Inspiration Yoga

Asana – yoga poses for feeling well at work

2012-01-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

To stay well and keep up your best performance at work, add some yoga routines to your day!

Your breath is always thebest measure of how well you are feeling – pay attention to it! If you feel tired throughout the day, make sure you are breathing well, and to do so you must be sitting or standing up straight - avoid slouching. If you can, take a short break in fresh air.

Wheneverpossible, do a mental scan to observe physical sensations and emotions in thebody. Especially when you aredoing yoga postures (but ideally most of the rest of the time, too!), make sureyour head is over your heart, and your heart is over your hips. Whetherstanding or sitting, your feet should look like this ||, rather than this \/. Rootdownwards to grow upwards with stability. The body can be relaxed, even whenmaking an effort.

Easy overall stretches

Raise your arms overhead,then take your wrist with the other hand and gently pull your passive arm toone side, pressing your seat into your chair or your feet into the floor. Stayfor one or several breaths, and repeat on the other side.

Interlock your fingersbehind your back with palms facing each other – try to have your wriststouching. If standing, step yourfeet apart with knees slightly bent (otherwise just sit forward on your chair)and fold forward from the hips, stretching your arms up behind you. Stay for afew breaths.

While standing, plant yourfeet firmly in the ground and swing the upper body and arms side to side,letting go completely until the arms flop around you.

For the face and eyes

Lion pose: This is amarvelous way to reduce facial tension and improve your breathing, with theadded bonus of deflating the ego!

For the neck and shoulders

Nod the head up and down(yes, boss!) and side-to-side (no, sir!). Remember, the head moves at the jaw,not from the base of the neck! TheIndian head roll (means yes, no, and maybe!) – make a figure of eight with yournose and relax your neck as you roll the head.

Neck rolls: gently rollthe head keeping your focus on the nose and begin spiraling outwards until thehead can no longer comfortably roll, then reverse the action until the spiralshrinks back to the centre. Stay still with the eyes closed for at least onedeep breath afterwards.

Cow Face Pose: This is agood one for tension between the shoulder blades. Cross one elbow over theother and then wrap your arms together until you catch the fingers of the lowerarm in the other palm. Relax the shoulders.

Backstroke – swing armsbackwards like a windmill; reverse after a few rounds.

For the arms, wrists andhands

Wrist rotation andflexion: With arms outstretched, roll your wrists loosely ten times in bothdirections, then flex and extend your wrists several times.

Elbow rotation: gently curl your fingers around yourthumbs in a light fist (this is known as adi mudra, and is very soothing on its own!). Extend your arms and pull them in towards the body then back out several times.

Press the hands down ontothe desk until you feel your whole arm working. Start with fingers pointingaway (thumbs face each other), then towards each other (thumbs face you), thentowards you (thumbs face out to the side).

For the back and abdominals

Side stretch: hold yourelbows overhead and reach up as you press the heels down. Slide the elbows upand to the right, then up and to the left, without moving the hips and legs.

Whole body twist: standwith feet wide apart, knees bent. Push hands into knees with strong, straightarms. Lengthen body and let tailbone move down keeping the abdomen strong. Pushinto one knee as you exhale, twist body and look up past the opposite shoulder.Inhale back to centre and repeat on other side. Push into the feet to move thebody up and down as you twist, working every joint.

Fierce pose (also called chair pose): stand withfeet hip-width apart. Press the feet down while straightening the armsoverhead. Keeping the abdomen strong, drop the tailbone and bend at the hips asthough you were going to sit down. Stay in a half-squat for a few breaths.Release by standing back up as you inhale and lower the arms as you exhale.

Sitting on the edge ofyour chair, open the knees wide with feet firmly on the floor; roll the bodyforward to hang down between the legs. Slowly roll back up, deliberatelykeeping the abdomen strong to lift you and support your back.

Place your hands on yourdesk and push your chair back until you stretch into the hips and lower back.Keep the abdomen firm.

For the hips and legs

Standing on one leg, raiseyour knee high up, and roll your ankles – really point and flex the foot so youalso feel the effects in the leg. Repeat on the other side.

Kick one leg out in frontseveral times, and then out to the side (happy dog!).

Breathe andsmile!

Striving for improvement, without struggle

2012-01-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I just returned from a week-long retreat at Thich Nhat Hanh's Buddhist Monastery near Bordeaux, France, known as Plum Village. The place simply brings out the best in everyone who attends, and I can highly recommend spending some time there. It is also very family-friendly, and kids usually love it, although the periods of Noble Silence usually end up more like Noble Whispering!

I have been a couple of times on my own, and this was the third time with my children, who get to see and participate in a very different side of life from the competitive, urban buzz they are accustomed to here in Brussels.

Although my daughter and son are naturally exposed to my yogic way of life every day (they still roll their eyes at times), I deliberately never impose my choices on them (apart from the fact that I only prepare vegetarian food - I'm the chef!). So I was truly surprised and delighted when my twelve-year-old daughter announced that she wanted to practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings, which are described below using the Plum Village wording. She took her ceremonial vow to uphold the essence of each of the Trainings, along with a promise to reflect upon them regularly.

The bar is set very high in taking this step. Much like the Yamas and Niyamas (the guidelines for ethical living in yoga) of the Yoga Sutras, but based on the teachings of the Buddha, the Five Mindfulness Trainings offer an ideal way of conducting one's self in all aspects of life. I now have an in-house practice partner, which makes it easier for both of us to see where we can do our best, and where we could use some improvement.

The Trainings are difficult to follow to the letter in our society - working towards them is the point. It is worth noting, for example, that the Buddha and his followers would have accepted and eaten meat which was offered to them, but naturally would never kill animals nor prepare meat for themselves. Even the Dalai Lama, Tibet's highest Buddhist teacher and spiritual leader, eats a small amount of meat now - after a lifetime as a vegetarian - on the advice of his doctor. He regrets this, he has said, but says prayers of gratitude for the life that has been lost to feed him.

"The Five Mindfulness Trainings represent the Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing, transformation and happiness for ourselves and for the world. To practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings is to cultivate the insight of interbeing, or Right View, which can remove all discrimination, intolerance, anger, fear and despair. If we live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings, we are already on the path of a bodhisattva. Knowing we are on that path, we are not lost in confusion about our life in the present or in fears about the future.

Reverence For Life

Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating the insight of interbeing and compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, or in my way of life. Seeing that harmful actions arise from anger, fear, greed and intolerance, which in turn come from dualistic and discriminative thinking, I will cultivate openness, non-discrimination, and non-attachment to views in order to transform violence, fanaticism and dogmatism in myself and in the world.

True Happiness

Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and oppression, I am committed to practicing generosity in my thinking, speaking and acting. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others; and I will share my time, energy and material resources with those who are in need. I will practice looking deeply to see that the happiness and suffering of others are not separate from my own happiness and suffering; that true happiness is not possible without understanding and compassion; and that running after wealth, fame, power and sensual pleasures can bring much suffering and despair. I am aware that happiness depends on my mental attitude and not on external conditions, and that I can live happily in the present moment simply by remembering that I already have more than enough conditions to be happy. I am committed to practicing Right Livelihood so that I can help reduce the suffering of living beings on Earth and reverse the process of global warming.

True Love

Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. Knowing that sexual desire is not love, and that sexual activity motivated by craving always harms myself as well as others, I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without true love and a deep, long-term commitment made know to my family and friends. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct. Seeing that body and mind are one, I am committed to learning appropriate ways to take care of my sexual energy and cultivating loving kindness, compassion, joy and inclusiveness - which are the four basic elements of true love - for my greater happiness and the greater happiness of others. Practicing true love, we know that we will continue beautifully into the future.

