DOCSLIB.ORG

The Origins and Evolution of Yoga

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Origins and Evolution of Yoga The Origins and Evolution of Yoga The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 1 Etymology The word “yoga” is derived from the root “yuj” yuj: युज् (y´g) Sanksrit, verb to connect, to unite, to yoke The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 2 By 'definition' yoga: योग (y´g) Sanksrit, noun general term for spiritual disciplines in Hinduism, Buddhism, and throughout South Asia that are directed toward attaining higher consciousness and liberation from ignorance, suffering, and rebirth. Columbia Encyclopedia a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practised for health and relaxation. Oxford Dictionary Online The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 3 Where Did Yoga Originate? Indus Valley Civilization Yoga originated in Pakistan and Northwest India at least 5,000 years ago India (2,500 BCE). Historical artifacts of yoga are found from the Indus Valley Civilization: Pashupati Seals (2900 BCE) of Shiva, Lord of the Yogis Shiva Pashupati seal Original Yogic scriptures are dated by their mention of the Sarasvati River, which dried up 4,000 years ago (1,900 BCE). The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 4 Vedic Yoga 1500 – 800 BCE Veda means knowledge. Rigveda - Oldest known text of any Indo-European language compiled in Vedic Sanskrit, composed by Rishis (seers) “yuj” is found many times throughout. Basis of Brahmanic Religion – religious clergy of Brahmans who administered rites (rituals and sacrifices), often to nobility. Vedic Practice: tapasic practices, rituals, sacrifice, hymns, stories of Yogis. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 5 The Mahajanapadas 600 BCE – 300 BCE 16 Kingdoms throughout the Indian Subcontinent Wealthier classes patronized the Sadhus (ascetic yogis) so they tt could study the esoteric science of yoga. Dawn of Axial Age in India: investigating the experiencer. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 6 Yoga of the Upanishads Upanishads (600 BCE onwards) Upanishad means “to sit down near” 200 texts, 11 are considered “major Upanishads” First mention of “yoga” Describe the nature of existence: Who and What Am I? The innermost Self (atman) is inextricably bound to the Universal reality (Brahman). Practice: meditation, chanting, control of the senses, karma (attention to cause and consequence). “One who meditates, all his knots of his heart, the bondages are opened; all the doubts are eliminated and one becomes gradually free from the fetters of action with ego.” Mundaka Upanishad 2:2:8 The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 7 Orthodox vs. Non-Orthodox Indian Philosophies Orthodox Non-Orthodox Vedic Shramana Samkhya – Organization of the Universe Buddhism – investigates causes and alleviation of suffering. Concepts of Vedanta - Contemplative methods of self- impermanence, non-self, and inquiry uniting atman with Brahman cause/effect. Yoga – practical system of Self-realization Jainism – individual soul, personal Vaisheshika – physical sciences responsibility for liberation, absense of Supreme creator, strong ethical Nyaya – Reasoning and logic system foundation based on non-harming. Mimasa – philosophy of action, developed into Karma Yoga The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 8 Buddism Founded by Siddharta Gautama, the “Buddha” Born in Northeastern India, 600-400 BCE to a wealthy political family At age 29 left home to discover the cause of human suffering Awakened to the “Middle Way” Spent life teaching through Northeast India Brought teachings to common people. Rejected the Vedas and the caste system. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 9 Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita Bhagavad Gita (~200 BCE) “Song of the Lord” Chapter of epic text the Mahabharata, a story of self-realization and path(s) to inner peace. Practice: Karma Yoga – Path of service Jnana Yoga – Path of knowledge Bhakti Yoga - Path of devotion Raja Yoga – Path of meditation The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 10 Samkhya Classification system describing the natural order and evolution of the Universe Dualist philosophy Is not practiced on its own today, but influences other philosophies, religions and practices The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 11 Yoga Sutras of Patañjali ~325 CE Yoga is a practice to calm the fluctuations of the mind. A path to liberation from suffering (kaivalya, moksha or mukti). Technical manual of 196 aphorisms divided into 4 chapters Describes an 8-part system used as framework for modern yoga Practice: Ethics, meditation. Numerous commentaries written from 500CE onwards The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 12 Tantra Yoga 450 CE onwards Tan (to expand) -tra (to liberate) World-embracing vision of the whole of reality as the self-expression of a single, free and joyous Divine Consciousness (non-dual). Worship of Goddess, feminine principle. Practice: antinomian practices – against mainstream mantra – chanting yantra – visualization of geometric symbols puja – ritual, with the purpose of uniting of polar archetypal energies. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 13 Hatha Yoga ~1200 CE Ha/moon tha/sun, the yoga of balancing forces. Scriptures: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Shiva Samhita, Gheranda Samhita Purification of the body, balance of physical, mental, and energetic fields, awakening kundalini to advance towards samadhi, total integration. Practice: asana, shatkarma (purifications), pranayama, mudra, bandha, mantra and meditation. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 14 Sritattvanidhi 1830 CE Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (1799–1868) in the State of Mysore in South West India Encyclopedia of Indian spirituality and philosophy Contains instructions and illustrations of 122 asanas (handstand, backbends, seated postures). The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 15 Modern Yoga Swami Vivekananda spoke at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893, taught Raja Yoga. Paramahansa Yogananda arrived in Boston in 1920. Five years later, he established the Self- Realizaton Fellowship in Los Angeles. Kriya Yoga. Paul Brunton, a former journalist and editor, wrote “A Search in Secret India” in 1934, which introduced the great sage Ramana Maharshi. Self-taught, advocated a simple path of self-inquiry. Jnana Yoga. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 16 Modern Hatha Yoga Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888 – 1989) grandfather of modern Hatha Yoga. Began yoga school at the Mysore Palace. Disciples His son T. K. V. Desikachar Son in law B.K.S. Iyengar, author of Light on Yoga and founder of Iyengar Yoga. Pattabhi Jois founder of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Indra Devi taught in China, USA, Mexico and S. America, founded a yoga studio in LA. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 17 Modern Yoga (cont) Swami Sivananda founder of Sivananda Yoga. Teacher to Swami Vishnu-devananda who began ashram in Laurentians in Quebec in 1962. Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini Yoga to the West in 1967. Bhagavan Rajneesh (now known as Osho) unconventional Yoga and Zen teacher in the 70s- 90s. Bikram Choudhury founder of Bikram Yoga. 26 hatha yoga postures. The Origins and Evolution of Yoga 18 © Alison Hinks Yoga 19 The Origins and Evolution of Yoga of The Origins and Evolution.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Jnana, Bhakti and Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita
    Jnana, Bhakti and Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita - written between 600 -500 BCE is sometimes referred to as the last Upanishad. As with many Yoga texts and great literature there are many possible layers of meaning. In essence it is grounded by the meditative understanding of the underlying unity of life presented in the Upanishads, and then extends this into how yoga practice, insight and living life can become one and the same. Ultimately it is a text that describes how yoga can clarify our perception of life, its purpose and its challenges, and offers guidance as to how we might understand and negotiate them. It encourages full engagement with life, and its difficulties and dilemmas are turned into the manure for potential liberation and freedom. The Bhagavad-Gita is actually a sub story contained within a huge poem/story called the Mahabharata, one of the ‘Puranas’ or epics that make up much of early Indian literature. It emphasises the importance of engagement in the world, perhaps a reaction to the tendency developing at the time in Buddhism and Vedanta to renounce worldly life in favour of personal liberation. The yoga of the Bhagavad-Gita essentially suggests that fully engaging in all aspects of life and its challenges with a clear perspective is a valid yogic path and possibly superior to meditative realisation alone. There is an implication in this emphasis that there is a potential danger for some people of using yoga practice and lifestyle to avoid difficulties in life and not engage with the world and the culture and time we find ourselves in; and/or perhaps to misunderstand that yoga practice is partly practice for something – to re-evaluate and hopefully enrich our relationship to the rest of life.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction to Kundalini Yoga Meditation Techniques That Are Specific for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders
    THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE Volume 10, Number 1, 2004, pp. 91–101 ©Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. PRACTICE An Introduction to Kundalini Yoga Meditation Techniques That Are Specific for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders DAVID S. SHANNAHOFF-KHALSA ABSTRACT The ancient system of Kundalini yoga includes a vast array of meditation techniques and many were dis- covered to be specific for treating the psychiatric disorders as we know them today. One such technique was found to be specific for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the fourth most common psychiatric disorder, and the tenth most disabling disorder worldwide. Two published clinical trials are described here for treating OCD using a specific Kundalini yoga protocol. This OCD protocol also includes techniques that are useful for a wide range of anxiety disorders, as well as a technique specific for learning to manage fear, one for tranquilizing an angry mind, one for meeting mental challenges, and one for turning negative thoughts into positive thoughts. Part of that protocol is included here and published in detail elsewhere. In addition, a num- ber of other disorder-specific meditation techniques are included here to help bring these tools to the attention of the medical and scientific community. These techniques are specific for phobias, addictive and substance abuse disorders, major depressive disorders, dyslexia, grief, insomnia and other sleep disorders. INTRODUCTION been taught that were known by yogis to be specific for dis- tinct psychiatric disorders. These disorders as we know them his paper refers to the system of Kundalini yoga as today have no doubt been common to humanity since the Ttaught by Yogi Bhajan, a living master of Kundalini origin of the species.
    [Show full text]
  • Kundalini Yoga
    KUNDALINI YOGA By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA SERVE, LOVE, GIVE, PURIFY, MEDITATE, REALIZE Sri Swami Sivananda So Says Founder of Sri Swami Sivananda The Divine Life Society A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION Tenth Edition: 1994 (Copies 10,000) World Wide Web (WWW) Edition: 1999 WWW site: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/ This WWW reprint is for free distribution © The Divine Life Trust Society ISBN 81-7052-052-5 Published By THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR—249 192 Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, Himalayas, India. OM IN MEMORY OF PATANJALI MAHARSHI, YOGI BHUSUNDA, SADASIVA BRAHMAN, MATSYENDRANATH, GORAKHNATH, JESUS CHRIST, LORD KRISHNA AND ALL OTHER YOGINS WHO HAVE EXPOUNDED THE SCIENCE OF YOGA PUBLISHERS’ NOTE It would seem altogether superfluous to try to introduce Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati to a reading public, thirsting for spiritual regeneration. From his lovely Ashram at Rishikesh he radiated spiritual knowledge and a peace born of spiritual perfection. His personality has made itself manifest nowhere else as completely as in his edifying and elevating books. And this little volume on Kundalini Yoga is perhaps the most vital of all his books, for obvious reasons. Kundalini is the coiled up, dormant, cosmic power that underlies all organic and inorganic matter within us and any thesis that deals with it can avoid becoming too abstract, only with great difficulty. But within the following pages, the theory that underlies this cosmic power has been analysed to its thinnest filaments, and practical methods have been suggested to awaken this great pristine force in individuals. It explains the theory and illustrates the practice of Kundalini Yoga.
    [Show full text]
  • Yoga Terms Decisions; Sometimes Translated As "Intellect." Another Translation Is the Higher Mind, Or Wisdom
    buddhi: The determinative faculty of the mind that makes Yoga Terms decisions; sometimes translated as "intellect." Another translation is the higher mind, or wisdom. Source: Omega Institute, http://eomega.com/omega/knowledge/yogaterms/ chakras: nerve centers, or "wheels" of energy, located along the Following are common terms use in the yogic tradition. If a word or spine and considered a part of the subtle body. phrase in a description appears in bold, it can be found under its own heading. cit or chit: lit. "consciousness" or "awareness." Philosophically, pure awareness; transcendent consciousness, as in Sat-chit- abhaya or abhayam: lit. "fearlessness." ananda. In mundane usage, chit means perception; consciousness. agni: lit. "fire." Also the internal fires of the body, often referred to as tapas, meaning sacred heat. When capitalized, the god of fire. darshana: lit. "vision" or sight." Insight or visionary states regarded as a result of meditation. ahamkaara or ahamkara: ego, self-love; selfish individuality. The mental faculty of individuation; sense of duality and separateness daya: compassion to all beings. from others. Ahamkara is characterized by the sense of I-ness (abhimana), sense of mine-ness, identifying with the body dharma: right action, truth in action, righteousness, morality, (madiyam), planning for one's own happiness (mamasukha), virtue, duty, the dictates of God, code of conduct. The inner brooding over sorrow (mamaduhkha), and possessiveness (mama constitution of a thing that governs its growth. idam). drishti: lit. "pure seeing." ahimsa: lit. "noninjury." Nonviolence or nonhurtfulness. Refraining from causing harm to others, physically, mentally or emotionally. eight limbs of yoga or the eightfold path: in Sanskrit, this is Ahimsa is the first and most important of the yamas (restraints).
