Yoga Essence 1

The Essence and Evolution of Yoga

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 1.2योग: चित्त-वृत्तिनिरोध: yogaścitta-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

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 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.

Introduction Thread of Aphorisms Written by Patanjali Thought to be written from a “Dualist” Perspective

Samâdhi-pâdaï : Concentration: Its Spiritual Uses “Integration” (51 sutras)

Vibhûti-pâdaï The Extraordinary Powers “Progressing”

Kaivalya Pada (34 sutras),[object Object]

Samâdhi-pâdaï ,[object Object]

Definition of Samâdhi-pâdaï

Concentration: It’s spiritual uses

Yogaś citta-vritti-nirodhaḥSutra 1.2 yogaï = process of yoking; union citta = consciousness vëtti = 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 Yoga Chapter 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.

8 Limbed Yoga Yama Niyama Asana Pranayama Pratyahara Dharana Dhyana Samadhi

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 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

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

Pranayamaprâñâyâmaï With effort relaxing, the flow of inhalation and exhalation can be brought to a standstill; this is called breath regulation. ,[object Object]

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 2.49 Once 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 shvasaprashvsayohgati vichchhedah pranayamah

Pratyahara pratyâhâraï When consciousness interiorizes by uncoupling from external objects, the senses do likewise; this is called withdrawal of the senses. sva-visayâsamprayogecittasyasvarûpânukâraivendriyâñâm 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

Kaivalya Pada (34 sutras) Kaivalya literally means "isolation", however the SutrasKaivalya 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 Yoga Toward 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.

Kundalini Kundalini 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.

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.

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.

Open-nessKundalini in Postures

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

Introduction A 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 withexpressions 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 Head 6 Ajna + Brow + Thought Forehead Center 5 Vishuddha + Throat Mid-Throat 4 Anahata + Heart Chest Center 3 Manipura + Solar Plexus Upper Stomach 2 Svadhisthana + Spleen 2 – 3 inches below stomach 1 Muladhara + Perineum Base of the Spine

Crown Chakra Compassion, at-oneness, seeing self in others, harmonious, peaceful, non-attachment, love, nonreactive; Spirit: Love Brow Chakra Overview, Visualizing, Clarity, Psychic / Subtle awareness of self in others; Spirit: Service Throat 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 Clarity Emotional Energy Emotionally open to new people, ideas & growth. Needs: Boundaries, Trust, Comfort, Intimacy, attachment. Spirit: Begin / End Physical Energy Physical & Financial Needs: Safety, Sexuality. Action Center. Spirit: Grounded-ness Mental - Emotional Strengths /Blocks of Each Chakra

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 System Solar Plexus Chakra Pancreas, Stomach, Liver, Small Intestine, Blood Sugar, Digestion Spleen Chakra Blood Sugar; Spleen, Ovaries, Urinary Tract, Uterus; Kidney, Adrenals Base Root Chakra Lower Sex / Reproductive System, Tailbone, Legs, Feet. Physical Areas and Glands

MULADHARACHAKRA 1st Energy Center – “Action, Speed Chakra” Anatomy: Perineum, Base of the spine Color: Red Element: Earth Symbol: Square / Cube Polarity: ( — ) Sound: “LAM” Instrument: Drum Sense: Smell Sense Reception: External Visual Movement Food: 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: Orange Element: Water Symbol: Circle or sphere Polarity: ( + ) Sound: “VAM” Instrument: String instruments Sense: Taste Sense reception: Feelings, Kinesthetic Food: Water, Juice, TEA Healthy, Open, Clear Emotionally energetic, passionate and warm. Caring with out need for attachment. Unhealthy, closed or clouded Emotions such as fear, anxiety manifest as attachment addictions and distrust.

MANIPURA CHAKRA 3rd Energy Center - “Thought, Logic” Chakra Color - Yellow Anatomy - Solar Plexus (upper stomach) Element - Fire Symbol - Pyramid or Triangle Polarity - ( — ) Instrument - “RAM” (horn / reed) Sense - Sight Receptive Mode - Auditory/digital (hands on) Food - Complex Carbohydrates, Grains Healthy & Open Calm, Clear, confident, flexible Unhealthy & Closed Excessive 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.

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