Advice for Sadhana by Amma

“We are like pure rainwater that has become impure by falling in the gutter. The water in the gutter needs to be cleaned by connecting it to a river, and this is what sadhana does. Even though we are, in reality, the untainted Atman, because we are bound to the gross, physical world, there are impure vasanas (tendencies) present within us. We have to purify our minds by discriminating between the eternal and the ephemeral, and through meditation. And as we are purified by meditating, we grow strong.”

Amma Embracing the world for Peace and Harmony

Healing from a Sufi Perspective

The following is an except from Mystic Saint's Blogspot:

The goal of the Sufi and all spiritual paths is nearness to God. In Sufism this is done via following the Sufi path and practices and Jihad or struggling against the lower self or nafs. It is the lower self that keeps humans distant from God. Islam and Sufism is about surrendering to the will of God through following this path. Once near God, alterations of mechanistic laws may occur. This nearness to Allah is the explanation of so-called miracles performed within religious contexts of ancient times and today.

Spiritual Energy Healing in the Sufi Way

Meditation Madness

Meditation is a frame of mind. Or, better, its removing the frame of concepts attached to the mind.

Removing or dissolving or coming face to face with your ideas, concepts and expectations can be frightening, magical, an awakening or a terror.

Meditation asks us to see beyond the surface image of all things. It invites us into ‘what is.’

For a Western mind, it can come as a shattering experience. Or it can come as a most beloved and desired gift.

A typical response to googling ‘benefits of meditation’ is from ABC Yoga.

There are many articles if you’d like to do your own research.

However, there are quite a few on the ‘dangers of meditation’ also.

Before beginning meditation, I’d highly recommend students to do some research of their own, and take some responsibility for their chosen path. Make sure you ask your teacher any questions you have, and by all means, if you belong to a religious group, please consult your minister before commencing any meditation program.

An easy way to find out the dangers or criticisms of a chosen subject is to google them – there are plenty of blogs and personal experiences online.

Namaste

Taking the Star Out of the Pose

Taking the Star out of the Pose.

Being an instructor, especially one that is representing a company like Les Mills who promotes a strong star quality in their elite instructors, creates a persona that can be in conflict with the very theme of the instructor’s life.

Body Balance is a fun and rewarding exercise option that introduces superficial aspects of several esoteric eastern systems. It westernizes long standing eastern concepts into easily digestible bite sizes, and entertains us while we learn.

As an instructor, Body Balance emphasises technique and performance and visual perfection above in depth understanding of the benefits and history of poses.

In October of 2007, I left instructing behind, with the intention of getting back to ‘me’. I envisioned myself training, with me as the centre, rather than my students.

The work has paid off, though, it has left me unable to go back. I have no intention of teaching Body Balance again.

Let me say again, that Body Balance has its place in exercise centres. It fills a gap, between aerobics and asana practice – for people who are curious and want to experience a hybrid option. Its uplifting and brings people together in a way they might never have had the chance to before and I continue to support the Les Mill’s team.

However, it is time for me to turn to the elements in my life that resonate clearly for me. And that is by returning to study yoga, qigong and meditation techniques.

I won’t be as employable. I won’t have as many doors open, and I won’t be shining my inner star for Body Balance any more - but I will feel true to myself, and with that, more peaceful.

Les Mills, and Body Balance, and all that you represent – thank you for the ride! Its time for me to get off here.

Living Yoga Off the Mat

Yoga is Unity.

The study of yoga, is the study of unity.

When we, in the West, study yoga, we often mean that we study poses, or asanas. Asanas are a part of hatha yoga, but by no means, its entirety.

Asana based yoga focuses on learning poses, and people are often drawn to it for the positive physical effects of disciplined training. They may, at a later date, discover other positive side effects from practicing asanas.

In contrast, the concept of living yoga off the mat is taking the philosophy of yoga (its foundation stone of unity) with us, even when we roll up our mat. This concept is for people who are interested in putting the theory of unity into ‘real life’.

It includes the study of the self in relationship to itself, the family, friends, society and the world. It includes the study of unity with regards to the environment, politics, sociology, science and religion. It is, in the broadest terms, the study of the application of unity to life itself.

Unity does seem to infer the concept of integral ‘oneness’ or wholeness at some stage of existence.

However, if we are to deal with the reality of the sense of ‘self’ that we experience, the sense of our own individuality, then we need to come to an understanding of how to bridge the gap between me and you, rather than to go into further discussions about why and how we feel isolated. At this point in time, this blog needs to set some boundaries for its expression. There are many other places to discover the why and how of the individual’s sense of isolation.

This idea, of living the philosophy of yoga, is for people who already believe in the philosophy of yoga, and wish to learn, to discuss, to create and be the embodiment of their belief.

I’ll label future posts dealing with this subject as ‘off the mat’.

I created a group on facebook called 'Living Yoga Off The Mat'. If this topic seems relevant to you, consider yourself invited. You need to be signed in to facebook to access this link.

