Moxshlife Commune: The Organization for Transformation
Keimoudo, Moxshology, and Moxshlife Yoga take people on the path of liberation or Moksh. The Master founded Moxshlife Commune, an organization dedicated to promoting Keimoudo—Moxsh Martial Arts, Moxshology—The Science of Ultimate Liberation, Moxshlife Yoga, Energy Healing, and spiritual science. He also founded Moxshlife Warriors (MW), an organization which is a unit of Moxshlife Commune, to conduct regular sessions and other programs in Keimoudo. Moxshlife Commune operates several centers around the city and men, women, and children join the organization for the uniqueness of the arts and unparalleled teaching standards.
Training at Moxshlife Commune: Beyond techniques and physical practice
Under the Master's guidance, Keimoudo and Moxshlife Yoga sessions are conducted through regular classes and at corporates. Moxshology is taught through residential programs at Moxsh World, the Master's abode.
Besides these, the Master conducts Talk
sessions for children and adults where He guides them on the virtues of the arts. His talks on healthy eating and sleeping habits, abandoning negative foods and thoughts, responsibility, respect, honesty, compassion, universal brotherhood, etc. have a deep impact on the students. Students experience clarity in thinking, understanding of society, capability to easily address life's situations and challenges, and knowledge to purify self. With this, the spiritual seed is sown.
Over the years, the Master has trained and guided thousands of individuals of all ages, religions, and nationalities. His arts and teachings have helped students become distinguished professionals as Doctors, Engineers, Chartered Accountants, Police, Majors and Officers in the Armed Forces, etc., several of whom are now sending their children to Moxshlife Commune to be trained under the Master's guidance and carry on the noble tradition.
The Founder Master
Acharya Dr. M. J. Pillai, The Master
can be considered as one of 21st century's greatest martial arts masters, Yoga Acharya and Spiritual Guru. In a martial arts journey spanning over 3 decades and a yoga journey spanning over 2 decades, the Master has trained thousands of students—men, women, and children—from across the world.
Early Life
The Master was introduced to martial arts at a very young age. Early success and an ever-deepening passion for martial arts made the Master learn and master various systems of martial arts, such as Karate, Kalari, Kung fu, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Varmam, and Ninjutsu. He was a member of several US-based Ninja organizations and was invited to attend the 5th World Ninja Summit in the USA. This extensive and profound experience earned Him the degree of Black Belt 7th DAN.
But right from the beginning of His Karate training, He had a sense that this art was not meant for fighting; and that there was more to it.
The Master sought answers through various books and magazines and interacting with other martial arts masters of that time. The Master read that martial arts were practiced as a part of our culture in ancient India thousands of years ago. It was introduced in China in 540 A.D. by Master Bodhidharma, an Indian spiritual Master. Master Bodhidharma introduced Dhyana (Chan in Chinese and Zen in Japanese) along with martial techniques to the monks at the Shaolin Temple. This later came to be known as Shaolin Kung Fu, which later became the source of Karate, Taekwondo, and other systems of martial arts that are now popular around the world.
The books stated that Master Bodhidharma saw that the monks were physically weak and so he taught them martial arts to make them physically strong and also to defend themselves against bandits and wild animals.
The Master realized:
1. The reason stated in the books for introducing martial arts could not be true.
2. Such a great spiritual Master would not have undertaken such an arduous journey to teach monks how to fight bandits.
3. If Dhyana was taught along with martial techniques, which were a part of Indian culture, it could not have been for physical reasons alone.
With this realization a quest was born. Upon knowing that the art was an inherent part of Indian culture, the Master's quest intensified and He studied various ancient Indian arts and sciences like the Art and Science of Varmam Shastra, and Yoga Vedanta. He also learnt various healing arts like Medical Acupuncture, Reiki Energy Healing, and Medicines.
He earned prestigious titles such as Yoga Siromani, Yoga Acharya, Varma Valloon, Reiki Grandmaster, and Doctor of Medicines (M.D.)
However the most significant development took place in the year 1992. The Master was initiated into traditional Yoga Vedanta, where with the blessings of His Gurudev, the Master attained spiritual awakening. He then understood the missing links and comprehended the meaning, purpose, and divinity of martial arts and yoga.
The Master understood that, Martial arts and yoga asanas practiced without achieving the state of meditativeness makes you a Master Technician, but not a Selfless Master. A technician perfects the outward aspects of the art that are visible, but remains unaware of the energy factor, which is the essence beyond appearances.
