Replacing fear with cosmic consciousness is a deeply unhuman experience. But at the Sattva Summit Rishikesh, where yogic teachings meet Himalayan energy, I decided to try. This was the first time the Summit embraced a theme — Cosmic Consciousness. If the cosmic is infinite, and consciousness is the content from which all experience arises, then this was bound to be a wild ride.
Going Beyond the Senses
As humans, we are finite — we experience life through our five senses, shaped by our conditioning and upbringing. But true transformation requires transcending that conditioning. “The extraordinary is here,” says Anand Mehrotra, founder of Sattva Yoga. “You just have to go beyond the five senses to experience it.”
The Power of Sattva Yoga
Rooted in the Vedantic and Tantric traditions, Sattva Yoga is a comprehensive, holistic path that weaves ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience and breath-based kriya. Its goal? Raise vibration and awaken consciousness.
“True illumination is fearless cosmic consciousness.” – Anand Mehrotra
Fear as a Gateway
Our yoga journey began with fierce breathwork and chanting. At first, I struggled to match Anand’s Om. “Fear is resistance toward an experience you’d like to have,” he said. “The first step toward courage is acknowledging fear.” These words echoed as we moved through kriyas to the sound of live didgeridoo, awakening dormant energy between the root and third eye.
The Technology of Yoga: Letting Go
“Holding onto suffering is like holding onto a secret that creates more suffering,” Anand shared. Yoga’s technology helps us release these patterns. False knowledge — ideas we’ve accepted as truth — traps us. In contrast, the phrase “I don’t know” leads to curiosity and, ultimately, awakening.
Evolve or Suffer
“Know yourself or you are a threat,” Anand said. His teachings challenged us to look beyond identity and ego. Through partner gazing exercises, I confronted my conditioning and saw myself reflected through the eyes of others. The vulnerability was immense, but so was the clarity.
The Universe Within
“The universe has two purposes: to celebrate and to liberate,” Anand said. When we stop numbing our suffering and instead integrate our awareness with nature, we align with infinite potential. The week concluded with one final eye-gazing exercise. This time, I saw infinite versions of myself in another’s eyes. It was not analysis — it was wonder.
“Don’t try to know it, just be in the wonder of it.” – Anand Mehrotra
The Cosmic Consciousness theme at the Sattva Summit Rishikesh wasn’t a concept — it was a living, breathing experience. We didn’t just talk about awareness, we embodied it. And that’s what made this journey unforgettable.