That question again!

In an open inquiry I read (the letter has been edited for the sake of clarity) -

“Does God, in any form, exist?

I cannot grasp the idea of a religion.

I cannot even grasp the concept of faith, in any form.

I want to be able to grasp the idea of faith, but find it impossible.

Help clarify faith for me.

I long to understand faith or religion of any type, because knowledge alone seems pretty lonely a thing to have all my life.”


I’ve been contemplating for a few days whether to answer or not.

I’m only going to give another opinion to a person who is already confused. Sometimes, in these cases, less is more.
Finally, I woke up today, and knew I had to contribute. This is what I wrote -


“I’m touched by your concern and honest struggle. Let me ask you some questions for your consideration.

What do you mean by ‘God’? Can you explain what the term ‘god’ is, to you (not what other people say, but what you ‘think’ and ‘feel’, if there was a god)

Religion is not god. Its human’s ‘rules and rituals’ concerning their beliefs about god.

Faith – in what? What do you want to have faith in? What is it you are really seeking?

The only proof of ‘faith’ that you need is your own existence. You are a manifestation, of something. What is that something? Where does it come from? How can we discover it?

The questions – and the answer?

The micro-macro theory helps. It’s a system that suggests we look at the one, so that we can see the all. The laws of nature – at a miniscule level… and thus, the fascination of quantum physics by open minded spiritual seekers.

This is only a little step. But guess what?

Even though the Buddha came up with the eightfold path, you know what he did to become enlightened?

He sat under a tree and said ‘I’ve been searching and searching for the answer. I’m still no closer to the truth. I give up. I’m going to sit here and meditate until I find the answer.’ He gave up searching, and just ‘existed’. And then, bang. “

As always, comments welcome.

Yoga is for new age hippies

Yoga outside of the first circle of the gyre.

This article is related to another post that you can read here.

Yoga is for new age hippies who are self deluded.

Yoga is a cop out for the disillusioned.

I have read these two descriptions of yoga in the past week and I believe it.

After the initial surprise of what I thought of as an attack upon me personally, I weighed the words and began to agree with what is in effect, a description of myself.

I am self deluded and I am disillusioned.

Yoga, for me, has been a way to protect myself from the society I was born into. A society where I was faced with lies, false values, selfishness, contradictions, deceit and told it was ‘just the way things work’.

Somebody the other day, after I asked their advice about how to deal with life as it is, told me to learn the weaknesses of my fellow man (woman and child) and ride it to the top of what ever I wanted for myself.

In otherworlds, manipulate your weaknesses for my benefit.

I have heard this advice more than once. I am usually disappointed and unhappy and go and practice some yoga to feel better.

This time I thought about it.

I came to the conclusion (for the present). I do use yoga as a bandaid for the hurts I feel in life. But, I thought of something else too.

If we just expand the idea of yoga a little further, then we have the ability, all of us, to turn the disillusion into illusion. Not only for ourelves, but for the world.

We are no longer ‘copping out’, but living the values we believe in.

How?

Yoga is about unity.

When we sit in our class, we are talking about unity of breath and movement. We are talking about the unity of mind and body. We can, if advanced, talk about unity with The Big Consciousness Out There Somewhere.

I am not saying this is wrong.

All I’m saying is that we need to expand our idea of unity to incorporate it into our daily life as well.

To live our yoga.

So we are not just using yoga as a way to heal our minds after being faced with consumerism and materialism and self focused values, but as a philosophy of life.

The united nations – The unity of nations. Not about making them all the same, but about finding the ‘common’ among them and discussing issues for all nations.

(let’s not discuss the failings as yet – lets just notice how many groups of people say the believe in yoga (unity), and how they do it, and gain insight and information about how this idea can continue.)

Community – Unity – That’s what we are suppose to belong to. A unity of our commons. Our society is based on the idea of yoga.

If we put our mind to unity – if we find a way to merge our commons, we grow strong.

We are no longer a ‘cop out’ – a disillusioned and deluded individual seeking solace from some eastern philosophy.

We are, instead, a strong voice (and $) behind our values of unity.

And practically, what does that mean?

Intelligent question. It means, in practical sense, put your money where your mouth is.

If you are going to be more than a fad yoga practitioner, then you need to do a little research.

I’ve added some links below for your perusal .

If we want to work together, then you need to talk. You need to leave comments, you need to involve yourself.

And that doesn’t mean you can miss your hatha yoga practice in the morning. The self just has to be involved in putting its philosophy into action in its wider gyre.

Friends of the Earth

Footprints Network

Oxfam International

World Vision - coffee article

Qigong in a Rain Forrest

I love to do yoga and qigong outside. Its not just the fresh air that’s so beneficial, it’s the play of the environment on your senses.

Last week we were visiting Mapleton Falls National Park. Its inland, between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, in Queensland, Australia.

I practiced qigong breathing exercises and completed half of the Lohan form before mosquitoes made their presence felt.

