photo courtesy of: Magical World

After nearly a week of heat, we had an unexpected and uncalled for day of respite where I live.  I awoke expecting to see blazing hot sun – instead, dark clouds and a cool breeze smelling of rains to come.  My morning yoga routine under my favourite tree was a cool, comfortable session, and I decided it would be a good day to shop the various second hand clothing and Salvation Army-style stores in our small downtown core.

By the time I left my small residence, the rain promised on the wind had arrived with a gentle greeting and accompanied me on most of my shopping journey.  I live as austere a life as possible, but do allow myself the pleasure of hunting good Hawaiian shirts for which I have a definite passion.  During the summer months, the brightly coloured and often unbearably loud shirts bring smiles, laughter, and excuses for conversation no matter where I go.  I am always smiling when wearing these shirts; the bright flowers remind me of staying close to nature and I have had everything from humming birds to Monarch butterflies coming to perch for awhile during my afternoon outdoor meditation sessions.

Singing in the rain

On this day and as often as I remember before laying shoe to pavement, I remind myself that The Infinite goes before me and lingers after me on all of my travels and interactions with others.  As I walk, I take in all of my surroundings in awareness that all I see is part of that same Infinite Consciousness, and that every encounter I have with someone is an encounter with another expression of God itself.  I will also pray or meditate briefly, setting my intention or desire I wish to achieve on my journey and then releasing any further thought or worry about its fulfillment.  In this way, I am left free to sit back and relax, comfortable in the knowledge that any needs I have or questions I need answered have already been fulfilled and will become apparent in my life at just the right time.

Pray, pray, pray

All over our world, we see billions of people praying to a deity or creator (notice little ‘c’) that exists outside of ourselves; somewhere out there beyond our reach in places with names such as Heaven, Valhalla, or Kingdom in the Sky.  People pray for loved ones to be healed, money, health – anything you can think of and I will guarantee it has been prayed for at one time or another in our history.  While it is certainly true that an intense belief in healing can produce results, and needs may appear to be fulfilled momentarily, prayer in this manner rarely brings the results we had hoped for.  We tend to swing between joy and happiness at seeing our prayer fulfilled, and despair and sadness when it appears we have not been answered or ignored.

True Prayer

True prayer, as Yogic practitioners and so many others in the East have realized for thousands of years, has only one goal; a direct connection between your conscious perception of your Self and the Infinite Spirit that is within you and of which you are an expression of.  Clouded by our misconceptions about our own identities, we fail to realize that any lack, loss of health, or seemingly negative change in our lives can only arise from our own conscious mind.  The bible says it very poignantly in Luke…

And he said unto his disciples; Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Religious bias removed, we should understand that all things that we need as part of The Infinite are naturally and effortlessly provided for.  The only true prayer is meditating on The Infinite itself, our own true identity as relates to The Infinite, and reflection on spiritual texts from which we gather surety in our early stages of spiritual development.  Through prayer and meditation, our only goal should be to know the Infinite within us, to allow God to guide our footsteps and to free ourselves from the illusion we are separate from The Infinite Consciousness in any fashion

Realize the Divine

In sickness or disease, we often will pray to be healed.  These prayers are often directed skyward, imploring God to heal us in some way.  Pray instead that you come to realize The Infinite within you.  This is the true source and power that expresses itself as you – your true infinite self.  Meditate and allow your mind to go quiet, and the voice of God which is in you as the Word made flesh will speak to your heart.  Through communion with our spirit, which is a part of the greater whole of The Infinite, we see past the illusions of our physical existence and find the answers we need, including physical, emotional and mental healing.

Yoga is a fantastic way for you to experience communion and prayer first with your body and your mind, and eventually the spirit.  Simply set your intention on a still mind and mentally “listen.”  Within time, the silence obtained reveals a higher reality.  Think of it like this; our own interpretation of The Infinite’s creation we call Earth is based on our misconception we are human beings instead of Infinite Spirit.  The beauty we see in our world which takes our breath away cannot be compared with the beauty of the spiritual reality of God’s true creation…

Hawaiian Shirt

Back to my walk downtown in the rain…As I had said previously, I prayed before leaving.  I gave the happy hope of finding a cheap Hawaiian shirt to my inner self, prayed I would see the presence of The Infinite, and that I may somehow enrich someone’s life.  The rain was cool and refreshing, and the journey and smiles I was able to share were well worth it, but the stores proved unfruitful until I reached the final one.  It is my favourite store, but for some strange reason I always tend to misplace it in the streets.  Looking for it usually means circling four or five blocks, with still no store in sight.  The moment I give up on it, I always run into it.

This time I ran into it by accident on my journey homeward.  The minute I walked into the store I could see it, like a light glaring in the distance.  Bright red, with yellow flowers and green fronds…and my size!  The shirt was in mint condition.  I looked at the price tag and was pleased to see it was only a dollar.  Even more pleased at the till when I found out it was fifty percent off.

Rainbows too!

Finally, we arrive where we began, with the funny if strange title for an article.  You see, every time I have put that shirt on since then, I find myself singing Sunshine and Lollipops over and over again in my head.  We have all had it; it is called “getting a song stuck in your head.”  The funny thing about this is that if I take the shirt off, the inclination to sing this song in my head disappears completely.

I like the shirt.  It reminds me that we were given sunshine and lollipops and are supposed to live out our lives in ecstatic joyful communion with The Infinite, fully aware of our own divinity.  We can realize this again through true prayer and meditation; looking inward to our own divinity and The Infinite itself.  Did I mention I really, really like the shirt?

Namaste

¯Sunshine and lollipops and rainbows for free….¯

No related posts.

photo credit: Wonderlane

This is the last part  in a 5-part series looking at the dimensions of the heart in yoga in view of the kosha model. We have been considering how yoga can affect all levels of the heart (see Part 1 here). The first four parts of this essay were published some time ago and I  somehow forgot to publish this one! Thank you to the kind words and reminder from a reader who sent me an email wondering where part 5 was….!

—–

The anandamaya sheath is comprised of bliss. In the bliss sheath, the heart is manifested as unconditional and infinite love. In yoga (and across many spiritual traditions) the heart center is thought to be the seat of our soul – our Divine self.

“If you want to know me, look inside your heart.” - Lao Tzu

“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.” -Buddha

“I looked in Temples, Churches and Mosques. I found the Divine in my heart.” –Rumi

Consider your actions when you are speaking to someone about yourself, notice your hand gestures. You motion towards your heart as you say “I am Charlotte Bradley”. Nischala Devi Joy points out that this gesture reveals the truth – I am here, I live in my heart.

According to the Yoga Sutras (1.2), “Yoga is the uniting of consciousness in the heart.”

Yogah Chitta Vritti Niordahah: Chitta is the individual expression of the Divine Consciousness, Chit.

The next sutra (1.3) is interpreted as: “United in the heart, consciousness is steadied, then we abide in our true nature – joy.”  Nischala Joy Devi explains that when consciousness is united and remains undisturbed, our true, divine nature shines through and is expressed as joy and infinite love. We can look to some inspirational examples of ahimsa in the unconditional love exhibited by people such as Mother Teresa, Ghandi, Jesus and the Dalai Lama. This compassion dwells in each of us.

“Through compassion you find that all human beings are just like you.” – The Dalai Lama

“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” –Mother Teresa

Yogic Tools for the Joyful Heart

1. Ahimsa

Embracing reverence and love for all (Ahimsa), we experience oneness. Everybody experiences joy, pain, love, sadness. As we develop an empathy with others, our individual experience becomes the experience of all.

Experience the Joy of Living with Reverence for All

“Ahimsa is a vast and continuous practice. Rather than waking up tomorrow morning and vowing to have reverence for everyone and everything all the time, it is better to choose something specific and obvious. Giving yourself the opportunity to succeed is in itself Ahimsa.

Is there a person or a situation that can assist you in your practice? Is there someone whom you have treated unkindly or who has treated you and kindly? Perhaps it was someone at the office who could be soothed by an offering of flowers or a healthy treat. Healing the hurt that already exists is a great beginning to the practice of Ahimsa.”

Source: The Secret power of Yoga; p.183

2. Meditation

The Buddhist practice of loving-kindness teaches us compassion fore everyone. You begin by engendering love for yourself and then expanding the circle to loved ones, friends, neutral persons, those you dislike, and extend the meditation to include everyone.

In the practice of tonglen we take on the pain of others (inhaling the darkness) and wish them free from suffering (exhaling and sending them light). Tonglen translates as “sending and receiving.”

3. Bhakti Yoga

“Boundless love and devotion unite us with the Divine Consciousness” (Sutras 1.23)

Bhakti yoga is devotion to the Divine. The heart protects itself from the outside world by curling up and encasing the Divine within. But the practice of devotion can open the heart and allow us to experience our true nature (joy). Bhakti yoga is often misunderstood as a path for people who are highly emotional or perhaps religious. However, we are each on our own path of devotion. Powerful experiences, such as witnessing the birth of a baby or contemplating the vastness of the ocean fill us with both gratitude and humility and link us to our hearts. (The Secret Power of Yoga, p.59)

We have looked at how the heart is expressed in all five koshas; annamaya, pranamaya, manomaya, vijnamaya and anandamaya. The physical heart pumps blood throughout our cardiovascular system nourishing all of our cells.  The heart center vibrates with its own energy, communicates and interacts with our brain, feels our emotions, guides us with its wisdom and houses our Divine Soul. Using the tools available to us through yoga, we can affect the heart at each level creating wholeness and coherence and finding the joy we are meant to live.

—–

Dimensions of the Heart in Yoga (A 5-Part Series)

Part 1: The Physical Heart (The Heart of Annamaya Kosha)

Part 2: The Energetic Heart (The Heart of Pranamaya Kosha)

Part 3: The Intelligent Heart (The Heart of Manomaya Kosha)

Part 4: The Wisdom Heart (The Heart of Vijnamaya Kosha)

Part 5: The Heart of Bliss – Unconditional Love (The Heart of Anandamaya Kosha)

—–

Resources

Warner, Mona (2008). 200 Hour Level Yoga Teacher Training Manual.

Devi, Nischaala Joy (2007).The Secret Power of Yoga

Devi, Nischaala Joy (2000).The Healing Power of Yoga

Faulds, Richard (2006). Kripalu Yoga, A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat

Clark, Bernie (2007). YinSights.

