Yoga Nidra

What is yoga nidra?

It is a state in which you are neither asleep nor awake. If you fall asleep, it is not yoga nidra. If you remain awake, then too it is not yoga nidra. If dreams overtake you, it is not yoga nidra. Yoga nidra is a state in which there is awareness of the conscious, subconscious and unconscious fields of your mind all at one time. It is a perfect therapy. It removes all psychological abnormalities and samskaras, and helps you to become your normal, natural self.

Patanjali has defined yoga as the control of the chitta vrittis, mental modifications. Good behaviour is the outcome of the chitta vrittis; similarly, bad behaviour is also the outcome of the chitta vrittis. Our conscious, subconscious and unconscious fields are our chitta. Simultaneous awareness of these three fields is Aham asmi or ‘I am’. This state in which you are aware but not aware that you are aware comes in yoga nidra. Thereafter a process of sure but imperceptible sublimation takes place within.

Benefits of Yoga Nidra
» Yoga nidra induces deep relaxation at all the levels – physical, mental and emotional.
» Yoga nidra can be used to change the nature of mind along the positive lines.
» The quality of sleep improves dramatically by practicing yoga nidra.
» The work efficiency increases manifolds by practicing yoga nidra.
» Yoga nidra is highly effective in removing stress.
» The diseases like insomnia, hypertension, depression, asthma, digestive disorders, migraine and ulcers can be cured by yoga nidra.
» The practice of yoga nidra shifts pressures from the coronary system.
» It exerts positive influence on the physical matter in the brain.
» Yoga nidra awakens the psychic body and gives the practitioner, experiences of the astral plane.
» The process of learning anything becomes very quick by yoga nidra

Join me for a session & feel the magic for yourself!

Subtle Anatomy- Let's know our body!

Subtle Anatomy

All of the following terms have originated from Sanskrit. The ancient language of India. Though having their unique roles and benefits they have commonalities ie all are related to “Prana” the life force, all can not be seen physically. Knowledge of these and practises ie, Pranayama & asanas will help enhance your experience of all and bring wellbeing into your life.


CHAKRAS
Chakra means "wheel" and it refers to each of the seven energy centers of our consciousness, our energy system. There are seven chakras in our bodies.These are our “Energy points”. Each chakra can be associated with particular part of the body and particular functions. These start at the base of the spine and go up through the head. Each chakra has a different frequency of vibration, symbol, color, and sound that it is attuned to. When your chakras are not vibrating or spinning properly you are unable to move your physical, emotional, and mental body onto a higher spiritual level. Basically, if our charkas are working fine we would feel energetic, free from mental & physical pain. Let’s look at the Visuddha-Throat chakra. The aspects of expressing and receiving. Expressing can be in the form of communicating what one wants and what one feels. Someone who has difficulty in expressing themselves, suppressing their feelings and thoughts would be having difficulty with this charka. Some poses you can practise for this are Fish (Matysasana), Supported Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana), Camel (Ustrasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) and Plow Pose (Halasana)

The main seven charkas are Sahasharara, Ajna, Vishuddha, Anahatta, Manipurs, Swadisthana, Muladhara.


BANDHAS
Bandha means "Lock or restraint". They are locks, which prevent the outward flow of energy by directing energy inward thus activating the nadis and the energy body. It may be defined as a particular focused and intentional action involving pressure or contraction of the muscles. They can be achieved by pure concentration. Bandhas are like a “Control device”. They not only affect the body and energy, but also builds the mind and spiritual centers in the body. They are tools that restore hormonal balance in the body making you happy and relaxed.
There are three classic bandhas, Jalandhar Bandha, Mool Bandha and Udyaan Bandha.

NADIS
Nadis are thought to carry a life force energy or “prana”. Nadis are not nerves but rather channels for the flow of consciousness. The literal meaning of nadi is'flow'. Just as you have a fuel pipes in a car supplying fuel to the required areas in the same way, Prana flows through every part of our body via these nadis. There are 72,000 or more such channels or networks.
An early version of the nadi system is mentioned in the Chandogya Upanishad, which says:
“ A hundred and one are the arteries of the heart, one of them leads up to the crown of the head. Going upward through that, one becomes immortal. (CU 8.6.6)[1] ”

There are three main nadis in the body, Ida, Pingala & Sushumna.

GRANTHIS
Granthis are knots, which act as barriers to the free flow of prana. These are blockages restraining the upward flow of Life energy force. The ida and the pingala go up spirally, alternating from left to right and from right to left, forming a loop around each chakra. They originate from the common center of muladhara at the base of the spine, but at the top their ends are free. We come back to the same thing again. Prana the life force has to be free flowing in the body, anything blocking it, would be a hindrance and granthis are one of them. But it is only through consistent yoga practise and over lifetimes that we are able to pierce these. The first knot is below the navel and is called brahma-granthi. When the flow of energy is restricted to this region, instinctive drives like hunger, thirst and sense pleasure dominate the mind. The second knot is below the heart and is called vishnu-granthi. This is the region of the emotional life of man. The third knot is below the eyebrows and is called rudra-granthi. This is the area of intellectual activity.



PRANA VAYUS
Prana, as pointed out from the outset of this essay, is the Sanskrit word for the life force. The root pra means “first” and na means the “smallest (or most basic) unit of energy” – so Prana is the first or fundamental unit of energy. Everything living functions by virtue of Prana; all activity and change – mental and emotional as well as physical – is a manifestation of the workings of Prana. Prana is the radiance of life itself. Within us, prana is the moving force. The word “vayu” is translated as “wind”. The root ‘va’ means “that which flows”. A vayu is a vehicle within our body for activities and experiences. It also means ‘a force’ that moves in a specific way in a certain area of the body that is overseas.
There are 49 prana vayus or types of vayu in the body.The main 5 are Udana Vayu, Prana Vayu, Samana Vayu, Apana Vayu, Vyana Vayu.


KOSHAS

It is described that human consciousness is folded into five layers, or sheaths, (koshas) around the central point, containing the self (chitta). Each of the sheaths or koshas is only an appearance. In truth, all of the levels, layers, koshas, or sheaths of our reality is only appearance, and that underneath all of those appearances, we are pure, divine, eternal consciousness, or whatever name you prefer to call it. When we unravel all these layers to reach the inner most, it is a state of bliss. Just like a present one gets, which is wrapped around by several layers of gift paper. Slowly yet steadily you open it one after another layer till u get to the gift and what do you feel then is a sense of bliss. It basically means your true inner-self which relates to the universal power is covered by five layers and these sheaths are uncovered through yoga practises ie asanas, pranayama.

The five main Koshas are Physical - Annamaya kosha, Energy - Pranamaya kosha ,Mental - Manamaya kosha, Wisdom - Vijnanamaya kosha, Bliss - Anandamaya kosha, Self - Atman

Simple poses to help release the day's stress and ease the back!

Viparita Karani-
1. Sit next to a wall with the side of your body on the wall and your knees bent into the chest.
2. Bring the lower back onto the floor while bringing the legs up the wall. Keep the upper body supported with the elbows on the floor.
3. Slowly release the elbows and lower the whole back down to the floor.
4. If you are comfortable, stay here several minutes.
5. To come out, bring the knees into your chest and roll to your side.

Benefits: This posture promotes resting of the heart . It gently lengthens the hamstrings. Allow the spine to lengthen and stretch with maximum support. The sacrum is flattened to complete a graceful full-spinal extension.

Props to use: Folded blankets & bolsters may be used beneath the sacrum

Another gentle pose- Lie on your back, put a pillow under your neck, bend your knees to a 90-degree angle, and put your lower legs and feet on a chair/ottoman/table. Now, relax your neck & shoulders.If its available to you close your eyes. If you hve a eye pillow use one. Soft music would do wonders in this pose! Stay here for 5-15mins.

