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Sukha asana helps you stay relaxed, yet stable
CULTIVATE SUKHAM A demonstration of
Sukha Asana
In the yoga sutras of Patanjali, an asana is described as "sthiram
sukham asana". `Sukham' means `comfortable'. Sukham in this contexdoes not imply pleasure due to overindulgence. However, the sukh
asana is the dukha (uncomfortable and therefore causing pain) asana fo
many who are inflexible. In India, we are used to sitting on the floor
though this practice is on the decline now. Hence, a simple cross-legge
position is quite effortless. The sukha asana though simple has man
key points to keep in mind. It has to have the quality of firmness o
sthiram. Not be sloppy or rigid. We usually find most people in these tw
extreme positions. Sthiram also implies balance and homeostasis.
The minute I ask someone to be aware of their posture, they becom
rigid. This alertness is good and much better than jelly-like bodlanguage. However, this is not what we are looking at in Yoga. It is an
awareness of being relaxed, yet stable. This body language has a direc
impact on our approach towards life. Hence, we can cultivate positiv
mindsets by working on our body language consciously. It is a
interesting and intricate science and art. We first cultivat
sukham/comfort in simple positions or, in life, take on simpl
responsibilities and slowly work towards extending our comfort zone.
The technique
Sit in a cross-legged position. Hands can be relaxed on the thighs or in the yoga mudra as shown. There are many
other mudras like the gnyana mudra that can also be used. Be aware of how the base of your body is touching theearth. Be aware of your vertebral column and how you are holding it.
Be aware of your back muscles and how they are feeling. Check to see if your base, back and head are in alignment
Now observe your breathing. Then bring your mind to parts of the body that feel stiff and gently focus on those areas
as you breathe. Feel the breath loosen those areas.
Focus on your body, observe it and continue breathing gently. This asana prepares one for the art of sitting still. Thi
is important when one wants to sit in meditation. The body along with the mind needs to be prepared for meditation
Both need to be steady and focussed. This preparation is ongoing and not a one time event.
We are constantly preparing by cultivating sukham. We learn to grow comfortable in our own skin. We learn to accepthe good, the bad and the ugly.
If we are uncomfortable, sitting in this position, we know we have the choice to develop it through the various joint
loosening practices that we will see in the forthcoming weeks.
- MAITREYI
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Jathis help release old, unhealthy patterns of behaviour
SIMPLE APPROACH A jathi is practised in tune with your
internal rhythm
Popular yoga postures seen in books are usuall
complicated body contortions that would scare a laypersonIn fact, practising such postures could cause harm, if th
body is not adequately prepared. Most of the posture
shown should carry a warning below that says, "Please do
not attempt without supervision."
Step by step
Those who have achieved this advanced level of bod
control have years of experience behind them. It is like the
stunt scenes performed in movies or commercials. There i
a specific preparation as well as approach to it. The
classical approach is a step-by-step one. The body has to
be prepared for those complicated postures. This back to
the basics approach has to be applied when learning the ar
of yoga. It is useful even for long-term practitioners. Simpl
need not mean ineffective. Hence a simple, systemati
approach in the beginning will do wonders.
Conscious movement
When it comes to working with the body we start with jathis, then move onto kriyas and asanas. A jathi is a conscious
movement done in tune with one's own internal rhythm. A jathi is done using the right side of the body as well as the
left. By consciously moving the right side of the body, one impacts the left side of the brain, and vice versa. Thenervous system can get trapped into unhealthy patterns of behaviour. Jathis are useful to release these old patterns.
They also open up new areas in the brain that have so far not been tapped. In the West, jathis are being used to
address many special needs of children as well as the invalid. The benefits have been evident in children with attentio
deficit disorder too. When the jathis are combined with lifestyle changes, there is a tremendous improvement in the
ability of the child to focus and concentrate. Movement therapy helps overcome past traumas and is useful whil
dealing with victims of abuse. The aware movements release toxic shame and guilt.
Jathis loosen and dislodge the toxins in the joints. They tone the muscles and soothe and strengthen the nervous
system. Remember to drink lots of water as you practise jathis. They can be practised in between asanas. If you find
sitting in any cross-legged asana painful, then always remember to stretch out and loosen, using simple jathis.Jathi for loosening the ankles
The technique: Sit up straight with your legs outstretched. Flex your ankles back and forth alternatively. Shake you
legs and relax. This improves the circulation in the legs as well as the hips. It increases the mobility of the ankles and
the pranic flow, when done consciously. Also note that the back is kept straight using the hands. The hands ar
pushed down beside the body. In the beginning, this downward push may be necessary till the back muscles ar
strengthened. To this simple jathi, add the mukha mudra of a smile to derive maximum benefit.
- MAITREYI
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The vajrasana helps one to stay focussed
SIMPLE APPROACH A jathi is practised
in tune with your internal rhythm
The Vajra is a diamond or a thunderbolt. Just as the thunderbolt i
focussed and powerful, the vajrasana hones these qualities. In Indiamythology, the thunderbolt is Lord Indira's weapon.
The quality of sharpness is also cultivated by sitting in the vajrasana
The diamond is known for its shine and sharpness. It is one of th
strongest materials known to man. Changes in pressure and othe
conditions over millions of years transform carbon into diamond. Th
vajrasana also applies pressure on the ankles. However, in th
beginning, one must be careful not to push one's body too far.
This pressure transforms the darkness into brilliance. The nerves ar
strengthened. The word `diamond' comes from the Greek word
`adamas', which means indestructible. Diamond is composed only o
carbon and, apart from graphite, is the only gem to be composed of a
single element. This posture is also called the adamantine posture due t
this single minded quality of the stone.
The far-sightedness of the rishis can be seen in the appropriate name
they have picked for the postures. The vajrasana is the best asana fo
pranayama, as it elevates the lungs and facilitates their expansion. I
helps in curing varicose veins. It improves circulation to the lower back
buttocks, thighs, knees, calf muscles, heels and the ankles. Th
vajrasana is extremely useful for digestive disturbances. This is one
asana that can be performed even after a meal.
The vajra nadi is the sciatic nerve. This is the longest single nerve in the body. It starts from the lower back and goe
all the way down to the feet. Practising the vajrasana alleviates sciatica, a painful condition caused by the pinching o
the sciatic nerve due to compression of the vertebrae or misaligned discs. I meet a lot of people with sciatica these
days and it can be attributed to over work and lack of conscious body activity. It becomes extremely painful to even
sit or stand in some cases.
Relaxing and strengthening the lower back muscles will help relieve sciatica. Constant practice of vajrasana helps i
lordosis, an exaggerated inward curve of the vertebral column, as well as scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine
Potts disease or spondylitis is also corrected.
The technique
Sit on your heels. Check to see if the back, neck and the head are straight. Ideally, the heels are kept together
However if it is too painful, then the heels can be apart. Be aware of your breathing in this posture. If the ankles hurt
then slip to the right side, sitting on the ground beside. Then sit back in vajrasana. Then take rest sitting on the lef
side. Stretch out the feet and practise the jathi that you saw in the previous article. Shake the feet and thump your
thighs to the ground. Then come back to the vajrasana.
Start with 30 seconds in the posture or less and then increase the length of time.
- MAITREYI
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The leg to hand swinging movement not only soothes but also stretches out the muscles of the hands and
feet
DO IT GENTLY This jathi helps build flexibility in the body
Any gentle swinging movement is soothing and comforting. I
brings a nice rhythm into the system. It smoothens out the
pranamaya kosha, also referred to as the bio-magnetic field
or the aura. It releases tension and helps when there i
dissipation of the nervous system. The swinging movement i
used to pacify a baby. The swinging or rocking motion of the
cradle helps put the baby to sleep. Even the sight of th
rocking waves comforts us. It releases worries. The leg to
hand swinging movement not only soothes but also stretche
out the muscles of the hands and feet. Right from the
shoulders to the fingers, the muscles are given a goo
stretch. The swinging enables co-ordination between hand
and legs and puts the body to use in a way that we hav
rarely explored earlier. This is the advantage of the conscioumovement. By working on the body consciously, we are
reducing the risk of rigid muscles as well as mindsets
Spasticity of the muscle is helped.
where the muscles become rigid due to damage to the nerves.The signals are not sent or distorted thus causin
anything from slight stiffness to extreme and debilitating rigidity. The damage to the nerves can be due to physical o
emotional accidents, cerebral palsy or other ailments. This jathi is beneficial in such cases. This jathi is extremel
useful for athletes who want to build flexibility and agility in the body. The jathis are useful not only in curing but als
in preventing degenerative conditions. With regular practice, you will feel younger. The muscles atrophy if they are no
used and the jathis prevent and even reverse the loss of muscle movement.
The technique
Loosen your legs by shaking them and thumping the thighs on the floor. With your right hand, hold onto your righ
foot and swing it from side to side. In the beginning, you may not be able to keep the knees straight. Be gentle and
don't overstretch. Do 6-9 swings on the right side and then gently release your foot. Now, with the left hand, hold
onto the left leg and swing 6-9 times and release. Then relax the feet by shaking. As you progress, increase the
number of swings. Then you can also co-ordinate moving the head with the leg swings. As you swing the leg out, turn
the head in the opposite direction. So if you are swinging the right leg to the right side, then turn the head to the left
Similarly, do it with the left leg.
- MAITREYI
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Here's a jathi that helps relax the hip joints
IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY Of the hip joints
This jathi works beautifully on loosening the hip joints. The hi
joints can lose mobility due to constantly sitting on chairs
Most Indians have much more flexible hip joints due to th
traditional method of sitting cross-legged. This posture work
on opening out the hip joint. This jathi gives the much-neede
circulation to the hips.
The bouncing movements make the body feel light. Take car
to do it gently and regularly and you will find that your legs
and hips are ready to walk in the right direction. It will literall
bring a bounce back to your step.
Constant fear of the future and fear of failure bring abou
pranic blocks in the pelvic and lower back regions. The stres
to achieve is so much that many youngsters end up with backpain. This constant fear throws their body off balance.
This jathi loosens up the lower back region as well. Practising the jathi enhances our creative approach to life. It help
us bounce back from life's disappointments. If we are stuck in the linear survival-oriented thinking, we miss out on th
many connections that are possible with fellow humans as well as the world around us. The more the fear, the more
the disconnect. The leg bounce brings about a beautiful connection between the legs, the knees, the hips, the lowe
back and the pelvic region.
The technique
Sit comfortably on the floor with feet stretched out and back as straight as possible. Bring the right leg over the lef
thigh. Bounce for as long as is comfortable. Feel the movement of the legs. Be aware of how the muscles are feeling
Be aware of any discomfort. Keep the mind focussed on the movement and enjoy it. Doing it with awareness enhance
the pranic (energy) flow. Then alternate and bring the left leg over the right thigh. Bounce the foot. Then relax the
feet by loosely shaking them and thumping the thighs. This can also be done sitting on a chair, if the person is no
able to sit on the ground.
- MAITREYI
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RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT A stretch that relaxes the back
What we see and desire is where we want to be. Nowaday
there are many things that grab our attention and so w
desire it. However, this desire lasts as long as the nex
attractive thing catches our fancy. With yoga, we learn to
desire things that are good for us and ultimately desire to be
free of desire. When we aim to reach the stars, at least we
can be sure of reaching the treetops. In this particular jath
(conscious, rhythmic movement), the mind aims to reach th
toes in order to stretch the back. The stretch starts from the
lower back extending all the way to the shoulders and the tip
of the fingers. Be aware of keeping the fingers together. The
fingers denote the senses and by keeping them together w
are aware that our senses are disciplined.
Focussed mind
When the mind is focussed on the toes, you will find that with time you will easily be able to touch your toes. When
child looks at a mango on a tree and aims to reach it, his entire focus is on the mango. You can be sure he will get i
somehow. Either he will jump to reach it or enlist the help of someone who is taller. So also in yogic life, when w
have higher aspirations they may seem unreachable. However when we are focussed and determined like children, we
enlist the help of the entire universe. Even people of higher stature, our gurus, will stand by us in our endeavour. Help
will come from many directions. So when you start practising this jathi and feel it's difficult, do not get discouraged
Stay resolute and you will realise your goal. Do take breaks when you are tired. The aim is to enjoy the journey as
well as the goal. So be aware and do around nine rounds and then give yourself a break. These breaks actually hel
stretch and lengthen the muscles. But don't push yourself too far. Tired muscles are less elastic. The more number o
times you push a muscle to do a task, it leaves a kinesthetic memory, which may cause it to lose some of its flexibilitinstead of increasing it.
The technique: Sit with your back straight and feet outstretched. Bend your left knee over your right. Stretch
reaching for your right toes. Keep reaching and releasing, each time being aware of how your back feels. Let the
movement be slow, gentle and rhythmic. See to it that there are no fast or jerky movements. Practise for a few
minutes or until you get tired. Then you can hold onto your feet or wherever you can reach and stay in that position
for 30 seconds. Remember to breathe while doing the stretch. This will further stretch and loosen the muscles. Then
release the left foot. Now bend the right foot and reach for your left toes. Once again stretch gently. Then hold the
position and release.
- MAITREYI
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ITS ALL ABOUT WINNING
"Winning is everything" This statement is enough to register an increase in the pulse rate of many. No one wants to
be left behind. All of us want to scurry along in the race. When the mind feels the urgency the body prepares itself to
compete in the concrete jungle of finding food or escaping from become prey to another animal. Winners are the ones
who walk away with the best and the most. The winner gets the best jobs, the biggest market share, the best reviews
the best accolades and the adrenalin rush. If you are not a winner your heart stops singing and your life is a series of
torturous climbs to reach that coveted summit. To have the best one definitely has to aspire to be a winner. But ther
is a fine distinction between being our best, being the best and having the best. We loose the present to the dream o
having the throne. Nerves are frayed or we escape into our webs of fantasy.
Winning is about being in competition with ourselves all the time. When one aspires to better himself he is not in an
unhealthy competition with others, he rather uses their competence as a yardstick and an awareness device. We are
all winners in our own ways. Every day when we wake up with a smile we have won over our laziness and defeatism
Every time we stop procrastinating we have won over our fear of failure. Every time we move we have won ove
inertia and every time we are still we have won over restlessness. We are changing each moment and every time w
direct the course of that change we have won over fatalism. Each time we let go, trust and surrender we have wo
over worry. Each time we hold two seemingly opposing thoughts in balance we have won over extremism. Every time
we smile at a stranger we have won over fear of being misunderstood. Each time we breathe more deeply we have
won over holding in the unwanted. Every time we rejoice in life we have won over ingratitude. Every time we lov
ourselves with our imperfections we have won over discontent. Every time we choose to sit up straight we have won
over conditioning. Every time we make lifestyle changes for the better we have won over resistance to change. Every
time we are willing to be reborn we have won over decay.
Redefining winning as a process and not as an end result or destination alone, will help each one of us be winners. A
winning attitude is a frame of mind that nurtures us moment to moment. It is an attitude of being grounded in reality
It is an attitude that tunes into infinity. It is an attitude that reflects our connection to others and ourselves. It is an
attitude of discipline, joy and freedom. With such an attitude at each moment and day we win.
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LIFE SPEAKS TO ALL OF US
Life speaks to me all the time. The mosquitoes near my ear, the cars honking and the laughter of a friend are al
bringing to me messages about my environment, life and most important of all about myself. What a person, inciden
or an object evokes in me are indicators of how I relate to the world. Things I draw into my life mirror what I love o
hate, or fail to see about myself. My relation ship with the world is not as one-dimensional as I may want to think o
it. What do I see? What do I glean? What do I want and what I am looking to achieve are questions to which th
answers are not apparent. However they might be answered in a simplified way to avoid in-depth analysis. Th
answers are not as important as questioning my motives, fears, and motivations. "Why am I doing what I'm doing?" i
a question I keep asking my self. Each time I give an answer I look at the possibility that I might be deluded to think
so. Then the universe is then ever so willing to help and sends little messages that can be received by anyone with a
little sensitivity and interpreted by those who have common sense. But don't we need extra sensory perception o
great divining capabilities? Whew, we just cannot come to terms with the fact that the mundane things in life can
possess meaning. We yearn for magic and what greater magic these days than that of the celluloid. With very little of
our own we adopt media dreams. We want mega stuff, God in his million-dollar suit, his entrance marked by a visio
of psychedelic lights. We seek out the spectacular.
