Yogasophy

Joy to the world.....

2011-12-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

I hope all of you have a rich and joyous celebration with your family and friends during this special time of the year. As we pass into the New Year, it is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, be present in the moment, and be open to new horizons in the future (warrior II), keep your gaze forward, and be very aware of your past, and remember, present is the only thing you can change.

As you reflect, remember all the gifts that life has brought you over the past year, and also know that the challenges that you have encountered are opportunities to grow and go deeper into your true nature. Yoga can be a guide in your life as it has for me to find that perspective and know that there IS a cosmic plan.

We are all the life's longing for itself . The nature of the universe is to help us to become complete, and to help us reach our highest self. So enjoy every moment of your life, remember, it is a privilege to be alive.

I honor the light within you,

Faranak

Continual Quest for THE TRUTH....

2011-12-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

Humankind has been on a quest for truth since time immemorial. Countless individuals have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of this ideal. Many have lived that ideal. But today the quest for truth has become more important than ever before. Humankind stands at a critical juncture in its evolution, a moment which will determine our very survival as a species. The precious Earth on which we live is daily being stripped of resources; technologies that define our modern way of life threaten also to drive us to extinction; religions that promise a better way of life instead lead people to kill one another; and the system dynamics behind it all are so complex that escape seems all but impossible. Yet what if humankind applied collective intelligence and synergistic application of great minds working together on the problems of our time? What is the common denominator, the logical place to begin the conversation? Truth. For if we could arrive at a better understanding of truth, many other things would fall into place. There is only one "truth".

Relative Truth

"In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true."

-- Buddha

Relative or conventional truth (samvṛtisatya) defines our perception of reality. While competing interpretations of truth are without number, people can arrive at an agreement of truth -- what is true or real -- through empirical observation and common sense. Yet this level of truth is still limited by the state of mind that apprehends it. Animals perceive one level of truth, humans another level, and enlightened beings yet another.

Ultimate Truth

"The characteristic of ultimate truth is the actuality of being free from
the formulations of subject and object. It transcends conceptualization."

-- Klong chen rab 'byams pa

Ultimate truth (paramārthasatya) is realized by means of pure awareness. Because realization of this level of truth entails an understandiing of the very nature of being, which is beyond personal self or projections of reality, it serves as the basis for enlightened activity. Realization of ultimate truth does not then adhere only to the transcendent, as the practice of compassion includes real engagement in the world in order to help others...

Yoga Integration

2011-02-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

YOGA INTEGRATION

Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 9:00-12:00

At Episcopal Church In Los Altos

1040 Border Rd. Los Altos

Taking time away from our busy schedules to retreat helps us see and let go of patterns of conditioning and stress so that we can move back into our lives with greater clarity and ease. In this half-day immersion, we will practice Yoga and Meditation within the framework of Mindfulness and the principles of Classical Hatha Yoga (Physical Yoga). You will discover other forms of yoga and acquire tools with which to:

Strengthen your body

Calm your mind

Heighten your present moment awareness

Allow your Yoga practice integrate into the mind, body and the spirit, and discover your true SELF

Schedule is as follows:

9:00 -10:00 Introductions and chakra meditation

10:00 -11:15 Asana (poses) practice

11:15 -12:00 Pranayama (Breathing) and guided relaxation

I will take the first 12 students that complete the advanced registration Please email registration form, and I will send a confirmation email with a payment address.

2011 Message, "Love"

2011-01-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

Affirmation ~ Love

One finds love not by being loved, but by loving.

We can never know love if we try to draw others to ourselves; nor can we find it by centering our love in them. For love is infinite; it is never ours to create. We can only channel it from its source in Infinity to all whom we meet.

The more we forget ourselves in giving to others, the better we can understand what love really is. And the more we love as channels for God's love, the more we can understand that His is the one love in all the universe.

Affirmation ~ I will love others as extensions of my own Self, and of the love I feel from God.
~through me, reach out to sow the seeds of love in barren heats everywhere.