****** Disclaimer Hatha Yoga requires your complete attention. You are responsible for your own practice and knowing what is right for you in the present moment.******

Hanuman Chalisa- Splits/monkey pose is named after Hanuman

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=fKKSurfd6Ys

"It was the greatest leap ever taken. The speed of Hanuman's jump pulled blossoms and flowers into the air after him and they fell like little stars on the waving treetops. The animals on the beach had never seen such a thing; they cheered Hanuman, then the air burned from his passage, and red clouds flamed over the sky . . ." (Ramayana, retold by William Buck)

Hanuman, General of the Monkey Army, was devoted to King Rama. Hanuman symbolizes devotion & service. Hanuman's father Vayu, God of wind, helped his son make his great leaps.
True depth comes from proper alignment. Let this posture lengthen your body from the inside out. In Hanumanasana the hip flexor muscles are being stretched as well as the hanstrings. Hanumanasana is also a back bend, when the full position is attained.

"AUM" the universal sound

"AUM "MEDITATION

Sit in a comfortable undisturbed place. Take a deep breath. Now chant "aum". Make each breath last as long as possible. Again take a deep breath and chant Oooooooo~~~~~hhhhhhhhhh~~~~~ Mmmmmmm~~~~~. Then again repeat this chanting of AUM. Do this for 3-7 times. If it's available to you, u may close your eyes to maximise the effects of the chanting. After this, stop chanting and sit for a moment of silence. You will be amazed by the inner peace you'll get in such a short chanting of äum.

Do this in the morning preferably when u wake up or anytime of the day.This will help relax your mind, give you the strength to go on......

The Sound of Om -From the teachings of Swami Sivananda Saraswati

Om is a sacred mono-syllable. Om is the mystic letter. In Om the world rests. Om is the symbol of Brahman. Om is the word of power. Om is the soul of all souls. Om is infinity. Om is eternity. Om is immortality. Om is the source of everything. Om is the womb of all Vedas. Om is the basis of all languages. From Om proceed all sounds. In Om exist all objects. Om is the highest mantra. Om is Soham. Om is Om Tat Sat. Om is a lamp for your feet and a light on your path.
Om is Nada Brahman. Nada is sound. Sound is vibration. Om is the first vibration of sound. Sound is the first manifestation of the Absolute. We know nothing about the nature of the Absolute except that It is. The scriptures have tried to tell us all about creation, how it proceeded from the Absolute. They say: "Brahman was one and non-dual. It thought, 'Let me become many.' That caused a vibration, eventually bringing in sound, and that sound was Om, from whence arise all other manifestations." Thus sound is virtually the comprehensible basis for all creation. Brahman is incomprehensible in Its transcendent aspect. The nearest approach to It is only sound.

All objects are denoted by sounds, and all sounds merge in Omkara. All speech or words terminate in one sound -'Om'. The humming of bees, the sweet melody of the nightingale, the seven tunes in music, the sound of the mridanga and kettledrum, the lute and the flute, the roaring of the lion, the singing of the lover, the neighing of horses, the hissing of the cobra, the 'hu, hu' sound of invalids, the crying of the baby, the clapping of the audience - all are emanations from Omkara only.

The sound produced in the flowing Ganga, the sound heard in the distance from the bustle of the market, the sound produced when the flywheel of an engine is set in motion, the sound caused when it rains - it is all 'Om' only. If you split any word, you will find 'Om' there. Om is all-pervading like akasha, like Brahman.
Om is the basis of all sounds. Om consists of three letters, A, U, and M. A, U, M cover the whole range of sound-vibrations. The larynx and the palate are the sounding-boards. When you pronounce A, no part of the tongue or palate is touched. When you pronounce U, the sound rolls from the very root to the end of the sounding-board of the mouth. M is the last sound which is produced by closing the two lips. Therefore, all sounds are centred in Om.

All languages originate from Om. The essence of the four Vedas is Om only. One who chants or repeats Om really repeats the sacred books of the whole world. Om is the source or womb for all religions and scriptures. Om, Amen and Ahamin are all one. They present the truth or Brahman, the One Existence. There is no worship without Om. The world exists in Om and dissolves in Om.

Live in Om. Inhale and exhale in Om. Rest peacefully in Om. Take shelter in Om. Sing Om rhythmically. Chant Om loudly. Roar Om forcefully. Repeat Om mentally. Draw strength from Om. Get inspiration from Om. Imbibe bliss from Om. Rely on Om. Reflect on Om. Meditate on Om.

Samadhi yoga @ newtown, what a wonderful studio!

Samadhi Yoga is a yoga and natural therapies centre in the heart of Newtown, Sydney, Australia. I did my Level I Teacher Training from Samadhi. It has changed my life, given me a new sense of direction. What makes Samadhi so "Special" is the Spiritual Approach it has to yoga. When u step inside the studio you feel the positive vibe. A beautiful Altar set in the centre of both studios make the experience even more calm & spiritual. The warm attitude of the lovely teachers make you feel welcomed & comfortable. Their genuine effort to remember your name is just admirable!. The inspring worshops, guest speakers & the monthly "Sadhana" provide you a whole new approach to yoga

During our wonderful training we had some very Knowledgeable speakers sharing their experiences and abundance of knowledge wih us. Samadhi also organised a beautiful 4 day retreat for us. A highly comprehensive training followed by some challenging exams, concluded by a stunning Graduation Ceremony!

A heart felt THANKS to all the teachers at Samadhi Yoga, especially the course teachers Katie Manitsas, Idit Tamir & Sarah Trestrail.


"Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bahavantu"
http://www.samadhiyoga.com.au/

Ayurveda- Beautiful herbs & their significance

What is Tulsi (Holy Basil)?

"The Queen of Herbs" - is the most sacred herb of India. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), although also known as Holy Basil, is a different plant from the pesto variety of Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Tulsi has been revered in India for over five thousand years, as a healing balm for body, mind and spirit, and is known to bestow an amazing number of health benefits.

Teacher training Graduation @ Samadhi on 9th Nov'09

"NAMASTE" What does it mean?

"NAMASTE" used commonly by all indians and across the world in yoga classes, what does this beautiful sanskrit word mean. It means
"the divinity in me bows to the divinity in you"
or simply is
"i bow down to the divine in you"

Beautiful is n't it?

UPANISHADS- The truth about life, god & death!

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! UPANISHADS What it means ? Lets break down this word. It derives from upa- (near), ni- (down) and sad (to sit), i.e. referring to the "sitting down near" a spiritual teacher (guru) in order to receive instruction in the Guru-shishya tradition. According to native authorities upanishad means 'setting at rest ignorance by revealing the knowledge of the supreme spirit..." What are Upanishads? •The Upanishads are chronologically the latest portions of the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism. Because they are the final portions of the Vedas, they are also known as Vedanta, the end of the Vedas. Also the essence of Vedas. Vedas: The foundation scriptures of Hindus. Eternal truth revealed to great sages. Classification of Vedas- • Rig - General knowledge • Yajur – Knowledge of action • Saam – Knowledge of worship • Atharva – knowledge of science How old are they: •The earliest Upanishads, probably dating from 900 to 600 BC, later works have also been accepted from time to time as Upanishads. The essential teaching of Upanishads is the revelation of Highest Truth, i.e. there is one Reality as Absolute Consciousness, which is separate from our body-mind complex. This is called as God, Brahman, Self, Consciousness, or “Atman”. They teach the identity of the individual soul (atman) with the universal essence soul (Brahman). Upanishads deal with fundamental questions about existence, life, Creation, death, Post death life?, Spiritual meditation practices, etc. In the Chaandogya Upanishad it is said : In the beginning the world was just Being, one only, without a second.Then it thought to itself : "Would that I were many. Let me procreate myself". All this is verily Brahman. Brahman is that from which everything proceeds, that in which everything breathes and that in which everything is finally dissolved. Major Upanishads Ishaa – Philosophy of God and God realization Mandukya – Niraakaar(without form) aspect of god Prashna – Questions like root cause of universe, functioning of vital force of life Aitareya – Atman and births of atman are described Kaushitaki – Course for souls after death, doctrine of prana and moksha Katha – Q&A between Yama and Nachiketa Taittariya – Tells more about the creation of god Brhadaranyaka – Negation of all conceptions of self Chhandogya – Sacrifices and other forms of worship Kena – Sacrifices and other forms of worship Interesting Facts! •The essence of Vedas and upansihads is condensed into 700 concise shlokas. These provide a guidance to the science of self- realization. •The Upanishads have their own unique Style. Their description is in four different ways: Dialogue with questions and answers. Narration and episodes, stories. Metaphors and illustrations. Symbolism. Shanti Mantras are prayers for peace, in the Hindu Mythology. Shanti Mantras are also known as "Peace Mantras". Shanti Mantras form the part of Upanishads. From Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and Ishavasya Upanishad: "Om Poornamadah Poornamidam Poornat Poornamudachyate, Poornasya Poornamaadaya Poornamevavashishyate, Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih" Meaning: The literal meaning of this mantra is: "That is Absolute, This is Absolute, Absolute arises out of Absolute, If Absolute is taken away from Absolute, Absolute remains OM Peace, Peace, Peace". "Om Asato Maa Sadgamaya, Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya, Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya, Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih" Meaning: The accurate sense of this mantra is: "OM lead me from unreal to real, lead me from darkness to light, lead me from death to immortality OM Peace, Peace, Peace". From Taittiriya Upanishad: "Om Sham No Mitra Sham Varunah Sham No Bhavatvaryamaa, Sham Na Indro Brihaspatih Sham No Vishnururukramah, Namo Brahmane Namaste Vaayo Tvameva Pratyaksham, Brahmaasi Tvaameva Pratyaksham Brahma Vadishyaami, Rtam Vadishyaami Satyam Vadishyaami, Tanmaamavatu Tadvaktaaramavatu Avatu Maam Avatu Vaktaaram, Om Shantih Shantih Shantih" Meaning: This Mantra implies: "OM. May Mitra do good to us, may Varuna do good to us, may Aryama do good to us, may Indra do good to us, may Brihaspati do good to us, and may Vishnu who has vast coverage do good to us. We Salute Lord Brahma and Lord Vayu, the only visible Brahman. We say right, we say truth, may it protect us and may it protect teacher. OM Peace, Peace and Peace" References for Upanishads translations/study: Max Müller, Jayaram. V,Robert Ernest Hume, Shree Purohit Swami and W.B. Yeats, S .Radhakrishnan, Sri Aurobindo.

