Yoga Wisdom

The Temple of Life

December 29th, 2006 at 7:09 am (Uncategorized)

(Originally posted on компютри втора употребаwww.healingeasy.com/blog) \r\n\r\nYesterday it occurred to me as a realization, as opposed to a mental idea, that our bodies are a direct reflection of what is occuring in our lives. I knew this before, but it never dawned on me with such clarity as it did yesterday.\r\n\r\nI began to catch a cold. Normally I would eat a bunch of raw garlic, drink a tablespoon full of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water every couple of ours and then take a really hot bath, wrap up in blankets and sweat it out over night. That would take care of it just about anytime I felt a cold start to come on. \r\n\r\nYesterday I decided to use the Yuen Method and EFT to knock it out. According to the Yuen Method colds are simply the result of unresolved grief and sadness. Here is the trick…it doesn’t always have to be your own! When people suffer, sometimes they feel better when others join them. In my case, this cold was the result of “not suffering as much as others”, particularly not suffering as much as family members. I was psychically weak to their troubles.\r\n\r\nEssentially my energy was feeling bad about this so decided to join in on the suffering. Luckily I caught it. Once that was corrected, my energy returned, my head cleared, and now all that is left is a slight tenderness in the back of my throat, that is now very faint. So in 12 hours a cold began and then dissappeared. \r\n\r\nThe other great thing about this kind of work is how it enriches one’s consciousness. Now if I went to a doctor to get medicine, the doctor would say…take this medicine, pay me and get out. Since I had these energetic techniques at my disposal, not only did this physical issue clear up, but I also became stronger because of the realization that “Hey, I don’t have to suffer just because other people are!” We create our own realities and they can make the same choices not to suffer if they want to. It’s not my job to make them feel better by getting down in the mud with them, nor did I make them choose that. Now if they ask for help, sure I can show them how I learned to get out of the mud, but I still can’t do it for them. Our responsibility in health and happiness is within each of our decisions. It does not come from another person.\r\n\r\nThis was also a liberating realization in my healing work. I now know I’m no healer at all, unless it is with my own body and mind. Too often people have come to me expecting me to do the work for them. Anyone who claims to do that is cheating the person in need of healing by taking a way the power for them to heal on their own. I’m not saying that “healers” are not useful. I’m saying that they do nothing except provide knowledge and a little support and encouragement to allow the healee to utilize and strengthen their own powers to Self Heal. It is like they are health coaches. \r\n\r\nThis too goes along with spiritual realization. No person or object can provide spiritual realization. It comes from within and comes from Self Effort. A true teacher points the way and describes short cuts, pitfalls etc, that they have experienced, but it is up to the student to make the choice to grow spiritually, as all our paths are not the same, nor can realizations one person has be shared with another. All realizations are unique and must come from our own self effort. I now see healing and spiritual growth as the same process. \r\n\r\nSo our temple of life (our body, mind and soul) is a direct expression of what is going on circumstantially in our life experiences. If we want to change the body, mind and soul to feel strong and free, there are circumstances that need adjusted to calibrate with our higher potential. This may include how we think, exist, or choose to interact with life. I forget who said this, and even if I’ve already quoted it on here but here goes: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” I would add to that, “Life experiences are also 100% of your choosing, conscious or otherwise.”

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Stronger Every Day

December 27th, 2006 at 9:20 am (Uncategorized)

Originally Posted at www.healingeasy.com/blog.

One of the things I particularly liked about EFT and the Yuen Method was that everyday was an opportunity to become clearer and stronger.

Imagine all the crap in your life is just an accumulation of garbage not dealt with in the past. So when a trouble arises in your consciousness you can simply apply these methods to clear it and be free of one more burden! In a while, you are a lot lighter than you ever remembered and also a lot stronger both physically and mentally.

I’m not sure how I missed it earlier, but I also see how the Kriya Yoga meditation I’ve been practicing for the last 6 years has the same effect. Through observation of the disturbances that arise in the field of one’s consciosness, they are dissolved.

So I now say, “Let your self become stronger every day!”

I got a fortune cookie from the Asian Garden (an excellent restaurant by the way) in Morgantown that read, “I’m not afraid of storms, because I’m learning to sail my ship.” Now that’s not much of a fortune, but I see its applicability to life. Dr. Yuen has said to be fearless. Yogananda and Roy Eugene Davis and countless others have said the same thing. When fearless, I feel free. It is fear that causes much difficulty. What is there without fear?

Maybe you could try some kettlebells if you are afraid? I just got a 35 pounder for Christmas from my parents. That is an upgrade from my 26 pounder. I’m looking forward to using it. Those iron balls with handles really do wonders from what I’ve seen. Here is a link to a chiropractor friends new blog. http://profile.xanga.com/docenergyPJ

He will be sharing his kettlebell routines and experiences as well as some odd thoughts he has in his head. (Disclaimer: His thoughts do not necessarily reflect my own. Although we are friends, we are both individuals and often times see things differently. However, that usually is more fun than not. That said, read his blog at your own discretion.)

