Posts Tagged ‘Samadhi’

Additional Methods for Teaching Yoga Students How to Cultivate Positive Energy

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The most advanced techniques, in Yoga, are based around training the mind. Patanjali mentions eight limbs in the Yoga Sutras. All eight limbs will train the mind, but the last four limbs are especially for balancing and training the mind.

Prathayara (Withdrawal from the Senses): During Yoga practice, we become focused on the tasks at hand. Prathayara is a state of mind that gives us the ability to think inward, and avoid common distractions, which occupy the mind during most of the day.

Dharana (Concentration): This is the ability to focus on a single point or thought and hold our attention there. Some practitioners see this as a mental or spiritual exercise. Dharana can give the practitioner mental and spiritual benefits, by training the mind, and developing spiritual beauty from within.

Dhyana (Meditation): This is the state of internal awareness, which occurs when our attention is focused on one point or thought. To some, Dhyana is a major awakening of the mind, as this method opens the door to contemplation.

Samadhi (Complete Absorption): This is a state of complete bliss and the highest form of meditation. There are different forms of Samadhi, but it is often characterized as the most complete state of internal bliss.

Training your mind is taken for granted, until we see a friend lose his or her sanity. Mental and emotional health should never be taken lightly. Without sanity, one cannot enjoy the fruits of good physical health. Endless negative thoughts can take a toll on our health. Pranayama, meditation, mantra, and asana can help anyone take control of the mind.

The objective is to flood the mind with waves of positive thought, by practicing Yogic methods, which replace negative thinking. Some people default to guilt, doubt, and fear. They wake up each morning to worry about something that may happen. Sometimes, they worry and trouble themselves over events that have gone by.

How can you practice Yogic methods in public – when you may need those most? To mentally practice udgeeth pranayama, mantra, or affirmation is to find peace during the day. You could be in a crowd, and practice udgeeth, in complete silence. Just inhale, and as you exhale, draw out the word “OM” to match the timing of your exhale.

This is just one of many examples of methods, which can be applied to control the mind. Remember that Yoga is with you all day long, and can be practiced anywhere, at any time.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To join our free online Yoga community of practitioners and teachers, or to learn more about our Yoga teacher certification courses, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Free Yoga Report. Free Yoga Newsletter. Free Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Yoga for Emotional Health, Yoga for Mental Health | 2 Comments »

DHYANA… THE PERFECT MEDITATION

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

Dr. Rita KhannaBy Dr. Rita Khanna

When the flow of concentration (Dharana) is uninterrupted, the state that arises is Dhyana. Dhyana is the study of deep concentration, calmness, and tranquility of the mind. As Dhyana grows and matures, the mind goes on – becoming more and more pure. It folds open up, the old Samskaras are dissolved; the ego, the arrogance become humble and then insignificant. One, then, progresses from the unconscious to subconscious state, from subconscious to conscious state, and from conscious to super conscious state (the state of Samadhi). There is no other feeling except a state of Supreme Bliss.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

• The place for Dhayana must be clean, well- ventilated, and free from insects. Ideally, it is better to have a separate room or a corner for Dhayana. This space acquires special energy as you meditate regularly, and you will feel calm when you enter this space. As meditation is repeated, the powerful vibrations set up will be lodged in the area; an atmosphere of peace and purity will be felt. You can meditate outdoors if you like, but choose an area where you will not get disturbed. Avoid meditating too close to the sea, as sea breeze contains moisture and can hamper correct breathing.

• The direction you face, while meditating, affects concentration to some extent. If possible, sit facing the East or the North, to derive the benefits of favorable magnetic vibrations from the earth.

• Meditate in a peaceful and relaxing environment. Create the right atmosphere by putting up pictures of a deity you like. You can also relax by playing soft and soothing music. Things that have a positive effect on you will help your mind settle down faster.

• Use a soft, comfortable cushion or mat for your seat. You can use a four-folded blanket or a yoga mat. Cover your legs with a blanket if it is cold.

• Set aside a specific time for meditation. The best time for Dhayana is dawn and dusk as it is very calm and peaceful. If you cannot meditate at dawn or dusk, then choose a time that is convenient for you. If you meditate in the morning, you will remain calm throughout the day and work better. The best hours are from 4 to 6 in the morning. This is the period of Brahmamuhurta. At that time, the atmosphere is charged with a special spiritual force. Meditating, before going to bed at night, will ensure a sound sleep.

• Do not mediate on a full stomach. This is because attention is drawn to the stomach and the digestion process. You might suffer from indigestion if you force yourself to meditate before your food has been properly digested. Wait for at least three hours after a meal.

• Meditating when you are depressed or unhappy is also not recommended, as your dejection could get intensified. Try to reduce intellectualization, as much as possible. Let the mind follow the mental actions necessary for execution of the practice. Remember – meditation is not something that is done by the mind. In fact, it is the absence of the mind. When the mind stops, or becomes still, meditation happens.

• Regularity is extremely important, if you want to derive all the benefits of meditation. Otherwise, you will lose the discipline and find it difficult when you start again. Regularity conditions the mind to slow down its activities with a minimum of delay.

• Set fixed times for yourself and keep firmly to these times. It should be practiced once or twice during the day, depending on your need, without any break whatsoever. Like eating, meditation will become a natural part of you.

• In the beginning, set aside 15-20 minutes to meditate, and gradually increase it to one hour. Calm your mind by controlling your thoughts. However, do not force yourself to meditate. Stop meditating immediately if you feel uncomfortable or disturbed.

• While you meditate, at first, you will have a feeling of calmness, happiness, and contentment, only. Gradually, your mind will become focused and controlled, and you will learn to relax and avoid impulsive reactions. As you meditate regularly, this contented and peaceful feeling will permeate into the rest of your day and then into your entire life. Concentration techniques enhance and increase your control over your mind, so that it does what you want it to when you want it to.

HOW DO YOU MEDITATE?

 

Padmasana

 

 

 

 

 

• Sitting postures are the best for meditation. When you are seated, metabolism, brain waves, and breathing slow down. The strain on the heart and lungs reduces considerably. Padmasana, Siddhasana, Sukhasana, or Vajrasana are all meditative postures. These four sitting postures are the most effective to calm and master your mind, as they exert pressure on the nerves that induce physical relaxation.

 

Siddhasana 

 

 

 

 

• It is important to be comfortable during meditation so that physical discomfort does not distract you. Your mind will not be calm if you are distracted. If you need, you can rest your back against a wall. If sitting on the floor is difficult, use a straight-backed chair. Make sure that your spine is erect and your feet touch the ground. Remember – do not lie down to meditate, as you might fall asleep.

 

Sukhasana

 

 

 

 

 

• To meditate, you must master each step before you move to the next one. Proceed to the next step only after you have learned to make yourself comfortable in a meditative posture.

• Yoga Postures are an effective way of preparing your body before you start meditating. While doing asanas conscientiously, we are increasing our power of concentration. Then we concentrate fully on those parts of the body which are stretched and influenced during a particular asana. In this way, we not only get physical benefits, but also increase mental power.

• If there is pain, stiffness, or general tension, in the body, then do a relaxation technique first so that you can sit comfortably. An excellent and simple method of systematically relaxing the body is to tense it as much as possible for some time and then release the tension. All the different parts of the body should be tensed in turn. You must not move on to the next step until you have relaxed yourself.

• Once you are seated comfortably with back straight, the next step is to calm your mind. To do this, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply, slowly, and consciously for 3-5 seconds. Exhale deeply, slowly, and consciously for 3-5 seconds. As you inhale, feel the body filling up with clean, fresh air and the body is becoming more energetic; as you exhale, feel the toxic air emptying out of your body and the body is becoming lighter and lighter.  Continue breathing like this until you feel completely calm and relaxed. When the mind is connected with breathing, its fickleness disappears and it achieves a perfect state of stability. If you feel uncomfortable, or agitated, during a meditation session, open your eyes and start again.

• Once you are calm, shift your focus to your mind consciously. Focus only on your thoughts. You will notice that your mind is crowded with all types of thoughts. If you are not reacting to them, it will be easier for you to remove them. As you keep doing this, you will be able to watch your thoughts without reacting to them. If you are able to hold this detached attitude for some time, your uncontrolled thoughts will reduce, as you are not reacting to them. By controlling your thoughts, you recharge your mental batteries and sharpen your focus. It will also give you more control over your actions and reactions.

• Now that you have control over your thoughts, choose an object to give your mind something positive to concentrate on. This could be a candle, a flower, a fruit, or even the image of a deity. It is easier to meditate on an object, especially for beginners to hold its attention. You can meditate on sound. For that, you can use a mantra like OM. Mantras have healing and spiritual powers. If not mantra, then you can focus on the sound of a waterfall, birds chirping, or visualize a beautiful, natural place of your choice. Avoid things that upset or sadden you.

 

vajrasanaa

 

 

 

 

 

• When you have chosen your object, look at it closely. Then close your eyes and recall its features, color, and shape. Next, choose a point of focus on your body, such as the space between the eyebrows, your navel, or the base of your throat. Place the mental image of the object you have chosen at this point on your body. Draw all your attention to the image – maintaining it at the focus point. If you have chosen a mantra as an object, repeat it mentally or audibly. Focus all your attention on the sound and the effect that it has on your body. When sunlight is focused through a lens, thousands of rays converge at a single point, increasing the intensity of energy; mental power too increases if you focus all your energy at one point.

