Westerners tend to associate the practice of yoga with the physical regimen of poses, stretches and breathing, commonly known as hatha or astanga yoga. There is much more than this in the ancient art of yoga. Meditation, specifically mantra meditation, is an integral part of the yogic tradition as it helps bring the practitioner closer to the true and ultimate goal of yoga: union with the Supreme.
The Sanskrit word “yoga” means “union” or to “link up with”, specifically referring to linking up with God or the Supreme Being. The practice of hatha and astanga yoga is a preliminary process designed to assist the yogi in controlling their senses to able to focus better on the Supreme. Ultimately the practitioner is able to control and raise their life air through the chakras to attain union.
A mantra is a sound vibration or specific series of words or sounds. The word “mantra” is derived from the Sanskrit word “man” which means “mind” and “tra” which means “to deliver from” or “away”. A mantra is therefore a sound vibration that takes the mind away from the material and puts it on the spiritual. Hence, mantra meditation is often referred to as “transcendental sound” because the sound of the mantra transcends the material world.
Mantras are always derived from names of God or descriptions of attributes of the Supreme Being. Thus, mantras often include Sanskrit names for God such as Rama, Chandra, Krishna and Siva. Also, Sanskrit terms such as ‘Hare” (referring to the energy of God) and “Shanti” (peace) are quite common.
The process of mantra meditation is quite simple. The yogi focuses his attention on the sound of the mantra and repeats it softly to him or herself, or sings and chants it aloud with others. Whenever the mind wanders, attention is brought back to the sound of the mantra. This can be done while using meditation beads (japa yoga), or in groups with musical instruments (kirtan). In time, with practice, the practitioner is better able to focus the mind on the transcendental sound and the mind has less of a tendency to wander.
The purpose of mantra meditation involves a fascinating philosophy. First of all, it is believed that the names of God have a purifying effect on the consciousness. The body is seen as a temporary, material container, housing the spirit soul (one’s true essence) and surrounded by a subtle material body, or the mind. The regular hearing and chanting of mantras is seen to help clear away the confusion and misery caused by identifying oneself with one’s body and mind.
This false bodily identification is seen as the root of all pain and bewilderment. Imagine the spirit soul as a brilliant, shining gemstone but one cannot perceive this because it is covered by dirt and dust. Mantras serve as a sort of transcendental polishing cloth, slowly taking away the dust so that the yogi can begin to experience the true essence of the self - eternal, full of knowledge and bliss!
Mantra meditation is therefore an important aspect of the process of self-realization. This is the ultimate goal of yoga: the realization that we are spirit in essence, part and parcel of the Supreme Spirit. The more we progress on the path of yoga, the more peaceful, blissful and loving we become. This is spiritual life.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Yoga
Showing posts with label Chakras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chakras. Show all posts
March 2, 2009
March 1, 2009
Exploring Yoga: The Chakra System
The chakra system is essentially a system of energy centers along the spinal column, each of which functions as a focal point for the reception and transmission of psychophysical energies. Interestingly, there appears to be a strong relationship between the chakras and the neuroendocrine system as the location of the chakras overlaps with that of the glands. The glands are responsible for secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream creating the chemical balance in the body. The chakras are located along the spinal column and each of the energy centers specialize in a different aspect of our body, mind and spirit experiences, which contribute to the aura we carry through the world.
The lower chakras in the system are the most dominant as they represent our animal instincts, such as survival, sexuality and dominance. As you rise up the energy line, the upper chakras reach a more spiritual plane. In order to balance the existence of the Self (I am-ness), there needs to be balance between the upper and lower chakras. When the Self emanates at its fullest potential, from the midpoint of the heart chakra, the quest for spirituality comes from a place of love.
The word “chakra” means “wheel” and they appear to be a sort of spinning wheel of light to those who can see them. The chakras transform this light (life force / prana / chi) by releasing subtle energy into the aura and the part of the physical body where they are located. Unbalanced chakras can lead to physical imbalances. It is plausible then that the disharmonious, unbalanced or insufficient flow of subtle energy through the chakras could be the ultimate cause of disease.
From the lowest most instinctual chakra rising to the highest most spiritual one, the seven major chakras are: Muladhara (root), Svadisthana (sacral), Manipura (navel), Anahata (heart), Vishudda (throat), Ajna (brow) and Sahasrara (crown).
