We had three asana sessions today, Mysore practice and two led classes care of my fellow teacher trainees. It's my turn tomorrow and I am nervous and excited at the same time.
I just finished locking myself in the bathroom so I can go over the video again and run through my notes.
It might be best to rest from full practice tomorrow and just go through the teaching postures. I will be assisting in the morning. Then again, I should just practice. :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Day 24 (Nov 29)
I had my Reiki Level 1 session today with Claudia.
In the midst of the intense studying, I spent my afternoon working on another tool to harness energy. I believe this will help when I begin to teach. I have always been fascinated with natural healing (herbs when I was looking to earth religion, crystals before that...) and I have decided to go for this opportunity while I am here, after a series of fortuitous incidents.
The session was very mellow. Discussion, attunement and self-healing sessions. I need to go deeper into this but maybe not in the next two days. I am happy enough to self-heal as I prepare myself for the exams.
What is Reiki?
The International Center
for Reiki Training
A Brief Overview (http://www.reiki.org/faq/WhatIsReiki.html)
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.
Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.
While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.
While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.
During a meditation several years after developing Reiki, Dr. Usui decided to add the Reiki Ideals to the practice of Reiki. The Ideals came in part from the five prinicples of the Meiji emperor of Japan whom Dr. Usui admired. The Ideals were developed to add spiritual balance to Usui Reiki. Their purpose is to help people realize that healing the spirit by consciously deciding to improve oneself is a necessary part of the Reiki healing experience. In order for the Reiki healing energies to have lasting results, the client must accept responsibility for her or his healing and take an active part in it. Therefore, the Usui system of Reiki is more than the use of the Reiki energy. It must also include an active commitment to improve oneself in order for it to be a complete system. The ideals are both guidelines for living a gracious life and virtues worthy of practice for their inherent value.
The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind
The founder , Usui Mikao
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Day 23 (Nov 28)
I sat in one place today. Read and read and wrote and wrote and hoped that I remember what matters most. First, the heart then the remembrance then the articulation and all the while, the commitment, the action.
Such is love.
Such is love.
Where is the Yoga?
You ask,
you have to ask sometimes,
Where is the Yoga?
Unbelievable how easy it is
To lose
The most beautiful parts of our life
And ourselves
In ourselves;
To lose... just to keep searching.
you have to ask sometimes,
Where is the Yoga?
Unbelievable how easy it is
To lose
The most beautiful parts of our life
And ourselves
In ourselves;
To lose... just to keep searching.
Easily, I think it is tattooed
Beneath our skin
When the meaning, then,
wanted to pierce
And bleed and heal.
It is tucked in the corners
Of your eyes.
Or the silence at the end of each Om.
Or that inexplicable, mystical swirling,
Or the happy laughter
You may not know
you bring.
Or else,
Beneath your steely eyes
When you draw the shutters close
To hide such a gentle, gentle spirit,
For a few moments.
It is in the discipline you exact
When you believe you have mellowed
and in the Purity
Of that idealism
That you say is cracked
(but I prefer faceted, bejeweled
So that it shines brighter.)
Or when you see us.
It is somewhere between
The humility and sincerity
Of our most perfect
(yet so imperfect) alignment;
On the brink of a meltdown,
Or the miraculous end of our trembling,
Or in that speck of space that took
Six whole months to open.
It is in the eyes of the students
And teachers
You will never claim
But are truly yours
Because Yoga is the connection,
Isn't it?
Never lost and ever found
Like breath.
Is breath.
But you have to ask sometimes,
Where is the Yoga?
And in the same breath,
may you, dear Teacher,
Always, always find it.
As you promised.
(Nov 28 while studying for the exam in the Dining Hall. I highly doubt
this question will be part of our exam....)
Friday, November 27, 2009
Pratyahara
And so what do I do
when I am pulled (or am I pulling?)
relentlessly
As the earth is to the sun
Or the tides rising and falling
with the moon's temperament?
when I am pulled (or am I pulling?)
relentlessly
As the earth is to the sun
Or the tides rising and falling
with the moon's temperament?
You may say with bright eyes
Smiling
That they are wise
to keep a safe space
of a few million miles.
I know.
So when this body twists
towards You or turns away
only to return, sinking deeper,
My breath, my grounding will hold me in place.
But my drishti will not deceive me.
Have I failed pratyahara?
When the energy rises and escapes these senses,
I breathe them back in
Deeply into my spine,
but it reaches up;
into my heart,
yet it lifts;
Trying, infinitesimally,
To be closer to You.
And what of this impermanence
of moments
Beaded by breath?
Although slow and steady,
Sometimes, it seeks
to follow Yours.
I think I understand though.
I cannot build my bridge to come
any nearer
nor build a fortress
to hold back
this exchange of a billion brilliant lights swirling around us
In however many lifetimes
We could not remember.
I understand only this:
There is no need to want
to be One.
I know
We already are.
(Nov 28, In the morning after a rather sleepless night. Room 8 Yoga Thailand)
Day 22 (Nov 27)
As I walked towards the shala, I wondered what it was that brought me here, now. I know my reasons but what of the reasons i do not know yet. There is that peaceful curiosity.
It's so peaceful here in the morning. That's why I wake up so early even here. So I can have some space for quiet. It is difficult to silence people, even in quiet time. I love the silence and aloneness as much I love words, talk and laughter. I cannot live without both and I need them both in my Samasthithi. More often, though, over the years I feel the need for longer moments of silence. I watched Paul having his dinner by the pool a couple of times. I imagine he must want to be quiet too.
I'm starting to feel the sadness of leaving.
***
The Urdvha Danurasana. I used to do this pose relatively well. After a series of heartbreaks, I folded the drama neatly and put them away where I will not have to see them ever again. There will be no venue and I will never place myself in a situation to go deeper than the words in my storybook. The words will be deep enough and no one will guess the true depth of emotions for those heartbreaks. For some reason, I threw in some heart opening poses along with the pain. I learned this from Neil. Our issues are stored somewhere in the body. Hips are mommy and daddy issues, ankles for direction in life, knees for the will....
My pose for the day Urdvha Danurasana. It opens up the heart, the entire front of the body, exposing all vulnerability.
So today, while I was hiding under the bridge in decent below average backbends (waist bending!), Paul asked me to do this against the wall. I was given the honor of practicing against the wall despite my rather mediocre bending. (Paul says there's a certain readiness he intuitively sees). No ego here. I just like being instructed. :)
As we were setting me up, Paul asked me how I was, asked if I was married, with children, how old they are. Normal, Caesarean. Told me his wife went through the same thing. Then intuitively, strangely, he said I'm a good mom. That I'm good and I had the flow and was connected to my practice. I forget the other words... But i did feel so strongly connected. Then he continued to help me with my bridge, got me blocks. I did a few more repetitions on my own. And felt something. Somethings. Like five different giant sleeping citta vrittis and a few enormous ones I've been ignoring all trying to pummel out of my heart all the while, keeping arms and legs strong, wrists against the wall, chest against the wall.
I had my meltdown by Padmasana and stayed there a while. Paul was about to begin his practice and I lay slightly trembling in Savasana.
What was it? It was the neatly folded heart stuff, the energy and a myriad of other feelings that came when my chest hit the wall. I should coin that as an alternative to shit hitting the fan.
After practice, I sat with Neil. He sensed the emotions. He is a wonderful teacher too. Beautiful and sometimes jaded. Often, funny but there is a quietness about him that comes from darker places. I'm glad to have shared some meals with him. He has stories to share.
With Paul, there is this energy. Like I've known him for a while from somewhere. Or that he knows me? His manner, humor, words are just so very familiar to me. It's very strange.
I feel so strongly a connection to these two beautiful teachers.
We finished our Philosophy of Yoga today. I had to ask Paul what he meant by his definition of Pratyahara. Energy isn't coming out of your senses anymore. He answered my question. What you pay attention to grows.
During the asana study, we talked about Shirhsasana and the rest of the closing mudras. Build capacity for Shirhsasana one breath at a time. This makes sense to me and applies to almost anything that turns my world upside down.
Our last session today was a sample class of what we will teach in our assessment. It was a fun class and we were served to the mosquitoes by the time we were "resting"
It's so peaceful here in the morning. That's why I wake up so early even here. So I can have some space for quiet. It is difficult to silence people, even in quiet time. I love the silence and aloneness as much I love words, talk and laughter. I cannot live without both and I need them both in my Samasthithi. More often, though, over the years I feel the need for longer moments of silence. I watched Paul having his dinner by the pool a couple of times. I imagine he must want to be quiet too.
I'm starting to feel the sadness of leaving.
***
The Urdvha Danurasana. I used to do this pose relatively well. After a series of heartbreaks, I folded the drama neatly and put them away where I will not have to see them ever again. There will be no venue and I will never place myself in a situation to go deeper than the words in my storybook. The words will be deep enough and no one will guess the true depth of emotions for those heartbreaks. For some reason, I threw in some heart opening poses along with the pain. I learned this from Neil. Our issues are stored somewhere in the body. Hips are mommy and daddy issues, ankles for direction in life, knees for the will....
My pose for the day Urdvha Danurasana. It opens up the heart, the entire front of the body, exposing all vulnerability.
So today, while I was hiding under the bridge in decent below average backbends (waist bending!), Paul asked me to do this against the wall. I was given the honor of practicing against the wall despite my rather mediocre bending. (Paul says there's a certain readiness he intuitively sees). No ego here. I just like being instructed. :)
As we were setting me up, Paul asked me how I was, asked if I was married, with children, how old they are. Normal, Caesarean. Told me his wife went through the same thing. Then intuitively, strangely, he said I'm a good mom. That I'm good and I had the flow and was connected to my practice. I forget the other words... But i did feel so strongly connected. Then he continued to help me with my bridge, got me blocks. I did a few more repetitions on my own. And felt something. Somethings. Like five different giant sleeping citta vrittis and a few enormous ones I've been ignoring all trying to pummel out of my heart all the while, keeping arms and legs strong, wrists against the wall, chest against the wall.
I had my meltdown by Padmasana and stayed there a while. Paul was about to begin his practice and I lay slightly trembling in Savasana.
What was it? It was the neatly folded heart stuff, the energy and a myriad of other feelings that came when my chest hit the wall. I should coin that as an alternative to shit hitting the fan.
After practice, I sat with Neil. He sensed the emotions. He is a wonderful teacher too. Beautiful and sometimes jaded. Often, funny but there is a quietness about him that comes from darker places. I'm glad to have shared some meals with him. He has stories to share.
With Paul, there is this energy. Like I've known him for a while from somewhere. Or that he knows me? His manner, humor, words are just so very familiar to me. It's very strange.
I feel so strongly a connection to these two beautiful teachers.
We finished our Philosophy of Yoga today. I had to ask Paul what he meant by his definition of Pratyahara. Energy isn't coming out of your senses anymore. He answered my question. What you pay attention to grows.
During the asana study, we talked about Shirhsasana and the rest of the closing mudras. Build capacity for Shirhsasana one breath at a time. This makes sense to me and applies to almost anything that turns my world upside down.
Our last session today was a sample class of what we will teach in our assessment. It was a fun class and we were served to the mosquitoes by the time we were "resting"
I capped the day by swimming (alone), going to the steam room and spending some percussion time in the shala.
Tomorrow, I will study.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Day 21 (Nov 26)
I didn't wake up early to practice. Today is my assisting and "mock" teaching day. Assisting went well, according to my pseudo students, the adjustments were very helpful. I got to practice after and Neil put me in my shell (in Supta Kurmasana again). I hope I get the hang of that before I leave.
My teaching class was okay. I find I have become so very gentle. Ashtanga should be good to stoke more fire. Or do I hold the fire in?
Today we learned more about backbends. Tomorrow, I will put this in my practice.
Tratak and Chanting tonight but I did not get my spirals. My thoughts are on the sessions today. Just letting the mind replay the scenes.
My teaching class was okay. I find I have become so very gentle. Ashtanga should be good to stoke more fire. Or do I hold the fire in?
Today we learned more about backbends. Tomorrow, I will put this in my practice.
Tratak and Chanting tonight but I did not get my spirals. My thoughts are on the sessions today. Just letting the mind replay the scenes.
Day 20 (Nov 25)
I love Pranayama. Imagine that. I really do. We had a very interesting discussion on this and as with our usual sessions with Paul, I'm just drinking in all the learning. He gave us a sheet to assess the Pranayama practice we will take with us back home. He has been doing pulse readings during our sessions. I wonder what else he can read when he takes our pulse.
I think it's wonderful that he has a guru to learn from and connect deeply. For the serious students, this is a gift. I wanted to talk to him and Neil about being "adopted" as a more long term student but I have not gotten the chance to do so.
I really want to go to Tiwariji's two week workshop in January. How do I do this?
Practice was good today. I've been placed happily in my shell in Supta Kurmasana.
I also finally swam in the sea. Tomorrow, I teach.
I think it's wonderful that he has a guru to learn from and connect deeply. For the serious students, this is a gift. I wanted to talk to him and Neil about being "adopted" as a more long term student but I have not gotten the chance to do so.
I really want to go to Tiwariji's two week workshop in January. How do I do this?
Practice was good today. I've been placed happily in my shell in Supta Kurmasana.
I also finally swam in the sea. Tomorrow, I teach.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Day 19 (Nov 24)
Tonight, we did Tratak and chanted the Triyambakam mantra. This was after I finally went to the pool to float under the crescent moon (Billie got to convince me. She's a lovely, lovely girl).
I love the water. I am very bouyant, like hope. This is one quality I am happy to have. I surrender to the That which carries me, Faith, Water, God, the Universe, Love. I float.
I often feel the energies within the class, some neutral, some warm. This is the burden and gift of the truly sensitive. I also feel the changing colors everyday. We all swim in this pool of energy with colored patches. That much I believe. And no matter what, I float. I think if you feel one with the energy, there is no effort to be above or below. No concept of weight must mean weightlessness and therefore it's natural to be buoyant. I don't know.
Anyway.
