MANUAL 4 YOGA PHILOSOPHY by RAM VAKKALANKA Akshara Yoga

200 Hour Teacher Training November 2016

MANUAL 4 YOGA PHILOSOPHY BY RAM VAKKALANKA Akshara Yoga

CONTENTS

3 | BAHAGVADGITA 19 3.1 | BAHAGVAD GITA 20 MEDITATION ON GITA 20 GRADTITUDE TO VYASA 20 GRATITUDE TO KRISHNA 20 CONCEPTUAL SOURCE(S) OF GITA 20 HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT GITA 20 BASIC CONCEPTS UNDERLYING GITA 20 CHAPTER 3 | Karma Yoga - Yoga of selfless action 21 CHAPTER 4 | Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga - Renunciation with Knowledge 21 CHAPTER 6 | Dhyana Yoga – Yoga of meditation 21 CHAPTER 7 | Jnana Vijnana Yoga – Yoga of Self-knowledge and Enlightenment 21 CHAPTER 9 | Rajavidya Rajaguhya Yoga – Yoga of Supreme Esoteric Knowledge 22 CHAPTER 11 | Vishwaroopa Darshana Yoga – Vision of the Cosmic form 22 CHAPTER 12 | Bhakti Yoga – Devotion 22 Vs 3.1 Vs | VIKASA YOGA - Foundation Teacher Training Manual - Philosophy with Acharya Ram Vakkalanka 2

CHAPTER 13 | Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga – Creation and Creator 22 CHAPTER 14 | Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga – Modes of material nature 22 CHAPTER 15 | Purushottama Yoga – The Supreme Being 22 CHAPTER 16 | Daivasurasampad Vibhaga Yoga – Divine and demonic qualities 23 CHAPTER 17 | Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga – Threefold faith 23 CHAPTER 18 | Moksha Sannyasa Yoga – Liberation through renunciation 23 CONCLUSION 23 3.2 | CHAPTER REVIEW 24

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Vikasa Yoga - Foundation Teacher Training - 200 hours

Yoga Philosophy

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Akshara Yoga

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1 | HISTORY OF YOGA

ANCIENT TIMES

MEDIEVAL TIMES

MODERN TIMES

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1.1 | ANCIENT TIMES

• Concept of Yoga is first found inVedic literature

• Further expanded through ‘story-form’ teachings in Puranas

• Vedas are said to exist from time immemorial, revealed to ancient Seers in states of deep meditation

• Vedas are divided into Mantra, Brahmana, Aranyaka and towards the end Upanishads, also called Vedanta

• Upanishads visualize not only individuals but also the entire Universe pulsating with Consciousness and visualize it as having a Universal Consciousness

• Upanishads contain direct references to Yoga and propose the idea of union/oneness of individual Self and Universal Self

• At one time there were 1180 Upanishads, currently only 110 or so are available

• Yoga Upanishads 20 currently

• Samkhya Philosophy is one of the earliest systems of Yoga philosophy

• Prominence of Jnana Yoga (Vedanta)

• Prominence of Karma Yoga (Vedic Rituals)

• Bhagavad Gita... reconciliation of Karma and Jnana, proposing Nishkama Karma Yoga, 4 forms of Yoga

• Rise and fall of Buddhism

• Yoga Sutras by Patanjali

• Adi Shankara

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1.2 | MEDIEVAL TIMES (1,000 – 1900 AD)

• Bhakti Yoga became more popular than other forms of Yoga • Onset of Islam in India • Strengthening of Bhakti Yoga • Beginning of Kirtan traditions • Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Swatmarama (15th Century) • Gheranda Samhita by Gheranda (17th Century) • British Rule - Yoga and Hinduism mixed up

1.3 | SOME INFLUENTIAL YOGIS

• Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886) • Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) • Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) • Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950) • Swami Sivananda Saraswati (1887-1963)

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1.4 | CHAPTER REVIEW

1: What are the ancient texts where Yoga originates from? ______

______

2: How many Upanishads were there in total and how many Yoga Upanishads are available today? ______

______

3: Name the work of Swami Swatmarama? ______

______

4: Who is credited with bringing Yoga to the West in the proper light? ______

______

5: Who is the author of ‘Gheranda Samhita’? ______

______

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2 | SANSKRIT

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2.1 | WHY SANSKRIT?

Yoga in linguistic form is Sanskrit • Yoga chants = sound energy • Most ancient, natural and structured language • Most poetic language • Opens a world of wisdom; Yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism etc. • Consciously laid-out sounds, mouth-positions • NASA thinks Sanskrit makes a perfect language for computers! • WE ALREADY SPEAK SANSKRIT: Mother, Brother, Three, Nine, September, December, divine; Absorbed into English as they are: Yoga, Mantra, Guru, Pundit, Karma etc.

2.2 | SOME THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT SANSKRIT

One letter - only one sound in Sanskrit • System of enumeration - singular, dual and In English, the letter ‘a’, for example, may plural be pronounced in many ways e.g.: car, fate, • No capitalization when writing camera...but not so in Sanskrit • Sandhi (euphonic combination) more evolved • One sound – one letter - for ‘K’ sound, • Only one ‘va/wa’ sound ‘c’ and ‘k’ are used • No silent letters in Sanskrit (psychology)

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2.3 | LET US SPEAK SANSKRIT!

I bow to you = “Namaste” Good Morning etc. = “Suprabhaatam”, “Shubha Sandhyaa” “Shubha Raatrihi”, I am = “Aham” I am a Yoga teacher = “Aham Yoga Adhyaapikaa/ Adhyaapakaha” I am a Yoga Student = “Aham Yoga Chaatraa/Chatraha”

2.4 | SANSKRIT CHANTS AND MANTRAS

Saha nau avatu = “May we be protected (the teacher and the student)” Saha nau bhunaktu = “May we be prosperous” Saha Veeryam Karavavahi = “May we be strengthened together” Tejasvi nau adheetam astu = “May what we study be effective and powerful” Ma vid vishavahai = “May we not dislike each other “

Om Namaha Shivaya Gam Ganapataye Namaha Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya

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2.5 | SANSKRIT ALPHABET VOWELS - Svaraaha

अ = but, not bat ऋू = ruminate आ = harm, not ham ए = fare इ = pink ऐ = pie ई = peep ओ = own उ = put औ = down ऊ = boot अ = umbrella ऋ = accrue अः = aha

2.6 | SANSKRIT ALPHABET

Vowels

Consonants Gutterals: Palatals: Cerebrals: Dentals: Labials: Semivowels: Sibilants: Aspirate:

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2.7 | SANSKRIT ALPHABET - Vowels Signs

अ = ( ऽ ) ऋ = ( ॄ ) अा = ( ा ) ए = ( े ) इ = ( ि ) ऐ = ( ै ) ई = ( ी ) ओ = ( ो ) उ = ( ु ) औ = ( ौ ) ऊ = ( ू ) अ = ( . ) ऋ = ( ृ ) अः = ( ः )

2.8 | COMPOUND CONSONANTS

When two or more consonants have to be written without intervening vowels, the following principles are followed: • Ending vertical line dropped

• If no ending vertical line, a form of their own is assumed

• Consonant र has a special treatment When following a consonant

When preceding a consonant

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2.9 | YOGA POSTURES - ASANAS

Lotus Pose Cobra Pose Padmaasana Bhujangaasana (Padma = Lotus) (Bhujanga = Cobra, Snake, Serpent)

Triangle Pose Warrior Trikonaasana Veerabhadraasana (Trikona = Triangle) (Veera = Hero/Warrior)

Corpse Pose Child Pose Shavaasana Baalaasana (Shava = Corpse) (Baala = Child)

Mountain Pose Cat Pose Tadaasana Bidaalaasana (Bidaala = Cat)

Staff Pose Downward Dog Dandaasana Adho Mukha Svanaasana (Danda = Staff) (Adha = Down) (Mukha = face, Shwaana = Dog)

Tree Pose Crane Pose Vrikshaasana Bakaasana (Vriksha = Tree) (Baka = Crane)

Peacock Pose Scale Pose Mayooraasana Tulaasana (Mayura = Peacock) (Tula = Balance/Scale)

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Bow Pose Cow Pose Dhanuraasana Gomukhaasana (Dhanu = Bow) (Gau = Cow, Mukha = Face)

Locust Pose Eagle Pose Salabhaasana Garudaasana (Salabha = Locust) (Garuda = Eagle)

Fish Pose Chair Pose Matsyaasana Utkataasana (Matsya = Fish) (Utkata = Chair)

Easy Pose Dance Pose Sukhaasana Nataraajaasana (Sukha = Easy, Comfort) (Nataraja = Shiva, Cosmic Dancer, Best of Dancers)

Hero Pose Side Plank Pose Veeraasana Vasisthasana (Veera = Hero/Warrior) (Vasishtha = A Great Sage, Author of Yoga Vashishtham)

Full Boat Pose Bound Angle Pose Paripoorna Naavaasana Baddha Konaasasana (Paripurna= Complete, (Baddha = Bound, Kona = Angle) Full; Naava = Boat)

Head to Knee forward bend Pose Monkey Pose Jaanu Seershaasana Hanumaanaasana (Jaanu = Knee, Seersha = Head) (Hanuman – One with Big Jaws)