Muladhara (Root/Base) Chakra
The root chakra is located at the base of the sacrum and the coccyx. It is associated with the earth element and the lower limbs and is energetically connected to the Adrenal glands. When Muladhara is imbalanced, it can create insecurity, fight or flight responses and a sense of being rootless - out of touch with gravity. On the contrary, we can stimulate Muladhara through the practice of Asanas (Frog, Bridge and ? pigeon), by the color red and with the mantra LAM to foster a strong sense of security, positive self image and grounded ness.
Svadisthana (Sacral/Sex) Chakra
Svadisthana is located mid point between the navel and pubic bone and is associated with the water element and sexual energy. Its connection to the neuroendocrine system appears to be through the sex glands (ovaries / testicles) which stimulates and maintains sexual characteristics and influences behavior. If Svadisthana is imbalanced it can result in primal emotions and lust. But with concentration on the color orange, the mantra VAM and Asanas (pigeon, cobra, sphinx and half locust) we can create vitality and willfulness, creativity and sensuality from the energy of the sacral chakra.
Manipura (Navel/Solar Plexus) Chakra
You can find the navel chakra halfway between the base of the sternum and the navel and it is associated with the fire element and personal power. It is connected to the pancreas which maintains blood sugar levels in our body which in turn affects our energy levels. Manipura or “jewel city” can affect us negatively with a sense of helplessness, fear of change, feelings of being stuck and sometimes actions of brute force. However, we can nourish our navel chakra meditating with the mantra RAM and the color yellow and with the practice of Bow, Full Locust and Warrior postures, we will benefit from power, vulnerability, calm assurance and adaptability and an openness to change.
Anahata (Heart) Chakra
As the name identifies, find your heart chakra in the middle of your sternum. Anahata is the energetic center of the chakra system and is associated to the air element, the cardiac system and compassion for others. The heart chakra connects to the glandular system through the heart and the thymus gland, effecting the development of immunity and love. Ignoring Anahata may result in a sense of despair and hardheartedness but through the practice of Camel and Fish postures, the color green and the mantra YAM, one can cultivate a Self of compassion and unconditional love for the universe.
Vishudda (Throat) Chakra
Vishudda rests in the hollow of the throat and is associated with the ether element, the auditory system, self-expression, energy and endurance. The throat chakra’s connection to the neuroendocrine system is the thyroid gland which secretes hormones that affect the metabolism of the body. Imbalanced, Vishudda might leave you with a prejudiced perception of the world and a rigidity to change. On the other hand, activating your throat chakra with Shoulder stand and Plow pose and meditating with the color blue and the mantra HAM can ignite your sense of reason, logic, creative expression and commitment to speaking the truth.
Ajna (Third Eye/Brow) Chakra
Go between your eyebrows to find your third eye chakra which is associated with the light element, sensory input, intuition, telepathic communication and the ability to meditate. Ajna has a connection to the Pituitary gland which contributes to the reception of the nervous system and the secretions of hormones. Blocking the path to Samadhi, the imbalanced Ajna will result in our wish to control things and our narrow-mindedness. But intuition, creative thinking and a larger view of life will nourish our energy system through the practice of Yoga Mudra and concentration on the color indigo purple and the mantra OM.
Sahasrara (Crown) Chakra
At the highest energy center in the chakra system, located at the top of your head you blossom your crown chakra. To avoid a lack of consciousness and feelings of being put down and alienation, practice sitting in silent meditation in lotus posture. Focus on the pineal gland’s role of creating the ability to see within - pure intuitive perception. Concentrate your imagination on a violet white lotus blossom opening up at the crown of your head and absorb the aroma of cosmic understanding and oneness with all that will come to you.
With the continued practice of yoga and an exploration of its eight limbs, mantras, meditations and root locks, we continue to open the energy lines to create balance in the chakra system. As we maintain this equilibrium, we will benefit from the energetic affirmations noted above and raise our energy from our primal instincts to a higher level of spiritual awareness and existence in the world. Who knows? Perhaps we may even find Samadhi.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Yoga
The lower chakras in the system are the most dominant as they represent our animal instincts, such as survival, sexuality and dominance. As you rise up the energy line, the upper chakras reach a more spiritual plane. In order to balance the existence of the Self (I am-ness), there needs to be balance between the upper and lower chakras. When the Self emanates at its fullest potential, from the midpoint of the heart chakra, the quest for spirituality comes from a place of love.
The word “chakra” means “wheel” and they appear to be a sort of spinning wheel of light to those who can see them. The chakras transform this light (life force / prana / chi) by releasing subtle energy into the aura and the part of the physical body where they are located. Unbalanced chakras can lead to physical imbalances. It is plausible then that the disharmonious, unbalanced or insufficient flow of subtle energy through the chakras could be the ultimate cause of disease.
