YOGA
YOGA
Yoga Means Union Although many people think this term refers to union between body and mind or body, mind and spirit, the traditional acceptance is union between the Jivatman and Paramatman that is between one's individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness. Therefore Yoga refers to a certain state of consciousness as well as to methods that help one reach that goal or state of union with the Divine.
The 5 Points of Yoga
There are hundreds or more of such techniques and therefore as many different
Yogas. In order to simplify and clarify the topic, it the vast science of
Yoga can be summarized into 5 principles of Yoga which are easy to understand
and to include in one's daily life. These five points are: Proper Exercise;
Proper Breathing; Proper Relaxation; Proper Diet; and Positive Thinking &
Meditation.
The Four Paths of
Yoga
The various Yogic practices have been traditionally classified into the four
Margas (paths). These four paths are: Jnana Yoga or which is the Yoga of wisdom
and develops the Intellect or will.
Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of devotion, opens the heart.
Karma Yoga, the path of action of selfless service.
Raja Yoga, the royal or psychological which involves the mind. A branch of
Raja Yoga which is Hatha Yoga which prepares the Yogi for the higher stages
of Raja Yoga.
HATHA YOGA
What is Proper Exercise? There are numerous modern physical culture systems designed to develop the muscles through mechanical movements and exercises. As Yoga regards the body as a vehicle for the soul on its journey towards perfection, Yogic physical exercises are designed to develop not only the body. They also broaden the mental faculties and the spiritual capacities. >The Yogic physical exercises are called Asanas, a term which means steady pose. This is because the Yoga Asana(or posture) is meant to be held for some time. However this is quite an advanced practice. Initially, our concern is simply to increase body flexibility. The body is as young as it is flexible. Yoga exercises focus on the health of the spine, its strength and flexibility. The spinal column houses the all-important nervous system, the telegraphic system of the body. By maintaining the spine's flexibility and strength through exercise, circulation is increased and the nerves are ensured their supply of nutrients and oxygen. The Asanas also affect the internal organs and the endocrine system (glands and hormones). Traditionally, Yogis practice Surya Namaskar, the sun salutation, before the Asanas. Although there are many Asanas (8,400,000 according to the scriptures) the practice of the 12 basic postures brings out the essence and all major benefits of this wonderful system. These 12 Basic Postures are: Headstand (Sirshasana) Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) Plough (Halasana) Fish (Matsyasana) Forward bend (Paschimothanasana) Cobra (Bhujangasana) Locust (Shalabhasana) Bow (Dhanurasana) Spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) Crow pose (Kakasana) or Peacock pose (Mayurasana) Standing forward bend (Pada Hasthasana) Triangle (Trikonasana) At the end of the session one must do a deeper, final relaxation. Sitting postures for meditation and Pranayama include the lotus pose.
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Pada Hasthasana -Standing forward bend Definition: Bending forward in a standing position. Standing poses develop strength and flexibility in your legs and hips and equilibrium in your body. The Hands-to-Feet Pose stretches your spine and joints, and increase the blood supply to your brain. The Triangle is the last of the basic Asanas. You must master this pose and its variations before trying the advanced Asanas. Objective: To make your spine and legs supple and strong. Forward & Down This is similar to the Forward Bend, but here gravity helps to stretch your body down. Stand with your feet together. Inhale, while lifting your arms straight above your head. Exhale as you bend forward and down. Breathe normally while you are in the pose. Hold for at least 30 seconds: as you gain experience, increase the time to several minutes. |
(http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/asana/headstnd.html)
http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/yoga.html
Autobiography of a Yogi
- You can now read the book on internet at:
http://www.iamsubbu.com/Yogananda/index.html
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The value of Yogananda's Autobiography is greatly enhanced by the fact that it is one of the few books in English about the wise men of India which has been written, not by a journalist or foreigner, but by one of their own race and training—in short, a book about yogis by a yogi. As an eyewitness recountal of the extraordinary lives and powers of modern Hindu saints, the book has importance both timely and timeless. To its illustrious author, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing both in India and America, may every reader render due appreciation and gratitude. His unusual life-document is certainly one of the most revealing of the depths of the Hindu mind and heart, and of the spiritual wealth of India, ever to be published in the West. |
Fountain of Youth -An ancient Tibetan secret-
discover the five Rites at:
http://www.twilightbridge.com/youth/index.htm