The air is dense and heavy with humidity. You can smell the earth and the creation with each breath. The interplay of yin and yang is emphasized. My movements were soft and fluid.

Yin and Yang

Qigong is the interplay of opposites. The breathing in and out. The movements are always finding the balance between the two. In a rainforest, we’re dealing with the heavy wet earth. The yin is emphasized. But as you breath in and reach upwards, towards the sky and the yang element, one can almost feel the yearning of the young thin trees reaching for the sun.

We’re held down on the earth. We’re heavy and grounded. But the sun and the light pulls us upwards in a never ending interplay.

Finding the balance between the two. Moving with the flow. Allowing the breath its full range, and keeping the body soft and gentle.

And don’t forget the insect repellent.

For more on Lohan Qigong

Body Harmoni

What is Body Harmoni?
Body Harmoni is a combination of qigong, yoga and body awareness exercises.

Body Harmoni’s Aim
The aim is to introduce a new awareness and appreciation of the body to each member of the class. (ie NOT force feed a particular theory of breathing or yoga or qigong) The class is primarily about the STUDENT, not the teacher.

Why Body Harmoni?
I created Body Harmoni in 2005 as a softer, introductory class for people who were interested in a gentle form of exercise and were not particularly fond of the idea of yoga or qigong. It was a way for me to rename (and hence remove some of the stigma attached to yoga/qigong) and reinvent beneficial exercises.

Who is Body Harmoni for?
Instructors - This information is aimed at opening the minds of Western instructors of the Eastern arts. Its designed to inspire other instructors to combine the knowledge they have into interesting and new class ideas.
Students – Body Harmoni is for people who are looking for a softer, relaxed and gentle class aimed at slowing the breath down and increasing body awareness.

Who can teach this class?
Any one who has a broad base of knowledge of differing exercises and who is not hung up on their technique being the best one. If you understand that the real purpose of this exercise is to promote love of movement, enjoyment of breathing, heightened awareness and that yoga/qigong/pilates are ONLY tools to get us to the next stage, this type of class is for you.

What do we do?
There will be a brief explanation of the class before each lesson. Then we will concentrate on the exercises them selves. Each lesson plan has a 10% lesson change after two weeks when we’ll introduce several new exercises into the familiar pattern. The over riding themes for the class are exploration and enjoyment.


Class Samples

Class 1

The class begins with
Yang Breathing (Tan Tien breathing)

We warm up with
swinging arms and ten minutes of qigong exercises designed to warm the entire body.

Learn
Scoop the stream (exercise one of the precious eight)

Then we move on to
Yoga-
Building awareness
Roll downs
Pelvis tilt

Mountain pose,Warrior II,(standing strength)
Tree, Eagle,(balance)
Down ward facing dog, (inversion)
Cobra, camel, (back bends)
seated wide angle pose sequence, (forward bends)
cross legged twist. (twists)

We finish off the class with
Savasana (guided relaxation)


Class 2

The class begins with
Yang Breathing (Tan Tien breathing)

We warm up with
swinging arms and ten minutes of qigong exercises designed to warm the entire body.

Learn
Press the sky (exercise two of the precious eight)

Then we move on to
Yoga-
Building awareness
Roll downs
Pelvis tilt

Mountain pose, side angle stretch (standing strength)
Hand to foot, warrior III (balance)
Down ward facing dog, hare pose (inversion)
Cobra, bridge (back bends)
Wide legged forward fold, cobblers pose, (forward bends)
Revolved dynamic laying (twists)

We finish off the class with
Savasana (guided relaxation)


Class 3

Your energy is where your mind is. Keep your thoughts disciplined and focused on the exercises and on the breath. Anchor with your feet and let the rest of your body rise upward.

Stance-Wu Chi

Abdominal breathing

Exercises one to three of the precious eight

Scoop the stream
Press the sky
The archer

Yoga Asanas

Cross legged forward fold (restorative)

Sun salutations

Mountain Pose (standing)
Triangle Pose (standing)

Dancer (balance)
Half moon (balance)

Reclining hero Pose (back bend)
Crescent Moon Pose (back bend)

Down Face Dog (inversion)
Hare Pose (inversion)

Intense forward stretch (forward fold)
Three limbed forward bend (forward fold)

Passive opening out twist (twist)
Sage twist III

Savasana (guided relaxation)


Class 4

Use the warm up in the class to clear the mind. Bring your awareness into your body and your breath. Be disciplined with your mind.

Stance-Wu Chi

Abdominal breathing

Light Qigong warm up

The archer – exercise three of the precious eight


Yoga Asanas

Sun salutations

Mountain Pose (standing)
Warrior I (standing)

Warrior III (balance)
Star (balance)

Camel (back bend)

Child’s pose (restorative)

Shoulder stand (inversion)

Gorilla stance (forward fold)

Lunge twist (twist)

Savasana (guided relaxation)


If you need any help getting started, feel free to contact me.