O Infinite One, make me a channel for Thy love! Through me, reach out to sow seeds of love in barren hearts everywhere

from ~ Affirmations for Self Healing by Nayaswami Kriyananda

Stillness of the Mind

2010-08-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Root of All Diseases

Dr. K.G. Sharda, Indore

"Yogaschitta vritti nirodhah"

This yoga means withdrawing the extrovert tendencies of mind from mundane objects, making them introvert and merging them with the basic background of mind. The entire universe (nature) is the product of three qualities of temperament: sattva, rajas and tamas. The state of concentration which is illumined by the light of truth when chitta (the base of mind), is purged of tamas (its envelope of darkness) and of rajas (the fickleness of mind) is yoga.

According to ayurveda, rajas and tamas are the root causes of all mental diseases. They produce desire, anger, avarice, temptation, jealousy, fear, excessive worry and mental weakness. These foibles of human thinking are positively at the root of mental diseases.

"Irshya shoka bhaya krodhah mana dveshadayascha ye sarva pragnyaparadhah"

The passions are all caused by the errors of thinking. It is one's foremost duty to avoid these in the interest of mental health.

The best way to free oneself from desires is limiting the needs of life, particularly excessive comforts, luxuries, and possessions. The man dwelling constantly on the sense objects develops attachment for them. Desire springs from this attachment. From the least unfulfilled desire ensues anger, from anger arises infatuation, that is, ignorance about what to do and what not to do, which causes confusion of memory. Confused memory leads to forgetfulness of what causes harm and which behaviour leads to such harm. Ignorance in these matters leads to repeated mistakes. That is called the loss of memory. From loss of memory one loses reason and directly goes to ruin.

Purity of mind comes from purity and cleanliness of diet. Memory, that is reason, is regulated and balanced thereby. Purified intellect enhances knowledge of self and thus mental complexes are controlled. Besides regulated diet, for mental health, mind should be brought under control and that is all important. Mental control enables one to get rid of attachment, to worldly objects especially, and is attainable through righteous conduct.

A sound mind is the cornerstone of sound health. It would be a folly to imagine a sound body in the absence of a sound mind. Mind is certainly the principal director of bodily activity. Body is only the envelope of the mind. Certainly the mind reflects itself on the body. That is why the shape and condition of haughty, greedy and jealous persons is distinctly marked out. A peaceful mind is bound to have a healthy body, so for excellent physical health, excellent mental health is indispensable.

Today, psychiatrists all over the world accept the truth of all that has been stated above. Modern medicine now considers 90% of diseases as psychosomatic, while previously this was regarded as only one of many causes and adequate importance was not attached to it.

In the last few years, after extensive research in the matter, it has come to medical notice that the majority of diseases result from restlessness of mind. American physicians have concluded that a peaceful mind is absolutely necessary for a sound body. This is why, in the field of medicine, satisfactory results are not obtained for psychosomatic diseases, while through yoga practice the solution is readily obtained. This accounts for the popularity of yoga in many countries of the world. No one can belie its importance today.

We should constantly practise contentment, regularity and restraint in our daily routine in order to maintain equilibrium of mind. The best method for this is found in Patanjali's system of yoga, which enables us to attain physical, mental and spiritual progress and the principal aims of human life - righteousness, prosperity, attainment of desires and salvation.

Benefits of "Restorative Yoga" Excerpts from "Relax and Renew" By Judith Lasater, Ph.D., P.T.

2009-10-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

STRESS CAN MAKE YOU SICK
Stress begins with a physiological response to what your body-mind perceives as life-threatening. For our ancestors, this may have been defending against the aggression of a hungry animal. For modern-day humans, this may be living with the fear of losing a job in a sagging economy, or the health crisis of a family member.

Whatever the stressor, the mind alerts the body that danger is present. In response, the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, secrete catecholamine hormones. These adrenaline and noradrenalin hormones act upon the autonomic nervous system, as the body prepares for fight or flight. Heart rate, blood pressure, mental alertness, and muscle tension are increased. The adrenal hormones cause metabolic changes that make energy stores available to each cell and the body begins to sweat. The body also shuts down systems that are not a priority in the immediacy of the moment, including digestion, elimination, growth, repair, and reproduction.
These adaptive responses have been positive for the survival of the human race over thousands of years. For our ancestors, a stressful situation usually resolved itself quickly. They fought or they ran, and, if they survived, everything returned to normal. The hormones were used beneficially, the adrenal glands stopped producing stress hormones, and systems that were temporarily shut down resumed operation.