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2.10 | CHAPTER REVIEW

1: How many vowels are there in Sanskrit language? ______

______

2: Yoga in linguistic form is (fill the blank) ______

______

3:What is Locust pose in Sanskrit? ______

______

4: What is the Sanskrit name of Sanskrit? ______

______

5: Name any two categories of consonants in Sanskrit: ______

______

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3 | BAHAGVADGITA

G “The Song Divine” D

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3.1 | BAHAGVAD GITA

Gita is an event of history, a document of philosophy, son of Vasudeva, the transformer of Kamsa and as well as a system of practical application. Gita begins Chanura, the apple of Devaki’s eyes and the teacher with the tremendously positive message of continuity of the world! of life in the journey towards perfection, and teaches to see death as a change. It speaks about the four-fold CONCEPTUAL SOURCE(S) OF GITA purpose of life and how each individual is to free to find Sarvopanishado Gaavo Doghda Gopala Nandanaha his balance of the four. Partho Vatsaha Sudhirbhokta Dugdham Gitamrutam Gita proposes that the highest fulfilment of life Mahat consists in discovering and following one’s Dharma. All the Upanishads are cows, Krishna is the milker, It also discusses the impact of different things on Partha (Arjuna) is the calf, the wise ones are the our thoughts and life; such as food, past tendencies, drinkers and the milk is the great nectar of Gita present choices; and how to live without being touched by the murky waters of the world and its pressures. HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT GITA No wonder, Krishna, the teacher of Gita, is called the • Taught about 6,000 years ago teacher of Mankind. • There are many a ‘Gita’ in Yoga philosophy • First commentary by Hanuman in a language called MEDITATION ON GITA “Paisachi”, not available anymore Parthaya Prati Bodhitam Bhagavata Narayanena • Later commentary and popularization among Svayam Vyasena grathitam Purana Munina common people by Adi Shankara Madhye Mahabharatam Advaitamruta Varshineem • Many subsequent commentaries Bhagavateem Ashtadashadhyayineem Amba Tvam • Anusandadhami Bhagavadgite Bhavadveshineem BASIC CONCEPTS UNDERLYING GITA I meditate upon the Bhagavadgita, taught by the • We are part of a whole, the mind creates an illusory great Vishnu (Krishna) himself to Arjuna and sense of separation, making us subject to the incorporated in the middle of Mahabharata by the battering of dualities (pleasure and pain etc.) ancient sage Vyasa, which has 18 chapters and • The final goal is to transcend the puny ‘Self’ and showers the nectar of Advaita (non-dualism) and realize oneness with the ‘Universal Self’, break out removes the illusions of life of all ‘limitations’ • This ‘Universal Self’ does take physical form to GRADTITUDE TO VYASA guide us along the path to this realization Namostu Te Vyasa VishalaBuddhe Pullaravindayata • Krishna is one such Manifestation of the ‘Universal Patra Netra Yena Tvaya Bharata Taila Purnaha Self’... there are many other such ‘Manifestations’... Prajvalito JnanaMayaha Pradipaha since the beginning of time till today... wherever Salutations to Vyasa, of evolved intellect and with Krishna speaks of Himself, He is implying the eyes vibrant like the petals of a fully bloomed lotus, ‘Universal Self’ who lit the lamp of wisdom filled with the oil of • There are 4 means of attaining such realization: Mahabharata Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Karma Yoga... everyone is free to choose his path, there is GRATITUDE TO KRISHNA no right or wrong, superior/inferior etc. Vasudeva Sutam Devam Kamsa Chanura Mardanam • These are not mutually exclusive but mutually Devaki Paramanandam Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum complementary Salutations to Krishna, the Supreme Energy, the • This journey transcends life-time(s) in the course

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of evolution... the reasoning behind re-birth/re- CHAPTER 4 | Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga - incarnation Renunciation with Knowledge • How long does this journey towards perfection take • Whenever there is decline of Dharma depends on the intensity of each individual (Righteousness) and predominance of Adharma • Karma (Unrighteousness), “O Arjuna, then I manifest • Adhikari Bhedam, Upaya Bhedam Myself. I appear from time to time for protecting the good, for transforming the wicked, and for re- CHAPTER 2 | Samkhya Yoga - Yoga of Samkhya establishing world order (Dharma)” (4.07-08) Philosophy • In whatever way, people approach me, I bless them in • The Spirit (Atman) is neither born nor does it die the same way. All men tread paths leading to me at any time. It does not come into being, or cease • The man of faith, who is devoted and mastered his to exist. It is unborn, eternal, permanent, and senses, attains this knowledge. Having gained this primeval. The Spirit is not destroyed when the body transcendental knowledge, he attains supreme is destroyed. (2.19-20) peace and liberation at the same time • Just as a person puts on new garments after discarding old ones, the living entity or the individual CHAPTER 6 | Dhyana Yoga – Yoga of soul acquires a new body after casting away the old meditation body.” (2.22) • One should elevate oneself, and never degrade • Fear of failure, from being emotionally attached oneself. One is one’s best friend and one is one’s to the fruit of work, is the greatest impediment to worst enemy 6.05 success because it robs efficiency by constantly • One should observe moderation in everything to disturbing the equanimity of mind succeed at Yoga 6.17 • Contact of the senses with their objects produces • Yoga is that state having attained which one is not pleasure and pain. Pleasure and pain are just perturbed even by the worst sorrow and hence interpretations of the mind (2.14) nothing is more desirable than Yoga 6.22 • It is not each to achieve Yoga but by persistent CHAPTER 3 | Karma Yoga - Yoga of selfless practice and detachment, one can attain that 6.35 action • Even if one deviates from practice of Yoga due • Swa-Dharma vs. Para Dharma (3-35) to unsubdued mind, the person will pick up from • The senses are said to be superior to the body, where he left and continue in next life the mind is superior to the senses, the intellect is superior to the mind, and the Self is superior to the CHAPTER 7 | Jnana Vijnana Yoga – Yoga of intellect (3.42) Self-knowledge and Enlightenment • Thus, knowing the Self to be superior to the • Trigunas 7.14 intellect, and controlling the mind by the intellect • Maya 7.14 that is purified by spiritual practice, one must kill • 4 types of seekers 7.16 this mighty enemy, Desire (3.43) • Whosoever desires to worship whatever deity - using whatever name, form, and method - with faith, I make their faith steady in that deity. Endowed with steady faith they worship that deity, and obtain their wishes through that deity. Those wishes are granted by Me.” (7.22)

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CHAPTER 9 | Rajavidya Rajaguhya Yoga – Yoga meditate on Me; I become their savior from the of Supreme Esoteric Knowledge world that is an ocean of death and transmigration, • Yoga, Kshema 9.22 O Arjuna.” (12.06-07) • Whosoever offers Me a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water with devotion; I accept the offering of devotion by CHAPTER 13 | Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga the pure-hearted. (9.26) Yoga – Creation and Creator • The Self is present equally in all beings. There is no • O Arjuna, know Me to be the creator of all one hateful or dear to Me. But, those who worship creation. The true understanding of both the Me with love and devotion are very close to Me, creator and the creation is considered by Me to be and I am also very close to them. (9.29) transcendental knowledge. (13.02) • Steadfastness in acquiring knowledge of the Spirit, CHAPTER 11 | Vishwaroopa Darshana Yoga – and seeing the omnipresent Supreme Being Vision of the Cosmic form everywhere is said to be Self-knowledge. That • O Arjuna, behold My hundreds and thousands of which is contrary to this is ignorance.” (13.11) multifarious divine forms of different colors and shapes. Behold all the celestial beings, and many CHAPTER 14 | Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga – wonders never seen before. Also behold the entire Modes of material nature creation animate, inanimate, and whatever else you • Goodness, restlessness, and ignorance - these three like to see all at one place in My body. (11.05-07) modes or ropes of Material Nature bind the eternal You will not be able to see Me with your physical individual soul to the body, O Arjuna. (14.05) eye; therefore, I give you the divine eye to see My • When one perceives no doer other than the power majestic power and glory.” (11.08) of the Supreme Being in the form of the modes of • Arjuna saw the entire universe, divided in many Material Nature, and know that which is above and ways, but standing as all in One, and One in all in beyond these modes; then they attain Nirvana or the transcendental body of Krishna, the Lord of Salvation.” (14.19) celestial rulers. (11.13) • Arjuna said: “I believe You are the Supreme Being CHAPTER 15 | Purushottama Yoga – The to be realized. You are the ultimate resort of the Supreme Being universe. You are the Spirit, and protector of the • The individual soul in the body of living beings eternal order. (11.18) O Lord, You pervade the entire is the integral part of the universal Spirit, or space between heaven and earth in all directions. Consciousness. The individual soul associates with Seeing Your marvelous and terrible form, the three the six sensory faculties of perception including the worlds tremble.” (11.20) mind, and activates them.” (15.07) • I am seated in the inner psyche of all beings. CHAPTER 12 | Bhakti Yoga – Devotion Memory, Self-knowledge, and the removal of doubt • Self-realization is more difficult for those who fix and wrong notions about God come from Me. I am their minds on an impersonal, unmanifest, and verily that which is to be known by the study of all the formless Absolute because comprehension of the Vedas. I am, indeed, the author as well as the knower unmanifest by embodied beings is attained with of the Vedas (Scriptures).” (15.15) difficulty.” (12.05) • For those who worship the Supreme with unswerving devotion as their personal God, offer all actions to Me, intent on Me as the Supreme, and

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CHAPTER 16 | Daivasurasampad Vibhaga Yoga - Give charity with expectation of something in – Divine and demonic qualities return. • Fearlessness, purity of inner psyche, perseverance • People in the mode of ignorance (Tamasika): in devotion of Self-knowledge, charity, sense - Enjoy unhealthy foods and drinks; restraint, sacrifice, study of scriptures, austerity, - Worship ghosts and spirits; honesty, nonviolence, truthfulness, absence - Are hypocritical and egoistic; of anger, renunciation, equanimity, abstaining - Perform austerity with self-torture, or for harming from malicious talk, compassion for all creatures, others; freedom from greed, gentleness, modesty, absence - Give charity to the unworthy. of fickleness, splendor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, absence of malice, and absence of pride CHAPTER 18 | Moksha Sannyasa Yoga – are some of the qualities of those endowed with Liberation through renunciation divine virtues, O Arjuna.” (16.01-03) • The four goals of human life designed for gradual and systematic growth of the individual and CHAPTER 17 | Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga – progress of society are: Threefold faith - Doing one’s duty; • O Arjuna, the faith of each is in accordance with - Earning wealth; one’s own natural disposition that is governed by - Material and sensual enjoyment (with senses Karmic impressions. A person is known by faith. under control); One can become whatever one wants to be, if one - Attaining salvation. constantly contemplates on the object of desire • Set aside all meritorious deeds and religious rituals, with faith.” (17.03) and just surrender completely to My will with firm • People in the mode of goodness (Sattvika): faith and loving devotion. I shall liberate you from all - Like healthy, juicy foods; sin, the bond of Karma. Do not grieve.” (18.66) - Undertake selfless work without attachment to • O Arjuna, did you listen to this with single-minded results (austerity of deed); attention? Has your delusion born of ignorance - Worship celestial controlling forces (guardian been completely destroyed?” (18.72) angels, Devas or Gods); • Arjuna said: “By Your grace my delusion is - Speak inoffensively, in a pleasant, beneficial, and destroyed, I have gained Self- knowledge, my truthful manner (austerity of speech) (17.15) confusion with regard to the body and the Spirit is - Study scriptures; dispelled and I shall obey Your command.” (18.73) - Are gentle, equanimous, think pure thoughts, exercise self control (austerity of thought); CONCLUSION - Give charity as a matter of duty, to deserving • Yatra Yogeshwaraha Krishno Yatra Partho candidates, without any expectation. Dhanurdharaha Tatra Srirvijayobhutihi Dhruvaa • In the mode of passion (Rajasika), people: NeetirMatirMama - Like food that is extreme in taste (overly spicy, • Where there is Krishna, the best of Yogis and where salty, or sweet); there is Partha (Arjuna), the wielder of bow, there - Worship supernatural rulers and demons; prosperity, success, abundance of fortune and - Perform selfless service (austerity) for show, unfailing prudence dwell. This is my conviction! to gain respect, honor, or reverence that yields uncertain and temporary results (17.18);

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3.2 | CHAPTER REVIEW

1: Who wrote the BhagavadGita? ______

______

2: Who taught the BhagavadGita? ______

______

3: Which philosophy does the BhagavadGita teach? ______

______

4: What is the essence of BhagavadGita in your opinion? ______

______

Question 5: Name the text that contains BhagavadGita? ______

______

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4 | YOGA SUTRAS – APHORISMS OF YOGA

Srimat Patanjalestasya Padadvandvamaninditam Vande Yena Manaha Kaaya Vaachaam Shuddhirakaryasau Yogena Chittasya Padena Vaachaam Malam Sareerasya Cha Vaidyakena Yo’paakarottam Pravaram Muneenaam Patanjalim Pranjali Raanato’smi

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4.1 | PHILOSOPHY VS. RELIGION VS. SCIENCE

PHILOSOPHY RELIGION SCIENCE The rational investigation A set of beliefs concerning A branch of knowledge or study of the truths and principles the cause, nature and dealing with a body of facts or of being, knowledge or purpose of the universe truths systematically arranged conduct and showing the operation of the general laws

4.2 | SHADDARSHANAS – Six ancient Philosophies

Nastika Darshanas: Astika Darshanas: Yoga: • Charvaka • Samkhya • Mimamsa • Buddhism • Vedanta • Nyaya • Jainism • Vaisheshika

4.3 | ORIGINS/SOURCES OF YOGA PHILOSOPHY

Vedas: Puranas: Itihasas (history): • Rug Veda • 18 in total • Ramayana • Yajur Veda • Mahabharata • Sama Veda • Atharvana Veda

4.4 | KARMA AND PUNARJANMA (reincarnation/life-continuum)

What is Karma: Types of Karma: Karma determines: • Every thought, word and • Sanchita Karma • Jati (form of life) deed one engages in • Prarabdha Karma • Ayu (lifespan) • Accumulated result • Agami Karma • Bhoga (enjoyment) of all thoughts, words and deeds so far thru countless lives

Karma can be countered or ‘undone’

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4.5 | BASIC FACTS ABOUT SUTRAS

• Written by Patanjali aka Aatreya or Gaunika Putra • Closely related to Bhagavad Gita • Patanjali Wrote three major woks for perfecting • Yoga Sutras are written more like a cookbook than the mind, speech and body, 4th work called like poetry; they say, do this and we will get such and “Paramaartha Saaram” such experience; put this and this together and we • Though the focus is on Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and get that Jnana Yoga are also mentioned

Total number of Sutras 195 : Chapter 1 - 51 , Chapter 2 - 55 , Chapter 3 - 55 , Chapter 4 - 34

4.6 | GRATITUDE TO PATANJALI

SRIMAT PATANJALESTASYA PADADVANDVAMANINDITAM VANDE YENA MANAHA KAAYA VAACHAAM SHUDDHIRAKARYASAU YOGENA CHITTASYA PADENA VAACHAAM MALAM SAREERASYA CHA VAIDYAKENA YO’PAAKAROTTAM PRAVARAM MUNEENAAM PATANJALIM PRANJALI RAANATO’SMI

4.7 | WHAT IS A SUTRA?

ALPAAKSHARAM ASANDIGDHAM • A Sutra is an aphoristic or cryptic statement which SAARAVADVISHWATO MUKHAM contains a vast idea within a few words ASTOBHAMANAVADYAM CHA SUTRAM • A Sutra also means a thread – a thread that binds SUTRAVIDO VIDUHU the entire text together • They could be easily memorized and retained for the • “A Sutra is one which, in a few words of no ambiguity benefit of the posterity or repetition, expresses in gist form a vast idea; such • Given their brevity, they can be understand only a sutra cannot be substituted nor does it contain with the help of commentative works written by any fault” people of equal accomplishment in the field

4.8 | SOME OF THE POPULAR WORKS RELATED TO YOGA SUTRAS

• Vyasa – Commentary • Narayana Teertha – Yoga Siddhanta Chandrika, • Bhojadeva – ‘Raja Martanda’ treatise Sutraardha Bodhini • Nagoji Bhatta – “Bhaashyachchaaya’ • Hariprasada – Yoga Sutra Vaidika Vritti • Vignana Bhikshu – Vyasa Bhaaysha Vaartikam • Ananta – Pada Chandrika • Sridharaananda Yati – Maniprabha • Sri Sadasivendra Saraswati – Yogasudhakaram

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4.9 | WHAT IS YOGA?

• Yoga is cessation of movement of thought • Fainting fit, catalepsy, hysteria etc. also bring a • The ability to still at will the fluctuations/modifications similar state of mental inactivity, that is not Yoga of the mind which is acquired through constant • The fruits of Yoga are the cessation of all misery and practice in a spirit of detachment is called Yoga perpetual peace • If, without any effort, independently of any volition there is at any time a quiescence of the cognitive faculty of the mind, that is not Yoga

4.10 | MESSAGE OF YOGA SUTRAS

A human being is not his mind, he exists far beyond • The idea is to see the Self as separate from the the level of the mind. objects of sense and thought and to get in touch • Is Yoga then a withdrawal or unrealistic pulling away with ourselves completely from reality? • Then there is perfect alignment of our inner being • Our so-called ‘true’ state of being is covered by and our external reality and we live in perfect all sorts of wrong ideas and concepts, it is a state harmony with all of ignorance, prey to the distorting pressures of attachment and aversion, greed, anger etc.

4.11 | HOW TO ATTAIN YOGA?

Three broad paths suggested by Patanjali:

ABHYASA ISHWARA ASHTANGA YOGA Practice and Vairagya – PRANIDHANA Yama, Niyama, detachment Surrender to the Asana, Pranayama, Supreme Self Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi

4.12 | OBSTACLES TO YOGA

Vyadhi – illness/sickness/disease Avirati – non-abstention Styana – languor/sluggishness/listlessness Bhranti – msunderstanding, mistaken notion Samshaya – doubt/indecision Darshana Alabdha Bhumikatva – missing the point Pramada – carelessness Anavasthitatva – instability Alasya – sloth/laziness

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4.13 | AFFLICTIONS (Kleshas)

Avidya – Ignorance Karmas are rooted in Afflictions; as long as Karma Asmita – False sense of separation from exists, life, its experiences and death are inevitable the Universe Avidya (ignorance) makes us mix up between the Raga – Attachment Seen and the Seer Dwesha – Aversion By practicing the 8 limbs of yoga, ignorance is Abhinivesha – Fear of death/clinging to life destroyed

4.14 | 8 LIMBS OF YOGA

YAMA - Self control for Mastery of life PRANAYAMA (Regulation of breath) NIYAMA - Observances to cultivate Mastery of life • Regulation of the flow of Inhalation and Exhalation is ASANA - Steadiness Pranayama (2-49) PRANAYAMA - Mastery of life force through • Pranayama, accompanied by steadiness of the body breath control and one-pointedness of the mind on one subject, PRATYAHARA - Introversion of attention becomes conducive to Samadhi DHARANA - Concentration DHYANA - Meditation PRATYAHARA (Abstraction/withdrawal) SAMADHI - Absorption, Self-realization, Super- • When senses are introverted and are not running conscious state after the external objects, it is Pratyahara (2-54)

YAMAS (RESTRAINTS) DHARANA (Concentration) • Ahimsa - Non-violence • Dharana is fixing of Mind on a particular point (3-1) • Satya - Truthfulness • Dharana consists in holding or fixing the mind on • Asteya - Indifference to what’s not one’s own the navel circle, or on the lotus of the heart, or on • Brahmacharya - Being in cosmic self (continence is the effulgent center of the head, or on the tip of the also implied) nose, or of the tongue or on such like spots in the • Aparigraha - See the actual role of possessions body, or on any external object