I am loving my practice more than ever. I am relishing the moments because in a week's time, this will be a memory. This dream that came true will become part of the past but I will bring with me all the best imprints so I remember. Maybe in my next life, I will still remember.
Strangely, I think I've met Paul before.
So tonight, we chanted the Triyambakam mantra
Om Triyambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaat
Mrtyormuksheeya Maamrtaat
To Siva the three-eyed one,
the one who is master of all senses and qualities
and the one who is the sustainer of all growth,
May he release us from the bondage of death
as a ripened cucumber is released from its stalk
and may he grant us immortality
I was not familiar with the chant until today and so I tried to chant along, 9 loud, 9 soft, 9 silent. After I chanted the silent (I was counting and fumbling to find the missing syllables...), I felt the energy of two Gurus. One almost like a cameo, just to check up on me. The Other... the other fixed my head. He held my head between his hands, turned it to the left (was I off center?) and then placed it in Jalandra bandha position. Then He placed my palms up and put his hands on top of mine. I, of course, felt the tears escaping my eyes, felt the questions..am I imagining this? Then the spinning began. How do I put this in words -- It's as if you are no longer conscious of your body. Only the spinning, and the words of the chant are clear but not in your head, somewhere else, somewhere in the spinning. The questions left me and I let myself go in this familiar space. The words of the mantra were swimming over and over silently...I was not counting. Could it have been 9 times? After a while, it stopped, the spinning stopped and I opened my eyes. I began to regain consciousness of where I was. Seated with my manual in front of me, the people around me.
I am open to the possibility of these moments but I am also not sure how to handle them when the actually happen. I had to ask Neil. I approached him and told him and he knew. He knew about the spinning. The mantra spiraling around my aura. That was it. He told me I had a connection to these two mantras. Maybe from a past life. I told him about the energy. I was... I am baffled. These things do not happen to me on a regular basis. He told me to just surrender to it. It is part of a lineage and has been handed down to us, to me...tonight. That I have it.
I think now I understand why I am always protected. I am grateful and I am being led to discover something.
I love the water. I am very bouyant, like hope. This is one quality I am happy to have. I surrender to the That which carries me, Faith, Water, God, the Universe, Love. I float.
I often feel the energies within the class, some neutral, some warm. This is the burden and gift of the truly sensitive. I also feel the changing colors everyday. We all swim in this pool of energy with colored patches. That much I believe. And no matter what, I float. I think if you feel one with the energy, there is no effort to be above or below. No concept of weight must mean weightlessness and therefore it's natural to be buoyant. I don't know.
Anyway.
I am loving my practice more than ever. I am relishing the moments because in a week's time, this will be a memory. This dream that came true will become part of the past but I will bring with me all the best imprints so I remember. Maybe in my next life, I will still remember.
Strangely, I think I've met Paul before.
So tonight, we chanted the Triyambakam mantra
Om Triyambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaat
Mrtyormuksheeya Maamrtaat
To Siva the three-eyed one,
the one who is master of all senses and qualities
and the one who is the sustainer of all growth,
May he release us from the bondage of death
as a ripened cucumber is released from its stalk
and may he grant us immortality
I was not familiar with the chant until today and so I tried to chant along, 9 loud, 9 soft, 9 silent. After I chanted the silent (I was counting and fumbling to find the missing syllables...), I felt the energy of two Gurus. One almost like a cameo, just to check up on me. The Other... the other fixed my head. He held my head between his hands, turned it to the left (was I off center?) and then placed it in Jalandra bandha position. Then He placed my palms up and put his hands on top of mine. I, of course, felt the tears escaping my eyes, felt the questions..am I imagining this? Then the spinning began. How do I put this in words -- It's as if you are no longer conscious of your body. Only the spinning, and the words of the chant are clear but not in your head, somewhere else, somewhere in the spinning. The questions left me and I let myself go in this familiar space. The words of the mantra were swimming over and over silently...I was not counting. Could it have been 9 times? After a while, it stopped, the spinning stopped and I opened my eyes. I began to regain consciousness of where I was. Seated with my manual in front of me, the people around me.
I am open to the possibility of these moments but I am also not sure how to handle them when the actually happen. I had to ask Neil. I approached him and told him and he knew. He knew about the spinning. The mantra spiraling around my aura. That was it. He told me I had a connection to these two mantras. Maybe from a past life. I told him about the energy. I was... I am baffled. These things do not happen to me on a regular basis. He told me to just surrender to it. It is part of a lineage and has been handed down to us, to me...tonight. That I have it.
I think now I understand why I am always protected. I am grateful and I am being led to discover something.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Day 18 (Nov 23)
We watched the documentary "Doing Time, Doing Vipassana" It's remarkable how much the journey inward can make a difference. Today, my journey inward during my practice was fruitful. I was centered, serious but playful, light, smiling inside. The intensity rings through these mild "sensations" in my body but I acknowledge the millimeters of spaces being freed within me, opening me a little more, releasing quietly. In this life, I may have hurried too much and the slowness of my learning and unlearning is sometimes the only lesson I need.
Today, we focused on adjustments for Janusirsasana A and Marichyasana A and we're starting our sessions on leading restorative classes.
I pray for vibrant confidence.
Today, we focused on adjustments for Janusirsasana A and Marichyasana A and we're starting our sessions on leading restorative classes.
I pray for vibrant confidence.
Day 17 (Nov 22)
I did my assisting today after a somewhat off balance practice at 5 in the morning. I need to zone in tomorrow to get a much better practice. I've been trying to suck as much knowledge as I can because we are already at the second to the last week of the program. I know it will be over soon and I just want to remain present as much as I can.
When I get home, I need to teach beginner classes so I don't forget what I've learned. My options: Talk to Tessa and Tobey so I can get a session at Pulse OR apply at Yoga Manila OR maybe have a beginner session at another studio OR go on my own first and practice with some of my friends. I could easily have a class of 10. Maybe we can have it at the clubhouse in the meantime.
My dream, of course is to put up two yoga shalas. Not a fancy studio but a nice shala just like what Sandy had back then. To teach, to practice. I want one in the Metro and I want my Centered Yoga Philippine Chapter in the province. So....all these by the time I'm 35.
One dream at a time.
When I get home, I need to teach beginner classes so I don't forget what I've learned. My options: Talk to Tessa and Tobey so I can get a session at Pulse OR apply at Yoga Manila OR maybe have a beginner session at another studio OR go on my own first and practice with some of my friends. I could easily have a class of 10. Maybe we can have it at the clubhouse in the meantime.
My dream, of course is to put up two yoga shalas. Not a fancy studio but a nice shala just like what Sandy had back then. To teach, to practice. I want one in the Metro and I want my Centered Yoga Philippine Chapter in the province. So....all these by the time I'm 35.
One dream at a time.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Day 16 (Nov 21)
I spent the whole morning just reading the materials (and finishing three bowls of muesli with yogurt and honey, a cup of coffee, and two buckwheat pancakes). I got a copy of Adi Sankara's Yoga Taravali from the shop in honor of the history that has brought me here and that will be my companion to bed tonight. I did not go sightseeing nor shopping. I just did not have the drive for it.
I fell asleep to John Scott doing his primary series after lunch and woke up as if I had a proper Savasana. Veron and I took a walk to see sights. Mostly, more coconut trees and stray dogs (I'm a bit scared of stray growling dogs...) Feels like I'm in one of the barrios back home.
All in all, it was a good day to catch up on my reading and remembering.
Today, I am a witness of Pramana Viparyaya Vikalpa Nidra Smrtayaha (1.6)
Before going back to the room, I had a cup of chocolate cashews and raisins. It's not good to suppress these things. :)
Tomorrow, I get to do my assisting. Group D. I hope it goes well. I am actually happy to be back on my mat.
I wonder if it's possible to ask for a one-on-one yoga session... I wonder if I can ask for another leave so I can attend the Pranayama session in January...
I fell asleep to John Scott doing his primary series after lunch and woke up as if I had a proper Savasana. Veron and I took a walk to see sights. Mostly, more coconut trees and stray dogs (I'm a bit scared of stray growling dogs...) Feels like I'm in one of the barrios back home.
All in all, it was a good day to catch up on my reading and remembering.
Today, I am a witness of Pramana Viparyaya Vikalpa Nidra Smrtayaha (1.6)
Before going back to the room, I had a cup of chocolate cashews and raisins. It's not good to suppress these things. :)
Tomorrow, I get to do my assisting. Group D. I hope it goes well. I am actually happy to be back on my mat.
I wonder if it's possible to ask for a one-on-one yoga session... I wonder if I can ask for another leave so I can attend the Pranayama session in January...
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Faces on the Shala Wall Part 3
Pranayama Lineage
PARAMAHAMSA MADHAVADAS MAHARAJ (1798 - 1921) born in Bengal, was initiated as a Sadhu (monk) and entered the order of Vaishnavism. His thirst for knowledge of Yoga practice pushed him to travel all over India on foot in search of different yogic experts for nearly 35 years. He achieved a very great success. Attaining a great mastery over practical Yoga. He then retired in solitude in the caves of the Himalayas for further spiritual progress. He spent a full 12 years there in solitude. In 1869, he joined up with a large Sadhu community (hermits) who elected him as their leader at Vrindavan in 1881. Thereby representing the four major schools of philosophy Bhakti, Advaïta, Vishishtha Advaïta Vedanta and Dvaïta Vedanta. At the age of 80 he finally settled down on the banks of the sacred Narmada river in the state of Gujarat. It is here that he began to teach the secrets of practical yoga to a few selected and deserving disciples. He held extensive knowledge of sacred and secret practices yet the objective closest to his heart was the spiritual uplifting of the masses. In 1909 he organized an All India Sadhu meeting to modernize the order of hermits.
Towards the end of his life crowds of people sought contact with him. It was he who, thanks to his open-minded attitude, lay the foundation for further study and investigation of Yoga culture. The modern revival of practical Yoga truly owes its inspiration to him.
Swami Kuvalayananda (1883-1966)
Famous Indian pioneer of the scientific study of hatha yoga. He was born Jagannath Ganesh Gune on August 30, 1883, at Dabhoi, Baroda. His first language was Marathi, but all of his publications on yoga in English. He was a noted scholar, educationist, and national freedom fighter. He organized the Khandesh Education Society in 1916 and was principal of the society's college (1921-23). He chaired the Physical Education Committee, appointed by the Bombay Board of Physical Education, and was a member of the Central Advisory Board of Physical Education.
Gune was one of Paramahamsa Shree Madhavadasji Maharaj's two major students at Malsar, on the banks of the river Narmada in Gujarat State. Paramahamsa Madhavadasji trained Gune and Shri Yogendra in yoga, which had died out in most of India; Paramahansa Madhavadasji was the major advocate of its revival. Yogendra founded a yoga center in Bombay, and Gune worked at it until 1932. He then left to found the Yogic Health Center at Santa Cruz, Bombay; new premises were secured in 1935 and the center was renamed Ishwardas Chunilal Yoga Health Centre, Kaivalyadhama. Later a spiritual center was added at Kanakesvara Hill in the Kolaba district of Bombay. An additional center, the Kaivalyadhama Saurashtra Mandal, was established in Rajkot in 1943.
By the end of 1943 it was decided to divide the main organization into two wings: Kaivalyadhama Ashrama with emphasis on spiritual development, and Kaivalyadhama Sreeman Madhava Yoga Mandira (SMYM) Samhiti at Lonavla, Poona, specializing in the medical and scientific investigation of yoga. The latter wing was officially recognized as a research institute by the government of Bombay and by Bombay State.
Since 1935 the Kaivalyadhama SMYM Samhiti has published the Yoga-Mimamsa journal, edited by Swami Kuvalayananda, with both popular and scientific sections devoted to the serious study of yoga.
Sri O.P. Tiwari (Tiwariji) is one of today's most recognised and accomplished masters of yoga. He comes to us humbly, not trying to prove anything, but to sincerely pass on the thought and practice as it has been done by adepts over the centuries, and done so with integrity where the practice bears fruit. He is a part of this living tradition and carries this energy with him as he lives and practises it.
Tiwariji has dedicated his life to the practice and teaching of yoga. For the past 40 years he has been head of The Kaivalyadham, a yogic research institute near Mumbai, India. Established in 1924 by his master, Swami Kuvalayananda, the institute has been a pioneer in scientific research related to yoga, directly affecting many of the teachings coming from the popular yoga styles today.
Tiwariji was taught in depth by his master, and he accomplished all the practices. This puts him in the rare position of having practical experience as well as deep philosophical and scientific understanding. He is one of the few remaining masters of Pranayama in the world today.
He wears no badge, waves no flag, and is not interested in propagating his name. He joins us here to pass on the teachings to those sincerely interested. He primarily remains in private practice in India, quietly and humbly, and does limited travel for teaching.
PARAMAHAMSA MADHAVADAS MAHARAJ (1798 - 1921) born in Bengal, was initiated as a Sadhu (monk) and entered the order of Vaishnavism. His thirst for knowledge of Yoga practice pushed him to travel all over India on foot in search of different yogic experts for nearly 35 years. He achieved a very great success. Attaining a great mastery over practical Yoga. He then retired in solitude in the caves of the Himalayas for further spiritual progress. He spent a full 12 years there in solitude. In 1869, he joined up with a large Sadhu community (hermits) who elected him as their leader at Vrindavan in 1881. Thereby representing the four major schools of philosophy Bhakti, Advaïta, Vishishtha Advaïta Vedanta and Dvaïta Vedanta. At the age of 80 he finally settled down on the banks of the sacred Narmada river in the state of Gujarat. It is here that he began to teach the secrets of practical yoga to a few selected and deserving disciples. He held extensive knowledge of sacred and secret practices yet the objective closest to his heart was the spiritual uplifting of the masses. In 1909 he organized an All India Sadhu meeting to modernize the order of hermits.
Towards the end of his life crowds of people sought contact with him. It was he who, thanks to his open-minded attitude, lay the foundation for further study and investigation of Yoga culture. The modern revival of practical Yoga truly owes its inspiration to him.
Swami Kuvalayananda (1883-1966)
Famous Indian pioneer of the scientific study of hatha yoga. He was born Jagannath Ganesh Gune on August 30, 1883, at Dabhoi, Baroda. His first language was Marathi, but all of his publications on yoga in English. He was a noted scholar, educationist, and national freedom fighter. He organized the Khandesh Education Society in 1916 and was principal of the society's college (1921-23). He chaired the Physical Education Committee, appointed by the Bombay Board of Physical Education, and was a member of the Central Advisory Board of Physical Education.
Gune was one of Paramahamsa Shree Madhavadasji Maharaj's two major students at Malsar, on the banks of the river Narmada in Gujarat State. Paramahamsa Madhavadasji trained Gune and Shri Yogendra in yoga, which had died out in most of India; Paramahansa Madhavadasji was the major advocate of its revival. Yogendra founded a yoga center in Bombay, and Gune worked at it until 1932. He then left to found the Yogic Health Center at Santa Cruz, Bombay; new premises were secured in 1935 and the center was renamed Ishwardas Chunilal Yoga Health Centre, Kaivalyadhama. Later a spiritual center was added at Kanakesvara Hill in the Kolaba district of Bombay. An additional center, the Kaivalyadhama Saurashtra Mandal, was established in Rajkot in 1943.
By the end of 1943 it was decided to divide the main organization into two wings: Kaivalyadhama Ashrama with emphasis on spiritual development, and Kaivalyadhama Sreeman Madhava Yoga Mandira (SMYM) Samhiti at Lonavla, Poona, specializing in the medical and scientific investigation of yoga. The latter wing was officially recognized as a research institute by the government of Bombay and by Bombay State.
Since 1935 the Kaivalyadhama SMYM Samhiti has published the Yoga-Mimamsa journal, edited by Swami Kuvalayananda, with both popular and scientific sections devoted to the serious study of yoga.
Sri O.P. Tiwari (Tiwariji) is one of today's most recognised and accomplished masters of yoga. He comes to us humbly, not trying to prove anything, but to sincerely pass on the thought and practice as it has been done by adepts over the centuries, and done so with integrity where the practice bears fruit. He is a part of this living tradition and carries this energy with him as he lives and practises it.
Tiwariji has dedicated his life to the practice and teaching of yoga. For the past 40 years he has been head of The Kaivalyadham, a yogic research institute near Mumbai, India. Established in 1924 by his master, Swami Kuvalayananda, the institute has been a pioneer in scientific research related to yoga, directly affecting many of the teachings coming from the popular yoga styles today.
Tiwariji was taught in depth by his master, and he accomplished all the practices. This puts him in the rare position of having practical experience as well as deep philosophical and scientific understanding. He is one of the few remaining masters of Pranayama in the world today.
He wears no badge, waves no flag, and is not interested in propagating his name. He joins us here to pass on the teachings to those sincerely interested. He primarily remains in private practice in India, quietly and humbly, and does limited travel for teaching.
The Faces on the Shala Wall Part 2
Asana Lineage
The roots of the living tradition of Ashtanga Yoga
http://ashtangayoga.info/ashtanga-yoga/living-yoga-tradition.html
The tradition of Ashtanga Yoga is a living one. It goes back from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sri Tirumali Krishnamacharya, to Patanjali and Vamana Rishi. At its source you will find Lord Vishnu.
The way Sri K. Pattabhi Jois teaches Ashtanga Yoga today is exactly the way he learned it from his guru Krishnamacharya. Pattabhi Jois met Krishnamacharya in 1927, studied with him for over 25 years and learned Ashtanga Yoga during this time.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
Pattabhi Jois wrote a small book, called "Yoga Mala" (Mala = garland), about Ashtanga Yoga from 1958 to 1960. It was published in India in 1962, by one of his students, a coffee planter from Coorg. The first English translation was published in 1999 by Eddie Stern, an senior student of Pattabhi Jois, in the United States. It is still available. This book was finished long before the first western student (the Belgian Andre van Lysbeth) came to Pattabhi Jois in 1964. So the book contains a very pure and authentic Ashtaga Yoga.
(Yoga Mala)
If you follow the Ashtanga Yoga tradition one step further back from Pattabhi Jois, you come to Sri Tirumali Krishnamacharya. This great sage and yogi travelled to the Himalayas around 1916 to learn Yoga. There he met his guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and spent seven and a half years living with him, learning the Ashtanga Yoga system. In that time he learned (beyond some other scriptures) the "Yoga Karunta" by heart. This ancient manuscript is the basis on which the Asana -, Vinyasa - and Bhanda - System of Ashtanga Yoga is founded. He also learned the Yoga Sutra, which ise the spiritual and philosophical foundation of Ashtanga Yoga.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
After Krishnamacharya left his guru around 1924, he began searching for the Yoga Karunta. After a great deal of effort he finally tracked down a copy at the Calcutta University library. Unfortunately, soon after he found it, the book got badly damaged by ants and Krishnamarchaya wasn't able to preserve it. So it may be impossible to verify its authenticity. "Karunta" means "groups" and it is said that its text contained the exact groupings of Asana. Everything about Vinyasa, Bhanda, Drishti, Asana and the whole six sequences as they are taught up to now was contained within this manuscript. The "Yoga Karunta" thus forms the foundation of the practical part of Ashtanga Yoga.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
The "Yoga Karunta" is attributed to the sage Vamana Rishi. He is said to have come to earth when Ashtanga Yoga was forgotten, and a sage was needed to bring it back to mankind. Vamana Rishi incarnated for this task and learned the whole Ashtanga Yoga system from lord Vishnu while in the womb of his mother. After the normal time of pregnancy was over, Vamana was still not finished with his learning. According to legend, he refused to be born until he had finished his studies of Ashtanga Yoga.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
...The roots of the Vinyasa System of Ashtanga Yoga can be found much earlier. They reach back to the first written documents of mankind - the Vedas.
There are four Vedas: The Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvanaveda. Two contain hints about the Asthanga Vinyasa Yoga practice and to the Vinyasa system.
The first to be written was the Rigveda, which is believed to date back to 8000 BC. Yajurveda came a bit later, but is still a very ancient text. In both you can find explanations of moving and breathing, especially in Suryanamaskara. The physical and spiritual benefits are also detailed.
In Yajurveda there is a mantra called Aruna Mantra, which puts the Vinyasa Count for Suryanamaskara A at nine.
In the Maha Saura Mantra of Rigveda the Vinyasa count of Suryanamskara B is numbered through to seventeen - just as it is now.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
The roots of the living tradition of Ashtanga Yoga
http://ashtangayoga.info/ashtanga-yoga/living-yoga-tradition.html
The tradition of Ashtanga Yoga is a living one. It goes back from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sri Tirumali Krishnamacharya, to Patanjali and Vamana Rishi. At its source you will find Lord Vishnu.
The way Sri K. Pattabhi Jois teaches Ashtanga Yoga today is exactly the way he learned it from his guru Krishnamacharya. Pattabhi Jois met Krishnamacharya in 1927, studied with him for over 25 years and learned Ashtanga Yoga during this time.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
Pattabhi Jois wrote a small book, called "Yoga Mala" (Mala = garland), about Ashtanga Yoga from 1958 to 1960. It was published in India in 1962, by one of his students, a coffee planter from Coorg. The first English translation was published in 1999 by Eddie Stern, an senior student of Pattabhi Jois, in the United States. It is still available. This book was finished long before the first western student (the Belgian Andre van Lysbeth) came to Pattabhi Jois in 1964. So the book contains a very pure and authentic Ashtaga Yoga.
(Yoga Mala)
If you follow the Ashtanga Yoga tradition one step further back from Pattabhi Jois, you come to Sri Tirumali Krishnamacharya. This great sage and yogi travelled to the Himalayas around 1916 to learn Yoga. There he met his guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and spent seven and a half years living with him, learning the Ashtanga Yoga system. In that time he learned (beyond some other scriptures) the "Yoga Karunta" by heart. This ancient manuscript is the basis on which the Asana -, Vinyasa - and Bhanda - System of Ashtanga Yoga is founded. He also learned the Yoga Sutra, which ise the spiritual and philosophical foundation of Ashtanga Yoga.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
After Krishnamacharya left his guru around 1924, he began searching for the Yoga Karunta. After a great deal of effort he finally tracked down a copy at the Calcutta University library. Unfortunately, soon after he found it, the book got badly damaged by ants and Krishnamarchaya wasn't able to preserve it. So it may be impossible to verify its authenticity. "Karunta" means "groups" and it is said that its text contained the exact groupings of Asana. Everything about Vinyasa, Bhanda, Drishti, Asana and the whole six sequences as they are taught up to now was contained within this manuscript. The "Yoga Karunta" thus forms the foundation of the practical part of Ashtanga Yoga.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
The "Yoga Karunta" is attributed to the sage Vamana Rishi. He is said to have come to earth when Ashtanga Yoga was forgotten, and a sage was needed to bring it back to mankind. Vamana Rishi incarnated for this task and learned the whole Ashtanga Yoga system from lord Vishnu while in the womb of his mother. After the normal time of pregnancy was over, Vamana was still not finished with his learning. According to legend, he refused to be born until he had finished his studies of Ashtanga Yoga.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
...The roots of the Vinyasa System of Ashtanga Yoga can be found much earlier. They reach back to the first written documents of mankind - the Vedas.
There are four Vedas: The Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvanaveda. Two contain hints about the Asthanga Vinyasa Yoga practice and to the Vinyasa system.
The first to be written was the Rigveda, which is believed to date back to 8000 BC. Yajurveda came a bit later, but is still a very ancient text. In both you can find explanations of moving and breathing, especially in Suryanamaskara. The physical and spiritual benefits are also detailed.
In Yajurveda there is a mantra called Aruna Mantra, which puts the Vinyasa Count for Suryanamaskara A at nine.
In the Maha Saura Mantra of Rigveda the Vinyasa count of Suryanamskara B is numbered through to seventeen - just as it is now.
(reported from Pattabhi Jois, February 2004)
The Faces on the Shala Walls Part 1
Post Classical Period
Ādi Śaṅkara(Malayalam:അദി ശങ്കരന്, Devanāgarī: आदि शङ्कर,(788 CE - 820 CE), also known as Śaṅkara Bhagavatpādācārya and Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, was an Indian philosopher who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, a sub-school of Vedanta. His teachings are based on the unity of the soul and Brahman, in which Brahman is viewed as without attributes. He hailed from Kalady of present day Kerala.
He's one of the most important saints to have lived in India.
Gorakhnath
Gorakshanath (also known as Gorakhnath) was an 11th to 12th century[1] Nath yogi, connected to Shaivism as one of the two most important disciples of Matsyendranath, the other being Caurangi. There are varying records of the spiritual descent of Gorakshanath. All name Adinath and Matsyendranath as two teachers preceding him in the succession. Though one account lists five gurus preceding Adinath and another lists six teachers between Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath, current tradition has Adinath identified with Lord Shiva as the direct teacher of Matsyendranath, who was himself the direct teacher of Gorakshanath.
Later 1800 to Present
Sri Remakrishna Pramahansa
Sri Ramakrishna, who was born in 1836 and passed away in 1886, represents the very core of the spiritual realizations of the seers and sages of India. His whole life was literally an uninterrupted contemplation of God. He reached a depth of God-consciousness that transcends all time and place and has a universal appeal. Seekers of God of all religions feel irresistibly drawn to his life and teachings. Sri Ramakrishna, as a silent force, influences the spiritual thought currents of our time. He is a figure of recent history and his life and teachings have not yet been obscured by loving legends and doubtful myths. Through his God-intoxicated life Sri Ramakrishna proved that the revelation of God takes place at all times and that God-realization is not the monopoly of any particular age, country, or people. In him, deepest spirituality and broadest catholicity stood side by side.
Swami Vivekananda
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S inspiring personality was well known both in India and in America during the last decade of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth. The unknown monk of India suddenly leapt into fame at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893, at which he represented Hinduism. His vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture as well as his deep spiritual insight, fervid eloquence, brilliant conversation, broad human sympathy, colourful personality, and handsome figure made an irresistible appeal to the many types of Americans who came in contact with him. People who saw or heard Vivekananda even once still cherish his memory after a lapse of more than half a century.
Paramahansa Yogananda
Paramahansa Yogananda came to the United States in 1920, and was the first great spiritual master of India to live and teach in the West for an extended period of time - more than thirty years. His life story book Autobiography of a Yogi, is an absorbing account of a singular search for Truth, skillfully interwoven with scientific explanations of the subtle but definite laws by which yogis perform miracles and attain self-mastery. Describing in vivid detail his many years of training under Swami Sri Yukteswar, a Christlike master, the author revealed a fascinating and little-known aspect of modern India. In colorful, warmly human chapters Paramahansa Yogananda also recounts his visits with exceptional spiritual personages of East and West, including Mahatma Gandhi; Luther Burbank; Therese Neumann, the Catholic stigmatist; and Rabindanath Tagore. Read the Book online: Autobiography of a Yogi
Swami Sivananda
Swami Sivananda, one of the greatest Yoga masters of the 20th century, is the inspiration behind the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers.
Although he rarely left the little town of Rishikesh (with only 2 India tours and no visits abroad) Swami Sivananda's teachings spread quickly throughout our entire planet. He personally wrote - by hand, no computers at the time :-) - more than 200 books on topics connected to Yoga and Philosophy. He wrote in a style that is very direct and bursting with dynamic, spiritual energy. As a result many who read his books felt their lives deeply touched and transformed and so came from all of India, all of the world, to learn from him directly, and to bask in his holy presence. The teachings of Master Sivananda are summarized in these 6 words:
"Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize".
In 1957, Swami sivananda sent his devoted and industrious disciple, Swami Vishnu-devananda to the West where he then established the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers
Swami Satchitananda
Sri Gurudev was born on December 22nd in 1914 during the month known as Margali, the Dawn of the Devas. He was the second son of Sri Kalyanasundaram Gounder and his wife Srimati Velammai.