To his detriment, modern man is often unable to resolve his stress so directly, and lives chronically stressed as a result. Still responding to the fight or flight response, the adrenals continue to pump stress hormones. The body does not benefit from nutrition because the digestion and elimination systems are slowed down. Even sleep is disturbed by this agitated state.

In a chronically stressed state, quality of life, and perhaps life itself, is at risk. The body's capacity to heal itself is compromised, either inhibiting recovery from an existing illness or injury, or creating a new one, including high blood pressure, ulcers, back pain, immune dysfunction, reproductive problems, and depression. These conditions add stress of their own and the cycle continues.

RESTORATIVE YOGA
The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, the scriptural language of ancient India, and means "to yoke" or "to unite." Dating back to the Indus Valley civilization of 2000 to 4000 B.C.E., yoga practices are designed to help the individual feel whole. Ancient yoga texts present teachings that include the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of the practitioner. The physical aspects of yoga--poses (asana) and breathing techniques (pranayama )--are the most popular in the West.

Traditionally, a yoga class or personal practice session begins with active poses followed by a brief restorative pose. In this book, I'll place the entire focus of practice on the restorative poses. The development of these poses is credited to B.K.S. Iyengar, of Pune, India. Author of the contemporary classic Light on Yoga and numerous other books, Iyengar has been teaching yoga for more than sixty years. Widely recognized as a worldwide authority, he is one of the most creative teachers of yoga today.

Iyengar's early teaching experience showed him how pain or injury can result from a student straining in a yoga pose. He experimented with "props," modifying poses until the student could practice without strain. Iyengar also explored how these modified poses could help people recover from illness or injury. It is because of his creativity that the restorative poses in this book-most of which have been developed or directly inspired by him-are such powerful tools to reduce stress and restore health.
I often refer to restorative yoga poses as "active relaxation." By supporting the body with props, we alternately stimulate and relax the body to move toward balance. Some poses have an overall benefit. Others target an individual part, such as the lungs or heart. All create specific physiological responses which are beneficial to health and can reduce the effects of stress-related disease.

In general, restorative poses are for those times when you feel weak, fatigued, or stressed from your daily activities. They are especially beneficial for the times before, during, and after major life events: death of a loved one, change of job or residence, marriage, divorce, major holidays, and vacations. In addition, you can practice the poses when ill, or recovering from illness or injury.

HOW RESTORATIVE YOGA WORKS
Restorative poses help relieve the effects of chronic stress in several ways. First, the use of props as described in this book provides a completely supportive environment for total relaxation.
Second, each restorative sequence is designed to move the spine in all directions. These movements illustrate the age-old wisdom of yoga that teaches well-being is enhanced by a healthy spine. Some of the restorative poses are backbends, while others are forward bends. Additional poses gently twist the column both left and right.
Third, a well-sequenced restorative practice also includes an inverted pose, which reverses the effects of gravity. This can be as simple as putting the legs on a bolster or pillow, but the effects are quite dramatic. Because we stand or sit most of the day, blood and lymph fluid accumulate in the lower extremities. By changing the relationship of the legs to gravity, fluids are returned to the upper body and heart function is enhanced.
Psychobiologist and yoga teacher Roger Cole, Ph.D., consultant to the University of California, San Diego, in sleep research and biological rhythms, has done preliminary research on the effects of inverted poses. He found that they dramatically alter hormone levels, thus reducing brain arousal, blood pressure, and fluid retention. He attributes these benefits to a slowing of the heart rate and dilation of the blood vessels in the upper body that comes from reversing the effects of gravity.
Fourth, restorative yoga alternately stimulates and soothes the organs. For example, by closing the abdomen with a forward bend and then opening it with a backbend, the abdominal organs are squeezed, forcing the blood out, and then opened, so that fresh blood returns to soak the organs. With this movement of blood comes the enhanced exchange of oxygen and waste products across the cell membrane.
Finally, yoga teaches that the body is permeated with energy. Prana, the masculine energy, resides above the diaphragm, moves upward, and controls respiration and heart rate. Apana, the feminine energy, resides below the diaphragm, moves downward, and controls the function of the abdominal organs. Restorative yoga balances these two aspects of energy so that the practitioner is neither overstimulated nor depleted.

