Beyond the Asana: Vedanta, Non-Duality & the Deeper Purpose of Practice

What if the practice isn't about becoming better at yoga — but about seeing more clearly who you are? In this rich and contemplative conversation, Harmony sits down with Ricardo Louro and Inês Brilhante — founders of Ashtanga House Faro in Portugal's stunning Algarve region — to explore how studying Vedanta philosophy in the lineage of Swami Dayananda Saraswati has completely transformed their relationship with Ashtanga yoga practice. This is not a conversation about perfecting postures. It's a conversation about what postures are actually for. IN THIS EPISODE: The core Vedanta teaching — 'jiva jagadishvara' : the essence of the individual self, the world, and the creator are one How Ricardo went from asana obsession and identity-building to genuine inner freedom Why Inês finds Vedanta's teaching on impermanence invaluable as a mother, teacher, and business partner The practice of shravanam (deep listening to teachings) as a form of yoga in itself Mantra japa as a daily foundation — and how it freed Ricardo from needing to complete a full series to feel 'done' The 'polishing the mirror' metaphor: what it truly means to use yoga as a tool for self-inquiry How to begin studying Vedanta (recommended: Swami Sarvapriyananda on YouTube) The Dayananda Saraswati lineage and why studying in your own language matters Ines and Ricardo's path to founding Ashtanga House Faro — from Coimbra and Portimão, to Mysore, to the Algarve   CONNECT WITH ASHTANGA HOUSE FARO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtangahousefaro/ Website: https://www.ashtangahousefaro.com/   HARMONY IS TEACHING: 🌿 Agorayoga Lisbon — June 25–28 | All details in show notes 🌿 Ashtanga House Faro, Faro, Portugal — July 7–11 | 5-Day Mysore Intensive (includes pranayama, chanting, embodiment practices, working with the elements, and energetic field exploration)   RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Swami Sarvapriyananda on YouTube — accessible entry point into Vedanta philosophy   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Asana practice is a tool for purifying the mind — not the ultimate goal of yoga Vedanta provides the philosophical framework that gives physical practice its deeper purpose Mantra japa trains the quality of single-pointed attention required for genuine study and practice Shravanam — dedicated listening to teachings — is itself a form of yoga Understanding impermanence reduces suffering and creates practical lightness in daily life The practice of yoga is ultimately about seeing yourself more clearly — polishing the mirror   If this episode resonated, please leave a 5-star review and share it with a practitioner who's ready to go deeper than the mat. 🙏 The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermind FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation