Volume XVIII, No. 1, May 2010
The Power that Brings Peace (Sri Gurudev answers questions about Ahimsa) by Sri Swami Satchidananda
It’s All in the Motive
Question: How can you tell whether you are helping or harming someone before an act is committed?
Sri Gurudev: If you think about it well, you will always know. You know the purpose behind what you’re doing. Remember the definition of a perfect act is: An action done to bring at least some benefit to somebody and no harm to anybody. When I say no harm to anybody, I include the person who performs the act. You should harm neither yourself nor the other person. So no harm anywhere, but at least a little benefit to somebody.
The ultimate result should be harmless. Sometimes in between it may appear to be a little harmful. For instance, a doctor operates on an abscess and brings a little pain to the patient. It looks like a harmful act at first. But the motive is for the benefit of the patient. So know the ultimate outcome. It’s all in the motive. You should be clear about your motive. Your conscience will tell you that.
Be Actively Peaceful
Question: Is there any way to become socially active (protesting nuclear power, war, etc.) and be yogic about it?
Continued on Page 4 Inside The Power that Brings Peace Balancing Alignment and Self Discovery by Sri Swami Satchidananda p. 1 by Lakshmi Sutter p. 10 Letter from the Editor p. 2 Returning to Yogaville by Apple Knisley p. 12 Ahimsa: Quality of the Brave by Sri Swami Sivananda p. 3 And a Yoga Centre Was Born Our Real Nature by Sri Swami Satchidananda p. 4 by Alessandra Uma Cocchi p.13 Bhagavad Gita Study by Swami Asokananda p. 5 Feeling the Body from Within through Hatha Yoga Yoga Therapy: the Value of Ayurveda as its Foundation by Louis Mahadev Carlino p.14 by Dr. David Frawley p. 6 Academy & Yogaville news by Manu Hunt p.16 Keeping a Meditation Practice Despite Absence of Group Support Senior Speakers Schedule p. 18 by Padma Habib p. 8 Calendar of Upcoming Programs at Yogaville p. 19 The Goal of Integral Yoga® Integral Yoga Teachers Association Founder: Sri Swami Satchidananda
The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every individual The Integral Yoga Teachers Association is a membership is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the association open to all Integral Yoga teachers. Its mission is entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one to provide mutual support and spiritual fellowship, to share universal family. information, to provide inspiration, and to conduct ongoing training and guidance. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total Director: Gopal Watkins control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as Supervising Editor: Rev. Prakasha Shakti sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart Newsletter Editor: Arjuna Guttadauro full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as a Graphic Design: Anand Shiva Hervé crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy. Photos: Richard DiMaria, Sraddha Van Dyke Copy Editors: Swami Hamsananda, Bhagerati Martin Attain this through asanas, pranayama, chanting of Holy Membership Coordinator: Manu Hunt Names, self discipline, selfless action, mantra japa, meditation, IYTA Assistant: Purnima Trifonova study and reflection. Integral Yoga Teachers Association Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville Ever yours in Yoga, 108 Yogaville Way, Buckingham, VA 23921 USA Tel: 434.969.3121, ext. 177 Fax: 434.969.1303 E-mail (Newsletter): [email protected] E-mail (Membership): [email protected] E-mail (Director): [email protected] Website: www.iyta.org Letter From The Editor
Hari Om, Greeting of Peace and Joy to all our readers.
I am always humbled and honored to be writing to you. I have returning to Yogaville. I personally love been told by many of you how you look forward to receiving to publish articles such as this because this Newsletter. It is such a good way to stay connected with I think a lot of us feel the same way the Ashram, read articles written by our beloved Swami about Yogaville as Apple describes. I’m Satchidananda and Swami Sivananda, get great Hatha Yoga happy to serve with a reminder of how tips, articles on keeping up and enhancing our own practices, valuable to our inner selves a visit to and learning new ideas from the varied and knowledgeable Yogaville can be. Come on over, what authors that are kind enough to write for us. you are needing is here.
This issue we have a new item from one of our members in Two of our articles come from a couple who reside in Italy, Alessandra Uma Cocchi. She is an illustrator, a drawing Boulder, Colorado. One article is from Padma Habib who art teacher and an Integral Yoga teacher. She joins her two gives us great insight into how to maintain a meditation passions (Yoga and art) to describe, with a sense of humor, practice away from group support. The other article is from the joy and the difficulties along the spiritual path. On page Louis Mahadev Carlino, “Feeling the Body from Within 17 you will see her illustration which utilizes Merudan the Through Hatha Yoga”. Both articles help us make a deeper bear to do just that. Merudan represents our inner animal connection to our inner selves. self, that which is more or less subdued, that sometimes makes us more aggressive, competitive, jealous, selfish and Special thanks to Swami Satchidananda and Swami also greedy, a little lazy and sometimes playful. It is helpful Sivananda. Their articles are treasures that transcend time. to perceive the illustration knowing which part of ourselves Speaking of timeless treasures, Swami Asokananda continues Merudan is. Let us know how you like Merudan, and if you his series with his comments on the Bhagavad Gita. Lakshmi want you can get more of Merudan and Uma’s illustrations Sutter provides a centerfold article on “Balancing Alignment on the web at “http://thebearposition.blogspot.com/”. and Self Discovery,” and of course, there are more articles inside that I’m sure you will also love. Please enjoy this issue. We also have an article from a recent TT graduate (Apple Knisley) who explains her excitement and feelings in In Love and Light, Arjuna IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 2 Ahimsa: Quality of the Brave by Sri Swami Sivananda
In its comprehensive meaning, Ahimsa means entire abstinence from causing any pain or harm whatsoever to any living creature either by thought, word, or deed. Non-injury (Ahimsa) requires a harmless mind, mouth, and hand.
Ahimsa is not mere negative non-injuring. It is positive, cosmic love. It is development of a mental attitude in which hatred is replaced by love. Ahimsa is true sacrifice. Ahimsa is forgiveness. Ahimsa is true strength. Acme of Bravery
The vow of Ahimsa is broken even by showing contempt towards another person, by entertaining unreasonable dislike or prejudice towards anybody, by frowning at another person, by abusing another person, by hating another person, by speaking ill of others, by backbiting or vilifying, by Sri Swami Sivananda and disciples harboring thoughts of hatred, by uttering lies, or by ruining another person in any way whatsoever. After controlling the body, control your speech. Make a strong determination, “I will not speak any harsh words to All harsh and rude speech is injury (himsa). Wounding the anybody from today forth.” You may fail a hundred times. feelings of others by gestures, expressions, tone of voice and What does it matter? You will slowly gain strength. unkind words is also injury. Slighting or showing deliberate discourtesy to a person before others is wanton injury. To Check the impulses of speech. Observe mouna (silence). approve of another’s harsh actions is indirect injury. To fail Practice forgiveness. Say within yourself, “He is a baby soul. to relieve another person’s pain or even to neglect to go to He is ignorant. So he has done it. Let me excuse him this the person in distress is a form of injury. time. What do I gain by abusing him in return?” To err is human; to forgive divine. Avoid strictly all forms of harshness, direct or indirect, positive or negative, immediate or delayed. Practice Ahimsa in its Finally go to the thoughts and check the thoughts of injuring. purest form and become divine. Never think of injuring anyone. One Self dwells in all. All are manifestation of the One God. By injuring another, you If you practice Ahimsa you should put up with insults, rebukes, but injure your own Self. By serving another, you serve your criticisms and assaults also. You should never retaliate or own Self. wish to offend anybody even under extreme provocation. You should not harbor anger. You should not curse. Love all. Serve all. Hate none. Insult none. Injure none in thought, word and deed. Try to behold your own Self in all Ahimsa is the acme of bravery. Ahimsa is not possible without beings. This will prompt Ahimsa. fearlessness. Non-violence cannot be practiced by a weak person. Ahimsa cannot be practiced by a person who has Ahimsa is soul-force. Hate melts in the presence of love. no power of endurance and resistance. Ahimsa is a quality There is no greater power than Ahimsa. The practice of of the behavior of the strong. Ahimsa is the perfection of Ahimsa develops willpower to a considerable degree. The forgiveness. practice of Ahimsa will make you fearless. He who practices Ahimsa with real faith can move the whole world, can tame Developing Ahimsa wild animals, can win the hearts of all, and can subdue his enemies. He can do and undo things. The force of Ahimsa When thoughts contrary to Ahimsa arise in the mind, try to is infinitely more wonderful and subtle than that of electricity control the physical body first, then the speech, and finally or magnetism. the thoughts. Do not utter evil and harsh words. Do not censure. Do not try to injure others. If you succeed in this You may encounter any amount of difficulty in practicing by practice for some months, the thoughts of injury, having Ahimsa. You may sustain any amount of loss, but you must no scope for manifesting outside, will die by themselves. It not give up the practice. Trials and difficulties are bound to is extremely difficult to control such thoughts from the very come in your way to test your strength. You should stand beginning without having recourse to control of body and adamant. Then alone will your efforts be crowned with speech first. sanguine success!
IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 3 The Power that Brings Peace (Continued from page 1)
Sri Gurudev: Only when you remain tranquil, only when Our Real Nature you are a good yogi with a well-balanced mind will you be a super social person. Otherwise the so-called social activity Question: Why has man gotten so far from God? will not really bring much result. On the other hand it might add more to the existing chaos. Sri Gurudev: He’s not far away from God. God is right there. In fact the man himself is God. It’s not that he’s gone anywhere; What you call social activity is what we call Karma Yoga. A he has simply forgotten. He forgot his true nature, mistook yogi should always do everything possible for the benefit of himself for the temporary form and said, “I am a man.” humanity. What makes you a man? Suppose a doctor injects you with If you are a good yogi, and if you want to show your disapproval hormones, performs an operation, and you walk out of the over certain things, you will show it in a passive way. You can hospital as a woman. There were just a few changes made; be actively peaceful. You will never begin a peace march now you’re a woman. What made you a man? Just a physical and end up with a fight! Many of these resistances ultimately body, you will think you’re a man, a woman. That is wrong end up with violence because some people don’t have the thinking. You are really God. It’s this wrong identification stability. They don’t have the confidence, the total faith in a which is the basic sin – forgetting one’s own true nature. It is higher power. that ignorance which puts us in darkness.
India got complete freedom from a very powerful regime Imagine a king goes out hunting with all his richly dressed with total passive resistance. Mahatma Gandhi paved the court. After a time of strenuous riding, he stops, lies down way for that. He didn’t believe in arms. If India had resorted under a tree and goes to sleep. In a few minutes he begins to arms, it would never have attained freedom because you to dream, and in that dream he is a beggar. This beggar goes can’t fight with a much more powerful people. But with your from door to door for a little food. He’s so hungry and cold, soul power, you can fight even the so-called super powers but no one will feed him. One tough fellow comes out of who rely on the physical power. his house and says, “You are a physically fit man. Why can’t you go to work? You lazy bum!” And he gives the beggar A yogi believes in that soul power. He would not even a number of heavy kicks. As the beggar cries out from the raise his arm to carry arms or to fight. Even when you raise pain, he wakes up and – as the king – opens his eyes and your arm and punch another man’s face you have used sees his retinue politely waiting for him to wake up. “Your an arm, is it not so? Real passive resistance means having Excellency, Your Highness! Is there anything we can do?”He total faith in that super power which is God, or the soul simply laughs at the dream and jumps up to join the hunt power which is your Atman (true Self). Trusting in that once again. you remain peaceful. In a way, we are all sleeping. In sleep we forget the truth. In fact, in India when the policemen came to assault the We dream we are this, we are that. It’s a long sleep and a non-violent people who were exhibiting their disapproval long dream. Somebody should come and give us a nice they used their small clubs. Every time they would hit a kick to wake us up. Otherwise we will just go door to door volunteer, the volunteer would bow down and say “Ram.” begging. That sudden shock or kick should come in the form Certainly he felt the pain, but if it was more pain he would of enlightenment. When you get that kick, you realize God, cry more to Ram. If there was a little time in between your Self. the beatings he would look up and say, “All right, you are doing your job; do it well. You are paid for it. You are The scriptures say, “God made man in His own image.” an agent. I have no grudge against you. Do it. I believe And the scriptures say that God is omnipresent. If God is in God.” There are monuments to such great heroes in omnipresent, is He not present in you? So you are God. India now. Everything is God. Even to say that God is “in you” is not correct. He is you. So the only mistake is that we have That is what you call trust in your power. If instead, the minute forgotten that, we are dreaming. We have to wake up. they come and even shout at you, you shout back “You pig!” what is it you are trusting there? You forgot the God within “We can see the same spirit in everybody only when we know we are you. You resorted to your own physical approach. That’s why many protests fail because we don’t totally believe in that spirit, Atman or Self. Only a person who has understood his own that higher force. We seem to begin with that but very soon Self can see that Self in everybody” we forget it. If you are a yogi, until the very last minute you —Sri Swami Satchidananda will trust that.
IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 4 Bhagavad Gita Study: Chapter 2 Verse 28 Commentary by Swami Asokananda
The Blessed Lord said: Arjuna, before birth, beings are 17 years old I read a version of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali unmanifested. Between birth and death, they manifest. And by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood. They after death, they’re unmanifested again. What is there to gave a different reason for the fear of death that left a lasting lament about? impression that has stayed with me all these years. They said that it is not because of the unknown but rather some part of In the last issue of the IYTA newsletter, we looked at Chapter our psyche remembers the experience, shortly after leaving 2 Verse 22, in which Sri Krishna spoke about death as an the body, of having to review the life we just lived. We see opportunity for the soul to receive a new body, a fresh vehicle before us all the ways we hurt others, our petty self-interest, to continue its journey Home. In this verse as well, Krishna the missed opportunities, and how the ego turned its back indicates that we should perceive death as part of this sacred on the Light time and time again. These authors say that this pilgrimage, rather than something looming over us that we process is so painful for most people that they cringe from dread. Rather than thinking of death as the opposite of life, having to go through it again. Lord Krishna assures us that life is a continuous stream of births and deaths through which the soul gains the experience Though yoga can help us to live comfortably in our body necessary to remember its true Identity. Just as we do not until a ripe old age, we know that, unlike us, the body was grieve over the setting of the sun, knowing that it will rise in not designed to live forever. By meditating on this verse, the morning, so we need not grieve about leaving this body, we can be more prepared for the departure from this body knowing the soul is continuing its journey. and the return to what Krishna calls our “unmanifested” state. However, it is not the real unmanifested condition. Earlier in Chapter 2, Krishna was speaking from the It is relatively unmanifested because now we cannot be perspective of the indivisible and immortal Self that has no seen with the physical eye. But we still inhabit a subtle birth or death. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the body. At the final stage of the spiritual path, we are truly point of view that we are born, then we die, and we exist no Unmanifested, free from the confines of any limitation. This more. In this verse, Krishna is taking the middle path—when is how I would distinguish unmanifested with a small “u” the Pure Consciousness identifies with the body/mind there from Unmanifested with a capital “U.” We manifest and seems to be an individual who has a birth and death. As this unmanifest again and again until we become the glorious separate consciousness gains experience, learns lessons, and Unmanifested Divinity. grows in understanding, it slowly but surely re-discovers itself as nothing other than the all pervading One. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna time and again reminds us that whatever our belief system, our philosophy, or religious Krishna asks, “What is there to lament about?” Most of us orientation, it should help us to keep our minds steady in all have some anxiety about death—whether it be from the fear circumstances, even in the face of death. Once we no longer of annihilation or the fear of the unknown. When I was about lament death, then what can frighten us?
Swami Asokananda is one of Integral Yoga’s foremost teachers, known for his warmth, intelligence and good humor. Asokanandaji is one of our primary instructors for Intermediate and Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher Training. He presently serves in the Integral Yoga Academy. Before this position, he served as the President of Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville and Integral Yoga International and as President of the New York Integral Yoga Institute.
IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 5 Yoga Therapy: the Value of Ayurveda as its Foundation! By David Frawley
Yoga therapy, like any other therapy, rests upon a medical In fact, Ayurveda can be said to be the yogic system of system that it is either part of or that it is used along with. A healing or the yogic form of medicine. The reason for this particular therapy by itself, like yoga asanas, is a treatment is that Ayurveda takes the philosophy and principles of method, which requires additional supporting factors in Yoga, which are largely sadhana based, and adds to them order to deal with the patient’s greater health concerns. A the factors that address anatomy, physiology, constitution, treatment method must first follow a diagnosis, which will the disease process, and the full range of treatment methods reflect a certain system of medicine and its theory of disease. from diet, herbs, massage and surgery to yogic methods A therapy works best if connected with a full treatment from asana to meditation. package, including diet, herbs, life-style changes and possibly other clinical procedures. Classical Yoga is based upon the Samkhya system of philosophy and its 25 cosmic principles (Tattvas) from In short, the question of Yoga therapy raises the greater the Purusha or pure consciousness down to the five gross question as to whether we can have a complete yogic elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether. Samkhya itself approach to health and well-being, a yogic system of is a summary of the main teachings that we find in the medicine, with its own diagnosis and treatment methods Upanishads that similarly list various cosmic principles. Yet that cover the full scope of medical practice and overall well- these 25 principles reflect more the subtle body than the being and happiness. physical body and are often identified with the subtle body itself (called the linga in Samkhya thought). Modern Yoga therapy is usually used in the context of modern medicine as an adjunct physical therapy, sometimes as Ayurveda adds to these 25 subtle principles the corresponding recommended by a doctor, who is the primary care physician. factors that relate to the physical body and to health. Most In short, Yoga therapy has often been scaled down into the important are the three doshas or biological humors and diagnosis and treatment protocol of modern medicine, which their five subtypes, the seven dhatus or tissue elements, and lacks a yogic approach to health and well-being. the fourteen srotas or channel systems. In short, Ayurveda completes the health equation inherent in Yoga philosophy. There are also efforts to connect Yoga with various alternative It also follows the principles of Yoga such as the need to or complimentary medical systems. Other groups seem to be increase sattva guna, the promotion of prana, natural living, trying to make Yoga therapy into its own medical system. In and the usage of natural foods and herbs. In short, if we want fact, it seems that almost any style of asana practice has become to learn how Yoga philosophy relates to health, the physical a therapy today, based upon its potential health benefits. body and its workings, we must look to Ayurveda which contains this explanation in great detail. In this regard, it is important to look at the greater Yoga tradition. In older India, Yoga was not originally formulated Ayurveda defines health as the harmony of body, prana, as a healing practice or a therapy. It was devised as a spiritual mind, senses and the higher Self or Purusha. This is similar practice or sadhana. Classical Yoga, such as occurs in the to the definition of classical Yoga that consists of calming Yoga Sutras or Bhagavad Gita, aims at Self-realization or union the mind to connect with the Purusha as the seer within. If with the Divine, not at health or the treatment of physical we want to understand how the energies of Yoga like prana disease, which is rarely a topic in any Yoga texts. affect our health and well-being, this is made clear in the Ayurvedic view of how the body and mind work. However, classical Yoga does recognize the health benefits of many Yoga practices, not only asana but pranayama, The advantage of Ayurvedic medicine is that it has been mantra and meditation. Yoga aims at the alleviation of formulated as a complete yogic system of medicine from its spiritual suffering, that owing to ignorance (avidya) of our very origins. The same rishis and yogis who were instrumental higher nature in pure consciousness. This is a larger concern in developing Raja Yoga were also involved in Ayurveda, than physical or psychological well-being, though to a whether mythical figures like the Ashvins, the Vedic rishis, great extent it includes them. Yet classical Yoga is more a or even Patanjali himself who was also a famous Ayurvedic psychological medicine, as it aims more at healing the mind doctor and commentator. Ayurveda was devised as the Vedic because of its close relationship with our deeper awareness. system for treating diseases of body and mind. Raja Yoga was devised as the Vedic system for removing spiritual suffering and Yet, more importantly, in the greater scheme of Vedic promoting sadhana. There is no other Vedic system of medicine knowledge, there was always a medical system for addressing than Ayurveda, and no other sadhana system than Yoga. This the health and well-being of body and mind. This is Ayurvedic means that Yoga therapy as a means of treating physical and medicine. While Yoga is the main Vedic practice or sadhana psychological disease comes traditionally under Ayurveda. approach for Self-realization, Ayurveda is the main Vedic medical system for the overall treatment of diseases of body In other words, a yogic system of medicine already exists, and mind, as well as for teaching the principles of right living. which is Ayurveda. This means that any Yoga practitioners IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 6 serious about Yoga therapy and Yogic healing should at Yoga if it remains in control of the greater overall diagnosis least study the basics of Ayurveda and learn about the and treatment process, but this is more a subordination than greater system of Vedic healing that both classical Yoga and adaptation. However, over time the situation can and must Ayurveda have been part of. be changed.
Ayurveda uses Yoga as part of its life-style recommendations An Ayurvedic yoga primary care practitioner (doctor if you and as a treatment method, particularly for psychological will), will not simply be someone who can prescribe asanas disorders. Even today Ayurvedic practitioners regularly with regard to Ayurvedic types, though this is a good place recommend some sort of Yoga therapy, yet they do so to start. They will be someone who can diagnose and treat according to Ayurvedic principles of individual constitution disease, including dealing with internal medicine factors and natural healing that are in harmony with Yoga and reflect of diet and herbs, as well as external factors of exercise the same principles and approaches. and massage, and psychological factors of mantra and meditation, reflecting the philosophy and principles of yoga The classical term for Yoga therapy is Yoga chikitsa. There and Ayurveda and their interconnections. are hundreds of chikitsa texts coming out of India. Yet these are almost entirely Ayurvedic. Every major Ayurvedic text, In our work we aim at this integration of Raja Yoga with mind- like Charak and Sushrut Samhitas, has a chikitsa section, just body Ayurveda, using all eight limbs of Yoga to help relieve as it has a diagnosis (nidana), and anatomy and physiology physical, mental and spiritual suffering. This we believe (sharira) section. Yoga texts, on the other hand, as we can provides the ideal system for optimal well-being. We also see from the Yoga Sutras, emphasize sadhana, as its sadhana bring in related Vedic sciences like Vedic astrology (Jyotish) pada or section. The other sections of the Yoga Sutras relate and Vastu for a complete understanding of the cosmic to samadhi (higher realization), vibhuti (powers) and kaivalya influences in our lives and how to live in harmony with (liberation). In short, chikitsa is mainly the concern of a medical the greater universe. This view of Vedic healing and inner system, which was traditionally held by Ayurveda, not Yoga. transformation has a great relevance for everyone. Through it we can create an integral healing system that reflects the Some readers may ask, if Ayurveda has been so important essence of Yoga on all levels of our being and all aspects of for any Yogic healing or Yoga therapy, why haven’t our Yoga the universal life. teachers told us this? The main reason is that most Yoga approaches came to the West as part of a spiritual practice Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is a rare or sadhana tradition that did not emphasize any medical combination of a yogi, Vedic scholar, Ayurvedic doctor, and applications, and that Ayurvedic schools had been closed Vedic astrologer. He teaches these ancient Vedic subjects down by the British in India and were only reopened since in a clear and contemporary manner in harmony with the India’s independence in 1947. classical traditions and as part of a path of inner practice. What is perhaps most unusual about his work is the regard Most Yoga traditions from India are firmly rooted in Ayurveda, in which it is held in India, where he is widely regarded as a as is also Tibetan Buddhism and its Tibetan medicine, which Pandit and Vedacharya, an authentic teacher in the tradition is predominantly Ayurvedic. In recent years, Ayurveda has itself. been coming back into the Yoga teachings, particularly in India, but also in the West. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was the Vamadeva has been one of the pioneers of Ayurvedic main teacher to emphasize the importance of Ayurveda, medicine in the western world, authoring over ten books but today most Yoga ashrams have some Ayurveda, if not on the subject, writing an entire Ayurvedic study course, Ayurvedic classes or Ayurvedic clinics. and helping to found a number of Ayurvedic schools. He is on the advisory board and a special honoree of NAMA How do we create a meaningful Yoga therapy, not merely (National Ayurvedic Medical Association). He has a similar for the body but also for the mind and with respect to the role as a pioneer of Vedic astrology in the West, writing two deeper divine consciousness or Purusha within us? How books, a study course and many articles on that subject. do we create, not merely a Yoga therapy, but a complete yogic system of medicine, disease treatment and positive In the field of Yoga, he has emphasized the interface of well-being? Such a system already exists as Ayurveda. It does classical Raja Yoga with Vedic disciplines like Ayurveda and not need to be created but only adapted to our current Vedanta in several publications. His book Yoga and Ayurveda individual and cultural needs and circumstances. Then we remains probably the most widely read book on how these need not merely talk about Yoga therapy but about Yogic two subjects relate. He has been promoting an Ayurvedic medicine, Yogic healing for body, mind and consciousness, Yoga therapy based upon his research. and a Yogic doctor or a primary care practitioner rooted in a yogic system of medicine. Vamadeva will be presenting here in Yogaville, “Ayurveda and Yoga: An Of course, there is a long way to go to develop all this. The Integral Approach to Healing Body, current medical establishment is quite powerful, open in Mind and Spirit” with Shambhavi some ways but closed in others. The medical establishment Chopra & Mas Vidal, June 16-20, 2010. often does not mind bringing in complimentary therapies like (www.vedanet.com) IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 7 Keeping a Meditation Practice Despite Absence of Group Support By Padma Habib
