Brahma is an essential concept for both the practice of yoga and the Hindu religion in general. According to Hinduism, Brahma is the name of one of the trinity gods and was responsible for creating the world and everything in it. He is considered the most senior of the gods and is often described as the Creator. The other two of the trio consist of Vishnu - the Sustainer, and Shiva - the Destroyer. As well as creating the world, Brahma is also said to have been ‘self-manifested’ or Swayambhu and is believed to have created himself. Pitamaha also describes him as - ‘father of fathers,’ Hiranyagarbha - ‘golden fetus,’ and Vishwakarma - ‘architect of the universe.’ He is described as having four hands, said to represent the four aspects of the personalities of human beings - intellect, ego, the mind, and conditioned consciousness. He also has four heads which can look in four directions. These symbolize that he possesses all of the knowledge required to create the world. They are also the source from which the four Vedas were said to have been born. A white beard symbolizes the wisdom of the god, while the book held by his back hand shows the importance of the correct knowledge. The water pot, or kamandal, in his left hand, represents cosmic energy, while the mala in his right is used for chanting. Brahma is usually pictured as sitting on the lotus flower, assuming lotus pose, or padmasana. He is also identified by the white swan in which he moves about; this represents the ability to make the right decisions, as well as intelligence. There is an ancient text, or Purana, which states that Brahma originally had five heads, but lost one in a fight with Shiva. The latter cut off Brahma’s head in a rage when he lied to him, leaving him with the four which now make him so recognizable.
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/brahma-yoga-lingo
0 Comments
Around 2500 years ago, a child was born into a royal family. His father was named King Shuddhodhana, and he was the ruler of Kapilavastu (now in Nepal). The name of the child was Siddhartha Gautama, a name derived from two Sanskrit roots - ‘sidda,’ which means ‘achieved,’ and ‘artha,’ which means ‘was sought after.’ The name, therefore, translates as ‘he who has achieved his goals.’ After attaining Enlightenment, the child became known by a name which is now recognized all over the world: Buddha, or ‘The Awakened One.’ When Prince Siddhartha was 29 years of age, he left everything - his palace, wife, and child, to learn how to overcome ‘duhkha,’ or suffering. As part of his journey, he meditated regularly and underwent fasts to heighten his senses. He arrived at Bodh Gaya, where he sat beneath a fig tree, resolving to remain until his questions were answered. He focused and meditated for many days until he found the solution: he now knew how to relieve suffering. Yoga and Buddhism often exist alongside one another, with many who undertake yoga as a spiritual practice often choosing to incorporate many aspects of Buddhism into their lives. This process was known as ‘Enlightenment.’ Following this Enlightenment, Buddha began to preach the Four Noble Truths: The truth of sufferingThe truth of the cause of sufferingThe truth of the end of sufferingThe truth of the path leading to the end of suffering The heart of Buddhist practice incorporates this final teaching, as part of the Noble Eightfold Path, or the middle path. Followers must adopt eight disciplines to achieve Enlightenment: Right understandingRight thoughtRight speechRight actionRight livelihoodRight mindfulnessRight effortRight concentration These ideas form the basis of the teachings of the Buddha and form the core of the beliefs of Buddhism.
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/buddha-yoga-lingo
Brahman is a Sanskrit word, which refers to the highest universal principle. It is also described as the ‘absolute’ or ‘ultimate’ reality. The Sanskrit root ‘brh’ makes up the word, and this means ‘to grow or expand.’ Hindu texts refer to it as the Atman, which means soul or self. Brahman is also known as being the spiritual source of the universe, and is omnipresent and eternal - it is the thing which causes all other things to grow, and is the source of all that exists in the world. The soul and the truth are all part of the concept of Brahman, and it is the essence of everything which can be experienced, but not seen. The idea is that every single living being on earth comes from this cosmic soul - of Brahman, and so every person in the world is spiritually connected. The world of yoga recognizes Brahman as an understanding which the yogi hopes to reach through spiritual practices such as pranayama, mantras, asanas, and meditation. Yoga as a spiritual practice is intended to help the practitioner understand and experience the nature of Brahman. It is designed to help the yogi master the senses and the mind, with the ultimate goal being to bring the Self closer to the spiritual source. Brahman is the ultimate goal of many who are seeking a spiritual path; it is essentially the achievement of ‘one soul’ which helps you to connect to the higher, global soul which is believed to exist in all of us. While every individual contains within them a soul, Brahman takes this to the next level and connects every living thing on the planet, including humans, animals, and plants. Without it, none of these can thrive or prosper, and it is essential for both the physical and spiritual wellbeing of humanity.
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/brahman
Like its sister terms, Buddhi consists of the root ‘budh’ - meaning to know or to be awake. It refers to wisdom and intellect, and to use the power of one's conscious and unconscious mind to understand and analyze the world around us, to discriminate and decide the best courses of action. Buddhi yoga focuses on this consciousness and works to achieve self-development through uniting the mind with a higher awareness or energy. The overall aim is to attain an evenness within one's mind, overcoming weakness to refine and achieve a higher level of consciousness. Developing the spiritual mind is as essential a part of the practice as developing the physical body, and Buddhi is just one of four functions, with the others being manas, citta, and ahamkara. As the inner wisdom, the concept helps us to make wise and correct choices with confidence. It gives us knowledge of the world around us, helping us to define the impressions of the world provided by our mind and senses. It identifies encounters as a person, or a tree, and allocates the object a place in space and time by projecting attributes such as size, color, and relationship to other surrounding objects. It is important always to remember the interconnected nature of all things, and the clarity offered by Buddhi does not detract from this fact. It does not reveal the true nature of reality, which is a unified whole in which all living things are connected. Because of this, Buddhi has the ability to be aware of itself; judging the extent to which it can know true reality. It is by its very nature divisive - splitting impressions into recognizable shapes and objects - and is therefore limited to the perceptions of the physical world. This awareness of limitation is an essential aspect of the teachings.
