|
|
 |
|
Spiritual Yoga
The process of Self-purification is not the work of a moment, nor of a few months but of years—nay extending over a
series of lives. The later a man begins the living of a higher life, the longer must be his period of probation, for he has
to undo the effects of a long number of years spent in objects diametrically opposed to the real goal. The more strenuous
one's efforts and the brighter the result of his work, the nearer he comes to the Threshold. If his aspiration is genuine—a
settled conviction and not a sentimental flash of the moment—he transfers from one body to another the determination
which finally leads him to the attainment of his desire.
—A Master of Wisdom
RAJA-YOGA: the true system of developing psychic and spiritual powers and union with one's Higher Self—or the Supreme
Spirit, as the profane express it. The exercise, regulation and concentration of thought. Raja-Yoga is oposed to Hatha Yoga,
the physical or psycho-physiological training in asceticism.
—H. P. Blavatsky
Yoga, meditation, cosmic consciousness, the mystic experience—these and other equally great and sacred terms have made
the headlines in newspapers and people are discussing glibly matters they know very little about. There is much misunderstanding,
and confusion grows worse confounded as reports and photographs appear in the media. How incongruous to associate publicity
with the practice of Yoga! We read of diplomas obtained after a few months' training, of assurances that the pursuit of Yoga
will make no demands upon the practitioner, who need not change his ways and may continue to enjoy the "good" things of life.
It is stated that it matters little or not at all why you want to go in for Yoga, or what mode of life is yours; if you take
to Yoga you will achieve wonders.
And so Yoga is the fashion of the hour and people are taking to Yoga as they would take, let us say, to swimming or to playing
golf; nay, worse still—to smoking or to drugs; overlooking altogether that spiritual Yoga is itself a way of life and
demands severe self-discipline.
Broadly speaking it is first necessary to distinguish between Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga. The former deals primarily with the
body; the latter with the inner man. The one is physiological; the other moral, mental and spiritual. Hatha Yoga claims to
establish health and to train the will. Raja Yoga is concerned with the control and purification of the mind and is rightly
described thus by Damodar K. Mavalankar:
Raj-Yoga encourages no sham, requires no physical postures. It has to deal with the inner man whose sphere lies in the
world of thought. To have the highest ideal placed before oneself and strive incessantly to rise up to it, is the only true
concentration recognized by Esoteric Philosophy which deals with the inner world of noumena, not the outer shell of phenomena.
Were the advocates of Hatha Yoga to keep to their physiological exercises and their effects upon the body, the danger would
not be so serious. But while teaching asana and pranayama, posture and breathing exercises, they promise the development of
spiritual powers and the attainment of higher levels of consciousness. These are possible only through the cultivation of
virtue, and the first step is a clean life.
Down the ages all the Great Teachers have stressed the need for purity, virtue, and righteousness. As stated by one of them:
"Lead the life necessary for the acquisition of such knowledge and powers and Wisdom will come to you naturally." (The Secret
Doctrine)
The leading of the life is indeed the sine qua non condition for obtaining Wisdom; for the latter springs from within or rather
from above; it is the divine afflatus from the Spirit in Man and cannot descend and be made manifest except in those pure
of heart.
The literal meaning of the word "yoga" is union, and true Yoga is union with the Divine. One must be misguided indeed to believe
that the gifts of the Spirit are to be obtained without the purification of the human personality. Sanctity is the mark of
the true Yogi, of the man who has attained union with the Divine.
In the Bhagavad-Gita Krishna gives two most beautiful and suggestive definitions of Yoga which at once place it in its right
perspective, that of a spiritual science and an art of living:
Equal-mindedness is called Yoga (II, 48)
Yoga is skill in the performance of action. (II, 50)
Yoga is thus the training of the mind and the right performance of action.
Patanjali's Yoga-Sutras is rightly considered the classic par excellence on Yoga, and modern yogis, genuine or otherwise,
quote from it profusely. Most people, however, do not study the book themselves and are ignorant, or conveniently overlook,
that Patanjali, like all spiritual Teachers, stresses the need for self-purification as the prelimary step. Yoga begins with
a rigurous moral training, and this ethical preparation precedes the actual practice of concentration as a specialized technique
of meditation.