When I moved away from Yogaville a little over a year ago, want to stay regular it’s going to require determination to after having lived there a number of years, I wasn’t sure find a way to overcome this inherent negative pull. what impact this would have on my meditation practice. I had had a daily practice for several years and though I Here are some factors I attribute to helping me stay consistent was determined to keep meditation a priority, I knew that in meditation as I’ve transitioned “out into the world”: without the support of the sangha there was a possibility my good intentions could fall by the wayside. Continuing the momentum gained from an extended period of regular practice While the ashram group meditations provided the support I needed to develop a regular practice, I have found that Had I decided to use this transition to take a break from meditating on my own has a uniquely enjoyable quality, meditation for a while, I might be telling a different story. and has even added a new dimension to my practice. My Like with New Year’s resolutions or intentions to diet, intent in writing this article is to share my experience with my mind looks for future dates as a good time to start meditation in relation to both settings (group and “solo”) something. This hasn’t really been effective in the past. To and to offer some tips that were useful to me in sustaining develop or to keep a personal practice, consider using the a regular practice. time you spend in an extended program or TT to keep the impetus going. Meditating in a group setting provides an invaluable support that facilitates keeping a regular practice. Not only Setting a clear schedule can it serve as a means to get us there, but it provides a sense of purpose, a reminder of our common aspirations. In preparing to keep up a sadhana practice on my own it In a very real sense the ashram environment (and no helped me to make a clear plan of when I would meditate doubt similar settings) makes it easy to attend meditations (days and times) and for how long. At the ashram I learned regularly: the example and usual attendance of swamis and to gradually increase the number of meditations I attended residents, the ashram schedule being structured around by setting a specific schedule: “I will meditate on these meditation times, the gentle encouragement. Another mornings but not on these mornings. I will meditate every motivation at the ashram is a common appreciation of noon and evening except this day.” My mind responds the value of practicing for a long time, without break and well to this kind of structure. Once I set the intention I had with full zeal. This is highlighted particularly during Basic the understanding that, just as one goes to school or work Teacher Training. So what is it about practicing without on certain days/times, on those days and times I would group support that makes practicing difficult? And why, go to meditation. To set a meditation schedule that is do- when left to our own devices, can meditation gradually able, create one that is realistic for your life situation, and lose its priority in our lives? start with less than you can comfortably handle. That way when you achieve your set goal you will feel good about One reason that is frequently heard is that our lives are it and it will propel you to continue. too busy. Who has time to sit and meditate when we have full-time jobs, families to attend to, and other activities Not being distracted by our awareness of the presence that demand our time and attention? of others
Or perhaps it’s simply our nature. The Bhagavad Gita tells Have you ever been in a group meditation where someone the story of two families at war, the Pandavas, comprised is fidgety, another is sniffling, and still another has the of 5 virtuous brothers, and their cousins the Kauravas, need to intermittently clear their throat? Although one can comprised of 100 you could say badly behaved brothers. certainly learn to overlook these minor distractions I find They are at war because the Pandavas lost their rule over that there is something sweet about sitting alone in front the land through trickery from their eldest Kaurava cousin, of the altar. When nobody else is around our attention and are fighting to regain what is righteously theirs. If we can more easily turn inward, so there is the potential interpret this scenario to symbolically represent the forces for enhanced self awareness and a heightened sense of at play within each of us, we can see that our negative connection to Divine Presence. tendencies (Kauravas) exceed our virtuous tendencies (Pandavas) 100 to 5, or a 20:1 ratio! It is no wonder that What is the alternative? we might find it challenging to keep a regular practice on our own. There is a significant force pulling us in the Can we really rely on outside sources for lasting direction that does not lead to our ultimate benefit. If we satisfaction? Without a regular meditation practice we
IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 8 tend to rely on exterior things (such as movies, treats, Seeing the impact it has on me and those around me For relationships) or on our identifications (such as our social my own steadiness and for the sake of those around me, roles) more heavily than may be necessary. This can not meditation has been a gift! I am still amazed to see how only take away from our enjoying these things fully, but just by staying regular somehow I am much less reactive what happens when suddenly something we rely on is in situations where I’d normally react strongly. I’m not sure taken away through inevitable changes in life? It’s not that how this works but in my experience it does. My sense meditation will necessarily shield us from experiencing is that there is an imperceptible and subtle awakening loss, pain and suffering just as much, but by anchoring happening. This improved dynamic with others is a great ourselves in a truer understanding of who we are, we can motivator. allow this perspective to carry us through difficulties. Keeping a Sadhana chart There is something satisfying By choosing to meditate we choose to seek something real about “taking a check.” When I was first asked to fill out a and of lasting value, and we allow something wiser than our Sadhana chart at the ashram I wasn’t crazy about the idea minds to dawn in us. When we realize, even intellectually, because it felt like I was now meditating for the sake of the that I am not my thoughts, by meditating daily we are check. After a while I got used to it and now I even look directly and systematically reinforcing this idea. We begin forward to taking the check. It doesn’t diminish my true to see the impermanence of our thoughts and therefore the reasons for meditating. It’s an instrument of support, like a impermanence of who we think we are. We surrender and friend who shows encouragement. trust a more reliable Source than the mind. Having a daily meditation practice means I am moving in the direction Whether you meditate with a group or on your own is not that I believe can bring true transformation. as significant as keeping a regular practice. One format isn’t better than the other. After having experienced both Finding a way to enjoy meditation If you are having a I feel they each have benefits. Group meditations provide hard time keeping a regular practice you may want to greater support and are useful in establishing a regular consider altering your technique. The technique should practice. In addition, if you are meditating in a group, be enjoyable in much the same way a game is enjoyable: chances are you are in an environment that is providing there is a challenging aspect to it, and at the same time it inspiration as well. Meditating alone gives you flexibility feels do-able, not impossible. If you set small goals there is to adapt to your own needs, and has a more personal feel a possibility of “winning!” The basic technique I apply was to it. learned from studying with Swami Asokananda, a long- time meditator who lives at Yogaville. Without going into Recently I had the opportunity to visit the ashram for a detail, the time is divided in three stages: month after having been away for a year. What I realized Stage 1 – Observing the thoughts; is that even though I am out here meditating on my own, Stage 2 – Mantra repetition or concentrating on a point the bond I feel to the sangha continues to support my of focus; practice. I recognize my need to come back periodically Stage 3 – Letting go of technique and sitting receptively. for inspiration and connection. That I am able to maintain a practice of my own is a tribute to an ashram that excels Before employing this method, I used to find it difficult to in supporting and sustaining its residents --- so that any practice the same technique for longer periods. Dividing ordinary person can achieve something no less than the time into segments made it more do-able. In fact the extraordinary. time seems to fly by. Each stage prepares the mind for the next, making it less of a struggle. It’s not that meditation Padma Habib has lived in Boulder, CO becomes undemanding, but rather each stage brings a for over a year and teaches a few Integral challenge that keeps the mind engaged. On a “good” day Yoga classes at various venues. She I find that during the third stage I enjoy a relative stillness finds it both rewarding and challenging: and sense of connection. So finding a technique that you rewarding in that she enjoys witnessing enjoy is a key factor in maintaining a regular practice. those who discover they are drawn to the I.Y. class style; and challenging Allowing for some flexibilityOne of the nice things about because many students have been a personal practice is you don’t have to adhere to a group primarily exposed to more fitness-based approaches schedule so you can have some flexibility with times if so the classes require some reframing. Before living in needed. But be careful... you could end up talking yourself Boulder she lived at Yogaville for eight years where she out of that “sitting” altogether. served as the Programs Coordinator for most of that time.
IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 9 Balancing Alignment and Self Discovery By Lakshmi Sutter, E-RYT 500
In analyzing elements of different asana teachings, one great benefit that you wish to share with your students? might identify a spectrum of approaches that range between How do you provide instruction that will guide them safely form and function. Some teach that function follows form, or without dictating details to the point that their awareness is that the benefits of the practice will arrive after precise form, drawn completely outward? or alignment, is achieved. Others suggest that form follows function; in other words, once you achieve the benefit from The first step in answering these questions is to realize why regular practice, the form will eventually arrive. In Integral you are teaching the pose that you choose to teach. So, ask Yoga, we are interested in form (alignment) to the point yourself what your intention for offering the asana is. Is this that we practice and teach safely. Over the years, greater a step toward something you are slowly building toward? … principles of alignment have entered into IY’s teaching style. are you striving to open an energy channel? …warm up a part This might beg the question: How does one find a balance of the body that will be used in a later part of the class? … of teaching good alignment principles while giving room for challenge the student physically? Once you know what you experimentation and not forcing a specific form of an asana plan to teach and why, you are ready to go. on every body? It’s very compelling in our appearance-crazed society to get As an IY teacher, you are undoubtedly aware that our lineage caught up in step-by-step alignment to achieve the “perfect” values silence in class to allow students the space to create a pose. Remember that every single body differs from every deep inward awareness. It can be a tricky balance to find the other body in many ways, and none of us feel an asana in language to achieve this while safely leading students into the same way as our fellow yogins. Consider a very simple various asanas, especially as the poses get complicated in example: If a person’s arms are shorter than their torso, their higher levels of practice. It’s important to acknowledge that palms will likely never reach the floor in dandasana. So, if even advanced practitioners may primarily practice simple you follow a specific alignment paradigm, you will eventually asanas. Sri Swami Satchidananda was a master at simplifying instruct them to place the palms flat on the floor. To meet complex teachings into bite-sized practices that most any of your instruction, they will either have to round the spine and us could do. In the basic IY class, many of the poses can be slouch or lean (forward or backward) to get their palms on instructed safely with specific instructions developed by our the floor, or the floor will have to be raised to meet their hands founder and carefully refined through the years. An advanced (with a prop). If the intention was to use postural muscles practitioner could also choose to experience challenging to hold the spine upright and possibly even to expand the postures on their way to transcending their mind. chest, the arm position is supplemental. It may offer modest energetic benefits, but at what cost to the primary intention? Regardless of level of practice, what if you find a student The student, left to his/her own devices, might have simply who moves in a way that you perceive could be harmful “tented” the hands and placed the fingertips on the floor. to them over the long term, but that your understanding The additional detail of arm placement, in this example, of alignment could help alleviate? Or, what if you have led the student away from the objective of strengthening intensely practiced an intricate asana in which you found postural muscles. Because you emphasized a long spine, that
IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 10 is where their emphasis went and they have found comfort “…ask yourself which movement
Comfort, after all, is one of the elements of actually practicing “…pause – and then begin to move into the pose…” asana. “Sthira sukham asanam.” Asana is a steady and comfortable pose. If we dictate every detail of alignment, One way to develop this for your personal practice from some may find steadiness and comfort. But because we which you will ultimately teach could be: without thinking, can’t know every response of all of the different body shapes approach an asymmetric pose (ideally different than the out there, it’s also possible that a student, obedient to your core Hatha I poses that you’ve likely practiced extensively) instruction, is unable to experiment with their own steadiness and ask yourself which side to practice first. Realize with and comfort; they may not feel the permission to feel in their which side of the body you begin. Sometimes, go with that body where they are most comfortable, most steady. Integral side and other times chose the opposite. Notice any subtle Yoga uses the process of a student finding their own pose to differences that may arise with either choice. Also, notice create the inward awareness and reflection that brings the if you make certain choices in any recognizable pattern practitioner to a deep meditation at the end of the IY class. (a journal can help with this). This type of exploration may deepen your own self-awareness which ultimately helps you As a teacher, our responsibility is to develop our intuition so to better serve your students in guiding them toward their that we can respond to our students’ needs. Do they need the own awareness. detail to remain safe, or can they safely experiment in their bodies, experiencing the feeling-tone into which you have The essence is to feel free to share alignment tips that will guided them? Ideally, you are working with students who serve your students without overdoing the detail you offer. you see regularly, so you might offer the primary alignment Encourage your students to play in the space you provide, principle in detail the first few times that you instruct the pose. experimenting with their different levels of awareness to Continue sharing only the major points, instilling the primary open energetic lines and create steadiness and comfort as principle you wish to share. Each time you are in class, you can they go. It is completely understandable that we as teachers build on the different aspects of alignment that could serve may wish to guide their every breath, but we are serving them. Once you see that your students are safe, encourage them even better by opening up a doorway for them to find them to experiment in ways to make this pose their own. these places on their own and create an inner world that keeps them completely engrossed! Language you can play with to develop your own voice for inviting experimentation might include: Lakshmi SutterE-RYT 500, served in the Integral Yoga Academy at Yogaville for five years – as Academy Director, “…invite yourself to gently and slowly move
IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 11 Returning to Yogaville By Apple Knisley
I first visited Yogaville in fall 2008; of course, like any first along with the kirtan team and the rest of the people there. timer, I got lost and was indeed very lucky to run into an angel It was comforting to hear Gurudev’s voice and teaching on (from Lovingston) who led me on a back road for almost 30 DVD, and it was such an honor to witness a Puja dedicated miles from Afton to Route 56. As I was driving on the well- to Master Sivananda along with hearing his story and seeing paved two lane road of Route 56, I was immediately captured his short film. by its beautiful and breath-taking scenery. Further down the road, I saw fewer houses, more trees, and the autumn scent My last workshop was taught by Jayadeva Mandelkorn of of the pine tree forest touched my heart unexpectedly. I fell IY-Princeton, who is really awesome and one of the best for this route for it was so comforting and healing. teachers I could ever have. I learned so much and had a lot of fun, especially when he taught us to do some fun and It was almost dark when I made the last turn onto the road funky poses like Fish with lotus legs as my classmates and leading to the Ashram, Route 604. All of a sudden, I found I rocked back and forth trying to balance ourselves on our myself literally in the woods, in the middle of nowhere. It knees. He also taught me how to do a Headstand pose became completely dark, and I began to wonder what on earth without leaning on the wall. I was literally in the air upside I was doing. I couldn’t help feeling uncertain. Somehow, a down. All I remember at that moment was breathing – it was hunch told me that I was on the right track, so I kept driving. such an awesome experience!!! He suggested that I work on my forearms by practicing the Dolphin pose for several When I first walked into Sivananda Hall, I was impressed by weeks and keep practicing the Headstand. He has had 40 how friendly and helpful the staff was. Yogaville is very clean, years of yoga practice, and his knowledge is so vast and well organized, and the staff is well trained and very polite. unbelievable. He was also a lot of fun with a great sense of humor. Whenever he referred to Gurudev, he would imitate I was in awe when I walked into the dining area. Admittedly, Gurudev’s voice and accent. He was such a good storyteller, I felt a bit unusual to see lots of wooden framed pictures and we all laughed so hard during the workshop. I hope he of Saints, famous Yogis (like Paramahansa Yogananda), will be re-invited to teach many more workshops, such as Buddha, Jesus, Mother Teresa, Mother Mary, and Mahatma Inversion which I would enroll in in a heartbeat. Gandhi on top of the wall. There were two huge pictures of my Gurudev (Sri Swami Satchidananda) and his teacher I couldn’t go home without attending a Laugh-A-Yoga class (Master Sivananda) hanging on each side of the stage. They at noon on Sunday. Some of my classmates, other Ashram both were smiling and looked happy, gentle, and kind. residents, and I took the class that was open to anyone before lunch time. Laughing is so contagious and lifts up Besides attending a workshop, I came to Yogaville to see your moods miraculously. I felt so lucky! firsthand what it was really like and whether or not I would fit in if I returned for its one-month residential Basic Teacher Training. For me, returning to Yogaville helps me recharge my energy, I now find myself continually returning to Yogaville for various provides me with inner peace, reminds me of selfless services workshops including the Teacher Trainings. It is always so great (that people give and receive there on a daily basis), and to be back at Yogaville, to see many familiar and smiling faces, helps me appreciate the simple things in life. and to feel love and peace in the air wherever I go. Yogaville is a place where you can find love and peace in the After my last visit, I reminisced that I had a spaghetti dinner air wherever you go. People are genuinely happy, friendly, with delicious Yogaville bread and garlic sauce and fresh from and nice. It is a place where people here live such simple the garden salad with steamed tofu on Friday; and an all time lives with well disciplined minds and gentle and kind hearts. favorite, deliciously breaded cauliflower, mouthwatering A place where you can always return to find peace and joy. baked tofu, and freshly steamed broccoli on Saturday; Hari Om Tat Sat. Om Shanti. Shanti. and roasted sweet & savory summer squashes and baked eggplants with tomatoes and cheese for lunch on Sunday before heading home, not to mention with a special treat: Apple Knisley is a certified Integral banana cake with yummy icing. Yoga® teacher and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Based upon the teaching Frequently at lunch time, we heard a beautiful chant: Om of her Gurudev, Sri Swami Satchidananda, Tryambakaam sung by all the people at the hall to wish Apple is motivated to teach yoga with someone or several people to have a happy birthday, to a new perspective and has a desire to get well soon, or to travel safely for the people who leave offer the Light of Yoga to people from all Yogaville on their new journeys. walks of life in various settings. Besides teaching yoga, Apple also teaches Thai cooking classes and At Saturday night Satsang I couldn’t help but smile when I workshops in the Pittsburgh areas. To find out more about heard the Ashram kirtan once again. It was great to chant Apple Knisley, please visit www.applethaistudio.com. IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 12 And a Yoga Centre Was Born Some thoughts on what can inspire a yoga centre establishment By Alessandra Uma Cocchi
I would like to share some thoughts with my colleague always correct and was misunderstood as having strange teachers about the opportunity for them to open a Yoga practices or religious sects. For a long time I have not uttered studio. Words come up, images and inspirations, but an Om, waiting to perceive the receptiveness of the people. more often samskaras emerge, and rational conservative For a long time I have just “suggested” an altar. We need thinking rises up on the actual management requirements to be respectful of the people’s needs and take the time to and feasibility of such a project. Yogic “profitability” issues understand their needs, but the right time will soon come, arise, and also fears about the practical and continuous and with it a great energy. commitment that a yoga structure management requires. Let’s think of Asteya and Aparigraha. The day you find Of course, opening a yoga centre means planning a course of yourself counting up the students in the room you have action in one’s life which is meant to be continuous, responsible, lost something. No need to attract students at all costs. If organized and also compliant with a country’s regulations. And your heart is sincerely open, classes turn out to be full with there is a lot to do in order to maintain the harmony and fairness everyone smiling. An open heart is the real attraction power! that a yoga environment requires for itself. It is important to learn how to keep one’s heart open always. I helped myself in this continuous heart-opening project by I would like to share my experience with those whose minds deciding not to take any salary from the yoga classes – and often go to a centre opening project, just in case this witness I could do this since I had another job. You do not have to of mine can help others to have clear vision on what this make such a decision for yourself, but this has helped me to project does mean. And please forgive me if this sharing may build vairagya, non-attachment. Firmly trust that things will sound too biographical. roll on well!
It all started in 2003, when Parvathi Faini guided the first This means there is no need to disperse lots of energies Integral Yoga teacher training in Italy. Once the training was outside, in marketing your classes and showing off your over, a period of life started where I found myself as if literally presence. This is the Bramacharya part. I am a marketing guided towards some flow of action without even realizing I person in daily worldly life, and yoga is the only place where was taking crucial decisions for my life. I do not need any marketing action. You just need simplicity and clean pure taste. You just need to be. I do not remember having decided to leave Milan and my successful job, nor do I remember having decided to open And Saucha is there in the general approach, and Santosha is a yoga centre just after a few months from the move, nor there too when you are happy with just the one student who do I remember having established the bureaucratic structure shows up, and Tapas when things seem to be so difficult to which is needed in Italy to legally share the yoga practices go on, and Svadhyaya since your practice and study cannot with others. I do not remember buying an apartment and stop, stirred every day by every occasion and need. dedicating the space to the yoga practice. It is just like someone (and I guess we all know who…) was making Finally, let yourself give, Iswara Pranidhanam. decisions on my behalf. I let myself go to that flow of action. No tamas, no rajas. Just let it be. Open the heart and let it be. Today Yap has just become an Integral Yoga Centre in Italy, Put yourself aside, and be a channel. You do not have to do and it all stemmed from the Integral Yoga spirit and teachings. anything. Just be. The place has been evolving by its own, involving beautiful yoga souls from different traditions and lifestyles as teachers, At the beginning you just need a room, nicely furnished as students, and as companions in life, and being in constant with love. Later, if you could add another small room, touch with other beautiful centres in Italy, lovingly created by just to talk, chat, sit for some time before and after the Usha Piscini and Parvathi Faini. class, that would be great. Let that space be beautiful in its simplicity and energy. When your centre grows up you The secret to opening a yoga centre is the heart. Pure heart- need help, and maybe later a second room, since there will Satya. It does not necessarily mean you have to dramatically be times of the day where one class may not be enough, change things in your life. Just keep your heart open, and and your students will have grown by that time and need that will be the first core of your yoga centre. more advanced training. You need to stay in touch with the yoga community, and the swamis are the best gift that As I write down my thoughts, I realize Patanjali has so much could come to a yoga centre. to do with the opening of a yoga centre. People will learn the possibility of cultivating a special part Let’s think of Ahimsa, for example, the non-violence. I do of themselves, even if they are not intending to devote remember being very cautious at the beginning. Starting a themselves completely to the path of yoga. That place will yoga place in a town where the yoga perception was not be a special place for them, an island of peace in their world. IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 13 And a Yoga Centre Was Born Continued from page 9
My wish is for all the yoga Alessandra Uma Cocchi: An teachers who dream some day Integral Yoga teacher since of opening a yoga centre, to trust 2003. She took her Basic TT the inspiration that will come. in Italy, Intermediate TT in Just let yourself be guided. It will Portugal, and Advanced TT at be beautiful. Yogaville. She also specialized in Prenatal Yoga in Yogaville. My thanks to Swami Satchidanada, and all the Swamis In September 2004, after and Teachers who have guided leaving the fashion world me on my path. where she was an executive, she founded Yap Yoga Centre in Teramo, Italy. Yap is an official Integral Yoga centre today. Yap offers 20 classes a week divided among four teachers. Two of her current students will start TT in the upcoming Italian Basic TT.