• In the beginning, you may not be able to concentrate for more than a few minutes. Your mind will keep getting distracted and random thoughts will pop up. You might even start day dreaming. Do not lose patience, and do not force your mind to stay focused. If it wanders, allow it to go wherever it wants, and then gently bring your attention back to the object, and keep its image at the focus point. Gradually, it will lose the desire to wander and voluntarily remain focused. With practice, you will master this step.

MEDITATE

Now that you are able to concentrate effortlessly and for a longer period of time, allow your mind to move freely – let it make connections and associations. You will discover that thoughts do not appear at random any more. Instead, they will continue to be associated with your chosen object. They will revolve around it – getting absorbed into it. At this stage, you will automatically move into the state of meditation. You will find yourself merging into the object and becoming a part of it. As a result, you will experience extreme bliss and peace. In this state, you will transcend all man-made boundaries and feel a sense of timelessness.

MEDITATION TECHNIQUES

There are a number of meditation techniques. However, the basic principles and stages are the same in all. These differ mainly in the way you go through the whole process. The foundation, of all the techniques of meditation, is the awareness of the present moment that helps in promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing personal and spiritual growth. You can choose any technique – depending on your interest, ability, and aptitude.

CONCLUSION

With practice of more and more Dhayana, duality disappears and Samadhi, or the super-conscious state, is reached. Do not become impatient, as this takes a long time. In Samadhi, one rests in the state of bliss in which the Knower, the Knowledge, and the Known become one. This is the super conscious state reached by mystics of all faiths and persuasions.

If you meditate for half an hour daily, you will be able to face life with peace and spiritual strength. Meditation is the most powerful mental and nerve tonic. Divine energy freely flows to the adept during meditation, and exerts a benign influence on the mind, nerves, sense organs, and body. It opens the door to intuitive knowledge and realms of eternal bliss. The mind becomes calm and steady.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh(India). She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life.

She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training. At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in yoga and meditation | 2 Comments »

Yoga and the Cultivation of Positive Energy

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

MudraBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga is a science of life. The quality of our lives is improved through Yoga practice. With that said, a Yogi is one who pursues a path of harmony, tolerance, peace, compassion, loving kindness, and the cultivation of positive energy. The path less traveled is indeed a difficult one.

It is easy to be swept up in the moment. The news media indicates these are the worst of times. Yet, it must be realized that bad news has never traveled faster than it does today. In an instant, we can become “Chicken Little.” Imagine being hit on the head with an acorn and believing that the sky is falling.

As children, we might laugh at this fable; but as adults, we easily “buy in” to bad news. Some adults wear bad news on their faces, and they envision life as a daily struggle, complete with traps and pitfalls around every corner. While it is true that we should be cautious in our actions, it is also true that we cannot sit down and enjoy a steady drone of sad events.

Most of us have come to the realization that the cultivation of positive energy is essential to having the best quality life. In Yoga, we cultivate vital energy through pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques). This is an excellent way to gather and store positive energy, as well.

Yet, the cultivation and storage of positive energy, within the mind, requires some additional techniques. One method is to focus on where you are and where you want to go. This may sound easy, but some Gurus will tell you this is their key to attainment.

One point you should not focus on is the one that will cloud your judgment. This will usually cause you to take your eyes off your objective. Our objectives should be realistic, and we should not place extreme pressure on ourselves to accomplish goals. All of the little things in life should be appreciated.

As an example of this: Attaining positive feelings requires quite a bit of mental focus, while attaining Samadhi is unusual. This does not mean that attaining Samadhi is impossible, but transcending into an advanced state of consciousness requires guidance, focus, study, and work.

Why should we make the journey into a competitive race? It’s human to want everything right now, but it is not realistic. Positive energy is abundant, and it is easy to cultivate it if we stop to enjoy our lives and appreciate those around us.

Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

Yoga Teacher Training

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Yoga for Emotional Health, yoga for happiness, Yoga for Inspiration, Yoga for Positive Thinking, Yoga Lifestyle | 2 Comments »

SIDDHASANA (THE ACCOMPLISHED POSE)

Saturday, September 5th, 2009

Dr. Rita KhannaBy Dr. Rita Khanna

Sidddhasana (the accomplished pose) is the most rewarding of all the sitting postures. It is one of the most important asanas (the best among 84 lakh asanas), whose practice purifies the 72,000 Nadis in the body. Siddha in Sanskrit means – those hidden powers within the body that help individuals to attain spiritual uplift. When Siddhasana is mastered, Samadhi follows without effort and is natural. One, who has mastered Siddhasana, has conquered the Self. A Yogi, who contemplates on the soul, who is moderate in his diet, and who practices Siddhasana for twelve years, without break, can attain Yoga Siddhis (psychic powers). It is the most important asana for breath control, discipline of the senses, concentration, meditation, and self- realization.