In the Yoga-Sutras this preparation is described under two headings: the first is Yama and the second is Niyama. Let all those
attracted to spiritual Yoga and desirous of taking it up carefully study and endeavour to practise the steps—five in
number—given under Yama and Niyama.
Briefly stated, they are as follows:
Yama consists of ahimsa or non-injury; satya or truthfulness; asteya or integrity; brahmacharya or continence; and aparigraha
or non-attachment to possessions.
Niyama comprises saucha, purity; santosa, contentment; tapas, mortification; svadhyaya, study; and Isvara pranidhana, devotion
to Isvara or God.
Only when all these virtues have been practised with some degree of success can the next stage be entered upon without risk.
The moral tone of the practitioner has been raised; his life has become one of temperance, virtue and purity; his character
has been ennobled and purged of egotism; his life is one of service.
"Seek this wisdom by doing service, by strong search, by questions and by humility..." says Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita.
(IV, 34)
This ethical preparation alone entitles the aspirant to undertake the practice of concentration as a technical discipline.
To ignore Yama and Niyama and begin with asana, bodily posture, and pranayama, control of breath, is not only wrong, but positively
dangerous. Foolhardy is the one who dares to dabble in Yoga without the protective armour of purity.
"KNOWLEDGE MUST BE CAREFULLY OBTAINED WITH A PURE MOTIVE," says W. Q. Judge, and again, "Motive is highly important and must
be examined and tested countless times." Therefore those who want to go in for Yoga must ask themselves the question: Why
do I want to practise Yoga? They must be of pure heart and of unselfish motive, remembering the injunctions and the warnings
given in all spiritual traditions. All strike the same note and say: "Be of clean heart before thou startest on thy journey."
For it is a sacred journey indeed, a holy pilgrimage, that which leads to union with the Spirit. May we prepare ourselves
to undertake the sacred journey to the abode of Light and Truth Eternal wherein dwell the true Yogis!
Raja Yoga
|
|
|
For those who are capable, Raja Yoga employs the most powerful and direct techniques for spiritual advancement. In addition,
it provides a clear outline of the stages of progress along the path. These teachings were first systematised in the Yoga
Sutras of Patanjali ( written around 300-500 AD ). The eight traditional stages are:
1. Yama ( social ethics of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence, and non-coveting )
2. Niyama ( personal ethics of purity, contentment, ardour, study, devotion )
3. Asana ( discipline of the body through posture to provide a sound base for taming the mind )
4. Pranayama ( discipline of the breath to refine the base developed through asana )
5. Pratyahara ( beginning mental concentration, holding to a single object for about 10-20 seconds ) This is the start
of meditation, in proper. Achievement to this level brings mental control over the sense gates, so that one can withdraw from
sense experience. This is useful because it allows one to further purify the mind and heart without the normal distractions
of the mind and senses.
6. Dharana ( intermediate mental concentration, holding to a single object for 2-4 minutes )
7. Dhyana ( advanced mental concentration, holding to a single object for 30-40 minutes )
8. Samadhi ( very advanced mental concentration, holding to a single object for 6 hours or more ) The most advanced practitioners
can remain in samadhi indefinitely.
The final practice of this meditational path is to connect the samadhi state with ordinary day-to-day consciousness so that
a practitioner is in samadhi regardless of whether he or she is meditating in total isolation or performing daily chores in
the normal bustle of people, places, and events. In this way, the accomplished meditator has quite literally passed beyond
life's sufferings but yet remains in the world. A spiritual master of this stature experiences every moment as pleasant and
peaceful regardless of what may be happening to her or his body and mind. For instance, such a person would be aware of the
body's torment when suffering from some terrible disease, such as cancer, but naturally remain in a serene state anyway.
The Siddha Yoga Teachings
Imagine looking at the world you live in, and recognizing divinity in everything you see and everyone you meet. Imagine facing
every situation in your life with the unwavering strength and delight that come from the certainty of the divine presence
within you.
