Meditation Antar Mouna Stage Hyz
A vast number of diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure and asthma etc. are caused primarily by mental disturbance, tension and suppressed feelings. Other factors are also involved, but we feel the main cause lies in the mind. Mental tensions reflect in the body. Extreme tension, dissatisfaction or frustration in the mind over a long period of time leads to manifestation of physical malfunction in some form or another, that is, disease. Regular practice of antar mouna brings about a...
Pranayama Practice Rbk
In Lesson 12 we introduced you to the fourth stage of nadi shodhana pranayama called bahir kumbhaka1. We emphasized that you should not hold your breath for a long duration after exhalation in the early stages of practice. This is important. We suggested that you hold your breath externally for no longer than the duration of inhalation. That is, if you breathe in for a count of 5 seconds , then you should also do bahir kumbhaka for no longer than a count of 5 seconds if you inhale for 3 seconds...
Location of chakra and kshetram
Like swadhisthana, manipura and anahata chakras, vishuddhi chakra also has a reflection on the front surface of the body called the vishuddhi kshetram. This is utilized in the practices of kriya yoga. The positions of the chakra and kshetram are as follows Vishuddhi kshetram is located on the front surface ofthe throat in the region ofthe Adam's apple and the thyroid gland. Vishuddhi chakra is located in the spine directly behind the kshetram. The kshetram can be easily located for it is...
The pranic body
Let us first of all discuss what yoga says about prana in relation to the human body. The sciences of yoga and physiology agree that there are various energies within the body nervous energy, heat, biochemical energy, etc., which function in the different parts of the body. These energies allow all the different organs, nerves and muscles to operate and communicate with the brain. Without them the physical body and brain would not function. These energies can be classified as various forms of...
Technique Wpv
Sit on the floor with the back straight. Fold the legs so that the knees are near the Clench your fists and place them near or on Lean backwards while simultaneously straightening and raising the arms and legs. Keep the fists in contact on or near the knees. The final pose is shown. The whole body should be balanced on the buttocks. Try to raise the legs as high as possible keeping them straight. Hold your breath in the final position. Stay in the final raised pose for as long as is...
Summary of karma yoga
The aim of karma yoga is to become the perfect reflector of the cosmic consciousness in the arena of the manifested world. Usually this perfection is impossible to attain because of personal whims. These have to be eradicated. When one no longer considers himself to be the doer, but merely the instrument, then everything that one does becomes spiritualized and perfect. The actions and work become super-efficient. He becomes the expert of experts in his actions, the least effort produces the...
Meaning of Soham
The meaning of the mantra Soham is not essential for the practice of ajapa. However, it is worthwhile explaining it So - Shiva or He Ham - A ham or 'I am' That is, Soham means 'I am He' or 'I am Shiva' or 'I am consciousness'. The mantra Saham can be splitup in the same way i.e. Sah Aham to give the same meaning. The meaning can be remembered continuously with the practice of ajapa as a method of affirmation. It is an excellent method for those people who have had a deep transcendental...
Sahasrara
The picture we have given of the sahasrara is an attempt to express the inexpressible. It is shoonya - the void perhaps it should be called shoonya-shoonya - the voidless void, the void of totality. It is Brahman. It is everything and nothing. Everything we say about it must be wrong, as we would be immediately limiting and categorizing it. Even if we say that it is infinite, we are wrong. It transcends all concepts, yet it is the source of all concepts. It is the merging of consciousness and...
Codes for mental reprogramming
The codes we have formulated are not intended to be moralistic. They are a means to an end. To reiterate, they are suggestions by which you can start to consciously alter your attitude towards life's situations. They are intended to relax you sufficiently, so that you can eventually delve into your mind through meditational practices and thereby root out the deeper negative aspects of your mental nature. These codes are not supposed to change your lifestyle, and we don't advise you to force...
Satsang
Satsang is the essence of yogic and spiritual life. The word sat means 'truth' and sang means 'association'. Satsang, therefore, means 'association with truth', 'an encounter with truth' or 'association with those who are following the path of truth'. In the highest sense it means direct perception and communion with truth, and even more, living with awareness of truth in every action and incident of life. It means that one's being is submerged in awareness of truth. But this is a very elevated...
