Yajnavalkya, the greatest seer and sage, said: " Maitreyi, verily, I
am going away from this house into the forest to enter another order
of life (Sannyasa); therefore let me divide my property between you
and Katyayani " .
Maitreyi said: " My venerable lord, if this whole world with all its
wealth belongs to me, tell me truly, could I attain immortality " .
" No, " replied Yajnavalkya, " Like the life of rich people will be your
life; but there is no hope of obtaining immortality by wealth " .
Maitreyi: " Of what use would be wealth to me, if I do not become
thereby immortal? Tell me, O venerable lord, any means of attaining
immortality of which thou knowest " .
Yajnavalkya replied: " Come, sit down, my beloved Maitreyi, I will
explain it to thee. Try to understand well what I say " .
Yajnavalkya said: " Verily, not indeed for the husband's sake the
husband is dear, but for the sake Of the Self the husband is dear.
Verily, not indeed for the wife's sake the wife is dear, but for the
sake of the Self the wife is dear. Verily, not indeed for the sake of
the son the son is dear, but for the sake of the Self the son is
dear. Verily, this immortal all-pervading Atman or Brahman is to be
seen, heard, reflected and meditated upon, O Maitreyi: Atma Vaare
Drashtavyah Srotavyo Mantayo Nididhyasitavyah " .
O Maitreyi! When there is duality, one sees the other, one smells the
other, one tastes the other, one salutes the other, one speaks to the
other, one touches the other, one knows the other, but when the Self
or Atma only is all this, how could one see the other, how could he
smell the other, touch the other, know the other? How could he know
Him by whom he knows all this? That Self is to be described by " No,
no " (Neti, Neti). Atma nor the Supreme Self is imperishable. He is
free and unattached. He is not subject to pain or destruction. How
could one know the knower? Thus, O beloved Maitreyi, thou hast been
instructed " .
Having said this, Yajnavalkya went to the forest.
(Source: Essence of Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda)
Showing posts with label sadhana quote. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sadhana quote. Show all posts
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Nature of the Atman, Nature of the Self
I had a lovely chat with my friend today after class...one of those get to know each other a little better talks. I am pretty open about sharing my past and the things that have happened to me, from all the joyous times to the heartbreaks and traumas. They are all pieces that make me who I am. So, she asked how I made it through some of the difficult trials.
Well I often find my self stumbling along this path, I always come back to my spiritual views. With the guidance of Shri Guruji, and the teaching of non-duality I have made it this far.
One of the texts I come back to again and again is the Adhayatma Ramayana.
This is one of my faviorite parts, Sundara Kandam: Hanuman's sermon to Ravana v.15-19
Well I often find my self stumbling along this path, I always come back to my spiritual views. With the guidance of Shri Guruji, and the teaching of non-duality I have made it this far.
One of the texts I come back to again and again is the Adhayatma Ramayana.
This is one of my faviorite parts, Sundara Kandam: Hanuman's sermon to Ravana v.15-19
"The real 'You' or the Self has none of the miseries arising from body, intellect, and the sense, because the real 'you' is only the unperturbed and unaffected witness of all these changes. The actual involvement in these changes belongs to the body-mind complex. it is just like the experience of one sleeping. The series of dream experiences which sleep brings about, end with the dream; they are the effects of the delusive ignorance characteristic of sleep. As far as the real Self is concerned, the bodily experiences are unreal in the same way. This unpertubedness and unaffectedness is the truth in regard to the nature of your real Self. You are by nature changeless; for the Self being non-dual, there can be no cause to effect change in it. Like the all-prevading Akasa which pervades objects but is not affected by it, your real Self, though pervading the body, is not affected by the bodily experiences because of it's subtlety. All bondage arises from the sense of identification of the complex, body-mind-Prana- with the real Self. And liberation consists in experiencing: I am Pure Consciousness, I am Unbound, I am Deathless, I am Pure Bliss."
Jay Shiv Shakti
Aum Hum Hanumate Namaha
Jay Gurudev!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Rig Veda quote from Guruji Shri Shriyogeshvaraji
ayaṃ devānāmapasāmapastamo yo jajāna rodasī viśvaśambhuvā |
vi yo mame rajasī sukratūyayājarebhi skambhanebhiḥsamānṛce ||
vi yo mame rajasī sukratūyayājarebhi skambhanebhiḥsamānṛce ||
(Rig Veda, Mandal :1, Sukt:160, Verse : 04)
Among the skilful Gods most skilled is he, who made the two world-halves which bring prosperity to all;
Who with great wisdom measured both the regions out, and stabilised them with pillars that shall never decay. I pray to thee, O God Supreme.
Who with great wisdom measured both the regions out, and stabilised them with pillars that shall never decay. I pray to thee, O God Supreme.
Explanation : This world is functioning by many different Gods like Indra (The King Of the Heaven), Marut (The God Of Wind and Air), Varuna (The God Of Water), Agn (The God Of Fire)i, Surya (The Sun. The God Of Life On the Earth), Soma (The Moon. The God Of Plants and Herbs, natural medicines) ... they are very capable and skilful in their respective area. But the most skilful is the one who created this all world and defined it in two parts, Prithvi (Earth) and Heaven (Svarga). Both these parts are so well balanced and stable that it seems as if they are supported by pillars, but in reality they hang in cosmos without any outer support. It is a very well organized creation. It has been established with such stability and firmness that the unseen support can never be destroyed (because it is the support of the Supreme One). I pray, sing the glory of, this Supreme God (Para BrahmaN), who is the master of all Gods.