Vegetarianism- Respect all being " äll beings"!!!!

• 
  Essential Statistics To Know:
  More than 25 billion animals are killed each year for food in the United States. That statistic is staggering considering the fact that there are 6 billion human beings in the entire world. Eating meat takes an environmental toll that generations to come will be forced to pay. Take a look at these facts:
  
  -Raising animals for food causes m! ore water pollution in the U.S. than any other industry because animals raised for food produce 130 times the excrement of the entire human population---87,000 pounds per second! Much of the waste from factory farms and slaughterhouses flows into streams and rivers, contaminating water sources.
  
  -Each vegetarian saves an acre of trees every year! More than 260 million acres of U.S. forest have been cleared to grow crops to feed animals raised for meat, and another acre of trees disappears every eight seconds. The tropical rain forests are also being destroyed to create grazing land for cattle. Fifty-five square feet of rain forest may be razed to produce just one quarter-pound burger.
  
  -Of all raw materials and fossil fuels used in the U.S., more than one-third is used to raise animals for food. Producing a single hamburger patty uses enough fossil fuel to drive a small car twenty miles and enough water for seventeen showers.
  Of all agricultural land in the U.S., 87 percent is used to raise animals for food---that's 45 percent of the total landmass in the U.S.
  
  -More than half the water consumed in the U.S. is used to raise animals for food. It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce a pound of meat, but only 25 gallons to produce a pound of wheat. A totally vegetarian diet requires 300 gallons of water per day, while a meat-eating diet requires more than 4,000 gallons of water per day.
  
  -In the U.S., animals raised for food are fed more than 80 percent of the corn we grow and more than 95 percent of the oats. The world's cattle alone consume a quantity of food equal to the caloric needs of 8.7 billion people---more than the Earth's entire human population.
  
  
  "Nothing will benefit health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as the evolution to a vegetarian diet."
  - ALBERT EINSTEIN
  
  
  "Animals suffer as much as we do...
  It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it".- DR. ALBERT SCHWEITZER

"Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" May all Beings Everywhere Be Happy and Free and the thoughts, words & action of my own life contribute to that happiness & freedom। नमस्ते!