Loving Speech and Deep Listening

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and compassionate listening in order to relieve suffering and to promote reconciliation and peace in myself and among other people, ethnic and religious groups, and nations. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am committed to speaking truthfully using words that inspire confidence, joy, and hope. When anger is manifesting in me, I am determined not to speak. I will practice mindful breathing and walking in order to recognize and look deeply into my anger. I know that the roots of anger can be found in my wrong perceptions and lack of understanding of the suffering in myself and in the other person. I will speak and listen in a way that can help myself and the other person to transform suffering and see the way out of difficult situations. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to utter words that can cause division or discord. I will practice Right Diligence to nourish my capacity for understanding, love, joy and inclusiveness, and gradually transform anger, violence, and fear that lie deep in my consciousness.

Nourishment and Healing

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivating good health both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking and consuming. I will practice looking deeply into how I consume the Four Kinds of Nutriments, namely, edible foods, sense impressions, volition and consciousness. I am determined not to gamble, or to use alcohol, drugs or any other products which contain toxins, such as certain websites, electronic games, TV programs, films, magazines, books and conversations. I will practice coming back to the present moment to be in touch with the refreshing, healing and nourishing elements in me and around me, not letting regrets and sorrow drag me back into the past nor letting anxieties, fear, or craving pull me out of the present moment. I am determined not to try to cover up loneliness, anxiety, or other suffering by losing myself in consumption. I will contemplate interbeing and consume in a way that preserves peace, joy and well-being in my body and consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family, my society and the Earth."

"Body and mind in perfect harmony, I send you my heart with the sound of this bell. That everyone who hears me emerges from forgetfulness and transcends all anxiety and pain. At the sound of the bell, I feel that the afflictions in me begin to dissolve. My mind is calm, my body relaxed. A smile is born on my lips. Concentrating on the sound of the bell, my conscious breath brings me back to my true home. In the garden of my heart, peace blossoms like a flower."

You might like to hear some talks given by Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village and at his teachings around the world. You can see each talk on the Plum Village Online Monastery, or look at www.plumvillage.org for more general information.

I invite you to reflect on how these principles could bring more harmony to you and others in your daily life, and - being realistic, and compassionate with yourself and others - gradually begin to adopt some of them. There is no need to struggle; nothing to be forced, and no holier-than-thou attitude to adopt. When something feels right, and it resonates with your highest principles, it will be easy and natural to work toward.

May this year bring abundant good health, joy and contentment to you and those around you.

Love and light,
Susan

Hawaiian Healing from within

2011-10-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Ho’oponopono originates from Hawaii. Itwas traditionally done as a group healing but was modified and taught as anindividual practice by Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona. Morrnah was a healer and in1983 she received a great honor by being designated as a living treasure ofHawaii. She died in 1992.

Thefoundational elements of the practice of Self Identity through Ho'oponopono arethe four phrases:

I love You
I'm Sorry
Please Forgive Me
Thank You

The practice isongoing, in the beginning you might only remember to do it a few minutes out ofevery day. Later, and as you see your outside world changing - if you recognizethe connection - your practice increases. The mostpowerful phrases here are: “I Love You” and “Thank You”. The powers of Love andGratitude are known in every self-empowerment teaching, school or religion.

Repeat thesephrases just like a mantra and the healing process happens. You may cleanselife situations, places and relationships. When something comes to yourawareness – you accept 100% responsibility for that and repeat the cleaningprocess. No guilt trips. No intellectualizing. No judgements. You clean.Divinity does the rest. Ho’oponopono cleaning is "letting go and lettingGod".

Morrnah's Prayer

Spirit,Superconscious, please locate the origin of my suffering.

Takeeach and every level, layer, area and aspect of my being to this origin.

Analyzeit and resolve it perfectly with God's truth.

Comethrough all generations of time and eternity.

Healingevery incident and its appendages based on the origin.

Pleasedo it according to God's will until I am in the present,

Filledwith light and truth.

God'speace and love, forgive me for my incorrect perceptions.

Forgiveevery person, place, circumstances and event that contributed to my suffering.

___________________________________

Ideas for a Full Moon Meditation practice

2011-09-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

“So Ham” makes the sound of the breath, thesound of nature, plus the sound of the serpent (nag), which represents the movement of energy through the body’s energychannels (nadi) – Sushumna + ida + pingala nadi = the caduceus

OM Hrim Hamsa Soham Swaha!

Mantra of higher life force (prana)and centering in the heart.

OM - unmanifestprana, the primordial sound

HRIM - Primalsound of female energy (shakti)

[HA = prana, RA =light, II = shakti force, M = sound of dissolution (anuswara)]

Also a mantraof the sun and several Hindu goddesses, both purifying and rejuvenating.

HAM SA – increasessolar prana – pingala – illuminating, stimulating

SO HAM – increaseslunar prana – ida – receptive, calming

SWAHA – mantra of offering, energizing,stimulating, increases fire (agni)

[Swaha is the wife of Agni, God of fire]

Breathing exercise – alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodana pranayama)

Inhale left – mentallychant OM

Exhale right – HRIM

Inhale right – HAM

Exhale left – SA

Inhale left – SO

Exhale right – HAM

Inhale right – SWA

Exhale left - HA

**************

GAYATRI MANTRA
An auspicious mantra for all purposes

Om bhurbhuvah swaha

Tatsavitur vare-niyam

Bhargodevasya dhimahi

Dhiyoyona prachodaya-at

OM- Parabrahma,BHUR- of Bhurloka (physical plane), BHUVAH- of Antariksha-loka (astral plane),SWAHA- of Swarga Loka (celestial plane)

TAT- whotranscedents paratman, SAVITURA- who is a creator, VARENIYAM- I worship you

BHARGO- removerof sins, ignorance DEVASYA- giver of glory, DHI MAHI- we meditate,

DHIYO- with our Bhuddhis, intellect, understandings, YO-which NAH- is/usPRACHODAYAT- Enlightened in us through your guidance

Moon mantras for peace of mind

Om cham chandraya namaha – Mantra for the moon as a planet

Om som somaya namaha – Mantra to receive the essential lunar energy (soma)

Ganesh Chaturthi - An auspicious day for new beginnings!

2011-09-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate the birthday of Ganesha (“Ganesh Chaturthi”), theLord of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles - the perfect time to beginanew and set your agendas for the months ahead!

Ganesha is the universal master of ceremonies. He is the first tobe invited whenever a puja (ceremony of worship) is performed, because he isbelieved to bring prosperity and initiate new beginnings. So Ganesha mantrasare chanted at the beginning of auspicious and spiritual events.

In India, this day is celebrated by Hindus and Muslims alike, asthe message of Ganesha is universal and not religious in nature. Also known asGanapati, he is worshipped all around Asia, and is loved and revered byTibetans, Chinese, Thais and Japanese. Fearof the unknown is the most basic of human emotions that affect all of us,regardless of country or religion. Ganapati helps us cope with fear andanxiety, guiding us through ambivalence, bringing clarity and a freshperspective. Ganesha resides in the first chakra, muladhara, the foundationupon which everything rests. Seated in the base of the spine, he holds,supports and guides all other chakras, thereby governing the forces that turnthe wheel of life.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar beautifully explains thelegend of how Ganesha became the elephant-headed God:

“Shiva and Parvati had been celebrating and Parvatibecame dirty. When she realizes this, she removes the dirt from her body,creates a little boy out of it and asks him to keep guard while she bathes.When Shiva returned, the boy couldn’t recognize him and obstructed his passageto protect his “mother”, Parvati. So Shiva chopped off the boy’s head andentered. Parvati was shocked. She explained that the boy was their son andpleaded with Shiva to save him at all costs. Shiva then instructed his helpersto go and get the head of someone who was sleeping with the head pointingnorthwards. The helpers brought the head of an elephant, which Shiva affixed tothe boy’s torso and Ganesha was brought to life!

Does this story sound strange? Why should Parvati have dirt on her body? Didn’tthe all-knowing Shiva recognise His own son? Was Shiva, the epitome of peace,so short-tempered that he cut off the head of his own son? And why an elephanthead on Ganesha? There is a deeper meaning to all these.