Feeling the Body from Within through Hatha Yoga By Louis Mahadev Carlino, MA, RYT
We are all familiar with the guidance by teachers from various Hatha Yoga is a potent means to cultivating an inner traditions to “go within.” Many have followed this guidance, sensitivity of the body. As many who are reading this article but how many have paused to ponder what exactly we are have experienced, Hatha Yoga awakens or enlivens inner life. going into? The tendency of the senses is to go outward away The body is infused with life and we feel this aliveness from from the body. By practicing pratyahara, and taking the time the inside. Feeling life from the inside offers a totally different to feel our inner experience, however, awareness turns in qualitative experience of our bodies, and is counter to the the opposite direction. This article is about the dimension of prevailing externally oriented view of the body found in our experience that opens up when feeling the body from within culture (represented by science’s exclusively objective view becomes the focus of your Hatha Yoga practice. This article of the body, advertiser’s relentless focus on external beauty, asks you, the reader, for your participation. If there is value and supported by religion’s often antagonistic relation to the in the approach suggested, it can only be demonstrated by body as an impediment to spirituality). your capacity to feel your own body from within. Viewed externally, the body is more or less fixed in shape With that request in mind, I realize that for many, feeling the and form, and lends itself to being visually represented and body from within may seem a bit nebulous, pointless, or be concisely defined. The numerous illustrations of the human outside the range of your actual experience. It is probably body in science texts with precise definitions of muscles, fair to say that the tendency, more so than not, is to relate bones, tendons, ligaments, and internal organs are examples. to your body externally, not much differently than how you The external representation of the body, although valuable relate to other external objects such as the car you drive or on many levels, is essentially non-living and therefore the clothes you wear. This may not seem entirely negative, abstract; plastic models or cadavers work just as well. particularly if you are fond of your outward appearance; however, the question arises as to whether the true Self Viewed internally, the body is experienced as a rich dance taught by Yoga is obscured as long as your relation to your of energy. Unlike the external body, the experience of inner body is predominately an external one. life cannot be precisely described, defined, or modeled. IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 14 While feeling the body from the inside has a substantial function naturally operating through the eyes is turned into feel, it is difficult to put into words. Within the more elusive the body there is a literal experience akin to that of external experience of inner life, however, two fundamental and light; an illumination occurs and we are able to “see” seemingly irreducible features stand out— Awareness coupled inner subtleties previously unnoticed. Or, when the sense with Aliveness. Vividly real, Awareness and Aliveness are of touch is turned inward a literal contact is made, a very experiential realities, and cannot be objectified and described substantial and tangible reality is “touched” within. It is not easily by language, such as the external body and its parts. In the by accident that we use phrases such as “getting in touch” Hatha Yoga texts, such as the Hatha Pradipika, the relationship as a way of contacting and knowing something in a direct between Awareness with Aliveness, therefore, is described experiential way. Or take listening. As we direct listening in symbolic or mythological language as the marriage of Siva inward we become sensitive to subtler and subtler aspects (Awareness) and Shakti (Aliveness). Or, when Yoga masters of the body felt from the inside. describe the inner body experience of the rising of Kundalini, the image of a serpent is used—a profound and poetic image But again, words are not very useful here. The indefiniteness symbolic of the process of expanding Awareness coupled of feeling the body from within makes it difficult, if not with a deepening of Aliveness. impossible, to put the inward experience of the body into language. But rather than deterring a seeking spirit, the inner From the point of view of practice, what is most exciting life is so pregnant with meaning and significance that we are about feeling the body from within is its seemingly infinite urged on to explore through means other than language. potential. There is no limit to the depth in which one can Hatha Yoga is a way of exploring and elucidating inner deepen inner sensitivity; one can always go deeper, which experience non-verbally. Take, for example, Tadasana or means the Joy that results from expanding Awareness and Mountain Pose. Have you ever stood atop a mountain? Not deepening Aliveness is limitless. Hatha Yoga practiced only is “seeing” expanded, but there is stillness pervading inwardly in this way never grows dull. mountaintops, a stillness that allows us to “listen” more deeply, and, in response, experience more profoundly. You might want to consider at this point the relation between this inner sense of the body, and the external body The kind of inward “seeing” and “hearing” elicited by literally of flesh, blood, and bone that someday certainly will die. Is experiencing a mountaintop is very much like the inward the Awareness and Aliveness of the inner body dependent sensitivity evoked when standing in Tadasana. If we sink into on the external? We know that Yoga claims it is not. Yoga the experience of Tadasana, the consciousness of our bodies teaches that Awareness and Life (or Aliveness) are eternal expands beyond the dimensions of our physical frame and and have merely taken on finite shape and form. So much we gain a wider perspective. The stillness experienced by so that just as gold is the essential substance of various standing steadily in Tadasana also allows for a deeper inward pieces of gold jewelry, Awareness and Aliveness are the “listening” which, like standing on a mountaintop, opens our essential nature of all existing shapes and forms including hearts and minds to receive that which is beyond and bigger your body. With the Eternal so inexplicably tied to the body, than ourselves. feeling the body from within becomes a direct doorway to directly experiencing Life, Awareness, and Joy without limit Finally, a mention about curiosity—without curiosity, feeling (or Existence, Knowledge and Bliss as is more commonly the body from within will seem pointless. Curiosity directs used). So practicing Hatha Yoga, or meditation for that focus, and attentive focus is necessary if feeling the body matter, is not an attempt to extricate ourselves from the within has a chance to grow. Feeling the body from within body, but rather to fully inhabit the body by feeling it more is a skill, or an art that grows more and more penetrating and more deeply. Of course, Hatha Yoga is not the only as practice deepens. But we must start from somewhere. It way to cultivate inner sensitivity, but as all paths leading might take just a spark of inspiration elicited by a taste of to a direct taste of the Divine, Hatha Yoga specializes in feeling the inner body to wake up your practice and give attuning a practitioner over time to feeling the body from it direction. Then, as the inner dimension grows wider and within at deeper and deeper levels. deeper, curiosity will slowly transform itself into a deep- seated passion for experiencing the Truth. How to Feel the Body from Within Through the Practice of Hatha Yoga Louis Carlino, MA, RYT, has been practicing Yoga and meditation for over The greatest hindrance to feeling the body from within 30 years. He is a certified Integral Yoga® is the habit of putting emphasis on thinking. Hatha Yoga teacher and trainer at the beginner, is not a thinking practice. If the growth and sensitivity to intermediate and advanced levels. He is the inner life of the body is to be appreciated, it must be a graduate of Naropa University, School through feeling. What I mean by feeling is not emotion of Somatic Counseling Psychology, and but rather directing the outward senses inward in order to has spent the last four years developing a directly make contact and feel the inner life of the body. It holistic approach to healing integrating Psychotherapy and is not just a metaphor when images such as an Inner Light Yoga. He currently lives in Boulder, CO and can be reached are used to describe inner experience. When the seeing at [email protected]. IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 15 Academy and Yogaville News—May 2010 By Manu Hunt
