Meditation, or sadhana (literally meaning “effort”), is the foundation of all yogic practices. The vast arena of yoga stands upon the realization gained from meditation. In this seminar we will explore the ancient roots of this great practice from a historical, cultural, and spiritual perspective.
Why did those yogis of old meditate and what did they aim to achieve? In addition, we will apply those age-old principles to modern day life. Alas, theory without practice is but a meaningless pursuit, so say the yogis. Hence we will interweave meditative techniques and practices throughout the session.
This seminar is a time to deepen your understanding of yogic thought and learn how meditation can become a more active element of your life. Whether you follow a regular meditation practice or not, this is a seminar for you to come and explore the intuitional and spiritual foundations of yoga. All are welcome.
Here are two thoughts or tales to keep in mind as you move through your day…
Smiles per Hour
Speed is calculated as “Miles per hour”;
but life is calculated as “Smiles per hour”.
So live in such a way as to increase your smiles,
and get extra mileage in life.
Comment: Indeed the yogis speak of how the attainment of sukha (happiness) and a’nandam (bliss) are the key aims in life, not anything else. With that one achieves everything. Whereas all other so-called attainments (wealth, status, power etc) are mere side-shows in the hope of becoming happy and being ensconced in bliss. We should always be true to ourselves and follow our most innate desire: Achieving happiness and experiencing bliss.
What Have You Gained
Someone once asked Buddha, “What have you gained from your years of meditation and mental training?”
Buddha answered, “Nothing at all. However, I will tell you what I have lost through my years of meditation and mental training: Anger, depression, insecurity, burden of old age, and fear of death.”
Comment: Through meditation and focusing the mind on a high ideal, then naturally those less desirable qualities (fear, shyness, greed, anger etc) fall by the wayside. The goal is never to overcome fear or anger, yet by meditating on a sublime ideal then those degrading attributes automatically loosen their grip on the mind until they are gone from your personae entirely.
Thanks to all who came out today for the Enhance and Advance workshop. You brought a lot of experience and inquiry to our space and made it very successful.
And for those who could not be there, here is a recap of the workshop.
After a brief welcome and overview, we took some time to introduce ourselves and share what we hoped to gain from the day. Meditation and breathing techniques were high on the list. So we spent the first 45 minute segment talking about and practicing particular techniques. Moreover we investigated practical ways to include contemplative endeavors – meditation and half-meditation – into our daily (and very busy) lives.
We then transitioned into a gentle warm-up of asanas, breath and use of mantra. Just a slow sequence to get us going and bring balance.
Thereafter delved into balances poses and some more challenging standing sequences: From Gail’s request for 2 pointed downward dog to soaring into Warrior III and half moon.
More than that, the poses & our session became a platform for talking and sharing about our practice and what our poses are for. We discussed how it was not about looking a particular way – as every body is different – and how a single person is not meant to do ALL the poses, just those with suit them. And so much more came up: personal queries and philosophical review.
In spontaneous fashion, we entered into small exploration groups to go over particular poses. Michelle (shown here), Frannie & others tackled chaturaunga dandasana, and we discussed how chatur means four, aunga means limb, dand means staff or spine, and asana means posture. Then we practiced how the alignment fits together.
Meanwhile Sharon, Annie and Co. broke down the nuances of pigeon, making it look all too easy, and still others were working on back bends. All in all it was a time for sharing, learning and experimenting.
We summed up day by reviewing how the conception of an idea leads to its verbal expression and ultimately its physical manifestation. With that some shared goals that they had and how they were making and taking steps to achieve them.
All in all a wonderful year-end seminar and I wholeheartedly thank all for coming out!!
Bring it all together and then go beyond. This is a time for you to build your practice from the ground up. Tie up all the loose ends from 2011 and take your practice to another realm as we enter 2012.
Amp up your asanas in an open, supportive atmosphere. That might mean adding yet another version of crow pose to your repertoire or gaining a deeper appreciation of child pose. This workshop will be tailored to your needs and your practice while maintaining a collective flow.
Along with our physical refinement we will set our sights on overcoming those mental hurdles to ensure a smooth ride into the new year. This seminar will serve as a personal challenge, a collective journey, and a platform for you to grow. Come join us!
Here is Tree (also known as Teresa) as she does a deep stretch of downward dog in Sugarloaf Mountain, just south of Frederick.
These are pics of a day trip there with her family. But Tree did not just hike and stretch her body, she also explored the inner recesses of her mind.
The yogis and sages say that meditating outside is very good indeed. Surrounded by the vastness of the open sky – stars, planets, nebulae – there is ample scope to feel and immerse oneself in the contemplation of the Great.
A natural component of any meditative practice is vistara or expansion. To feel that there is much more to life than to feel locked up and burdened by one’s petty ego. Being outside helps break down those boundary walls wherein we can open the doors and windows of the mind.
Here Tree is taking full advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Being in the great outdoors and not doing a backbend would be akin to going to the Caribbean and not getting into the ocean. In both instances it just has to be done.
Thus before leaving, Tree made sure to do a clean upward facing dog pose on that level flat rock. A great way to co-exist with nature – and alas the day was complete!!!