    [Show full text]
  • Essence of Yoga
    ESSENCE OF YOGA By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA 6(59(/29(*,9( 385,)<0(',7$7( 5($/,=( Sri Swami Sivananda So Says Founder of Sri Swami Sivananda The Divine Life Society A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION Thirteenth Edition: 1988 (5000 Copies) World Wide Web (WWW) Edition : 1998 WWW site: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/ This WWW reprint is for free distribution © The Divine Life Trust Society ISBN 81-7052-024-x Published By THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR—249 192 Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, Himalayas, India. PUBLISHERS’ NOTE Even among the inspiring books of Sri Gurudev, this is a unique book. It was written with the special intention of having the entire matter recorded on the gramophone disc. For this purpose Gurudev had given in this book the very essence of his own teachings. Hence, this book was chosen for being sent to every new member of the Divine Life Society on enrolment. It is, as it were, the ‘Beginner’s Guide to Divine Life’. Members of the Divine Life Society and spiritual aspirants have added this precious volume to the scriptures which they study daily as Svadhyaya and have derived incalculable benefit by the assimilation of these teachings into their daily life. This text containing, a valuable treasure of wisdom is placed in the hands of aspirants all over the world in the fervent hope that it will guide them to the great goal of human life, viz., God-realisation. —THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY iii UNIVERSAL PRAYER Thou art, O Lord! The creator of this universe.
    [Show full text]
  • Hindu Students Organization Sanātana Dharma Saṅgha
    Hindu Students Organization Sanātana Dharma Saṅgha Table of Contents About HSO 1 Food for Thought 2 Pronunciation Guide 3 Opening Prayers 4 Gaṇesh Bhajans 6 Guru and Bhagavān Bhajans 9 Nārāyaṇa Bhajans 11 Krishṇa Bhajans 13 Rāma Bhajans 23 Devī Bhajans 27 Shiva Bhajans 32 Subramaṇyam Bhajans 37 Sarva Dharma Bhajans 38 Traditional Songs 40 Aartīs 53 Closing Prayers 58 Index 59 About HSO Columbia University’s Hindu Students Organization welcomes you. The Hindu Students Organization (HSO) is a faith-based group founded in 1992 with the intent of raising awareness of Hindu philosophies, customs, and traditions at Columbia University. HSO's major goals are to encourage dialogue about Hinduism and to provide a forum for students to practice the faith. HSO works with closely with other organizations to host joint events in an effort to educate the general public and the Columbia community. To pursue these goals, HSO engages in educational discussions, takes part in community service, and coordinates religious and cultural events including the following: Be the Change Day Navaratri Diwali Saraswati/Ganesh Puja Study Breaks Lecture Events Shruti: A Classical Night Holi Weekly Bhajans and Discussion Circle/Bhajans Workshop Interfaith Events Interviews to become a part of HSO’s planning board take place at the start of the fall semester. If you are interested in joining our mailing list or if you would like to get in touch with us, email us at [email protected] or visit us at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/hso/! 1 Food For Thought Om - “OM - This Imperishable Word is the whole of this visible universe.