From the lowest most instinctual chakra rising to the highest most spiritual one, the seven major chakras are: Muladhara (root), Svadisthana (sacral), Manipura (navel), Anahata (heart), Vishudda (throat), Ajna (brow) and Sahasrara (crown).
Muladhara (Root/Base) Chakra
The root chakra is located at the base of the sacrum and the coccyx. It is associated with the earth element and the lower limbs and is energetically connected to the Adrenal glands. When Muladhara is imbalanced, it can create insecurity, fight or flight responses and a sense of being rootless - out of touch with gravity. On the contrary, we can stimulate Muladhara through the practice of Asanas (Frog, Bridge and ? pigeon), by the color red and with the mantra LAM to foster a strong sense of security, positive self image and grounded ness.
Svadisthana (Sacral/Sex) Chakra
Svadisthana is located mid point between the navel and pubic bone and is associated with the water element and sexual energy. Its connection to the neuroendocrine system appears to be through the sex glands (ovaries / testicles) which stimulates and maintains sexual characteristics and influences behavior. If Svadisthana is imbalanced it can result in primal emotions and lust. But with concentration on the color orange, the mantra VAM and Asanas (pigeon, cobra, sphinx and half locust) we can create vitality and willfulness, creativity and sensuality from the energy of the sacral chakra.
Manipura (Navel/Solar Plexus) Chakra
You can find the navel chakra halfway between the base of the sternum and the navel and it is associated with the fire element and personal power. It is connected to the pancreas which maintains blood sugar levels in our body which in turn affects our energy levels. Manipura or “jewel city” can affect us negatively with a sense of helplessness, fear of change, feelings of being stuck and sometimes actions of brute force. However, we can nourish our navel chakra meditating with the mantra RAM and the color yellow and with the practice of Bow, Full Locust and Warrior postures, we will benefit from power, vulnerability, calm assurance and adaptability and an openness to change.
Anahata (Heart) Chakra
As the name identifies, find your heart chakra in the middle of your sternum. Anahata is the energetic center of the chakra system and is associated to the air element, the cardiac system and compassion for others. The heart chakra connects to the glandular system through the heart and the thymus gland, effecting the development of immunity and love. Ignoring Anahata may result in a sense of despair and hardheartedness but through the practice of Camel and Fish postures, the color green and the mantra YAM, one can cultivate a Self of compassion and unconditional love for the universe.
Vishudda (Throat) Chakra
Vishudda rests in the hollow of the throat and is associated with the ether element, the auditory system, self-expression, energy and endurance. The throat chakra’s connection to the neuroendocrine system is the thyroid gland which secretes hormones that affect the metabolism of the body. Imbalanced, Vishudda might leave you with a prejudiced perception of the world and a rigidity to change. On the other hand, activating your throat chakra with Shoulder stand and Plow pose and meditating with the color blue and the mantra HAM can ignite your sense of reason, logic, creative expression and commitment to speaking the truth.
Ajna (Third Eye/Brow) Chakra
Go between your eyebrows to find your third eye chakra which is associated with the light element, sensory input, intuition, telepathic communication and the ability to meditate. Ajna has a connection to the Pituitary gland which contributes to the reception of the nervous system and the secretions of hormones. Blocking the path to Samadhi, the imbalanced Ajna will result in our wish to control things and our narrow-mindedness. But intuition, creative thinking and a larger view of life will nourish our energy system through the practice of Yoga Mudra and concentration on the color indigo purple and the mantra OM.
Sahasrara (Crown) Chakra
At the highest energy center in the chakra system, located at the top of your head you blossom your crown chakra. To avoid a lack of consciousness and feelings of being put down and alienation, practice sitting in silent meditation in lotus posture. Focus on the pineal gland’s role of creating the ability to see within - pure intuitive perception. Concentrate your imagination on a violet white lotus blossom opening up at the crown of your head and absorb the aroma of cosmic understanding and oneness with all that will come to you.
With the continued practice of yoga and an exploration of its eight limbs, mantras, meditations and root locks, we continue to open the energy lines to create balance in the chakra system. As we maintain this equilibrium, we will benefit from the energetic affirmations noted above and raise our energy from our primal instincts to a higher level of spiritual awareness and existence in the world. Who knows? Perhaps we may even find Samadhi.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Yoga
February 24, 2009
Yoga in Practice: Ajna Chakra
Chakras are vortices located in the subtle body. Ajna chakra is located between the eyebrows. The existence of chakras is a point of contention to some. Yogis, and Yoginis, may practice balancing their chakras, while some religious fundamentalists feel this practice borders on witchcraft. However, let?s discuss one chakra that most everyone can identify with.