-Guruji Shriyogeshvaraji
taken from Samvad Forum
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Understanding the Atman
I have been so busy with travel, teaching, and school I have not had time to post on the blog. I did on the other hand get a chance to talk with my Guruji the past few days. At times we laugh about some of the 'yoga' being taught in the US and in India, which always leads me to ask questions about what Yoga really is. How should we view our practice? How should we look at the life we have to live? This was his answer to that last question, thought I would share because it is so beautiful:
Every life is important and special. One must know the value of Self, the value of body and mind. If you will understand this then you will understand the soul.
-Guruji Shri Shriyogeshvaraji
Aum Gum Gurave Namah
Other quotes on the nature of Yoga and Sadhana can be found in past articles:
Friday, November 5, 2010
Inner Illumination and Diwali
I'm heading out to MN Hindu Mandir, where I teach Hatha Yoga a few times a month, for the Diwali celebrations tonight! Always a joyus time to visit the Mandir, you can find more info about the Mandir at: http://www.hindumandirmn.org/Home.aspx
I also stumbled on this amazing writtting from Swami Sivananda. You can find it at : http://www.dlshq.org/religions/deepavali.htm
DEEPAVALI
By
Sri Swami Sivananda
DEEPAVALI or Diwali means "a row of lights". It falls on the last two days of the dark half of Kartik (October-November). For some it is a three-day festival. It commences with the Dhan-Teras, on the 13th day of the dark half of Kartik, followed the next day by the Narak Chaudas, the 14th day, and by Deepavali proper on the 15th day.
There are various alleged origins attributed to this festival. Some hold that they celebrate the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. In Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Kali. It also commemorates that blessed day on which the triumphant Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. On this day also Sri Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.
In South India people take an oil bath in the morning and wear new clothes. They partake of sweetmeats. They light fireworks which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day. They greet one another, asking, "Have you had your Ganges bath?" which actually refers to the oil bath that morning as it is regarded as purifying as a bath in the holy Ganges.
Everyone forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others. There is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. This festival brings about unity. It instils charity in the hearts of people. Everyone buys new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees.
Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta (at 4a.m.) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work and spiritual advancement. It is on Deepavali that everyone wakes up early in the morning. The sages who instituted this custom must have cherished the hope that their descendents would realise its benefits and make it a regular habit in their lives.
In a happy mood of great rejoicing village folk move about freely, mixing with one another without any reserve, all enmity being forgotten. People embrace one another with love. Deepavali is a great unifying force. Those with keen inner spiritual ears will clearly hear the voice of the sages, "O Children of God! unite, and love all". The vibrations produced by the greetings of love which fill the atmosphere are powerful enough to bring about a change of heart in every man and woman in the world. Alas! That heart has considerably hardened, and only a continuous celebration of Deepavali in our homes can rekindle in us the urgent need of turning away from the ruinous path of hatred.
On this day Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. The homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthern oil-lamps. The best and finest illuminations are to be seen in Bombay and Amritsar. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps placed all over the steps of the big tank. Vaishnavites celebrate the Govardhan Puja and feed the poor on a large scale.
O Ram! The light of lights, the self-luminous inner light of the Self is ever shining steadily in the chamber of your heart. Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Withdraw the senses. Fix the mind on this supreme light and enjoy the real Deepavali, by attaining illumination of the soul.
He who Himself sees all but whom no one beholds, who illumines the intellect, the sun, the moon and the stars and the whole universe but whom they cannot illumine, He indeed is Brahman, He is the inner Self. Celebrate the real Deepavali by living in Brahman, and enjoy the eternal bliss of the soul.
The sun does not shine there, nor do the moon and the stars, nor do lightnings shine and much less fire. All the lights of the world cannot be compared even to a ray of the inner light of the Self. Merge yourself in this light of lights and enjoy the supreme Deepavali.
Many Deepavali festivals have come and gone. Yet the hearts of the vast majority are as dark as the night of the new moon. The house is lit with lamps, but the heart is full of the darkness of ignorance. O man! wake up from the slumber of ignorance. Realise the constant and eternal light of the Soul which neither rises nor sets, through meditation and deep enquiry.
May you all attain full inner illumination! May the supreme light of lights enlighten your understanding! May you all attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth of the Self! May you all prosper gloriously on the material as well as spiritual planes!
I also stumbled on this amazing writtting from Swami Sivananda. You can find it at : http://www.dlshq.org/religions/deepavali.htm
DEEPAVALI
By
Sri Swami Sivananda
DEEPAVALI or Diwali means "a row of lights". It falls on the last two days of the dark half of Kartik (October-November). For some it is a three-day festival. It commences with the Dhan-Teras, on the 13th day of the dark half of Kartik, followed the next day by the Narak Chaudas, the 14th day, and by Deepavali proper on the 15th day.
There are various alleged origins attributed to this festival. Some hold that they celebrate the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. In Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Kali. It also commemorates that blessed day on which the triumphant Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. On this day also Sri Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.
In South India people take an oil bath in the morning and wear new clothes. They partake of sweetmeats. They light fireworks which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day. They greet one another, asking, "Have you had your Ganges bath?" which actually refers to the oil bath that morning as it is regarded as purifying as a bath in the holy Ganges.
Everyone forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others. There is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. This festival brings about unity. It instils charity in the hearts of people. Everyone buys new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees.
Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta (at 4a.m.) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work and spiritual advancement. It is on Deepavali that everyone wakes up early in the morning. The sages who instituted this custom must have cherished the hope that their descendents would realise its benefits and make it a regular habit in their lives.
In a happy mood of great rejoicing village folk move about freely, mixing with one another without any reserve, all enmity being forgotten. People embrace one another with love. Deepavali is a great unifying force. Those with keen inner spiritual ears will clearly hear the voice of the sages, "O Children of God! unite, and love all". The vibrations produced by the greetings of love which fill the atmosphere are powerful enough to bring about a change of heart in every man and woman in the world. Alas! That heart has considerably hardened, and only a continuous celebration of Deepavali in our homes can rekindle in us the urgent need of turning away from the ruinous path of hatred.
On this day Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. The homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthern oil-lamps. The best and finest illuminations are to be seen in Bombay and Amritsar. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps placed all over the steps of the big tank. Vaishnavites celebrate the Govardhan Puja and feed the poor on a large scale.
O Ram! The light of lights, the self-luminous inner light of the Self is ever shining steadily in the chamber of your heart. Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Withdraw the senses. Fix the mind on this supreme light and enjoy the real Deepavali, by attaining illumination of the soul.
He who Himself sees all but whom no one beholds, who illumines the intellect, the sun, the moon and the stars and the whole universe but whom they cannot illumine, He indeed is Brahman, He is the inner Self. Celebrate the real Deepavali by living in Brahman, and enjoy the eternal bliss of the soul.
The sun does not shine there, nor do the moon and the stars, nor do lightnings shine and much less fire. All the lights of the world cannot be compared even to a ray of the inner light of the Self. Merge yourself in this light of lights and enjoy the supreme Deepavali.
Many Deepavali festivals have come and gone. Yet the hearts of the vast majority are as dark as the night of the new moon. The house is lit with lamps, but the heart is full of the darkness of ignorance. O man! wake up from the slumber of ignorance. Realise the constant and eternal light of the Soul which neither rises nor sets, through meditation and deep enquiry.
May you all attain full inner illumination! May the supreme light of lights enlighten your understanding! May you all attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth of the Self! May you all prosper gloriously on the material as well as spiritual planes!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
One Hell of a Dream and the Adhyatma Ramayana
I woke this morning to an extremely vivd dream. I always find it amazing how caught up in the dream I am until the moment I wake up. My Guruji says this is like the experience we have identifying with the mind body complex, we are in a dream not perceiving the true reality that is everywhere around us. But, that is the job of Maa Shakti, and she does it well! So, the dream got me thinking about delusion and ignorance.....with the hopes of one day really waking up.
This is one of my faviorite parts of The Adhayatma Ramayana, Sundara Kandam: Hanuman's sermon to Ravana v.15-19
This is one of my faviorite parts of The Adhayatma Ramayana, Sundara Kandam: Hanuman's sermon to Ravana v.15-19
"The real 'You' or the Self has none of the miseries arising from body, intellect, and the sense, because the real 'you' is only the unperturbed and unaffected witness of all these changes. The actual involvement in these changes belongs to the body-mind complex. it is just like the experience of one sleeping. The series of dream experiences which sleep brings about, end with the dream; they are the effects of the delusive ignorance characteristic of sleep. As far as the real Self is concerned, the bodily experiences are unreal in the same way. This unpertubedness and unaffectedness is the truth in regard to the nature of your real Self. You are by nature changeless; for the Self being non-dual, there can be no cause to effect change in it. Like the all-prevading Akasa which pervades objects but is not affected by it, your real Self, though pervading the body, is not affected by the bodily experiences because of it's subtlety. All bondage arises from the sense of identification of the complex, body-mind-Prana- with the real Self. And liberation consists in experiencing: I am Pure Consciousness, I am Unbound, I am Deathless, I am Pure Bliss."
Aum Hum Hanumate Namah
Jay Shiv Shakti
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Bhagavad Gita on My Mind
I took a walk today in the lovely midwest fall. The crisp breeze was blowing through the few leaves left in the trees. I was quite happy to walk by the lake and silently repeat my mantra.
When I stopped to rest, I thought of this sutra from the Bhagavad Gita,
Chapter 6 v.30
yo mam pasyati sarvatra
sarvam ca mayi pasyati
tasya ham na pranasyami
sa ca me na pranasyati
Those who see Me in all things,
and all things in Me,
are never lost to Me,
nor am I ever lost to them.
I picked a nice quiet park bench and crossed my legs underneath me, tucking in my toes to keep them warm. I listened to the breeze through the trees, watched the waves across the lake, and smiled at the women walking past with their dog. For a split second I had that wonderful feeling that we have all had at some point in our lives, that there is a profound unity that underlies everything. I closed my eyes and sat a bit longer, feeling the passing of life all around me....and just swimming in the joy of it all.
Jay Shiv Shakti
Jay Shri Rajarajeshvari
Jay Shri Rajarajeshvari
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Universe
There was nothing, No Planets, No Stars
Neither existed the Universe nor the time
Only He was there.
He, the Supreme and the Absolute
Beyond definition or description
All was he and he was all
Wished He
“ I am one, let there be many”
Absolute appeared from the Absolute
In the form of the Energy Supreme
Adi Shakti, Amba the Mother Supreme
Created the Universe, Time and Space
Birds, Animals, Reptiles and Human Race
Rocks, Rivers, Hills and Oceans
All we see are Her creations
He manifested in to many
Dwelling into the things , we may see any
He is our father and She is our mother
He is Shiv and She is Shakti
We are one family
Jay Shiv Shakti
- Shriyogeshvara Chaitanya
Chandod, Shri Lalita Panchami
(Ashvin Navaratri,Vikram Samvat 2066)
October 12th 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Why do we chant Om in Yoga Class? Aumkaara any one...
Students often ask, "Why do we chant Aum at the start of class?" Sometimes people go through years of chanting without knowing why. The mantra will do it's work regardless of understanding, but it's always nice to deepen our knowledge. My Guruji said this about the practice of repeating the mantra Aum, known as Aumkaara.
Aum is a single syllable Mantra representing the Ultimate Truth, Naada BrahM.
Guruji Shri Shriyogeshwaraji
I start every class I teach with Aumkaara. Guruji has said that it can do more for balancing the Pranas, energies of the body, than extended periods of Pranayams and other Hatha practices.
Here is a further quote from the commentary on the Hatha Yogapradipika:
The universal mantra that can be used by everyone is Om, comprised of the sounds 'A'. 'U', and 'M'. It is the cosmic vibration of both the manifest and unmanifest realities. 'A' represents the conscious world and creation, 'U' represents the intermediate realms and subconscious, and 'M' represents the unmanifest and unconscious. The three sounds together represent the existence of the supreme consciousness and manifestation. Everything in creation has its own particular vibrational frequency and mantra, but the combination of the whole universal and vibrational frequencies pulsates to the rhythm of Om. There is no greater mantra to repeat.
Swami Muktibhodhananada
As always, do not start or practice a mantra without the guidance of your Guruji, or a teacher who has been authorized by their Guruji. While mantras can lead to ultimate liberation, when misused will lead to pain and sickness.
Jay Shiv Shakti
Aum is a single syllable Mantra representing the Ultimate Truth, Naada BrahM.
Guruji Shri Shriyogeshwaraji
I start every class I teach with Aumkaara. Guruji has said that it can do more for balancing the Pranas, energies of the body, than extended periods of Pranayams and other Hatha practices.
Here is a further quote from the commentary on the Hatha Yogapradipika:
The universal mantra that can be used by everyone is Om, comprised of the sounds 'A'. 'U', and 'M'. It is the cosmic vibration of both the manifest and unmanifest realities. 'A' represents the conscious world and creation, 'U' represents the intermediate realms and subconscious, and 'M' represents the unmanifest and unconscious. The three sounds together represent the existence of the supreme consciousness and manifestation. Everything in creation has its own particular vibrational frequency and mantra, but the combination of the whole universal and vibrational frequencies pulsates to the rhythm of Om. There is no greater mantra to repeat.
Swami Muktibhodhananada
As always, do not start or practice a mantra without the guidance of your Guruji, or a teacher who has been authorized by their Guruji. While mantras can lead to ultimate liberation, when misused will lead to pain and sickness.
Jay Shiv Shakti
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Through the ups and downs
The last few days have been interesting. Life is just keeping me on my toes, and I am so thankful to have a practice that helps me maintain balance. At the center of the practice is Bhakti, devotion for the divine. This line really sank in yesterday as I was chanting it. It is from the great Bhavani Ashtakam written by Adi Shankaracharyaji.
So, what keeps you going on the tough days???
For me it's the Love of Maa Shakti.
Anandho dharidro jara roga yuktho
Maha ksheena dheena sada jaadya vakthra
vipathou pravishta pranashata sadhaham
Gatishistwam Gatishtwam twam ekaa Bhavani
While being an orphan
While being extremely poor
while effected by sickness or old age
while I am terribly tired
while I am in a pitiable state
while I am being swallowed by my problems
and while I suffer serious danger
I always bow before Thee
So you are my refuge and only refuge, Bhavani
So, what keeps you going on the tough days???
For me it's the Love of Maa Shakti.
Anandho dharidro jara roga yuktho
Maha ksheena dheena sada jaadya vakthra
vipathou pravishta pranashata sadhaham
Gatishistwam Gatishtwam twam ekaa Bhavani
While being an orphan
While being extremely poor
while effected by sickness or old age
while I am terribly tired
while I am in a pitiable state
while I am being swallowed by my problems
and while I suffer serious danger
I always bow before Thee
So you are my refuge and only refuge, Bhavani
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Art of True Yogic Practice
For the past five years I've had the desire to renounce worldly experience. To take off into India like the other Sadhus, holy men, with no attachment. Having no possessions and nothing but free time to do sadhana, I believe I would be quite happy. I even had the offer last time I was in India. An old Sadhu wanted to make me his disciple; wanted me to stay to live and practice with him. I was quite clouded at the time and choose to leave instead, ahhhhh- back off into worldly life, but all things for a reason right???
When I have a tough day, or my emotions are fried, I long even more to renounce....