"Namaste" What does it mean?

Commonly used by all indians.Also used in a yoga class(traditionally used in the begininng or end of the class).
"the divinity in me bows to the divinity in you".
or simply
"I bow down to you"

Love everyone, Honour everyone!

Take A Deep Breath!!
"मत्ता भावना " - Loving Kindness Meditation
Practice the following meditation to open your heart and cultivate compassion. The meditation begins by cultivating compassion toward someone who is "easy" to feel kindness toward. It continues by challenging you to expand your ability to feel compassion for others in your life, others in the world.

Choose a specific object of concentration for each part of the meditation (i.e. a family member, a friend, etc.) when a general category is listed. Repeat each line to yourself, silently, while focusing on the object of concentration. Do not repeat these lines mindlessly - try to create a genuine sense of goodwill, compassion, and kindness.

May (an object of unconditional love - a pet, a child, etc.) be safe – know peace – be healthy – be happy.
May (someone who is suffering) be safe – know peace – be healthy – be happy.
May (someone who challenges me) be safe – know peace – be healthy – be happy.
May (everyone in my town) be safe – know peace – be healthy – be happy.
May (everyone in my country) be safe – know peace – be healthy – be happy.
May (everyone in this world) be safe – know peace – be healthy – be happy.
May (I) be safe – know peace – be healthy – be happy.

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete।” Jack Kornfield

Alternate therapies for Scoliosis

I suffer from a 40 degress scoliosis.The chronic pain is always a challenge, emotionally & physically. But yoga empowers me to combat this challenge.

the following website has a list of alternate therapies for Scoliosis from Katherina S. to Bowen therapy.

http://www.scoliosis-world.com/cat14.htm.

Another important name to know is "Elise Browning Miller".

Quote by BKS Iyengar

"The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in."
B.K.S Iyengar

“When you inhale , you are taking the strength from God .When you exhale , it represents the service you are giving to the world.”
B.K.S Iyengar.

"The goal of yoga is not to achieve physical beauty, but inner happiness. That happiness shines through your eyes, your expressions, your attitude to others; it is what makes you truly attractive. This inner beauty is something that the years can't tae away. "

Wai Lana

Beautiful gayatri mantra by Deva Premal

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=oSwQ6FomhqQ

Beautiful articles to read.....

These beautiful and inpiring articles are not to be missed.Will give you a new perspective to life!
Links: http://www.artofliving.org/aol/wisdom/how_anger-hurts_you.pdf
"Make the divine your Valentine. Just be…and know that you are loved. That is Beloved." —God Loves Fun by Sri Sri Ravishankar

Articles by Judith Lasater

“Make peace with the present moment.”
Too often our mental process is to judge ourselves for what we are thinking or feeling. A thought arises and our inner dialogue says something like, “Oh, I shouldn’t be thinking that” or “How can I be thinking/feeling that when I am a yoga student, teacher or meditator?”.
Then we react to those judgments with even more judgments for judging, and we are caught in a repeating pattern from hell.
A practice I have been enjoying for some months now is to “make peace with the present moment”. That means that when thoughts arise followed by thoughts of judgment I tell myself that the whole process is part of my practice: the original thoughts and the secondary or following thoughts as well. I do this by saying to myself, “how human of me to have a thought of X”. This helps so much when I look at the behavior of others as well.
When I say silently to myself, “How human of him to act/react with anger or fear or disappointment” then there is a space for compassion to arise in me. And I like how that feels. Then I am at peace with the present moment.
JHL




Making the insights gained on the meditation cushion and yoga mat live in our lives is a great and wondrous challenge. One thought that helps me to do this is to think of myself as a “spiritual sociologist”. Whenever I can, I try to observe what is happening within me and around me using the curious mind of a sociologist. I observe what others say and do; I observe what I say and do, all with an open heart and non-judging mind. I sometimes use this phrase silently to myself, “isn’t that interesting?” as I observe. When I am able to remember to keep my perspective on myself and the others around me framed by an open heart, I like how I feel and how I chose to act in the world.JHL