Santosa or contentment with what is

2009-06-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

Santosa (the 2nd Niyama): Modesty ~ Contentment with what we have ~ Acceptance that there is a purpose for everything

Santosa is having a sense of modesty and the feeling of being content with what we have. To be at peace within comes from fostering contentment with one's life, even while experiencing its challenges. When we accept that life is a process for growth, all of the circumstances and experiences we create for ourselves become valid teachers and vehicles for expressing our highest nature. Accepting that there is a purpose for everything - yoga calls it karma – we can cultivate contentment and compassion, for ourselves and for others. Santosa means being happy with what we have rather than being unhappy about what we don't have.

Acceptance and contentment with "what is". Knowing that there is a purpose to every experience/challenge we are confronted with in life. If you approach life in this matter, you are sure to be content with everything that life throws at you, no matter how painful or challenging it is. I know, talking about it is a lot easier than doing it, but "change starts with acceptance of "what is". If you come from that space, then you can't help it but be content!

8 limbs of life/yoga

2009-04-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

Yama, Following the universal "code of conduct"; non-violence, truth, non-stealing, self-restraint, non-hoarding
Niyama, Following individual "code of conduct"; purity of mind and body, contentment, austerity or self-discipline, study of the self and religious scriptures, and dedication to the lord
Asana, Practicing Hatha Yoga or the yoga poses, as with anything else, the more you practice, the better you get!
Pranayama, breathing exercises is the bridge from the asanas to the meditative practices of yoga. The variety of breathing practices are both energizing and inward looking. Need to work with a teacher.
Pratyhara, teaches us about our reactive mind. We learn to discipline the mind to not react to every little thing. Reactions such as judgment, envy and anger lose their power. Withdrawal of the senses.
Dharana, is concentration. It is concentrating on something to learn how to calm the mind. Watching repetitive simple thoughts, sounds or the breath may be used.
Dhyana, is meditation. Pure awareness of the SELF. This is an effortless state concerned with self-understanding, peace of mind and happiness.
Samadhi, is the ultimate goal in yoga. Reaching the stillness in the mind, so that you can reach the divine state of the SELF.

What are different forms of Yoga?

2009-04-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

There are many different forms of Yoga: Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga are all well known forms of Yoga, but there are many more.

Hatha yoga is the physical yoga, 'ha' means sun, representing our soul 'tha' means moon, representing the cosmic consciousness, various different asanas will affect different astral bodies.

According to Wikipedia, “Karma yoga, or the "discipline of action" is one of the four pillars of yoga, Karma yoga focuses on the adherence to duty (dharma) while remaining detached from the reward. It states that one can attain Moksha (salvation) by doing his duties in an unselfish manner.” Whenever you do any kind of community work, or volunteer work, that is considered Karma yoga.

Raja Yoga is different and involves psycho-physical meditation techniques to attain experiences of the truth and finally achieve liberation.

Bhakti yoga is the Hindu term for the spiritual practice of fostering of loving devotion to God, called bhakti. Bhakti yoga is generally considered the easiest of the four general paths to liberation, or moksha.

Jnana in Sanskrit means "knowledge", and is often interpreted to mean "knowledge of the true self". To say, "I am Brahman, the pure, all-pervading Consciousness, the non-enjoyer, non-doer and silent witness," is jnana. To behold the one Self everywhere is jnana.

As you can see, we all need to practice different forms of yoga in order to reach liberation, these are just different roads to reach the SELF, staying in any one form of yoga will not get you there!

Sahasrara (7th energy center), Crown chakra

2009-04-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

The seventh center (Sahasrara) is the chakra which integrates all the chakras with their respective qualities. It is the last milestone of the evolution of human awareness. It is located at the crown of the head. Nowadays, we are at a level which corresponds to this chakra, and our consciousness is able to easily enter into this new realm of perception, which is beyond our limited mind and concepts, and which becomes absolute at the level of the Sahasrara. It is the direct, absolute perception of Reality on our central nervous system.

At the point of the Sahasrara we go beyond the relative to the Absolute, and into the Absolute realization of Heaven on Earth. This is a country far beyond our wildest imaginings, so much more than our words can even seek to imply. This is our ultimate destination, stretching out forever. Our progress towards this goal is a living process. When the seed matures it naturally sprouts. When the Kundalini reaches the Sahasrara, the lotus petals open and enlightenment takes place. You may feel a pulsation in the crown of the head, followed by a melting sensation and a flow of cool vibrations from the fontanel areas. This is the baptism by which you know that you are truly born again.

Ajna (6th chakra), Third eye, between the eyebrows

2009-04-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

Ajna (Agya), is the 6th chakra located between the eyebrows, referred to as the third eye. It represents the higher consciousness, and or the higher SELF. Ajna or the command center has two petals. The symbol in the middle is OM (AUM), which represents beginning and end of all things. This chakra is associated with violet color.

It functions as the central point where different flows of Prana meet and are distributed. This chakra has control over seeing, not only in the physical sense but in the mystical sense of seeing into the higher planes; intuitive seeing, clairvoyance and the other paranormal forms of knowing. And when active, the seat of Divine Intelligence. The Ajna center controls all higher mental activities. This includes intuitive thought, rational thought and memory.

When the sixth chakra is active, consciousness and unconsciousness merge and whatever gulf there was beforehand is permanently abolished. Integration becomes complete and a person sees himself as the union of selves, the I AM. A person in this condition remembers and experiences himself at every stage of his life from the cradle upwards, and he remembers all those individual energy fields that combined to create his particular energy field, including those two most important fields "mother and father". Because his remembrance is complete, he can go beyond the point of terror, beyond the moment he first experienced separation from the universal field to a time when there was only union and unconditional love.

Ajna Meditation

In the Ajna meditation, you will get in touch with the quality which harmonizes everything within you. To begin the Ajna meditation, find a comfortable position with your back straight. Close your eyes and begin breathing deeply through your nose without separation between inhalation and exhalation, and feel yourself relaxing. Take your time and become conscious of your body by following your breath for about five minutes. After five minutes, bring your attention to your sixth chakra, between your eyebrows. Then bring your breath to your sixth chakra. On each inhalation feel the energy centered in your third eye grow stronger. You will feel it as a heat and intensity which will grow stronger on each inhalation.

As it grows more powerful, visualize the energy there as a ball of indigo light. Experience and visualize it growing stronger and brighter for about two or three minutes. Then feel your consciousness move upward until it reaches a point between your eyebrows and feel your consciousness centered in the ball of energy. Then become the ball of energy and feel yourself radiating from that center through your body and into the outer environment.

Feel yourself as the union of selves. Feel your mind radiate in all directions simultaneously and feel yourself fill the room with your consciousness. Pay attention to how you feel physically, emotionally and mentally. The more you are centered in the third eye, the more complete will be the union between consciousness and unconsciousness. In this condition you will feel what seems like an electrical current running through your physical body, and your entire head will begin to glow with the center of this fire being the third eye.

Vishudha chakra (5th energy center), Throat chakra

2009-04-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

The fifth center of force is Vishuddha chakra and its location is at the base of the throat. It symbolizes the pure consciousness, and creativity. it represents the importance of speaking the truth. On a psychic level, it governs expression, inspiration in speech, eloquence, and perception of the archetypal models. This chakra is associated with Ether element and color blue.

On a physical level, it controls the activity of the vocal cords, of the hearing, of the pharynx and esophagus. Vishuddha chakra is the symbol of sound, dreams and purity.

Ether breath: Breath in and out through the mouth and the nose, imagine vastness of the space.
Breath slowly and relaxed. The activation of this energy center favors the understanding of non-verbal messages. The effects of meditating on Vishuddha chakra are: calmness, serenity, pleasant voice, awakening of the artistic inspiration, capacity of interpreting correctly the sacred scriptures, and of understanding the secret language and message of dreams.The person whose Vishuddha chakra is active and in harmony will seek the true knowledge that is beyond time, cultural and hereditary limitations. Resonating with this type of energy equals the freedom from the tempests of the world and the problems raised by the ego. The idea of cosmic consciousness, expansiveness, infinity.

Anahata (4th Chakra), Heart chakra, Air element

2009-04-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

The 4th chakra, Anahata, is located at the heart center. It is the center for emotions, compassion, concern, sympathy, empathy, softness, forgiveness, sentiment, deep acceptance, sensitivity. It is associated with color green and the air element.

Air Breath: Breath in through the mouth and out through the mouth, very soft, and gentle breaths, visualize clouds moving across the sky, grass blown in waves by breeze, blossom petals drifting down, kite, birds floating. Meditating on this chakra can create compassion and empathy.

When we are in tune with the natural rhythm of our heart and experience the warm, nurturing glow that it generates, we know we are connected to the Source of all healing and spiritual power. We are able to surrender to, unconditionally accept and delightfully enjoy life as it presents itself moment to moment. We are in love with life and that is more than enough to make us happy and at peace with ourselves, each other and the world.

Manipura (3rd Chakra), Solar Plexus, Fire Element

2009-03-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

Manipura chakra is located 2 inches above the naval and it represents the fire element in our body "fire in the belly". It is represented by the color Yellow. When awareness rises to manipura (solar plexus) chakra, you may feel more firm, strong, enduring, active, in-charge, responsible, creative, and powerful. By keeping this chakra open, we can strenghten our will power, our determination to take action. Creates assertiveness, and motivation to work, but if this energy center is too strong, it might bring righteous indignation or hyper quality. Do not spend too long practicing this breathing technique

Fire Breath: when meditating on this chakra to open the energy flow is to inhale from the mouth through a small opening, like your are sipping the air (feels like cool air entering your body), exhale out through the nose (feels like hot air is exiting your body). You can visualize the sun, glowing coals, crackling fire, bright light or feel warmth. Do not spend too long practicing this breathing technique.

Svadhisthana (2nd chakra), Sacral Chakra, water element

2009-03-05T18:28:00.001-08:00

Located 1 inch below the naval, this energy center represents the water element. It is recommended to visualize the color Orange and a water fall, a quiet lake, the ocean, or any other favorite water image when meditating on this specific energy center. Because of its location, this chakra represents healthy energy.

Water Breath: in through the nose and out through the mouth, blow out gently through the mouth. Exhalations will be longer than the inhalation. Water breath promotes patience, tolerance, and strength.

Muladhara (1st Chakra), root or base of the spine, Earth element

2009-03-01T17:36:00.001-08:00

Root Chakra or Muladhara: Usually associated with the color RED, and the earth elements, you might choose to visualize soil, rocks, mountain, sand, meadow, etc when meditating on this chakra. This chakra is located at the base of the spine and aids us in our ability to survive and adapt, and ground ourselves. This area once opened is also considered to give us the stability we need to endure the trials of our everyday lives. When this chakra is blocked it makes us afraid of change but once opened will open us up to the beauty and wondrous opportunities that life has to offer. Usually red color is associated with this chakra.

EARTH BREATH: For purification of the root chakra, sit in an upright position (sitting towards the front part of the sitting bones), and start with awareness of the Muladhara chakra. Breathe gently in and out throught the nose; noticing breath entering the nostrils and moving through the entire body, filling you as if it is seeping into all the spaces between your particles; settling, sifting, sinking through your physical form concentrating on the Muladhara chakra. Inhalation goes in from the nose all the way down to the base of the spine and the exhalation comes back up from the base of the spine and out through the nose again. You might feel denser, more solid, grounded. Visualize soil, rock, cliff, mountain, meadow, sand, or any other pleasing earth element or form.

Use the "earth breath" if you feel spaced, fragmented, unable to focus, or scattered. It can create grounded, stable, focus and a centered feelings.

What are primary Chakras?

2009-02-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

Chakras are points in the body that corresponds to a specific area where multiple nerves crisscross. It is believed that through meditating on these specific chakras you can learn to control the energy in your body and experience everything from spontaneous healing to enlightenment. The level of experience and commitment will determine the success (just like anything else in life!) and the amount of energy one can develop through meditating on the chakras. The real key is in using proper meditating techniques and concentrating on the 7 primary chakras in order to keep a constant, healthy flow of energy. First 5 Chakras can be associated with 5 elements; Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether.

What is Yoga?

2009-02-25T23:33:00.000-08:00

Definition of Yoga:
Yoga is a science and we are all scientists! It is a science that explains the deeper significance of all life, especially human life, i.e. The goal of human life, nature of our SELF. nature of God, and why we are here.

Yoga Sutras (ancient scripture), Chapter 1, verse 2 says; "Yogah Chitta Vritti Nirodaha" they explain yoga as a slow gradual process of bringing the mind and all of its activities to a state of stillness. When the mind becomes still, pure consciousness and pure energy unite and become one, leading to knowledge of the SELF.

8 Stages of yoga

2008-12-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

When you are inspired by some great purpose,some extraordinary project,all your thoughts break their bonds;Your mind transcends limitations,your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, greatand wonderful world.Dormant forces, faculties and talentsbecome alive, and you discover yourselfto be greater person by farthan you ever dreamedyourself to be.

- Sage Patanjali

About 2500 years ago, a great physicist, and astrologist, sage Patanjali introduced the practice of yoga (which was practiced only by selected few at the time), to common people. Sage Patanjali is considered to be the founder of the system of yoga, as he was the first to document the practice and philosophy of yoga in an ancient scripture called “yoga sutras” consisting of 185 verses. Yoga by definition means to bind, join, to unite, union or communion. It requires disciplining of the intellect, the mind, the body, the emotions, and the soul in order to come in communion with God or Supreme Universal Spirit.

Patanjali breaks down the science of yoga as eight limbs or stages of Yoga. By attaining mastery of all stages, a yogi can attain Samadhi or enlightenment:

Yama, or 5 universal moral commandments are; Non-violence, Truth, Non-stealing, Self-restraint, and Non-hoarding (another facet of non-stealing). As the yogi truly and honestly practices the Yamas, (all 5 aspects of universal moral code of conduct), he or she establishes themselves deeper and further into their faith in god, because they realize, they do not need to collect material things, they do not need to steal, or lie, they do not need to use violence or be defensive against each other.
Niyama, individual disciplines or “code of conduct”; The five niyamas listed by Patanjali are; Purity of the body and the mind, Contentment and tranquility of the mind, Austerity (Tapas) having self-discipline, and perseverance, and vigor, Self-study, and Dedication to the Lord.
Asana, or posture. Asana brings steadiness, health, and lightness of limb. A steady and pleasant practice of asanas bring, mental equilibrium and prevent fickleness of mind. Asanas create agility, balance, endurance, and great vitality. The yogi conquers the body by practice of asanas and makes it a fit vehicle for the spirit.
Pranayama, meaning the science of breath; inhalations, exhalations, retentions, and extension of breath and its control over the body. Following proper rhythmic patterns of slow deep breathing, the yogi learns to strengthen the respiratory system, soothe the nervous systems, and reduce cravings. As the desires and cravings diminish, the mind is set free and becomes a fit vehicle for concentration.
Pratyahara, control or withdrawal of all 5 senses; As we become in control of our 5 senses, we turn our attention from external world to our internal world and go deeper into meditation, and self-discovery
Dhrana, Concentration; When the body has been tempered by asanas, when the mind has been refined by the fire of pranayama and when the senses have been brought under control by pratyahara, the yogi reaches the sixth stage called dharana. Here he is concentrated wholly on a single point or on a task in which he is completely engrossed. The mind has to be stilled in order to reach the state of complete absorption.
Dhyana, Meditation; “as water takes the shape of its container, the mind when it contemplates an object is transformed into the shape of that object. The mind which thinks of the all-pervading divinity which it worships, is ultimately through long-continued devotion transformed into the likeness of that divinity”. Meditation is a very important part of reaching the universal spirit.
Samadhi, A state of peace, serenity, equanimity, joy, tranquility, a state of super consciousness brought about by profound meditation, in which the individual becomes one with the object of his/her meditation.

I would like to discuss each stage in the next 8 articles, please feel free to ask any questions, and share your comments or ideas. Your thoughts and comments can make or break this discussion group! If you’re willing to truthfully share your ideas and feelings, we can have very good discussions, and we can learn from each other as a community.

So the discussion topic for this week will be the Yamas; or 5 universal moral commandments are;

Non-violence
Truth
Non-stealing
Self-restraint, or celibacy
Non-hoarding (another facet of non-stealing).