McCall, Timothy (2007). Yoga as Medicine; The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing

http://www.cdc.gov/heartDisease/statistics.htm

The Heart Math Institute http://www.heartmath.org

http://www.sahajayoga.ca/Meditation/heartchakra.htm

http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/yoga/kapha/thymus.html

http://www.meditationiseasy.com/mCorner/techniques/soham.htm

Rea, Shiva (2007). Radiant Heart Yoga (DVD)

Grilley, Paul (2007). Chakra Theory and Meditation (DVD)

http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3483991/k.34A8/Statistics.htm#hearttransplants

Finger, Alan (2005). Chakra Yoga

http://www.dlshq.org/download/practicekarma.htm#_VPID_99

Hay, Louise L. (1999).You Can Heal your Life

Weintraub, Amy (video – Breath of Joy) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OZ3v3w1h0g&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fyogaflavoredlife.com%2Fwellness%2Ftry-breath-joy-energize-uplift-and-cleanse.html&feature=player_embedded

http://www.how-to-meditate.org/loving-kindness-meditation.htm/

Yoga Journal Online

Related posts:

1. Expressing the Heart’s Wisdom Through Giving (Dimensions of the Heart in Yoga – Part 4)
2. 4 Ways to Work with Heart Energy (Dimensions of the Heart in Yoga – Part 2)
3. Dimensions of the Heart in Yoga – Part 1: The Physical Heart

After a very rough week with multiple tooth extractions, a root canal, and numerous emotional issues that arose from nowhere, I found myself in need of something to pick my spirits up.  My physical activity has been down; no mountain hikes, no long bike rides…sadly even walking jars my mouth too much. Am I whining…?  Six days of fasting on fruit juice and barley green tea has certainly helped, but I needed more.  It turns out ‘they’ may be right…Laughter really is the best medicine.

The first formal Laughter Club meeting took place in a park in Mumbai on March 13, 1995.  The brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, laughter groups have been around in India for so many years that no one can pinpoint the exact time they began.  Today, there are over six thousand laughter clubs in over sixty countries.

Hee Hee Hee!

Laughter Yoga is based on the scientific concept that the human body cannot differentiate between real laughter and fake laughter – the results on our body and our state of mind are virtually the same.  Combined with Pranayama (Yogic breathing, for those who may be unfamiliar with the term), laughter is first simulated as a physical exercise in a group setting with playfulness and eye contact.  Very quickly, the laughter becomes genuine and spreads through everyone who is present.

Throughout India and many other countries, thousands of Laughter Yoga clubs meet in public parks every morning to share in the benefits of Laughter Yoga.  Enthusiasts say that Laughter Yoga makes them feel happy, healthy and energetic.  Through practicing Laughter Yoga daily, positive energy is created making it easier to cope with the stresses of daily life – many in fact have ceased the need for anti-depressant medications simply by making this practice part of their morning routine.

Laughter as natural medicine

Through laughter, common infections that gnaw away at our state of health and well-being such as colds and flu are reduced, and chronic medical problems are often cured if not relieved.  Clinical research shows that laughter lowers stress hormone production in the blood and fosters a positive mental outlook making one less likely to fall victim to depression or feelings of helplessness.  Further research has revealed that laughter can help resolve workplace issues, improve memory and performance, as well as productivity in any task.

In Canada and abroad, Laughter Yoga has demonstrated itself to be an ideal exercise routine for seniors and those with compromised cognitive abilities.  As humour is not required to stimulate the laughter, it transcends mental states and levels of awareness and allows laughter to occur in a child-like state – free of language barriers or need for conscious understanding.

Laughter Yoga moves past language, creed, color and race.  I love the concept!  It is often laughter that is the first to go when we experience stress or difficulties in our lives.  We were given the gift of laughter as a self healing method to lift our spirits and renew our hopes, and best of all, no prescription required!

For more information about Laughter Yoga, you may visit their website at http://www.laughteryoga.org.  Article cover image copy the same.

And now…a few yoga jokes to get you started chuckling!

What did the yogi say to the hotdog vendor?

Make me one with everything! (veggie dog, of course!)

Time is the best teacher…although it kills students

How many Yogis does it take to change a light bulb?

Into what?

And my favourite joke of all…When Mahatma Gandhi was asked about what he thought of Western civilization, his answer was “I think it would be a good idea.”  Priceless! J

Related posts:

1. Laughter Yoga
2. Competitive Yoga

photo credit: kylehase

A new humanity is striving to be born; one where we live in direct unmediated contact with the Divine, free from the divisions and bias towards transcendence that disfigure our inherited patriarchal religions.  We can then inhabit our Earth and our bodies with ecstatic consciousness and a passionate sense of responsibility towards all living things through the realization that everything is connected.  This is our path, and as the breeze blows all leaves gently towards their destination, so are we likewise wafted along…

I concluded last week with a promise to talk about some of the reasons we have become so far removed from our innate spiritual nature.  Some of you may look at these reasons and think of a hundred more, never mind the more obvious pressures of modern society, our fanaticism with gadgets, etc…at its core, however, religion, charlatans, and of course, fear at a loss of control are at the forefront.

Religion

One of the greatest failures of all major religions in the West is the failure to properly instruct their followers in their essential, undeniable divine nature.  Each of the recognized major religions in similar ways seeks to control believers by laying claim to brokering the relationship between the believer and the Creator, both subtle and overt, preventing the believer from full realization of his or her divine heritage and innate power.  The Creator is placed somewhere (i.e. heaven) and without strict adherence to the rules you will go to somewhere the Creator is not (i.e. hell).