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It concerned a group of Lamas, or Tibetan priests who according to the story, knew the secret of the "Fountain of Youth". For thousands of years, this extraordinary secret had been handed down by members of this particular sect. And while they made no effort to conceal it, their monastery was so remote and isolated, they were virtually cut off from the outside world. The monastery and its "fountain of Youth" had become something of a legend to the natives who spoke of it. They told stories of old men who mysteriously regained health, strength, and vigor after finding and entering the monastery. But no one seemed to know the exact location of this strange and marvelous place. Four years had elapsed since I had last seen my old friend. And I began to wonder how he might have changed in that period of time. Had this "fountain of Youth" enabled him to stop the clock on advancing age? Would he look as he did when I last saw him, or would he appear to be only one year older instead of four? Confusion turned to bewilderment , and then amazed disbelief as I stared at the figure before me. Slowly, I realized that the features of his face did indeed resemble those of Colonel Bradford. But this man looked as the Colonel might have looked years ago in the prime of his life. Instead of a stooping, sallow old man with a cane, I saw a tall straight figure. His face was robust, and he had a thick growth of dark hair with scarcely a trace of gray. There are five simple exercises that will accomplish this. Any one of them alone is also helpful, but all five a re required to get best results. These five exercises are not really exercises at all. The Lamas called them 'rites' and so that is how I shall refer to them too. |
The Chakras
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"The first important thing that I was taught after entering the monastery , "said the Colonel," was this: the body has seven energy centers which in English could be called vortexes. The Hindus call them Chakras. They are powerful electrical fields, invisible to the eye, but quite real nonetheless. Each of these seven Vortexes center on one of the seven ductless glands in the body's endocrine system, and it functions in stimulating the glands hormonal output. It is these hormones which regulate all of the body's functions, including the process of aging. "The lowest or first Vortex centers on the reproductive glands (1). The second vortex centers on the pancreas in the abdominal region (2). The third centers on the adrenal gland in the solar plexus region (3). The fourth vortex centers on the thymus gland in the chest or heart region (4). The fifth centers on the thyroid gland in the neck (5). The sixth centers on the pineal gland at the rear base of the brain (6). And the seventh, highest vortex centers on the pituitary gland at the forward base of the brain (7). These energy vortexes revolve at great speed. When all are revolving at high speed , and at the same rate of speed, the body is in perfect health. When one or more of them slow down, aging and physical deterioration set in. "In a healthy body each of these vortexes revolves at great speed, permitting vital life energy, also called 'prana' or 'etheric energy' to flow upward through the endocrine system. But if one or more of these vortexes begins to slow down, the flow of vital life energy is inhibited or blocked. and- well, that's another name for aging and ill health. "These spinning vortexes extend outward from the flesh in a healthy individual, but in the old weak and sickly they hardly reach the surface. The quickest way to regain youth, health and vitality is to start these energy centers spinning normally again. There are five simple exercises that will accomplish this. Any one of them alone is also helpful, but all five a re required to get best results. These five exercises are not really exercises at all. The Lamas called them 'rites'. |
Yoga and the Meridian System
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Yoga & the Meridian System
Over recent years yoga has become increasingly popular as a system for toning the body and maintaining health. However, it is not yet commonly understood that yoga is much more than a series of stretching and toning postures. Yoga is as much an energy healing process as the widely recognised oriental methods of enhancing the circulation of Chi, or vital energy, such as Tai Chi or Chi Kung. By opening meridian channels and enhancing the flow of vital energy therein, yoga is a powerful self-help system. Set sequences of postures, or asanas, are designed to stretch and open the meridian channels running throughout the length of the limbs and trunk of the body. For example, backbends energize the yang aspect of the body by generating heat and energy, while forward bends increase yin or cooling, and calming aspects. Over energy and insomnia are relieved by the soothing and cooling influence of forward bends. While side stretches and twisting movements open the organ channels such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas. The common goal of releasing stagnation of energy is shared by yoga, acupuncture and massage. If we consider for a moment the understanding that all negative experiences, physical and emotional, are generated by the stagnation of energy – we might begin to appreciate the validity of a system which clears blockages and promotes the flow of vital energy to all areas of the body and mind whilst simultaneously providing gentle toning and stretching exercise. Much emphasis is placed upon the cultivation and preservation of the vital energy essences in both the Chinese and Indian schools of traditional medicine. These essences are essential for the lubrication of the joints and sheaths of the nervous system and also for the energetic nourishment of the mind. Some popular Western methods of exercise such as harsh work outs or jogging are understood to deplete these essences while the more gentle activities of yoga, walking or swimming