I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm looking for the easy way out. To remind myself to take proper course of action I put up a few lines from the Adhyatma Ramayana on the back of my door, right next to other prayer I mentioned a few weeks ago.
The great Rishi Agastya describes what a Sadhu really is in Chapter 3 v.38-46
"A Sadhu (true holy man) is one in whom the following excellence are found: even mindedness towards all including friend, enemy, and neutral; desirelessness; control of the senses in respect of external objects, abandonment of the three eshanas (desire for children, for wealth, for heavenly enjoyment), placidity of mind arising from complete self mastery; supreme devotion to Thee (God); equanimity of mind in success or failure; absence of all attachment; abandonment of all evil and selfish actions; abiding interest in contemplating BrahmaN; the practice of Yama and Niyama and other disciplines of Yoga; and satisfaction with whatever means of livelihood comes spontaneously without seeking. Such are the characteristics of Holy Men. Intimate contact with them gives rise to delight in matters dealing with the Divine excellences and accounts."
Dang! No mention of orange robes and abandoning everything. I guess I will stay and work it here.
One day I talked to my Guruji of my constant desire to renounce, and in his infinite wisdom he said,
"Nothing is clinging up on you, you can live life like a Sadhu. All you have to leave is desire and attachment, see your duties from right perspective, and you will realize what is the life of a real Sadhu."
My duties of being a student and teacher call as I'm typing. It's time to tackle Physics and then teach a class at the farmhouse tonight.
Jay Shiv Shakti
When I have a tough day, or my emotions are fried, I long even more to renounce....
I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm looking for the easy way out. To remind myself to take proper course of action I put up a few lines from the Adhyatma Ramayana on the back of my door, right next to other prayer I mentioned a few weeks ago.
The great Rishi Agastya describes what a Sadhu really is in Chapter 3 v.38-46
"A Sadhu (true holy man) is one in whom the following excellence are found: even mindedness towards all including friend, enemy, and neutral; desirelessness; control of the senses in respect of external objects, abandonment of the three eshanas (desire for children, for wealth, for heavenly enjoyment), placidity of mind arising from complete self mastery; supreme devotion to Thee (God); equanimity of mind in success or failure; absence of all attachment; abandonment of all evil and selfish actions; abiding interest in contemplating BrahmaN; the practice of Yama and Niyama and other disciplines of Yoga; and satisfaction with whatever means of livelihood comes spontaneously without seeking. Such are the characteristics of Holy Men. Intimate contact with them gives rise to delight in matters dealing with the Divine excellences and accounts."
Dang! No mention of orange robes and abandoning everything. I guess I will stay and work it here.
One day I talked to my Guruji of my constant desire to renounce, and in his infinite wisdom he said,
"Nothing is clinging up on you, you can live life like a Sadhu. All you have to leave is desire and attachment, see your duties from right perspective, and you will realize what is the life of a real Sadhu."
My duties of being a student and teacher call as I'm typing. It's time to tackle Physics and then teach a class at the farmhouse tonight.
Jay Shiv Shakti
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday Blues and Hope from the Bhagavad Gita
Some days I still feel fragile in my practice and the smallest thing can rock my entire world. I'm left feeling set back from where I was or where I thought I was going to be.
Something as small as an image can change my whole emotional state, and this turbulence makes me very aware how I am still attached to the objects of my senses. I know I am so far from the equanimity the Gita speaks of, and as my heart ached today I felt hopeless for a moment. Then I remembered the line that I always come back to. Again and again the Gita gives me hope, and again I have to extend my Love to my Guruji for sharing this with me. Chapter 2 v. 40
Something as small as an image can change my whole emotional state, and this turbulence makes me very aware how I am still attached to the objects of my senses. I know I am so far from the equanimity the Gita speaks of, and as my heart ached today I felt hopeless for a moment. Then I remembered the line that I always come back to. Again and again the Gita gives me hope, and again I have to extend my Love to my Guruji for sharing this with me. Chapter 2 v. 40
Ne ha bhikramanaso sti
Pratyavayo na vidyate
svalpam apy asya dharmasya
trayare mahato bhayat
No effort on the Yoga path is ever lost, nor can any obstacle hold one back forever. Just a little progress on this path can protect one from the greatest fear.
So it's back to the meditation coushion for another round with faith and resolve.
Jay Gurudev
Jay Shiv Shakti
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Gita Goodness and Yoga at the Farm House
It was a long drive out through the country last night, with miles in between each stop sign on the lonely road. I went to teach a class at a beautiful farm house that was tucked between vegetable gardens, the yellow and red trees of fall, and a still pond.
It was so quiet I could hear the wind blowing through the grass and the footsteps of the dog as it walked softly on the porch. The full moon shinned down through the skylights and cast a soft glow on the practice floor as we finished our Pranayamas and recalled our Sankalpha for the last time.
They were are an amazingly beautiful group of women; friendly, light hearted, and a joy to share sadhana with.
When ever I experience beauty that stops in me in my tracks, that makes me catch my breath and thank God for this moment I think of a line from the Bhagavad Gita. In chapter 10 v.41 Bhagvan Krishnaji says:
yad-yad vibhutimat sattvam
srimad urjitam eva va
tad-tad eva vagaccha tvam
mama tejomsasambhavam
Know that all beautiful, glorious and might creations spring from but a spark of My splendor
It's these moments that drive my practice. I wonder, if I can find this much beauty and glory in my common day, what glory and splendor will I find in God?
Jay Shiv Shakti
It was so quiet I could hear the wind blowing through the grass and the footsteps of the dog as it walked softly on the porch. The full moon shinned down through the skylights and cast a soft glow on the practice floor as we finished our Pranayamas and recalled our Sankalpha for the last time.
They were are an amazingly beautiful group of women; friendly, light hearted, and a joy to share sadhana with.
When ever I experience beauty that stops in me in my tracks, that makes me catch my breath and thank God for this moment I think of a line from the Bhagavad Gita. In chapter 10 v.41 Bhagvan Krishnaji says:
yad-yad vibhutimat sattvam
srimad urjitam eva va
tad-tad eva vagaccha tvam
mama tejomsasambhavam
Know that all beautiful, glorious and might creations spring from but a spark of My splendor
It's these moments that drive my practice. I wonder, if I can find this much beauty and glory in my common day, what glory and splendor will I find in God?
Jay Shiv Shakti
Friday, September 24, 2010
What is Hatha Yoga? Hatha Yoga and the Gunas
Ever been in a class where you swirl and curl to pounding disco music? It feels like there's endless push ups, the music makes you feel like you're at a night club, and it's just one pose after another with the focus on the physical only. They have Thievery Corporation bumping so loud you can't hear the mantra you are trying to repeat as you practice.
Or the flip side, you spend an hour and a half rolling around on the ground making noises. You're not really sure when a traditional asana will be performed if ever. You yawn again, and hope you can stay awake for the duration of the class.
I honestly can't remember the last time I had a teacher in the USA, besides the Yogacharyas I have studied with, teach Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, Dharana, or anything outside of Asana. Most teachers don't use Sanskrit, much less chant at the beginning of a class. My Guruji has stressed the importance of chanting as part of a traditional sadhana, and as an easy way to balance out the mind, body, and gunas.
There is such a wide range of teachings in the West. Some I consider very traditional and Yogic even if I don't necessarily appreciate the style and school of Yoga. Others seem questionable at best, and then there's the classes I can't even call Yoga, it just seems so far from what I know it to be. These are the classes where you leave feeling either lethargic, or so scattered that you can't think properly. If you swirl and curl in your body your mind will swirl and curl as well!
Here's my standard for Hatha Yoga, my students in P-town will recognize the quote.
"The main objective of Hatha Yoga is to create an absolute balance of the integrating activities and processes of the physical body, mind, and energy. When this balance is created the impulses generated give a call of awakening to the central channel (sushumna nadi) which is responsible for the evolution of human consciousness. If Hatha Yoga is not used for this purpose, it's true objective is lost."
Swami Muktibodhananda
Now, apply this with your understanding of the Gunas!
Lots of movement and loud music- Rajasic practice that will lead to pain and suffering.
Little movement and effort- Tamasic practice that leads to cloudiness and lack of clarity.
A Sattwic practice is a balance of the two, and this will be different for every person relative to their Doshas and Gunas. It's why I love to do my own practice every morning, and why I encourage my students to do more than classes. We should all learn how to cultivate a balanced home practice that will help us to reach the true objective of Hatha Yoga.
Our Hatha practice should leave us in a state of equanimity, the goal of the practice is to cultivate Sattwa and evolve our human consciousness.
Jay Shiv Shakti
Or the flip side, you spend an hour and a half rolling around on the ground making noises. You're not really sure when a traditional asana will be performed if ever. You yawn again, and hope you can stay awake for the duration of the class.
I honestly can't remember the last time I had a teacher in the USA, besides the Yogacharyas I have studied with, teach Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, Dharana, or anything outside of Asana. Most teachers don't use Sanskrit, much less chant at the beginning of a class. My Guruji has stressed the importance of chanting as part of a traditional sadhana, and as an easy way to balance out the mind, body, and gunas.
There is such a wide range of teachings in the West. Some I consider very traditional and Yogic even if I don't necessarily appreciate the style and school of Yoga. Others seem questionable at best, and then there's the classes I can't even call Yoga, it just seems so far from what I know it to be. These are the classes where you leave feeling either lethargic, or so scattered that you can't think properly. If you swirl and curl in your body your mind will swirl and curl as well!
Here's my standard for Hatha Yoga, my students in P-town will recognize the quote.
"The main objective of Hatha Yoga is to create an absolute balance of the integrating activities and processes of the physical body, mind, and energy. When this balance is created the impulses generated give a call of awakening to the central channel (sushumna nadi) which is responsible for the evolution of human consciousness. If Hatha Yoga is not used for this purpose, it's true objective is lost."
Swami Muktibodhananda
Now, apply this with your understanding of the Gunas!
Lots of movement and loud music- Rajasic practice that will lead to pain and suffering.
Little movement and effort- Tamasic practice that leads to cloudiness and lack of clarity.
A Sattwic practice is a balance of the two, and this will be different for every person relative to their Doshas and Gunas. It's why I love to do my own practice every morning, and why I encourage my students to do more than classes. We should all learn how to cultivate a balanced home practice that will help us to reach the true objective of Hatha Yoga.
Our Hatha practice should leave us in a state of equanimity, the goal of the practice is to cultivate Sattwa and evolve our human consciousness.
Jay Shiv Shakti
Thursday, September 23, 2010
What is Yoga ?
I have heard this question asked countless times, and have heard just as many different answers. The one that resonates most is my Guruji's teaching of what Yoga is.
Guruji Shri Shriyogeshvaraji describes Yoga as:
"In Sanskrit grammar 'yoga' eveolves from the root ''Yuj'. 'Yuj' means to link , to unite. The process that links, unites, or integrates is known as Yoga.
To understand this, one has to understand the absolute philosophy of Sanatan Dharma (The Universal Religion). It is much deeper than the apparent projection of hundreds of deities and thousands of temples. This philosophy is above all those well known or not so known sects which are collectivly known as Hinduism in today's world.
BrahmaN, the absolute, the one and only God who is formless, beyond any description and definition is manifested in to many in the form of Atman (Soul) or Atma. The ultimate goal of all spiritual practices of Sanatan Dharma is realizing the oneness of Atma with BrahmaN. This is a very brief description of the highest philosophy.
The method, the process, that helps an individual to unite completly with BrahmaN is YOGA."
I've read it a hundred times, and each time I have to stop and contemplate it again. I ask myself, 'Am I living up to the tradition of Sanatan Dharma, and the teachings of my Guruji?' If we do anything else and call it Yoga, we are losing the true objective of the practice.
Jay Shiv Shakti
Guruji Shri Shriyogeshvaraji describes Yoga as:
"In Sanskrit grammar 'yoga' eveolves from the root ''Yuj'. 'Yuj' means to link , to unite. The process that links, unites, or integrates is known as Yoga.
To understand this, one has to understand the absolute philosophy of Sanatan Dharma (The Universal Religion). It is much deeper than the apparent projection of hundreds of deities and thousands of temples. This philosophy is above all those well known or not so known sects which are collectivly known as Hinduism in today's world.
BrahmaN, the absolute, the one and only God who is formless, beyond any description and definition is manifested in to many in the form of Atman (Soul) or Atma. The ultimate goal of all spiritual practices of Sanatan Dharma is realizing the oneness of Atma with BrahmaN. This is a very brief description of the highest philosophy.
The method, the process, that helps an individual to unite completly with BrahmaN is YOGA."
I've read it a hundred times, and each time I have to stop and contemplate it again. I ask myself, 'Am I living up to the tradition of Sanatan Dharma, and the teachings of my Guruji?' If we do anything else and call it Yoga, we are losing the true objective of the practice.
Jay Shiv Shakti
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Gita Quote of Goodness
"I really want to be more flexible."
I hear this so often when I teach a Hatha Yoga class. It's nice to have the body be a comfortable place to be, but when our practice is only based on the physical it's just short sited. My student Michelle in Petaluma came up with a great saying about Yoga, "Yoga is not about getting your leg behind your head, but it's about getting your head out of your ass." Very true, and it makes me laugh and smile, so it's very yogic. Nothing changed when I got both of my legs behind my head, I just found myself throwing my gunas out of whack to achieve flexibility.
So, what type of Yogi should we be? Again, back to the goodness of Bhagavad Gita, chapter 6 v.47. Shribhagavan Krishnaji says,
yoginam api sarvesam
madgatena ntaratmana
sraddhavan bhajate yo mam
sa me yuktatamo matah
And of all the yogins, he who is filled with faith, his entire being given over to Me, is the most intimately united with Me and is the best of all.
I hear this so often when I teach a Hatha Yoga class. It's nice to have the body be a comfortable place to be, but when our practice is only based on the physical it's just short sited. My student Michelle in Petaluma came up with a great saying about Yoga, "Yoga is not about getting your leg behind your head, but it's about getting your head out of your ass." Very true, and it makes me laugh and smile, so it's very yogic. Nothing changed when I got both of my legs behind my head, I just found myself throwing my gunas out of whack to achieve flexibility.
So, what type of Yogi should we be? Again, back to the goodness of Bhagavad Gita, chapter 6 v.47. Shribhagavan Krishnaji says,
yoginam api sarvesam
madgatena ntaratmana
sraddhavan bhajate yo mam
sa me yuktatamo matah
And of all the yogins, he who is filled with faith, his entire being given over to Me, is the most intimately united with Me and is the best of all.
Monday, September 20, 2010
When the fire burns hot
Some days it seems like the world is pushing against us. People may be rude, work difficult, or loved ones hard to deal with. These difficult times shows us so much about who we are, and what sadhana is really about. In realationship to these difficult times my Guruji Shri Shri Yogeshwaraji has said,
"The best way to face such circumstances is to withdraw our inner self from the situation and just become a witness to what ever is happening around. In reality "I" is only a witness. If one recognizes the real "I" and withdraws from such situation inside it will be easier to pass through such tests."
One day when I felt the flames all around me he shared a Hindi saying:
Aag Mae Jalake Bhi Jo Nikhare, Hai Wohi Sachcha Sona
The one that shines more after burning in the fire, is the real Gold.
Jay Shiv Shakti
"The best way to face such circumstances is to withdraw our inner self from the situation and just become a witness to what ever is happening around. In reality "I" is only a witness. If one recognizes the real "I" and withdraws from such situation inside it will be easier to pass through such tests."
One day when I felt the flames all around me he shared a Hindi saying:
Aag Mae Jalake Bhi Jo Nikhare, Hai Wohi Sachcha Sona
The one that shines more after burning in the fire, is the real Gold.
Jay Shiv Shakti
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
What is Dharma? How do we live a Dharmic life?
The word Dharma comes from the root word "dhri" which is to carry or sustain. To live a Dharmic life we have to sustain the proper way of existence by behaving righteously. We have a responsibility to uphold morals, to give charity when appropriate, and to be of service to others. These are principals that exist in all cultures and define a natural way of life. My faviorite quote on Dharma from Mahabharata.
Tadrisho ayam anuprashno yatra dharmaha sudurlabaha
Dushkamha pralisankhyatum tatkenatra vysvasyathi
Prabhavarthaya bhutanam dharmapravachanam kritam
Yasyat prabhavasamyuktaha sa dharma iti nischayaha.
SHANTHI PARVA - 109-9-11
It is most difficult to define Dharma.
Dharma has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings.
Therefore, that which ensures the welfare of living beings is surely Dharma.
The learned rishis have declared that which sustains is Dharma.
Tadrisho ayam anuprashno yatra dharmaha sudurlabaha
Dushkamha pralisankhyatum tatkenatra vysvasyathi
Prabhavarthaya bhutanam dharmapravachanam kritam
Yasyat prabhavasamyuktaha sa dharma iti nischayaha.
SHANTHI PARVA - 109-9-11
It is most difficult to define Dharma.
Dharma has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings.
Therefore, that which ensures the welfare of living beings is surely Dharma.
The learned rishis have declared that which sustains is Dharma.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Quote of the Week, Bhagavad Gita
He who draws away the senses from the objects of sense on every side as a tortoise draws in his limbs (into his shell), his intelligence is firmly set (in wisdom).
(Bhagavad Gita, Chp. 2 v.58)
Starting back to school recently; I found the constant onslaught of people, information, noise, and movement to be very entertaining. I watch the crowds of people in between classes, and listen to the wild things I hear. Then I began to see how my senses would roam from one sensory object to the next. Always craving for something else that was beautiful to see, or enjoyable to hear, or that made me laugh. The world is a beautiful expression of Maa Shakti, and should be appreciated, but I found I also needed the time to withdraw and experience my inner reality. Now, everyday in between class I go to the library, cross my legs in a small quiet corner, and sit for 30 minutes. I calm the body and try to draw back into the self. The feeling of contentment, during and after, surpasses what the senses cling to for a brief moment. With Vata down, and Sattwa predominating, it leaves me ready to grasp Physics equations with equanimity. For me, approaching Physics with equanimity is more of a Yogic practice than pulling both legs behind the head!
(Bhagavad Gita, Chp. 2 v.58)
Starting back to school recently; I found the constant onslaught of people, information, noise, and movement to be very entertaining. I watch the crowds of people in between classes, and listen to the wild things I hear. Then I began to see how my senses would roam from one sensory object to the next. Always craving for something else that was beautiful to see, or enjoyable to hear, or that made me laugh. The world is a beautiful expression of Maa Shakti, and should be appreciated, but I found I also needed the time to withdraw and experience my inner reality. Now, everyday in between class I go to the library, cross my legs in a small quiet corner, and sit for 30 minutes. I calm the body and try to draw back into the self. The feeling of contentment, during and after, surpasses what the senses cling to for a brief moment. With Vata down, and Sattwa predominating, it leaves me ready to grasp Physics equations with equanimity. For me, approaching Physics with equanimity is more of a Yogic practice than pulling both legs behind the head!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tulsidas and How to Live
On the back of my door is a translation of a poem by the great Tulsidas, translated by Ghandhi. I read it every day before I go out the door and into the world. It reminds me that my practice is more than the 2 plus hours I spend meditating, chanting, and doing Hatha yoga in the morning. Sadhana is something I should be doing 24 hours a day.
Our practice needs to carry into the rest of lives, and into the way we interact with the people around us. I have not been perfect in this practice, and have sometimes outright failed in my conduct, but I know every new day is another opportunity to try again. Every day is another chance to really live and embody the principles of Yoga!
Grant me, O Master, by thy grace
To follow all the good and pure
to be content with simple things;
To use my fellows not as a means but ends
To serve them stalwartly, in thought, word, deed;
Never to utter word of hatred or of shame;
To cast away all selfishness and pride
To speak no ill of others;
To have a mind at peace,
Set free from care, and led astray from thee
Neither by happiness nor woe;
Set thou my feet upon this path,
And keep me steadfast in it,
Thus only shall I please thee, serve thee right.
M.K. Gandhi: Songs from Prison
Our practice needs to carry into the rest of lives, and into the way we interact with the people around us. I have not been perfect in this practice, and have sometimes outright failed in my conduct, but I know every new day is another opportunity to try again. Every day is another chance to really live and embody the principles of Yoga!
Grant me, O Master, by thy grace
To follow all the good and pure
to be content with simple things;
To use my fellows not as a means but ends
To serve them stalwartly, in thought, word, deed;
Never to utter word of hatred or of shame;
To cast away all selfishness and pride
To speak no ill of others;
To have a mind at peace,
Set free from care, and led astray from thee
Neither by happiness nor woe;
Set thou my feet upon this path,
And keep me steadfast in it,
Thus only shall I please thee, serve thee right.
M.K. Gandhi: Songs from Prison
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