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Work and Knowledge

September 13th, 2006 at 7:50 am (Uncategorized)

I.1 “Verily, birds are able to fly with their two wings: even so both work and knowledge together lead to the supreme goal of liberation. Not indeed works alone nor indeed knowledge alone can lead to liberation: but both of them together form the means to liberation.”

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Niyamas Explained

August 6th, 2006 at 9:41 am (Uncategorized)

II.35 “When one is established in non-violence, violence is relinquished in one’s presence.”

Violence easily disturbs the mind and life force of the one who commits the action and the one who receives the force of the action. When we refrain from violence we stop reinforcing the tendency to violence in our self and in our environment. Non-violence has many levels. Violence can be committed in thought, speech or action, and can be directed to others or our own self. To be fully established in non-violence requires an awareness of all the ways in which it can occur. Through gentle intention we can identify and root out anything contrary to the discipline of harmlessness.

II.36 “When one is established in truthfulness, the results of actions are assured.”

Truth is another factor to promote peace of mind and strength of body, both of which are necessary for proper yoga practice. If we are established in truth we need not fear the uncovering of lies, which promotes needless worry and dissipation of our powers of concentration. The body is also weakened by non-truth as is evidenced by the weakening effect on muscles during the verbalization of a lie.

II.37 “When established in non stealing, all prosperity is attained.”

When a person engages in stealing, the person affirms a consciousness of lack. This strengthens the tendency to not have enough in life. The one consciousness responds to our individual states of being. When we steal, we are saying to the universe, “There is not enough resources for me, so I must take it from another.” The universe confirms the statement by making it a reality. The cycle continues. We live in an infinite universe with infinite resources. Living from a consciousness of lack denies this fact. By changing the pattern of lack to one of abundance, all is provided for. Stealing is harmful to those taken from as well as to the thief.

II.38 “When all conduct and desires lead to the Eternal Self, one obtains vital energy.”

Vital forces represent many kinds of energy. Conservation of these forces in the context of this sutra implies dedication of them to the practice of yoga. Our ultimate purpose on this earth is to realize our eternal self. This is the purpose of all of consciousness on an absolute level. When an individualized unit of the one field begins to consciously cooperate with this process, the one field takes great interest. Then, all resources in the infinite universe become available to that purpose. The vital energy obtained is in relation to the degree of harmony with the absolute universal process of Self-realization.

As individualized units of the one field of consciousness we all have unique talents and goals to express. Yoga meditation quickens our awakening. So does expressing our talents and achieving our goals appropriately. By dedicating our meditative practice and our actions in life to Self-realization all forms of vital energy are obtained to support the process. This can manifest as health, abundant resources, or even supportive relationships. Whatever is needed is provided.

II.39 “Understanding of why births occur is founded in non-possessiveness.”

Possessiveness leads to attachment and aversion. Before the actual realization dawns that all is consciousness and we are all of that, it may be helpful to imagine that happiness and peace are not achieved by the possessions we can gather and hold on to. Neither is it had by acquiring something that appears to make another happy. The down side of possessiveness is the great propensity it can create to disturb the mind. It also greats an inertia towards desiring more and so worrying more in the event of losing what is gained.

Traditionally speaking, the reason births occur is due to the presence of desire in the soul. When there is a desire, the universe creates an opportunity for that desire to be had. If that opportunity requires a new experience to be birthed, then that is what occurs. The yama of non-possessiveness is extolled so that it is easy to relate to objects and people without attachment, and also to end the tedious wheel of rebirth. Contrary to popular belief, we are not here to see how much we can “get into”, but to exhaust our desires so that we can direct our attention to what really matters, figuring out who we really are.

II.40 “By practicing purity, the desire arises to protect one’s body from adverse conditions.”

Some desires are necessary for the realization of our ultimate purpose. The desire to protect and maintain the health of the body is supportive of our spiritual endeavors. When the body is strong and vital it is easier to live effectively. There is also less interference in our mental field when our body functions properly. Through proper care of the body we assure that it does not take away attention from our spiritual practices.

II.41 “Due to purity, the clarity of Sattva manifests inspiration, one pointedness, mastery of the sense organs and readiness for seeing the Eternal Self.”

The original nature of the mind is Sattvic. The mind is meant to function as a clear receptive station for the experiences carried to it through the sense organs. Purity of the body and mind are synergistic. Maintaining a clear mental field relieves stress in the body. A healthy body allows the mind to experience its natural equilibrium. When the body and mind are united in a Sattvic state, the three primary requisites for proper yoga practice manifest. The mind can maintain concentration without distraction. The sense organs are controlled so they can be directed inward. The embodied soul is then prepared to await the experience of the eternal Self.

II.42 “When one is content there arises and unexcelled happiness.”