    [Show full text]
  • Call of Vivekananda Om
    1 Call of Vivekananda Om. A-sa-to ma sad gam-ma-ya. Ta-ma-so-ma jyo-tir gam-ma-ya. Mri-tyor ma a-mri-tam ga-ma-ya. Avir avir ma e-dhi. Rudra yat te dak-shi-nam mu-kham. Tena mam pahi nityam. Tena mam pahi nityam. Tena mam pahi nityam. Lead us from the unreal to the Real. Lead us from darkness unto Light. Lead us from death to Immortality. Reveal to us Thy Resplendent Truth and evermore protect us, Oh Lord, by Thy Sweet and Compassionate Face, by Thy Sweet and Compassionate Face, by Thy Sweet and Compassionate Face. The subject of my talk this morning is: The Call of Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda’s name is well known in connection with the Vedanta movement in this country. It was he who brought Vedanta to the US in 1893. His one hundred and twenty-fifth birthday will be tomorrow and we shall be celebrating this occasion next Sunday at 10:30 am, but this morning’s service is a prelude to this birthday celebration, 125th birthday celebration of this great prophet, Swami Vivekananda. Those of you who have read his life story and some of his works are familiar with the dynamic role he played during his three year’s stay in the US. Two times he visited the US, first in 1893 as to represent Hinduism in the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. And second time in 1900, 1898, no 1899. So all together his stay in the West was three years and a half.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction to As Taught by Yogi Bhajan the Yoga of Awareness
    An Introduction to KUNDALINI YOGA As taught by Yogi Bhajan The Yoga of Awareness 1 Science of Kundalini Yoga KUNDALINI YOGA Kundalini Yoga is a potent and effective system of self-transformational and personal development. Kundalini Yoga stimulates individual growth through systemic techniques, which strengthen the nervous system, balance the glandular system, and align the chakras, for increased stability and vitality. Kundalini Yoga encompasses and draws from all yogic systems and techniques. Meditation improves mental concentration, sharpens awareness, develops intuition and gives direct experience of consciousness. Kundalini yoga classes take the students through exercise sets which incorporate breathing and work on all systems of the body, followed by meditation and deep relaxation. Kundalini Yoga is designed for the active person with responsibilities in school, work, family and the world. It was maintained as a secret oral tradition for thousands of years which protected the techniques from abuse, but also created an unnecessary image of mystery. Kundalini Yoga can be practiced by anyone if it is done gradually and according to the instructions. As our society becomes increasingly technological, our world becomes more intimately connected and influenced by its numerous cultures. The pace of change is on the rise and the stress on our body’s nervous system is increasing. The science of Kundalini Yoga allows us to tap into a technology that helps us cope with this escalating change. The inner science of the mind is the tool that will enable us to cope with the pressure of these changes. It is the mind that interprets our outer and inner worlds and it is the mind that we must train to guide us through the flow of change.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural Heritage Tourism Management in Pashupatinath Area
    Nepalese Culture Vol. XIII : 95-106, 2019 Central Department of NeHCA, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal Cultural Heritage Tourism Management in Pashupatinath Area Pashupati Nyaupane Abstract Heritage represents irreplaceable resources for the tourism industry so conservation is a vital component of their management. Throughout the world, the tourism industry has been an economic generator including conserving the heritage sites. Today, tourism has been considered to have greater socio economic values. Thus Pashupatinath area, with its rich cultural heritage, has great potential to be tapped through cultural heritage tourism. Pashupatinath area is known for its rich cultural heritage, but lack of proper tourism guidelines in the areas has not been able to showcase its potential. Thus, the paper tries to bring the importance of heritage tourism in the core area of Pashupatinath and its vicinity into limelight. The paper addresses the need of improvement in management, information and development in infrastructure. Moreover it covers the approach of conservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. This article examines the significance and value of Pashupatinath area as a cultural heritage tourism destination. This research identifies numerous issues related to cultural heritage tourism management in Pashupatinath area and its cultural heritage tourism products, coordination among stakeholders and interpretation. It explores the current management situation of Pashupati area and provides the suggestion for the betterment of cultural heritage tourism in Pashupatinath area. The paper helps to relate the tourism industry with the economic growth of Pashupatinath area. Key words: Heritage, Cultural Heritage tourism, Interpretation, Authenticity. Introduction Hinduism is known as one of the most ancient religions in the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Shiva, the Destroyer and the Restorer
    Shiva, The Destroyer and the Restorer DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAK NATH ) 7 SHIV TATTVA In Me the universe had its origin, In Me alone the whole subsists; In Me it is lost-Siva, The Timeless, it is I Myself, Sivoham! Sivoham! Sivoham! Salutations to Lord Shiva, the vanquisher of Cupid, the bestower of eternal bliss and Immortality, the protector of all beings, destroyer of sins, the Lord of the gods, who wears a tiger-skin, the best among objects of worship, through whose matted hair the Ganga flows. Lord Shiva is the pure, changeless, attributeless, all-pervading transcendental consciousness. He is the inactive (Nishkriya) Purusha (Man). Prakriti is dancing on His breast and performing the creative, preservative and destructive processes. When there is neither light nor darkness, neither form nor energy, neither sound nor matter, when there is no manifestation of phenomenal existence, Shiva alone exists in Himself. He is timeless, spaceless, birthless, deathless, decayless. He is beyond the pairs of opposites. He is the Impersonal Absolute Brahman. He is untouched by pleasure and pain, good and evil. He cannot be seen by the eyes but He can be realised within the heart through devotion and meditation. Shiva is also the Supreme personal God when He is identified with His power. He is then omnipotent, omniscient active God. He dances in supreme joy and creates, sustains and destroys with the rhythm of His dancing movements. DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAK NATH ) He destroys all bondage, limitation and sorrow of His devotees. He is the giver of Mukti or the final emancipation.