From the time he was a little boy, Sri Gurudev (then known as "Ramaswamy") was deeply spiritual. Even as a young child, he spoke truths and displayed insights far beyond his years. His devotion to God was strong, and he looked at people of all castes and faiths with an equal eye, always recognizing the same light within every being. That recognition of the universal light equally present in all people remained as he grew to adulthood, became a businessman and a husband.
When his young wife died, he turned his attention to spiritual practice and studying with many great spiritual masters, including Sri Ramana Maharshi. Finally, in 1949, Ramaswamy met his Guru—H. H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh. He received Sannyas Diksha (initiation into monkhood) from his spiritual master and was given the name Swami Satchidananda.
Sri Gurudev's message emphasized harmony among people of all races and faiths. His motto was: "Truth is One, Paths are Many." He believed that we are all one in Spirit and that throughout history great spiritual masters, such as Buddha, Moses, and Jesus, have come forward to teach the people of the world how to experience this spiritual oneness. After we have found that Spirit within ourselves, we will always recognize it in others. Then, we truly have power to help heal the world. Sri Gurudev exemplified these teachings. His beautiful message is that we, too, can exemplify them.
Swami Satchidananda received many honors for his public service including, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, the Juliet Hollister Interfaith Award and the U Thant Peace Award. In 1999, the 50th anniversary of his ministerial ordination was commemorated during the interfaith service prior to the opening of the 54th General Assembly of the United Nations. Swami Satchidananda dedicated his life to the cause of peace—both individual and universal—and to unity and harmony among all people.
Ramana Maharshi
Sri Ramana Maharshi (Tamil: ரமண மஹரிஷி) (December 30, 1879 – April 14, 1950), born Venkataraman Iyer, was an Indian sage. He was born to a Tamil-speaking Brahmin family in Tiruchuzhi, Tamil Nadu. After having attained liberation at the age of 16, he left home for Arunachala, a mountain considered sacred by Hindus, at Tiruvannamalai, and lived there for the rest of his life. Arunachala is located in Tamil Nadu, South India.[1] Although born a Brahmin, after having attained moksha he declared himself an "Atiasrami", a Sastraic state of unattachment to anything in life and beyond all caste restrictions[2].
Sri Ramana maintained that the purest form of his teachings was the powerful silence which radiated from his presence and quieted the minds of those attuned to it. He gave verbal teachings only for the benefit of those who could not understand his silence.[3] His verbal teachings were said to flow from his direct experience of Consciousness as the only existing reality.[4] When asked for advice, he recommended self-enquiry as the fastest path to moksha. Though his primary teaching is associated with Non-dualism, Advaita Vedanta, and Jnana yoga, he highly recommended Bhakti, and gave his approval to a variety of paths and practices.
Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghosh) (Bengali: শ্রী অরবিন্দ (অরবিন্দ ঘোষ) Sri Ôrobindo) (August 15, 1872 – December 5, 1950) was an Indian nationalist and freedom fighter, poet, philosopher, and yogi.[1][2] He joined the movement for India's freedom from British rule and for a duration (1905–10), became one of its most important leaders,[3] before turning to developing his own vision and philosophy of human progress and spiritual evolution.
The central theme of Sri Aurobindo's vision[4] is the evolution of life into a "life divine". In his own words: "Man is a transitional being. He is not final. The step from man to superman is the next approaching achievement in the earth's evolution. It is inevitable because it is at once the intention of the inner spirit and the logic of Nature's process".
Neem Karoli Baba
Neeb Karori Baba or Maharajji as He is more popularly known, is one of the greatest saints of the 20th century. He is among the very few true 'sadhus' (saints) that India has had in the recent times. He is also called Neem Karoli Baba (this name being more popular among his western devotees). This website is a tribute to Him and His greatness. It is dedicated to his Janma Sthal (birthplace) - Akbarpur and his Samadhi Sthal (place where he took his last breath) - Vrindavan.
Ādi Śaṅkara(Malayalam:അദി ശങ്കരന്, Devanāgarī: आदि शङ्कर,(788 CE - 820 CE), also known as Śaṅkara Bhagavatpādācārya and Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, was an Indian philosopher who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, a sub-school of Vedanta. His teachings are based on the unity of the soul and Brahman, in which Brahman is viewed as without attributes. He hailed from Kalady of present day Kerala.
He's one of the most important saints to have lived in India.
Gorakhnath
Gorakshanath (also known as Gorakhnath) was an 11th to 12th century[1] Nath yogi, connected to Shaivism as one of the two most important disciples of Matsyendranath, the other being Caurangi. There are varying records of the spiritual descent of Gorakshanath. All name Adinath and Matsyendranath as two teachers preceding him in the succession. Though one account lists five gurus preceding Adinath and another lists six teachers between Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath, current tradition has Adinath identified with Lord Shiva as the direct teacher of Matsyendranath, who was himself the direct teacher of Gorakshanath.
Later 1800 to Present
Sri Remakrishna Pramahansa
Sri Ramakrishna, who was born in 1836 and passed away in 1886, represents the very core of the spiritual realizations of the seers and sages of India. His whole life was literally an uninterrupted contemplation of God. He reached a depth of God-consciousness that transcends all time and place and has a universal appeal. Seekers of God of all religions feel irresistibly drawn to his life and teachings. Sri Ramakrishna, as a silent force, influences the spiritual thought currents of our time. He is a figure of recent history and his life and teachings have not yet been obscured by loving legends and doubtful myths. Through his God-intoxicated life Sri Ramakrishna proved that the revelation of God takes place at all times and that God-realization is not the monopoly of any particular age, country, or people. In him, deepest spirituality and broadest catholicity stood side by side.
Swami Vivekananda
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S inspiring personality was well known both in India and in America during the last decade of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth. The unknown monk of India suddenly leapt into fame at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893, at which he represented Hinduism. His vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture as well as his deep spiritual insight, fervid eloquence, brilliant conversation, broad human sympathy, colourful personality, and handsome figure made an irresistible appeal to the many types of Americans who came in contact with him. People who saw or heard Vivekananda even once still cherish his memory after a lapse of more than half a century.
Paramahansa Yogananda
Paramahansa Yogananda came to the United States in 1920, and was the first great spiritual master of India to live and teach in the West for an extended period of time - more than thirty years. His life story book Autobiography of a Yogi, is an absorbing account of a singular search for Truth, skillfully interwoven with scientific explanations of the subtle but definite laws by which yogis perform miracles and attain self-mastery. Describing in vivid detail his many years of training under Swami Sri Yukteswar, a Christlike master, the author revealed a fascinating and little-known aspect of modern India. In colorful, warmly human chapters Paramahansa Yogananda also recounts his visits with exceptional spiritual personages of East and West, including Mahatma Gandhi; Luther Burbank; Therese Neumann, the Catholic stigmatist; and Rabindanath Tagore. Read the Book online: Autobiography of a Yogi
Swami Sivananda
Swami Sivananda, one of the greatest Yoga masters of the 20th century, is the inspiration behind the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers.
Although he rarely left the little town of Rishikesh (with only 2 India tours and no visits abroad) Swami Sivananda's teachings spread quickly throughout our entire planet. He personally wrote - by hand, no computers at the time :-) - more than 200 books on topics connected to Yoga and Philosophy. He wrote in a style that is very direct and bursting with dynamic, spiritual energy. As a result many who read his books felt their lives deeply touched and transformed and so came from all of India, all of the world, to learn from him directly, and to bask in his holy presence. The teachings of Master Sivananda are summarized in these 6 words:
"Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize".
In 1957, Swami sivananda sent his devoted and industrious disciple, Swami Vishnu-devananda to the West where he then established the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers
Swami Satchitananda
Sri Gurudev was born on December 22nd in 1914 during the month known as Margali, the Dawn of the Devas. He was the second son of Sri Kalyanasundaram Gounder and his wife Srimati Velammai.
From the time he was a little boy, Sri Gurudev (then known as "Ramaswamy") was deeply spiritual. Even as a young child, he spoke truths and displayed insights far beyond his years. His devotion to God was strong, and he looked at people of all castes and faiths with an equal eye, always recognizing the same light within every being. That recognition of the universal light equally present in all people remained as he grew to adulthood, became a businessman and a husband.
When his young wife died, he turned his attention to spiritual practice and studying with many great spiritual masters, including Sri Ramana Maharshi. Finally, in 1949, Ramaswamy met his Guru—H. H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh. He received Sannyas Diksha (initiation into monkhood) from his spiritual master and was given the name Swami Satchidananda.
Sri Gurudev's message emphasized harmony among people of all races and faiths. His motto was: "Truth is One, Paths are Many." He believed that we are all one in Spirit and that throughout history great spiritual masters, such as Buddha, Moses, and Jesus, have come forward to teach the people of the world how to experience this spiritual oneness. After we have found that Spirit within ourselves, we will always recognize it in others. Then, we truly have power to help heal the world. Sri Gurudev exemplified these teachings. His beautiful message is that we, too, can exemplify them.
Swami Satchidananda received many honors for his public service including, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, the Juliet Hollister Interfaith Award and the U Thant Peace Award. In 1999, the 50th anniversary of his ministerial ordination was commemorated during the interfaith service prior to the opening of the 54th General Assembly of the United Nations. Swami Satchidananda dedicated his life to the cause of peace—both individual and universal—and to unity and harmony among all people.
Ramana Maharshi
Sri Ramana Maharshi (Tamil: ரமண மஹரிஷி) (December 30, 1879 – April 14, 1950), born Venkataraman Iyer, was an Indian sage. He was born to a Tamil-speaking Brahmin family in Tiruchuzhi, Tamil Nadu. After having attained liberation at the age of 16, he left home for Arunachala, a mountain considered sacred by Hindus, at Tiruvannamalai, and lived there for the rest of his life. Arunachala is located in Tamil Nadu, South India.[1] Although born a Brahmin, after having attained moksha he declared himself an "Atiasrami", a Sastraic state of unattachment to anything in life and beyond all caste restrictions[2].
Sri Ramana maintained that the purest form of his teachings was the powerful silence which radiated from his presence and quieted the minds of those attuned to it. He gave verbal teachings only for the benefit of those who could not understand his silence.[3] His verbal teachings were said to flow from his direct experience of Consciousness as the only existing reality.[4] When asked for advice, he recommended self-enquiry as the fastest path to moksha. Though his primary teaching is associated with Non-dualism, Advaita Vedanta, and Jnana yoga, he highly recommended Bhakti, and gave his approval to a variety of paths and practices.
Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghosh) (Bengali: শ্রী অরবিন্দ (অরবিন্দ ঘোষ) Sri Ôrobindo) (August 15, 1872 – December 5, 1950) was an Indian nationalist and freedom fighter, poet, philosopher, and yogi.[1][2] He joined the movement for India's freedom from British rule and for a duration (1905–10), became one of its most important leaders,[3] before turning to developing his own vision and philosophy of human progress and spiritual evolution.
The central theme of Sri Aurobindo's vision[4] is the evolution of life into a "life divine". In his own words: "Man is a transitional being. He is not final. The step from man to superman is the next approaching achievement in the earth's evolution. It is inevitable because it is at once the intention of the inner spirit and the logic of Nature's process".
Neem Karoli Baba
Neeb Karori Baba or Maharajji as He is more popularly known, is one of the greatest saints of the 20th century. He is among the very few true 'sadhus' (saints) that India has had in the recent times. He is also called Neem Karoli Baba (this name being more popular among his western devotees). This website is a tribute to Him and His greatness. It is dedicated to his Janma Sthal (birthplace) - Akbarpur and his Samadhi Sthal (place where he took his last breath) - Vrindavan.
Day 15 (Nov 20)
I cannot believe it's been fifteen days! We are half way through the program. On this Friday night, I will be going over my files, just digesting some of my favorite highlights. I also have tomorrow to really zone in on the lessons.
Today, I practiced only the standing sequence. This is the third day of my cycle. Tomorrow is a free day and I'm pretty sure by Sunday, I'll truly be back on the mat.
For our anatomy session, we went through the circulatory system and how it relates to our practice - the ashtanga system is amazing in how it has considered even the flows, valves, contractions, and releases within our body, all the while optimizing our breath. Overlaid with the workings on personal development, the wisdom is just fascinating.
We had a deep discussion on the importance of restorative poses and the ideal amount of time for this. It's about 30 minutes for the poses, plus a 15 minute Savasana.
We then went into correct alignment. Chin up, neck long and preserving its arch, position of the elbows. Use props as necessary. Triple fold the mat. We had a dearth of information here and sadly there is so much misinformation out there.
For the restorative, we had a wonderful Qi Gong session, another breath system, to appreciate the energy that flows as we do our yoga asanas. I love the poetic names of some of the movements. The energy is so palpable in the slow, flowing movements.
To add to my list of new things to do, I have resolved to give up soda and consume less milk from the box. No more white sugar, no more mad-made salt too. We are putting in more vegetables, more tofu, soy milk and other good stuff. This is on top of me giving up meat and taking wheat grass. That grocery list is going to be revised when I get home.
On a stranger note, I have not gone since the colon hydrotherapy. I wonder why? I hope my second brain is not traumatized!
Today, I practiced only the standing sequence. This is the third day of my cycle. Tomorrow is a free day and I'm pretty sure by Sunday, I'll truly be back on the mat.
For our anatomy session, we went through the circulatory system and how it relates to our practice - the ashtanga system is amazing in how it has considered even the flows, valves, contractions, and releases within our body, all the while optimizing our breath. Overlaid with the workings on personal development, the wisdom is just fascinating.
We had a deep discussion on the importance of restorative poses and the ideal amount of time for this. It's about 30 minutes for the poses, plus a 15 minute Savasana.
We then went into correct alignment. Chin up, neck long and preserving its arch, position of the elbows. Use props as necessary. Triple fold the mat. We had a dearth of information here and sadly there is so much misinformation out there.
For the restorative, we had a wonderful Qi Gong session, another breath system, to appreciate the energy that flows as we do our yoga asanas. I love the poetic names of some of the movements. The energy is so palpable in the slow, flowing movements.
To add to my list of new things to do, I have resolved to give up soda and consume less milk from the box. No more white sugar, no more mad-made salt too. We are putting in more vegetables, more tofu, soy milk and other good stuff. This is on top of me giving up meat and taking wheat grass. That grocery list is going to be revised when I get home.
On a stranger note, I have not gone since the colon hydrotherapy. I wonder why? I hope my second brain is not traumatized!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Day 14 (Nov 19)
Today, we were taught Kumbhaka. I could not do that because I'm on my cycle but I did my Pranayamas and was given a chance to assist. I'm so glad I got to assist "real" people. C., O., and J. thought I looked like I was in my groove. I did once I got over my mental blocks on sweat and proximity. I got a smile (or was it a thumbs up?) from Paul. The thing is, I love teaching and learning. I love studying. I love the idea of learning from great teachers. I love the sweet tension of true loyalty and the honest inquiry that takes place between guru and student.
The thought of being a lifelong student, and karma-willing, a good teacher for subjects I love makes me happy. In my life, my dream has always been to Travel. Teach. Write. Someday, I will have shirts made with that written on the back, too.
I love our restorative yoga sessions, swaying trees, a strong but softer afternoon practice. I love the classes. Today was chakrasana, hip opening, half lotus; Sankhya, Gunas and more Sutras which I love. Sraddha virya smrti samadhi prajnapuvaka itaseram (1.20) Isvarapranidhanadva (1.21) Fully embracing. Complete surrender. I believe this. I also know they are not easy.
These days, too, I love listening to the iPod in the dining hall. It has a lot of the songs on my iPod...Sometimes, chill out grooves. Sometimes, my favorite songs. (Tonight, one after another, it's My sweet lord, the only living boy in new york, If I ever lose my faith in you, why should I cry for you. Hmmmm...Would you look at that.)
As much as I have so much love for this day (I walked really slowly towards the shala this morning, just loving every second of the morning), it's not all love today.
Things did not go well tonight in my cyber long distance relationship with A. It's all part of the meltdown. Sometimes, I want a nice online conversation over dinner that does not start with bills that need to be paid and errands I need to do remotely. I feel like I should stay in an ashram for a year without any Internet connection. It's difficult to have quarrels via post cards. I am so human.
What would Patanjali say? Let me get my workbook and randomly open to a page...
The S.I. Joints and Symphsis Pubis are designed to be slightly movable joints however; they are fused in most adults due to sedentary lifestyles
That can't be it. I'll try again.
According to Goraknath, the purpose is to reduce rajas, which leads to a peaceful citta and clarity
There you go. I was a bit too rajastic in that exchange. Sorry, Goraknath. Sorry, honey.
I should rest. I am in a strange mood.
Sometimes, I still feel like I am waiting to exhale. There's a voice in my head telling me to keep breathing. Keep breathing...
So I shall.
The thought of being a lifelong student, and karma-willing, a good teacher for subjects I love makes me happy. In my life, my dream has always been to Travel. Teach. Write. Someday, I will have shirts made with that written on the back, too.
I love our restorative yoga sessions, swaying trees, a strong but softer afternoon practice. I love the classes. Today was chakrasana, hip opening, half lotus; Sankhya, Gunas and more Sutras which I love. Sraddha virya smrti samadhi prajnapuvaka itaseram (1.20) Isvarapranidhanadva (1.21) Fully embracing. Complete surrender. I believe this. I also know they are not easy.
These days, too, I love listening to the iPod in the dining hall. It has a lot of the songs on my iPod...Sometimes, chill out grooves. Sometimes, my favorite songs. (Tonight, one after another, it's My sweet lord, the only living boy in new york, If I ever lose my faith in you, why should I cry for you. Hmmmm...Would you look at that.)
As much as I have so much love for this day (I walked really slowly towards the shala this morning, just loving every second of the morning), it's not all love today.
Things did not go well tonight in my cyber long distance relationship with A. It's all part of the meltdown. Sometimes, I want a nice online conversation over dinner that does not start with bills that need to be paid and errands I need to do remotely. I feel like I should stay in an ashram for a year without any Internet connection. It's difficult to have quarrels via post cards. I am so human.
What would Patanjali say? Let me get my workbook and randomly open to a page...
The S.I. Joints and Symphsis Pubis are designed to be slightly movable joints however; they are fused in most adults due to sedentary lifestyles
That can't be it. I'll try again.
According to Goraknath, the purpose is to reduce rajas, which leads to a peaceful citta and clarity
There you go. I was a bit too rajastic in that exchange. Sorry, Goraknath. Sorry, honey.
I should rest. I am in a strange mood.
Sometimes, I still feel like I am waiting to exhale. There's a voice in my head telling me to keep breathing. Keep breathing...
So I shall.
Day 13 (Nov 17)
I woke up at 1 a.m. to the sound of Veron's phone and could not go back to sleep. I shone the light of my mobile phone on Paul doing the asanas on the practice card and tried to calm myself to sleep. Too many thoughts.
Today, I actually felt my skull shine with Kapalabhati. That's my shining highlight in Pranayama. We did Mysore today and I have a long way to go. I think I should stop at Bhujapidasana for now. After class, I was able to slot myself for Colon Hydrotherapy. Self Discovery - I do not like expelling things deep within me. Not my Vaman, not even crap. Even as I think about it now, I feel like crying. I thought I was over the "cry inside, keep the pain and do not bother anyone" attitude.
This could be my period hormones which I got today (found out right before my hydrotherapy. God likes to joke around with me this way because I'm such a good sport...). If this isn't my hormones, this could be my meltdown.
Here it is, Neil, I'm on a 24-hour meltdown on Day 13. And there is another thing that I cannot say, this one crazy citta vritti. Crap. Even my brain needs a hydrotherapy.
Who reads this anyway?
Today, I actually felt my skull shine with Kapalabhati. That's my shining highlight in Pranayama. We did Mysore today and I have a long way to go. I think I should stop at Bhujapidasana for now. After class, I was able to slot myself for Colon Hydrotherapy. Self Discovery - I do not like expelling things deep within me. Not my Vaman, not even crap. Even as I think about it now, I feel like crying. I thought I was over the "cry inside, keep the pain and do not bother anyone" attitude.
This could be my period hormones which I got today (found out right before my hydrotherapy. God likes to joke around with me this way because I'm such a good sport...). If this isn't my hormones, this could be my meltdown.
Here it is, Neil, I'm on a 24-hour meltdown on Day 13. And there is another thing that I cannot say, this one crazy citta vritti. Crap. Even my brain needs a hydrotherapy.
Who reads this anyway?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
24 Divine Qualities
24 seeds...
Source: http://gayathridevi.com/EffectofGayatriMantraontheBody.aspx
The above picture shows the relation of the sounds of the Gayatri Mantra to the specific centers of the body. As shown above, particular letters of the Mantra are related to different parts of the body. The details are in the table below.
No. Letter Gland Involved Energy
1 Tat Tapini Success
2 Sa Saphalta Bravery
3 Vi Vishwa Maintenance
4 Tur Tushti Well-being
5 Va Varda Yoga
6 Re Revati Love
7 Ni Sookshma Money
8 Yam Gyana Brilliance
9 Bhar Bharga Defense
10 Go Gomati Intellect
11 De Devika Suppression
12 Va Varahi Devotion
13 Sya Sinhani Power of Retention
14 Dhee Dhyan Life-Breath
15 Ma Maryada Self-restraint
16 Hi Sfuta Penance
17 Dhi Medha Farsightedness
18 Yo Yogmaya Awakening
19 Yo Yogini Production
20 Naha Dharini Sweetness
21 Pra Prabhava Ideal
22 Cho Ooshma Courage
23 Da Drashya Wisdom
24 Yat Niranjan Service
Gayatri activates the above mentioned twenty-four divine qualities in the devotee. With their growth, varied accomplishments and prosperity start manifesting in the life of the devotee. Gayatri Sadhana is the well-organized scientific process of spiritual growth and it has a solid scientific basis.
Source: http://gayathridevi.com/EffectofGayatriMantraontheBody.aspx
The above picture shows the relation of the sounds of the Gayatri Mantra to the specific centers of the body. As shown above, particular letters of the Mantra are related to different parts of the body. The details are in the table below.
No. Letter Gland Involved Energy
1 Tat Tapini Success
2 Sa Saphalta Bravery
3 Vi Vishwa Maintenance
4 Tur Tushti Well-being
5 Va Varda Yoga
6 Re Revati Love
7 Ni Sookshma Money
8 Yam Gyana Brilliance
9 Bhar Bharga Defense
10 Go Gomati Intellect
11 De Devika Suppression
12 Va Varahi Devotion
13 Sya Sinhani Power of Retention
14 Dhee Dhyan Life-Breath
15 Ma Maryada Self-restraint
16 Hi Sfuta Penance
17 Dhi Medha Farsightedness
18 Yo Yogmaya Awakening
19 Yo Yogini Production
20 Naha Dharini Sweetness
21 Pra Prabhava Ideal
22 Cho Ooshma Courage
23 Da Drashya Wisdom
24 Yat Niranjan Service
Gayatri activates the above mentioned twenty-four divine qualities in the devotee. With their growth, varied accomplishments and prosperity start manifesting in the life of the devotee. Gayatri Sadhana is the well-organized scientific process of spiritual growth and it has a solid scientific basis.
The Greatness of Gayatri Mantra
I will keep this moment in my heart, the remembrance of the swirling, spinning energy around me as the chant poured perfectly out of me, over me, in me; the purity of those seemingly endless minutes, the quiet that envelopes me even now, even after I have spoken meaningless words, and cried mysterious tears. I will remember that space of lightness, floating, seeing the light at the back of my eyes, the energy that not even my strongest mundane thoughts could pierce. No thoughts could go near that peace, this peace I have found.
This has never happened to me before. The closest feeling was seeing my son for the first time after I gave birth to him. Pure bliss of being lovingly detached and peacefully attached. Pure bliss.
I have no words for this really. Is this the initiation?
I read the notes on the Gayatri Mantra at the back of our book. It is an article called The Greatness of Gayatri Mantra, from which I take the title of this post and for which I cried my mysterious tears.
I will remember this moment, or if the millions of mantras allow, may I be blessed enough to come to it again.
The Greatness of Gayatri Mantra
How devoted recitation and living a purelife will bring great spiritual rewards
Karunamayi Sri Vijayeswari Devi
Dear embodiments of divine consciousness, Amma's abundant Motherly love to you all. The potential Energy emanating from the entire cosmos is called Gayatri. Meditation on the Gayatri Mantra burns away all the layers of impurities covering the mind, accumulated through countless births, and bestows upon you the vision of Supreme Consciousness. The twenty-four seed syllables in the Gayatri Mantra are: Tat savitur varenyam; Bhargo devasya dheemahi; Dhiyo yonah prachodayaat. All of wisdom, knowledge, and the entire Vedas are well concealed in these twenty-four seed syllables. Perhaps a whole lifetime is not enough to realize the hidden divine truths of any one of these seed syllables. While we may have many kinds of bodyguards in the external world, we should never forget that the greatest and most important protection is that of Jagan Mata, Mother of the Universe. The repetition of the Gayatri Mantra with intense devotion and faith gives the seeker divine protection. One who has experienced the Divine Consciousness of these twenty-four seed syllables has nothing else left to hear, read, learn or enjoy in this external world.
Meditation with self-surrender alone is the way. Meditation will develop in you the feeling of constantly living in the divine state of atmic [soul] consciousness. When your heart is completely set on Gayatri, all the actions you perform in the world will be transformed into highly noble actions dedicated to God. Practice of the Gayatri Mantra enables one to attain complete divine union with the Supreme Goddess of Divine Consciousness. This occurs when the meditation you have been performing during the brahma muhurta, between 3:30?4:30am, has borne fruit.
There are seventy million supreme mantras contained in the Gayatri Mantra. Among all these seventy million supreme mantras, there are ten million mantras attributed to Siva, twenty million to the sun, five million to Ganesha, five million to Vishnu, and thirty million mantras, more than all the others, are attributed to the Divine Mother, the Goddess of Supreme Energy. The Gayatri Mantra is the essence of all these seventy million mantras. Just as all rivers merge in the oceans, all mantras unite in the Gayatri Mantra, the essence of all mantras. You may ask, "Where then does the Gayatri Mantra merge?" The Gayatri Mantra merges in the great ocean of Omkara, the sound of Om.
The arrangement of the twenty-four seed syllables in the Gayatri Mantra is most wondrous and mysterious. The chanting of this mantra develops nada, a regular subtle vibration in the nerves of the subtle body. For example, when we turn on a computer, various letters appear on the screen. Similarly, when we chant the Gayatri Mantra, the vibrations of this mantra touch various spiritual centers of our body, and as a result, a subtle energy is awakened in the subtle body. When the fingers play upon the vina, a stringed instrument, in the correct way, musical sound waves emanate according to the set tune. In the same way, the chanting of the twenty-four seed syllables in the Gayatri Mantra generates a wondrous jhankar, a pulsating ringing, and a powerful energy flows from the twenty-four special chakras of the subtle body. The seeker will be endowed with yoga shakti, the energy of union with God, only when these twenty-four chakras in the subtle body are awakened. As long as these twenty-four chakras are not awakened and energized, the seeker will not acquire the power of union.
After being initiated into this mantra by a guru, if one chants it in a soft and sweet voice with a tranquil mind, his wishes, including those that have not been expressed, will all be fulfilled. That is why Gayatri is hailed as the Mother of all mothers. She protects Her children from the negative influences of the rays of the nine planets. She also maintains balance between air, fire and water, the three elements in the body, ensuring good health.