Gurus (and no, not All are bad by any means)

The guru system, or mystical transmission system, also removes power from the seeker at a very fine level.  The worship of any person as divine can seem to be a means to realize your own individual divinity and transcendence, but in most cases (if not all) it simply re-creates ancient dependence patterns of giving one’s own power to another.  Unfortunately for those honestly seeking a return to the divine, it is very clear that most if not all of these so-called gurus claiming enlightenment, and therefore beyond the criticism of the average man, are nothing of the sort.

These imposters use a tiny piece of knowledge, mystical language and warped sacred truths to further their own accumulation of wealth and power – necessary to maintain an audience, or so they say.

Peaceful Warriors

We as a species need a new type of army of peaceful servant-warriors…Active mystics and practical visionaries who will work in every major field and in every vocation to help transform our world and our modes of thought.  If we as a species cannot manage a large-scale rising of human consciousness in the very near future on a scale that influences all environmental and political decisions, we will be destroyed by our own folly.  The future of the entire human race depends on whether we can reclaim our divine heritage and act from it to preserve this fragile jewel of a planet from the effects of our separatist and parasitic nature.

Christ tried to get this point across two thousand years ago; Christ’s real teachings were not about worshipping him as the son of God, it was an attempt to pass on to humanity the truth of God’s Creation.  Christ attempted to empower all of humanity through the realization of an intimate, direct and totally transformational relationship with Creator, a relationship that is the birthright of all humanity.

Every ancient Shamanic culture believed the same undeniable truth – all beings, by virtue of being born into the physical world, are entitled to this direct relationship with the Creator.  Elaborate rituals were developed for all of life’s stages from a person’s birth to their physical death.  Buddha’s own dying words were an admonition to all of humanity:  “Go and work out your own salvation with diligence.”

Fear

The reason most religions have hidden or completely banished the truth that we are all capable of being in unmediated contact with the Divine lies in the loss of power and control that such a large-scale realization would bring.  The inevitable conclusion that all people are meant to be equal in society would threaten the foundation of most current religions and societal belief patterns – a thought too terrible to imagine for those in power, even at the eventual expense of humanity itself.

I may have hit a few of you a little below the belt with some of this today, but I would ask that you give it some serious thought.  Do not confuse unmediated contact with the Divine as prayer, and do not hesitate to comment if you have questions.  Perhaps next week we will leap off the path and cover off prayer and its convergences in Yoga and other practices!

Namaste…and happy summer!

Related posts:

1. The Heart of Bliss – Unconditional Love (Dimensions of the Heart in Yoga – Part 5)
2. Symbiation
3. Hello and Welcome…!

“Praise to You, O lord our God, for all Your creatures,
especially our dear Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
Fair is he, in splendour radiant,
Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness…”
Saint Francis

Part I

Sun gazing is a meditation and healing practice that heals the emotions and the physical body, calms the mind, and lifts the spirit.  Hira Ratan Manek (HRM), amongst many others has proven that it is not only possible but incredibly beneficial for a person to live on solar energy alone for long periods with no need of food.  Due to Hira Manek’s scientifically tested and monitored fasts of four hundred days and more, the method has become known as the HRM phenomenon.

Benefits

This straight-forward and effective method of sun gazing and the ancillary practice that is in integral part of HRM will leave one free of mental disturbances and fear within three months of beginning practice, leading to a calm and balanced mind.  Continual practice for six months will lead to total freedom from physical illness, while one year of dedicated practice will remove your need for food as a source of nutrition.  Through the Sun, one can recharge the body with life energy and return to a state of unity with all creation.

An Explanation

In ancient times, the sun was worshipped in India as “Surya,” one of the principal Vedic deities who was responsible for health and life.  Surya was depicted as riding across the sky on a chariot pulled by seven horses. (Seven colors light may be diffracted into?).  The HRM phenomenon represents a rediscovery of the scientific ritual known as “Surya Namaskar,” or “sun salutation,” also known as Heliotherapy in ancient Egypt and in earlier Europe, Apollo therapy.

Traditionally, human beings eat secondary sources of energy as the plant life and other vegetation we consume depends heavily on the sun for its growth.  In using the HRM method, one learns to absorb the necessary energy directly from the primary source; the sun itself.

From a scientific standpoint, there may be a plausible explanation that accounts for the events that occur during the practice of the HRM technique:  The brain acts as a powerful information processor as we are already aware, processing the bulk of the information subconsciously or beyond our immediate waking knowledge.  During Surya Namaskar or sun salutation, both the retina and the pineal gland (also equipped with photoreceptor cells), provide a kind of ‘photo analysis’ that provides a person with all the energy and nutrition needed for the proper functioning of their internal organs.  When we also consider advances in light therapy, of which the sun is the natural master of, we see that the seven colors of the rainbow contain a cure for all kinds of degenerative and ‘incurable’ diseases.

The HRM Method

Sun gazing is a one-time practice, usually done for a period of nine months, or forty four minutes of sun gazing.  Once completing the nine months of sun gazing, you must then walk barefoot on the earth every day for forty-five minutes for a period of an additional year.  The practice of sun gazing entails looking at the rising OR setting sun once a day, only during the safe hours.  No harm will come to your eyes during the morning and evening safe hours. Safe sun gazing hours occur anytime within the one hour window after sunrise or anytime within the one hour window before sunset. It is scientifically proven beyond a reasonable doubt that during these times, one is free from exposure to ultraviolet and infrared rays that are harmful to our eyes.