The Siddha Yoga teachings assert that this attainment is not only possible, it is our birthright. The goal of the Siddha Yoga
path is Self-realization -- the unceasing experience of yoga, or unity with God. Within each of us, behind the mind, the body,
the ego, is a divine power. We practice yoga to recognize this divine power, the Self, and harmonize all our actions, thoughts,
and words with it. The key to this divine vision of ourselves and the world is shaktipat ,or spiritual awakening. When we
receive shaktipat, we gain entry to our inner spiritual realms. Then, through our practices, our own spiritual awareness unfolds.
The Siddha Yoga teachings are made easily available to seekers around the world through the work of the SYDA Foundation.
Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, as head of the Siddha Yoga lineage, continues a sacred tradition of making shaktipat available to
seekers. Under the guidance of her teachings, Siddha Yoga students embrace the spiritual practices of yoga including meditation,
chanting, contemplation and study, and selfless service, as the means to the goal of Self-realization.
The Siddha Yoga teachings spring from the timeless scriptural traditions of Kashmir Shaivism and Vedanta, as well as from
the experience of the enlightened Siddha masters. If you are new to Siddha Yoga meditation, a guide to the spiritual journey
called Where Are You Going?
by Swami Muktananda, and the video Entering the Heart are great starting points.
Kundalini Yoga
What Is Kundalini Yoga?
by Gururattan K. Khalsa, Ph.D "Rattana"
Yoga is about relationship.
What is the nature of our relationship?
Yoga is the science of creating a relationship between the human and the infinite.
Yoga is the art of merging our individual energy with universal energy.
Yoga means to join together or to unite.
What are we trying to unite with?
Yoga is the union of the individual's consciousness with universal consciousness.
*** The Yoga of Awareness ***
Kundalini yoga is an ancient technology designed to expand our awareness.
Our capacities and choices are determined by our awareness.
As we expand our awareness
we are able to go beyond our perceived conscious limits
we are empowered to make more daring choices
we have the energy to create bountiful and exciting lives.
Kundalini yoga is about tapping our infinite potential.
Within every human is the capacity to be outrageously creative.
Within every human mind is the reality of the infinite.
How do we expand our capacity and realize our divine caliber?
We bring all aspects of our being-
our mental faculties
our emotional energy and
our physical structure
into equilibrium and alignment. As we do so we open up our capacity
to experience
to express
to share
our infinite Self.
Kundalini yoga is about understanding who we really are.
What does it mean to be a human being?
Normally we experience ourselves in very limited ways.
We have the habit of seeing ourselves through very restricted lens.
Kundalini yoga awakens us
to our Soul
to our original Self
to our infinite origin and identity. Kundalini yoga offers us the gift of Self.
Kundalini yoga is about the unfoldment of our true nature.
What blocks our growth?--
attachments to the familiar and to the past
fear of change and the unknown
limited and restrictive beliefs
self-destructive habits
the inability to let go of old feelings and wounds
the feeling that something is lacking or wrong with us.
The practice of Kundalini yoga
breaks our attachments
makes the unknown known
expands our perception of reality
gives us the strength to eliminate unhealthy habits and substitute healthy ones
heals our wounds with the power of love
gives us the experience that we are complete and whole.
*** The Yoga of Experience ***
Kundalini yoga is about direct, personal experience.
The thoughts and ideas of our mind cannot sustain us.
Knowledge becomes real wisdom only when we have experienced it
in our own heart
in our own body
in our full being. It is the experience of this integrated wisdom that
ultimately sustains and
consistently supports
us.
Kundalini yoga is about practical, expanded experience.
No amount of words can replace or equal experience.
Our consciousness is not changed by mere words.
It is through experience that positive habits are formed.
It is through experience that the horizon of our awareness is broadened.
It is through experience that we
radiate joy
express creativity
embody spirit
in our human life.
Kundalini yoga is about truthful and joyful action.
To simply know the truth does not assure that we can act upon it.
