Archive for the ‘Yoga’ Category

Mudra

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Hakini Mudra
Powers the brain. Helps Thinking and Concentration.

mudra_hakini Considering the fact that I have a myriad of accomplishments and goals which I hope to accomplish in the near future, this mudra seems appropriate to work with. I will be experimenting with it over the next week when I am experiencing challenges in the distraction department.

Historically speaking, mudras have been spiritual gestures from the iconography/devotional practice of Indian religions, Dharma, and Taoism. I am curious if any non-dogmatic studies have been done on benefit of this mudra work.

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Ram Dass: Remember, Be Here Now

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Before Ram Dass reminded us that he was still here, he urged us to BE here…

Be Here Now describes the transformation of Dr. Richard Alpert into Baba Ram Dass through 3 stages: Harvard scholar and social scientist, psychedelics, and yogi. In the beginning, he had every indication of outward success, but was experiencing a mounting inner dissatisfaction. During this time, he began spending time and teaching courses with Timothy Leary, who turned him onto hallucinogens. After several years of experimentation with LSD, Alpert was dismissed from Harvard and began seeking altered states of consciousness in earnest. Armed with a bottle of LSD, Alpert left for India and shared his supply with those he met along the way. One of the most interesting receptions that he received was, “It’s good, but not as good as meditation.” Over the course of his travels through India, Alpert transformed into Dass and provided his Cook Book for a Sacred Life.
  • Readiness; and eventually you will encounter your guru
  • Tapaysa – renouncing the satisfaction of one’s desires
  • Allow for as much sleep as the body demands
  • Eat light, healthy, and unadulterated foods
  • The accumulation of knowledge through study
  • The practice of yoga asana with the end goal of dissolving the mind into the infinite
  • Calming the mind with mantra
  • Learning to transmute energy at a higher vibration
  • Working with the breath
  • Transmuting sexual energy into spiritual energy
  • Each new level of surrender brings new powers and faith
  • Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals – Satsang
  • Be straight and open
  • Distance yourself from the act of lying; seek only truth
  • A livelihood which does not increase your separateness from the world
  • Engaging in action without ego (Karma Yoga)
  • Bhakti Yoga – ultimate oneness with the divine
  • The practice of meditation
  • Understand the correct use of the rational mind
  • Reflect on your own time and space, and remember that you are HERE and NOW

The idea of BE HERE NOW (being present to the moment) is the core of what yoga means to me and brings to my life; and in return, what I wish to share with others.

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Ringing Cedars Reference Project

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

Several months ago, Book 1: Anastasia of the Ringing Cedars of Russia Series made its way into my hands. At first read, I was not inspired – in fact, I was downright angry – frustrated, threatened, put-off. I was extremely challenged. These books were against almost everything that I enjoy (sometimes to excess) in this (mostly) modern, technocratic world. Despite this, I kept an open mind and continued reading the rest of the series – finding inspiration in unlikely places. I was a skeptic.

I have enjoyed my fine dining, fancy shoes, and opulent European vacations – and it’s quite conceivable that I may continue to do so in the future. However, I am 100% convinced that life does not have to be the cold and stressful existence that many experience it to be. Life can be warm, creative, succulent, and exhilarating! The Ringing Cedars books have made me look at life in a different way – I find myself more positive, optimistic, and hopeful. With an undergrad degree in Classical History, College diploma in Programming – and having furthered my studies to become a Reflexologist, Herbalist, Reiki Master, and Yoga Teacher, I am certainly open to new ideas and concepts. I also enjoy combining my technological/IT background with my love of holism.

It was suggested to me that an excellent (and beneficial) project would be to take the contents of the Ringing Cedars Series and create a reference library of their contents, cross referenced by category and with authors/experts in related fields. The challenge, is of course, to do this in a way that does not violate copyright infringement :)

What a project this is going to be – the books contain a vast plethora of information/advice on nutrition (raw food in particular), farming, spirituality, relationships, child-rearing, education, and politics.

http://www.ringingcedarsreference.com/

Posted in Books, Feng Shui, Miscellaneous, Yoga | 2 Comments »

Bhakti Yoga

Monday, November 17th, 2008

I’m no closer to settling on a topic for my masters thesis. However, one topic that I have been given some consideration to is Bhakti Yoga. The end goal of this practice is union with the divine. It attempts to awaken the mind through the heart and therefore, it is for the devotional type of person who usually responds best to the idea of love. In this practice, love in the ordinary human sense becomes divine love through through this practice. Through this love and devotion, a unity between the conscious mind and the heart centre of the unconscious is established, and this unity culminates in an experience of the Absolute. In saying this, I can’t help but wonder: is Bhakti Yoga therefore not a part of every religious tradition? Standing, kneeling, dancing, chanting… they are all toning and aligning the body and the mind while the adherent pays homage to the object of their devotion?

Inspirational quote of the week: “Just take one step outside your self. The whole path lasts no longer than this step.” – Ni’Matullah Wali

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