Below is a short video from today’s live sitar and yoga seminar. Together we ventured deep into a meditative flow and engaged in basic movements as well. We had a solid turnout – and more than that – those who came fully invested themselves in the program. That made it an extra special afternoon. And indeed thanks so much to Anthony for his absolutely wonderful playing. More about the program is noted below.
The above scene is from the opening segment of the program wherein we were all attuning our minds to a more subtle and tranquil flow. It was a time of transition: A time to leave behind the rigors of worldly life, relax the body, soak up the sweet sounds, and introvert the mind.
(As the “videographer” was also the lead instructor, it was only really possible to film a scene with no movement and no speech – though there was plenty of both during the program.)
Thereafter we gently came to a seated position where did gentle neck stretches and explored aspects of the yogic breath. A few gentle seated poses got us loosened up and then again we returned to a seated meditative stance where we took our samkalpa (firm determination) embarked on our ideative journey using mantra.
With everyone’s deep involvement & Anthony’s seamless playing, the program only soared upwards from there. We went through some standing sequences accompanied by a narrative to keep us focused on the meditative journey. And indeed time and again we returned to that point of stillness within – in various ways and forms.
There is much more to tell – balance poses, relaxation, pranayama, guided meditation, reflection, story and more.
I certainly hope those who participated will share their tales and experiences.That will certainly help fill in the gaps.
As a co-presenter, all I can say is that I did not even look at Anthony once the entire afternoon. There was no need for even the slightest of gestures. The whole program flowed from an inner feeling and understanding the entire way through.
Thanks everyone for coming out and creating such a sentient atmosphere where the mind was easily able to slip into that peaceful, meditative state.
There is no doubt about it: Life is challenging – it demands our all. We have to keep a close eye on what is going on.
To achieve that, flexibility is a must. Physical flexibility is certainly helpful, yet most of life’s endeavors demand our psychic flexibility. A rigid mind will not get far in life – rather it will be encumbered by the same trappings again and again. Our outlook and perspective must be dynamic to adapt to this ever-changing world. Failing that we will become static.
Just as the above golfer is gaining his angle, our yoga practice helps us reassess our current conditions and future engagements. Closing the eyes, slowing the breath and stilling the mind are the yogi’s sacred tools for keeping an eye on life. As we open our internal vision that naturally clears up how we view the world around us.
Namaskar – Last Thursday evening we held a meditation circle as part of Nat’l Yoga Month, 17 people arrived with minds introverted ready to meditate.
Meditation is not separate from yoga, rather meditation is the main practice of yogis. 7 of the 8 limbs of astaunga yoga (eight limbs of yoga) are meditation oriented, and only one limb is physically oriented. And even that one physical limb, asana (yoga posture), is related with meditation as we sit in a yoga posture when we meditate.
Meditation allows the mind to unfold, expand and blossom; it increases the our psychic domain melting selfishness and nurturing selflessness. Perhaps more than any other practice, meditation is the discipline that can most enhance our personalities and allow us to grow in a truly balanced and loving way.
We all had a wonderful gathering last Thursday exploring the essence of our yoga practice in the form of meditation. Do join us for our next meditation circle which will be held on a Thursday to be announced in October.
The new labyrinth at St James Parish (Lothian) is now complete. It is an absolutely wonderful presentation that can serve as a place for walking meditation, contemplation or simply as a refuge from the rigors of life. Do be sure to take note of this great addition to our community.
It has to be mentioned that Patti Sachs spearheaded this project, funded by memorial contributions, from beginning to end (1 – 2 years). There is more to come also! Patti informs us that as soon as summer’s heat passes a garden will be planted around the labyrinth. Without her vision, diligence and perseverance, this entire project certainly would never have happened – nor come to fruition. And it is she who sent me the above photo with the note that “Everyone is welcome!!”.
What Have You Gained
Thanks to all who came out today for the Enhance and Advance workshop. You brought a lot of experience and inquiry to our space and made it very successful.
In spontaneous fashion, we entered into small exploration groups to go over particular poses. Michelle (shown here), Frannie & others tackled chaturaunga dandasana, and we discussed how chatur means four, aunga means limb, dand means staff or spine, and asana means posture. Then we practiced how the alignment fits together.
Enhance & Advance Your Practice
Along with our physical refinement we will set our sights on overcoming those mental hurdles to ensure a smooth ride into the new year. This seminar will serve as a personal challenge, a collective journey, and a platform for you to grow. Come join us!
Did she find a good place to do yoga or what?!?
The yogis and sages say that meditating outside is very good indeed. Surrounded by the vastness of the open sky – stars, planets, nebulae – there is ample scope to feel and immerse oneself in the contemplation of the Great.
Being in the great outdoors and not doing a backbend would be akin to going to the Caribbean and not getting into the ocean. In both instances it just has to be done.
There is no doubt about it: Life is challenging – it demands our all. We have to keep a close eye on what is going on.
The new labyrinth at St James Parish (Lothian) is now complete. It is an absolutely wonderful presentation that can serve as a place for walking meditation, contemplation or simply as a refuge from the rigors of life. Do be sure to take note of this great addition to our community.