The small yet beautiful things in life lose light as our eyes are dimmed by the artificial brilliance that shines. The more
we see the more we want without realizing that this brightness is one day going to blind us. Like everything else tha
is acquired these tastes only lean towards perversion. A perversion of our senses. Natural foods are no longe
palatable, we want the colourings and the flavourings of the chemical industries. We want music that would be
connected with insanity a century ago to fill our minds, we want hips gyrating at our faces and want glamour at the
expense of substance. Sensationalism sells and we are the buyers. We undervalue and ignore that which is invaluable
Life is the keeper of the subtle and the small things. It's glory seen in the simplest of gestures. It's abundance in th
humblest of blessings. Yet we ignore it because we do no not want to acknowledge we have so much to be gratefu
for. If we are truly grateful then we can never call life a "bitch" only a "blessing". We know it is not life doling out
experiences but giving us what we need for our evolution. We will need less of the bothersome ones if we are quick o
the uptake. If we change what needs to be changed. If we do what needs to be done and ease into not doing what is
not right to do. If we don't, we know there is a price we are paying for it.And despite all the resistance life never tires of us. It cajoles us, nudges us, shoves us and then gives us a good kick
It is unfortunate that sometimes we learn only from the school of "hard knocks". It says "Dearest I will never give up
on you. Even if my heart breaks to see you at the edge of the cliff, I will never push you over".
Life speaks to you and to me all the time. Are we listening?
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CLEANSING BREATH
Yogic Awareness:
Little irritations when bottled up turn to anger and then rage. Release little irritations then and there. When anythin
that stains spills on your shirt the sensible thing to do would be to wash it off then and there rather than wait for acouple of days. By then the staining agent would have seeped in deeper. Hence remember to be aware of things tha
bother you and release them then and there as much as possible. Do a regular spring-cleaning of your emotiona
baggage.
Yogic technique:
The Cleansing Breath: Sit in vajrasana or on the chair. See to it that the back neck and shoulders are in line and
straight. Breathe in for the count of 6 and breathe out through the mouth for the count of six with a whoosh noise
Whoosh out irritations and pain. This can be practiced any time you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Take two
minute breaks in office and practice. This can also be practised as you are involved in any activity. Constantly bring
your awareness to your breathing.
Yogic concept:The breath is related to emotions. The natural way for the body to release pent up stress is through a long sigh. This
natural body reaction was observed by the "rishis" or researchers of those days and systematized as a technique
Long exhalations are a good way to release pent up emotions. Most hold in worries, pain or disappointments. The
cleansing breath helps to release them.
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THE BRAHMARI PRANAYAMA
Yogic Awareness: Our sub-conscious mind is like a computer programme that can get into a loop of thinking and
enacting the same things. This definitely has its uses as tasks do not have to be re-learned and can be performe
automatically. However it can be the cause of energy loss if it loops into worry and negativity. We can substitutpositive vibrations for the negative ones that are going on again and again. When you tell the mind to not think of
particular thing it plays truant and thinks of the very same thing. Thus by substitution we are better able to let go o
the negative. This practise will help clarify the mind through using a sound vibration.
The Technique: Sit on a chair or on the ground in vajrasana. Keep your vertebral column straight and firm. Take a
deep breath for 4-6 counts thinking the sound "mmm". Now chant the sound "mmm" as you breathe out. Do 3-6
rounds. Then relax and be with the stillness.
Yogic Concept: The brahmari is the female bee. The queen bee controls all the worker bees. Hence the soun
"mmm" that resembles the sound of the bee controls all negativity and worry that recurs in our mind. Constant worry
will wear the system down. The queen bee gives direction to the worker bees that would waste their energy if no
properly guided. The mind is a powerful tool that can be used to create harmony so all work together. All of us havedys-functions in our lower mind that can get exaggerated in disharmonious environments. Practice this pranayama so
that the intellect that brings in the sense of higher purpose can be activated.
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MANMADHA KRIYA
Yogic Awareness: When we are scared the lungs get compacted and breathing is affected. When we wait for
situation to unfold in a horror film we hold the breath in fear and negative anticipation. Similarly in abusive situations
also our breath is affected. This is different when we hold the breath in awareness during certain pranayamas. Thi
version of the manmatha kriya can be easily practiced at office. When love is lost and you feel abused or hur
practicing the Kriya helps release the pain. The more we hold onto hurt the more we hurt.
