Yoga Essence 1
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Transcript of Yoga Essence 1
The Essence and
Evolution of Yoga
Introduction
contents
Why Yoga? Traditionally, the end goal of yoga is the liberation from all
worldly suffering, habitual conditionings and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), which manifests itself through the realization of the reality of Reality.
How does this clarity come? It happens by removing the clouds of spiritual ignorance (avidya)
Yoga deals with the obstacle of the mind and how to purify the mind so that it is an aid rather than hindrance on the inner journey. It presumes that the seeker has done the preparatory work to be able to do these practices. Yoga science rests on the twin principles of cultivating practices (Abhyasa) that bring stable tranquility and non-attachment (Vairagya)
Yoga focuses on discriminating, in meditation, between consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti) at all levels. In that way, one comes to know the pure consciousness in it's own being
What is Yoga Yoga Sutras 1.2
योग: चि�त्त-वृत्तित्त नि�रोध: yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ “Yoga is the inhibition (nirodhaḥ) of the
modifications (vṛtti) of the mind (citta)" or "Yoga is restraining the mind-stuff (Citta)
from taking various forms (Vrittis)."
Awakening Yoga is Enlightenment Root of existence Body is means of practice, instrument of
preception
6 Schools of Indian Philosophy
Yoga—Practical methods for direct experience
Sankhya—Framework of Manifestation Vedanta—Contemplative Self-inquiry Vaisheshika—Physical Sciences Nyaya—Reasoning Mimasa—Freedom through action
*While yoga in and of itself is considered a school of Indian Philosophy, it heavily relies on the remaining 5 schools of thought. Sankhya and Vedanta in particular.
Yoga—Practical methods for direct
experience Practical Method(s) for Direct experience Yoga systematically deals with all of the levels of
one's being as they strive to experience the eternal center of consciousness.
Satcitananda: Sat (beingness) Cit (consciousness) Ananda (bliss)
Yoga is best described in the Yoga Sutras and involves systematized scientific study of inner states. The goal of which is to so as to experientially go beyond all of them to the center of consciousness. *Yoga contains the practical methods to realize in
direct experience the truths of the Sankhya and Vedanta philosophies.
Sankhya Sankhya—Framework of Manifestation
Sankhya philosophy offers a framework for all the levels of manifestation, from the subtlest to the grossest, creating a complete understanding of the whole of Reality.
Sankhya deals with prakriti (matter), purusha (consciousness), buddhi or mahat (intelligence), ahamkara (I-am-ness), three gunas (elements of stability, activity, and lightness) mind (manas), cognitive and active senses (indriyas), and the five subtle and gross elements (earth, water, fire, air,
and space).
Vedanta *Vedanta—Contemplative Self-inquiry
Vedanta philosophy and practice provides contemplative methods of self-inquiry leading to the realization of one's true nature that which is not subject to death, decay, or decomposition.
The essential precept Prakriti (matter), as a grosser element is subject to
change, and therefore, neither a basis for reality nor eternal.
Purusha (consciousness), on the other hand, being the subtler element, is unchanging, and therefore, the foundation of Reality. *The teachings of Vedanta are best captured in the books
of the Upanishads.
Vaisheshika—Physical Sciences The Vaisheshika system emphasizes the physical sciences
such as chemistry, exploring the elements of earth, water, fire, air and space, as well as time, mind and soul.
Nyaya—Reasoning The Nyaya system deals with logic, the process of
reasoning. Doubt is considered a prerequisite for philosophical inquiry. Other systems of Indian philosophy draw on this process.
Mimasa—Freedom through action The Mimasa system pursues freedom through action. It has
a detailed philosophy related to ritual, worship and ethical conduct, which developed into the philosophy of karma.
Point of Entry Entry point of yoga Moving beyond religoun into the direct
experience of reality
Nesting of Patterns
Body as Entry Point of Yoga
Body as field of experience Understanding the true nature of ourminds Our Medium of Yoga practice
Hatha Yoga Dough- stretched, kneeded, baked, cooking,
squeezing , releasing = Juice Understanding the true nature of our minds
The Yogic Tradition
Passage of tradition Universal, common current and content of
practice that has been passed through ages – like a peer review of sorts
Classical Divisions
Classical Divisions of Yoga
Raja Yoga— Royal Yoga; or “The Resplendent Yoga of Spiritual
Kings” Jnana Yoga—
Yoga of Wisdom; or Cultivation of Discrimination Karma Yoga—
Yoga of Action; Freedom from Action Bhakti Yoga—
Yoga of Devotion; or The Self-Transcending Power of Love
Raja Yoga Raja Yoga
Royal Yoga; or “The Resplendent Yoga of Spiritual Kings”
Raja Yoga- A comprehensive method that emphasizing
meditation, while Encompasses the whole of Yoga It directly deals with the encountering and
transcending thoughts of the mind.
Karma Yoga Karma Yoga—
Yoga of Action Freedom from Action
Karma Yoga is the path of service,.. mindfulness, and remembering the levels of
our being while fulfilling our actions or karma in the world.
Jnana Yoga Jnana Yoga—
Yoga of Wisdom; or Cultivation of Discrimination
Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge,… wisdom, introspection and contemplation. involves deep exploration of the nature our
being by systematically exploring and setting aside false identities.
Bhakti Yoga Bhakti Yoga—
Yoga of Devotion; or The Self-Transcending Power of Love
Bhakti Yoga is the path of love… devotion, emotion, compassion, and service
to God and others. All actions are done in the context of
remembering the Divine.
Patanjaliand
The Yoga Sutras
Patanjali
The Yoga Sutras
Introduction Thread of Aphorisms Written by Patanjali Thought to be written from a “Dualist”
Perspective
Yoga Sutras Divided into Books or chapters called “PADA” Book 1
Samâdhi-pâdaï : Concentration: Its Spiritual Uses “Integration” (51 sutras)
Book 2 Sâdhana-pâdaï:
Book 3 Vibhûti-pâdaï The Extraordinary Powers “Progressing” Book 4 Kaivalya Pada (34 sutras)
What is Yoga?Chapter 1
What is yoga? Sutra 1.2
Definition of Samâdhi-pâdaï Concentration: It’s spiritual uses Integration
Content: 51 sutras
Misc
Now, yoga is explained
sutra 1.1
NOW, the process of union or yoking is explained
atha yogânuåâsanam atha = now yoga = process of yoking; union ânuåâsanam = teaching, exposition
Yogaś citta-vritti-nirodhaḥ Sutra 1.2
yogaï = process of yoking; union
citta = consciousnessvëtti = patterning,
turnings, movements
nirodhaï = stilling, cessation, restriction
Yoga Sutra 1.2 Translations
Yoga is the restraint of mental modifications
Yoga is restraining the mind-stuff (Chitta) from taking various forms (Vrttis)
~Swami Vivekananda Union, spiritual
consciousness, is gained through control of the versatile psychic nature
~Charles Johnson
Chitta is the various processes in the mind, or mind stuff
The waves of thought in the Chitta are called Vrtti (literally, “the whirlpool”)
What is thought? Thought is a force, as is gravitation or repulsion.
The Practice of YogaChapter 2
Sadhana Pada (55 Sutras)
Sadhana is the Sanskrit word for "practice" or "discipline". Here the author outlines two forms of Yoga: Ashtanga Yoga (Eightfold or Eight limbed Yoga) and Kriya Yoga (Action Yoga).
Note: Kriya yoga, sometimes called Karma Yoga. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Arjuna is encouraged by Krishna to act without attachment to the results or fruit of action and activity. In other words, Kriya yoga is the yoga of selfless action and service.
The Ashtanga8-limbed yoga
8 Limbed Yoga Yama Niyama Asana Pranayama Pratyahara Dharana Dhyana Samadhi
Yama
Ahimsa Ahimsa traditionally meant "do not kill or
hurt people." This can be extended to mean that violent
in feelings, thoughts, words, or actions should be avoided.