The meaning of the Gayatri Mantra is "I meditate upon the Supreme Energy, Gayatri Devi, who has the supreme quality of sporting in the creation of all the worlds, and who induces noble thoughts in the hearts of everyone." One must perform pranayama, the control of vital breath, five times before beginning the repetition of the Gayatri Mantra. The repetition of Gayatri Mantra bestows man with divine knowledge, the realization of Divinity, supreme peace, highest intellect and Moksha, Liberation.
While chanting the Gayatri Mantra, one should leave a gap at the five places: 1) Om 2...) Bhur bhuvah suvah... 3) Tat savitur varenyam... 4) Bhargo Devasya dheemahi... 5) Dhiyo yonah prachodayaat.... One should not chant the Gayatri Mantra at a stretch without stopping at the places indicated above.
Wake up daily during brahma muhurta, between 3:30-4:30 am, and meditate. This is the best time. But if this is not possible for you, meditate at least for ten minutes by seven am, or failing even this, chant the mantra ten times. Gradually you will realize that the whole universe is the radiance of Devi. You will witness that, in reality, the entire world is an embodiment of your own soul. When you ascend to such an elevated state, you will never fall again. You will always be drenched in an ocean of Divine Bliss! This alone is the fulfillment of spirituality. You will attain this state effortlessly by meditating on the Gayatri Mantra. Therefore, my dear children, may all of you lead a supremely pure, truthful and divine life.
Karunamayi, Sri Vijayeswari Devi, 41, revered as an incarnation of the Divine Mother, lives at her forest ashram in Andhra Pradesh. After years of tapas, she now travels and teaches globally.
This has never happened to me before. The closest feeling was seeing my son for the first time after I gave birth to him. Pure bliss of being lovingly detached and peacefully attached. Pure bliss.
I have no words for this really. Is this the initiation?
I read the notes on the Gayatri Mantra at the back of our book. It is an article called The Greatness of Gayatri Mantra, from which I take the title of this post and for which I cried my mysterious tears.
I will remember this moment, or if the millions of mantras allow, may I be blessed enough to come to it again.
The Greatness of Gayatri Mantra
How devoted recitation and living a purelife will bring great spiritual rewards
Karunamayi Sri Vijayeswari Devi
Dear embodiments of divine consciousness, Amma's abundant Motherly love to you all. The potential Energy emanating from the entire cosmos is called Gayatri. Meditation on the Gayatri Mantra burns away all the layers of impurities covering the mind, accumulated through countless births, and bestows upon you the vision of Supreme Consciousness. The twenty-four seed syllables in the Gayatri Mantra are: Tat savitur varenyam; Bhargo devasya dheemahi; Dhiyo yonah prachodayaat. All of wisdom, knowledge, and the entire Vedas are well concealed in these twenty-four seed syllables. Perhaps a whole lifetime is not enough to realize the hidden divine truths of any one of these seed syllables. While we may have many kinds of bodyguards in the external world, we should never forget that the greatest and most important protection is that of Jagan Mata, Mother of the Universe. The repetition of the Gayatri Mantra with intense devotion and faith gives the seeker divine protection. One who has experienced the Divine Consciousness of these twenty-four seed syllables has nothing else left to hear, read, learn or enjoy in this external world.
Meditation with self-surrender alone is the way. Meditation will develop in you the feeling of constantly living in the divine state of atmic [soul] consciousness. When your heart is completely set on Gayatri, all the actions you perform in the world will be transformed into highly noble actions dedicated to God. Practice of the Gayatri Mantra enables one to attain complete divine union with the Supreme Goddess of Divine Consciousness. This occurs when the meditation you have been performing during the brahma muhurta, between 3:30?4:30am, has borne fruit.
There are seventy million supreme mantras contained in the Gayatri Mantra. Among all these seventy million supreme mantras, there are ten million mantras attributed to Siva, twenty million to the sun, five million to Ganesha, five million to Vishnu, and thirty million mantras, more than all the others, are attributed to the Divine Mother, the Goddess of Supreme Energy. The Gayatri Mantra is the essence of all these seventy million mantras. Just as all rivers merge in the oceans, all mantras unite in the Gayatri Mantra, the essence of all mantras. You may ask, "Where then does the Gayatri Mantra merge?" The Gayatri Mantra merges in the great ocean of Omkara, the sound of Om.
The arrangement of the twenty-four seed syllables in the Gayatri Mantra is most wondrous and mysterious. The chanting of this mantra develops nada, a regular subtle vibration in the nerves of the subtle body. For example, when we turn on a computer, various letters appear on the screen. Similarly, when we chant the Gayatri Mantra, the vibrations of this mantra touch various spiritual centers of our body, and as a result, a subtle energy is awakened in the subtle body. When the fingers play upon the vina, a stringed instrument, in the correct way, musical sound waves emanate according to the set tune. In the same way, the chanting of the twenty-four seed syllables in the Gayatri Mantra generates a wondrous jhankar, a pulsating ringing, and a powerful energy flows from the twenty-four special chakras of the subtle body. The seeker will be endowed with yoga shakti, the energy of union with God, only when these twenty-four chakras in the subtle body are awakened. As long as these twenty-four chakras are not awakened and energized, the seeker will not acquire the power of union.
After being initiated into this mantra by a guru, if one chants it in a soft and sweet voice with a tranquil mind, his wishes, including those that have not been expressed, will all be fulfilled. That is why Gayatri is hailed as the Mother of all mothers. She protects Her children from the negative influences of the rays of the nine planets. She also maintains balance between air, fire and water, the three elements in the body, ensuring good health.
The meaning of the Gayatri Mantra is "I meditate upon the Supreme Energy, Gayatri Devi, who has the supreme quality of sporting in the creation of all the worlds, and who induces noble thoughts in the hearts of everyone." One must perform pranayama, the control of vital breath, five times before beginning the repetition of the Gayatri Mantra. The repetition of Gayatri Mantra bestows man with divine knowledge, the realization of Divinity, supreme peace, highest intellect and Moksha, Liberation.
While chanting the Gayatri Mantra, one should leave a gap at the five places: 1) Om 2...) Bhur bhuvah suvah... 3) Tat savitur varenyam... 4) Bhargo Devasya dheemahi... 5) Dhiyo yonah prachodayaat.... One should not chant the Gayatri Mantra at a stretch without stopping at the places indicated above.
Wake up daily during brahma muhurta, between 3:30-4:30 am, and meditate. This is the best time. But if this is not possible for you, meditate at least for ten minutes by seven am, or failing even this, chant the mantra ten times. Gradually you will realize that the whole universe is the radiance of Devi. You will witness that, in reality, the entire world is an embodiment of your own soul. When you ascend to such an elevated state, you will never fall again. You will always be drenched in an ocean of Divine Bliss! This alone is the fulfillment of spirituality. You will attain this state effortlessly by meditating on the Gayatri Mantra. Therefore, my dear children, may all of you lead a supremely pure, truthful and divine life.
Karunamayi, Sri Vijayeswari Devi, 41, revered as an incarnation of the Divine Mother, lives at her forest ashram in Andhra Pradesh. After years of tapas, she now travels and teaches globally.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Day 12 (Nov 16)
I am watching the stream of my very irritated thoughts this morning. I was not able to sleep very well and when I did, I had a rather stressful dream. I guess it's because I didn't venture into sleep with the easiest thoughts either.
So just to put things in order, I tried Vaman again. I took in another liter, purged maybe half a cup, and again I only got to be nice and rehydrated. And rushing to the bathroom more often. Ah, my elusive Vaman kriya.
On days like these, my little sources of annoyance are heightened. And it's truly in these times that I need to remember Patanjali's wisdom. So I thought to move the position of my mat to come closer to Ganesh and Patanjali. If I make a little change, will it make a difference?
It's our last led session and we're going for the full primary series.
I'm willing to bet on this little move. So...
***
Paul adjusted me in Marichyasana D and I did it! Yay! It was very intense and I really need to practice the latter poses. I think my sun salutes are much cleaner and I feel my hips opened maybe a millimeter more. I'd like to think so, anyway. Tonight, I need to go over the poses and corresponding adjustments.
Paul did a demo of a modification for Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana on me - Ardha Chandrasana. I remember this pose from my Hatha days.
Pretend I'm a guitar, open, open...slowly let me go. And voila! Nature is a natural, he says. I hope the teaching comes naturally too. I did teach college kids but this is deeper for me, very personal and "whole"
I think Paul might be my teacher for the long haul. If I'm the kind of student he wants...
There's a new chant to remember. Beautiful Saraswati. Oh and how I
need her now.
Saraswati Namastubhyam
Varade Kamarupini
Vidyarambham Karishyami
Siddhirbhavatu Me Sada
Oh Saraswati, prostrations to you
The one who always gives boons and has many forms
I will now start my learning
Let there be fulfillment in every effort I make
Today, we also watched 1938. There were silent videos of BKS Iyengar and Krishnamacharya doing advanced asanas. We kept the Buddha bar music playing while we watched. This system has a rich lineage, it is amazing really.
Tomorrow is a new moon. No Asanas. But they will be breathing deeply in a soft soothing sound somewhere, deep in my head.
So just to put things in order, I tried Vaman again. I took in another liter, purged maybe half a cup, and again I only got to be nice and rehydrated. And rushing to the bathroom more often. Ah, my elusive Vaman kriya.
On days like these, my little sources of annoyance are heightened. And it's truly in these times that I need to remember Patanjali's wisdom. So I thought to move the position of my mat to come closer to Ganesh and Patanjali. If I make a little change, will it make a difference?
It's our last led session and we're going for the full primary series.
I'm willing to bet on this little move. So...
***
Paul adjusted me in Marichyasana D and I did it! Yay! It was very intense and I really need to practice the latter poses. I think my sun salutes are much cleaner and I feel my hips opened maybe a millimeter more. I'd like to think so, anyway. Tonight, I need to go over the poses and corresponding adjustments.
Paul did a demo of a modification for Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana on me - Ardha Chandrasana. I remember this pose from my Hatha days.
Pretend I'm a guitar, open, open...slowly let me go. And voila! Nature is a natural, he says. I hope the teaching comes naturally too. I did teach college kids but this is deeper for me, very personal and "whole"
I think Paul might be my teacher for the long haul. If I'm the kind of student he wants...
There's a new chant to remember. Beautiful Saraswati. Oh and how I
need her now.
Saraswati Namastubhyam
Varade Kamarupini
Vidyarambham Karishyami
Siddhirbhavatu Me Sada
Oh Saraswati, prostrations to you
The one who always gives boons and has many forms
I will now start my learning
Let there be fulfillment in every effort I make
Today, we also watched 1938. There were silent videos of BKS Iyengar and Krishnamacharya doing advanced asanas. We kept the Buddha bar music playing while we watched. This system has a rich lineage, it is amazing really.
Tomorrow is a new moon. No Asanas. But they will be breathing deeply in a soft soothing sound somewhere, deep in my head.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Day 11 (Nov 15)
Another intense practice. I did not do my vaman kriya today. I will do
it tomorrow. I need to get over my mental hang ups - mostly of the
first five months of pregnancy.
it tomorrow. I need to get over my mental hang ups - mostly of the
first five months of pregnancy.
We had our anatomy class learning about our pelvis and hips today. It
was a good class. Neil is a great teacher. Funny, very demanding, but
he spends time with the students and answers as much questions as he
can.
The rest of the afternoon was spent doing karma yoga. Ours was picking
up trash by the beach. Such a shame that even here there's trash along
the beach. My big karma yoga today though is giving up the Reiki
session I wanted so much to attend so I can pay for my brother's
tuition. Oh to be the eldest sister. I want to be upset at my parents
but I won't. This is my karma.
Instead, I will say a prayer for prosperity and health and send it
their way.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Day 10 (Nov 14)
I have chronic dehydration. Today is the first day of doing the Vaman
Kriya. 1 liter (or two) of saline water for the next 9 days should
clear me up.
Kriya. 1 liter (or two) of saline water for the next 9 days should
clear me up.
I drank the water and tried to purge. No such luck. Hence the
conclusion - chronic dehydration.
So then, I feel very hydrated now. But with all the mucus within me,
my neti pot had to work harder this morning.
Pranayama and a short practice today. I also had a wonderful Thai
massage, very relaxing. Then a bunch of us just stayed by the beach
while Antonija shared her funny escapades in Croatia, always with the
water and her friend in their swimsuits. It was nice just hanging out,
laughing. It amazes me how we are all in this now. Different ages,
different nationalities all wanting to deepen our practice at this
point in time.
Tomorrow is another full day and this week will definitely be tougher.
I wanted to do Reiki tomorrow but might not be able to afterall...
Let's see what answers sleep will bring.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Opening Mantra
Om
Vande Gurunam Caranaravinde
Sandarsita Swatma Sukhava Bodhe
Nih Sreyase Jangalikayamane
Samsara Halahala Mohasyantai
Abahu Purusakaram
Sankhacakrasi Dharinam
Sahasra Sirasam Svetam
Pranamami Patanjalim
Om
Day 9 (Nov 13)
We talked about my great nemesis in Anatomy today. My hamstrings. I
will practice reciprocal inhibition. My soft knees will negotiate. I
will make you my best friend. Just you wait...
will practice reciprocal inhibition. My soft knees will negotiate. I
will make you my best friend. Just you wait...
Today, we were also taught another chant.
Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnuhu
Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha
Gurussakshat Parabrahma
Tasmai Sri-Gurave Namaha
The teacher is Brahma ( the creator)
Vishnu (the preserver)
And Shiva (the destroyer)
He is the Supreme Himself.
To Him I bow.
We had a good restorative session in the evening. It's just what I
needed after an intense ashtanga session this morning.
After dinner, I spoke with Neil at the shop looking for a good
pranayama reference. I am getting rich with books!
I will rest well tonight. Vaman kriya will be waiting for me when I
wake up...
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Tratak
We've had two sessions of Tratak so far. We gaze at the dark portion of the candle flame until our eyes start to water. Then we close our eyes and continue to see the candle flame. When it fades, we take a shavasana.
Here's a little more of it from dear Wikipedia...
Here's a little more of it from dear Wikipedia...