The technique: Sit in vajrasana or on the chair. Hug yourself in the mid- chest area firmly. Breathe in to the count o
6 (or less if not possible) as though you are forcing free from any lower attachments. Relax and let the breath out for
6 counts and allow the higher ideals of love to flow into your life. Love and accept yourself for who you are. Repeat 6
times. Take a break shaking out your arms and then repeat 3-9 rounds.
Yogic Concept: Manmadha is our own Indian counterpart to "cupid" the god of love. Love can be binding when we
get locked into unconscious patterns of behaviour. This hurts and can also be frightening. Giving yourself spac
physically and emotionally helps in the healing. We open up the breathing in the Manmadha Kriya and thereby the
vision of love. In yoga we usually don't force but sometimes forcing the breath is necessary to shake us out of those
patterns. We aspire to shake ourselves out of downward spiraling, suffocating love and open up to a mor
encompassing love. This creates more pathways for positive energy to flow in and the mind also interprets situations
with a lot more compassion.
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VYAGHRAH PRANAYAMA - Lessons from a cat
I was feeling bright that morning, despite a couple of weeks of overstretching myself. I started my walk with a lot o
enthusiasm. A cat spotted me along the way and our eyes met. I blinked my eyes slowly and softly at her. The nex
thing I knew, she was on the ground showing me her underbelly. I caressed her, rubbed her soft neck and stroked he
head gently. It seemed like she just could not have enough. After a while of being immersed in the joy of being so
completely trusted, I decided to feed my newfound friend. Much to her dismay, I carried her home. My ove
enthusiasm and restlessness was something she had to deal with. Seeing her discomfort, I took her and the food
down. Ignoring the food she glared as she left, which negated all the joy I felt before.
What an ungrateful cat, I thought, I only meant well! Yet when I stayed with her look I knew that I was the one wh
traumatized her. I had lost the trust I had gained so easily by trying to push it. I prayed and asked her to forgive m
as I did what I did in unawareness. I definitely do not want someone whom I trust to push me into spaces I don't
want to, how much ever they feel it will benefit me. I pray for awareness to not push or allow myself to be pushed. I
life the pushing is definitely going to be there but the more we grow in awareness the less harsh the pushes will be.
In yoga, we never push to a point where we break or where it hurts. "No pain, no gain" is not a yogic dictum
Consistency is the key. If only I had consistently met my dear cat, she may have trusted me enough to come home.
wanted all of it, all at once. That is the problem with most of us. We don't have the patience to wait for trust to
develop. The body needs to start trusting the mind. It needs to feel that it is not yet another whim that it has to cate
to. The body needs to feel that the mind will be planning long-term growth and not just short-term associations wit
people, foods or techniques. What truly nourishes the body is anything given with care and gentleness on a regula
basis.
Importance is given to allowing the body and the mind to unfold. Not force it open. We need torefrain from forcing
things down someone's throat. It is a great himsa or violence. Like the little cat we need to learn to ease off and enjo
our body. Stretch, move, crawl, roll and feel pampered. This is what the ancient yogis learnt from the big cats or the
tigers. They picked up various qualities from various beings and incorporated that movement or posture so that w
may develop the same quality. The vyaghrah pranayama is one such movement that facilitates a gentle yet effectiv
stretch to the entire back muscles and vertebral column in the most enjoyable fashion.
The vyaghrah pranayama is safe and non-intrusive. It increases suppleness and improves breath capacity. When we
observe the big cats, we can see the flexibility ,agility and grace that they posses.
CHATUS PADA KRIYA - Four - footed movement
Crawl around on your four feet. This is extremely good for back problems, pregnant women, corrects prolapsed organ
as well as strengthens knees and wrists. One may use pads for the knees if there is some difficulty. Crawlin
rejuvenates muscles and bones. Excellent for those suffering from arthritis. Breaks up cellulite in the thighs.