NIYAMAS (OBSERVANCES) DHYANA (Meditation) • Saucha - Purity/cleanliness • Dhyana is continuation of this effort to fix the Mind • Santosha - Contentment on a particular point (3-2) • Tapas - Simplification of life • In other words, being uninterrupted by any other • Svadhyaya - Self-study, scriptural study thought is Dhyana (meditation) • Ishwara Prinidhana - Surrender to indwelling omnipresence SAMADHI (Absorption) • When the object of meditation only shines forth, ASANA (POSTURE): devoid of even who is meditating, it is called • That which is steady and comfortable is Asana Samadhi (Absorption) (3-3) (Posture) • When the state of meditation (Dhyana) becomes so deep that only the object stands by itself, it is called “Samadhi”

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4.15 | KINDS OF SAMADHI (Diagram)

4.16 | STATE OF SAMADHI

• ‘Samadhi’ is experienced day-to-day different from wakeful, dream nor deep sleep states • Yogic Samadhi is different of existence • Wakeful, dream and deep sleep are three states of existence, Samadhi is called ‘Turiya’ or ‘Fourth’; it is

4.17 | PHYSIOLOGY OF SAMADHI

• Most essential functions such as breathing, • Hunger, thirst etc. are not felt by Yogis in Samadhi heartbeat almost stop • Senses (sight, hearing etc.) do not function • Yogi looks like in deep sleep/dead but is neither • Body is sustained because it is full of Consciousness sleeping nor dead

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4.18 | LIFE AFTER SAMADHI

• Body is sustained for up to 21 days • Some people might get Siddhis • Yogi can be woken up from Samadhi by repetition of • All physical/mental/intellectual capabilities/needs Mantras etc. back to normal • Identity switch • LIFE IS TRANSFORMED • Consciousness is expanded

4.19 | EFFECT OF SAMADHI ON KARMA

• Sabija Samadhi • Sanchita Karma is not experienced by the Yogi • Karma is held in abeyance and someday, needs to be • No new Karma is accumulated by Yogi as he is experienced completely detached • Nirbija Samadhi • Prarabdha Karma still needs to be experienced by Yogi; however, Yogi is unattached to it and merely witnesses it

NOTES

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4.20 | CHAPTER REVIEW

1: Name the author of the Yoga Sutras: ______

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2: List any two obstacles to Yoga: ______

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3: Briefly explain the five afflictions of mind: ______

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4: Name the eight limbs of Yoga: ______

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5: Briefly explain any two Yamas: ______

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5 | PRANAYAMA - THEORY

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5.1 | LIFE AND PLANES/LAYERS OF EXISTENCE

ANNAMAYA KOSHA Physical body, sustained by food, blood pressure, heart beat, muscular tension

PRANAMAYA KOSHA Energy system - Nadis, vibrations, sleep

MANOMAYA KOSHA Mind - mental health, depression, stress

VIJNANAMAYA KOSHA Intellect, analytical abilities, memory

ANANDAMAYA KOSHA Consciousness, meditation

5.2 | PRANA – What it Means

• PRANA - is Universal Energy, is everywhere and in • The apparent lifelessness of some things is only a everything lesser degree of manifestation of Prana • Prana, as Macrocosmic Energy, is in all forms of • In this course, the focus is on manifestation of Prana matter and yet it is not matter – it is the energy or – we call Vital Force force which coalesces to matter, thereby forming a microcosmic aspect • This is found in all forms of life – amoeba to man • Breath is the process of drawing upon the Cosmic Prana for sustinence of the individual

5.3 | PRANAYAMA – Mind Control

MIND is Akasha (Space element) and PRANA – is Vayu (Air element) • Akasha when still is Akasha, when dynamic is Vayu, so there is a close relationship between Akasha (mind) and Vayu (breath) • If the mind is still, breath is stilled; if breath is still, then mind is stilled, leading to Samadhi – the goal of Yoga

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5.4 | RELATION BETWEEN PRANA AND LIFE/EXISTENCE

• In Yoga Sutras, Patanjali says, “Life-form, longevity and relative enjoyment of life are determined by Samskaras/Karma.” • Life is allocated as so many billions of breaths (one cycle of inhalation and inhalation) • 21,600 breaths constitutes one ‘day’ in life

5.5 | RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRANA AND LONGEVITY

Life Breaths per minute Full Lifespan

RABBIT 38 8 years

MONKEY 32 10 years

DOG 29 12 years

HORSE 19 25 years

HUMAN 13 120 years

SNAKE 8 1,000 years

TORTOISE 5 2,000 years

5.6 | WHAT CAUSES LOSS OF PRANA?

• Negative emotions such as anger • Excessive sexual indulgence • Non-sattvik foods negatively impact flow of Prana

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5.7 | WHAT STRENGTHENS PRANA?

• Yoga and other forms of exercise • Deep breathing • Pranayama • Sattvik food lets Prana flow more freely

5.8 | TRANSFER OF PRANA

• PRANIC HEALING: • It may be projected to a distance so as to affect • Transferring of Prana under the direction of the will other persons is possible • It may be directed toward relieving pain in one’s self and others by sending a supply of Prana extracted from the air to the affected part

5.9 | PRANA AS SUSTAINER OF LIFE

Functional Division of ‘Individual’ Prana: • Prana • Apana • Samana • Udana • Vyana

5.10 | PRANA

• Heart region/Thoracic region • Instinct/ability to receive/take • Causes upward pressure

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5.11 | APANA

• Abdomen • Exercises downward pressure • Release of sperm, sexual fluids, excretions • Instinct/ability of giving

5.12 | SAMANA

• Stomach • Balance Prana and Apana • Digestion, related enzymess • Carries energy to all the cells of the body

5.13 | UDANA

• Throat region • Speech and other forms of self expression

5.14 | VYANA

• All over the body • Governs skin, creates sweat • Blood flow

5.15 | UPA-VAYUS

• NAGA – Mouth, causes burping, hiccups and • KRUKARA – Creates hunger, thirst, sneezing and belching coughing • DEVADATTA – Causes yawning, induces sleeping • DHANANJAYA – All over the body, child-delivery, • KURMA – Eyes, causes batting of eyelids, blinking decomposition of the body after death

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5.16 | SWARA YOGA

• Pranic Energy flows thru Nadis –subtle nerves - like • If you practice meditation when Ida is flowing, it electricity flowing through wires results in a kind of sleep and the brain produces • There 72,000 such Nadis in our Energy Body Delta waves • 14 out of these are important; 3 are most important • If you practice meditation when Pingala is flowing, • These are Ida (Chandra Nadi), Pingala (Surya Nadi) brain produces Beta waves and you will be thinking and Sushumna many thoughts at the same time • When left nostril flows, Ida is flowing, right brain • When both the nostrils are flowing equally, that hemisphere is active means Sushumna is flowing and meditation will be • Pingala flows right, left brain hemisphere is active effortless (this state is called ‘Unmani Avastha”) • The flow of prana is called “Swara” • Being established in Asana, Pranayama should be • They flow alternatively, usually 60-90 minutes at a practiced time, called ‘alternate rhinitis’ • If we can balance and master the length and flow of • For a brief period when the side is changing, they breath, extraordinary physical and mental energy as may flow simultaneously, that is Prana flowing in well as yogic progress result Sushumna • 1 hour before and 1 hour after sunrise and sunset, Sushumna flows, best time for Pranayama, meditation etc.

5.17 | PRANA – AFTER DEATH

• Upon death, the influence of the commanding • Some are absorbed into the bodies of the plants in mind is withdrawn from cells and cell-groups, the vicinity, eventually find themselves forming parts disorder reigns of the body of some animal which ate the plant or • The body is never more alive than when it is dead; the man who ate the plant or the meat of the animal but it is alive in its units and dead in its totality which ate the plant • Prana being no longer under the control of the • The unused Prana returns to the great universal central mind, responds only to the orders of the storehouse from which it came individual atoms/their groups • As physical body disintegrates and is resolved into its original elements, each atom takes with it sufficient Prana to maintain its vitality and to enable it to form new combinations

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NOTES

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5.18 | CHAPTER REVIEW

1: Name the main as well as subsidiary Pranas: ______

______

2: What are the three most important Nadis? ______

______

3: How does Pranayama benefit the practitioner? ______

______

4: Briefly explain Prana: ______

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6 | CHAKRAS - THE INNER JOURNEY

Seventh Chakra Sahasrara | Crown Chakra

Sixth Chakra Ajna | Third Eye Chakra

Fifth Chakra Vishudda | Throat Chakra

Fourth Chakra Anahata | Heart Chakra

Third Chakra Manipuraka | Solar Plexus Chakra

Second Chakra Swadhisthana | Sacral Chakra

First Chakra Muladhara | Root Chakra

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6.1 | AGENDA

1. Origin of the Science of Kundalini and Chakras 6. Chakras 2. Man’s outer world 7. Balance/imbalance of Chakras 3. Man’s inner world 8. How to balance the Chakras 4. Dimensions of existence Nadis 5. Kundalini

6.2 | ORIGIN OF THE SCIENCE OF KUNDALINI AND CHAKRAS

• Descriptions of Koshas, Nadis, Chakras and Kundalini eg: Darshanopanishad, Garbhopanishad, Kundalinis goes back to the Vedas, oldest spiritual Kshurikopanishad, Sarvasaropanishad and Maitri scriptures known to man. Upanishad. • Many Upanishads - which are part of the Vedas • Many Trantric texts present lot of elaborate details. - talk about various aspects of Chakras and

6.3 | MAN’S OUTER WORLD

• The phenomenal world is made of five elements. • Five elements themselves are born of Sattva, Rajas • The elements are more states of existence than and Tamas, which in their unmanifest state are physical things and as such they represent principles of called ‘Prakruti’. existence of the inorganic world.

6.4 | THE INNER WORLD OF MAN

• Man’s inner world consits of the individuated • This inner world can be seen in five dimensions consciousness, mind, organs of knowledge and called Koshas. organs of action.

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6.5 | FIVE DIMENSIONS OF LIFE - Koshas

KOSHAS - A VISUAL INTERPRETATION

1: Annamaya Kosha - Physical Body

2: Pranamaya Kosha - Energy Body 3: Manomaya Kosha - Mental Body 4: Vijnanamaya Kosha - Wisdom Body 5: Anandamaya Kosha - Bliss Body

Practice in hatha - from the external discipline of the physical body, to energetic, to mental, to spiritual self- realization, transcending illusion and duality. This equals union/one-ness, which equals yoga.

Just like we exist in a four-dimensional world from a 1. ANNAMAYA KOSHA - OR PHYSICAL physical viewpoint, we exist five-dimensionally from a BODY: spiritual viewpoint. • Annamaya Kosha consists of limbs, glands, different These dimensions are called ‘Koshas‘ in ancient texts nerves etc, which are all made of sapta dhatus of India, literally meaning ‘sheaths‘ or ‘layers’. (seven building blocks). • Annamaya Kosha is made of five elements and it THE 5 KOSHAS: dissolves back into the elements once the Being • Annamaya Kosha or physical body leaves the body at the time of death. • Pranamaya Kosha or energy body • Purity of food, specific kinds of fasting, Asana and • Manomaya Kosha or body of mind Mudras strengthen the Annamaya Kosha. • Vijnanamaya Kosha or body of intellect • When Annamaya Kosha is perfected thru proper • Anandamaya Kosha or body of bliss means, it results in health, increased pranic energy All the koshas are same for both men and women. and sharp intellect. In other words, it has positive The difference exists only in the structure of the influence on pranamaya and manomaya koshas. Annamaya Kosha.

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2. PRANAMAYA KOSHA - OR ENERGY Vyana BODY • Located principally in the nostrils and stomach, • Prana is vital life-force that exists in the universe and permeates entire body, especially ears, eyes, is received by individual beings thru air, water and abdomen, ankles, shoulders and throat, causes food. circulation of blood and chyle, growth, building of • This life-force assumes five major forms and five the body adn sustenance of life, takes energy to all minor forms. Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and parts of the body. Vyana are five principal airs. Naga, Kurma, Krukara, Devadatta and Dhajnanjaya are subsidiary airs. Naga • These are constantly circulating thru the Nadis or Causes belching (burping), vomitting, hiccups. subtle channels of energy. Kurma Prana Causes movement of of eyelids, movement of pupils. • This is primarily centered in the heart, though moving about in the nostrils, the head and the Krukara navel, moving upward, managing functions such as Causes sneezing, coughing, thirst and hunger. swallowing food and water, respiratory activities and all bodily movements. Devadatta Causes fatigue and yawning. Apana • Centered principally in the lower abdomen, Dhananjaya permeates anus, genitals, thighs, stomach, testicles, Causes decomposition of the body after death. calves, knees. • Responsible for release of excretions from the body, • When Pranamaya Kosha is perfected, one’s menstrual fluid, ejaculation of sperm as well as child personality, personal charm grows. One will be able delivery. to positively influence others.

Samana 3. MANOMAYA KOSHA • Principally located in navel area and toes of the • Mind and organs of knowledge are collectively feet, responsible for reception of food, digestion, referred to as Manomaya Kosha. In other words, segregation of nutrients and waste, nourishment of internal perception that happens due to interaction the body. with the external world is the Manomaya Kosha. • Balances the upward pressure of Prana and • All faculties of mind are included this Kosha. downward pressure of Apana. • Chitta Vruttis referred to in Yoga Sutras are vibrations of this Manomaya Kosha. Udana • Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, whose percentages are • Main location is middle of throat, manages speech defined by Karma are also in the Manomaya Kosha. and alimentation, moves in hands and feet • Trataka, swadhyaya, satsang, mantra repetition and accompanying Prana and especially permeates all contemplation lead to awakening. joints. • Mind is the ruler of sense faculties. When this Kosha is perfected, senses are sharpened, observation becomes sharp. Man begins to perceive different

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aspects of the mind, how they control the senses. this Kosha. Deep realization that body and soul are Man will be able to analyze ego, senses, perception different will prevent disturbances to the meditative etc. separately and begins to see himself as separate state of mind. from and transcending all these. 5. ANANDAMAYA KOSHA 4. VIJNANAMAYA KOSHA • Natural blissful state is called ‘Anandamaya Kosha’. • Mind, Intellect and organs of knowledge are • Meditating upon the light in Crown Chakra helps collectively referred to as Vijnanamaya Kosha. strengthen this Kosha. Khechari Mudra, Yoga nidra, • In other words, vijnanamaya kosha is the subtle practice of Samadhi are helpful. knowledge which is acquired thru Meditation and other spiritual practices. • SoHam mantra meditation, Nada Yoga help perfect

6.6 | NADIS

• Nadi is a channel of energy. It exists at physical as well as subtle levels. Sushumna, Ida and Pingala are the three • Each of these channels carry and convey life force most important Nadis (Prana). • Collectively, they are responsible for all the Sushumna physiological, mental and spiritual functions and sustain life. All the Nadis are hollow inside. Ida Pingala • Subtle nerves - large and small, all together in the body there are 727,210,20 1. • The point of origin of all Nadis is called Muladhara The point of (Root Chakra). origin of all Nadis is called Muladhara 14 IMPORTANT NADIS (Root The following 14 Nadis emerge from Muladhara Chakra) Chakra. These nerves start out thin and become wider as they go up. The locations of the Nadis and their location are given slightly differently in different Muladhara upanishads and tantric texts. Chakra • Sushumnaa, Ida, Pingala are the three most important Nadis Kundalini Shakti • Other important nadis are: Alambusaa, Kuhoo, Vishwodaree, Vaarunee, Hastijihwaa, Yashashwinee, Kundalini is the coiled up spiritual energy Payaswinee, Gaandhaaree, Pushaa, Shankhinee, in living beings Saraswati

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6.7 | KUNDALINI

• Kundalini is the coiled up spiritual energy in the AWAKENING OF THE KUNDALINI beings. It is in Muladhara, coiled three and half • Upon awakening, Kundalini travels up thru times. Sushumna, thru the Chakras, speading its energy • Kundalini is a powerful, subtle energy. One may thru the nadi system to every particile of the imagine it to be a kind of subtle light or electricity. sukshma sharira. Light travels 186,000 miles per second, Kundalini is • When it reaches sahasrara, the practicioner said to flow at 385,000 miles per second. experiences Samadhi or universal consciousness. • Kundalini is related to the subtle pranic energy. Pranic energy is linked with subtle Nadis, Nadis are linked to the mind and mind is linked to the entire body.

NOTES

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6.1 | CHAKRAS OVERVIEW

CHAKRA MEANS A VORTEX OR PLEXUS OF NERVES AS VEHICLES OF ENERGY, PHYSICAL AND PSYCHIC

• Chakras are not necessarily circular in shape, nor are When you become aware of their influences, your they necessarily spinning. Similarly, spinning faster attention progresses from physical to the energy doesn’t mean they receive and/or transmit more level, where the real action is. energy. • Chakras serve the vital purpose of connecting the • Chakras vibrate. Each one has a certain frequency subtle body, consisting of consciousness, ego, mind, of vibration. sensory and functional organs with the physical • When the Chakra is vibrating at a certain frequency, body. the nadis linked to that chakra also vibrate at • Chakras are energy centres as well as karmic sympathetically and accordingly commensurate memory centres. pranic energy is conveyed to various limbs of the • All in all, there are said to be 108 Chakras in the body. subtle body. These are called ‘Upatyikas’. • The subtle energy of the Chakras permeats all the aspects of your life, through the layers of Koshas

SUSHUMNA PINGALA NADI IDA CHAKRAS NADI VIBRATE NADI

Each Chakra has a 1000 Sahasrara Chakra certain frequency of vibration When the chakra is 1000 Ajna Chakra vibrating at a certain frequency, the 1000 Vishudda Chakra nadis linked to that chakra also vibrate 6000 Anahata Chakra sympathetically 6000 Manipuraka Chakra

6000 Swadhisthana Chakra

600 Muladhara Chakra

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6.1 | MULADHARA CHAKRA

LOCATION / DESCRIPTION Location: Coccyx Colour: Red Element: Earth

STRUCTURE • Consists of 4 petals. The petals are red in color. These petals contain the bija aksharas ‘vam, sam, sham, sam’ in golden color

GLANDS/ORGANS INFLUENCED CHAKRA STONE • Adrenals. • Ruby (Manikya or Padma Raga); Garnet; red Jasper (Ganapati Shila) excites this Chakra and black, skin color and grey Jasper BALANCE/IMBALANCE OF THE CHAKRA calm this chakra. • 600 Nadis emanate from this Chakra, optimum vibration 600 times per breath cycle. MUSICAL TONE • This Chakra embodies the source of physical desires. • Shadja • When this Chakra is vibrating at its optimum, one feels grounded, confident and energetic in day to day life. ZODIAC SIGN • When this Chakra is weak, resuls in obesity, ailments pertaining to • Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, Saggitarius and Scorpio. feet, legs, bones and teeth. Similarly, mental imbalance, inferiority complex, inability to handle change or growth also result.

6.2 | SWADHISTHANA CHAKRA

LOCATION / DESCRIPTION Location: Coccyx Colour: Red Element: Earth

STRUCTURE • This Chakra consists of six petals in vermilion color. The bijaksharas ‘bam, bham, mam, yam, ram, lam’ are shining in the color of lightening on these petals.

GLANDS/ORGANS INFLUENCED • Ovaries, Testes.