Realization vs. Reality of Martial Arts and Yoga
With this realization, the biggest question for the Master was What system to teach now?
He saw that all popular systems of martial arts focus on competitive fighting, prize money, etc. He realized that over generations, martial arts teachers across the world had modified the art and shifted its focus for their personal or social needs. As a result, a divine art was removed from the temple and became watered down into its basest form.
He realized that the popularity of various title championships that tout prize money worth millions of dollars and the presence of most martial arts systems in tournaments and title bouts, etc. are fuelling people's desire to learn martial arts not just as a sport or as a way of life, but as a competitive fighting-based sport.
Even children, as young as 5-year-olds, are trained in this manner. Just to win medals and bring so-called 'glory' for their family, state or nation, the practitioners are often trained in a brutal, painful and violent manner, most often against their will and instigated to spar or fight the opponent. Such practices are even encouraged by most of the martial arts schools around the world.
The Master felt that there are enough sports—like swimming, badminton, athletics, gymnastics, cycling, etc.—that can be introduced in international sports forums and there is no need to introduce martial arts as a competitive fighting-based sport.
And the Master realized that the same thing has happened with yoga and most people have forgotten its original purpose. Yoga is now mostly focused toward fitness and health, recuperating from/or preventing illnesses, or just as fashion. Although it is one of the most popular exercise regimes around the world, it has been reduced to just that: an ancient Indian exercise regime. Most don't understand its true purpose and therefore the spiritual dimension—which is what Yoga is for—is being overlooked altogether.
Bringing Back the Divinity in Martial Arts and Yoga
Having experienced the essence of martial and yogic science, the Master decided to bring out the arts in their complete form. The Master founded Keimoudo—Meditative Martial Arts (Renamed in December 2018 to Keimoudo—Moxsh Martial Arts) to bring back the divinity in martial arts. Keimoudo is a system for an authentic martial experience. Keimoudo gives practitioners a chance to experience the same energy that the Master experienced. It is the first martial arts system in modern times that focuses not just on fitness and health, self defence, but also on spiritual development.
The Master also founded Moxshology—The Science of Ultimate Liberation. Moxshology is a spiritual science for ardent spiritual seekers. It is based on the Master's spiritual experience as well as His understanding of the moods, energy factors, and state of mind of people in the 21st Century. Along with Master's guidance, it comprises high-energy exercises and intensive meditation for enlightenment.
The Master has also founded Moxshlife Yoga. It encapsulates the Master's teachings of traditional yoga for modern people. It demystifies ancient practices and offers a simple approach to a pure and divine lifestyle suitable for the 21st century. It is a way of life to be followed for experiencing yoga. It gives the complete yogic experience: fitness, health, peace of mind, contentment, and YOGA
.
Through Keimoudo, Moxshology, and Moxshlife Yoga the Master guides people on the path of liberation or Moksh.
The Master's mission is to reach out to people of all ages and help them see the real path ahead. The Master has dedicated His complete time for this divine cause, which was, is, and always will be His Way of Life.
Take a look at the Master's Gallery
The Master's Tradition
The Master has been initiated into Yoga Vedanta in Gurudev Swami Sivananda Saraswati's Tradition (Parampara) and He has received the titles of Yoga Siromani and Yoga Acharya.
About the Gurudev
His Holiness Swami Sivananda Saraswati was born in 1887 and is revered the world over as one of the greatest spiritual Gurus and Yoga Masters of the 20th Century. He is credited with bringing back the Yoga of Synthesis tradition, which integrates the four paths of Yoga: Karma, Bhakti, Raja, and Jnana.
Swami Sivananda's spiritual teachings on several subjects connected to the Science of Yoga spread from the sacred town of Rishikesh, where he resided during the later part of his life, to all over the globe and deeply touched and transformed the lives of lakhs of people who came from across the world to learn from Him and experience holiness in His presence.
The teachings of Swami Sivananda are summarized in these words: Be Good, Do Good, Give, Serve, Purify, Love, Meditate, Realize.
The mission and teachings of Swami Sivananda Saraswati were carried across the globe by His many disciples. Some of His prominent disciples are Swami Chidananda Saraswati, Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati (Chinmaya Mission), Swami Satyananda Saraswati (Bihar School of Yoga), Swami Vishnudevananda Saraswati (Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, HQ Canada), Swami Satchidananda Saraswati (Integral Yoga Institute in USA), Swami Sivananda Radha Saraswati (Yasodhara Ashram, Canada), Swami Jyotirmayananda Saraswati (President of Yoga Research Foundation in Miami, Florida).