Tratak (fixed gazing) is a method of meditation which involves concentrating on a single point such as a small object, black dot or candle flame. As we are able to cease the restlessness of eyes seeking something or the other, by fixing its gaze, the restlessness of mind too comes to a halt. Tratak is said to enhance the ability to concentrate. It may increase the power of memory and bring the mind in a state of awareness, attention and focus.This exercise acts on the centers olfactive and optical, it stimulates the nervous system. It is said to control of ciliary’s reflex and stimulate the pineal gland.
Not only is the practice focused on building concentration, but it is also said to improve eyesight.
Methodology
Stage 1 Light a candle, three to four feet apart. Sit in front of it. The flame should be at the level of the eyes so that it can be seen straight without being uncomfortable. Begin with slow and deep breathing. While breathing in this manner, keep a steady gaze at the flame. Keep the spine erect. Keep your gaze fixed at the flame without being distracted with the outer disturbances or thoughts. If thoughts arise, simply ignore them; do not struggle to remove them. It is important to be wakeful and vigilant.
Stage 2 Imagine the flame is entering your body through your eyes and illuminating your inner being. At this stage, it is good to let the eyes close with ease. Now, try to imagine the same flame with closed eyes as you were seeing it with open eyes. If you are able to practice tratak without blinking your eye, it will be easy for you to see the flame with closed eyes.
When to practice?
This technique is best done during the early hours of the morning, or in the night when it is natural dark. If done during daytime then practice it in a dark room.
Benefits
It corrects defect of the eyes.
Increases concentration, memory, and mental power.
Reduces stress and tension.
Rate of breathing is slowed down.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Day 8 (Nov 12)
I watched the sunrise today, reading the sutras out loud. The view of
the sun rising by the beach truly makes the morning good...
the sun rising by the beach truly makes the morning good...
Today, we added Agni Sara to our practice. I'm still getting the hang
of it. I feel so connected with the breath now and while it seems
like the shifts within me are imperceptible outside, I know there are
changes happening.
***
Our practices are staring to intensify. The precision disallows any
kind of cruising through the Primary Series. I truly am enjoying the
sessions even if I fell backwards two times from my headstand today. I
did okay a couple of times though. I think that although it mirrors
how unafraid I am, it also shows how I just allow myself to fall or
fail. I need to work on myself and draw the fine balance between
standing on my own feet or head.
This afternoon we had a chance to "teach" and it was not easy. To
think we were just going to teach asanas and only very few! It was
tough and we had a few good laughs. We then had restorative yoga.
I'm on to my first day of self-imposed detox as well. I made a mental
note to self of things to always have at home: honey, ginger, basil,
lime. Or calamansi. Tofu. Lots of it. Herbs, spices, coconut...
I think I can sustain this being vegetarian.
Tonight, we had chanting and tratak again so I expect vivid dreams.
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Day 7 (Nov 11)
Day 7 (Nov 11)
It's been a week of fabulous Thai vegetarian buffet for brunch and
dinner and every night I have Ginger tea with lime and a little bit of
brown sugar.
In the room, I spend time chatting with my husband. When there aren't
technical difficulties, we get to see each other. I miss him and the
kids so much. Still, I "Practice. Focus. Surrender." in this space
created for me .
And then, I reflect on the day and write. Today, for instance, I am
again made to realize how difficult it is for some people to let go of
the ego. I think this must be what Jesus meant when he said it is
easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to enter
Heaven. He must be a yogi.
I am learning new ways to improve my asanas, too, breathing in the
words of our teachers and enjoying their rich portfolio of experience
in their own practice. Respect, for me, imparts the same taste as
gratitude. Deep in flavor, satiating...
I think so many have lost the art of appreciating teaching and it's
methods. I sometimes feel like students should be treated as students.
Not customers. Learning reveals itself in various ways - subtle,
obtuse... We learn from these methods values beyond the lesson. It's
very yogic that way.
But anyway.
I love how we're deconstructing the poses. Utkatasana and
Virabhadrasana were our focus asanas for the day. Day by day, at least
for this week, we've been building up the practice, adding more
mantras, adding exercises for Pranayama.
Pranayama in the morning is just beautiful. This and at least ten
other new routines will need to fit in my life soon enough.
Like my Ginger and lime tea with brown sugar. Good night, Week 1.
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Om Asato Maa Sadgamaya
This is the third daily chant we are learning for this course...
Om Asato Maa Sadgamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotirgamaya
Mrityou Maa Amrtamgamaya
Om Shanthi Shanthi Shantihi
Please lead us from the unreal to the real.
Lead us from darkness to light (ignorance to knowledge)
Lead us from death to immortality
May there be peace, peace, perfect peace
My favorite version -
http://www.last.fm/music/Deva+Premal/_/OM+Asatoma
Om Asato Maa Sadgamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotirgamaya
Mrityou Maa Amrtamgamaya
Om Shanthi Shanthi Shantihi
Please lead us from the unreal to the real.
Lead us from darkness to light (ignorance to knowledge)
Lead us from death to immortality
May there be peace, peace, perfect peace
My favorite version -
http://www.last.fm/music/Deva+Premal/_/OM+Asatoma
My Attempt to Detox
I really want to go on the 7-day detox program here but let me see if I can do it myself. I have all the elements for my detox: steam room, veggies, fruits. The cost of the program with my Teacher Training discount still amounts to over P20,000. If my 7-day detox doesn't work, I will still have time to go through the program...so...
WAKE-UP DRINK: As soon as you rise, drink two 8-ounce glasses of filtered or spring water. Squeeze half a lemon into one of those glasses; the lemon stimulates your digestive juices. Your goal is to drink at least six glasses of water by the end of the day. If you have trouble remembering how much you drank, keep track in your journal.
BREAKFAST: Between 7 and 8 a.m., eat one piece of fresh fruit like an apple, pear, or banana. Fifteen to 30 minutes later, eat 1 to 2 cups of cooked whole grains like amaranth, buckwheat, brown rice, millet, or quinoa. (This delay aids your digestion.) Avoid barley, corn, oats, rye, and wheat; many people experience congestion, poor digestion, and other symptoms when they eat these grains. To prepare most of the grains, you'll add them to boiling water, reduce the heat to a slow simmer, and cook them covered for 30 minutes or more until they're tender. (For exact instructions, consult the packaging.) You may want to prepare several servings ahead of time and reheat them in the morning.
To flavor your grains, add 2 tablespoons of 100 percent fruit juice or I teaspoon of an oil and butter mix per serving. To make this mix, combine 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil or cold-pressed canola oil and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of room-temperature butter. Store it in the refrigerator. Use a maximum of 3 teaspoons a day. The fats in this mix keep your tissues healthy as you detox, and butyric acid, a compound in butter, helps heal and protect cells in your stomach and intestines.
With your grains, take a multivitamin and additional supplements to get 200 to 400 IU of natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) and 100 to 200 mcg of selenium. These antioxidants fight the free radicals your body produces as you detox. Taking supplements with food prevents the nausea you may suffer if you consume them on an empty stomach. If you usually take other supplements, continue to take them unless they contain caffeine.
MIDMORNING SNACK: Around 11 a.m., sip 1 to 2 cups of the vegetable water left over from steaming your lunch and dinner. (For more on the steaming process, see "Lunch," next page.) You should reheat this water and can season it with a dash of salt. The broth provides valuable nutrients that separate from the vegetables during steaming, eases hunger pangs, and keeps you hydrated (it counts toward your daily fluid consumption). Next, take 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C powder buffered with calcium and magnesium. You'll find this powder at natural food stores; choose a brand that's free of sugar and artificial sweeteners. Mix it with 6 ounces of water and drink. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals produced as you detox, and calcium and magnesium help ease any agitation you may feel as you withdraw from addictive substances like caffeine or sugar.
LUNCH: Between noon and 1 p.m., eat steamed vegetables. You can make them the night before or in the morning and reheat them at lunch. Save the water from the steaming process in a covered container and refrigerate it.
To make your lunch, steam up to 4 cups of raw vegetables in at least 2 cups of water until they're tender but still crisp. Prepare at least four vegetables for each meal, aiming for a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. For example, try a starchy vegetable like a potato, a bitter green like kale, a sweet vegetable like red bell pepper, and a pungent vegetable like scallions.
To achieve evenly cooked vegetables, add them to the pot according to their approximate steaming times. For example, starchy vegetables like beets, potatoes, and sweet potatoes take about 15 minutes when cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes. Chopped into bite-size pieces, bell peppers, broccoli, leeks, greens like collards, and the stems from chard and collards take about 5 minutes. And spinach, scallions, and the leafy parts of chard take just 1 to 2 minutes.
You can season your vegetables with a teaspoon of the oil and butter mix, olive oil alone, or flaxseed oil, as well as small amounts of raw garlic, salt, garlic salt, vegetable salt, and fresh herbs like basil, mint, or oregano.
For variety, eat raw vegetables like lettuce greens, sliced carrots, and bell peppers, dressed with a teaspoon of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon, at two or three meals this week.
AFTERNOON SNACK: At 3 p.m., reheat 1 to 2 cups of vegetable water left from steaming, season it with a dash of salt, and drink it. Follow with 500 to 1,000 mg of buffered vitamin C.
DINNER: Between 6 and 7 p.m., eat another meal of steamed vegetables. Steam up to 4 cups of raw vegetables, and flavor them with the seasonings suggested for lunch. Save the water from steaming to drink the next morning. The early mealtime gives your body a chance to digest dinner before bedtime so it can concentrate on detoxifying overnight. After dinner, do not eat again until morning. Instead, sip noncaffeinated teas like chamomile (Matricaria recutita) or peppermint (Mentha piperita).
Adopt These Detox Habits
IN ADDITION TO THE DIET, TAKE UP THE following habits this week. These habits enhance your body's ability to shed waste through the organs of elimination, including your bowels, lungs, skin, and urinary tract. The more you stick to these habits and the more water you drink, the less likely you are to suffer from side effects like headaches and fatigue as you detox.
EXERCISE. Each day this week, do an hour of moderate exercise like walking, cycling, or yoga. You can divide your exercise into two half-hour segments, or into four 15-minute chunks. Exercise boosts your circulation of blood and lymph (the fluid produced by your lymph glands to sweep waste out of your body), makes you sweat out waste, and increases the frequency of your bowel movements. Do some of your exercise outside this week; breathing fresh air enhances your detox.
BE REGULAR. You should have a bowel movement at least once a day this week (but twice a day is better). Frequent bowel movements are key to feeling good as you detox. If you don't have one the first day, drink 1 to 2 cups of a laxative tea daily for the rest of the week. Look for a tea that contains herbs like cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), and senna (Senna alexandrina). You'll find laxative teas at a natural food store. In addition to the tea, take psyllium husk twice a day. For each dose, take 1 or 2 teaspoons of powdered psyllium husk mixed with 8 ounces of water, or two 500 mg psyllium husk capsules with several glasses of water. You'll find psyllium at natural food stores.
USE A LOOFAH. During your showers or baths this week, gently scrub your skin with a wet loofah, a natural sponge available at drugstores and natural food stores. A loofah aids your detox by stimulating circulation and sloughing off dead cells and other waste that collects on your skin.
TRY A NETI POT. If you feel congested during your detox week, rinse your nose and sinuses with saltwater with the help of a neti pot. This teapotlike device is sold at most natural food stores. Instructions in the box describe how to do it. Use the neti pot up to three times daily.
SIT IN A SAUNA OR STEAM ROOM. If you have access to a sauna or steam room, use it for two 20-minute sessions this week to help your body sweat out waste. If you don't have access to a sauna, stand in a hot, steamy shower for 5 to 10 minutes at least twice this week.
TAKE A BREAK FROM NEWS. To limit toxic thoughts, which can undermine your health, observe a news fast for three to seven days this week. Make an effort to avoid news or other emotionally disturbing information from the Internet, magazines, movies, newspapers, the radio, or television. Use the free time to relax and enjoy self-nurturing activities like listening to music or reading a book.
How to Deal with Symptoms
ALTHOUGH YOU'LL FEEL LESS BLOATED AND more energetic by the end of your detox, it's normal to experience some unpleasant symptoms early in the week--including fatigue, headaches, hunger, irritability, and nausea--as your body sheds waste and withdraws from substances you may be addicted to, like caffeine or sugar. These symptoms are usually worst during the first two days. Here's how to cope.
FATIGUE: Believe it or not, the best way to pull out of energy slumps is to exercise, so schedule walks for the times you feel sluggish. Dehydration often causes fatigue so make sure you're drinking at least six glasses of water a day. And you may need more sleep than usual. If you're tired, go to bed at least 30 minutes earlier.
HEADACHES: They're common in the first 24 hours, particularly if you're withdrawing from caffeine. Drinking plenty of water and having regular bowel movements can alleviate these headaches. You can also use white willow bark (Salix spp). This herb, available at most natural food stores, contains salicylic acid, the active component in aspirin. Take it daily in one of two forms: liquid extract (1 teaspoon or 4 dropperfuls) or capsules (standardized to 120 to 140 mg of salicin). (Don't use this herb with blood thinners or if you have kidney, liver, or bleeding disorders or aspirin allergies.)
HUNGER: If you feel hungry and depleted in the afternoon, eat a small amount of protein at 3 p.m. (the time when it's best digested by your body). Try 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked legumes (like lentils), sprouted beans (like sprouted garbanzo beans or lentils), or 3 to 4 ounces of organic chicken or fish that's baked or steamed. Use the approved flavorings from page 59.
IRRITABILITY: Withdrawing from caffeine or sugar may make you feel agitated. To relax, take 300 to 400 mg of calcium and 250 mg of magnesium once a day.
NAUSEA: Drink peppermint or ginger tea (Zingiber officinale), two stomach soothers. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon of dried herb. Cover, steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink up to three cups a day.
How to Lose More Weight
ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF A DETOX DIET IS that it forces you to break your usual routine to try healthier habits. Here's how to build on those good habits, prevent future bloating, and lose more weight.