Parvati is symbolic of festive energy. Her becoming dirty signifies thatcelebration can easily become Rajasik or feverish and can take you away fromyour center. Dirt is symbolic of ignorance and Shiva is symbolic of the SupremeInnocence, Peace and Knowledge. So when Ganesha obstructs the path of Shiva,this means that ignorance, which is an attribute of the head, does notrecognize knowledge. Then knowledge has to overcome ignorance. This is thesymbolism behind Shiva chopping off the boy’s head.

And why an elephant’s head? The elephant represents the qualities of gyanshakti and karma shakti: wisdom and effortlessness. The enormous head of theelephant signifies wisdom and knowledge. Elephants don't walk around obstacles,neither do they stop at them. They just remove them and keep walking straighton, signifying strength and determination.” So Ganesha represents humanintelligence allied with the strength of an elephant.

In his book “Tantra Unveiled”, Pandit RajmaniTigunait writes extensively on Ganesha’s significance. The word Ganesha comesfrom the Sanskrit words gana and isha. Gana means “individual beings, discrete bodies of Divinity, uniqueforces, emanations of Divine Light, attendants of the main deity”. Isha means “one who is capable of doingwhat he wishes, capable of refraining from what he does not wish to do, andcapable of undoing what has already been done.” In other words, the AlmightyLord.

Ganesha is the locus for all that exists, and heestablishes law and brings order out of chaos, causing the universal forces tofunction coherently. As the centreof gravitational energy, he supervises all activities, from the microcosmic tothe macrocosmic.

The forces of creation, maintenance and destructionare held in harmonious balance by his will, which is why the firstborn child ofthe Divine Mother (symbolized by Parvati) is called “Ganesha”, the lord of all entities and functioning forces of theuniverse.

In both Vedic and Tantric scriptures, he is called Brahmanaspati: “all-pervasive lord ofknowledge and intelligence”. Because he also sets the wheels of karma inmotion, he is also referred to as KarmaAdhyaksha, “the one who presides overkarmic law”. As the remover ofobstacles, he is known as Vighnesha.

Like fire, Ganesha (Vighnesha) consumes anything inhis path with an enormous appetite. He gladly accepts any offerings we lovinglymake to him – our problems and concerns are swallowed up, granting us freedomfrom fear and worry. Only Ganesha is capable of consuming our ignorance,egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death.

Ancient texts relate Ganesha with the sacred sound Om, and the curved shape of his trunkand head resembles Om as it iswritten in Sanskrit. Because Om is the source of all mantras, repeatingany mantra is like meditating on Ganesha. All sounds, words and mantras intheir unmanifested form rest in muladhara chakra, where Ganesh resides.

So if you want to tap into the energy of Ganesha,here are some mantras you can chant aloud, or - even more powerfully - silentlywhile meditating or as you go about your day.

Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha – Salutations to the Remover ofObstacles

Om Sri Ganeshaya Namaha - For auspicious and generousinitiating energy

For more serious adepts, try 3 - 108 repetitions ofthe Maha (great) Ganapati Mantra daily:

Om Shrim Hrim Klim GlaumGum Ganapataye

Vara Varada Sarva Janam Me

Vasha-manaya Swaha

- "Maythe abundance-producing Great Remover of Obstacles that transcends thisapparent reality bring all things that concern me under my control."

I wish you many blessings and the strength and forbearanceof Ganesha in the months ahead!

Jai Ganesh!

A balanced view of the current debate on who "owns" yoga

2011-02-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

Yoga, as it is practiced now, is a mix of several techniques, including some Western ones, a historian has said.

Meera Nanda, visiting professor of history of science at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, says for most Indians, yoga is a living symbol of their way of life, like apple pie is to Americans. But, she adds, they are unaware that the yoga of today can't claim Vedic antiquity.

In an article in Open magazine, she writes: "Lately, Hindus in America have started flying the saffron flag over American-style yoga, which consists largely of yogic asanas and stretches. The leading Indo-American lobby, Hindu American Foundation (HAF), has recently started a vocal campaign to remind Americans that yoga was made in India by Hindus… The purist Hindu position, articulated by the HAF, is that all yoga, including its physical or hatha yoga component, is rooted in the Hindu religion/way of life that goes all the way back to the Vedic sages and yogis."

In Nanda's words: "There is only one problem with this purist history of yoga: it is false. Yogic asanas were never ‘Vedic’ to begin with. Far from being considered the crown jewel of Hinduism, yogic asanas were in fact looked down upon by Hindu intellectuals and reformers—including the great Swami Vivekananda—as fit only for sorcerers, fakirs and jogis."

She says Western gymnastics and body-building techniques show up in the world-renowned Iyengar and Ashtanga Vinyasa schools of yoga.

"Far from honestly acknowledging the Western contributions to modern yoga, we Indians simply brand all yoga as ‘Vedic,’ a smug claim that has no intellectual integrity," she writes.

She disputes the 'Take Back Yoga' movement, and says "Yoga is to North America what McDonald’s is to India: both are foreign implants gone native."

Nanda says, "By and large, the US yoga industry does not hide the origins of what it teaches. On the contrary, in a country that is so young and so constantly in flux, yoga’s presumed antiquity (‘the 5,000-year-old exercise system’, etcetera.) and its connections with Eastern spirituality have become part of the sales pitch."

Following articles and blog posts appearing in The New York Times and The Washington Post, HAF’s Shukla and New Age guru Deepak Chopra got into a spat. Shukla complained the yoga industry wasn't giving credit to Hinduism, and called Chopra a "philosophical profiteer", while Chopra argued that yoga existed in "consciousness and consciousness alone" much before Hinduism.

Nanda describes both views as "equally fundamentalist". She explains: "The reality is that postural yoga, as we know it in the 21st century, is neither eternal nor synonymous with the Vedas or Yoga Sutras. On the contrary, modern yoga was born in the late 19th/early 20th centuries. It is a child of the Hindu Renaissance and Indian nationalism, in which Western ideas about science, evolution eugenics, health and physical fitness played as crucial a role as the ‘mother tradition’."

By her reckoning, "the physical aspects of yoga were hybridised with drills, gymnastics and body-building techniques borrowed from Sweden, Denmark, England, the United States and other Western countries."

Nanda writes: "Contrary to the widespread impression, the vast majority of asanas taught by modern yoga gurus are not described anywhere in ancient sacred Hindu texts. Anyone who goes looking for references to popular yoga techniques like pranayam, neti, kapalbhati or suryanamaskar in classical Vedic literature will be sorely disappointed…. The four Vedas have no mention of yoga….The Upanishads and The Bhagvad Gita do, but primarily as a spiritual technique to purify the atman."
Nanda says BKS Iyengar’s Light on Yoga alone teaches 200 asanas, while the 14th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika lists only 15 asanas, as do the 17th century Gheranda Samhita and Shiva Samhita.

She also credits the Mysore palace under Krishnaraja Wodiyar IV (1884-1940) for the popular revival of yoga in India. She recalls: "The Maharaja, who ruled the state and the city of Mysore from 1902 till his death, was well known as a great promoter of Indian culture and religion. But he was also a great cultural innovator, who welcomed positive innovations from the West, incorporating them into his social programmes. Promoting physical education was one of his passions, and under his reign, Mysore became the hub of a physical culture revival in the country."

She concludes: "The HAF’s shrill claims about Westerners stealing yoga completely gloss over the tremendous amount of cross-breeding and hybridisation that has given birth to yoga as we know it. Indeed, contemporary yoga is a unique example of a truly global innovation, in which Eastern and Western practices merged to produce something that is valued and cherished around the world… Hinduism, whether ancient, medieval or modern, has no special claims on 21st century postural yoga. To assert otherwise is churlish and simply untrue."