At root, ahimsa is the practice of compassion towards yourself and others.
Satya Meaning
Truthfulness, or Not lying Practice Being truthful in feelings, thoughts, and words and deeds Being honest with ourselves and with others.
Assess honestly without need for apology
Example A student with stiff hips and can't do a backbend properly may
collapse into her lower back to pretend to do a good one, this is a lie. This is being dishonest and actually not the pose at all.
Note: “sat” means Knowledge or Truth with a big K or T
Asteya Asteya "not stealing"
Asteya, or refers to the stealing that grows from believing we cannot create what we need.
At core is our misperception that the universe is lacking abundance
As a practice, Asteya can be seen as rooted in subconscious beliefs of “lack” and “scarcity” that cause greed and hoarding in all their various manifestations
Brahmacharya Brahmacharya
We practice Brahmacharya when we consciously choose to use our life force (especially the energy of sexuality) to express our dharma, rather than to frivolously dissipate it in an endless pursuit of fleeting pleasures.
Brahmacharya reminds us that our life force is both limited and precious, and sexual activity is one of the quickest ways to deplete it.
As yogis, we choose to use the power behind sexuality to create, to fulfill our mission, to find and joyously express our inner selves. The practice of Brahmacharya is not some archaic form of moralizing, but rather a reminder that, if we use our energy wisely, we possess the resources to live a fulfilling life.
Niyama
Niyama The Five Niyamas:
Saucha = purity Santosha = contentment Tapaï (Tapas) = heat, intensity of discipline,
austerity Svâdhyâya = self-study Ishvara prañidhânâni = surrender, dedication,
application, alignment Ishvara= the divine ideal of pure awareness prañidhânâni = surrender, dedication,
application, alignment
AsanaThe Field of Experience
Asana II.46 sthira-sukham âsanam
sthira = steady, stable sukham = happiness âsanam = posture
The postures of meditation should embody steadiness and ease.
Asana II.47 Maybe you can add… II.47 This occurs as all effort relaxes and
coalescence arises, revealing that the body and the infinite universe are indivisible prayatna = effort saithilya = relaxation ananta = endless, boundless samâpattibhyâm = coalescence, unified
contemplation
Pranayama
Pranayamaprâñâyâmaï
With effort relaxing, the flow of inhalation and exhalation can be brought to a standstill; this is called breath regulation.
tasmin = in this sati = existing svâsa = inhalation pravâsayoï = exhalation gati = flow vicchedaï = cessation, interruptionThus, prâñâyâmaï = breath regulation
Pranayama (Continued)
As the movement patterns of each breath - inhalation, exhalation, lull - are observed as to duration, number, and area of focus, breath becomes spacious and subtle.
Sutra II.50 As realization dawns, the distinction between
breathing in and out falls away. Sutra II.51
Then the veil lifts from the mind’s luminosity. Sutra II.52
Yoga Sutra 2.49Once that perfected posture has
been achieved, the slowing or braking of the force behind, and of unregulated movement of inhalation and exhalation is called breath control and expansion of Prana (pranayama), which leads to the absence of the awareness of both, and is the fourth of the eight rungs.
tasmin sati shvasa prashvsayoh gati vichchhedah pranayamah
Pratyahara
Pratyahara pratyâhâraï
When consciousness interiorizes by uncoupling from external objects, the senses do likewise; this is called withdrawal of the senses.
sva-visayâsamprayoge cittasya svarûpânukâra ivendriyâñâm
sva = own visaya = object (of experience), phenomenon asamprayoge = uncoupling cittasya = consciousness sva = own rûpa = form anukâra = imitation, following suit iva = like, thus, as it were indriyâñâm = sensory apparatus pratyâhâraï = withdrawal of the senses
Dharana
Dhyana
Samadhi
Kaivalya Pada (34 sutras) Kaivalya literally means "isolation", however
the Sutras Kaivalya means emancipation or liberation, which is the goal of Yoga Moksha (liberation) Jivamukti (one who has attained Moksha).
The Kaivalya Pada describes the nature of
liberation and the reality of the transcendental self.