To determine the time of sunrise or sunset, you can check the local newspaper, which also lists the UV Index as 0 during these times. Both times are good for practice – it depends on what is convenient for each individual. Sun gazing also has the added advantage of producing vitamin D during the one hour safe period window. If you sun gaze, the need for spectacles and their associated adjustments for the eye will go away. This method will provide better eyesight without glasses.

Sunbathing

For those who cannot initially sun gaze during the safe periods, sunbathing is an effective method for receiving the sun energy at a slower pace until one is able to sun gaze. Best times to sunbathe are when the UV index is lower than two. This usually occurs within the two-hour window after sunrise or before sunset.  Sun bathing during the day is to be avoided, except for during the winter months, when the UV index usually remains at two throughout the day, which is safe for sunbathing. Check your local newspaper to see the published results for UV Index to be sure. Also, do not use sunscreen when sunbathing during these times. When the body heats up, you perspire and perspiration is a waste product excreted by the body.  When you are painted or coated with lotions and creams – they degenerate and the chemicals enter your body. It is our malpractice -our wrong use- why we blame the sun for skin cancers.

The Practice

0 – 3 Months

First day, during the safe hours, look directly at the sun for a maximum of ten seconds. Second day, gaze for twenty seconds at the rising sun, adding ten seconds every succeeding day. So at the end of ten continuous days of sun gazing, you will be looking at the sun for 100 seconds – i.e. 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Stand on bare earth with bare feet. Your eyes can blink and/or flicker. Stillness or steadiness of the eyes is not required. Do not wear any lenses or glasses while sun gazing. Develop a belief that the sun’s rays you are receiving into your eyes are of immense benefit, and will not harm you. This will give you quicker and better results. Even without a belief component, you will get results, provided that you follow the practice, however, it will take a longer time. On the other hand, you need not restrict any of your normal daily routines. There are no restrictions. You can enjoy your food while applying this practice. Hunger will disappear eventually by itself (this is a possibility for some).

You may consider gazing from the same place at the same time daily. Following circadian patterns has its advantages. If you pray, you can use any prayer of your choice. No particular one is suggested and it is not a requirement. As a precaution, have your eyes examined by a doctor. This is to err on the side of caution from a scientific standpoint.

When you reach three months, you will have gazed at the sun up to 15 minutes (if you were able to get sunlight every day).  The sun energy or the sun rays passing through the human eye are charging the hypothalamus tract; which is the pathway behind the retina leading to the human brain. As the brain receives power through this pathway, it activates one of the software programs inherent in the brain and we will begin to realize positive changes because we will have no mental tension or worries. We will enjoy self-confidence to face life’s problems by means of developing a positive mindset instead of a negative one. Moreover, we will become fearless because all our mental ills will have disappeared. This is the first phase of the method and lasts around 3 months…

Next week we will cover off the last two phases of the core practice as well as the ancillary practice (very simple, again – one time practice)!

Namaste, my friends…

No related posts.

Last week we had a brief introduction to some of the issues with words and why symbols are a much more ideally suited vehicle for transmitting ancient knowledge and wisdom.  Today, I would like to add a bit more to this discussion and give a new name to its practice – there is a little more we must cover before we can get to some of the symbols themselves.  In truth, we are covering the basis of what is known as sacred geometry, but I prefer the new term I have coined when it comes to meditation and symbols:  Symbiation.  What is Symbiation? (sim-bee-ay-shun)

Symbiation is derived from three words:

Symbol – A vehicle for delivering ancient wisdom and Universal Truth, directly contacting the subconscious mind and awakening race memories and knowledge of all of humanity and indeed the Universe itself.  This information is genetically encoded within every cell of our body.

Symbiosis – A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.  If we enter into a relationship with our planet and each other with the understanding that both the Earth and every one of us are not separate from each other or the Divine, we will live in symbiotic harmony with all of life.

Meditation – Continuous and profound contemplation on a subject of a deep and meaningful nature.

Sacred Symbols

Sacred geometrical symbols are based upon universal principles, all of which are bound within the genetic makeup and unconscious mind of the human body.  As such, these symbols are capable of bypassing the brain’s left hemisphere and allowing the exchange of information to take place at a cellular level.  This gives individuals the opportunity to raise the vibratory levels of their bodies allowing for deeper states of concentration and a feeling of attachment and more importantly oneness with the Universe.  In short – direct contact with the Creator.

True Reality

Symbols reveal certain aspects of true reality – the deepest aspects of reality which defy any other means of obtaining this knowledge.  Symbols respond to a need to fulfill the function of bringing light to the deepest, most hidden parts of our being.  Our true selves contain the imprinted memory of a richer and more complete existence, almost beatific in nature.  In this way, symbols allow us to recover the language and very often the experience of our ‘lost paradise,’ or ‘Garden of Eden.’

Locked deep within our own minds lies a longing to return to something altogether different from modern life – a return to paradise lost.  This does not suggest we should be living in the past, indeed the exact opposite is the case; we can use symbols as they were meant to be used; as a vessel containing undistorted truths which awaken us to the present moment.