To discover the truth at the core of our being
gives us the ability to follow the path of our heart. When we are able to act from our heart-felt truth, we experience
fulfillment within ourselves
success in our lives
bliss in our existence. The joy of acting from our truth is one of the sacred gifts of being human.
*** Healthy, Happy, Harmonious Living ***
Kundalini Yoga offers us techniques to stay HEALTHY.
to build a strong immune system
to keep our glands vital
to nurture a strong nervous system
to maintain good circulation.
A healthy body gives us the energy to fully live our lives.
Our physical foundation helps us deal calmly and gracefully with the
mental, emotional and spiritual facets of our lives. There is nothing more fabulous than feeling good in our bodies.
Kundalini Yoga offers us techniques to be HAPPY.
As we develop our intuition
we recognize what is real
we uncover what is important to us
we sense our innate organization and direction
our inner compass leads us toward our goals.
The journey of life is always full of challenges.
Happiness is knowing we are on our path.
Happiness is being able to confront our challenges as they arise.
Happiness is a serene contentment that accompanies us along the way.
Kundalini Yoga makes us feel HARMONIOUS and whole.
Kundalini yoga activates the dormant potential of the brain.
The pineal gland must secrete to experience the Kundalini.
The pineal gland is the master gland, the seat of the soul.
We must also tap the reserve energy that is stored near the navel point.
The pure energy at the navel connects us to the Earth.
This pure energy must uncoil and connect with our pineal gland.
When the two energies connect
we have the power to attain self-realization
we have the capacity to discover our relationship to total universal
consciousness.
When our finite being is at peace with our infinite Source
we feel securely connected to our Mother the Earth
we live in harmony with the universe
we feel whole, complete and at one with all living things.
*** An Opportunity to Excel ***
The practice of Kundalini yoga makes it possible
to transform our limitations
so that the natural flow of the cosmic current can pass through us to retrain and rebuild ourselves
so that we can enjoy the magnificent process of awakening to develop the discipline and the consciousness
to optimally tune into and utilize divine energy.
Kundalini yoga offers us the opportunity
to go beyond our self-imposed limitations that originate from
poor habits
unconscious living
erroneous beliefs.
The practice of Kundalini yoga gives us the chance
to experience who we already are
to witness infinity in our every day lives
to return home to our own heart.
Kundalini yoga trains us in the inner science of the Self.
It helps us prioritize our inner and outer worlds.
It helps us achieve balance and integrity in all aspects of our life.
It helps us establish a synthesis between body, mind and spirit.
In the union of our whole being we achieve
power
peace
effectiveness and
excellence
in our daily lives.
*** A Renewed Life ***
Kundalini yoga helps us stop the inner war
that causes stress and distress
that wastes so much energy and life force
so that we can experience inner
neutrality
calmness
stillness
clarity and
peace.
Kundalini yoga allows us to establish a state of mind
where we are conscious of ourselves
where we can act from this consciousness
where we cease to be the puppets of external and emotional stimuli
where we intuitively know the effects of an action before we take it
where we mindfully take control of our thoughts and actions
where we make our choices from knowing who we are.
Kundalini yoga offers us the techniques to establish the physical, mental and emotional strength and integration that makes
it possible
to release our fears and insecurities
to experience our inner divinity
to met our challenges creatively
to experience each stage of life with grace and gratitude (54)
to live our life resourcefully and passionately.
Kundalini yoga is a discipline that helps us
alter and cultivate consciousness
achieve mental as well as physical flexibility
heighten our spiritual awareness and presence
find higher meaning and purpose in life.
Kundalini yoga is about establishing a conscious relationship between our finite personality and our infinite soul.
It is the science of strengthening our radiance that gives us
a greater capacity
a positive projection
an expanded impact
a rich and fulfilled life.
*** The Universal Law ***
It is the law that during our lifetime we will meet the opportunities to do our destiny.
Kundalini yoga opens up our awareness and receptivity
so that we can recognize the opportunities when they appear
so that we can sustain our commitment to our soul.
Poem 468 August 16, 1997 Copyright by Guru Rattana K. Khalsa, Ph.D.
(Yogi Bhajan lectures 1970 pp. 9-21)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