From Yahoo! India News

Shanti Mantra - the Vedic Peace Chants

2011-01-22T04:21:00.000-08:00

Shanti Mantras

Translation by Sri Swami Shivananda
The Divine Life Society, Rishikesh

Om sarveshaam swastir bhavatu
Sarveshaam shantir bhavatu

Sarveshaam poornam bhavatu
Sarveshaam mangalam bhavatu

Sarve bhavantu sukhinah
Sarve santu niraamayaah

Sarve bhadraani pashyantu
Maakaschit duhkha bhaag bhavet

Meaning:

Auspiciousness (swasti) be unto all; peace (shanti) be unto all;
fullness (poornam) be unto all; prosperity (mangalam) be unto all.

May all be happy! (sukhinah)
May all be free from disabilities! (niraamayaah)

May all look (pashyantu)to the good of others!
May none suffer from sorrow! (duhkha)

Om asato maa satgamaya
Tamaso maa jyotir gamaya
Mrityor maa amritam gamaya

Meaning:

Lead us from the unreal to the Real
From darkness to Light
From death to Immortality

Om poornamadah poornamidam
Poornaat poornamudachyate

Poornasya poornamaadaya
Poornamevaavashishyate

Meaning:

That (pure consciousness) is full (perfect); this (the manifest universe of matter; of names and forms being maya) is full. This fullness has been projected from that fullness. When this fullness merges in that fullness, all that remains is fullness.

- Peace invocation -Isa Upanishad

Om sham no mitrah sham varunah sham no bhavatvaryamaa
Sham na indro brihaspatih sham no vishnururukramah

Namo brahmane namaste vaayo twameva pratyaksham
Brahmaasi twaameva pratyaksham brahma vadishyaami

Tanmaamavatu tadvaktaaramavatu
Avatu maam avatu vaktaaram.Om shantih shantih shantih!

Meaning:

May Mitra, Varuna and Aryama be good to us! May Indra and Brihaspati and Vishnu of great strides be good to us! Prostrations unto Brahman! (Supreme Reality). Prostrations to Thee, O Vayu! Thou art the visible Brahman. I shall proclaim Thee as the visible Brahman. I shall call Thee the just and the True. May He protect the teacher and me! May he protect the teacher! Om peace, peace, peace!

Om saha naavavatu sahanau bhunaktu
Saha veeryam karavaavahai

Tejasvi naavadheetamastu maa vidvishaavahai
Om shantih shantih shantih

Meaning:

May He protect us both (teacher and the taught)! May He cause us both to enjoy the bliss of Mukti (liberation)! May we both exert to discover the true meaning of the sacred scriptures! May our studies be fruitful! May we never quarrel with each other! Let there be threefold peace.

Namaste sate te jagat kaaranaaya
Namaste chite sarva lokaashrayaaya

Namo dvaita tattwaaya mukti pradaaya
Namo brahmane vyaapine shaashvataaya

Meaning:

Salutations to that Being, the cause of the universe! Salutations to that Consciousness, the support of all the worlds! Salutations to that One Truth without a second, which gives liberation! Salutations to that pure, eternal Brahman who pervades all regions!

Om yaschandasaamrishabho vishwaroopah
Chhandobhyo dhyamritaat sambabhoova

Sa mendro medhayaa sprinotu
Amritasya devadhaarano bhooyaasam

Shareeram me vicharshanam
Jihwaa me madhumattamaa

Karnaabhyaam bhoori vishruvam
Brahmanah Koshoasi medhayaapihitah

Shrutam me gopaaya
Om shantih shantih shantih!

Meaning:

May He, the Lord of all, pre-eminent among the Vedas and superior to the nectar contained in them, bless me with wisdom! May I be adorned with the knowledge of Brahman that leads to immortality! May my body become strong and vigorous (to practise meditation)! May my tongue always utter delightful words! May I hear much with my ears! Thou art the scabbard of Brahman hidden by worldly taints (not revealed by impure, puny intellects). May I never forget all that I have learnt! Om peace, peace, peace!

Om aham vrikshasya rerivaa
Keertih prishtham gireriva

Urdhwapavitro vaajineeva swamritamasmi
Dravinam savarchasam

Sumedhaa amritokshitah
Iti trishankor vedaanu vachanam
Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:

I am the destroyer of the tree (of samsar; worldly life). My reputation is as high as the top of the hill. I am in essence as pure as the sun. I am the highest treasure. I am all-wise, immortal and indestructible. This is Trishanku’s realisation. Om peace, peace, peace!

Om aapyaayantu mamaangaani vaak
Praanashchakshuh shrotramatho

Balamindriyaani cha sarvaani sarvam brahmopanishadam
Maaham brahma niraakuryaam maa maa brahma niraakarod

Niraakaranamastva niraakaranam me astu
Tadaatmani nirate ya upanishatsu dharmaaste

Mayi santu te mayi santu.
Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:

May my limbs, speech, Prana, eye, ear and power of all my senses grow vigorous! All is the pure Brahman of the Upanishads. May I never deny that Brahman! May that Brahman never desert me! Let that relationship endure. Let the virtues recited in the Upanishads be rooted in me. May they repose in me! Om peace. peace. peace!

Om vaang me manasi pratishthitaa
Mano me vaachi pratishthitam

Aaveeraaveerma edhi vedasya ma aanisthah
Shrutam me maa prahaaseer anenaadheetena

Ahoraatraan samdadhaami ritam vadishyaami
Satyam vadishyaami tanmaamavatu tadvaktaaramavatu
Avatu maam avatu vaktaaram avatu vaktaaram
Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:

Let my speech be rooted in my mind. Let my mind be rooted in my speech. Let Brahman (Supreme Reality) reveal Himself to me. Let my mind and speech enable me to grasp the truths of the Vedas. Let not what I have heard forsake me. Let me spend both day and night continuously in study. I think truth, I speak the truth. May that Truth protect me! May that Truth protect the teacher! Let peace prevail against heavenly, worldly and demoniacal troubles. Om peace, peace, peace!

Om bhadram no apivaataya manah.
Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:

Salutations! May my mind and all these (the body, senses,
breath etc.) be good and well! Om peace, peace. peace!

Om bhadram karnebhih shrunuyaama devaah
Bhadram pashyemaakshabhiryajatraah

Sthirairangaistushtuvaamsastanoobhih
Vyashema devahitam yadaayuh

Swasti na indro vridhashravaah
Swasti nah pooshaa vishwavedaah

Swasti nastaarkshyo arishtanemih
Swasti no brihaspatir dadhaatu.

Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:

Om, O worshipful ones, may our ears hear what is good and auspicious! May we see what is auspicious! May we sing your praise, live our allotted span of life in perfect health and strength! May Indra (who is) extolled in the scriptures, Pushan, the all-knowing Trakshya, who saves from all harm, and Brihaspati who protects our spiritual lustre, vouchsafe prosperity in our study of the scriptures and the practice of the truths contained therein! Om peace, peace, peace!

Om yo brahmaanam vidadhaati poorvam
Yo vai vedaanshcha prahinoti tasmai

Tam ha devmaatma buddhi prakaasham
Mumukshurvai sharanamaham prapadye<

Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:

He who creates this entire universe in the beginning, and He about whom the Vedas gloriously praise and sing, in Him I take refuge with the firm faith and belief that my intellect may shine with Self-knowledge. Om peace, peace, peace!

Om vishwaani deva savitar duritaani paraasuva
Yad bhadram tanma aasuva

Meaning:

O all pervading, Supreme Lord, the effulgent Creator, we place our faith and trust entirely in Thee. Keep away from us all that is evil and bestow upon us all that is good.

Om agne naya supathaa raaye asmaan
Vishwaani deva vayunaani vidvaan;

Yuyodhyas majjuhu raanmeno
Bhooyishthaam te nama-uktim vidhema.

Meaning:

O Supreme Lord, who art light and wisdom, Thou knowest all our thoughts and deeds. Lead us by the right path to the fulfilment of life, and keep us away from all sin and evil. We offer unto Thee, O Lord, our praise and salutation.

Tvamekam sharanyam tvamekam varenyam
Tvamekam jagatpaalakam svaprakaasham;

Tvamekam jagatkartu paatruprahartru
Tvamekam param nishchalam nirvikalpam.