 

Siddhasan

 

 

 

 

 

Technique

• Sit down, with both legs outstretched, in Dandasana.

• Bend the left leg at the knee, and place the heel at the perineum – the space between the anus (Guda) and the scrotum; then fold the right leg and place the heel against the pubic bone (or just above the genitals), allowing the foot to angle downwards. (If that is not possible, you can fold a small soft cloth and use it as a cushion between the two ankles, without violating the essence of the posture).

 

Siddhasana

 

 

 

 

 

• Both ankles are then resting, one on top of the other, and no pressure should be felt on the genitals.

• Let both the knees and left heel remain in touch with the floor.

• Straighten the spine. (If you find it difficult to straighten the spine, keep a folded blanket under the buttocks).

• Rest the hands on the knees in Gyan mudra posture (allowing the tip of the thumb and the tip of the index finger, of each hand, to touch one another).

• Close the eyes and look inwards. Stay in this position as long as possible and breathe normally.

• Repeat again by reversing the position of the feet for the same length of time, with normal breathing.

• Don’t overdo it.

Contraindication

Sciatica, low back pain, knee injury, recent hip surgery

Counter pose

Staff Pose (Dandasana), Corpse Pose (Shavasana)

WHY SIDDHASANA IS SO IMPORTANT

When you practice Siddhasana, you are pressing two points at a time with your heels. One is the perineum, between the excretory and the urinary organs, and the second is the lower abdominal viscera, at the root of the urinary organ, or above the clitoris. These two points are very important in controlling the flow of blood through the arteries and veins.

• Mooladhara is the root centre in which an infinite source of pranic energy lies dormant and asleep. In Siddhasana, the position of the lower foot heel at the perineum presses mooladhara chakra, sitimulating moola bandhas; while swadhisthana is the centre responsible for the sexual and emotional metabolism in which our psychic energy most spontaneously manifests itself. The position of the upper foot heel at the pubic bone presses the trigger point for swadhisthana chakra – automatically activating vajroli/sahjoli mudra. These two psycho-muscular locks redirect sexual nervous impulses back up the spinal chord to the brain, calming the entire nervous system and establishing control over the reproductive hormones which induces continence.

• Blockage of energy, within these two centers, is responsible for many health problems and also poses a barrier which has to be crossed in spiritual life. Piles, hemorrhoids, sexual disorders, blood pressure, and cardiac function remain unstable. Our role and purpose in life remain unclear.

• On a pranic level, Siddhasana balances the alternating flows of ida and pingala nadis, thus activating sushumana.

• Testosterone is the hormone secreted by the testes in the masculine body. It is secreted every now and then, consciously and unconsciously, during sexual intercourse, sexual fantasies, etc. By excessive circulating levels of male hormones, the male heart is endangered. In order to combat this, the masculine emotional and sexual metabolism has to be controlled. For this purpose, if Siddhasana is practiced over a period of time, say half an hour each day, it will regulates the production of the male hormone testosterone, a primary cause of heart attack.

• It would have proven most beneficial if learned, during the late teens or early twenties, when the emotional and sexual drives and passions are likely to be unruly. At that time, Siddhasana is found to rectify problems such as excessive nocturnal emission. If followed throughout life, it bestows protection from emotional ravages and stabilizes the passions, preventing later cardiac demise.

• The posture of Siddhasana helps in the treatment of abnormal blood pressure, too. Hypertension is caused by tension and stress reacting through the brain to the blood vessels and heart. Any time one is suffering from high blood pressure, or low blood pressure, if one just sits in this posture for half an hour, or if possible, one hour – the blood pressure will move towards normal. (This is because the pressure exerted on the perineum and the viscera is transmitted to the brain centers which control the blood pressure).

• This posture redirects blood circulation to the lower spine and abdomen, toning the lumbar region of the spine, the pelvis, and the abdomen organs – thus, balancing the reproductive system. Because of the position of the feet, it stabilizes the sexual energy and is beneficial to those suffering from wet dreams.

• Siddhasana puts less strain than Padmasana on the ankles, knees, and hips. The posture is good for curing stiffness in the joints of the loins, knees, and the ankles.

• It is helpful to those suffering from insomnia, asthma, and excess fat in the body – especially in the abdominal region.

CONCLUSION

Siddhasana is a wonderful sitting pose, and deals with many physical as well as mental problems. It helps to maintain equilibrium between body and mind, keeps the mind focused, and is often suggested for practicing pranayama, concentration, meditation, and self-realization (Samadhi).