As the yogi truly and honestly practices the Yamas, he or she establishes themselves deeper and further into their faith in god, because they realize, they do not need to collect material things, they do not need to steal, or lie, they do not need to use violence or be defensive against each other. So Our conscious will always guide us and let us know when we are violating the universal codes of conduct, in other words, "we always know"!

What is your perspective in how practicing these 5 principles will help you in your life? What are your challenges?

Tapas, fire in the belly

2008-12-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

Our first discussion topic will be around "the fire in the belly", TAPAS. Tapas is key to practice of hatha yoga or physical yoga.

BKS Iyengar writes; Tapas is derived from the root 'tap' meaning to blaze, burn, shine, suffer pain or consume by heat. it there means "a burning effort under all circumstances to achieve a defenite goal in life. It involves purification, self-discipline, and austerity". The whole science of character building may be regarded as practice of Tapas.

Tapas can apply to every aspect of your life, my goal is to evolve furture into my own spiritual path, and allow my light to shine, inspiring those around me to shine with me! I was very much inspired by the following article written by Scott Rose. I welcome all comments, please keep in mind there are no right or wrong answers, just sharing of the ideas.

Are you ready? by Scott Rose

Are you ready to blaze your own Spiritual Path? Are you ready to step up to the plate and evolve? It’s up to you to claim the consciousness that is rightfully yours. No one else can do it for you.

This is the West; there are no gurus for this. You have to be your own guru - and don’t look at me. I’m just a dude; a blogger and shop-keeper, with a partner, a dog, a cat and a garden. The most I can ever do is share paths with anyone interested and belt my own frequency as best I can.

This is not religion; there are no saviours for this. The old systems that did everything for everyone are crumbling, so you’ll have to save yourself and do the work for yourself. Not I or anyone else can play saviour any more - it won’t work where the Human Race is going.

If you thrive on independence, tolerate nothing less than the truth and are always questioning: you carry a chord of Light inside you. If you are taking action to protect the planet and the life that resides here: you carry a chord of Light inside you. If you are opening up perceptions of reality that exist beyond this one and are flooded with ancient memories of yourself in alternate existences: you carry a chord of Light inside you. You carry a powerful chord of Light inside you that is collectively responsible for a massive shift in consciousness on this planet.

Light exists as information. You experience Light as conscious awareness. You bring Light - information, freedom and choice - to the planet, through your own personal growth and evolution. Know yourself! Know that your journey here is effecting something. Take responsibility and take direction for the path that you are on today.

Are you interested in knowing how to take control of your personal evolution? Are you aware of your own personal energies?
There is nothing wrong in ‘taking control’ of your personal growth and evolution. Look at it this way: if you aren’t in charge of yourself then someone else is!

Your personal energies are the sum total of you. They exist as an electromagnetic frequency and they carry the story of who you are. All your emotions, all your experiences - whether you view them as good or bad - are all broadcasted here. Other people can pick up on those frequencies and become effected by them. How are you effecting other people, and your planet?

You have the power to choose the frequency you wish to broadcast - if you are willing to own it. If not, then you are allowing others the ownership of your frequency. Understand the immense value of your broadcast, because what you broadcast comes back to you as an experience of reality. Can you see what’s been happening on your planet?

Your frequency. Your choice.
You can decide right now that your personal vibration, the essence of who you are, is a priority in your life. Start activating your astral bodies, reclaim your existence in non-physical realities and clear the cobwebs! I don’t know what you’ve been told about ‘new-agey’ stuff, but this is what the REAL New Age is about. So… are you ready?

4 Week Yoga Series Starting in Jan 2009

2008-12-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Friday Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
10:15 – 11:30 AM
California Yoga Center, 570 Showers Drive Suite 5, Mtn View
$60 for the full series (4 weeks)

The classes run for four consecutive weeks and introduce the students to foundation level yoga poses (with support), principles of movement and alignment, yoga philosophy, relaxation, and breathing techniques.

Each week, we build upon the previous week. The needs of each individual are addressed and respected. This is a beautiful yoga studio, and the class size is intentionally kept small.

Please register by calling or emailing Faranak on or before Dec 30th 408-368-7668 or fparsi@yahoo.com

California Yoga Center is located in the San Antonio Shopping Center (El Camino & San Antonio Road), around the corner from Trader Joe’s, near the back door of Sears.
www.californiayoga.com