This is a process of integrated disciplines that has become so necessary in the time line we as humanity find ourselves in. Every day we are so busy doing and coping, creating layer upon layer, that it becomes almost impossible to access the knowing part of ourselves. Because this is a process, a continuum of the practice is necessary until the participant has found the answers they are looking for and the offshoot of this is the manifestation of said in their lives?
The process works from the causal self and ethereal bodies, into the physical body at a cellular level. It incorporates breath, movement, role awareness, touch, sound and deep relaxation, all in one session. Notice of the next session of this discipline will appear on the notice board in the studio as well as in the events column on the website.
While meditation techniques as practiced in the yoga classes, the time period is not enough to fully explore the practice of it. The practice of it is done on a Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00.
During this class we explore different meditation techniques and the reason for this is that some people are visual, some auditory, and some tactile, and not one method works on everyone. According to Patanjali there are eight limbs to Raja Yoga of which pratyahara sense withdrawal, is one of them. After sense withdrawal we use the different techniques to get to a state of dharana concentration. From here on meditation ensues naturally, as there should be no further mental input.
Meditation is not about doing but rather about being, and it is here that great confusion takes place. The experience of dhyana - meditation is singular to each person and cannot be described. By describing your own experience you lead people away from there own experience and create expectation which defeats the subject.
As quoted in The Book of Yoga, Swami Vishnu wrote:
Meditation does not come easily. A beautiful tree grows slowly. One must wait for the blossom, the ripening of the fruit and the ultimate taste. The blossom of meditation is and expressible peace that permeates the entire being. Its fruit is indescribable.
Philosophy is explored in conjunction with meditation, it therefore takes place during the same time, on a Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00.
A portion of the time is given to philosophy. The definitive text on mediation is the Bhagavad Gita and so we continuously refer back to it and study the Gita intensely. However we also compare other philosophical ideas against the Gita in order to test there value. Some of the more modern concept and ideas we have been looking at are: Exploring our hunger to belong, How to know God, The Power of Now, A thousand names for Joy, etc.
All this might sound a bit existentialistic but in fact has to do with living your life more fully, with greater awareness. The following definition aptly describes the message of the Gita:
Do your duty, only as required of you in the moment, in full awareness, without resistance, and no attachment.
If you can master this, on a physical and mental level then you have mastered life. For a greater exploration of existentialism we look at the Yoga Vasistha. Open discussion of the subject matter is encouraged as it is shared view’s that get us to greater truths. Often, actual implementation of philosophical ideas is encouraged in order to determine their value. As the saying goes: "The proof is in the pudding". This is not about my ideas, it is not a cult, nor is it a religion, it is a forum that was created so that we can all benefit from what is being shared.