Think Samadhi
Hatha YogaToward a contemporary practice
Hatha Yoga, In short
Hatha Yoga as preparatory stage of physical purification that the body practices for higher meditation. This practice is called shatkarma.
The word Hatha is a compound of the words “Ha and Tha” meaning sun and moon referring to Prana and Apana, and also to the principal nadis (energy channels) of the subtle body that must be fully operational to attain a state of Dhyana or Samādhi.
Union and Yoga To yoke or join
The word "ha" refers to the solar nadi (pingala) in the subtle body and "tha" the lunar channel (ida).
However, when the two components of the word are placed together, "hatha" means "forceful", implying that powerful work must be done to purify the body.
Hatha yoga is meant to join together sun or “Shiva” (masculine, active) energy with the moon or “Shakti”(feminine, receptive) energy,
This union produces balance and greater power in an individual.
The Yoga Process“According to the Yogis there are two nerve currents in the spinal column, called Pingala and Ida, and there is a hollow canal called Susumna running through the spinal cord. At the lower end of the hollow canal is what the Yogis call the “Lotus of the Kundalini.” They describe it as triangular in form, in which, in the symbolical language of the Yogis, there is a power called the Kundalini coiled up. When that Kundalini awakes it tries to force a passage through this hollow canal, and, as it rises step by step, as it were, layer after layer of the mind becomes open, all these different visions and wonderful powers come to the Yogi. When it reaches the brain the Yogi is perfectly detached from the body and mind; the soul finds itself free.”
+Swami Vivekananda on Psychic Prana
Hatha and the 8-Limbs
Follows the same principles as Patanjali’s 8-Limbed Path (the Ashtanga) including moral restraint Yama and spiritual observances Niyama.
Hatha Yoga is what most people in the West associate with the word "Yoga" and is practiced for mental and physical health throughout the West.
Tantra
The Experiential Unveiling of Reality
Tantra A thread or weaving of threads A latis of intelligence
Meaning and Associations
Meaning: Hidden Associations:
Mantra: Chants that bring us to the immediate vibration of the present moment
Yantra: the use of geometry of visualization of form bringing us into the experience of the present moment
Origin and History Difficult to explain the history of Tantra Views that are on the boarder line.
Represent the language that lies in between different schools of yogic thought
Where an exchange of differing ideas and thought takes place
Practice and experience counts above historical reconciling these thoughts
The Tantric: The Juice
Philosophy or practice is simply the container for the delivery of the juice that is actually the nectar
Kundalini Teachings of Hatha Yoga are Tantric Hatha Yoga concept of Kundalini is said to
have given birth to Tantra The awakening of the Kundalini, the
practice associated to the rising of Pranic energy up the Susumna Nadi is the foundation
The Secret of Tantra:The Present Moment
The Secret of Tantra is only secret only because the truth is by nature subtle and elusive
The secret of Tantra, like the secret of yoga, is trapped in an experiential paradox where one’s attention and awareness of experience quickly gives way to theorizing and conceptualizing killing the experiencing itself
The processes of Tantra and deep yoga practice
Prana “According to the Yogis there are two nerve currents in the
spinal column, called Pingala and Ida, and there is a hollow canal called Susumna running through the spinal cord. At the lower end of the hollow canal is what the Yogis call the “Lotus of the Kundalini.” They describe it as triangular in form, in which, in the symbolical language of the Yogis, there is a power called the Kundalini coiled up. When that Kundalini awakes it tries to force a passage through this hollow canal, and, as it rises step by step, as it were, layer after layer of the mind becomes open, all these different visions and wonderful powers come to the Yogi. When it reaches the brain the Yogi is perfectly detached from the body and mind; the soul finds itself free.” +Swami Vivekananda on Psychic Prana
Prana (प्राण, prāṇa) Sanskrit for "breath” In Vedantic philosophy, it is the notion of a vital, life-sustaining
force of living beings and vital energy Prana is a central concept in Ayurveda and Yoga where it is
believed to flow through nadis, a network of fine subtle channels . Its most subtle material form is the breath, but is also to be found
in blood, and its most concentrated form is semen in men and vaginal fluid in women.