VYAGHRAH PRANAYAMA
In the chatus pada asana, check to see if your fingers are together, arms shoulder distance apart and feet relaxedBreathe in slowly and work from your lower back, push mid back down and stretch the neck up. Breathe out and arch
the back, shoulder and neck without moving or bending the arms. The back is lifted up as high as possible and head i
in between the arms. Do 6 repetitions.
Then stretch back and then come onto all fours. Do three repetitions of the stretches and then relax in vajrasana.
The vyaghrah pranayama works on all the back muscles as well as the vertebrae. Hence it is an excellent practice to
avoid back problems. It also facilitates full-chest breathing. This means that the three lobes of the lungs are stretche
out and the air moves into them. It especially works on the lower and mid portion of the lungs. The great cats are able
to move quickly but silently. They can pounce and leap great distances due to their elastic muscles. This sam
elasticity is brought into the human body and mind.
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Yogacharini Maitreyi has beautifully systematized and allowed into being what she has gleaned from life. Classica
ArkaYoga is shared.
Arka means light that heals and inspires. It is one of the names of the sun and symbolizes the guru spirit that leads u
back to our original selves.
The following practices are an inherent apart from various other tools that help us enjoy and stabilize our bodyemotions and mind and then transcend it.
Jathis -conscious rhythmic movement to build awareness
Kriyas -powering movement with energy to purify
Asanas - art of being and body language,
Pranayama -conscious expansion of energy
Mudra - mystic seal/mood modifiers
Mantra- tool to stabilize the mind
Bhajans - Singing source vibrations
Dharana - Concentration techniques
Preparation for Dhyana - Meditation or mystic absorption
Arkayoga moves away from compartmentalization and sees the seamless blending of Bakthi yoga (devotion to th
divine), Jnana yoga (clarifying and purifying the thought process), Raja Yoga (royal route to liberation), Mantra yoga
(science of sound vibration), Hatha yoga (balancing of yin and yang, sun and moon energies through the practices)
and Karma yoga (selfless service).
It looks into the system of Ashtanga yoga (eight limbed path) as a structure and guideline for evolution.
Arkayoga allows us to accept ourselves and life in its myriad shades. It is classical yoga to harmonise modern living.
It is Living Dakshina Marga Tantra - The right hand path of union
The focus in the classes is using the body, emotions and mind as an offering unto the universal potential of goodness
The principles of Sat (ultimate reality) Chit (pure consciousness) and Anandam (bliss) are tuned into.
The emphasis in Arkayoga is on awareness, alignment and harmonising of body, emotions and mind with the universa
consciousness.
The techniques and awareness take us from one level or state of existence to more aware states of being. One need
to take responsibility for ones life and stabilize in each state. Hence the emphasis is not just on ability but stability and
stickability. This paves the way for transformation.
The practices focus on cleansing and purifying the system. The nervous system is soothed and strengthened. The
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approach helps one ground in common sense. The development of sixth sense is a natural fallout of the practices. We
constantly die to old patterns of behaviour and are reborn into newer, more refined and happier ways of being.
The poem below by Rumi symbolizes these thoughts.
"I died from minerality and became vegetable;
An d Fr om ve ge tati ve ne ss I die d an d beca me ani ma l.
I died from animality and became man.
Then why fear disappearance through death?
Next time I shall die
Bringing forth wings and feathers like angels;
Af ter tha t, soa ring hi ghe r tha n ang el s -
What you cannot imagine,
I shall be that."
Maitreyi has studied the Ashtanga Yoga ofSwami Gitananda for many years. This
paramparya has nourished her body and spirit. She is connected to the lineage of
Rishi Brigu through Swamiji. Her gratitude to Swamiji and Amma, Meenakshi Devi
for the teachings.
As a gesture of love and gratitude Maitreyi is hosting a web site about Swami
Gitananda.
Heartfelt gratitude for parents who have taught her a lot about life and heartfe
gratitude to her grandfather who inspired her in many ways towards "simple living and
high thinking"
Love and gratitude to friends who are students and students who have become
friends.
Her love and gratitude to all the universal beings who have lit the pathless path.
The deeper teachings as one sees come from the Hiranyagarba or the golden womb. May we always be connected to
the Golden womb or the Source Energy. May the joy of BEING reflect in us. May the light shine through us.
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