BALANCE/IMBALANCE OF THE CHAKRA CHAKRA STONE • 600 Nadis emanate from this Chakra, optimum vibration 600 • Ruby (Manikya or Padma Raga); Garnet; red Jasper (Ganapati times per breath cycle. Shila) excites this Chakra and black, skin color and grey Jasper • This Chakra embodies the source of physical desires. calm this chakra. • When this Chakra is vibrating at its optimum, one feels grounded, confident and energetic in day to day life. MUSICAL TONE • When this Chakra is weak, resuls in obesity, ailments pertaining to • Shadja. feet, legs, bones and teeth. Similarly, mental imbalance, inferiority complex, inability to handle change or growth also result. ZODIAC SIGN • Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, Saggitarius and Scorpio.

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6.3 | MANIPURAKA CHAKRA

LOCATION / DESCRIPTION Location: Navel Colour: Yellow Element: Fire

This chakra has many colors but the color of fire is the primary color. STRUCTURE • Consists of 10 petals. The bijas are shiny blue color. • According to many indian and tibetan tantric texts, the real awakening of kundalini begins from manipuraka. According to them, root and second chakras indicate animal plane of existence. Maniupuraka marks the beginning of higher human life.

GLANDS/ORGANS INFLUENCED • Pancreas, stomach, digestive system, liver, spleen.

BALANCE/IMBALANCE OF THE CHAKRA CHAKRA STONE ZODIAC SIGN • When this chakra is weak it results in ulcers in stomach, digestive • Yellow Jasper, Tiger’s eye. • Leo. issues, diabetes, low energy level, allergies etc. MUSICAL TONE • Gandhara.

6.4 | ANAHATA CHAKRA

LOCATION / DESCRIPTION Location: Heart Color: Green Both Element: Air anatomically and • Love, generosity, human relationships are here metaphorically, • This is the place of Vishnu Granthi, the place of Heart. The the heart is the ability to sublimate one’s own thoughts as well as influence centre of human others’ thought processes are here. This is the fountainhead of activity and seat satisfaction, contentment and peace. of the individual Soul STRUCTURE • Consists of 12 petals. Contains letters ‘kam’ to ‘tham’.

GLANDS/ORGANS INFLUENCED • Thymus, Heart, Chest, Lungs.

BALANCE/IMBALANCE OF THE CHAKRA CHAKRA STONE ZODIAC SIGN • 600 Nadis emanate from this Chakra, optimum vibration 600 • Green Aventurine, Rose • Cancer. times per breath cycle. quartz. • When this is weak, lungs related issues, asthama, heart related problems, high blood pressure, cancer, problems related to hands, MUSICAL TONE elbows and fingers, over-dependence on others. • Madhyama.

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6.5 | VISHUDDA (THROAT) CHAKRA

LOCATION / DESCRIPTION Location: Throat Colour: Blue Element: Space

STRUCTURE • Consists of 16 petals, 16 vowels of Sanskrit are the bijaksharas.

GLANDS/ORGANS INFLUENCED • Thyroid, Parathyroid. • Lungs to some extent, Larynx, Trachea, mouth, throat, jaws, ears are governed by this Chakra.

BALANCE/IMBALANCE OF THE CHAKRA CHAKRA STONE ZODIAC SIGN • This has 1000 nadis and vibrates 1000 times per breath cycle. • Blue Sapphire (Nilam), • Taurus and Gemini. • When this Chakra is weak, pains in neck, hands, fingers, cold and Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, flu, throat pains, thyroid, hearing problems, tinnitus, asthma, Turquoise. inferiority complex, inability to express oneself, lack of creativity result. MUSICAL TONE • Panchama.

6.6 | AJNA (THIRD EYE) CHAKRA

LOCATION / DESCRIPTION Location: See caption on right Colour: Red Ajna is located at Element: Earth the meeting point of Ida, Pingala • The 72,000 nadis of the body also merge here. and Sushumna, • In this chakra, subtle element of mind is there in which manas, the point of buddhi and ahamkara are merge. Rudra Granthi • Among the six Chakras, this is considered as the ‘Guru’ Chakra (pineal) between as this is the place of origin for higher guidance, inner light and the eye brows energy flow. One will understand the process of awakening the Kundalini, piercing of the chakras only when this chakra is awakened.

STRUCTURE • Consists of 2 petals, white in color with letters ‘ham’ and ‘ksham’.

GLANDS/ORGANS INFLUENCED CHAKRA STONE MUSICAL TONE • Pituitary gland, eyes, base of skull, intellect. • Aquamarine excites • Daivata. this chakra, moonstone BALANCE/IMBALANCE OF THE CHAKRA (chandrakanta) balances ZODIAC SIGN • Optimum vibration 600 times per breath cycle. this chakra, blue soldite, • Aries. • When this chakra is weak, chronic headaches, lack of sleep, eye Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst also problems, glaucoma, hallucinations result. balances.

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6.7 | SAHASRARA (CROWN) CHAKRA

LOCATION / DESCRIPTION Located outside the body on top of the head, about four finger- breadths above the crown of the head. STRUCTURE • 50 letters arranged 20 times. • This is the seat of Consciousness (Siva in Tantric terminology).

GLANDS/ORGANS INFLUENCED • Pineal gland. • This Chakra regulates all bodily and mental functions. • Right eye, cerebral cortex of the brain, upper skull and skin.

BALANCE/IMBALANCE OF THE CHAKRA CHAKRA STONE: • Optimum vibration 1000 times per breath cycle. • Nishada. • When this chakra is weak, lack of mental clarity, depression, chronic fatigue and obsessional thinking result. MUSICAL TONE • Moonstone, Amethyst.

ZODIAC SIGN -/-

6.8 | CHAKRA BALANCING

These energy centres may get blocked, cracked, harmed in some way, get crooked or vibrate less than optimal. Then the Chakra is considered to be imbalanced.

Some tools to balance chakras:

1. Yoga 2. Pranayama 3. Nada Yoga Music 4. Chanting or listening to Vedic Mantras 5. Chanting Bijaksharas 6. Mantra repetition (Japa Yoga) 7. Mudras 7. Puja 8. Meditation 9. Chanting or listening to bijaksharas

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6.9 | CHAPTER REVIEW

1: Briefly explain what is a Chakra: ______

______

2: Name the seven chakras, their colors and number of petals: ______

______

3: Which kosha do the Chakras exist in? ______

______

4: What is ‘imbalance’ of a Chakra? ______

______

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7 | NADA YOGA

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7.1 | SETTING THE SACRED INTENTION

CHAITANYAM SARVA BHUTANAM

VIVRUTAM JAGADATMANA

NADA BRAHMA TADANANDAM

ADVITIYAM UPASMAHE

7.2 | GRATITUDE

Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, Mysore India

• Pioneer of ‘Healing and Meditation Music’ • www.yogasangeeta.org

7.3 | CAUSES OF DISEASES

Health of individual is influenced by three factors: • Agent (bacteria, issues with food, hormonal imbalances etc) • Host (Age, sex, race, place of living, financial/social factors, life style) • Environment (pollution, human relationships etc.)

7.4 | YOGA AND MUSIC

Mind Body System • Annamaya Kosha – Physical body... blood pressure, heart beat, muscular tension • Pranamaya Kosha – Energy system... Nadis, vibrations, sleep • Manomaya Kosha – Mind... mental health, depression, stress • Vijnanamaya Kosha – Intellect... too analytical, memory • Anandamaya Kosha – Consciousness... meditation

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7.5 | BENEFITS OF NADA CHIKITSA

• Brain releases more than 15 kinds of endogenous causing hormones, reduces depression, increases opioids (feel-good substances) when listening to endorphins, improves immune system by increasing peaceful music. production of Interleukin-1. • Music regulates breathing and heartbeat. • Improves memory and creativity, reduces stress-

7.6 | ORIGIN OF MUSIC

• Nada - Ahata and Anahata • Sounds of nature • Vedas - 1 note – Archika, 2- Gadhika, • 22 shrutis - 7-12 Swaras Samika - 3 notes

7.7 | IMPACT OF RAJA ON MIND AND BODY

• Raga - That which colours the mind • Raga vs. Scale • Time/Season of Raga • Symbolism of Sitar - 7 Cervical, 12 Thoracic, 5 Lumbar • Yoga Sutras:

7.8 | BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSIC THERAPY IN THE WEST

• Pythagoras - (6th Century BCE) • On the effects of Music in Curing and Palliating • Bible - David cures Saul’s melancholy with his Harp Disease (1790) • Modern music therapy begins around 1700 AD - • Chomet – The Influence of Music on Health and many physicians used to be trained as musicians Life (1875) • Richard Brown - Medica Musica (1729) • Pothey – The Power of Music and the Healing Art • Louis Roger – A Treatise on the Effects of Music on the Human Body (1748)

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7.9 | PASSIVE THERAPY

• Sit or lie down and relax • Listen regularly • Let the music work its magic on your body/mind • Music shouldn’t be too fast • Do not analyse the music • Repetitive music showed better results in a lot of • Listen in low volume but high enough to catch the people subtleties of music • Listen to the silences • Listen at least for 15 minutes

7.10 | RAJA KALYAN

• Element: Fire • Chakra: Manipuraka • Zodiac sign: Leo • Hyperacidity, upper abdomen, irritable bowel syndrome • Creates motivation for physiotherapy and exercise

7.11 | FIVE ELEMENTS AND SWARAS

• Three Gunas – Sattva, Rajas and Tamas • Five Elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space • Three Doshas (constituent elements) - Vata, Pitta, Kapha

7.12 | RAJA: MALKAUNS

• Element: Water • Chakra: Anahata • Zodiac sign: Cancer • Chest and heart portion

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7.13 | ENERGY CENTRES IN THE BODY

Seven Energy Centers (Chakras)

• Muladhara • Vishudda • Swadhisthana • Ajna • Manipuraka • Sahasrara • Anahata

7.14 | RAJA: NEETIMATI

• Element: All Elements • Chakra: All Chakras • Zodiac sign: All signs • Entire body

7.13 | ENERGY CENTRES IN THE BODY

Seven Energy Centers (Chakras) • Anahata • Muladhara • Vishuddha • Svadhisthana • Ajna • Manipuraka • Sahasrara

7.14 | RAJA: NEETIMATI

• Element: All Elements • Chakra: All Chakras • Zodiac sign: All signs • Entire body

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7.15 | SWARAS AT A GLANCE

Swara Chakra Diety Colour Planet Animal

SHADJA Muladhara Agni Red Sun Peacock

RISHABHA Swadhisthana Brahma Yellow Mercury Bull

GANDHARA Manipuraka Saraswati Colden Saturn Goat

MADHYAMA Anahata Siva White Venus Krauncha

PANCHMA Vishuddha Vishnu Black Moon Cuckoo

DHAIVATA Anja Ganesha Yellow Mars Horse

NISHADA Sahasrara Surya Mixed Jupiter Elephant

7.16 | IMPORTANT NOTE

• Nada Yoga is not a substitute for medicine but works • Please do not discontinue any medical attention you with it and fosters healing. are getting or about to get. • No part of this presentation is intended to be any kind of medical advise and no claims of cure is made by it.