Pranamaya-kosha is one of the five Koshas or "sheaths" of Being. Prana was first expounded in the Upanishads, where it is part of
the worldly, physical realm, sustaining the body and the mother of thought and thus also of the mind.
Prana suffuses all living forms but is not itself the Atman or individual soul.
In the Ayurveda, the Sun and sunshine are held to be a source of Prana.
Prana Vayus When the Prana operates in the body, it divides into
five major flows called Vayus. These 5 Vayus are somewhat like ocean currents,
while there are 5 major currents, there may be thousands of smaller currents. The 5 major include Prana Vayu Apana Vayu Samana Udana Vyana
Reversing Prana and Apana Vayu is a significant notion behind the Hatha Yoga practice
5 Vayus Prana Vayu operates from the heart area, and is an upward
flowing energy, having to do with vitalizing life forces. Apana Vayu operates from the base of the torso, in the rectum
area, is a downward flowing energy, and has to do with eliminating or throwing off what is no longer needed.
Samana Vayu operates from the navel area, deals with digestion, and allows the mental discrimination between useful and not useful thoughts.
Udana Vayu operates from the throat and drives exhalation, operating in conjunction with Prana Vayu, which deals with inhalation.
Vyana Vayu operates throughout the whole body, having no particular center, and is a coordinating energy throughout the various systems.
The Roll of Vayus in Awakening
Prana Vayu is an upward flowing energy and Apana Vayu is a downward flowing energy.
Reversing Prana and Apana Vayu is a significant notion behind the Hatha Yoga practice
One of the ways of describing the process of intentional Kundalini Awakening is that these two energies are intentionally reversed through a variety of practices.
Reversing the energy causes the Kundalini at the base of the subtle spine to awaken, and to begin to arise.
KundaliniKundalini yoga is a physical and meditative
discipline within Hatha Yoga. It describes a set of advanced yoga practices with the focus of the awakening of Kundalini
According to Hindu tradition Kundalini yoga is a pure spiritual science that leads to means awakening of inner knowledge Enlightenment.
Chakra
Caduceus
Together, the Ida and Pingala nadis form the snakes of the caduceus, while Sushumna forms the staff. The snakes intersect at the chakras, as do the nadis described above.
At the ajna chakra, between the eyebrows, there are two petals, one on either side, just as there are two wings at the top of the caduceus.
Yoga Today
Contemporary Yoga
In Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Hatha Yoga is described as relating to Kundalini Yoga. It also explains that the purpose of Hatha Yoga is Raja Yoga.
Thus, we can easily see the relationship of Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga as being parts or aspects of Raja Yoga, which is one of the traditional four paths of Yoga.
Energetic Anatomy
Purusha
Prakriti
Caduceus
Together, the Ida and Pingala nadis form the snakes of the caduceus, while Sushumna forms the staff. The snakes intersect at the chakras, as do the nadis described above.
At the ajna chakra, between the eyebrows, there are two petals, one on either side, just as there are two wings at the top of the caduceus.
Susumna:Path of Prana Shakti
Open-nessKundalini in Postures
Yoga Sutra 2.49
Sahasrara: “The Crown Chakra” may be seen similarly to
the pituitary gland, which secretes hormones to
communicate to the rest of the endocrine system and
connects to the central nervous system via the
hypothalamus.
Ajna: “The Brow Chakra” (also known as the third eye
chakra) is linked to the pineal gland which may inform a
model of its envisioning. The pineal gland is a light
sensitive gland that produces the hormone melatonin,
which regulates sleep and waking up.
Vishuddha: “The Throat Chakra” may be understood as
relating to communication and growth through expression.
This chakra is paralleled to the thyroid, a gland that is
also in the throat and which produces thyroid hormone,
responsible for growth and maturation.
Anahata: “The Heart Chakra” is related to the thymus,
located in the chest. The thymus is an element of the
immune system as well as being part of the endocrine
system. It is the site of maturation of the T cells
responsible for fending off disease and may be adversely
affected by stress.
Manipura: The “Solar Plexus Chakra” is related to the
metabolic and digestive systems. Manipura is believed to
correspond to groups of cells in the pancreas, as well as
the outer adrenal glands and the adrenal cortex. These
play a valuable role in digestion, the conversion of food
matter into energy for the body.
Svadhisthana: “The Sacral Chakra” is located in the
sacrum (hence the name) and is considered to correspond
to the testes or the ovaries that produce the various sex
hormones involved in the reproductive cycle.
Svadhisthana is considered to be related to, more
generally, the genitourinary system and the adrenals.
Muladhara: “The Base Chakra” is related to instinct,
security, survival and basic human potentiality. This centre
is located in the region between the genitals and the anus.
Although no endocrine organ is placed here, it is said to
relate to the gonads and the adrenal medulla, responsible
for the fight-or-flight response when survival is under
threat.
Chakra
Yoga and The Anatomy of Personal
Evolution
IntroductionA chakra is a plexus of Pranic energy in the body that expresses our
individual consciousness and energy in particular ways distinctive of our individuality. We are familiar with expressions such as a ‘gut feeling,’ an ‘open heart,’ ‘fire in the belly’ and so on, all of which are colloquial expressions of the energy of the chakras.
Our expressions also reflect our recognition that these energies can be ‘open’ – expansive, expressive, inclusive – or ‘closed’ – tight, narrow, self-absorbed. Our maturity and evolution as individuals and as spiritual beings depends upon how much these energies are ‘opened’ as we progress through life, bringing us into higher levels of harmony with the generous, inclusive and expansive energy of the universe, the creative Shakti.
Doug Keller, Refining The Breath
7 Sahasrara + Crown
Top of the Head6 Ajna + Brow + Thought
Forehead Center5 Vishuddha + Throat
Mid-Throat4 Anahata + Heart
Chest Center3 Manipura + Solar Plexus
Upper Stomach2 Svadhisthana + Spleen
2 – 3 inches below stomach1 Muladhara + Perineum
Base of the Spine
Mental - Emotional Strengths /Blocks of Each Chakra
Crown ChakraCompassion, at-oneness, seeing self in others,
harmonious, peaceful, non-attachment, love, nonreactive; Spirit: Love
Brow ChakraOverview, Visualizing, Clarity, Psychic / Subtle
awareness of self in others; Spirit: ServiceThroat Chakra
Open, clear communication; Creative; Speaking up; Releasing; Breathing life-force, Spirit: Healing
Heart Chakra Harmony, trust, loving, gentle w/ self and others. Give
and receive w/o condition. Flexible w/ loss; Spirit: Balance
Mental Energy Will/power/control over self vs. others, beliefs, details,
constructive vs. critical. Spirit: Thought ClarityEmotional Energy
Emotionally open to new people, ideas & growth. Needs: Boundaries, Trust, Comfort, Intimacy,
attachment. Spirit: Begin / EndPhysical Energy
Physical & Financial Needs: Safety, Sexuality. Action Center. Spirit: Grounded-ness
Physical Areas and
Glands
Crown Chakra
Pineal Gland; Hair, Top of Head, CNS (Nerve System)Brow Chakra
Pituitary and Hypothalamus; eyes, Autonomic Nerve System
Throat Chakra
Thyroid, parathyroid, neck ears, atlas Respiratory System; Colds, sinus allergies
Heart Chakra Thymus, Heart, Breathing Allergies, Lungs, Blood
Pressure, Lymph, Immunity SystemSolar Plexus Chakra
Pancreas, Stomach, Liver, Small Intestine, Blood Sugar, DigestionSpleen Chakra
Blood Sugar; Spleen, Ovaries, Urinary Tract, Uterus; Kidney, Adrenals
Base Root Chakra
Lower Sex / Reproductive System, Tailbone, Legs, Feet.