GO BACK GRADUALLY. Returning immediately to your old diet, as tempting as it may be, can cause you to regain weight. You'll also miss out on the chance to spot foods that cause symptoms like bloating, congestion, or fuzzy thinking, Haas says. Start by adding back one new food each day, beginning with foods that are less likely to cause those reactions, like beans, fish, and grains other than wheat, before you move on to dairy, sugar, and wheat, which are often problematic. After you reintroduce a food, note how you feel 15 to 20 minutes later, three to four hours later, and when you wake up the next day. If a food causes symptoms, consider eliminating it from your diet. Even if it doesn't cause symptoms, you may want to eat less of it because it's likely to contain more calories than fruits and vegetables.
STAY ACQUAINTED WITH VEGGIES. Keep your refrigerator stocked with the vegetables you enjoyed while detoxing, as well as vegetable snacks (like bell pepper strips or grape tomatoes). They have plenty of fiber, few calories, and, unlike processed foods like crackers, won't induce bloating or add pounds.
MAINTAIN PETITE PORTIONS. At every meal, put one-third less food on your plate than usual and chew each bite thoroughly. As you learned from eating your low-calorie detox meals, eating slowly helps you feel satisfied with less.
KEEP ON MOVING. If you exercised more while detoxing, keep it up. Brainstorm ways to fit exercise into your day, like doing a yoga video before breakfast, walking a few sets of stairs at lunch, or taking your dog for an after-dinner stroll.
DETOX AGAIN. Haas suggests that you repeat this process two to four times a year to support your healthy habits. Next time, consider following the detox diet for up to three weeks. This can lead to even greater improvements, he says.
Judy Bass, a writer in Stoughton, Mass., is a frequent contributor to Natural Health.
Your Detox Diet Plan
FIRST, DECIDE WHEN TO DETOX. SELECT A WEEK WITHOUT A DEMANDING SCHEDULE or a food-related function like a wedding. Start on a Friday; you may experience minor side effects like headaches during the first days of detoxing, and it's easier to handle these at home than at work.
You'll eat only vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, consuming 800 to 1,400 calories a day. You'll also drink just water and noncaffeinated herb tea. Choose organic foods when possible to limit your exposure to pesticides and other chemical additives. Shop for the foods you'll need before you begin. If you'll be away from home during the day, prepare your lunch and snacks the night before and bring them with you.
The day you begin the plan, start a journal. Each day carefully record any changes in the way you feel, physically and emotionally. If you experience side effects like headaches, see "How to Deal with Symptoms."
To get more information about detox diets and find other health tips, see www.elsonhaas.com, the website of Elson Haas, M.D., or consult his book The Detox Diet (Celestial Arts, 1996).
Source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_3_33/ai_104836632/?tag=content;col1
WAKE-UP DRINK: As soon as you rise, drink two 8-ounce glasses of filtered or spring water. Squeeze half a lemon into one of those glasses; the lemon stimulates your digestive juices. Your goal is to drink at least six glasses of water by the end of the day. If you have trouble remembering how much you drank, keep track in your journal.
BREAKFAST: Between 7 and 8 a.m., eat one piece of fresh fruit like an apple, pear, or banana. Fifteen to 30 minutes later, eat 1 to 2 cups of cooked whole grains like amaranth, buckwheat, brown rice, millet, or quinoa. (This delay aids your digestion.) Avoid barley, corn, oats, rye, and wheat; many people experience congestion, poor digestion, and other symptoms when they eat these grains. To prepare most of the grains, you'll add them to boiling water, reduce the heat to a slow simmer, and cook them covered for 30 minutes or more until they're tender. (For exact instructions, consult the packaging.) You may want to prepare several servings ahead of time and reheat them in the morning.
To flavor your grains, add 2 tablespoons of 100 percent fruit juice or I teaspoon of an oil and butter mix per serving. To make this mix, combine 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil or cold-pressed canola oil and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of room-temperature butter. Store it in the refrigerator. Use a maximum of 3 teaspoons a day. The fats in this mix keep your tissues healthy as you detox, and butyric acid, a compound in butter, helps heal and protect cells in your stomach and intestines.
With your grains, take a multivitamin and additional supplements to get 200 to 400 IU of natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) and 100 to 200 mcg of selenium. These antioxidants fight the free radicals your body produces as you detox. Taking supplements with food prevents the nausea you may suffer if you consume them on an empty stomach. If you usually take other supplements, continue to take them unless they contain caffeine.
MIDMORNING SNACK: Around 11 a.m., sip 1 to 2 cups of the vegetable water left over from steaming your lunch and dinner. (For more on the steaming process, see "Lunch," next page.) You should reheat this water and can season it with a dash of salt. The broth provides valuable nutrients that separate from the vegetables during steaming, eases hunger pangs, and keeps you hydrated (it counts toward your daily fluid consumption). Next, take 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C powder buffered with calcium and magnesium. You'll find this powder at natural food stores; choose a brand that's free of sugar and artificial sweeteners. Mix it with 6 ounces of water and drink. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals produced as you detox, and calcium and magnesium help ease any agitation you may feel as you withdraw from addictive substances like caffeine or sugar.
LUNCH: Between noon and 1 p.m., eat steamed vegetables. You can make them the night before or in the morning and reheat them at lunch. Save the water from the steaming process in a covered container and refrigerate it.
To make your lunch, steam up to 4 cups of raw vegetables in at least 2 cups of water until they're tender but still crisp. Prepare at least four vegetables for each meal, aiming for a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. For example, try a starchy vegetable like a potato, a bitter green like kale, a sweet vegetable like red bell pepper, and a pungent vegetable like scallions.
To achieve evenly cooked vegetables, add them to the pot according to their approximate steaming times. For example, starchy vegetables like beets, potatoes, and sweet potatoes take about 15 minutes when cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes. Chopped into bite-size pieces, bell peppers, broccoli, leeks, greens like collards, and the stems from chard and collards take about 5 minutes. And spinach, scallions, and the leafy parts of chard take just 1 to 2 minutes.
You can season your vegetables with a teaspoon of the oil and butter mix, olive oil alone, or flaxseed oil, as well as small amounts of raw garlic, salt, garlic salt, vegetable salt, and fresh herbs like basil, mint, or oregano.
For variety, eat raw vegetables like lettuce greens, sliced carrots, and bell peppers, dressed with a teaspoon of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon, at two or three meals this week.
AFTERNOON SNACK: At 3 p.m., reheat 1 to 2 cups of vegetable water left from steaming, season it with a dash of salt, and drink it. Follow with 500 to 1,000 mg of buffered vitamin C.
DINNER: Between 6 and 7 p.m., eat another meal of steamed vegetables. Steam up to 4 cups of raw vegetables, and flavor them with the seasonings suggested for lunch. Save the water from steaming to drink the next morning. The early mealtime gives your body a chance to digest dinner before bedtime so it can concentrate on detoxifying overnight. After dinner, do not eat again until morning. Instead, sip noncaffeinated teas like chamomile (Matricaria recutita) or peppermint (Mentha piperita).
Adopt These Detox Habits
IN ADDITION TO THE DIET, TAKE UP THE following habits this week. These habits enhance your body's ability to shed waste through the organs of elimination, including your bowels, lungs, skin, and urinary tract. The more you stick to these habits and the more water you drink, the less likely you are to suffer from side effects like headaches and fatigue as you detox.
EXERCISE. Each day this week, do an hour of moderate exercise like walking, cycling, or yoga. You can divide your exercise into two half-hour segments, or into four 15-minute chunks. Exercise boosts your circulation of blood and lymph (the fluid produced by your lymph glands to sweep waste out of your body), makes you sweat out waste, and increases the frequency of your bowel movements. Do some of your exercise outside this week; breathing fresh air enhances your detox.
BE REGULAR. You should have a bowel movement at least once a day this week (but twice a day is better). Frequent bowel movements are key to feeling good as you detox. If you don't have one the first day, drink 1 to 2 cups of a laxative tea daily for the rest of the week. Look for a tea that contains herbs like cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), and senna (Senna alexandrina). You'll find laxative teas at a natural food store. In addition to the tea, take psyllium husk twice a day. For each dose, take 1 or 2 teaspoons of powdered psyllium husk mixed with 8 ounces of water, or two 500 mg psyllium husk capsules with several glasses of water. You'll find psyllium at natural food stores.
USE A LOOFAH. During your showers or baths this week, gently scrub your skin with a wet loofah, a natural sponge available at drugstores and natural food stores. A loofah aids your detox by stimulating circulation and sloughing off dead cells and other waste that collects on your skin.
TRY A NETI POT. If you feel congested during your detox week, rinse your nose and sinuses with saltwater with the help of a neti pot. This teapotlike device is sold at most natural food stores. Instructions in the box describe how to do it. Use the neti pot up to three times daily.
SIT IN A SAUNA OR STEAM ROOM. If you have access to a sauna or steam room, use it for two 20-minute sessions this week to help your body sweat out waste. If you don't have access to a sauna, stand in a hot, steamy shower for 5 to 10 minutes at least twice this week.
TAKE A BREAK FROM NEWS. To limit toxic thoughts, which can undermine your health, observe a news fast for three to seven days this week. Make an effort to avoid news or other emotionally disturbing information from the Internet, magazines, movies, newspapers, the radio, or television. Use the free time to relax and enjoy self-nurturing activities like listening to music or reading a book.
How to Deal with Symptoms
ALTHOUGH YOU'LL FEEL LESS BLOATED AND more energetic by the end of your detox, it's normal to experience some unpleasant symptoms early in the week--including fatigue, headaches, hunger, irritability, and nausea--as your body sheds waste and withdraws from substances you may be addicted to, like caffeine or sugar. These symptoms are usually worst during the first two days. Here's how to cope.
FATIGUE: Believe it or not, the best way to pull out of energy slumps is to exercise, so schedule walks for the times you feel sluggish. Dehydration often causes fatigue so make sure you're drinking at least six glasses of water a day. And you may need more sleep than usual. If you're tired, go to bed at least 30 minutes earlier.
HEADACHES: They're common in the first 24 hours, particularly if you're withdrawing from caffeine. Drinking plenty of water and having regular bowel movements can alleviate these headaches. You can also use white willow bark (Salix spp). This herb, available at most natural food stores, contains salicylic acid, the active component in aspirin. Take it daily in one of two forms: liquid extract (1 teaspoon or 4 dropperfuls) or capsules (standardized to 120 to 140 mg of salicin). (Don't use this herb with blood thinners or if you have kidney, liver, or bleeding disorders or aspirin allergies.)
HUNGER: If you feel hungry and depleted in the afternoon, eat a small amount of protein at 3 p.m. (the time when it's best digested by your body). Try 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked legumes (like lentils), sprouted beans (like sprouted garbanzo beans or lentils), or 3 to 4 ounces of organic chicken or fish that's baked or steamed. Use the approved flavorings from page 59.
IRRITABILITY: Withdrawing from caffeine or sugar may make you feel agitated. To relax, take 300 to 400 mg of calcium and 250 mg of magnesium once a day.
NAUSEA: Drink peppermint or ginger tea (Zingiber officinale), two stomach soothers. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon of dried herb. Cover, steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink up to three cups a day.
How to Lose More Weight
ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF A DETOX DIET IS that it forces you to break your usual routine to try healthier habits. Here's how to build on those good habits, prevent future bloating, and lose more weight.
GO BACK GRADUALLY. Returning immediately to your old diet, as tempting as it may be, can cause you to regain weight. You'll also miss out on the chance to spot foods that cause symptoms like bloating, congestion, or fuzzy thinking, Haas says. Start by adding back one new food each day, beginning with foods that are less likely to cause those reactions, like beans, fish, and grains other than wheat, before you move on to dairy, sugar, and wheat, which are often problematic. After you reintroduce a food, note how you feel 15 to 20 minutes later, three to four hours later, and when you wake up the next day. If a food causes symptoms, consider eliminating it from your diet. Even if it doesn't cause symptoms, you may want to eat less of it because it's likely to contain more calories than fruits and vegetables.
STAY ACQUAINTED WITH VEGGIES. Keep your refrigerator stocked with the vegetables you enjoyed while detoxing, as well as vegetable snacks (like bell pepper strips or grape tomatoes). They have plenty of fiber, few calories, and, unlike processed foods like crackers, won't induce bloating or add pounds.
MAINTAIN PETITE PORTIONS. At every meal, put one-third less food on your plate than usual and chew each bite thoroughly. As you learned from eating your low-calorie detox meals, eating slowly helps you feel satisfied with less.
KEEP ON MOVING. If you exercised more while detoxing, keep it up. Brainstorm ways to fit exercise into your day, like doing a yoga video before breakfast, walking a few sets of stairs at lunch, or taking your dog for an after-dinner stroll.
DETOX AGAIN. Haas suggests that you repeat this process two to four times a year to support your healthy habits. Next time, consider following the detox diet for up to three weeks. This can lead to even greater improvements, he says.
Judy Bass, a writer in Stoughton, Mass., is a frequent contributor to Natural Health.
Your Detox Diet Plan
FIRST, DECIDE WHEN TO DETOX. SELECT A WEEK WITHOUT A DEMANDING SCHEDULE or a food-related function like a wedding. Start on a Friday; you may experience minor side effects like headaches during the first days of detoxing, and it's easier to handle these at home than at work.
You'll eat only vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, consuming 800 to 1,400 calories a day. You'll also drink just water and noncaffeinated herb tea. Choose organic foods when possible to limit your exposure to pesticides and other chemical additives. Shop for the foods you'll need before you begin. If you'll be away from home during the day, prepare your lunch and snacks the night before and bring them with you.
The day you begin the plan, start a journal. Each day carefully record any changes in the way you feel, physically and emotionally. If you experience side effects like headaches, see "How to Deal with Symptoms."
To get more information about detox diets and find other health tips, see www.elsonhaas.com, the website of Elson Haas, M.D., or consult his book The Detox Diet (Celestial Arts, 1996).
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