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh(India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Yoga for Health | 10 Comments »

Raja Yoga

Friday, August 14th, 2009

Dr Rita KhannaWritten Dr. Rita Khanna

INTRODUCTION

There are many paths of yoga for attaining clarity of mind. Raja Yoga is one of the paths that focuses on meditation and contemplation. Raja means king, and king is always in a state of enlightenment. The pursha (Man), or the king, is always hidden by the workings of the mind. It is avidya which conceals our pursha, and many of us are unaware of its existence. When this process is reversed, and mind becomes master of the senses, we find clarity of the mind and our pursha takes its rightful place. In the yoga sutra, it says that when there is no more restlessness in the mind, pursha will unfold and see. That is Raja Yoga.

THE YOGA SUTRA

The Yoga Sutras are built on a foundation of Samkhya philosophy and the Bhagavad Gita. There are 196 sutras (verses) – short aphorisms. Each sutra is presented in the Devanagari script, with a transliteration of Sanskrit, a transliteration in italics, and a commentary. The sutras of Patanjali are presented in 4 chapters. Chapter I (51 sutras) is known as Samadhipada. It gives us the famous definition of yoga and describes our state of mind in yoga and non-yoga. Chapter II (55 sutras), known as Sadhanapada, presents yoga as practice. III (56 sutras), known as Vibhutipada, discusses the results that those who practice yoga can achieve and also discusses the dangers of these changes. Chapter IV (34 sutras), known as Kaivalyapada, concerns the libration to which yoga can lead.

AUTHORS OF YOGA SUTRA

Yajnavalkya Smriti, dating back to some time between the second and fourth centuries, is the oldest texts that talk about pranayama, asana, and especially, kundalini. This text mentions that Brahma (Hiranyagarbha), the creator of the world, created Yoga. Therefore, the world and yoga came into existence together. This complete yogic science was not fully refined and was not into a definite system. It is Patanjali Maharishi, who formulated this science into a definite system under the name of Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga. Here Patanjali describes the concept of Isvara (God). Ishvara is complete, perfect, and boundlessly glorious. He is a distinct Pursha, compared to human beings. God alone is recognized by the Pranava-aum. Aum is a Universal Sound and seeds from which all words and languages spring. The sacred syllable, Aum, is chanted while meditating and performing breathing exercises.

OTHER AUTHORS

There are various other authors, who have written commentaries on yoga, in various centuries. Vyasa’s Bhasya in the fifth century, Shankaracharys’s Vivrana, Vachaspati Mishra’s Tattvaisaradi, in the ninth century, a great king Bhojadeva’s Rajamartanda, around the tenth century, and Vijananabiksu’s Yogavarttika in the sixteenth century.

PATANJALI’S FOUR CHAPTERS

Chapter 1:  Samadhipada

Samadhipada (the chapter on Samadhi) defines yoga and its characteristics; it discusses the problems encountered in reaching the state of yoga and the ways in which these problems can be handled.

Chapter 2:  Sadhanapadah

It describes the qualities necessary to change the mind effectively, and gradually, from a state of distraction to one of attention. It also describes why these qualities are important and what the practice of these entails. In this chapter, Patanjali describes the first five components of yoga. They are yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, and pratyahara.

Chapter 3:  Vibhutipadah

In Vibhutipadah, Patanjali describes the capacity of the mind, which through the various practices, described in the earlier two chapters, can achieve a state = free from distractions. In this chapter, Patanjali describes the sixth, seventh, and eighth components of yoga. They are dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.

Chapter 4:  Kaivalyapadah

In this final chapter, Patanjali presents the possibilities for a person with a highly refined mind. It explains how the mind is constructed, and how the primal building blocks of the mind resolve back into their cause – allowing final liberation.

 

Goomukhasana

 

 

 

 

 

BODY, MIND and SOUL

Chitta (the consciousness), buddhi (intelligence), ahamkara (ego or’ I’ consciousness), and manas (mind).

Three gunas (qualities)

Sattva (illumination), rajas (vibrancy), tamas (inertia)

These three gunas rule over the manas, buddhi, and ahamkara.

Five gross elements and their subtle elements

Earth, water, fire, air, and ether

Subtle elements

Smell (gandha), taste (rasa), shape (rupa), touch (sparsha), and sound (sabsha)

Out of five elements of our body, three elements ap (water), tej (fire) & vayu (air), and their qualities, play a role for life to function. These three elements, and their energies, create tridosha, sapta dhatu-s, and trimal.

Three humours of the body are:

1. Tridosha

Vata (wind), pitta (bile), kapha (phlegm)

2. sapta dhatu-s (seven ingredients)

Rasa (chyle), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscles), meda (fat), asthi (bones), majja (bone marrow), and sukra (semen)

3. Trimal (wastage of the body)

Sveda (sweat), purisa (faeces), mutra (urine)

The three humours of the body play a major role in the function and balance of the metabolic process.