Attributes of the ajna chakra
The ajna is the seat of the mind, the purified buddhi subtle intelligence . When this chakra is awakened, fickleness of the individual mind is dispersed. Attachment, the cause of lack of discrimination and ignorance, fades away. The mind becomes a perfect instrument. Ajna chakra is the centre of wisdom. It represents the level of awareness where one begins to see and realize the hidden essence behind all visible things. It is the centre of intuition where one tunes in with the underlying...
Basic features
Surya namaskara consists of live essential aspects. All of them must be done to gain the optimum results from the practice. These aspects are as follows 1. Physical postures there are twelve physical postures which correspond to the signs of the zodiac. During the sun's apparent journey through the heavens it passes through each of these celestial houses in turn. It remains in each zodiac for about thirty days and is said to triumph over each sign as it enters its domain. Each position in surya...
Pranayama Nadi Shodhana Stage Hxg
So far in the first two stages of nadi shodhana pranayama we have described alternate manipulation and control of breath through the two nostrils'. In other words, the aim has been to direct the flow of breath through each of the nostrils separately. There are various good reasons for these practices. Firstly, the ability to control inhalation and exhalation is increased and the breathing rate is decreased at will. From this comes improved respiration, which results in more vitality and better...
Benefits Iew
This is an excellent asana for loosening up the leg joints and strengthening the arms. It also helps to remove back and neck ache. It has been found useful in treating hydrocele. BAKA DHYAN ASANA PATIENT CRANE POSE The word baka means 'crane' and dhyana means 'meditation'. The crane is a long-legged bird that can be seen standing in the shallow water of rivers. The crane seems to be asleep, but as soon as an unsuspecting fish comes within its range, it pounces. The crane is calm and yet very...
Integration of ida and pingala
The main purpose ofthis topic is to emphasize the importance of integrating and balancing the ida and pingala. By combining both paths, one's potential is unfolded in a balanced manner. Inner potential and awareness are expanded with a corresponding change in the actions and relationships with the external environment. This combination leads to a progressive effacement of ego-centred motives and identification, which in turn leads to the rising of the kundalini through the chakras. One's power...
Importance of neti in yogic physiology
The science ofyoga maintains that the flow of air in each nostril alternately changes. If you test this for yourself, you will find this to be true. At present one of your nostrils is admitting more air than the other. After some time the other nostril will admit the greater amount of air. This alternate flow of breath through the two nostrils in turn has a profound influence on the energy cycle of man. It controls our thinking and physical activity, our introversion and extroversion. This...
Dogma fanaticism and indoctrination
The problem with bhakti yoga is that it can easily lead to blind dogmatism combined with fanatical enforcement of one's beliefs on others. This is not bhakti. Throughout history bhakti has been totally misunderstood and misapplied. Bhakti is the path of love and devotion, yet it has often tended to develop along the path of dogmatism and fanaticism. This is exactly the opposite of bhakti. On the path of bhakti yoga one can devote oneself to a specific form of divinity, any form of one's choice....
Scriptual references
Most traditional texts on hatha yoga mention vastra dhauti. The GherandSamhita says Take a long fine cloth which is two inches in length. Swallow it gradually and then take it out again. This is known as dhauti kriya. 1 41 Vastra dhauti cures tumour, fever, kidney trouble, leprosy, cough, catarrh and bile trouble. It keeps the body free of disease and strong. It helps to develop the body. 1 42 It seems that the great yogi Gherand had a veiy high regard for vastra dhauti. The Hatha Yoga...
Technique Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
It you have been following the previous lessons then this practice will require little introduction - it has been a constant theme. All the four stages are directly concerned with balancing ida and pingala. It is the most direct approach, for the flow in the nostrils is controlled by physical manipulation ofthe nostrils. W e don't intend to explain the practice here, as this has already been done extensively. However, you may have forgotten much about the practice, therefore, the following is a...
Indian bhaktas
If we wrote about most of the known bhaktas of India then we would easily fill the rest of this book. It is possible to write an encyclopaedia on them. To give you an idea of the aspirations of these bhaktas we intend to give selected quotations from two great bhaktas - Kabir and Ramakrishna. Kabir is one of the most famous bhaktas of India. The word kabir means 'great', and this exactly describes this exuberant bhakti poet. He is often called Kabirdas, which means the slave or servant of the...