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8 | MUDRAS

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8.1 | WHAT AND WHY?

• Simple and complex gestures that convey • Activate and energize nerves and ideas and feelings rejuvenate the mind • Hand/finger placement to generate, • Magnetize the being and energize your distribute and seal in energy vitality • To set to work and develop inner energies • Science of living - relates to asana, pranayama, bandha • Increase lung power and capacity through awareness and discipline of breath - • Work together with yoga, pranayama, quality, volume, duration mantra, nada and dhyana

8.2 | GENERAL TIPS

• When the tip of the thumb touches the tip of the • As far as possible, the hands should face upwards other fingers, respective energy gets balanced in while doing the Mudras. the body. • Showing the Mudras with both hands is more • When the tip of the thumb touches the base of the beneficial. other fingers, respective energy gets increased in • General placement is at heart level about 6 inches the body. away from the chest. • When the tip of the finger is brought to the base of • Vajrasana / Sukhasana are well suited for Mudra the thumb, respective energy gets reduced in the practise. body.

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8.3 | 5 ELEMENTS, 5 LIFE FORCES

• The 5 elements assist with the development of vitality and energy in the physical body.

• The 5 life forces aid in enriching and activating their counterparts in the subtle body.

8.4 | ELEMENT - Earth - Prithvi - Anchor

Method: Join the tips of the thumb and the ring finger. Keep other fingers stretched out.

• Seed Syllable: Lam • Chakra: Mooladhara (Base Chakra) • Organ of Knowledge: Nose • Organ of Action: Feet (Movement)

Qualities: Survival, groundedness, supported, anchored / loss of purpose, depleted of energy, stuck.

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8.5 | ELEMENT - Water - Aapas - Renewal

Method: Join the tips of the thumb and the little finger. Keep other fingers stretched out

• Seed Syllable: Vam • Chakra: Swadhishthana (Sacral) • Organ of Knowledge: Tongue • Organ of Action: Hands

Qualities: Receptive - connect, Enthusiasm, contentment / distant, attachment, possessive, addiction, delusion, selfish, self absorbed.

8.5 | ELEMENT - Fire - Agni - Transformation

Method: Fold the ring finger and press it with the thumb. The other fingers are stretched out.

• Seed Syllable: Ram • Chakra: Manipura (Solar Plexus/Navel) • Organ of Knowledge: Eyes • Organ of Action: Organs of Elimination

Qualities: Transformation - ambition, dynamism, energy, powerful / dominate, anger, hatred, arrogance, powerless, gives up easily, prejudiced, complexes.

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8.6 | ELEMENT - Air - Vayu - Inclusion

Method: Join the tips of the thumb and index finger. Keep the other fingers stretched out.

• Seed Syllable: Yam • Kundalini: Anahata (Heart) • Receptive Organ: Skin • Organ of Action: Organ of Reproduction

Qualities: Creative arts, abundance, harmony, responsibility, new thinking - paradigm shift, healing / self-exclusion, restrictive, overcome by grief.

8.7 | ELEMENT - Space - Akasha - Allowing

Method: Join the tips of the thumb and the middle finger. Keep the other fingers stretched out.

• Seed Syllable: Ham • Chakra: Vishuddhi (Throat) • Receptive Organ: Ears • Organ of Action: Tongue (speech)

Qualities: Eloquent, refined, rejuvenate, communication, peace, freedom/harsh, lonely, isolated, empty, unsettled, lack of resistance.

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8.8 | MIND - Transcend - Brahma

Method: Fold the thumb inwards and bend all 4 fingers over the thumb touching the palm - forming a relaxed fist. Place both hands together with the knuckles touching, fists facing upwards. Position at navel.

• Seed Syllable: soham breath/time. • Chakra: Ajna • Organ of Knowledge: All 5 organs & mind • Organ of Action: All 5 organs & mind

Qualities: Dualities, awareness, command, perceive, intuit, manifest, discipline, will-power.

8.9 | MIND - Shanmukhi - Transcend

Method: Close eyes. Use fingers to gently close out the ears with the thumb, the eyes with the index finger, nostrils with the middle finger, the upper and lower lips with the ring finger and the thumb.

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8.10 | PRANA - Inward

Method: Join the tips of the thumb with the ring and little finger. Keep other fingers stretched out.

• Chakra: Anahata • Location: Upper diaphragm to throat • Functions: Reception / absorption - take in air, food, information • Organs: Heart and Lungs • Sense: sight

8.11 | APANA - Downward

Method: Join the tips of the thumb, ring and middle finger. Keep the other fingers straight and stretched out.

• Chakra: Mooladhara and Swadhishthana • Location: Navel to anus • Functions: Elimination - expulsion of metabolic waste thus aiding purification • Organs: Kidneys, Excretory and reproductive organs • Sense: smell and taste • Benefits: Frees us of negative energies and emotions. Reduces depletion of energy

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8.12 | VYANA - Pervasive

Method: Join the tips of the thumb, index and the middle finger. Keep other fingers stretched out.

• Chakra: Ajna • Location: Entire body • Functions: Balance, movement • Organs: Muscles • Sense: Hearing

8.13 | UDANA - Ascending

Method: Join all fingers of your right hand, stretch out only the index finger. Similarly join all fingers of your left hand. Stretch out the little finger. Place the right hand on top of the left hand. The right hand points upwards, the left hand points downwards.

• Chakra: Vishuddhi • Location: Hands, legs, head and above throat • Functions: Circulation and nervous functioning • Organs: Thyroid, vocals, hands and legs • Sense: Touch

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8.14 | SAMANA - Balancing

Method: Join the tips of all fingers. Position on top of knees.

• Chakra: Manipura • Location: Between Navel and diaphragm • Functions: Transformation / Digestion • Organs: small and large intestine, stomach, liver, pancreas etc. • Sense: Touch

8.15 | MEDITATION

Method: Place open palms on top of one another. Position at navel.

• Seed Syllable: Om • Chakra: Sahasrara • Energy: Bliss, silence • Impact: Experience

Qualities: Expanded awareness, facilitates upward movement of energy.

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8.16 | DAILY PRACTISE

• Sit in a comfortable posture keeping the head and • The energy generated rejuvenates the spine straight. corresponding organs and improves the overall • Adopt each Mudra in the sequence given below, health. placing the hands in front of your chest about 6 • Sequence : Apana, Prithvi, Aapa, Samana, Agni, inches. Prana, Vayu, Udana, Akasha, Vyana and Brahma • Recite the mantra with deep, relaxed breathing for a Mudras. count of 15 breaths for each Mudra

8.17 | ENERGY MOVEMENT - Mrugi

Raises energy, increases awareness of the movement of energy. Placement: on top of head.

8.18 | SOME OTHER MUDRAS

• Sri Chakra • Energizing Food • Activating subtle life forces • Prosperity and Abundance • Zodiac signs

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9 | MANTRA YOGA

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9.1 | WHAT IS A MANTRA?

• This universe is a very vibrant, intelligent and • Adhyaatmika, Adhidaivika, Adhibhautika forms of compassionate organization that is run by certain Devatas Cosmic Energies • Manifestation: perceptible to vision – Rupa, Yantra • These energies are called ‘Devatas’ or ‘Deities’ perceptible to hearing – Mantra • These cosmic energies are responsible for various • A Mantra is not a mere representation of the forces of creation such as the process of creation Devata but the very sound-form or sound-body of itself, sustenance of the creation, elements such as the Devata water, fire • A Mantra and its Devata are not two separate • They are not creations of any religion but rather things; where is there is perfect vibration of the cosmic intelligences that evolve during the process Mantra, the Devata is present in the very form of of creation, before the physical universe does that Mantra in Space (Akasha) • Devatas/Deities are Cosmic Beings of high vibratory • Concept of Chosen Deity (Ishta Devata) Energy, beyond the limitations of time, space and form

9.2 | ORIGINS OF MANTRA

• Ancient Rishis are said to have had visions of the and create many more names also, Beejakshara is Devatas in deep states of meditation and envisioned usually only one. the pure vibrational energies that embody them. • Gayatri form of the Mantra evolves next. • A Mantra starts as just one mono-syllable vibration • A Suktam (collection of Mantras) might develop in the spiritual heart of a Rishi, called Beejakshara. next. • ‘Om’ is said to be the first Mantra. • Mantra Yoga can be traced back to the Vedas - • It blossoms into a full name of the Devata. Mantra Samhita. • The Rishi in whose spiritual heart the Mantra is • Some statements/declarations from Upanishads are born, may perceive many aspects of the Devata also called Mantras.