    [Show full text]
  • Mukta Kaur Khalsa Yogic Scien
    Har Aerobic Kriya p.1 This set should be done very quickly and in a fluid motion, moving from exercise to exercise with no stopping. When done properly it is a great aerobic workout. Repeat the sequence 5 times. 1) Standing with feet comfortably apart, clap your hands over your head 8 times. Each time you clap, chant Har with the tip of your tongue. 2) Bend over from the hips. Slap the ground hard with the hands 8 times. With each pat, chant Har with the tip of your tongue. 3) Stand up straight up with arms out to the sides parallel to the ground. Raise and lower the arms, patting the air, one foot up and one foot below the shoulder height, as you chant Har with the tip of the tongue. 8 times. 4) Still standing, jump and criss-cross the arms and legs chanting Har, both as the arms and legs cross and when they are out at the sides for a total of 8 chants of Har. The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan ©2008 Har Aerobic Kriya p.2 5) Come into Archer Pose with the right leg forward, left leg back. Bend the right knee, extending in and out of the full stretch of the position, chanting Har each time you bend forward. 8 times. Switch sides, with the left leg extended forward chanting Har each time you bend forward. 8 times. 6) Repeat criss-cross jumping as in exercise #4. 7) Stretch the arms over the head. Arch the back as you bend backwards, chanting Har each time you bend back.
    [Show full text]
  • Kundalini Yoga & Meditation As a Foundation
    Embodied Awareness and Action: Kundalini Yoga & Meditation as a Foundation for Social Education Keval Kaur Khalsa1 Resumo À medida que entramos no século 21, deparamo-nos com uma era de saturação de informação, de stress generalizado e contínuo, de falta de tempo e de crescentes exigências sociais e pessoais. A atividade humana tem um impacto direto e negativo na teia da vida à escala global e no entanto a nossa consciência enquanto espécie é ainda limitada e egocêntrica. Como podemos ir além do nosso eu-ego limitado, desenvolvendo capacidade espiritual e uma real conexão com os outros? Como conservar flexibilidade e resistência mentais, emocionais e físicas e integrar o aspeto espiritual da nossa vida com o material e o tecnológico? Como compreender profundamente a interligação de todas as coisas e agir consciente e corajosamente a partir dessa profunda compreensão? A Yoga e Meditação Kundalini ensinadas por Yogi Bhajan proporcionam um enquadramento para uma mudança interna de paradigma – do “eu” para o “nós”; do conhecimento intelectual para uma nova relação com a intuição, a emoção e o instinto; da confusão para a clareza; do isolamento para a união; do medo e da insegurança para a ação consciente e corajosa. Este documento apresenta elementos fundamentais da prática de Yoga Kundalini – Pranayama, Kriya, Meditação e Mantra – e explica como esta prática espiritual incorporada desenvolve a sensibilização, a consciência e a coragem para agir a partir do coração enquanto guerreiros espirituais neste tempo de caos planetário sem precedentes. A Kundalini Yoga ensinada por Yogi Bhajan e as práticas pedagógicas libertadoras de Paulo Freire partilham algumas bases filosóficas fundamentais: o despertar da consciência pessoal é a chave para a emancipação e para a mudança social; cada pessoa possui um mestre interno/uma sabedoria interna inatos, que devem ser respeitados; o papel do professor não é o modelo-padrão hierarquizado de poder sobre, mas, antes, o professor age como um facilitador do processo de desenvolvimento, pelo aluno, do seu próprio mestre interno.
    [Show full text]