#yogic teachings

[compassionmattersmost]

Understanding Vrittis and Pratyayas: A Guide to Mindful Awareness

Introduction In the journey of mindfulness and meditation, understanding the nature of the mind is crucial. Two fundamental concepts in this exploration are vrittis and pratyayas. These Sanskrit terms, drawn from ancient yogic and Buddhist teachings, provide insights into the workings of the mind. This guide aims to clarify these concepts, helping you integrate this understanding into your daily…

[wisterianwoman]

Introduction to Chakras: Your Inner Energy Centers

Not so long ago, I sat cross-legged on a yoga mat, skeptical and unsure. Yoga had begun to weave its influence into my life, but there was a concept I couldn't quite wrap my head around: chakras. Let's dive deep into the lessons of our energy centers.

Uncover the lessons to be learned from chakras, their history, and their role in holistic well-being. Learn how to balance and harmonize these vital energy sources for a life of inner harmony and growth. A Skeptic Beginner Not so long ago, I sat cross-legged on a yoga mat, skeptical and unsure. Yoga had already begun to weave its soothing threads into my life, but there was a concept I couldn’t…

[srbachchan]

DAY 5891

Jalsa, Mumbai Apr 4/5, 2024 Thu/Fri 1:05 AM

Birthday - EF - Caroline 'Coky' Moheb, .. all love and wishes for a wonderful day .. and many days ahead .. from the Ef and me ..❤️

In the quiet of the night when the birds are asleep and the crickets have subdued their vocals , doth the Blogomaestra conduct his voice and unending connection with the dearest Ef .. some that have been with us from the time of beginning .. some having left and some joining in in the newest ..

A quiet day .. a reflective time for the mind .. a few times spent on seated breathing by the yogic columns of thought and teaching .. and that is it ..

One wonders where the thoughts come from .. one wonders why and the how .. one consecrates it as simply not understandable .. and some or rather one particular dubs it as a high end secretive rendition that even the most sophisticated secret agencies, find difficult to give it elucidation ..

It's the making of the modern mind - crammed with a volley of the highest speed rendition through the wires and cables of information .. multiple bombing the targets that have hitherto remained aloof and silent .. making it difficult at times to punch the right word and name that is at the tip of the tongue but simply not forming to be rendered ..

Some naysayers put it at age, and the conditioning of the brain at this age condition .. some dexterously avoiding the obvious strained illness in its politeness and refraining .. and some simply not quite interested in its relevance .. a natural , I believe .. for the interest in the other or another , does not feature in its capacity to be given attention and debate ..

So .. we trundle along ..

Mumbling in the search for the desired word or expression and the relevance of the net and its informative machine that puts the gravest queries to rest at the punch of a black square or the touch on the 'h' ..

The 'h' .. aaah .. such an innovative express, by the Americans ..

The 'h' is for the phone in your hand (h) .. the 'res' is for the land line at your residence (res) .. and 'work' etc., are too descriptive to get into abrieved formulations ..

Abrieved .. !! yes the communication 'funda' .. uff .. hate this expression 'funda' .. wonder how it developed .. but yes there it is .. the shorter the best ..

H R U .. how are you ..

K .. okay

etc., etc., etcetera ..

And the convenient emojis .. blessings in disguise .. for some .. not for the old world or at times for different mobiles .. for , at times your ❤️ emoji comes as a 🀄️ or something .. confusing the reader at all costs ..

🤣

hope this laughing buddha came out right ..

Right .. then time for the retire .. 😴

My love as ever .. 🌹

Amitabh Bachchan

[aahanna]

Happy International Yoga Day!

Today we celebrate the ancient practice of yoga, which has been a cornerstone of Indian culture for over 5,000 years. We honor the "Father of Modern Yoga," Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888-1989), who played a crucial role in popularizing yoga worldwide. We also honor the original "Father of Yoga," Patanjali, who authored the celebrated yoga sutras.

_History of Yoga:_

Yoga has its roots in the Indus Valley Civilization, with evidence of yoga practices dating back to 3000 BCE. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj" meaning "to unite." Over time, yoga evolved through various traditions, including Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga.

Patanjali:

Patanjali was a Hindu author, mystic, and philosopher who authored the Yoga Sutras, a categorization of yogic thought arranged in four volumes. He is regarded as an avatar of Adi Sesha and is believed to have lived between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE ¹.

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya:

Born in 1888, Krishnamacharya was a Indian yoga master, ayurvedic healer, and scholar. He studied yoga under his father and later under the revered yoga guru, Rama Mohan Brahmachari. Krishnamacharya went on to teach yoga to prominent students, including B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi, who spread yoga globally.