Mudras Meditational Hand Positions
The position of the hands while practising a meditational technique is important. At first it may seem to be an insignificant aspect of meditative practice, yet it has been found by the rishis and yogis throughout the ages and by people today that the wrong position of the hands can severely curtail successful meditative practice. This is particularly the case with beginners, but as one starts to master the mind and body, the position of the hands will have little influence. However, in this...
Leg joint realignment exercises
After completing yoga mudrasana or padm-asana the leg joints tend to lock. If you straighten your legs too quickly you might experience pain or injure your joints. This seems to apply to some individuals, and not to others. Therefore, you should take great care to slowly unfold your legs from padmasana, allowing the joints to realign themselves. When the legs are straightened in front of the body, 'there may still be stiffness. The best way to remove this is to slowly bend each leg in turn, so...
Kriya Yoga Part 1
In this second part we will discuss the vitally important topic of awareness. This is the essence of kriya yoga as well as other medita-tional techniques. The ability to witness all events, whether internal or external with an attitude of detachment is the means to concentration of the mind. Generally, the mind is constantly flooded with a stream of both outside stimuli and inner chattering. There is a continuous 'noise' in the mind. The mind screen, the field of perception, is overwhelmed by...
General limitations
One should not practise sarvangasana under the following conditions If you feel physically tired. During periods of illness and fever, such as during coughs and colds, influenza, etc. Until at least three hours have elapsed after During menstruation and advanced stages Sarvangasana should be immediately terminated if you experience the following Sarvangasana can be done by people of all ages, young or old, male or female. Elderly people, however, should proceed carefully if they are learning...
Variation in ardha padmasana
Sit on the floor with the two legs in front of the body. Fold one of the legs into ardha padmasana halflotus pose keeping the other leg straight4. Do stage 2 described for the classical form of matsyasana. Then do alternative A don't do alternative B for there will be little or no benefits . In the final pose hold the toes and ankle of the Make sure that the back is arched as much as the flexibility of your back will allow. Stay in the final pose for some time. Then return to the starting...
Asanas Benefits
When describing the benefits of asanas there is always the tendency of oversimplification. The concrete benefits that we attribute to each asana in this book, though definitely valid, are only scratching the surface. We are actually underselling the vast benefits that can be obtained from them. We generally confine ourselves to listing the physical benefits and pointing out the parts of the body that are specifically influenced. These benefits are true enough, but asanas act in far greater...
Benefits Fod
The benefits obtainable from regular practise of sirshasana are extensive. The following is merely a summary. Perfect health of the brain cells allows the orain and in turn the physical body to function efficiently and to full capacity. The thought processes are allowed to manifest more vividly. Sirshasana directs an enriched oxygenated supply of blood to the brain cells. This blood flow is at a slightly increased pressure due to action of gravity. Blood vessels are very elastic and can dilate...
Shaktas
Followers of this path base their practices on worship of Shakti, the cosmic power that creates, sustains and eventually withdraws the universe. This includes each and every individual. Shakti is rooted in and is the active form of the passive, unchanging aspect which is known as consciousness Shiva . This split is made as a convenient method of trying to explain the unexplainable. The individual consciousness is rooted in and is Shiva, whereas the body and mind are manifestations of Shakti....
Program duration hour
Ardha Titali Asana 50 each leg 3 Shroni Chakra 10 each way 3 Supta Pawanmuktasana 3 each stage 5 Gatyatmak Meru Vakrasana 20 rounds 2 Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Stage 1 8 Ardha Titali Asana 35 each leg 2 Shroni Chakra 10 each way 3 Supta Pawanmuktasana 2 each stage 4 Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Stage 1 4 Ardha Titali Asana 35 each leg 2 Supta Pawanmuktasana 2 each stage 3 Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Stage 1 4 When you have time practise Shavasana, Naukasana, or the practice of body awareness.
Technique Eju
.Assume a comfortable sitting position. Shav-asana can also be used, if preferred, but a sitting pose is best for there is less tendency to sleep. Furthermore, a sitting pose should certainly be assumed if these techniques are performed immediately after the practice of pranayama. Relax the whole body and close the eyes. Become totally aware of the breathing process. Feel as though nothing else exists but your breath. try to feel that you are only breathing in and out of the left nostril some...
The seat of the kundalini
The kundalini represents the latent potential in man and is generally regarded as residing in the mooladhara chakra. This implies that man has a unique faculty of self-awareness and understanding that normally remains untapped and unused. Man rarelv uses even a fraction of his potential. Tins is the realized meaning behind the svmbologv of the kundal-ini residing at the mooladhara chakra. There are also lower chakras. below mool-adhara, called atala. vitala. sutala. talatala, rasatala, mahatala...
Niralamba Pachimottanasana
Bend the legs and place the soles of the feet together on the ground in front of the buttocks. Hold the big toes with the thumb and index finger of each hand. Breathe in deeply. Lean backwards and straighten the two legs, keeping them together. The body should be supported and balanced only on the buttocks. The arms and legs should be straight and together. Hold the breath and final pose for as long as possible. Then lower the legs to the starting position. Rest for a short period of time. All...
Benefits Qsl
This asana increases the flexibility of the back and massages the abdominal organs. It gives many other similar benefits. In particular it influences the kidneys and the adrenal glands. The kidneys purify our blood. During bhujangasana they are compressed thereby removing stagnant blood. On resumption of the starting position the kidneys are irrigated with a fresh supply of blood. A massage of these important organs is normally difficult for they are comparatively inaccessible. Bhujangasana...
Benefits Caw
Mayurasana is a unique asana in that it vigorously stimulates the entire body processes. It stimulates the blood circulation and the process of metabolism. It thereby helps to purify the blood and in turn the whole body. If you have a bad complexion and boils then we suggest that you try mayurasana combined with the following program Stop eating highly toxic foods such as spices, meat, sweets and any synthetic, adulterated foods that are difficult to digest. Adopt a simple diet consisting of...
Shaivism
This group worships and bases its practices on tuning in and harmonizing directly with consciousness. It personifies consciousness in the form of Lord Shiva, who is the substratum from which the manifested world arises by the action of Shakti. It is a sect that tends more towards renunciation, both mentally and physically though for practical purposes it is only the mental renunciation that is really important. The basic philosophy of shaivism is the same as the shaktas. It says that the...
Antar Mouna in summary
The six stages of antar mouna are as follows 1. Awareness of sense perceptions3 2. Awareness of spontaneous thought process4 3. Conscious creation of thoughts5 4. Awareness and disposal of spontaneous thoughts6 These lead to dharana and then dhyana. 1 Antar Mouna, stage 5 - Book III, Lesson 30, Topic 4 3 Antar Mouna, stage 1 - Book III, Lesson 26, Topic 5
Attributes of vishuddhi
This is the centre or level of awareness where the world begins to become like one's own home. One becomes open to all experiences, whether good or bad. The stage of the world and life in general is regarded as the provider of experiences that lead to greater understanding. Instead of fighting with life, one begins to flow with the current of life. One ceases to continually avoid or ignore bad experiences or facets of life and seek good experiences. Instead there is the tendency to let things...
Lesson 1
1 Removal of Mental Problems Part 3 303 5 Trataka and Concentration 320 6 Meditation Practice 323 Daily Practice Program 325 2 Hatha Yoga Shankhaprakshalana 337 4 Pranayama Nadi Shodhana Stage 4 347 5 Meditation Aum Chanting 349 Daily Practice Program 353 5 Meditation Chidakasha Dharana 380 6 Tantra 385 Addendum - Tantra Yantras 409 Daily Practice Program 415 1 Hatha Yoga Moola Shodhana 419 3 Bandhas Jalandhara Bandha 428 5 Meditation Japa Part 1 433 Daily Practice Program 440 1 Bhakti Yoga...
Verbal instruction
This practice is quite long and one can forget the order of the instructions or more likely fall asleep. If you have a friend who is also interested in yoga practices you can easily overcome this problem. One of you should assume the role of teacher and the other the role of student. The teacher can read out the instructions that we have given adding personal touches and advice where suitable, while the student carries out the practice. After this, of course, the roles are reversed. 1 Shavasana...
Technique Tpr
Stand upright with the legs about 25 cms apart. Let the arms hang limply beside the body. Do stage 2 as described for pada hastasana. Bend the legs at the knees. While exhaling wrap the arms horizontally around the back of the knees, elbows pointing outwards. Relax the body. Breathe normally for a short period. Then exhale deeply. Try to place the fingers on the back of the neck. Try to slowly straighten the legs without letting the fingers slip from the back of the neck. Do not strain apply a...