Hari Om beloved Sangha, it has been quite a cold and long Saraswati Neumann was recognized for her years of service winter since the last newsletter was sent out. The ashram to the ashram, especially serving with the media department here in Central Virginia, has seen two major storms as well as “Shakticom”. She has now moved on to serve in our distribution several minor snow and ice events since December of 2009. center, while Lilavati Galvin (soon to be Eberle) has now joined Storm totals for the winter of 2009/2010 have broken records the Teaching Academy serving as the IYA Staff Coordinator. in the region that have not been seen since the early part of Call her if you’d like to staff a program. the last century. The Ashram did its best, with the help of the maintenance crews, karma yogis, LYT’s, support staff and Brad Jackson has now taken on the new role of “Quad general volunteers, to clear walkways, bike paths, and parking Manager” overseeing the kitchen, library, transportation and lots, as well as keeping the dorm areas salted and clear. Even daily operations of the ashram, working directly with the daytime when the power went out, the kitchen staff managed to put out managers. I also spoke with Brad who said that “the first week their regular meals supplied only with a gas powered range stove has been all about gaining momentum and allowing things to and steam table to keep the food warm. Headlamps, flashlights develop in the direction of his vision.” Brad has been working and candles were used to light the way for all who chose to dine with the transportation department on getting new cell phones in Sivananda Hall. Overall, it was a successful effort on the part for the department to better communicate with the ashram. of many to keep things going during the snowstorms. With this position in its initial phases, Brad feels he is “riding the wave of momentum” and trying to interact with everyone that Some important changes have taken place since our last news he will soon be working with on a daily basis. update. The ashram had it’s first community meeting on Feb 19th that was sponsored by the new board of trustees. Introduced at The maintenance crew has a new location to store their tools the meeting was the board of trustees as well as the new VP’s and and take five to meditate on a hard days work. They are now heads of other departments, such as the new Spiritual Life Board. operating out of the basement of the office building and will have a new extension to be listed in the Yogaville directory. There were roughly eighty people in attendance from around the community. The meeting contained an open format where In other news, Supriya Butz has returned to work in the all were invited to come forward and present their questions, Teaching Academy after a successful surgery on her cervical ideas, and thoughts to the council and community as a whole. spine, relieving her of unwanted pain and discomfort. The The meeting was the first of its kind, having in its attendance the winter Basic TT, graduating on 2/21/2010, was administered Executive Director with the entire board of trustees and both by Lilavati, who filled in for Supriya while she was away on Operations Managers. We at the Ashram seem very open to leave. The TT was a small group of seven, but they were mighty the new structure and orientation of the positions. With shared in stature. They braved Nature’s elements this winter, making it common goals and a general understanding of what Integral down to LOTUS when they could, to meditate and build upon Yoga stands for, the vision presented at the meeting was clear: their personal practices. we must keep the teachings at the forefront. This is the reason people come, this is what holds us together, and this is what will Om, Love and Light to all, Manu Hunt, IYTA Membership remain at the vanguard for the Ashram. Coordinator The World Is Your Projection
Sri Ramakrishna tells this beautiful story about the nature of The last person said, “To a saint, nothing matters. Even the mind. if he is lying on the pavement, he’ll just be communing with God. Well, probably, he is above this physical Several people were walking early in the morning when they consciousness. Let me not disturb him.” And he bowed to saw a man lying by the side of the road. The first person who the man and walked away. passed him said, “He must have spent the whole night in the gambling casinos and couldn’t make it home, and he fell All four saw the same person, but each saw him differently, asleep along the way. Gamblers are always like that.” because each one projected something of himself.
The next person to come by said, “Poor man, he must be The entire world is nothing but your own projection. It is really sick. Well, probably it’s best not to disturb him.” And based on your thoughts and mental attitude. If there is hell he walked away. in your mind, you won’t see heaven anywhere. If there is heaven in your mind, even hell will be a heaven for you. The third person said, “Humph! You dirty fellow, you didn’t know how much to drink. Someone probably gave you some free whiskey. You drank a lot, and now you can’t even get up.” From: Enlightening Tales As Told by Sri Swami Satchidananda IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 16 IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 17 Integral Yoga Senior Speakers’ Schedules Please contact local representatives for times, costs, pre-enrollment requirements, schedule changes, etc. Swami Asokananda
April 18 –May 16 Basic Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville 800-858-YOGA [email protected]
April 30-May 2 Ohio retreat Arjuna Biknevicius [email protected]
June 7-29 Italy programs Parvathi Faini [email protected]
July 4-25 Intermediate Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville 800-858-YOGA [email protected]
August 2-30 Advanced Teacher Training San Francisco IYI www.integralyogaSF.org Swami Karunananda
June 5 –6 Retreat in Santa Barbara, CA Contact: Krishnaprema Mouw [email protected]
July 5–25 Raja Yoga Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville 800-858-YOGA
Aug. 13–22 10 day Silent Retreat Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville 800-858-YOGA [email protected] Swami Ramananda June 4-13 Stress Management Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville 800-858-YOGA [email protected]
Satya & Sadasiva Greenstone
May 21-23 Days Of Bliss: The Essential Teachings of Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville Swami Satchidananda 800-858-YOGA [email protected]
July 25-Aug 22 Basic Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville 800-858-YOGA [email protected]
IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 18 Upcoming Programs at Yogaville May Apr. 29–2 Silent Retreat: Spring into Spring—Tapping Our Natural Vitality Through Yoga 7-9 What You Practice is What You Have with Cheri Huber 8 Free Introduction to the Yoga of Sound with Gopal & Radha Metro 13-16 Retreat: Waiting on the Light—What do Quakers, Yogis and Celtic Christians Have in Common? with Rama Roosevelt, Swami Dayananda and others 14-16 Breath = Life: Pranayama Workshop with Bhaktan Eberle 20-23 Ageless Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Our Elders with John Schlorholtz 21-23 Days of Bliss: The Essential Teachings of Swami Satchidananda with Satya and Sadasiva Greenstone 21-23 The Eternal Energy of Yoga: Learn from a Grand Master with Tao Porchon-Lynch 28-31 Chanting Retreat: Heart as Wide as the World with Krishna Das
June 2-6 Retreat: Overcoming Fear with Faith with Nalanie Chellaram 4-6 Living Beyond Disease with Michelle Longo O’Donelle 4-13 Stress Management Teacher Training: Adapting Yoga for Any Setting with Swami Ramananda and Swami Vidyananda 11-13 The Essentials of Freedom-Style Yoga with Erich Schiffmann 11-13 Integrative Nutrition: Improve Your Health and Well-being with Manu Dawson, C.Y.N.Th. 16-20 Ayurveda and Yoga: An Integral Approach to Healing Body, Mind and Spirit with Dr. David Frawley, Shambhavi Chopra and Mas Vidal 17-24 Retreat: Yoga of Recovery with Durga 17-27 Cardiac Yoga® Teacher Training with M. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D. 20-27 Camp Yogaville with Harini Lender 25-27 Basic Meditation Workshop with Swami Gurucharanananda 25-27 Vietnamese Royal Yoga: Gaining Stability and Balance in Hatha Yoga with Grand Master Adam Nguyen 25-July 4 Gentle Hatha Yoga Teacher Training with Hamsa Spagnola
July 2-4 Yoga for Freer Hips with Karen Prior 2-4 Emotional Brain Training (EBT)/The Solution Method with Cinmayi Cynthia Moore 4-25 Intermediate Hatha Yoga Teacher Training with Swami Asokananda and Madhuri Flynn 5-25 Raja Yoga Teacher Training with Swami Karunananda 8-11 Transcending Fear, Anger and Depression with Swami Vidyananda 9-11 Laugh-a Yoga® Leader Certification with Bharata Wingham 11-15 Laughter Yoga Five-Day Teacher Training Certification with Bharata Wingham 16-18 Deepening Compassion, Awakening Happiness with Debra Premashakti Alvis, PhD 25-Aug. 1 Children’s Hatha Yoga Teacher Training with Madhuri Flynn and Inga Ishwari Benson 25-Aug.22 Summer Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training with Satya Greenstone 30-Aug. 1 Seven Techniques for Mastering Stress and Enhancing Well-being with Meenakshi Angel Honig 30-Aug. 1 Introduction to Thai Yoga Massage with Jyothi Watanabe
IYTA Newsletter • May 2010 • Page 19 ® U.S. Postage Integral Yoga Teachers Association PAID 108 Yogaville Way Permit No. 3 Buckingham, VA 23921 Nonprofit Organization Dillwyn, RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED VA 23936