Five vayus

Prana, apana, vyana, udana, and samana

Five upvayus

Naga, kurma, krkara, devadatta, and dhanamjaya

Five vayus, and five upavayus, activate and metabolise, the various systems in the body, as well as generate new energy.

Systems

Cellular, skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, excretory, reproductive, and glandular

The functions of theses systems, and their effects, leave their impressions on the mind and its activities to a great extent.

Five senses of perception

Eyes (seeing), ears (hearing), nose (smelling), tongue (tasting) & skin (touching).

The five organs of action

Hands (holding), legs (walking), mouth (talking), genitals (reproducing), and excretory (excreting)

Seven kosha (sheaths)

Annamaya (physical), pranayama (physiological), manomaya (psychological ), vijnanamaya (intellectual), cittamaya (consciousness), anadamaya (the body of joy), antahkarana / dharmendriya (conscience)

Antahkarana / dharmendriya links one to Aatmamaya (Self).

It shows us that a human being is made up of body, mind, and soul.

 

vipritkarni

 

 

 

 

 

THE EIGHT LIMBS OF RAJA YOGA

Raja Yoga is based on the eight limbs of Yoga, which was discussed in the Maharshi Patanjali‘s Yoga Sutra. They are yama, niyama, asna, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.

The five yamas

The principles of yama are ahimsa (non violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-greediness), brahmacrya (chasity or continence), and aparigraha (non possesion or desireless).

These principles of yama remind us that we are not only individual beings, but also social beings. Its code of conduct helps one to know how to behave with oneself and with others. As we expect others to behave with us, we need to check whether we behave with others in the same manner. Yama keeps the organs of actions (karmendriyas) clean.

The five niyamas

The principles of niyamas are sauch (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas (austerity) svadhyaya (self-study), and Isvarapranidhana (devotion). The principles of niyama teach us as to how to interact with ourselves. In fact, the principles of yama, and the principles of niyamas, are inter-dependent and inter-woven with each other. We have to adopt these principles for the whole of our lives. Niyama keeps the senses of perception (jnanendriyas) clean.

Effects of yama and niyama

Patanjali mentions that, when the ten principles are firmly established in a person’s character, definite effects will begin to appear, such as absence of danger, effectiveness of speech, the arrival of unsought wealth, vigor of body and mind, understanding of life’s events, clarity of thought, steadiness of attention, control of the senses, great happiness, perfection of body and senses, intuition, and realization of one’s true self.

Asana

In order to develop tolerance in the body and the mind, asanas are introduced. Patanjali defines asana in yoga sutra as sthira sukham asanam. It means the presentation of an asana should be undisturbed, unperturbed, and unruffled at all levels of body, mind, and self. A correct practice of asana, with a pure mind and heart, gives immense benefits. Asanas guide the practitioner to peep inward, and this leads to a state where the dualities between prakriti and pursha come to an end, and Isvara pranidhana begins.

 

Trikonasana

 

 

 

 

 

Pranayama

Patanjali defines that pranayama is the regulation of the incoming (svasa) and outgoing (prasvasa) flow of breath. Prana means wind, vital air, and also means will power. Ayama means stretch, expansion, and extension. It means the expansion and extension of life force, and the development of will power, is pranayama. Pranayama has four movements, puraka (inhalation), rechaka (exhalation), and kumbhaka (retention). Kumbhaka is divided into antara kumbhaka (retention after inhalation) and bahya kumbhaka (retention after exhalation). The whole science of pranayama has several varieties and methods, based on these four factors. Pranayama’s ratio is 1:4:2:4. Pranayama purifies and cleanses the mind and citta. Asana and pranayama prepare the body and mind for Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

 

meditation pose

 

 

 

 

 

Pratyahara

Pratyhara evolves from pranayama. Pratyhara helps the mind to acquire knowledge of the self. It is a threshold between the first four and the last three aspects of ashtanga yoga. Though it is latent in the first four aspects, its study gets intensified in the last three aspects of yoga- dharana, dhyana, and Samadhi. As the mind always likes to go out towards pleasurable temptations, yama, niyama, asana, and pranayama, make the mind follow pratyahara; hence, the root of pratyahara is in yama, niyama, asana, and pranayama. Asana, pranayama, and pratyahara,are antaranga sadhana (inner). These are the gates of the yogic world.

Dharana

Fixing the consciousness on one point, or region, is dharana. One can choose a place either inside the body or outside the body. Inside the body – one can concentrate on the navel, the heart, the centre of the brain, the forepart of the nose or the tongue, and outside of the body – on any external object. Vyasa says choose heart, nose, tongue, forehead, etc., because all these parts are outside the body and also inside the body. A long uninterrupted length of time in dharana automatically changes into dhyana.

