 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Yoga is an art and science containing a variety of physical and mental disciplines originating in ancient India, all aimed at bringing about a more balanced, integrated way of Being. Yoga balances and integrates harmoniously all of the various systems of mind, body, and Spirit. Yoga is both the journey and destination, with the destination always being here and now. Ultimately, yoga is a way of resting more fully and deeply in what one could call the essence of Being, the Self within all, the Light of all lights, and/or the ground of Reality. Yoga is to see through all the limited and distorted perceptions of oneself and reality, and instead see things as they truly are. Yoga is direct knowledge of Self, of Oneness and Wholeness. Like a light dispelling darkness, Self-knowledge cuts through all of the distortions and stories of the mind. It is then that the mind takes it's true place as a humble and obedient servant of the Self.
|
Hatha Yoga Balancing and awakening the subtle energy through the mindful use of asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork / energywork), bandhas (subtle energy locks), and mudras (psychic gestures and energetic seals). Helps to release any tension and 'holding patterns' present in the body and mind, resulting in increased health, peace of mind, and an energetic environment most conducive to relaxing into the truth of one's Being. "Perfection in asana is achieved when the effort to perform it becomes effortless, and one is established as the Infinite Being within." (Yoga Sutra 2.47) "When the prana moves in the Sushumna (central channel) and the mind is absorbed in the Shunya (nothingness), the intelligent yogi uproots all karma." (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 4.12) "Where the mind is absorbed, there the prana is restrained; and where the prana is restrained, there the mind is quiescent." (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 4.23) "One cannot obtain perfection in Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga and vice versa, so he should practice both till he attains perfection in Raja Yoga." (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2.76)
Raja Yoga - Meditation / 8 Limbs At the highest level, meditation is continuous and unbroken and the Light of the Self shines clearly from within, and from within it is also seen without. All time, space, and duality ceases. For more information on meditation and mindfulness you may read Ben's Free Online Meditation Book.
Karma Yoga - Selfless Service Spontaneous, loving action arising out of and within Eternal Silence and Peace. No sense of doership. Selfless service is true service to the Self, and of the Self. When the server and the served are no longer seen as separate and distinct entities, service can be said to be truly selfless and truly whole.
Japa Yoga / Bhakti Yoga - Mantra Repetition / Love and Devotion for the Supreme Self Holds an energetic space, tuning the attention and focus into the heart of one's Self, the one all-pervading Consciousness that is here and now. Sublimation and transformation of lower, selfish desires and emotions into supreme devotion for God, the Infinite Self abiding in the hearts of all.
Recommended Reading: - The Bhagavad Gita (traslated by Eknath Easwaran) - The Upanishads (translated by Eknath Easwaran) - The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (translated by Swami Satchidananda)
"The Self is hidden in the lotus of the heart. Those who see themselves in all creatures go day by day into the world of Brahman hidden in the heart. Established in peace, they rise above body-consciousness to the supreme light of the Self. "
~ From the Chandogya Upanishad ~
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |