Indra Devi Quotes

Powerful Indra Devi for Daily Growth

About Indra Devi

Indra Devi (1899-2002), born Eugenie Petrovna Tschammer in Russia, was a pioneering yoga instructor who brought the practice of yoga to the West and became one of its most influential figures. Known as the 'First Lady of Yoga,' she was a remarkable woman whose life spanned over a century, filled with adventure, enlightenment, and a profound impact on global wellness. Indra Devi's journey began in St. Petersburg, where her father was an officer in the Imperial Russian Army. However, her family's wealth was lost during the Bolshevik Revolution, forcing them to flee to China. In Beijing, she met her future husband, a Chinese army officer named Cheng Man-Ching, who introduced her to traditional Chinese martial arts and yoga. In 1938, Indra Devi immigrated to Paris where she opened her first yoga studio. Her fame grew when Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, and Marlene Dietrich began attending her classes. In the late 1950s, she moved to India and lived in a cave near Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges. There, she studied with renowned yogis and deepened her practice, ultimately writing several influential books on yoga such as 'Yoga for Americans' (1960) and 'The Miracle of Yoga' (1978). Throughout her life, Indra Devi was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and defying conventions. She embodied the spirit of yoga in every aspect of her life, inspiring millions to explore their own spiritual journeys through the practice of yoga. Her legacy continues today, with yoga studios worldwide carrying on her teachings and her books still influencing those seeking inner peace and physical well-being.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Do not let age determine your flexibility. Let your flexibility determine your age."

This quote emphasizes that a flexible mindset and body should transcend age limits, suggesting that one's physical agility or mental adaptability should not be determined by chronological age but rather the other way around. Essentially, Indra Devi encourages individuals to maintain their flexibility (either physically or mentally) as they grow older, effectively making them appear and feel younger.


"The body is like a garden. It requires constant weeding to keep it from being overrun by negativity."

This quote by Indra Devi suggests that our physical bodies, much like a garden, need regular upkeep and care. The "weeds" here symbolize negative thoughts, feelings, or actions that can grow and take over if left unchecked. It's a reminder to cultivate positivity, peace, and good habits in our lives to maintain balance and harmony, both physically and mentally.


"In yoga, as in life, it's all about balance."

This quote by Indra Devi emphasizes that the principles of balance apply not only to yoga practice but also to daily life. Balance, in this context, refers to finding equilibrium between different aspects such as body and mind, effort and surrender, flexibility and strength, rest and activity, and even positive and negative emotions. Maintaining a balanced state helps us navigate through life's challenges effectively and promotes overall well-being.


"Yoga is the unyoking of the mind and body."

This quote by Indra Devi suggests that yoga is a practice aimed at achieving harmony between the mind and body. It implies that when our mental and physical aspects are in alignment, we can experience greater balance, peace, and overall well-being. In essence, yoga serves to disentangle or "unyoke" any discord or tension between these two essential components of our being.


"The more flexible you are, the younger you are; the less flexible you are, the older you are. But physical flexibility is not everything. Mental and spiritual flexibility are even more important as we age."

This quote by Indra Devi highlights the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being as we age. She suggests that maintaining physical flexibility is a key indicator of youthfulness, but she underscores its importance in relation to mental and spiritual flexibility. The implication is that being adaptable, open-minded, and spiritually vibrant, beyond just the ability to move freely physically, contributes significantly to our perceived age and overall quality of life as we grow older.


Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.

- Indra Devi

Sky, Mind, Which, Relaxed

Yoga is a way to freedom. By its constant practice, we can free ourselves from fear, anguish and loneliness.

- Indra Devi

Freedom, Practice, Constant, Anguish

We must keep both our femininity and our strength.

- Indra Devi

Strength, Keep, Must, Femininity

Women must not shout back when their husbands come home and shout at them for any reason.

- Indra Devi

Reason, Back, Must, Shout

We've got our own daylight to get bad thoughts away, and we talk with that light - our star in our heart. We take away what's unimportant.

- Indra Devi

Thoughts, Bad, Away, Daylight

Laughter drives shouting away.

- Indra Devi

Laughter, Away, Drives, Shouting

Men have to descend from their pedestal and learn how to be more broadminded and spiritual.

- Indra Devi

Learn, How, Pedestal, Descend

Tell your husbands any bad news when everything is calm, not just as they come through the door.

- Indra Devi

Door, News, Through, Husbands

We women must listen to our inner voice. It is easier for women to do this as they are not afraid to say what they feel.

- Indra Devi

Voice, Feel, Inner Voice, Inner

Yoga means union, in all its significances and dimensions.

- Indra Devi

Union, Yoga, Means, Dimensions

Freedom is living without chains.

- Indra Devi

Freedom, Living, Without, Chains

Yoga is an art and science of living.

- Indra Devi

Art, Science, Living, Yoga

I do not belong to any religion. Everything is between God and myself.

- Indra Devi

Myself, Everything, Any, Belong

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