MoxshVihar
The place where divinity dwells
In the year 1996, which was just after realizing the true purpose of martial arts, yoga and spirituality, the Master bought a place at the pristine hill-station Lonavala, Maharashtra State, India. This place was to be His abode where interested martial arts, yoga, and spiritual seekers would come and stay with the Master. Named MoxshVihar, the abode evokes the mood, culture and environment of the traditional Gurukulam system, the holy abode of the Guru and an inherent part of Indian culture. At MoxshVihar students and disciples get the opportunity to learn first-hand from the Master in an environment charged by His divine energy.
Need for Study at MoxshVihar
The journey of self-discovery, although simple is yet so complex that it not only needs sustained and uninterrupted effort but also the constant guidance of a Master. As such, a Gurukulam is an indispensable necessity for seekers. It serves as a secure enclave far-removed from the bustle of routine life eminently conducive for contemplation and meditation and also a place brimming with positive vibration made possible by the presence of a Guru.
Courses Conducted at MoxshVihar
All of Moxshlife Commune's full-day workshops and residential programs, retreats, camps, Teacher's Training Programs and the Moxshology Sadhana Courses, are conducted at MoxshVihar. Men and women from across the world are invited to come and experience the vibrancy and energy of MoxshVihar while learning the arts in a pristine environment.
Where is MoxshVihar?
MoxshVihar is situated at Lonavala, in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is a sprawling campus cosseted among green valleys, clothed with dense forests in the spectacular Sahyadri mountain range.
Additional Reading:
MoxshVihar is a getaway from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. It offers a secure environment for individual spiritual development. People from around the world and all economic, social, and cultural backgrounds are invited to MoxshVihar to experience spiritual vibration and the positive energy of MoxshVihar, as well as learn about the age-old disciplines of Yogic Science.
Dress Code
We at Moxshlife Commune request that our participants' behaviour and dress code be mindful of and respectful to, Indian culture and enhance the spiritual atmosphere within MoxshVihar. The dress code should be maintained at all times, including during the asana sessions.
Intoxicants & Prohibited items
Please note:
1. Consumption of tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, meat, fish, and eggs is strictly prohibited.
2. The use of Mobile/cell phones is only allowed in designated areas outside of session times.
3. Photography, video, audio recording during classes and ceremonies is allowed only after taking due permission from the Master or authorized staff at MoxshVihar.
Male/Female Relations
In keeping with Indian culture and spiritual tradition, all participants are requested to refrain from displaying expressions of affection in public.
MoxshVihar has separate staying arrangements for men and women.
Moxshlife Commune disapproves of and condemns any form of harassment directed at guests, staff or visitors, and strict action, including dismissal from the course/premises, would be taken against anyone who violates these norms.
Attendance
Participants participate in the programs at MoxshVihar to experience the purity and discipline of an Ashram life and so, in keeping with its sanctity, all are required to follow the daily schedule. As a mark of respect for the Master and teachers and as a part of self discipline, participants must be on time and must stay for the duration of each program.
Karma Yoga (selfless service)
Karma yoga is an integral part of the daily schedule at MoxshVihar during all courses. It provides an opportunity for participants to be one with MoxshVihar community. Participants are required to offer up to one hour of karma yoga every day.
Day Off
Some courses have a weekly day off. Participants may leave MoxshVihar on this day only. However, even on this day, participants should attend satang. There will be no lectures and coaching classes on the day off, but morning asana classes, brunch and dinner will be available.
Silence (Mouna)
Participants are requested to observe silence during brunch and Dinner and between 10:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. daily.
Lights out after 10:00 p.m. daily
Personal Belongings
Moxshlife Commune and the Master and the staff at MoxshVihar are not responsible for the participants' personal belongings. They are requested to keep them safely in the designated area.
Minimum Stay
All participants are requested to check the minimum stay for each course before booking. The complete course fee will have to be paid on arrival and registration. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable in the event of early departure or for any other reason.
Check in/out
All participants and visitors must register at reception on arrival at MoxshVihar. Check-in time is between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Participants will need to give prior intimation about their expected arrival time. Check-out is before 10:00 a.m. On check out please settle any outstanding bills.