Dhyana

Dhyana means a steady, continuous flow of attention, directed towards the same point of region. The flow of attention is continuous, uninterrupted, and even. Dhyana is not a mechanical practice but an electrifying practice. The ego and arrogance become humble and then insignificant.

Samadhi

Samadhi means total absorption. This is the state of total bliss (Ananda) – free from all pains and misery. The yogi attains the highest gain of life, and there remains nothing more to be gained or accomplished. This stage is the culmination of Raja Yoga practice. It is a window to the divine experience – the ultimate goal of yoga. As described by Swami Sivananda, this is “The state of consciousness, where Absoluteness is experienced – attended with all-knowledge and joy; Oneness. Here – the mind becomes identified with the object of meditation; the meditator and the meditated, thinker and thought, become one in perfect absorption of the mind.”

The eight limbs of Raja Yoga help us to enter into the regime of the self. To attain this stage, we need two basic requirements to follow. These are Abhyasa (long constant practice) and Vairagya (detachment). When we do abhyasa intensely, vairagya becomes more automatically intense.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh(India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Guest Authors, yoga styles, yogic philosophy | 5 Comments »

Discover the Benefits of Yoga Meditation Practice

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

Baddha Konasana By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

What is more valuable to you – a trained body or a trained mind?  Most people would think about this for a second and decide that physical appearance, through training the body, is more important to them.  In Hatha Yoga, we can easily see the number of students who pursue physical mastery through asana practice.

Not everyone feels asana is the “Holy Grail” of Yoga, but physical prowess is still an attraction.  However, for one to pursue physical mastery over mental mastery, one must feel that his or her mental health is going along just fine.  If this were so, why are so many people experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, and a variety of mental disorders?

Meditation may not be the solution to all the mental ailments humankind experiences, but it sure can help.  Many Western medical doctors recommend meditation as an adjunct therapy.  Many counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists, also recommend Yoga to stabilize the mind.

The most common reason why Yoga students want to learn meditation is to relax the mind when needed.  To relieve the mind and body of negative nervous energy is the result of a complete Hatha Yoga practice.  In other words: Physical exercises (asanas), alone, will not produce optimum results for holistic health.

Asanas will help purge negative energy from the body and mind, up to a limited point.  This is the reason why Maharishi Patanjali mentions eight limbs in the Yoga Sutras.  He mentions Yoga as a way of life and higher levels of concentrated meditation.  He does mention asana, but it is just one of the eight limbs.

The last four of the eight limbs – Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, are concerned with meditation and preparation for it.  Therefore, the value and benefits of daily practice, go much further than the skin’s surface.

What are the benefits of meditation?  Meditation is the most natural of today’s methods to bring the mind under control.  Prescribed drugs, alcohol, and illegal drugs are often used or abused, with the goal of relaxing the mind.  Based on the cost of chemical addictions, people will pay a high price, in many ways, to relax their minds.  Meditation does not have negative side effects.

In comparison to many forms of therapy, meditation is extremely cost effective.  An intermediate practitioner will have no difficulty practicing alone.  A few asanas and pranayama (Yogic breathing) techniques will aid to relax the body before a meditation sessions.  The end result is a focused and relaxed mind, which is prepared for daily tasks.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Yoga Teacher Training. FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Yoga Teacher Courses

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Meditation, yoga and meditation, Yoga for Emotional Health, Yoga for Mental Health | 1 Comment »

Pratayahara…The Fifth Limb of Yoga

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

Dr. Rita KhannaBy Dr. Rita Khanna

Pratyahara means withdrawal of the senses. It is derived from two Sanskrit words- Prati and Ahara, where Prati means away or against and Ahara means nourishment.

Pratyahara translates as to withdraw oneself from that which nourishes the senses. This is the fifth limb amongst the eight stages of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga.

 The first four limbs of Yoga are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama and the last three are Dharna, Dhyana & Samadhi. The mind is controlled & channeled by following the disciplines of Yama and Niyama, while Asana and Pranayama direct and guide the mind to move and know the inner self of the body. Hence the root of Pratyahara is in Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama.

It means the ethical discipline of Yama and Niyama – Physical and physiological discipline by Asana, and psycho-spiritual reaction, makes the mind ripe to follow Pratyahara. It is built brick by brick through Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama and is used in Dharna, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

THE INDRIYA (The sense organs)

The senses that are withdrawn in Pratyahara are called, “Indriyas,” and involve both cognition (Jnanendrriyas) and expression (Karmendrriyas). There are ten indriyas or senses. The five cognitive senses, which are called Jnanendriyas, come from the roots Jnana (wisdom) and Indra, who was the God of the ‘sensory’ heaven in Hinduism. They are Shotra (ears), Chakshu (eyes), Grahna (nose), Jivha (tongue), Tvak (skin).

