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Philosophy
"Yoga chitta vrtti nirodhah"
"To still the restless mind (and thus find peace)"
(Patanjali yogasutras, book 1, sutra 12)
There are basically four main paths to explore:
Jnana, Bhakti, Raja (containing Hatha) and Karma. Raja Yoga is the meditative
path, with the focus on meditation practices designed to quieten the mind.
Hatha Yoga is the Yoga of asanas (postures, bodily movements). In the
process of practising the asanas a meditative quality develops in the
practitioner, which we can name as Raja Yoga. Jnana Yoga is the philosophical
or intellectual approach; seeking to understand the meaning of life, self
and others through study, contemplation and discussion. Bhakti is for
those of a more devotional nature; prayer, chanting, service. Karma is
the path of selfless action through work; aiming to act in ways that will
be for the greater good of all.
As your understanding develops and your practice (of whatever path)
matures, you will realise that all forms of Yoga inform each other and
flow naturally together. My own view is that a sensitively integrated
approach brings balance. In all methods, endeavour to stay in the present
moment and appreciate the journey.
"Sooner or later - either good luck or misfortune
may befall you.
Be still , know this, and watch all desires melt away. ."
Ashtavakra Gita
Chakras
The word derives from the root car, meaning, "to
move". There are various somewhat differing models. A widely accepted
teaching instructs that there are seven main Chakras (energy centres)
located within and without the body, from base of spine through to the
top of the head. No single chakra is more, or less important than the
others. Each chakra has a bija mantra which, when chanted, vibrates/resonates
in such a way as to awaken/open/clear/strengthen the energies of that
chakra. Each chakra has a colour (or colours) relating to it, an element,
and particular qualities also. Thus, the muladhara chakra (base or root)
colour red, relates to being grounded, secure, and having a good foundation
(in asana as in life).
Let go of curiosity, aim for quiet trust
and acceptance.
Gradually sensations are felt, understanding grows, and consciousness
expands.
Consider the elements, beginning with the heavier, more
tangible, moving up to the lighter elements. Thus the element earth relates
to the first (or base) chakra, water to the second, and so on through
fire, air, ether, then going beyond the material aspect, beyond the tangible,
and eventually beyond everyday understanding. Through following the many
and varied ancient practices for awakening and clearing the chakras the
energy becomes balanced, and physical and spiritual well-being occurs.
Simply becoming aware of the chakras, their location, qualities, colours,
and the sounds associated with them leads one further into the exploration
of self, life and others.
Meditation
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Simply being aware as you breathe is an important first
step towards meditation. Being focused and aware is part of that journey.
Focusing on just one thing, for example, paying great attention to placing
your foot in the optimum position to support your body in a posture, this
is concentration. Focusing on all parts of the body at the same time with
total awareness - this is meditation. There are countless ways to meditate.
Because of the wide range of options you may wonder what on earth is the
correct approach. In the same way that Gertrude Stein wrote that "......a
rose is a rose is a rose......." so we can understand that to meditate
is to meditate is to meditate. It could be the sitting, or standing, or
lying down, or doing the washing up, or making love, or walking the dog,
or writing an essay - meditation. Being absolutely absorbed in whatever
you are engaged in is a form of meditation. It is a wonderful thing to
set time aside to sit in quiet repose, doing nothing, being no-one, going
nowhere, simply a being who breathes and sits, eyes closed, attention
within. This is meditation.
"Surrender all thoughts of the fruits of your
actions"
Bhaghavad Gita
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