Kundalini in mythology
Mythology in all parts of the world is abundant with stories involving snakes. Many of these refer directly to the kundalini. Here we will merely give a few examples, for we don't want to become lost in an exposition on mythology. The ancient Egyptians symbolized the kund-alini as a snake rising up through the spine sushumna . Egyptian mystics also wore a head-dress on which was fixed a snake uraeus at the eyebrow centre. This centre is called the rhrwnadhya in yoga and is connected directly to...
Dwi Pad Kandharasan
For the final lesson of asanas we will describe three difficult asanas Very few people will be able to do these. In fact, we strongly suggest that you do not try them unless you have a very strong flexible body and have been practising asanas for a few years. This will prevent strained muscles and torn ligaments due to premature practice. DWI PADA KANDHARASANA TWO-LEGGED SHOULDER POSE The Sanskrit word dwi means 'two' pada means foot' and kandha means 'shoulder'. Thus in English, this asana can...
Stage spinal flexion
In this stage it is best if you can hold your legs just above the ankles if you cannot do this then you can hold your legs at a higher point. Twist your arms so that the palms face backwards while still holding your legs. Keep your hands fixed in this position throughout. Breathe out deeply. Then as you breathe in move your body as follows Raise your head and shoulders forwards and upwards as high as comfortably possible. Simultaneously you should tense your arm muscles and try to pull your...
Points to remember when doing the asana
Paschimottanasana is an excellent asana that gives many benefits, if it is done correctly. Read the following instructions and carry them out when performing the asana 1. Make sure that there is perfect coordination between the breathing and physical movement. This is necessary to bring about the best possible flexion of the spine. 2. Keep your legs straight throughout the entire practice. This applies particularly to beginners, who will be tempted to bend their legs in order to obtain a...
Stage conscious creation of thoughts
In this stage one has to create a thought or visualize a scene at will. After dwelling on the thought for some time it is consciously rejected as an object of perception. Then another thought is posed and again rejected after some time. This is repeated with numerous thoughts of any theme. This is a further process of purging the mind of negative data. These created thoughts stir up associated feelings and ideas that are eventually exhausted. For example, if you create the thought I wish I...
Stage awareness of sense perceptions
In this stage, one becomes aware of external events. One intentionally directs perception to the outer world. Generally the eyes are closed so that sense impressions will be received mainly through the ears in the form of sound. One can also be aware of the senses of touch and smell. T he purpose of this stage is to reduce the influence of outside impressions on one's perception. It is a case of 'familiarity breeding contempt'. Intentional perception of the outside world leads automatically to...
Technique Kkr
Sit with the two legs straight in front, straighten the arms and cross them with the right arm uppermost. Grasp the big toe of the right foot with the fingers of the right hand. Pull the right foot under the right arm. Place the right foot on the left thigh. Keep the left leg and right arm straight. Hold the spine and head upright. Breathe in deeply. Hold the breath and pull the right big toe towards the left ear this action resembles the drawing of the bow and arrow. This is the final pose and...
Dhanur-akarshan-asana Posture Archer Benefits
Gomukhasana is an excellent asana for inducing relaxation. If you feel tired, tense or worried then we strongly suggest that you practise gomukhasana for at least ten minutes. It helps to greatly ease away tension. For this reason, it has been found very useful for helping to relieve ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sexual malfunctions. Gomukhasana directly helps to remove stiffness in the spine, neck and shoulders. It also develops the chest and improves breathing. The word...
Meditation Ajapa Japa Stage Vkd
Nowadays there is an overwhelming tendency for human endeavour to be completely absorbed in the outside world. Everything in society, in education and so forth is orientated towards outside aspiration and activity. In fact, any tendency to be introverted is widely regarded as abnormal. The direction of man's life is almost totally fixed on the pingala path. This results in disequilibrium in life because the pingala is not supplemented and balanced by the ida path of introspection. This is one...
Madhyama nauli central contraction
Exhale deeply, emptying the lungs as much as To obtain the fullest exhalation you should contract the abdominal muscles by doing uddiyana bandha5. Look at the abdomen. Hold the breath. Try to contract the rectus abdominii muscles so that they form a central arch running vertically in front of the abdomen. This position is clearly shown in the figure. Hold the contraction for as long as you are able to comfortably retain the breath. Try to contract the muscles as much as possible, but don't...