9.3 | DEFINITION OF MANTRA

• Mananat Trayate Iti Mantraha: That which uplifts, - Shakti upon contemplation - Beejam • Naming the Mantras - Keelakam • Six important aspects of Mantra: • Mantra transcends intellect, vibration is considered - Rishi more important than meaning of the Mantra. - Devata - Chandas

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9.4 | APPLICATION OF MANTRA

• Mantras are an integral part of Bhakti Yoga and • Repetition of Mantra called – Japa Yoga - leads to Jnana Yoga. Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. • Mantra and its power are acknowledged by Patanjali • Samadhi with Mantra (or the Devata) is called in Raja Yoga Sutras. ‘Mantra Siddhi’. • Mantras being embodiments of cosmic energies, are repositories of Energy.

9.5 | GANESHA

• Remover of obstacles • Son of Shiva and Parvati • Mudgala Purana • Symbolism of the form • Found in several countries including Japan, Kambodia, Thailand etc

OM GUM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA

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9.6 | BRAHMA

• Creator of the Universe • Brahma Purana • Symbolism of the form

9.7 | VISHNU

• Sustainer of the Creation • Takes many incarnations to protect and sustain the creation • Vishnu Purana, Bhagavatam • Vishnu Sahasranama • Symbolism of the form • Vaishnavism

OM NAMO NAARAAYANAAYA OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VAASUDEVAAYA

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9.8 | SHIVA

• Transformer of the Creation • Shiva Purana • Rudra Prasna • Symbolism of the form • Kashmir Shaivism

OM NAMAHA SHIVAAYA

OM NAMASSHIVAAYA

9.9 | GAYATRI

• Veda Mata • Devi Bhagavatam • Symbolism of the form • Om • Bhurbhuvaha Svaha • Tatsaviturvarenyam • Bhargo devasya dheemahi • Dhiyo yo naha prachodayaat

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9.10 | SARASWATI

• Goddess of Knowledge, Arts etc. • Brahma’s consort • Devi Bhagavatam • Medha Suktam, Saraswati Suktam • Symbolism of the form

OM SUM SARASWATYAI NAMAHA

9.11 | LAKSHMI/LAXMI

• Goddess of Wealth • Vishnu’s consort • Devi Bhagavatam • Sri Suktam

OM SREEM MAHAALAKSHMYAI

NAMAHA

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9.12 | DURGA - The Goddess in Everyone

• Goddess of Action • Shiva’s consort • Devi Bhagavatam • Sri Vidya

OM NAMAHA SHIVAAYA

OM NAMASSHIVAAYA

9.13 | DATTATREYA

• Incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva • Teacher of Avadhuta Gita, Alarka Gita, Yadu Gita etc. • Many incarnations

OM DRAAM DATTAAYA

NAMAHA

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9.14 | RAMA

• One of the major incarnations of Vishnu • Teacher of Rama Gita • Ramayana

9.15 | HANUMAN

• Shiva’s incarnation • Ramayana • Chiranjeevi

OM NAMO HANUMATE

NAMAHA

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9.16 | KRISHNA – The Indweller

OM NAMO

BHAGAVATE

VAASUDEVAAYA

9.17 | KIRTAN

• Kirtan and chanting is about satisfying your heart It’s an opening of the heart and letting go of the and not intellect mind and thoughts. It deepens the channel of grace, • Involves music, but not a talent show and it’s a way of being present in the moment.” • Participatory, call and response chanting • Unlike meditation, chanting takes no effort • Active music therapy • Watch a sample video: • Chanting is a way of getting in touch with yourself. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxVIBvm7KgU

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9.18 | GRATITUDE

“If we know anything about a path at all, it’s only because of the Great ones that have gone before us. Out of their love and kindness, they have left some footprints for us to follow. So, in the same way that they wish for us, we wish that all beings everywhere, including ourselves, be safe, be happy, have good health, and enough to eat. And may we all live at ease of heart with whatever comes to us in life.”

9.19 | GURU - The Pathfinder

• Shiva’s incarnation • Ramayana • Chiranjeevi

OM SRI GANAPATI SACHICHIDANANDA SADGURAVE NAMAHA

9.16 | ONE LAST MANTRA!

“Dear God, please help me be the person my dog thinks I am.”

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10 | BUDDHISM

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10.1 | IS BUDDHISM PHILOSOPHY, RELIGION OR SCIENCE?

PHILOSOPHY RELIGION SCIENCE The rational investigation of A set of beliefs concerning A branch of knowledge or the truths and principles of the cause, nature and study dealing with a body of being, knowledge or conduct. purpose of the universe. facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of the general laws.

10.2 | SHADDARSHANAS - Six Most Ancient Philosophies

• Nastika Darshanas Charvaka • Buddhism Jainism • Astika Darshanas Samkhya • Vedanta Yoga Mimamsa Nyaya Vaisheshika

10.3 | MEET THE LATEST BUDDHA - Gautama Buddha

• Born around 600 BC as Siddhartha Gautama, systems of that time. a prince of the Sakya clan in northeastern India • Attained Nirvana (Enlightenment) at Gaya while (Lumbini forest). sitting and meditating under a tree. • Parents – Suddhodhana and Mayavati. • Taught for around 40 years after enlightenment. • Left home – a wife and son Rahula – to find the cause of suffering in life. • Studied Samkhya and many other philosophical

10.4 | TEACHINGS OF GAUTAMA BUDDHA

Original teachings collected in three major scriptures middle path in life (neither extreme asceticism, nor (tripitakas): over- indulgence). •Vinayapitaka – codes of conduct for general public. • Primarily an ethical teacher and social reformer • Sutrapitaka – ceremonies and dialogues related to rather than metaphysician. ethics, morality and spirituality. • His main effort was to solve the fundamental • Abhidhammapitaka – exposition of Buddha’s problems of pain and misery in this very life. philosophical theories. • Buddha was silent on questions pertaining to soul, • Emphasis was on meditation and on following the God, life after death etc.

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10.5 | TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA - Avyaktani

Ten unanswered questions: 1. Is the world eternal? 7. Does a realized person live after death? 2. Is the world non-eternal? 8. Does a realized person not live after death? 3. Is the world finite? 9. Does a realized person live and not live after death? 4. Is the world infinite? 10. Does a realized person neither live nor not live 5. Are the soul and body one and the same? after death? 6. Is the soul different from the body?

10.6 | TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA - The Four Noble Truths

1. Suffering exists and thus there is an unbroken flow of effects and • All that is born of attachment is misery. causes. • Desire for transitory, worldly objects leads to • Dvadasanidana: This series of the cause and effect of suffering. suffering is described as the twelve-linked chain of 2. There is a cause for suffering causation. •The cause of suffering is a chain with no beginning 3. Suffering can be stopped and no end. 4 .There is a method for stopping the suffering • Pratityasamutpada: theory of causation – every cause has an effect, which becomes another cause

10.7 | TWELVE-LINKED CHAIN OF CAUSATION

• Ignorance (Avidya) • Previous Sense experience (Vedana) • Past Impressions (Samskaras) • Thirst to enjoy (Trishna) • Initial consciousness (Vijnana) • Mental clinging (Upadana) • Mind/body organism (Namarupa) •Will to become (Bhava) • Six organs of cognition (Sadayatana) • Birth (Jati) • Contact of senses with objects (Sparsa) • Old age and death (Jaramarana)

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10.8 | SUFFERING CAN BE STOPPED

• If one keeps oneself away from the conditions that • Nirvana is not the same as extinction of all existence invite suffering, there will be no more suffering – a • An enlightened heart living in the world is filled with state called ‘Nirvana’ compassion and sympathy for the ignorant and • Perfect control of passions and constant works for their uplift, guided by love, wisdom and contemplation of the Truth leads a person gradually righteousness rather than passion and attachment the state of perfection and wisdom • This freedom from suffering is attainable in this very life time and such a person is called ‘Arhat’, a venerable person

10.9 | MEANS TO STOP THE SUFFERING - The Noble Eightfold Path

• Right Views (Samyagdrishti): • Right Livelihood (Samyagajiva) • Right Resolve (SamyakSankalpa) • Right Effort (Samyagvyayama) • Right Speech (Samyagvak) • Right Mindfulness (Samyaksmruti) • Right Conduct (SamyakKarmanta) • Right Meditation (Samyaksamadhi)

10.10 | TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA - Meditation

Stages of Meditation: • Srotapanna – one who has entered the stream of eightfold path to enlightenment • Sakrudagamin – one who will return only once more to this world • Anagamin – one who will not return to this world • Arhat – one who is liberated in this very life

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RIGHT VIEWS Think about how to de-clutter your home, your life. What are you holding onto that is not serving you any more?

RIGHT RESOLVE Think about who you are hurting (including yourself) with your thoughts, words or actions/ behaviour and resolve to stop such thoughts, words or behavioural patterns

RIGHT SPEECH Think about any words that you tend to use very often when you speak. What do they bring to light about your inner world?

RIGHT CONDUCT Think about any external and internal barriers that are inhibiting your growth

RIGHT EFFORT Think about any negative scripts you write to yourself, thoughts like: I can never be rich, I am not beautiful/handsome, I can never sing like him/her, I never succeed etc.

Be a light unto thyself, work out your salvation with diligence

GAUTAMA BUDDHA

10.11 | RECOMMENDED READING

1. Dhammapada. 2. Heart Sutra, Lotus Sutra and Diamond Sutra. 3. Books/talks of Dalai Lama, Rinpoche.

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NOTES

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Contents created by Acharya Ram Vakkalanka, www.AksharaYoga.com Please respect the efforts of the creator of this content. Namaste