Speak to the heart

Symbiation allows us to return to inner silence and is our only remaining departure point for the spiritual renewal of modern man.  There is no need to try to intellectualize or interpret the profound meanings locked within.  The information is there, beyond language, manifesting itself in both distorted and familiar ways within our daily lives and interactions.  The ultimate effect of symbols and the practice of Symbiation are to awaken our senses and speak to our heart.

Through symbols and the act of meditating in silence on them we have the keys to unlock the doors to our true selves, not just as spiritual beings, but material reality.  Both planes of existence are interwoven; the spiritual gives rise to the physical, and the physical gives rise to the spiritual.  Whether we accept it or not, we are truly symbolic beings.  We live and die, work and play with and through symbols.  We create ourselves and our world through symbols, unaware of their effects on our existence.  Symbiation offers the way to return to awareness of our true selves and the spiritual and physical world we inhabit.

Before we begin examining the common symbols and the universal truths they hold within them, we must look at how we became so removed from the Infinite both within and around us and why many traditional methods of returning to this state of oneness with the Infinite fail in Western society…which will form the basis for next week’s article!

Namaste, my friends…

The image at the top of the article is known as a Yantra and is the yogic equivalent of the Buddhist Mandala.  The Sri Yantra is called the mother of all yantras because all other yantras are derived from it.  The Sri Yantra is a configuration of nine interlacing triangles centred around the Bindu (the central point of the yantra), drawn by the super imposition of five downward pointing triangles, representing Shakti ; the female principle and four upright triangles, representing Shiva ; the male principle.

Man’s spiritual journey from the stage of material existence to ultimate enlightenment is mapped on the Sri Yantra. The spiritual journey is taken as a pilgrimage in which every step is an ascent to the center, a movement beyond one’s limited existence, and every level is nearer to the goal.  Each of the circuits of the Sri Yantra, from the outer plane to the Bindu (the center), corresponds with one of the stages of the spiritual journey.  The goal of contemplating the Sri Yantra is that the adept can rediscover his or her primordial sources. The circuits symbolically indicate the successive phases in the journey towards enlightenment.

Related posts:

1. Groundwork

In our busy world of work and taking care of our homes and families, it is difficult enough to find the time to exercise and practice Yoga, never mind paying close attention to what we put in our bodies.  The Yoga of Eating will teach you how to listen to your body and interpret the constant signals it sends on what it needs for sustenance and how to live.

When we begin to hear the messages from our bodies, we must learn to trust the results without expectation that we will suddenly eat less or differently.  Allowing change and trusting our self to know ourselves can appear simple, but in our world of ‘weight programs,’ diet clinics, and ‘lose weight in just two weeks’ advertisements – trusting ourselves happens less and less.

All is Connected

The Yoga of Eating is extremely well written in precise and easy language and brings to light the importance of developing a healthy relationship to the food we choose to fuel our bodies, mind, and spirit with.  While this wisdom has been expounded upon since ancient history, Eisenstein does a wonderful job making connections between our emotional states, our health and our nutritional intake.  The information The Yoga of Eating provides is more accessible than any other book on holistic eating that I have read and truly contains wisdom that can help transform your health on a whole new level.

One of the many faults of our western civilization is our constant presumption that we can somehow know intellectually what is best for nutritional health.  In reality, while this works to a very minor degree – sooner or later it fails.  Whether you choose to accept it or not, our bodies are designed to effortlessly work with all of nature and in harmony with it.  Learning to listen to the signals of our body’s and our spirit leads to the ultimate state of health.

Healing

The Yoga of Eating provides with reader with a book that goes beyond simply food.  For those in need of emotional healing, we are invited to a new awareness of how to live a vibrant, honest and fully realized life.  Rather than following the latest craze in new diets or nutritional medical labs, we are given back our ability to eat what feels best for us.  In freeing ourselves from the dogmas of diet and rigidity in our eating, we are returning to the joy of satisfying our body’s hunger and our zest for good healthy food.

A peek inside

Eisenstein has completed a remarkable work with The Yoga of Eating.  It is a book that speaks to much more than diet alone but truly addresses the Yoga of life itself.  Some of the following chapter topics to entice you some more… (Really, you must read this book!)

• Food and Personality
• The Karma of Food
• The Natural Breath
• Making it Practical
• Discovering the Right Diet
• Loving the Body, Loving the Self
• The Yoga of Cooking
• Relaxing into Change

I give The Yoga of Eating a resounding review score of (5/5)  .

Final Notes

Eisenstein’s work reminds me that every aspect of our physical journey is meant to be joyous and satisfying.  As we are multifaceted beings composed of body, mind, and spirit, all three must be brought into a state of harmony in order to fully realize our existence.  (I will speak more to this and other spiritual topics in the new series of articles, the first of which is entitled Groundwork.)

In order for us to find joy and satisfaction in our eating and our lives, we must look first to nature and understand the effortlessness in which everything accomplishes what it needs to do.  Even in the perceived effort of a cougar chasing down a rabbit, there is no worry about how many pounds this might put on, or whether it will all go to my hips or stomach, there is only instinctual effortless activity to fulfill the body’s needs.  In the act of eating the kill, there is satisfaction and fulfillment. (I apologize if my example leaves any vegans feeling ill!)