MULADHARACHAKRA
1st Energy Center – “Action, Speed Chakra”
Anatomy: Perineum, Base of the spineColor: RedElement: EarthSymbol: Square / CubePolarity: ( — )Sound: “LAM”Instrument: DrumSense: SmellSense Reception: External Visual
MovementFood: Proteins, Beans, Nuts
Open and Clear:Physically strong. Healthy sex drive. Grounded wellbeing.
Closed or Clouded:Base emotions such as anger, resentment, jealousness. Sex w/ personal pleasure as focus. Ungrounded.
SVADDHISANA CHAKRA
2nd Energy Center – “Feeling and Empathy”
Anatomy: Spleen 2 -3 inches below navel
Color: OrangeElement: WaterSymbol: Circle or spherePolarity: ( + )Sound: “VAM” Instrument: String instrumentsSense: Taste Sense reception: Feelings,
Kinesthetic Food: Water, Juice, TEA
Healthy, Open, ClearEmotionally energetic, passionate and warm. Caring with out need for attachment.
Unhealthy, closed or cloudedEmotions such as fear, anxiety manifest as attachment addictions and distrust.
MANIPURA CHAKRA
3rd Energy Center - “Thought, Logic” Chakra
Color - YellowAnatomy - Solar Plexus (upper
stomach)Element - FireSymbol - Pyramid or Triangle Polarity - ( — )Instrument - “RAM” (horn / reed) Sense - Sight Receptive Mode - Auditory/digital
(hands on)Food - Complex Carbohydrates, Grains
Healthy & OpenCalm, Clear, confident, flexible
Unhealthy & ClosedExcessive worry, obsessive actions, easily irritated and often complaining
ANAHATA CHAKRA
4th Energy Center – “Care and Compassion” Chakra
Anatomy - Heart (center of chest) Color - Green Element - Air Polarity - ( + ) Symbol - Cross Note - “YAM” (flute or wind) Sense - Touch Reception - Internal Visual Food - Dark, Leafy, Green Vegetables
Healthy & Open
Calm, trusting, loving, centered, giving, capable of giving and receiving
Unhealthy & Closed
Distrust, closed, guarded, unable to give or receive. Possible resentment.
VISHUDDHACHAKRA
5th Energy Center – “Communicate, Create Chakra”
Anatomy: Mid-Throat, Nose, Mouth, Sinus
Color: Blue Element: Aether Symbol: Cup / Chalice Note: “HAM” Instrument: Voice Sense: Hearing Sense Reception: Audio w/ minor
Visual Food: Raw Fruit (Blue or Black)
Healthy and Open
Clear and capable communication, assertive, creative verbally
Unhealthy and Closed
Lacks ability to express. Guarded. Hesitant to express emotions. Frustrated easily
AJNACHAKRA
6th Energy Center – “Overview, Community” Chakra
Anatomy: 3rd Eye Element: Thought Symbol: Star of David Polarity ( + ) Note: “OM” Instrument: Creative Vibration,
Spanda* Sense: Intuition Sense Reception: Overview Food: Breath, Air, Chlorophyll
Healthy & OpenMental clarity and insightful. Manifesting intention and desires comes easily
Unhealthy & ClosedDisharmony. Mental fluctuations. Difficult meditating. Muted intuitively. Lacking in Compassion
SAHASRARACHAKRA
7th Energy Center - “Inner Knowledge, Service” Chakra
Color: Violet Anatomy: Crown Element: Light Symbol: Lotus Note: Silence Instrument: none Sense: Oneness Sense Reception: Knowingness Food: Sunshine, Juice, Fasting
Healthy & OpenInner knowingness, serenity, enjoys selfless service.
Unhealthy & ClosedLacks larger perspective. Lacks Intuition. Unable to care or be compassionate.
Evolution through Involution
Purusha toward Prakriti
Awakening: Prakriti to Purusha
PurushaOf the two companion principles,
Purusha is consciousness that is untainted, ever-pure. It is self-existent, standing alone from other identities of individuality; conscious being-ness; the principle of spiritual energy.
