaanncceedd PPrraaccttiittiioonneerr FFeeeeddbbaacckk

I could listen to your reflections all day. I am moved deeply by whatyou say. The distinctions and explanations you give betweenconceptualization and experience bring such clarity to my practice. And I don't just mean my mantra practice...but the practice of life,really. I can apply this anywhere when I stop to realize its potency.

I have noticed some changes within myself working with thesemantras. A calmness and easiness has settle in that’s been missingfor a while since my daughter had health issues. I’ve beenmeditating for years and have always done so at night before bed. Ihave always wanted to get up early and meditate it’s neverhappened and this morning I popped up @ 5:00 am and meditatedfor an hour, so easily! I know the mantras have helped me make thischange, overcome something that gave me the feeling that I justcouldn’t do, too tired, go to bed to late etc.

I have never heard the term bija described the way you did. I felt ahuge relief. I understand the yogic way, to go past the modificationsof the mind to get to our true Selves, but the mind is a part of us, sowe use the mind to get past the mind, thru study, contemplation,application etc. But sometimes using the mind even in a positiveway, feels exhausting, so I felt relief, that even though I’m workingreal hard on my spiritual path at times it’s okay, to just surrender tothe process, and allow the flow of grace to do its work, like thru thebija mantra. Thank you. Thank you for your time.

I've been working a with the invocations to Ganesh. The effect hasbeen sublime. At the time the lesson was posted I was in the midst ofsome stagnant energy in my environment. This energy waspermeating many aspects of my life and had been for a couplemonths. Things had come to a standstill and I was having a hardtime mentally working through it all. I began the practice andimmediately felt the effects. A veil seemed to lift and things began toshift and sort themselves out. The best part is the effect on mypractice, which was suffering like everything else. I've have renewedvigor and focus for this and my asana practice, for which I amprofoundly grateful. There is a renewed lightness of being and a clearpath.

On the whole, the program has been amazing. There are leaps andbounds in my own personal experience in practicing the material. Mysense of the Divine has deepened through the work with permutingthe consonants (writing and toning them) as well as working with theswaras. It has gotten me 'out of my head' about the formal trainingand precision of previous work with swaras and I'm proud of myselfin trusting the process you so graciously offered. I'm really veryhappy about the progress, the content and working with you and


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Asha. My gratitude and well wishes for continued health andlearning with the mystery school.

As a whole I feel that this course and your style of delivery resonatesvery strongly with me. Over the years I've attended many workshopsfor yoga, meditation as well as pursuing my study of Indian music yetoften felt that the depth I was seeking was not being fullyaddressed. Your teachings are bringing a clarity to many of theconcepts that I have deeply sought for so long. Thank you again forsharing your knowledge in this program- I look forward to continuingin this module and future modules as well.

I greatly appreciate this course because it is giving me a solid in-depth understanding of the why's and wherefore's of yoga practice.Having lived in my head most of my life I appreciate the physicalaspects of yoga which have reacquainted me with my body. Myinclination is to want to understand intellectually what is happeningphysically. Your course offers the opportunity to engage both themind and the experiential aspects of learning. I've had a lot of "that'swhy we do that" moments of insight. I have enjoyed all thecomponents so far.

Right now I'm trying out meditating at dusk, a beautiful time of peaceand quiet where I live. I need to make this the #1 priority so nothinginterferes. The benefits are so great and really palpable that I willmake it work. I need it very much. The lessons have given me a muchbroader understanding of meditation and it's great to be able to goback again and again. Thank you so much for this course, it trulyinspires me to go deep within where ALL resides.

I am simply LOVING all that you send me! I take it in with enormousgratitude and some kind of relief...as if I have been waiting such avery long time... At first glance at the consonants I think..."yikes!" andthen I sit down and fall into the deepest love of the script, it's beautyand the way it dances and how I go mad for writing and dancingwith it and how strangely easy, then, it is... I am listening to, andnoticing the tone of the voice in my head more. I bow down before itall, in love …

I find the mystery school very supportive, encouraging me andreminding me to step back from my frustrations and focus myattention on something larger. I am pleased to have the DVDs yousend. I feel like am building a reference library that I can continue toconsult. I find something new or am reminded of something I haveforgotten each time I watch one. Having the DVD s and the videoand audio lessons divided up into fairly short chapters works well forme. It makes it easy to go back and revisit particular sections.

"I have participated in many avenues of study over the past 20 years andnone have come close to the superior quality of content and support that Ihave experienced with Yogic Mystery School and my studies with Russill.Participation in YMS has transformed my life on every level. I have feltempowered and encouraged to become the very best that I can possibly be


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in every way. It has changed the way that I experience everything andeveryone and has introduced me to a new way of BEing that is reflected notonly in my personal life but in my professional life as well. I feel incrediblyblessed and deeply grateful that I found this path and this teacher!"

Cindy Weaks— S. Carolina (Director of Accounting, Channeling Grace KirtanLeader)

TTeerrmmss aanndd CCoonnddiittiioonnss:: Participation in any program involves mandatory acceptance and abidingby our Student Agreement CCooppyyrriigghhtt aanndd TTrraaddeemmaarrkk: All Yogic Mystery School content,structure and design is proprietary and protected by copyright and trademark. No part may beused without formal permission and procedure. All rights reserved (1998 to 2015) Guha SoulworksLLC. Email [email protected] for permissions.

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Documents

Yogic Mystery School™The written and diagrammed documents also helped reference some of the main points of each webinar. d d n n a a g g n n i i h h c c a a e e t t e e h h t t f