Too often, despite our adherence to our Yoga practice, our daily routines have eaten up (no pun intended) the time we often need to stop for a moment and listen to what our bodies are really trying to tell us it needs.  Try to step back for a moment and listen to what your body is telling you today as far as nutrition is concerned– pay attention to the affects of your food choices on energy levels, emotions and your satisfaction.  Eat mindfully and slowly, listening for your body to let you know when it has had enough.

Until next we meet…

Namaste.

—

The Yoga of Eating: Transcending Diets and Dogma to Nourish the Natural Self
Charles Eisenstein, 2003. ISBN: 978-0967089720

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1. The Power of Yoga in Battling Eating Disorders
2. Walnuts for Wellness
3. Strawberries: The Heart Helping Berry

Welcome to a new series of articles dedicated to the spiritual side of our existence!  It is my hope through these articles which Charlotte has so graciously agreed to that I may share some of my journey with you.

I would ask an open mind of you, our valued and respected reader, as well as communication and dialogue should my meagre writing skills leave understanding lacking.  In any picture we are trying to convey to others, whether through words or any other art, we must begin first with the foundation…

Truth

When we use words as we are using them now, TRUTH slips through the cracks.  The written and spoken words we use trap experience into solid blocks which we try to paste together with logic and reason.  Despite our efforts, the blocks fit poorly and the true meaning of a situation escapes us.  Becoming confused, we demand more words which only increase our perplexity, obscuring the simple and direct truths of not only our existence, but also of our interactions with others around us.  Humans are creatures of emotion, always struggling to express these feelings as interpreted by our conscious minds – rarely aware that language is subjective and open to interpretation.

Symbols

SYMBOLS, on the other hand, stimulate us on both a conscious and unconscious level; affecting our emotions with greater speed and truth and on a much deeper level than the spoken or written word can provide.  Symbols contain information that cannot be read or spoken of directly; instead it is absorbed by our unconscious mind, activating distant race memories embedded within our genetic makeup.  Symbols allow us to access ancient wisdom on a pure level, unencumbered by subjective interpretation and conscious thought.

The Greek word SYMBALLEIN is depicted as a boat, a vessel of the sacred that acts as a mediatory vehicle between our so-called physical reality and our inner intuition.  Through symbols we are awakened and transported to our roots in the spiritual realm of true reality where everything is as it should be.  It is no accident that within a church or cathedral the passageway to the altar is called a boat, navis, or nave.

While words are capable of containing genuine meanings which reflect certain absolute truths in the Universe, most of modern society has lost contact with these truths and uses language to suit their own convenience.  Not only do the definitions and meaning of words change, they are especially vulnerable to poor translation from one language to another.  The written and spoken word is only an approximation of reality – the form of a symbol is a direct expression of its function, leaving words as a poor second when compared to the vast amount of information a symbol can convey.

Spiritual Nature

The more disconnected our society becomes from the Universal Order, the more dysfunctional we become as individuals.  The longer we remain separate from our true spiritual nature, the more we rely on logic and rationalism to explain our reason for being and we stray even further again from our own spirituality.  This vicious circle is compounded further by the English language which is a separatist language.  There is a subject and an object, a separation between us and the object in question.

We teach our children this separation as our parents taught us and their parents taught them, breeding a society whose words and very thoughts are separatist in nature.  We have no linguistic forms with which to quantify a process or activity which has no object unto which it is impressed.  In most Eastern languages, subject and object are one.  Japanese couples, in example, do not say “I love you,” they say “aishiteru,” or “loving.”  Subject and object do not exist alone; they are merged into one whole where separation cannot possibly exist.

That is quite a bit to absorb for the first day, so I think I will end it here for now.  Perhaps you will find time this week to notice how we are not as separate from things as we thought and what symbols in your own life inspire an emotion or intuitive reaction…next week we will cover a few of the more common symbols we all react to either consciously or unconsciously, as well as their accepted meanings.

Namaste, my friends

Photo courtesy of las – initially

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1. Symbiation
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3. Inner Stillness

The first Yogis looked at the world around them and understood the natural, effortless way in which everything in nature moved and accomplished the fulfillment of its purpose. This realization led to the development of Yoga and its many obvious benefits. It is easy when trying to balance for long periods, or attempting a new pose, to forget that at its core, Yoga mimics the natural world. Our journey in Yoga is one of remembering (I know, I say it all the time) how to be flexible, and remembering the harmony of being which is our heritage. One of my favourite poses which remind me of many of Yoga’s benefits is the Tree Pose.

The Tree

Tree pose when performed correctly will help alleviate sciatica, reduce flat feet, and cultivate a greater sense of balance. This pose will also strengthen the quadriceps, thighs, calves, spine, and ankles – along with stretching the groin, chest, shoulders and inner thighs. Before considering this posture, be aware if you suffer from low blood pressure or high blood pressure. If you suffer from high blood pressure, do not raise your arms above your head. Headaches or insomnia occasionally may result when first performing this pose due to various factors, but this is very rare.

Starting in Tadasana or Mountain Pose, shift your weight to the left foot and leg. Spread your toes and make sure your metatarsals are flat on a smooth surface free of unevenness. Remember to keep your toes spread and relaxed throughout the pose and do not scrunch them up.

