Yoga

Most of us think of Yoga as a form of physical exercise and stretching, but it is really the spiritual quest to achieve the highest level while in human form, which entails reaching Enlightenment despite and in unison with our physical self, as we are a mind, a body, and a spirit that all must be one to reach Enlightenment. The work Yoga in Sanskrit means union. The union of ourselves and the union with the Divine. Yoga is the general term for spiritual disciplines in Hinduism, Buddhism and practices throughout South Asia that are directed toward attaining higher consciousness and liberation from ignorance, suffering, and achieving rebirth.

Yoga is also the name of one of the six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy. Both Vedic and Buddhist literature discuss the doctrines of wondering ascetics in ancient India who practice various kinds of disciplines and meditation. One of these ancient practices divides the practice of yoga into eight stages.

·         Yama- the stage of restraint from vice, learning will and self control

·         Niyama-observance of purity and virtue, honesty, removing of the disturbance of uncontrolled desires. This does not necessarily mean sex, depending on the practice, but the uncontrolled desire for sex would still be included

·         Asana-posture, this is the stage of the physical control, being able to maintain postures as a form of mentally controlling the physical form

·         Pranayama-breath control, to calm the physical body and control it

·         Pratyahara- withdrawal of the senses allow you to detach the mind from the external world. This would allow you to concentrate fully on internal issues of the last three stages

·         Dharana-concentration in all forms, being able to focus utterly and completely on singular or multiple tasks without unwanted mental or external interruptions

·         Dhyana-meditation to achieve control over the physical form and external forces

·         Samadhi-a complete state of deep absorption into one’s self to communicate with the Divine. The object of meditation and the goal of many kinds of yoga. In Buddhism the term refers to any state of one-pointed concentration. In Hinduism it signifies the highest levels of mystical contemplation, in which the individual consciousness becomes identified with the Godhead. Through such practices yogis acquire miraculous powers, which must ultimately be renounced to attain the highest state. In Samadhi the subject-object distinction and one’s sense of an individual self disappear in a state usually described as one of supreme peace, bliss and illumination. A common feature of different traditions of yoga is one-pointed concentration on a chosen object, whether a part of the body, the breath, a mantra, a diagram, a deity, or an idea.

Hindu traditions in general recognizes three main kinds of yoga:

·         Jnana yoga is the path of realization and wisdom

·         Bhakti yoga is the path of love and devotion to a personal God

·         Karma yoga is the path of selfless action

Brow Chakra Yoga Posture

Matsyasana

The two versions of this position help to
focus energy at the Brow Chakra

1)      For the top version, begin by kneeling on a blanket or mat. Place the palms of your hands on the floor behind you, fingers pointing forwards, bending your elbows.

2)      2) Lean back and breathe in. As you breath out, let your head drop backwards and arch your back slightly. Breathe normally, focusing on your brow chakra.

3)      For the second version of this position or posture, sit with your legs out in front of you with feet together. Place the palms of your hands under your hips, bending your elbows behind you.

4)      Lean back onto your elbows, and breathe in. As you breathe out, lean backwards until you are supporting yourself on your arms. Allow your head to drop backwards and arch your back slightly. Breathe normally, again focusing on your brow chakra.

5)      When you are ready to come out of this position, allow your elbows to slide away, lowering yourself to a lying position.

6)       Roll on to your side and sit up