are considered beneficial as exercise which preserve, or even promote, the cultivation of these nourishing energies. The texts of Chinese Medicine say: "When the mind is calm the chi flows smoothly, and conversely when the chi is made to flow smoothly the mind is calm". Yoga is an invaluable practice in promoting the smooth flow of energy. _________________________________________________________________ Yoga has been practiced in the Orient for over 5,000 years. Some historians attribute the origins of Chi Kung as being derived from the Indian yoga systems, knowledge of which travelled to China with the Buddhist monk Bodidharma. Others consider that this knowledge was assimilated into the existing practices of Chi Kung. Either way, it is acknowledged by both schools of thought that the ancient healing traditions of India have greatly influenced the Chinese medical and martial traditions. Yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Gong are all systems of exercises designed http://www.ananga.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13 |
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Proper Diet
The yogic diet is a vegetarian one, consisting of pure, simple, natural foods which are easily digested and promote health. Simple meals aid the digestion and assimilation of foods. Nutritional requirements fall under five categories: protein, carbohydrates, minerals, fats and vitamins. One should have a certain knowledge of dietetics in order to balance the diet. Eating foods first-hand from nature, grown in fertile soil (preferably organic, free from chemicals and pesticides) will help ensure a better supply of these nutritional needs. Processing and refining destroy much of the food value.
http://home.iae.nl/users/lightnet/paramahamsa/recipepage.htm
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Proper Breathing
Most people use only a fraction of their lung capacity for breathing. They breathe shallowly, barely expanding the ribcage. Their shoulders are hunched, they have painful tension in the upper part of the back and neck, and they suffer from lack of oxygen. They should learn the full Yogic breathing |
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Meditation (Dhyana)
When the surface of a lake is still, one can see to the bottom very clearly. This is impossible when the surface is agitated by waves. In the same way, when the mind is still, with no thoughts or desires, you can see the "Self" this is called "Yoga". We can control the mental agitation by two means: by concentrating the mind either externally or internally. Internally, we focus on the "Self" or the consciousness of "I am". Externally, we focus on anything other than the "Self" or "I am". When we take up some recreation on putting the ball into the hole (golf), the other thoughts are slowed down or stilled. We feel we have played a good game when we have achieved perfect concentration. The happiness we experience comes, not because the ball being put in the hole eighteen times, but because we have achieved perfect concentration eighteen times. At that time, all the worries and problems of the world disappeared. The mental ability to concentrate is inherent to all; it is not extraordinary or mysterious. Meditation is not something that a Yogi has to teach you; you already have the ability to shut out thoughts. The only difference between this and meditation (the positive way), is that generally we have learned to focus the mind externally on objects. When the mind is fully concentrated, time passes unnoticed, as if it did not exist. When the mind is focused, there is no time! Time is nothing but a modification of the mind. Time, Space, and causation and all external experiences are mental creation. All happiness achieved through the mind is temporary and fleeting; it is limited by nature. To achieve that state of lasting happiness and absolute peace, we must first know how to calm the mind, to concentrate and go beyond the mind. By turning the mind's concentration inward, upon the self, we can deepen that experience of perfect concentration. This is the state of Meditation". http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/meditation/meditation.html |
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Om has no meaning, it is just the pure sound of the consciousness we call Brahman or God. Lord Ganesha is the Lord of obstacles and is always invoked first before starting any spiritual or material (such as using your computer) undertaking. The vibration and the energy of this Mantra will actually remove all inner (in your mind) and outer obstacles http://home.iae.nl/users/lightnet/paramahamsa/chantingaum.htm |
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Living on Light
A breatharian
is a person mainly nourished by materials finer in vibration, such as
light or pranas. This person has activated several organs and bodily
functions that are within the dormant potentials in others. Breatharianism
is much more than just a lifestyle of little or no eating. http://www.almaranea.net/light.html
Giri Bala, the Woman Yogi Who Never Eats This great woman yogi has not taken food or drink since 1880. I am pictured with her, in 1936, at her home in the isolated Bengal village of Biur. Her non-eating state has been rigorously investigated by the Maharaja of Burdwan. She employs a certain yoga technique to recharge her body with cosmic energy from the ether, sun, and air. Autobiography
of a Yogi: |
| Om Namah Shivaya is a protection and a purification of the consciousness. It is like a clear running stream, constantly washing and renewing the mind for higher purpose |
"One spark from the light is enough to enlighten the universe."