BENEFITS OF YOGA

Yoga offers numerous benefits, including:

- Improved flexibility and strength

- Reduced stress and anxiety

- Enhanced mental clarity and focus

- Improved overall well-being

Popular Yoga Asanas:

1. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

2. Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana)

3. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

4. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)

5. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

[talonabraxas]

The Goddess Kali and the Spiritual Heart

Ma Kali and the Yoga of Knowledge

Ma Kali is the primary Goddess of Yoga, the background Yoga Shakti, the power of Yoga or Kriya Shakti. Hers is the force that takes our energy within, which causes us to seek the eternal and lose interest in the outer affairs of life. She is the electrical stirring of the soul to Divinity. She is the voice of the Divine reverberating within us, when we let our ego fade into the background. Kali is the power of the great current of awareness.

Kali is the great Prana or cosmic life-force (Mahaprana). She represents the most primal will of all life, which is to live forever and never die. This core wish for immortality is not some mere delusion or arrogance within us, it is the very reflection of Sat or pure Being into creation, the portion of the Eternal that is our soul.

Kali represents the most primal desire, which is to love all and be one with all, to find the perfect, pure and eternal bliss, which is the presence of Shiva, the Eternal Being and Consciousness hidden in all life. Hidden even in ordinary desires is Kali’s ascending force to get us to seek something more beautiful and wondrous, to take us beyond our boundaries, to make us unhappy with what we already have in order to reach a greater reality.

Her will-power generates the decisive moment of spiritual awakening, in which we realize that true happiness cannot be found in the outer world but only within. Then she redirects our life as a mystic journey to the inner source, the heart of creation, and the Eternal flame.

Kali’s Shakti works to focus our energies back to the heart and the core of our being. Kali’s energy reverses the ordinary process of creation. Hers is the power that merges earth into water, water into fire, fire into air, air into ether, ether into mind, and mind into pure consciousness. She takes us back from the many to the One, reintegrating the world into our deepest Self and Being.

Ma Kali’s energy is like a simulated death experience. She helps us withdraw our attention from the outer mind, emotions and senses into the inner heart. In this regard, Kali is the prime Goddess of Jnana or Self-knowledge. She takes us back to the Self in the heart, unifying all our experience within it. Kali is Nirvana Shakti, the power that takes us to dissolution or Nirvana. She is the magnetic pull of Nirvana within us.

In Yogic terms, Kali is the Nirodha Shakti, the power that gives the ability to dissolve the fluctuations of the mind stuff or chitta, that is the tradition definition of Yoga through Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Her power checks, negates, masters and dissolves all the functions of mind and prana into the infinite silent calm of the Purusha within the heart.

One is reminded of the experience of Paramahansa Ramakrishna, who was a great devotee of Kali. After learning the importance of the Self-knowledge of Vedanta through his guru Tota Puri, Ramakrishna meditated on the Self within the heart in order to realize it. In doing so, the image of Ma Kali arose. He found that he had to break through his attachment to her by removing her form with the sword of knowledge. Yet he had to eventually realize that the sword of knowledge was that of Ma Kali. She projects a form to teach us, but removes the form to reveal her formless being as Pure Consciousness.

The Power of Ma Kali’s Mantras

Ma Kali’s Bija Krim

Each deity has its mantras, starting with single-syllable seed or bija mantras and extending to longer mantras, prayers and supplications. Kali’s primary single syllable mantra is KRIM (pronounced Kreem). KRIM refers to Kriya or the power of action, but action of a yogic nature.

KRIM is composed of three primary letters. The letter-k is the first of all the consonants in the Sanskrit alphabet. It indicates manifest existence, power and force. The letter-r is the seed of fire and light. The letter-i is focused energy and will power.

KRIM as the sound of Kali sets in motion the primary force of life and manifestation. It is the electrical energy or lightning force that gives power to everything, like the electric current that can run any number of appliances.

Yet when we use this mantra in sadhana or yogic practices, it is the inner current that we are switching on. Once this inner current is available we can use it to empower any sadhana or open up any inner faculty, just like having the electricity on in our house can allow us to do so many things and without it we can do nothing.

The great Goddess Kali, specifically through her mantra KRIM, provides us the support of energy for all that we do in Yoga. More so, she increases our inner energy, both allowing and pushing us on to do more. Her mantra creates a relentless force of spiritual energy within us that does not merely help us but propels and guides us to the higher goal. At some point her current takes over from our minds and directs our sadhana by its flow. This opens up the higher level of working with her power and her presence. Kali’s Kriya Shakti allows the Yoga to work but also as an ascending lightning force can break through all obstacles and veils of karma, prana or mind.

The mantra KRIM also has a fierce side, like a jolt of lightning it can function like a sword to cut things open. It can stimulate, shock, electrify and propel. It can energize the weapons of the Gods to defeat the undivine or Asuric forces. Yet it can energize the ornaments of the Gods, their gems and gifts, which grant bliss to the devotee.

Kali’s Threefold Bija: KRIM HUM HRIM

Out of this single seed mantra is developed a longer threefold mantra or three seed-mantras as KRIM HUM HRIM. This has yet more energy and efficacy in awakening the Goddess within us. It begins with the mantra KRIM and builds upon its power.

The mantra HUM (hoom) is composed of two primary sounds. The letter-h is the seed syllable of the element of space or ether. It also represents the sun, Prana and the Purusha principle. The letter-u creates a force field that can both serve to hold in and to push out. HUM represents an explosion of energy, an expression of great power that is pranic, electrical and fiery. HUM is the power of Agni or fire particularly as directed by the wind or Vayu. Whereas KRIM awakens the electrical force or Shakti, HUM serves to direct it with great force, to use it to make great efforts.

HRIM (hreem) is the great mantra of the spiritual heart, hridaya. It is composed of three main letters. The letter-h, as in HUM, represents, space, prana and light. The letter-r as in KRIM represents light and fire. The letter-i as in KRIM represents focused energy or a ray of light, the Shakti as such. Through the mantra HRIM alone one can enter into the spiritual heart and the small space within its lotus (dahara akasha) in which the entire universe is held.

These put together, Kali’s threefold mantra serves to awaken and energize the spiritual heart, hridaya.

The mantra KRIM serves to cut the knots of the heart. It works like a sword. It stimulates the heart energy within us, its primal desire or wish for immortality, love and light.

The mantra HUM gives power to the heart, expanding the energy of prana and Agni (fire) in a strong, if not explosive manner.

The mantra HRIM opens the energy of the spiritual heart which is like the Sun, spreading it into the Infinite.

This threefold Kali Heart mantra can be compared to a kind of spiritual adrenaline. KRIM awakens the energy of the heart, like an electrical jolt to a heart patient whose heart is failing. HUM expands it this current with great force. HRIM stabilizes it as an infinite power and eternal presence.

KRIM draws the Prana from the breath, the sensory and motor organs and directs it into the heart. HUM turns the Prana into a force of fiery meditative power. HRIM connects the individual prana-mind with the power of the Supreme Self, the power of the light of consciousness (Chid-jyoti). This threefold mantra therefore creates a powerful Pratyahara in the yogic sense, it takes our energy back to the spiritual heart.

Kali Sadhana and the Yoga of Knowledge

Kali mantras serve to develop a Kali Sadhana, in which the true nature of Kali is revealed. In this regard, Kali is the death of the ego, which is the rebirth of the soul. Kali is the Divine Mother in her role of slaying the demon or dragon of the ego or I am the body idea. Her mantras bring about an inner death, which is the rebirth of the immortal Self within us.

Through Kali we can experience a simulated death, the real death which is that of the ego, after which there is no more death. Kali is this death of death by the power of eternity. Kali mantras take us into the spiritual heart. They are a good accompaniment to Atma Vichara.

The Goddess Kali, we might say, is the power of meditation personified as a Goddess. Yet She is meditation not as a mere technique, She is the natural state of meditation as the power of consciousness pervading Infinite Space and Eternal Time, in which the waves of karma, including birth and death, cannot touch us, because we are the All!

Mahakali by Talon Abraxas

[radical-revolution]

"The closer we are to Self-realization, or enlightenment, the more ordinary we become. Only seekers striving for liberation as if it were a trophy glamorize the yogic process and themselves. They want to be extraordinary, whereas liberated beings are perfectly ordinary. They are as happy washing dishes as they are sitting quietly in meditation or teaching their disciples. For this reason, Yoga has from the beginning celebrated not only the path of the world-renouncing ascetic (samnyāsin) but also that of the world-engaging householder (grihastha) who uses the opportunities of daily life to practice the virtues of a yogic lifestyle."

— Georg Feuerstein

[leannan-sithe]

Okay, I'll give it to you straight: for the most part, Western yoga understands almost nothing about the chakras that the original tradition thought was important about them. [...] I’m just here to tell you two things: first, that when modern Western authors on the chakras imply they are presenting ancient teachings, they’re deceiving you—but they don’t know that they are, because they can’t assess the validity of their own source materials (since they don’t read Sanskrit). Second, for those who are interested, I'm here to let you know a little bit about what yogic concepts mean in their original context (because I'm a Sanskrit scholar, and a practitioner who happens to prefer the traditional forms). Only you can assess whether that is of any benefit to you. I’m not claiming that older is intrinsically better. I’m not trying to imply there’s no spiritual value to Western occultism. I’m just approximating the historical truth in simple English words as best I can.

Learn about how Western concepts of chakras aren't really rooted in the original practices. Know the history to avoid appropriation!

[crazycatsiren]

Chakras - What they really are

(I managed to salvage this post written by @rue-cimon from an old deactivated account. I copied it down here because this was too good a post to lose.)

Chakra literally means "wheel" or "circle" in Sanskrit. The concept of chakras originates from Hinduism in ancient India. These are focal points used in a variety of ancient meditation or yoga practices. These practices are collectively called "tantra".

Although the concept is frequently found in early traditions of Hinduism and are often mentioned in the Vedas, beliefs around chakras differ between various Indian religions. Buddhist texts consistently mention 5 chakras, whereas Hindu texts and sources speak of 6 or 7 chakras.

Early Sanskrit texts speak of them both as meditative visualizations combining flowers and mantras and as physical entities in the body. Within kundalini yoga, various breath exercises, visualizations, mudras, kriyas, and mantras are focused on manipulating the flow of subtle energy through chakras.

Chakras are also present in Ayurvedic traditions.

The belief behind chakras is that human life simultaneously exists in two parallel dimensions, one is the physical body and the other is psychological, emotional, mind, non physical (the subtle body).

The aforementioned subtle body is energy, while the physical body is mass. The psyche or mind plane corresponds to and interacts with the body plane, and the belief holds that the body and the mind mutually affect each other. The subtle body consists of energy channels connected by nodes of psychic energy called chakras.

The chakras - in Hindu and Buddhist texts - are said to be arranged in a column along the spinal cord, from its base to the top of the head, connected by vertical channels. Tantric traditions strive to awaken, master, and energize these chakras through yoga and often with the help of a teacher.

The esoteric traditions in Buddhism generally teach four chakras. In some early Buddhist sources, these chakras are termed as manipura (navel), anahata (heart), vishuddha (throat), and ushnisha kamala (crown). However, a system of five chakras is common among classes of tantra in Tibetan Buddhism. These five chakras are basal, abdominal, heart, throat, and crown, and each chakra corresponds with an element, a Buddha, and a bija mantra.

The more common and most studied chakra system incorporates six major chakras along with a seventh center generally not regarded as a chakra.

The chakras are traditionally considered meditation aids. The yogi starts from lower chakras and progresses to the highest chakra located in the crown of the head, in the journey of spiritual ascent.

In the Hindu kundalini and Buddhist candali traditions, the chakras are pierced by a dormant energy residing near or in the lowest chakra. in Hindu texts she is known as Kundalini, while in Buddhist texts she is called Candali or Tummo.

Some terms and definitions:

Tantra: Esoteric traditions in Hinduism and Buddhism that developed in India mainly during the middle of the 1st millennium CE. The term tantra, in the Indian traditions, also means text, theory, system, method, instrument, technique, or practice. A key feature of these traditions is the use of mantras.

Kundalini yoga: A type of yoga focused on channeling energy through the chakras.

Mudra: A symbolic or ritual gesture or pose in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Mudras have meaning in many forms of Indian dance and yoga. In hatha yoga, mudras are used in conjunction with pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), generally while in a seated posture, to stimulate different parts of the body involved with breathing and to affect the flow of prana and is associated with consciousness in the body. Mudras are also used in tantric practices.

Kriya: Practice within a yoga discipline meant to achieve a specific result. The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali defines three types of kriya, namely asceticism, study, and devotion. Such yoga is called kriya yoga. Kriya is a Sanskrit word that literally means "to do" or "to work".

Mantra: A sacred utterance, a sound, a syllable, word, or phonemes, or group of words in Sanskrit, Pali, and other languages. They hold spiritual and religious significance. At its simplest, the word "om" serves as a mantra. It is believed to be the first sound which was originated on earth. It creates a reverberation in the body which helps the body and mind to be calm. In more sophisticated forms, mantras are melodic phrases with spiritual interpretations such as a human longing for truth, reality, light, immortality, peace, love, knowledge, and action. Not all mantras have literal meanings but rather are simply uplifting.

Ayurveda: An alternative medicine system with historical roots in ancient India.

[blessed1neha]

The Yamas and Niyamas are ethical and moral guidelines

The Yamas and Niyamas are ethical and moral guidelines outlined in the ancient yogic philosophy of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. They offer principles for living a harmonious and fulfilling life. Here are the benefits associated with practicing the Yamas and Niyamas:

Yamas:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): Practicing ahimsa promotes peace and compassion. It encourages individuals to cultivate kindness towards themselves and others, leading to improved relationships and a more harmonious society.

Satya (Truthfulness): Living truthfully fosters authenticity and integrity. Being honest with oneself and others builds trust and strengthens connections, resulting in healthier relationships and a sense of inner peace.

Asteya (Non-stealing): By practicing asteya, individuals learn contentment and gratitude for what they have. This cultivates a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity, promoting generosity and reducing feelings of envy or lack.

Brahmacharya (Moderation): Brahmacharya encourages balanced living and mindful consumption. By practicing moderation in all aspects of life, individuals conserve energy, maintain focus, and cultivate self-discipline, leading to greater physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Aparigraha (Non-attachment): Aparigraha teaches the art of letting go and releasing attachments to outcomes. By detaching from material possessions, expectations, and desires, individuals experience freedom from stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction, leading to greater contentment and inner peace.

Niyamas:

Saucha (Purity/Cleanliness): Practicing saucha involves purifying the body, mind, and environment. This fosters clarity of thought, enhances physical health, and creates a conducive space for spiritual growth and self-discovery.

Santosha (Contentment): Santosha promotes gratitude and acceptance of the present moment. Cultivating contentment regardless of external circumstances leads to greater peace of mind, reduced stress, and an increased sense of fulfillment.

Tapas (Discipline): Tapas involves cultivating self-discipline and perseverance in pursuit of spiritual growth and personal development. By embracing challenges and overcoming obstacles, individuals build resilience, inner strength, and a sense of accomplishment.

Svadhyaya (Self-study): Svadhyaya encourages self-reflection and introspection. By studying sacred texts, exploring personal beliefs, and observing one's thoughts and actions, individuals gain insight into themselves, deepen their understanding of life's mysteries, and foster spiritual evolution.

Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to the Divine): Ishvara Pranidhana involves surrendering to a higher power or divine intelligence. By relinquishing the ego's need for control and trusting in a greater purpose, individuals find peace, guidance, and spiritual connection.

Overall, practicing the Yamas and Niyamas promotes personal growth, ethical behavior, and spiritual development. By aligning one's actions with these principles, individuals cultivate virtues such as compassion, truthfulness, contentment, and self-discipline, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

[askreistar]

Can you draw your favorite of your OCs?

Mira Eris.

she's not a known oc of mine, specifically because I didn't develop her directly. and have a special connection to her that is more occult and studious than artistic.

her cutiemark itself is a give away of the way she was developed indirectly as an avatar of my imagination and female aspects mentally that involve creation and study. a lot of this is deep occult and mentalism. its hard to get into here because of its...idiosyncratic qualities.----

however I am able to share details about her, its not directly up to "me" to express her existence, her Meer existence as a thing in my mind running my imagination and urges to learn are yogic and very *self* intimate. its that male and female internal union. -but she may make some appearances occasionally as she did want me to include a sona for her as a pony cx it was a ride watching my arm move and make it up on the fly XD. "free writing expressed in art"

Mira is a almost voiceless individual, she expresses herself in body language and gesturing to external beings when drawn. to me its direct emotional expression. I know how she feels through my own emotions basically, she's the pilot to the centers of my mind that I don't actively run. but she will info dump when asked.

she's nearly all-knowing. the limiting factor is me and what im able to comprehend as she draws in new knowledge. she can answer almost any spiritual based questions or those about the mind and soul. she's highly occult and scientific, her joy is finding the fringe line where science and physics becomes spiritual at its furthest boundaries.

she's an isolationist and a stoic, making her an observer and a silent protector at times. solving problems and unknown issues before they become active spreading issues for others at large.

she is affectionate and almost cat like when I give awareness and attention to her side of my mind, meditation is where she's most active.

highly artistic and obsessive. leads to her obsessively drawing and praticing many mediums. her favorite is chemistry. (she considers it art lol)

Thank you for this experience in giving her a new form also, this ask revealed to me she likes to shape shift also as a thing in my dreams as im realizing now.

she's kinda this thing i developed as a method I learned from Carl Junng and the red book teaching individuation of the mind and its aspects. meaning she exists but is incorporeal and formless but not shapeless. "its light and illusions after all. "

[compassionmattersmost]

Introduction to Yoga Nidra: The Path of Deep Relaxation and Conscious Awareness

Yoga Nidra, often called “yogic sleep,” is a powerful meditation practice that guides you into a state of deep relaxation while maintaining a sense of conscious awareness. Unlike traditional meditation practices that require focused concentration, Yoga Nidra invites you to relax completely, allowing the body and mind to rest deeply while the consciousness remains awake and alert. This practice is…

[bhrm555]

1. Three Aspects of the Absolute                                                             

According to the Naths, an order of yogis associated with the practice of hatha yoga, creation begins with the limitless and eternal Absolute, a transcendent essence that permeates the universe. This painting, read from left to right, represents the origins of existence as a shimmering field of gold. Its successive emanations into consciousness (center) and form (right) are represented as perfected Nath yogis, covered in ash and saffron. Through yogic practice, Naths sought to transform their physical bodies into subtle matter and merge with the luminous Absolute.

Many yoga traditions define enlightenment as the recognition that the self and the limitless Absolute are one and the same, although they appear different. This essential sameness allows a yoga practitioner to progressively transform his or her physical body, known as the “gross” body, into subtle matter.

2. Transmission of Teachings from the Gods

These images of perfected practitioners (siddhas) from Stories of the Naths represent a transcendent lineage of yoga. The practitioners are depicted as teachers in a chain of authoritative revelation; several touch forefingers to thumbs in a gesture of imparting knowledge. Hovering in a subtle realm on a silvery universal sea, they are, from left to right, progressively more material emanations of the Absolute. The Absolute is represented on the manuscript’s first page as an empty space, also on view in this gallery.

[srbachchan]

DAY 5472

Jalsa, Mumbai                Feb 8/9,  2023                Wed/Thu  2:48 AM

..

February 09 .. birthday of Ef Pinakin Gohil from Bhavnagar, Gujarat .. wishes .. 🪔

And greetings of togetherness to Ef AMIT Kumar joshi from Bikaner .. for the wedding anniversary on Feb 09 .. 💍💕

☝️

No .. the birthdays are  absent today ..    .. no one and nothing to wish any .. but many birthdays do celebrate .. 

( due respects Ef .. there are .. the information came just now and have been put up    )

there is no day in the Calendar , when a birth does not take place and occur  .. and wishes abound manifold .. but here in our hemisphere of the Blogmaestr the World is somewhat different  !

So the breathing of the breath in the different and complex ways of the teachings of what is commonly known as the art of yogic meditation , has been accomplished and the lightness of the feet and body display the effects of the ‘pranayaam’  .. hopefully .. it remains ..

Meetings occur .. decisions occur ... task , which has severe complications on the ones born in the October Fest - they are incapable in such models and suffer .. 

And so there is suffering .. but work continues as does the body and mind ..

And the mind faces atrocious creativity .. disturbing and of immense surprise .. for the results prove else .. and there is wonder .. something obviously is being done wrong for its universality .. repairing it be now out of domain .. and this is the reason for the disturbed mind body and state ..

If this can happen to this .. then what can happen to what  ..

O dear a huge yawn overtakes my temperament .. I must retire .. another day of decision making looms large .. and it must be taken by the horns ..

My love to all 

Amitabh Bachchan

[talonabraxas]

The Goddess Kali and the Spiritual Heart

Ma Kali and the Yoga of Knowledge

Ma Kali is the primary Goddess of Yoga, the background Yoga Shakti, the power of Yoga or Kriya Shakti. Hers is the force that takes our energy within, which causes us to seek the eternal and lose interest in the outer affairs of life. She is the electrical stirring of the soul to Divinity. She is the voice of the Divine reverberating within us, when we let our ego fade into the background. Kali is the power of the great current of awareness.

Kali is the great Prana or cosmic life-force (Mahaprana). She represents the most primal will of all life, which is to live forever and never die. This core wish for immortality is not some mere delusion or arrogance within us, it is the very reflection of Sat or pure Being into creation, the portion of the Eternal that is our soul.

Kali represents the most primal desire, which is to love all and be one with all, to find the perfect, pure and eternal bliss, which is the presence of Shiva, the Eternal Being and Consciousness hidden in all life. Hidden even in ordinary desires is Kali’s ascending force to get us to seek something more beautiful and wondrous, to take us beyond our boundaries, to make us unhappy with what we already have in order to reach a greater reality.

Her will-power generates the decisive moment of spiritual awakening, in which we realize that true happiness cannot be found in the outer world but only within. Then she redirects our life as a mystic journey to the inner source, the heart of creation, and the Eternal flame.

Kali’s Shakti works to focus our energies back to the heart and the core of our being. Kali’s energy reverses the ordinary process of creation. Hers is the power that merges earth into water, water into fire, fire into air, air into ether, ether into mind, and mind into pure consciousness. She takes us back from the many to the One, reintegrating the world into our deepest Self and Being.

Ma Kali’s energy is like a simulated death experience. She helps us withdraw our attention from the outer mind, emotions and senses into the inner heart. In this regard, Kali is the prime Goddess of Jnana or Self-knowledge. She takes us back to the Self in the heart, unifying all our experience within it. Kali is Nirvana Shakti, the power that takes us to dissolution or Nirvana. She is the magnetic pull of Nirvana within us.

In Yogic terms, Kali is the Nirodha Shakti, the power that gives the ability to dissolve the fluctuations of the mind stuff or chitta, that is the tradition definition of Yoga through Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Her power checks, negates, masters and dissolves all the functions of mind and prana into the infinite silent calm of the Purusha within the heart.

One is reminded of the experience of Paramahansa Ramakrishna, who was a great devotee of Kali. After learning the importance of the Self-knowledge of Vedanta through his guru Tota Puri, Ramakrishna meditated on the Self within the heart in order to realize it. In doing so, the image of Ma Kali arose. He found that he had to break through his attachment to her by removing her form with the sword of knowledge. Yet he had to eventually realize that the sword of knowledge was that of Ma Kali. She projects a form to teach us, but removes the form to reveal her formless being as Pure Consciousness.

The Power of Ma Kali’s Mantras

Ma Kali’s Bija Krim

Each deity has its mantras, starting with single-syllable seed or bija mantras and extending to longer mantras, prayers and supplications. Kali’s primary single syllable mantra is KRIM (pronounced Kreem). KRIM refers to Kriya or the power of action, but action of a yogic nature.

KRIM is composed of three primary letters. The letter-k is the first of all the consonants in the Sanskrit alphabet. It indicates manifest existence, power and force. The letter-r is the seed of fire and light. The letter-i is focused energy and will power.

KRIM as the sound of Kali sets in motion the primary force of life and manifestation. It is the electrical energy or lightning force that gives power to everything, like the electric current that can run any number of appliances.

Yet when we use this mantra in sadhana or yogic practices, it is the inner current that we are switching on. Once this inner current is available we can use it to empower any sadhana or open up any inner faculty, just like having the electricity on in our house can allow us to do so many things and without it we can do nothing.

The great Goddess Kali, specifically through her mantra KRIM, provides us the support of energy for all that we do in Yoga. More so, she increases our inner energy, both allowing and pushing us on to do more. Her mantra creates a relentless force of spiritual energy within us that does not merely help us but propels and guides us to the higher goal. At some point her current takes over from our minds and directs our sadhana by its flow. This opens up the higher level of working with her power and her presence. Kali’s Kriya Shakti allows the Yoga to work but also as an ascending lightning force can break through all obstacles and veils of karma, prana or mind.

The mantra KRIM also has a fierce side, like a jolt of lightning it can function like a sword to cut things open. It can stimulate, shock, electrify and propel. It can energize the weapons of the Gods to defeat the undivine or Asuric forces. Yet it can energize the ornaments of the Gods, their gems and gifts, which grant bliss to the devotee.

Kali’s Threefold Bija: KRIM HUM HRIM

Out of this single seed mantra is developed a longer threefold mantra or three seed-mantras as KRIM HUM HRIM. This has yet more energy and efficacy in awakening the Goddess within us. It begins with the mantra KRIM and builds upon its power.

The mantra HUM (hoom) is composed of two primary sounds. The letter-h is the seed syllable of the element of space or ether. It also represents the sun, Prana and the Purusha principle. The letter-u creates a force field that can both serve to hold in and to push out. HUM represents an explosion of energy, an expression of great power that is pranic, electrical and fiery. HUM is the power of Agni or fire particularly as directed by the wind or Vayu. Whereas KRIM awakens the electrical force or Shakti, HUM serves to direct it with great force, to use it to make great efforts.

HRIM (hreem) is the great mantra of the spiritual heart, hridaya. It is composed of three main letters. The letter-h, as in HUM, represents, space, prana and light. The letter-r as in KRIM represents light and fire. The letter-i as in KRIM represents focused energy or a ray of light, the Shakti as such. Through the mantra HRIM alone one can enter into the spiritual heart and the small space within its lotus (dahara akasha) in which the entire universe is held.

These put together, Kali’s threefold mantra serves to awaken and energize the spiritual heart, hridaya.

The mantra KRIM serves to cut the knots of the heart. It works like a sword. It stimulates the heart energy within us, its primal desire or wish for immortality, love and light.

The mantra HUM gives power to the heart, expanding the energy of prana and Agni (fire) in a strong, if not explosive manner.

The mantra HRIM opens the energy of the spiritual heart which is like the Sun, spreading it into the Infinite.

This threefold Kali Heart mantra can be compared to a kind of spiritual adrenaline. KRIM awakens the energy of the heart, like an electrical jolt to a heart patient whose heart is failing. HUM expands it this current with great force. HRIM stabilizes it as an infinite power and eternal presence.

KRIM draws the Prana from the breath, the sensory and motor organs and directs it into the heart. HUM turns the Prana into a force of fiery meditative power. HRIM connects the individual prana-mind with the power of the Supreme Self, the power of the light of consciousness (Chid-jyoti). This threefold mantra therefore creates a powerful Pratyahara in the yogic sense, it takes our energy back to the spiritual heart.

Kali Sadhana and the Yoga of Knowledge

Kali mantras serve to develop a Kali Sadhana, in which the true nature of Kali is revealed. In this regard, Kali is the death of the ego, which is the rebirth of the soul. Kali is the Divine Mother in her role of slaying the demon or dragon of the ego or I am the body idea. Her mantras bring about an inner death, which is the rebirth of the immortal Self within us.

Through Kali we can experience a simulated death, the real death which is that of the ego, after which there is no more death. Kali is this death of death by the power of eternity. Kali mantras take us into the spiritual heart. They are a good accompaniment to Atma Vichara.

The Goddess Kali, we might say, is the power of meditation personified as a Goddess. Yet She is meditation not as a mere technique, She is the natural state of meditation as the power of consciousness pervading Infinite Space and Eternal Time, in which the waves of karma, including birth and death, cannot touch us, because we are the All!

Mahakali by Talon Abraxas

[radical-revolution]

Chögyam Trungpa ~ DISAPPOINTMENT

We expect the teachings to solve all our problems; we expect to be provided with magical means to deal with our depressions, our aggressions, our sexual hangups. But to our surprise we begin to realize that this is not going to happen.

It is very disappointing to realize that we must work on ourselves and our suffering rather than depend upon a savior or the magical power of yogic techniques. It is disappointing to realize that we have to give up our expectations rather than build on the basis of our preconceptions.

We must allow ourselves to be disappointed, which means the surrendering of me-ness, my achievement. We would like to watch ourselves attain enlightenment, watch our disciples celebrating, worshiping, throwing flowers at us, with miracles and earthquakes occurring and gods and angels singing and so forth. This never happens.

The attainment of enlightenment from ego’s point of view is extreme death, the death of self, the death of me and mine, the death of the watcher. It is the ultimate and final disappointment. Treading the spiritual path is painful. It is a constant unmasking, peeling off of layer after layer of masks. It involves insult after insult.

Such a series of disappointments inspires us to give up ambition. We fall down and down and down, until we touch the ground, until we relate with the basic sanity of earth. We become the lowest of the low, the smallest of the small, a grain of sand, perfectly simple, no expectations.

When we are grounded, there is no room for dreaming or frivolous impulse, so our practice at last becomes workable. We begin to learn how to make a proper cup of tea, how to walk straight without tripping. Our whole approach to life becomes more simple and direct, and any teachings we might hear or books we might read become workable.

They become confirmations, encouragements to work as a grain of sand, as we are, without expectations, without dreams.”

***The Myth of Freedom and the Way of Meditation

[oorjayiiyoga]

How to Choose the Right 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program

Are you passionate about yoga and considering taking the next step to become a certified yoga teacher? Enrolling in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program is a crucial first step towards achieving your goal. With the abundance of options available, selecting the right training can seem overwhelming. In this guide, we'll walk you through key considerations to help you choose the perfect 200-hour yoga teacher training program that aligns with your goals and values.

1. Accreditation and Certification:

Look for programs that are accredited by recognized yoga organizations like Yoga Alliance. This ensures that the training meets certain quality standards and will provide you with a certification that is widely recognized in the industry.

2. Curriculum and Focus:

Examine the curriculum of the program. A well-rounded training should cover yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, asana (posture) practice, pranayama (breath control), meditation, and more. Ensure that the program's focus aligns with your interests and goals.

3. Experienced and Qualified Instructors:

Research the instructors who will be leading the training. They should have extensive experience, a strong teaching background, and a deep understanding of yoga philosophy and practice.

4. Teaching Style:

Consider the teaching style of the program. Some programs may focus more on a specific yoga style (e.g., Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga), while others offer a blend of styles. Choose a training that resonates with your personal preferences and goals.

5. Class Size and Student-Teacher Ratio:

Smaller class sizes often lead to a more personalized and effective learning experience. A lower student-teacher ratio allows for more individualized attention and mentorship.

6. Location and Duration:

Decide whether you want to complete the training locally or in a different setting. Consider the duration of the program—some are intensive month-long courses, while others are spread out over several months. Choose what fits your schedule and lifestyle.

7. Reviews and Reputation:

Read reviews and testimonials from previous students to get insights into their experiences. A reputable program should have positive feedback from graduates who felt well-prepared for their teaching journey.

8. Cost and Value:

While cost is a factor, prioritize the value you'll receive from the program. A comprehensive, high-quality training might have a higher price tag, but it can be a worthwhile investment in your yoga teaching career.

9. Additional Opportunities:

Some programs offer additional perks like mentorship, teaching opportunities, or workshops. These can enhance your learning and post-training career prospects.

10. Your Intuition:

Ultimately, trust your intuition. Listen to your gut feeling about the program. If it aligns with your values, aspirations, and feels like the right fit, it probably is.

Choosing the right 200-hour yoga teacher training program requires thoughtful research and consideration. By evaluating the curriculum, instructors, teaching style, and other factors, you'll be well-equipped to embark on a fulfilling journey toward becoming a certified yoga teacher. Remember, this training is not just about teaching yoga; it's about deepening your practice and sharing the transformative power of yoga with others