Namaste,
This past Saturday was the start of another group transforming in the heart of yoga!!!
Very excited as the stories and insights shared demonstrate the work we each already do on the path to greater union, liberation, and development of consciousness. I'd like to share with everyone what we
are working on as a group and invite you to begin practicing the first two limbs of yoga, the YAMAS AND NIYAMAS to purify the mind. In the traditional study and practice of yoga, these ethics/morals/values were practiced by the yogi/yogini before any practicing of postures or asanas. As we study and apply the YAMAS AND NIYAMAS, one can see how what is crucial to conscious, spiritual growth is the purifying of thoughts that are detrimental to our character. Thoughts based on harm, judgement, discontent, comparison, ignorance, disrespect etc. essentially injure ourselves, our own spiritual integrity, compassion, and ability to cultivate deeper wisdom and understanding. So as we can see, these first two limbs help us avoid the kinds of thoughts that decelerate growth and cultivate or maintain the kinds of thoughts and actions that accelerate growth toward higher consciousness! This week the workshop group/ SANGHA is working on APARIGRAHA AND BRAHMACARYA. Any insights, comments, trials and tribulations, reflections, or questions may be posed here as this forum is open to everyone. Here they are:
YAMAS
AHIM'SA: Not acting or thinking in ways that inflict harm on others
APARIGRAHA: Not accumulating beyond one's simple/basic needs
BRAHMACARYA: Not perceiving others & life in general as separate from the divine
SATYA: Not using words or thoughts in ways that harm others
ASTEYA: Not stealing or desiring what is of another either in thought or action
NIYAMAS
SANTOS'A: Maintaining equanimity through contentment
SHAOCA: Maintaining purity and quality of mind
SVA'DHYA'YA: Acquiring knowledge of the nature of the universe
TAPAH: Practicing selfless service to others
IISHVARA PRAN'IDHAN'NA: Ideating on the supreme source/consciousness
P.S. the above symbol used to represent the medical field in Western culture is
actually an ancient yogic symbol of the energy centers of the body with the two
polar energies of ida (feminine) and pingala (masculine) weaving through the central
nerve plexis. The open wings up top represent the opening of higher consciousness
in union with the divine creator or supreme consciousness. It is called the caduceus.
The Greeks are responsible for its modern day use in the medical field.
Namaste,
Prema Devii
Thank you Prema for always reminding me, and us, to live with Virtue and honesty, with the intention to only bring goodness and love into the world.
ReplyDeletePutting the practice of yoga and it's philosophies to life, in my life, has improved every area of my life, be it, relationships, work, hobbies and my own spiritual growth!
what are some ways that we can see even deeper healing in our lives through the practice of the Yamas and Niyamas??
This is my second workshop going into the heart of yoga and each session has been, well a new breath. It is incredible how relevant the Yamas and Niyamas have been through each cycle.
DeleteThrough our discussions I have been able to find bliss everyday and have also been gaining a great perspective on every aspect of my life. Especially in times that would have caused worry or stress before, I am able to see it all as divine flow.
Living and working with the Yamas and Niyamas each week gives me a way of bringing an idyllic life into practice. A way of truly incorporating the mind, body and spirit.
Much gratitude Prema,
Namaste
Emily
This is THE question Dustin!!! Thank you... Let's open this up by going over the Yamas and Niyamas in and frame them in this light to engage others opinion, thoughts, reflections, questions, etc.
ReplyDelete1-Ahimsa: How do we transform when we practice NOT harming others in words, thoughts, and actions...when we actually practice being peaceful within ourselves and towards others? What is it that we cultivate in ourselves?
2-Aparigraha: How do we function in our minds and in our life when we DON'T allow clutter, unnecessary stuff whether it be actual material things, thoughts, etc. to pile up all around us...when we actually live simply...perhaps even minimally? How do we feel energetically? How does our use of time change?
3-Brahmacharya: How do we radiate or appear to those around us when we DON'T view people as different or separate from ourselves and life in general...when we actually see all beings and things as an expression of the divine...of source...?
4-Satya: How do we feel when we DON'T use words and thoughts to harm others...when we only use words/thoughts/action/ for the welfare of others? Taking it deeper, when we choose to be quiet rather than contribute to the gossiping of others for example...or when we choose to not be part of that gossip by quietly departing...or even stand up for satya and say "I don't want to talk bad about so and so..."?
5-Asteya: How are we in our inner self when we DON'T desire anything outside of ourselves, when we DON'T want or "covet" what is of another?
*The "Transformation Through the Heart of Yoga" workshop group is working on all five of these YAMAS this week. Please engage in this first limb of the classic 8limbs of YOGA and apply them in your everyday life, in every interaction with yourself and others and be witness to the profound transformation within yourself and in how others begin to see and interact with you! Please share and post here any insights, epiphanies, trials and tribulations etc. on this blog that we all may learn from each other and send waves of transformation and deeper healing across this lifetime!!!
Honoring the divine in ourselves, in each other, and the divine itself!
NAMASKAR,
Prema Devii "Trish"