Ajna chakra is referred to as the ?third eye? and is sometimes called,?the mind?s eye.? Whether you believe in the existence of chakras, or not, most of us accept the concepts of intuition and insight. These concepts enable us to use self-reflection for our own advancement.
Most Yoga practitioners think only in terms of physical Yoga (Hatha Yoga), only. Yet all Yoga practitioners are aware that Yoga involves physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Therefore, let?s use the ?window of your mind? to your advantage. Visualization is commonly used by successful people to turn thoughts into reality. Although this is a mental exercise, it is a form of spiritual innovation. This is also a formula that will continually yield success in your life.
By steadily practicing positive visualization, self-analysis, and meditation, any Yoga student should be successful within any chosen path taken during the course of his or her life. You will notice that I mention ?positive? visualization. Do you think that Tiger Woods ever focused on missing a putt or losing a golf tournament? Whatever you envision, can easily become your reality.
Therefore, always focus on achievement and success. You cannot afford to think of anything else. See yourself overcoming obstacles and living your dreams. This is what all achievers do.
Now, let?s take a closer look at intuition. If you are not an intuitive person, you should work on enhancing this quality. Balancing Ajna chakra might help you, and if this is not a possibility, you should keep a trusted intuitive person around you, when it is time to make important decisions.
This is not to say that intuition is the overriding factor in your decision making, but intuition always has weight. Intuition will help us seek and find the deeper truth in all matters. This allows us to develop our personal awareness of what is, what is not, and what could be.
As we continue our journey to find the deeper truth, we become much more aware of the many possibilities and opportunities we have to contribute to the common good of all.
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Ajna chakra is referred to as the ?third eye? and is sometimes called,?the mind?s eye.? Whether you believe in the existence of chakras, or not, most of us accept the concepts of intuition and insight. These concepts enable us to use self-reflection for our own advancement.
Most Yoga practitioners think only in terms of physical Yoga (Hatha Yoga), only. Yet all Yoga practitioners are aware that Yoga involves physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Therefore, let?s use the ?window of your mind? to your advantage. Visualization is commonly used by successful people to turn thoughts into reality. Although this is a mental exercise, it is a form of spiritual innovation. This is also a formula that will continually yield success in your life.
By steadily practicing positive visualization, self-analysis, and meditation, any Yoga student should be successful within any chosen path taken during the course of his or her life. You will notice that I mention ?positive? visualization. Do you think that Tiger Woods ever focused on missing a putt or losing a golf tournament? Whatever you envision, can easily become your reality.
Therefore, always focus on achievement and success. You cannot afford to think of anything else. See yourself overcoming obstacles and living your dreams. This is what all achievers do.
Now, let?s take a closer look at intuition. If you are not an intuitive person, you should work on enhancing this quality. Balancing Ajna chakra might help you, and if this is not a possibility, you should keep a trusted intuitive person around you, when it is time to make important decisions.
This is not to say that intuition is the overriding factor in your decision making, but intuition always has weight. Intuition will help us seek and find the deeper truth in all matters. This allows us to develop our personal awareness of what is, what is not, and what could be.
As we continue our journey to find the deeper truth, we become much more aware of the many possibilities and opportunities we have to contribute to the common good of all.
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
February 23, 2009
Energy Enhancement and Psychology
Here is an example of an interview I gave before our last course which we give both in Spain on the Costa Brava and in Rosario in Argentina.
“I was meeting a nice girl of 28 this morning here at our center in Rosario. She is a Psychologist but has fallen out of love with Psychology because although it explains things intellectually it gives no TECHNIQUES apart from talking to change anything internally, particularly in herself. You can see how effective Psychology is by looking at Woody Allen.
I connected with her base chakra and her inner child showed me all her chakras and blockages one by one. A very interesting experience. First the Base chakra, one fear and security blockage which I removed very quickly. Then the second, a pain filled relationship blockage which I also removed. Then all the chakras solar plexus, heart etc, feeling the general dirtiness of the psychic body usually cleaned with The Grounding of Negative Energies but no major blockages.
Then the head, two blockages, one a person who had just died, very deep and negative. I removed the first blockage but the other one was more difficult and stayed with me, absorbed by my psychic body, for a day before I sent it on.
She felt the movement of energy blockages in the head and in the body as my mind and energy was working on her and told me that she normally got a lot of headaches. She was interested in my exposition of Energy Enhancement as all the while I was working on these blockages I was also talking to her.