Self RealizationThe journey of Self-realization, or
discrimination of pure consciousness (Purusha) from unmanifest matter (Prakriti) is one of systematically using attention to encounter, examine, and transcend each of the various levels of manifestation, ever moving attention further inward towards the core of our being.
Prakriti Purusha: Of the two companion principles,
Purusha is consciousness that is untainted, ever-pure. It is self-existent, standing alone from other identities of individuality; conscious being-ness; the principle of spiritual energy.
Prakriti: The other of the two companion principles, Prakriti is the unconscious, unmanifest, subtlest of the material aspect of energy. It is the primordial state of matter, even prior to matter as we know it in the physical sense. Prakriti manifests as the three gunas and the other evolutes.
Ahamkara (ego) This is the process of ego, by which
consciousness can start to (incorrectly) take on false identities. Here, the word ego is used not to mean the actual qualities such brother or sister, or loving or cruel, but the capacity itself to take on the countless identities.
Gunas Prakriti (primordial "matter") has three
characteristics or attributes of Sattva (Lightness) Rajas (Activity) Tamas (Stability)
These three combine and re-combine so as to form the various aspects of mind, senses, and the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space.
ManasMind (manas) is the instrument,
which is the driving force behind actions, speech, and the thinking process. It is also the recipient of the sensory input. It is useful to know that, here, mind is being used in this more limited way, rather than the whole of the inner process called antahkarana, which includes manas, ahamkara, buddhi, chitta, along with the senses and the five elements.
Mahat or BuddhiThis is the purest, finest spark of
individuation of Prakriti (primordial matter). It is very first of the evolutes of Prakriti. It is individuation, but yet, without characteristics. Buddhi is the word, which applies to the individual person, while Mahat refers to the universal aspect of this process.
OM KOSHA CHAKRA ANATOMY AND POSTURES 8-LIMBGROSSAnatomy
Inhale Annamaya Kosha:Food-apparent-sheath
Muladhara: Root Chakra “Primal Instinct” Male - Earth - Red
Rooted Postures: Feet, Legs, Spine (base), large intestine
Yama / Niyama:Foundation
A“Ah”
Swadhisthana: Sacral Chakra “ Creativity or one’s own place Female - Water - Yellow
Hips, Sacrum, Genitals, lower back, genitals, womb, bladder, and kidney
Asana: Dynamic extension from and toward the core
U“Uh?”
Pranamaya Kosha:Air-apparent-sheath
Manipura: Solar Plexus Chakra “Personal Power” “Get up and go”Fire - Male
Navel, Solar Plexus, digestive systemTapas: Sun Salutation, Core Strength, Boat Pose, Warrior poses, twists, passive backbends
Pranayama:Breath restriction;Organization and movement of Prana
Integration
Anahata: Heart Chakra “un-struck” or “unhurt”Air (female)
Heart, upper chest, and upper back: passive chest openers, shoulder stretches, backbends love and appreciate as we practice
Pratyahara: Sense Withdrawal
O“Oh”
Manomaya Kosha: mind-stuff-apparent-sheath
Vishuddha: Throat Chakra “Expression”(male)
Neck, throat, jaw, and mouth, expression actions: Camel, bow, shoulder-stand, bridge, plow
Dharana: Concentration
M“M”
Vijnanamaya kosha: wisdom-apparent-sheath
Ajna: 3rd Eye Chakra “Insight”(female)
Forward folds, postures placing pressure on forehead. Creative, focused, affirmative energy
Dhyana: Meditation
SubtleAnatomy
Silence
Anandamaya Kosha: bliss-apparent-sheath
Sahasrara: “Pure consciousness”White & Male (I suspect union)
Meditation Primary; Postures that confront preconceived notions, fears, and anxieties
Samadhi: Freedom (moska) through
Kosha: Sheathes of Being
The Journey Inward
Stability:
The Physical Body (Asana)
Vitality:
The Energy Body (Prana)
Clarity:
The Mental body (Manas)
Wisdom:
The Intellectual Body (Vijnana)
Bliss:
The Divine Body (Ananda)