True contentment is not found in the gaining of objects or experiences thought to produce it. This is evidenced through experience. Once an object or experience is acquired, it may please the mind for a little while. Then the mind becomes restless again and seeks more stimulation. True contentment is not dependant on the stimulation of experience. When we have cultivated contentment beyond experiences, a blissful emerges that cannot be broken.

II.43 “Spiritual practice eliminates impurities, and results in perfection of the body and the sense organs.”

The purpose of spiritual practice is to gain mastery over the sense organs and eliminate the impurities that block the ceaseless flow of grace. Grace is always flowing to us throughout the universe. Most people cannot receive this grace because they are distracted by the outward flowing energy of their sense organs. Spiritual practice develops the power of focused attention that allows us to direct our consciousness inward.

When we can sustain our intention to focus on the heart of our being, our eternal Self, healing energy flows are released throughout the body. This allows the body to function properly. We are more inclined to be healthy, to be happy and to live longer. In this way, we have ample time to attend to our mundane and spiritual duties without distraction.

II.44 “Owing to the application of learned personal mantras, one unites with one’s concept of the divine. Inspiration arises.”

In the context of these sutras, mantra refers to Sanskrit phrases utilized to invoke the spiritual power of various aspects of the divine. Through the heartfelt repetition of the mantras, a person unites with their own concept of the divine, as it is real to them. The resulting devotional ardor propels them forward on their spiritual path.

Neither Sanskrit mantra nor properly formulated word phrases are necessary for the principle out lined in this sutra to function. Any thought or action that unites awareness with the divine, as it is real to you, will serve the same purpose. Constant remembrance of the reality of God being all things can be sustained in the background of your mind through daily activity. This can be brought to the forefront of your attention during deep meditation. You could even repeat the phrase “I am peace” throughout the day as your personal inspirational mantra. The goal is to inspire your thoughts and actions to realize your true nature as a spiritual being.

Also note that as your understanding grows your concept of the divine will change. This evolution will continue until you flawlessly perceive the true nature of yourself and your relationship with the infinite consciousness.

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The Niyamas

July 30th, 2006 at 9:05 am (Uncategorized)

From Chapter two of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali:

32. “Purity, contentment, intensity in spiritual practice, practice of learned personal mantras, and alignment of attention with the Eternal Self—the witnessing consciousness—are the internal disciplines, the niyamas.”

The niyamas are internal disciplines that make the practice of the yamas easier. Together the yamas and niyamas create a mental framework enabling proper interaction with the world so that the personal and universal purpose of life is assured.

33. “Upon elimination of opposing beliefs, there is the experience of their opposites.”

34. “Beliefs [at odds with yoga] such as violence result in pain and ignorance. These beliefs are upheld through direct action, the seeds of action, and the approval of action. They can be mild, moderate, or excessive in degree. When resolved through meditation on the results of these beliefs, their opposites prevail.”

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Yoga Sutras II.31

July 22nd, 2006 at 9:18 am (Uncategorized)

II. 31 “The universal disciplines are applicable irrespective of one’s state of life, place, time, or circumstance.”

Many people imagine that things will be different after they die. Either they will be rewarded with an afterlife of eternal bliss or they will be roasting their toes in lakes of fire because of their past sins. This may be true for those with a powerful enough imagination to sustain such a state, but for the knower of reality the future is no different than the present. Neither death nor any other modification of the environment will do much to make a change in the current experiences of the knower.

Death is often likened to casting off used garments. The body falls and the soul carries on. Keeping this in mind, remember the last time you changed your clothes. Was your body radically different from the change? Did your basic views on life change? No they did not. Changes to the body and mind structure only occur through effort. The same is true about one’s general experience in life.

Remember that life is eternal. Life is not bound by birth or death. Birth and death are the two polarities in which life is temporarily confined for an incarnation. Before birth, life is the same. After death, life is still the same. The quality of life can be improved through living in harmony with the natural laws of the universe. If living in this way is not natural in the present moment this may take intention and commitment. Otherwise, inertia will carry the force of the present onwards without change.

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The Power of Thought: Calming the mind while putting it to proper use

July 14th, 2006 at 11:37 am (Uncategorized)

One of the common obstacles to yoga meditation is the inability to relax or experience clear states of consciousness because of the restlessness of the mind. This can be quite annoying for one intent on spiritual realization. The mind is a tool to be used. It is not who we are and it is not our slave driver, although this common misunderstanding does arise.

The mind is our soul’s interface with the world of form. Through the mind we interact with the world as it directs our outward actions and experiences. The power of thought channeled through the mind has the capacity to direct our lives precisely. Few know this. Those that do understand how to experience a life of their choosing. Those that do not know it are still experiencing a life of their choosing, albeit probably an unpleasant one.

For the average person the mind is filled with uncontrollable compulsive thought patterns. If they were to observe the contents of their mind they may find the same disarray reflected in their life situations. A powerful quote comes to my mind now.

“Though you may travel the world to find the beautiful, you must have it within you or you will find it not.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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