Bending down, grasp the right ankle with the right hand. Place the sole of your right foot as high as possible on the inner left thigh, insuring your toes are pointed down the leg towards the floor. Lifting the quadriceps of the left leg will allow your right heel to get a better grip on the inner left leg muscles and help prevent your heel from slipping down. Focusing your gaze on a point at the same height as your eyes on a wall or somewhere else near you will help you maintain your balance.

Pelvis Alignment

For most, when you bring your right foot into position, the right knee is forward from your hips. Concentrate on gently forcing the right knee back towards alignment with your hips, or as near as is comfortable without strain. In order to gain the most benefit from the groin stretch that this pose involves, it is important to move the right knee back as opposed to bringing the left hip forward. Throughout the pose, stay aware of your hip alignment from side to side as well, making sure the left hip is not sitting higher than the right.

Breathe! Allow your weight to sink through your tailbone and lift your chest while leaving the shoulders relaxed. Exhale and extend your arms overhead as high as is comfortable while avoiding bending the elbows. Place your palms together as you extend to your comfort level. Keep your gaze focused on a point as previously mentioned – it will greatly assist in your balance. If you are well accustomed to Tree Pose, try increasing your time you maintain the pose for minutes while maintaining slow, steady breathing. Slowly lower your arms into a prayer position as you return to Tadasana, then release and repeat on the other leg.

Safe Variation

If you are having troubles initially, or there are health issues that are of concern with this position, Tree Pose may also be performed while lying down. Lie down and place your feet on the wall as if you were going to perform a horizontal Mountain Pose. Follow the same steps as if you were standing – working the bent knee out and down to the floor without bringing the opposing hip forward.

Rooted, yet Flexible

Perform the Tree Pose under or beside a big tree if you can. You are rooted in the ground as the tree, reaching branches and leaves (arms) towards the sun to receive its healing, nourishing light. Feel the energy of the Earth flowing upward into your body, mixing and coalescing with the energy of the sun you are drawing in from your outstretched form. While in tree pose, contemplate the nature of trees in general; their steadfastness through storms, bending when necessary, yet remaining firmly anchored and balanced. For an extra challenge, perform Tree Pose on a windy day next to a tree!

Namaste, my friends…

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1. Save a Tree Pose
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photo credit: bernardoh

Well, Canada has arrived!  Another year gone by since the last, full of days that seemed to last forever, weekends that seemed too short…yet here we are again, all too soon. The long days of summer have arrived, flowers bloom and fruit already lays heavy on trees.

What binds us to this piece of land on planet Earth we call Canada?  Is this chunk of land what Canada is?  Is it the people, the places, the varied culture?  What do we celebrate?

Composed by Eric Robertson and Steve Hyde, I had always hoped this would become our national anthem – Canada Is, sung by Roger Whittaker

Canada Is…

Canada is the Rocky Mountains, Canada is Prince Edward Island
Canada is a country made for love.  Canada is La Belle Provence
Canada is the Yukon Mine, Canada is a country full of love.

We have love for our neighbour, Of whatever creed or colour
We have love for our cities, And our valleys and our plains
We have a voice that is calling, Telling all the world we’re willing
To welcome them to this great land, For that’s what Canada is.

Canada is the Rocky Mountains, Canada is Prince Edward Island
Canada is a country made for love, Canada is La Belle Provence
Canada is the Yukon Mine, Canada is a country full of faith.

We have faith in our future, We’re ready for tomorrow
We have faith in our children, For our future’s in their hands
We have a voice that is calling, Telling us to keep on hoping
For time will make this wild land great, And that’s what Canada is.

Canada is the Rocky Mountains, Canada is Prince Edward Island
Canada is a country made for love, Canada is La Belle Provence
Canada is the Yukon Mine, Canada is a country loving peace.

We have peace in our valleys, We’re happy and contented
We have peace in our cities, And our boundaries have no chains
We have a voice that is calling, Telling all free men we’re willing
To show them how to live in peace, For that’s what Canada is.

Canada is the Rocky Mountains, Canada is Prince Edward Island
Canada is a country made for love.  Canada is La Belle Provence
Canada is the Yukon Mine, Canada is a country full of love.

Let us celebrate our achievements together in working to make our world a better place this Canada day, but also take time to remind ourselves of the work ahead.  Do we have love for our neighbour, of whatever creed or color?  Do we all live in peace, happy and contented?

As we make plans to go to fireworks displays, special events, carnivals, parades…celebrate Canada day by inviting along someone you know cannot afford it, buy a “Canada day meal” for one of the over one million homeless who live on the streets in Canada.  Perhaps you know a single mother who cannot take her child or children out for a day of fun…

On a personal note – Canada is a concept, an ideal if you will that we all hold in our heads – each as real for every one of us.  When our viewpoint relies on a concept or idea, especially one heavily supported by media and government, we tend to stay blind to the deeper truths behind the concept.  Ask yourself what it is about Canada day that you relate to, and then find out if it is truth or concept.

I have found that in habitually celebrating “days” set aside during the year, whether birthdays, Christmas, etc…I missed the point.  Over the last few years, I instead celebrate the smiles and laughter, the camaraderie amongst people and the playing of children.  I see the best of us coming to the surface – and refuse to ‘revert’ once the day is over.  Perhaps whatever you relate to on Canada day doesn’t have to end at dusk with the holiday…

Namaste – and happy Canada Day!

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1. Surrounded by Blessings “In the Dark”