Meaning:

O Thou my only refuge, O Thou my one desire, O Thou the one protector of the world, the radiant One. O Thou the creator, sustainer and dissolver of the whole world, O Thou the one great motionless Being, free from change and modification.

Vayam tvaam smaraamo vayam tvaam bhajaamo
Vayam tvaam jagat saakshiroopam namaamah;

Sadekam nidhaanam niraalambameesham
Bhavaambhodhi potam sharanyam vrajaamah.

Meaning:

O Thou eternal all-pervading witness of the whole universe, we meditate on the one Truth. We silently adore Thee and offer Thee our salutation. We take complete refuge in that one Almighty Being, the basis of everything, self-supporting and supreme, a vessel in the stormy sea of life

Om dyauh shaantih Antariksham shaantih
Prithivee shaantih Aapah shaantih

Oshadhayah shaantih Vanaspatayah shaantih
Vishvedevaah shaantih Brahma shaantih

Sarvam shaantih Shaantireva shaantih
Saamaa shaantiredhih Om shaantih, shaantih, shaantih!

Meaning: (two interpretations)

By Swami Shivananda, Rishikesh

O Supreme Lord, Thy celestial regions are full of peace and harmony; peace reigns on Thy earth and Thy waters. Thy herbs and trees are full of peace. All Thy forces of nature are full of peace and harmony. There is peace and perfection in Thy eternal knowledge; everything in the universe is peaceful, and peace pervades everywhere. O Lord, may that peace come to me!

Meaning By Swami Abhedananda, Ramakrishna Vedanta Math, India

May peace radiate there in the whole sky as well as in the vast ethereal space everywhere. May peace reign all over this earth, in water and in all herbs, trees and creepers. May peace flow over the whole universe. May peace be in the Supreme Being Brahman. And may there always exist in all peace and peace alone.

Om peace, peace and peace to us and all beings!

2011 - The year of your transformation!

2011-01-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

We are entering an exciting new year with the beneficial and expansive energy of a solar eclipse at the new moon on Tuesday (January 4th), bringing into your life new ideas, people and opportunities that can lead you to a greater expression of your true self and purpose. Make the most of this energy for transformation in this New Year, and have the courage to make the changes you are being called to make!

Choose to see any dissatisfaction with your life and world around you as a catalyst for change, rather than something to be feared or complained about. Transformation can only happen when we are uncomfortable with life as we know it - be creative, stretch yourself, and know it will all be fine. Love is the answer to each and every situation the universe pushes you into.

We all have the potential to awaken spiritually, and the energy of transformation is speeding up this year and next - so use it! Your worth is not measured by your CV, your salary or your house. Find your worth in how you contribute to the people and world around you, through a true expression of your self. You will be richly rewarded for a life lived in the service of others. Breathe and expand into the infinite possibilities that you are here to represent in this life.

Join me in India from 18-28 March for a deeper immersion into this transformative work, as well as spectacular Himalayan scenery, tigers, elephants and daily yoga practice in fresh mountain air. We will also spend several days in Rishikesh with Surinder Singh, a wonderful yoga teacher who will touch your heart. The itinerary will be available this week.

May this new year bring you and your loved ones good health, much love and many blessings.

Love and light,
Susan

Basics of Ayurveda

2010-12-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

From a workshop led by Susan Hopkinson - 1 February 2009

Medicine and philosophy need not be separated. Ayurveda teaches that each person is unique, and is born with a body that has unique characteristics and idiosyncrasies. Every constitution is different, and therefore what works for one person is different to what will work for another.

From birth, we begin to modify our bodies according to what we eat, the medicines we take, the climate and seasons, where we live, and a variety of other factors such as environmental hazards, stress due to personal circumstances and relationships, as well as cosmic factors like the cycles of the moon.

There is no fixed formula for eating nor minimum daily requirements. Ayurveda is not concerned with calories and vitamins, but rather the digestibility of food. Ayurveda, like many other traditional medicines, maintains that most disease stems from problems in the digestive system. It divides digestion into three stages: the stomach, the small intestine, and the large intestine.

Food that is assimilated in the stomach is used very quickly for the building of fluids, blood and lymph. Food assimilated in the small intestine affects mainly muscles and fat. That which is assimilated in the colon is used to regenerate the skin, bones, hair, nerve sheaths, reproductive fluids, and the brain.

All proper maintenance requires good digestion and assimilation, otherwise worn out tissues wonʼt be regenerated (i.e., replaced by healthy, new tissues).

Vata is quick, cold and dry by nature. It governs motion, breathing, circulation, elimination and the flow of nerve impulses to and from the brain.

Pitta is hot and precise by nature. It governs digestion and metabolism and the processing of food, air and water, throughout the body.

Kapha is solid and steady by nature. It governs structure and fluid balance and forms muscle, fat bone and sinew.

We all have a certain amount of Vata, Pitta and Kapha in our constitution and while all three of them are active, one or two usually dominate.

VATA: When in balance:
vibrant, cheerful, lively, enthusiastic, clear and alert mind, flexible, exhilarated, imaginative, sensitive, talkative, quick to respond.

When out of balance:
restless, unsettled, light interrupted sleep, tendency to over-exert, fatigued, constipated, anxious, worried, underweight

Vata is aggravated by:
irregular routine, staying up late, irregular meals, cold, dry weather, excessive mental work, too much bitter, astringent or pungent food, traveling, injury

PITTA: When in balance:
warm, loving, contented, enjoys challenges, strong digestion, lustrous complexion, good concentration, articulate and precise speech, courageous, bold, sharp wit, intellectual

When out of balance:
demanding, perfectionist, tendency towards frustration, anger, tendency towards skin rashes, irritable and impatient, prematurely grey hair, or early hair loss

Pitta is aggravated by:
excessive heat or exposure to the sun, alcohol, smoking, time pressure, deadlines, excessive activity, too much spicy, sour or salty food, skipping meals

KAPHA: When in balance:
affectionate, compassionate, forgiving, emotionally steady, relaxed, slow, methodical, good memory, good stamina, stability, natural resistance to sickness

When out of balance:
complacent, dull, oily skin, allergies, slow digestion, lethargic, possessive, over-attached, tendency to oversleep, overweight

Kapha is aggravated by:
excessive rest and oversleeping, overeating, insufficient exercise, too little variety in life, heavy, unctuous foods, too much sweet, sour or salty food, cold, wet weather

General tips for creating balance

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of good digestion for health and maintains that how and when you eat is as important as what you eat.

Eat in a settled environment when you are calm and relaxed. Savour your food: always sit down to eat, and avoid TV, radio and reading. Let your attention be on the food.
Be silent while chewing.
Be regular in your meal times.
Enjoy a light nourishing breakfast and eat your main meal in the middle of the day when the digestive fire is at its strongest. Eat lightly in the evening at least 2 hours before bedtime (ideally four hours before).
Minimize ice-cold food and drink.
It is best to consume fruit (or fruit juice) separately from other foods.
Eat moderately: avoid overeating and do not skip meals. Eat only when you are hungry and leave about 25% of your stomach empty as this will aid digestion.
Wait approximately 4 hours between meals to allow adequate time to digest. This might be less between small meals and more between big meals. Do not eat until the previous meal has been digested.
Avoid sour foods (yoghurt, soft and hard cheese, buttermilk) in the evening.
Walk for 10-15 minutes after meals.
Exercise without strain daily. Leave 30 minutes after exercise before eating and do not exercise energetically for 1-2 hours after a main meal

In Ayurveda there are six tastes or rasas - sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. Taste is an important guide to achieving balance, and it gives clues as to the pharmacology of food. Generally, all meals should include at least a small amount of each taste.

Examples of foods naturally comprising the six tastes (rasas):

Sweet: Sugar, milk, bread, rice, wheat, pasta
Sour: Yoghurt, cheese, sour fruits, tomato
Salty: Seaweed, salt
Pungent: Spicy foods, cumin, ginger, peppers
Bitter: Green leafy vegetables
Astringent: Beans, lentils, pomegranate, some apples

Dosha-specific recommendations

To balance (decrease) Vata eat foods that are sweet, sour, salty, heavy, oily and hot. Pungent, bitter, astringent, light, dry and cold foods aggravate (increase) Vata.

To balance Pitta, eat foods that are sweet, bitter, astringent, cold, heavy and dry. Pungent, sour, salty, hot, light and oily foods aggravate (increase) Pitta.

To balance Kapha eat foods that are pungent, bitter, astringent, light, dry and hot. Sweet, sour, salty, heavy, oily and cold foods aggravate (increase) Kapha.

Vata diet

Dairy products : All dairy products pacify Vata. Do not take milk with a full meal. Cheese should be soft and fresh, and ideally made from raw milk.

Fruits : Favour sweet, heavy fruits, such as avocados, grapes, cherries, peaches, melons, berries, plums, bananas, sweet oranges, pineapples, mangoes and papayas. Avoid or reduce dry light fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries and dried fruits. Dried fruit can be taken first soaked in hot water. Dates are best taken with ghee (clarified butter).

Sweeteners: All sweeteners are good for Vata (but not in excess).

Beans: Avoid all beans except for tofu, (soybean curd) and mung dal (split mung beans).

Nuts: All nuts are good.

Grains : Rice and wheat are very good; reduce barley, corn, millet, buckwheat, rye, and oats.

Oils: All oils pacify Vata.

Spices : Cardamom, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, salt, cloves, mustard seed, and small quantities of black pepper pacify Vata.

Vegetables : Beets, carrots, asparagus, cucumber, and sweet potatoes are good, but they should be cooked and not raw. The following vegetables are alright in moderate quantities, if cooked and especially cooked with ghee (clarified butter) and Vata reducing spices: peas, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, courgettes and spinach (small quantity). It is best to avoid sprouts and cabbage.

Pitta diet

Dairy products : Ghee (clarified butter), milk, cream, and cream cheese, are good. Avoid salty butter and sour milk, e.g. yoghurt, aged cheeses.

Fruits: Sweet and astringent fruits are good e.g. grapes, pomegranates, bananas, avocados, mangoes. Avoid sour fruit, e.g. most citrus (a little lemon is alright).

Sweeteners : White or semi-refined sugars are good. Avoid molasses and brown sugar. Honey can be taken in small quantities.

Beans: Mung dal and soybean are good.

Nuts: Avoid all nuts except coconut.

Grains: Wheat, rice, barley, and oats are good. Avoid millet, corn, buckwheat, and rye.

Oils: Ghee is best for pacifying Pitta.

Spices : Coriander, cumin, ginger (small quantities), turmeric, saffron, fennel, cinnamon, cardamom. Avoid black pepper, mustard seed, cloves, and chillies.

Vegetables : Asparagus, courgettes, cauliflowers, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas and peppers are good. Reduce beets & carrots and avoid tomatoes.

Kapha diet

Avoid large quantities of food, especially at night.

Dairy products: Avoid aged cheese. Avoid or reduce other cheeses and yoghurt. Low-fat milk is better. Always boil milk before you drink it, and take it warm. Do not take milk with meal or with sour or salty foods. You may add one or two pinches of turmeric or ginger to whole milk before boiling.

Fruits: Favour lighter fruits such as apples and pears. Reduce heavy or sour fruits such as oranges, bananas, pineapples, figs, dates, avocados, coconut, and melon.

Sweeteners: Honey is good (not heated above 40C - see below). Avoid sugar products.

Beans: All beans are fine except tofu (soya bean curd).

Nuts: Avoid all nuts.

Grains: Most grains are fine, especially barley and millet. Restrict use of wheat, rice and oats.

Oils: Reduce or avoid all oils. A small amount of ghee (½-1 teaspoons/day) is fine.

Spices: All spices are good but restrict the use of salt.

Vegetables: All are fine, except tomatoes, cucumber, sweet potatoes and courgettes

Special advice

Milk: It is not recommended to take milk with a meal made up of mixed tastes especially salty and sour foods. It can be taken with sweet foods including grains. Milk is easier to digest after being boiled with spices such as ginger, black pepper, turmeric, and saffron.

Honey: Do not heat honey above body temperature (max. 40 degrees Celcius). Doing so decreases the benefits of honey and causes it to have a negative impact on health (it becomes a refined sugar).

Food best avoided: Minimize heavy foods (e.g. meats, especially red meat, fish, eggs, aged cheese), refrigerated and ice-cold foods and drinks (they depress digestion), raw vegetables (easier to digest when cooked) and alcohol.

Tea and coffee: Minimize tea and coffee consumption. The negative effects of both can be reduced by adding a little cardamom powder.

GMOs: It is strongly recommended that you avoid food that has been produced using genetically modified ingredients. Genetic modification of food disrupts the intelligence of the food and is very likely to produce subtle negative effects in the long-term.

Organic agriculture: Organic food is strongly recommended. It is more nutritious, more humane, less toxic, better for the environment, and has more sattva-balancing quality than industrially farmed food.

Food preparation

Eat freshly-prepared food. Avoid leftovers, pre-cooked and fast food.
Food is more easily digested if warm and well-cooked. Although cooked food has fewer nutrients than raw food, you are able to assimilate the nutrients better via cooked food.
Food should look good and taste delicious.
Food prepared by a happy, settled cook in a pleasant environment will provide the greatest nourishment!

Detoxifying Spice Mixture

          * 1 part turmeric
          * 2 parts ground cumin
          * 3 parts ground coriander
          * 4 parts ground fennel

Mix these spices together in bulk and store in a jar. When you are cooking a meal, place a small amount of ghee in a frying pan and heat on medium. Add detoxifying spice mixture, measuring out one teaspoon of spice mixture per serving of vegetables. Sauté spices until the aroma is released (but be careful not to burn). Add steamed vegetables, mix lightly and sauté together for one minute; or you can sauté the spice mixture in ghee and drizzle on vegetables or grains. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Churna is a blend of herbs and spices which are designed to balance each dosha. You can mix them in advance to keep on hand, or just choose from the list of ingredients and add some or all of them to what you are cooking. It is helpful to use these churnas in their corresponding season, to improve dosha balance. All of them promote good digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

Vata Churna: Sesame, cumin, ginger, asafoetida (hing), coriander, fennel, cardamom, turmeric, red chili, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg. It is warming and calming.

Pitta Churna: Coriander, star anis, saffron, nutmeg, cumin, mustard seed, grated coconut, sesame, fennel, cardamom. It is soothing, cooling, and reduces acidity. Can be used in hot weather to reduce body heat, impatience and irritability.

Kapha Churna: Fenugreek, cumin, coriander, mustard, ginger, garlic, fennel, hing, nutmeg, cardamom, turmeric, clove, red chili, cinnamon, dill, black pepper, aniseed. Helps digest heavier foods like proteins, starches and root vegetables, reduces mucous and gas and regulates digestion.

Aromatherapy

Aromas are also used in Ayurveda to achieve balance. Essential oils can be used in massage, inhalations or diffused to scent a room. Fresh flowers, herbs and spices, incense, and anything other aromas (not synthetic!) can bring great psychological and physical benefits.

Vata is balanced with a mixture of warm, sweet and sour aromas like basil, orange, rose, geranium, clove, and other spices.

Pitta is balanced by a mixture of sweet, cool aromas like sandalwood, rose, mint, cinnamon and jasmine.

Kapha is like Vata, and is balanced by a mixture of warm aromas, but with spicier overtones, like juniper, eucalyptus, camphor, clove and marjoram.

Version française du poeme du Lama Guendune Rinpoche

2010-11-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

Le bonheur ne se trouve pas avec effort et volonté,
     mais réside là, tout proche, dans la détente et l'abandon.
Ne sois pas inquiet, il n'y a rien à faire.

Tout ce qui s'élève dans l'esprit n'a aucune importance
     parce que dépourvu de toute réalité.

Ne t'attache pas aux pensées, ne les juge pas.
Laisse le jeu de l'esprit se faire tout seul,
     s'élever et retomber, sans intervenir.
Tout s'évanouit et recommence à nouveau, sans cesse.

Cette quête même du bonheur est ce qui t'empêche de la trouver,
     comme un arc-en-ciel qu'on poursuit sans jamais le rattraper,
parce qu'il n'existe pas, parce qu'il a toujours été là,
     et parce qu'il t'accompagne à chaque instant.

Ne crois pas à la réalité des choses bonnes ou mauvaises.
Elles sont semblables aux arc-en-ciel.
A vouloir saisir l'insaisissable, on s'épuise en vain.

Dès lors qu'on relache cette saisie, l'espace est là,
     ouvert, hospitalier et confortable.
Alors jouis-en.
Ne cherche plus.
Tout est déjà tien.

A quoi bon aller traquer dans la jungle inextricable,
     l'éléphant qui demure tranquillement chez soi.
Cesse de faire.
Cesse de forcer.
Cesse de vouloir.
Et tout se trouvera accompli.
Naturellement.

Lama Guendune Rinpoche (1918-97)

Take it easy!

2010-11-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

This delightful poem by a Tibetan yogi captures the essence of tantra - enjoy!

Happiness cannot be found through great effort and willpower,
     but is already present in open relaxation and letting go.

Don't strain yourself; there is nothing to do nor undo.
Whatever momentarily arises in the body mind
     has no real importance at all, has little reality whatsoever.
Why identify with, and become attached to it,
     passing judgment upon it and ourselves?

Far better to simply let the entire game happen on its own,
     springing up and falling back like waves -
without changing or manipulating anything -
     and notice how everything vanishes and reappears,
magically, again and again, time without end.

Only our search for happiness prevents us from seeing it.
It's like a vivid rainbow which you pursue without ever catching,
     or a dog chasing its own tail.
Although peace and happiness do not exist as an actual thing or place,
     it is always available and accompanies you every instant.

Don't believe in the reality of good and bad experiences;
     they are like today's ephemeral weather, like rainbows in the sky.

Wanting to grasp the ungraspable, you exhaust yourself in vain.
As soon as you open and relax this tight fist of grasping,
     infinite space is there - open, inviting and comfortable.

Make use of this spaciousness, this freedom and natural ease.
Don't search any further.
Don't go into the tangled jungle looking for the great elephant
     who is already resting quietly at home in front of your own hearth.

Nothing to do or undo,
     nothing to force,
nothing to want and nothing missing -

Emaho! Marvelous!
Everything happens by itself.

by Lama Gendun Rinpoche, Karma Tarchine Lundrup Buddhist Monastery, Biollet, France

Seventh Chakra Affirmations

2010-06-24T04:52:00.000-07:00

SAHASRARA – The Crown Chakra

Sahasrara means “thousand-petaled lotus”, and it is the energy that emanates from the top of the head. It affects our psyche and our ability to relate to a spiritual life.

Feel the energy surrounding your body and head. You can visualize this energy as a violet light that you radiate from the centre of your being, connecting you to the energy of the universe.

The power of the Universe is in me, above me, and around me at all times.

I seek the highest truth and the most healing ways to live my life.

I honour and protect my divine spirit.

I know that all is good despite appearances to the contrary.

I look within where I am safe and loved and protected.

My spirit is eternal.

I love beauty, harmony, peace and joy.

I create my life consciously and with love.

I trust that my highest good and greatest joy are unfolding now.

I am grateful for all the good people and things in my life.

I accept who I am and honour the spirit within me.

I live in joy and gratitude for the goodness that fills my life.

I know my higher purpose is being fulfilled now.

I trust my higher power to show me the next step in the process.

Thank you for my life, for who I am and for what you have allowed me to become.

_______________________________________

The above affirmations are adapted from the works of Ambika Wauters.

The Chakra descriptions and guidance are my own.

Love and light,

Susan

Sixth Chakra Affirmations

2010-06-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

AJNA – The Brow Chakra

This is the centre of intuition, and affects all five physical senses, plus the whole head. It is located in the middle of the brow, and is sometimes called the third eye. Its Sanskrit meaning is “authority” or “unlimited power”, recognizing that Ajna chakra is also our source of wisdom and discernment.

Indigo and purple resonate with the brow chakra energy, and we can visualize those colours as we reflect on these affirmations:

I think the very best of myself in all situations, at all times.

I open myself to know my inner guidance and deepest wisdom.

I align my consciousness with the source of all life.

I believe I am unlimited in my capacity for joy, healing and happiness.

The abundance of the universe is always available to me.

I release and forgive the past.

I open myself to new energy, new people, places and experiences.

I live in the light of my truth and I accept what I know.

I know I am full of grace, light and love.

I create clarity of mind and unlimited vision for myself.

I trust that my life is unfolding exactly as it should.

I am wise, intuitive and aligned with my highest good.

Every situation is an opportunity for growth and healing.

I live in the light of my higher mind and allow it to illuminate my life.

I seek wisdom and guidance in all situations.

I am the source of truth and love in my life.

____________

Fifth Chakra Affirmations

2010-06-24T04:49:00.001-07:00

VISHUDDHA – The Throat Chakra

The throat chakra, whose name in Sanskrit means “pure”, is the centre of communication, integrity and willpower. This is where we speak our truth, and consequently it is also the centre of our self-expression. It affects the head from the nose down, as well as the throat and neck, and shares the shoulders, arms and hands with Anahata Chakra.

Soften your shoulders, lengthen your neck and let your tongue relax in your mouth. Gently smile and allow the face to widen. Blue is associated with Vishuddha chakra, and you can let a brilliant blue wash over your throat and neck, feeling ease and space in the throat and head while you hear the power in these words:

I live in my truth.

I speak from the heart.

I speak my truth and allow others to speak theirs.

Living in truth sets me free.

Communicating is vital to my wellbeing.

I choose my words with care and love.

I love to share my experiences and am open with others.

My willpower is aligned with my spiritual purpose in life.

I develop will each time I meet a life challenge.

I express my truth as creatively as possible.

I communicate with those who open their hearts to me.

I learn to listen to myself and trust my inner voice.

I develop my integrity each time I tell the truth.

My integrity is my word, and my word is my truth.

My communication comes directly from my deep centre.

I trust and honour my inner voice.

I express my love and goodness each time I speak.

I am a joyful and creative soul.

____________

Fourth Chakra Affirmations

2010-06-24T04:48:00.000-07:00

ANAHATA – The Heart Chakra

In Sanskrit, Anahata means “the un-struck sound” – the universal sound with no beginning and no end. Its other Sanskrit name is Hritpankaja, which means heart lotus. It is a nice symbol for compassion, and this chakra naturally affects the heart region, as well as the lungs, upper chest and back. The shoulders, arms and hands are also affected by the energy of the heart chakra.

Green is the colour that resonates with the fourth chakra, and you might like to imagine a soft, green light embracing your heart centre while you focus on these affirmations.

All love already resides within my heart.

I love and accept myself just as I am.

I open my heart and accept others as they are.

I choose to be united with all beings, visible and invisible, in love and light.

I anchor my heart in truth, love, and grace.

Love opens and heals me.

I lovingly forgive the past and release pain, doubt and fear.

I am love. I am peace. I am light.

I follow my heart’s desire for truth, goodness and love.

My core is pure and innocent.

Nothing can touch the soul of my heart except love itself.

Love moves through me and connects me with the source of life.

Joy is my reason for living.

I look for the joy in myself and see it in all things.

I delight in sharing my love and joy.

_____________

The Art of Feedback

2010-06-14T03:12:00.000-07:00

Click below for a wonderful article from Anusara Yoga about giving and receiving feedback!

The Art of Feedback

Third Chakra Affirmations

2010-06-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

MANIPURA – The Solar Plexus Chakra

This is the centre of ego and self-esteem, and in Sanskrit it means “the city of gems”. It affects the process of digestion of both food and ideas, and is felt in the upper abdomen, stomach, and the lower and middle back. When in balance, our body feels strong and capable, in our image.

Focus your attention on the Solar Plexus area and let a warm yellow light radiate from your centre while you let these affirmations soak in:

I am worth my weight in gold.

I am worthy of love, kindness and respect, regardless of what I have done.

I am worthy because I exist.

I honour myself and treat myself with respect.

I am worthy of the life I say I want.

I value myself and I know what is best for me.

I am confident in my ability to make my life work.

I am confident in the goodness of life itself to see me through.

I accept the power of my being to produce health, love and joy in my life.

I accept responsibility for all of my decisions.

I know I am a powerful and wholesome force for good.

I am my own person, free to choose what is best for me.

I choose the power of life.

I choose goodness, light and love.

I choose health, healing and happiness.

I love myself.

_________________

The above affirmations are adapted from the works of Ambika Wauters.

The Chakra descriptions and guidance are my own.

Love and light,

Susan

Second Chakra Affirmations

2010-06-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

SVADHISTHANA – The Sacral Chakra

This chakra is known in Sanskrit as “the dwelling of the self”, and it affects the lower abdomen, the reproductive organs, hips, sacrum and lower digestive functions. It is your centre of power regarding finances, sexuality and relationships.

Bring your awareness to the energy and sensations of the abdomen, the lower back, and the hips. The second chakra resonates with the colour orange, so you could visualize a warm orange glow there while you relax into the affirmations.

I love my life.

I honour my body and treat myself respectfully.

I feel the power of healing moving in and through me as I affirm my worth and honour my body.

I trust my feelings and give them ample room for expression.

I lighten my body each time I feel well in myself.

I am a creature of light, open to my highest joy.

I am grateful for the joy of being me.

I receive pleasure and abundance with every breath I take.

Goodness, beauty and joy resonate with my soul.

I am entitled to happiness, health and joy in my life.

Healing occurs each time I rest, relax and enjoy myself.

My body responds to thoughts of pure love and goodness.

I know my body always seeks balance and regeneration.

I get stronger every time I affirm my worth and honour my choices for love.

There is nothing to change about the way I am.

Nobody needs to fix or heal me. I reclaim my power to look after myself.

I unconditionally love who I am, exactly as I am.

I give others the space that they need and love them just as they are.

As I love and respect myself, healing happens naturally.

_________

The above affirmations are inspired by the works of Ambika Wauters.
The descriptions are my own.

Love and light,
Susan

First Chakra Affirmations

2010-06-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

MULADHARA – The Root Chakra

The Sanskrit word Muladhara means “root” or “base”, and the energy of this chakra affects the lower body from the feet up to the tailbone, including the genitals, as well as the skeletal structure. It relates to our feelings of security and belonging, and whether or not we feel grounded and supported in this world.

As you sit or lie comfortably, relax completely and keep your awareness on the energy and sensations of the lower body. Red is the colour that resonates with the first chakra, so you could visualize a glowing red all around your base.

I live from my integrity.

I love sincerely and from my heart.

I am connected to life in all its glory.

I know who I am and I make choices based on what I know to be right for me.

I take responsibility for who I am and how my life is.

I confirm my right to belong and be a part of something greater than myself.

I know I am truly good.

I am strong and I’m able to handle any situation.

I stand for justice, truth and love.

The universe is a safe and benign place that always provides what I need.

I am always protected and guided. I know that I belong.

My body supports me in living a creative and happy life.

I am open to the spirit of life, which carries me beyond my perceived limits to a higher, more creative place.

I’m thankful for all the opportunities for growth and development that have come my way.

I am grateful for the challenges that have taught me who I truly am.

I forgive and release the past and live in the here and now.

I love life.

____________

The above affirmation was adapted from the works of Ambika Wauters.

The Chakra descriptions and guidance are my own.

Love and light,

Susan

Shanti Mantra - Peace invocation

2010-06-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

This is the text of the invocation we chant together at the beginning of each yoga class. Even if you prefer not to chant it out loud, get acquainted with it's meaning and honour it in your practice.

Namaste
Susan

Om Saha Naavavatu

Om. May God protect each of us

Saha Nau Bhunaktu

May he accept and nourish us

Saha Veeryam Karavavahai

May our work be of mutual benefit

(veeryam = work together with great vigour)

Tejas vinavadhee tamastu

Let our learning shine brightly, and spread out around us

Ma Vidvishavahai

Let there be no discord amongst us

Om Shanti Shanti Shantih

Om Peace Peace Peace

The prayer comes from the peace invocations (Shanti Path) of the Upanishads, which are ancient Indian scriptures which form the basis for a spiritual practice which aspires to inner peace. It emphasises the importance of a fruitful relationship between the teacher and the students.

The invocation of Shanti (peace) at the end of the Mantra (prayer) refers to the desire to overcome the misery from three sources:

1) from a higher power or destiny;

2) from the material world surrounding us (group consciousness); and

3) from the internal world or individual consciousness

Brief meditative exercise helps cognition

2010-05-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to read about the benefits of meditation!

Brief meditative exercise helps cognition

Back in Brussels, but India is never far from my mind!

2010-03-26T04:26:00.000-07:00

Our 16 day voyage to India ended on Monday and, as always, re-adjusting takes time. India leaves such a mark on it's visitors, and digesting new experiences is a process that requires some reflection. A marvelous first week in the peace of Basunti in the Kangra Valley, followed by enriching encounters with people and places in McLeod Ganj and then Rishikesh, offered atmospheric contrasts and different ways to live yoga in every moment - even when the yoga turned out to be Tai Chi Chuan!

We were living yoga on all levels throughout our journey: beginning with learning to accept that visa problems and bureaucracy are part of Indian reality, and moving into the realization that practicing yoga is not defined the same way by all practitioners. Simply being in a group is one form of practice, easier for some than for others, and noticing how much our material surroundings affect our sense of comfort and happiness adds another dimension to understanding one's self.

But we all agreed that nothing could beat the inspiring beauty and energy of sunrise meditation and hatha yoga under the majestic circles of hundreds of birds on the rooftop at Basunti, or alongside the Ganges River in the early morning breeze. How marvelous to be able to practice so close to nature, and now our challenge is how not to feel caged in by our urban walls at home!

Love and light,
Susan

Our Dharamsala Dharma

2010-03-16T04:56:00.000-07:00

McLeod Ganj (Dharamsala) is a wonderful Himalayan mountain station with a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence, due to the Dalai Lama's presence which has attracted thousands of Tibetan refugees. The place has a soft and gentle atmosphere, and it is hard to be in a hurry here.

One of our group members had to leave early to attend to his dying father, and he made it home with only fifteen minutes to say goodbye. We asked the monks of Tse Chok Ling Monastery to perform a special ceremony in honour of the deceased in their marvellous Tara Temple. This puja allows the soul the support to make the best possible transition to the next life. What an amazing feeling to have been able to be present to the beautiful intentions of all these monks here in McLeod Ganj, while meditating at a distance with our dear friend who was sitting with us thousands of kilometers away. Such is the power of the spirit of love.

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Ideas for a Full Moon Meditation practice

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Further reading about the Chakras

A balanced view of the current debate on who "owns" yoga

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Basics of Ayurveda

Version française du poeme du Lama Guendune Rinpoche

Take it easy!

Seventh Chakra Affirmations

Sixth Chakra Affirmations

Fifth Chakra Affirmations

Fourth Chakra Affirmations

The Art of Feedback

Third Chakra Affirmations

Second Chakra Affirmations

First Chakra Affirmations

Shanti Mantra - Peace invocation

Brief meditative exercise helps cognition

Back in Brussels, but India is never far from my mind!

Our Dharamsala Dharma