The five means of expression are called Karmendriyas. They are Pada (feet) Pani (hands), Vak (mouth), Payu (rectum), and Upastha (genitals). These ten sense organs receive their instructions and directions by Manas (mind, intellect, memory & ego). The senses are generally turbulent and restless. We have very little control on them. Through the practice of Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama, the senses become more restrained and at peace.

INDRIYA-PRATYAHARA (Control of the Senses)

Indriya-Pratyahara, or control of the senses, is the most important form of Pratyahara. The question in Pratyahara is what to withdraw first – the senses from the sense object or the mind from the senses. In the normal state of perception, the senses become active first and then the mind follows. Once you are able to withdraw, dissociate, and internalize it, the senses will follow the mind; this is the secret of Pratyahara.

So, the answer of Pratyahara is to first withdraw the mind from the senses and not the withdrawal of the senses from the sense object. It does not happen easily. One has to learn to control them cautiously by attending to their moods, modes, and rectifications. In Pratyahara, we try to put the senses in their proper place, but at the same time, we do not cut them out of our actions entirely.

OCCURING OF PRATYAHARA

In Pratyahara, the senses remain unmoved and uninfluenced. For example, when we are totally absorbed in the breath during Pranayama, Pratyahara occurs quite automatically. The mind is so intensely occupied with the breath that all links between mind, senses, and external objects, that have nothing to do with the breath, are cut off.

The senses are quite capable of responding, but they do not because they have withdrawn or detached. Pratyahara occurs automatically, when we meditate precisely, because the mind is so focused that the senses follow it. A person experiences this state, to a degree, just before going to sleep or upon awakening. When the senses are no longer tied to external sources, the result is restraint, interiorisation, or Pratyahara.

MEANS OF PRATYAHARA

Pratyahara is rather a state that occurs spontaneously. It happens by itself. We cannot make it happen. We can only practice the means by which it might happen. It has been taken both as Abhyasa (practice) and Prakriya (process).

As a practice, Pratyahara is practiced by sitting quietly for some time and trying to withdraw the sensory awareness inside, by maintaining the witnessing attitude. As a Prakriya, or process, it goes on all the time in our daily life – i.e. the witnessing attitude develops and the ego becomes detached and unaffected, even in the midst of activity. When the ego is detached, it does not feel insecure, due to the presence of frustrations, tensions, and conflicts.

Yoga Nidra, Antar mouna, Trataka, and Ajapa Japa are important methods of Pratyahara. In every method, the technique is different but the aim is the same – i.e. to become internalized without the involvement of ‘I’ ness (ego). Learn these above methods from some qualified Yoga instructor and practice them for one hour daily. I am giving details of one of the methods – Trataka.

Tratak

 

 

 

 

 

TRATAKA (The practice of gazing at one point)

Trataka falls into two groups- Pratyahara and Dharana. Pratyahara Trataka is gazing at an external point, such as a candle. Trataka helps to control the dissipation that occurs when we become aware of form.

TECHNIQUE OF TRATAKA

• Sit peacefully with straight spine in front of a candle – in a least lighted room.

• Light the candle and place it on a small bench at a distance of 2 feet from the eyes.

• Now watch the flame of the candle, or the wick of the candle, continuously and steadily.

• When you feel that your eyes are exhausted, close the eyes and try to visualize the flame of the lamp with closed eyes. Try to feel the flame inside you – between your eyebrows.

• When this image disappears, re-open the eyes and again start gazing at the flame tip to re-establish the image in your mind; continue this experiment several times.

• While gazing at the candle, engage your mind with chanting Omkar / Bhramari / watching on the breath.

• Initially gaze for 2-3 minutes. Increase the duration of gazing each time, and do it for a maximum possible duration of about 15-20 minutes; but undue strain should not be taken.

• In ending this exercise, slowly close the eyes and lie down in Shavasana for some time.

• You can freshen up the eyes afterwards by rinsing them carefully, and gently, with cold water.

Once you achieve success in practicing Pratyahara, you reach a stage where new Samskaras and new Vasanas are no longer created. The Yogi is able to put a stop to this process of the creation of additional new Samskaras and Vasanas. The perceived objects do not impinge upon the consciousness any more. The mind becomes gradually transformed into a Yogic mind; an indrawn mind (an Antarmukha Manas). Your mind will be yourself. Instead of your feeling that it is “your” mind, you will feel that you are “yourself” the mind – a medium of the expression of the Atman Itself. A great unlimited joy will take possession of you. That is success in Pratyahara.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows:

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh(India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Guest Authors, pranayama, yogic philosophy | 6 Comments »

SEARCH