Such openings show an educated psychic body, one with talent. Not everyone who comes to the Guru has similar experiences. Some also get more. She and I felt that with training she also might be able to help her clients in a similar way. So, she is coming back tomorrow to try out the process, to get her first Initiation in Energy Enhancement.”
“The first day Satchi taught me how to sit. By moving the position of my posture slightly I could feel the flow of energy from the center of the earth into the center of the universe. Satchi explained that what I was feeling was Kundalini Energy. If I followed it, he said, It would lead me to Enlightenment.”
From the testimonial of Energy Enhancement Student Carla, Jan 2004
Siva Samhit?, iii, 10-19: “Now I shall tell you how easily to attain success in Yoga, by knowing which the Yogis never fail in the practice of Yoga. Only the knowledge imparted by a Competent Teacher through his lips is powerful and useful; otherwise it becomes fruitless, weak and very painful.
And this is why - by coming into the Buddhafield of Energy surrounding Energy Enhancement Satchidanand obtained through many years of meditation with many enlightened masters, you obtain Shaktipat- an infusion of energy to help you get into a permanent state of meditation.
Swami Satchidanand is Director of Energy Enhancement Synthesis of Light which teaches 28 ancient and effective techniques to enable you to achieve control of your mind, an enhanced IQ, control over all your negative emotions, anger, fear, depression on the path of the ultimate Samadhi and enlightenment itself.
Energy Enhancement techniques have catapulted people years in their meditational experience in weeks. Some 5 years, some jump 10 times further! It helps people worldwide reach further than they EVER thought possible, FASTER!!!
Director Satchidanand, is one of the leading teachers of Meditation.
He helps people worldwide reach further than they EVER thought possible, FASTER!!!
http://www.energyenhancement.org
“I was meeting a nice girl of 28 this morning here at our center in Rosario. She is a Psychologist but has fallen out of love with Psychology because although it explains things intellectually it gives no TECHNIQUES apart from talking to change anything internally, particularly in herself. You can see how effective Psychology is by looking at Woody Allen.
I connected with her base chakra and her inner child showed me all her chakras and blockages one by one. A very interesting experience. First the Base chakra, one fear and security blockage which I removed very quickly. Then the second, a pain filled relationship blockage which I also removed. Then all the chakras solar plexus, heart etc, feeling the general dirtiness of the psychic body usually cleaned with The Grounding of Negative Energies but no major blockages.
Then the head, two blockages, one a person who had just died, very deep and negative. I removed the first blockage but the other one was more difficult and stayed with me, absorbed by my psychic body, for a day before I sent it on.
She felt the movement of energy blockages in the head and in the body as my mind and energy was working on her and told me that she normally got a lot of headaches. She was interested in my exposition of Energy Enhancement as all the while I was working on these blockages I was also talking to her.
Such openings show an educated psychic body, one with talent. Not everyone who comes to the Guru has similar experiences. Some also get more. She and I felt that with training she also might be able to help her clients in a similar way. So, she is coming back tomorrow to try out the process, to get her first Initiation in Energy Enhancement.”
“The first day Satchi taught me how to sit. By moving the position of my posture slightly I could feel the flow of energy from the center of the earth into the center of the universe. Satchi explained that what I was feeling was Kundalini Energy. If I followed it, he said, It would lead me to Enlightenment.”
From the testimonial of Energy Enhancement Student Carla, Jan 2004
Siva Samhit?, iii, 10-19: “Now I shall tell you how easily to attain success in Yoga, by knowing which the Yogis never fail in the practice of Yoga. Only the knowledge imparted by a Competent Teacher through his lips is powerful and useful; otherwise it becomes fruitless, weak and very painful.
And this is why - by coming into the Buddhafield of Energy surrounding Energy Enhancement Satchidanand obtained through many years of meditation with many enlightened masters, you obtain Shaktipat- an infusion of energy to help you get into a permanent state of meditation.
Swami Satchidanand is Director of Energy Enhancement Synthesis of Light which teaches 28 ancient and effective techniques to enable you to achieve control of your mind, an enhanced IQ, control over all your negative emotions, anger, fear, depression on the path of the ultimate Samadhi and enlightenment itself.
Energy Enhancement techniques have catapulted people years in their meditational experience in weeks. Some 5 years, some jump 10 times further! It helps people worldwide reach further than they EVER thought possible, FASTER!!!
Director Satchidanand, is one of the leading teachers of Meditation.
He helps people worldwide reach further than they EVER thought possible, FASTER!!!
http://www.energyenhancement.org
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