Payments and Fees
All residential course fees include sessions, food, and accommodation. Dates and fees are subject to change without notice. For all courses, participants must pay the fee that is effective at the time of payment.
Identity Proof
Indian students must carry Identity proof (Adhaar Card), as well as current residential proof (check each course details to know more) and submit a photocopy.
International/Foreign students/participants must carry their original passport with a valid Indian visa, which covers the entire duration of the stay, and submit a Photocopy of the same.
Summary
The spirit behind the discipline and rules is to create an environment of consistent practice for all participants, making each one's experience at MoxshVihar memorable.
Moxshlife Commune operates with the dedication and selfless service of volunteer staff, who have different experience levels, and their services forms part of the spiritual discipline. We appreciate the understanding and patience of all our participants and guests.
Hinduism
Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life based on dharma, which means righteous living. It is free from religious fanaticism and allows freedom in matters of faith and worship. As per Hinduism, one can worship any form that is most appealing, without disrespecting any other manner of worship. In Hinduism, there is no conversion to or from other religions, since it says that every religion is just a different manner of worshipping the same divine principle.
MoxshVihar: A Gurukulam
MoxshVihar is a Gurukulam with an Ashram Life. It represents an ancient Indian tradition where students stayed, worked and studied with their Guru (the Master). This was known as the Gurukulam system of education. Moxshlife Commune's MoxshVihar is a spiritual retreat for all seekers and practitioners to live and study under the guidance of a Master/Guru. It provides an environment that is conducive for personal and spiritual development.
Guidelines at Temples
Temples are places of worship and meditation. Therefore the sanctity of temples must always be maintained. One should take a bath and wear clean, modest clothing before entering the temple area. To the extent possible one must maintain silence and avoid unnecessary talk.
Satsang
Satsang is a Sanskrit word which is made up of two words: Satya and Sanga, meaning a gathering of seekers of truth. Usually held in the mornings and evenings, Satsangs include approximately 30 minutes of silent meditation, 30 minutes of mantra chanting, and an interactive talk session with the Master or reading on some subject of yoga philosophy.
Prayers (prarthna)
Prayers promote a feeling of humility and devotion. Prayers are usually in Sanskrit and are chanted at the beginning and end of each session or ceremony.
Puja
Puja is one of the forms of Bhakti Yoga (the yogic path of devotion). During a Puja ceremony, all the participants show their reverence to either God, a spirit, or any other aspect of the divine. There are invocations, prayers, bhajans (devotional songs) and other rituals. The Puja ceremony is meant to establish a spiritual connection with the divine. The Puja ritual itself is directed toward an object, which could be an idol, a photograph or any other elements of nature.
Homa
A Homa, which is also known as 'Havan', is a sacred ritual around the fire, which the Master says is the most powerful among the five elements as it 'rises up' against gravity. Auspicious substances are presented to the Divine through the fire. A Homa purifies the entire environment.
Aarti
The ceremonial Aarti is conducted at the conclusion of every satsang and puja. In the Arati, a flame which symbolises the light of knowledge, is moved in circular direction before images of deities and Gurus, as mantras are chanted by all attendees. It is a tradition to light the flame with camphor, as it is the only substance that burns without a residue, symbolizing the destruction of the ego without a trace with the dawn of knowledge. As the ceremony concludes, the flame is passed around to the attendees, and each one passes their hand over the holy flame and raises their palms to the forehead, symbolizing a form of divine blessing. Finally, the 'prasad' or sacred food material is offered to all attendees.
Shoes & Feet
According to Hindu tradition, Shoes, and to a lesser degree, feet, are associated with being unclean. Shoes are not permitted inside any buildings in MoxshVihar, especially in places of worship and dining. Shoes should be placed neatly in the spaces provided for them. One must avoid pointing feet at the place where the Master is seated or at the altar, as this is considered disrespectful.
Hands
In India, the left hand is generally used for personal hygiene, and therefore one must not use the left hand when interacting with others. In MoxshVihar, meals are served in the traditional manner where everyone sits on the floor and eats with the right hand. It is considered rude to offer anything or serve food etc. with the left hand. One must eat, offer and receive (especially food and prasad) with the right hand.
Books
According to Hindu culture, books are symbolically associated with Saraswasti, the goddess of learning and creativity. It is considered disrespectful to place the feet or sit on books.