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/buddhi
Granthi is a Sanskrit word that translates as ‘knot,’ ‘doubt’ or ‘a difficult knot to untie.’ It is an important concept within spirituality, and yoga in particular, as it explores the idea that we can be prevented from rising and achieving our full potential as a result of these ‘knots.’ Within Kundalini yoga, there is a belief that granthis prevent prana from rising through the central channel of the energetic body. This block acts as a barrier to true freedom and spiritual liberation, as they prevent one from achieving their full potential, and attaining spiritual advancement and development. They keep the practitioner entangled and trapped within their preferences, fears, and desires, and work and knowledge are required to help them to be released. Yoga offers the opportunity to release and untie granthis, usually through aiding the flow of prana to help the individual to transcend the knots. There are three main granthis: Brahma granthi: Found in the root chakra, or ‘Muladhara,’ and the spleen or sacral chakra - ‘svadhisthana.’ Anxiety about basic human needs, such as food, shelter, and survival help to cause it, along with primal fears of death, and a lack of grounding or stability. It can be transcended through the root lock or ‘mula bandha.’ Vishnu granthi: Located between the naval chakra - ‘Manipura’ - the heart chakra - ‘Anahata’ - and the throat chakra - ‘vishuddha.’ Sometimes called the ‘naval knot’ it is caused by ego. An obsession with seeking personal power, accumulating and clinging to possessions, and a focus on one's ego can help to grow and nurture this knot. This knot can only be overcome by surrendering to love, letting go of any desire for power, and opening yourself up to the greater good. It can be untied by the ‘upward abdominal lock’ or ‘uddiyana bandha.’ Rudra granthi: Located in the third eye chakra - ‘ajna’ and crown chakra - ‘Sahasrara.’ Sometimes called the forehead knot, it is caused when we lose sight of experiencing unity with all living beings. Chin lock - ‘jalandhara bandha’ - can help make the transition to higher consciousness.
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/granthi
The first-ever written text on Hatha yoga, the ‘Goraksha Samhita,’ or ‘Goraksha Paddhati,’ can be attributed to Goraksha. An Indian sage, he is a semi-legendary figure who is said to have lived in the 9th or 10th century and is believed to have been a student of Matsyendra - the first-ever man to learn the teachings of yoga. His name is derived from the Sanskrit terms ‘go’ - meaning cow, and ‘raksha’ - meaning protector. The name is thought to derive from his association with Shiva, who is often referred to as Lord of the Cattle, though it may also be a nod to his spiritual teachings, as cows are sacred creatures in India. This title associates the man with this precious creature and is a symbol and recognition of his wisdom, knowledge, and teachings at a higher level of spirituality. Said to be of low birth, Goraksha soon became known as a miracle worker, dedicated to teaching, and to satisfying his master, Matsyendra. Many see his life as a lesson - we all have fantastic potential to awaken, and the power to wield significant influence in our chosen teachings, irrespective of birth and obstacles along the way. Within yoga, ‘goraksha’ was often a traditional term applied to followers of Hatha yoga, and in particular, yogis who have mastered the practice of turning the tongue to the back of the throat and ‘swallowing’ it; a concept introduced within the practice of the namesake. Goraksha is also thought to have been the founder of an order made up of wandering ascetics, known as the ‘Kanphata,’ or ‘Split-Ears.’ They derived this name from their tradition of splitting the cartilage of their ears for the purpose of wearing large earrings, and are said to have worked many miracles and wonders on their travels.
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/goraksha
Duhkha or ‘Dukka’ refers to the ever-present issue of suffering which is a key part of being alive. It is a key concept in Buddhism, and translates as ‘pain,’ ‘suffering,’ ‘stress’ or ‘unsatisfactoriness.’ The idea is that everyday living consists of suffering, and that understanding and accepting this is a vital part of achieving Enlightenment. The Buddhist sutras divide duhkha into three categories: Duhkha-duhkha: the duhkha of painful experiences. The physical and mental sufferings of birth, illness, aging, and death are all included in this.Viparinama-duhkha: the duhkha of a pleasant, happy experience changing to something unpleasant. This state occurs when the conditions which helped to create the happy experiences cease to exist, transforming the situation. Sankhara-duhkha: the duhkha of conditioned experience. This example is a lack of satisfaction and a sense that things will never match our own expectations or standards. The Four Noble Truths describe duhkha as "a basic unsatisfactoriness pervading all existence, all forms of life because all forms of life are changing, impermanent and without any inner core or substance." While duhkha may seem overwhelmingly negative, it is a crucial part of the teachings of Buddhism. The goal is to develop insight and understanding into the nature of duhkha. This concept involves looking at the conditions which cause it to arise, and how it can be overcome. It is one of three marks of existence, the others being anicca - impermanence, and anatta - the idea of ‘not-self.’ Within Buddhism and yoga, the idea of balance is a core teaching. It makes sense, then, that duhkha is an essential part of life - without suffering, there can be no joy. Without pain, there can be no growth or development. Duhkha is therefore almost celebrated and encouraged - it is undoubtedly considered to be an aspect which is essential for growth and personal understanding.
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/duhkha-or-dukka
This is a protein-packed, delicious, 100% plant-based, gluten-free, whole foods recipe. Not only is it delicious, but it is a very yummy way of sneaking in some greens and high-quality plant proteins! People often say that tofu, broccoli, and peas are very bland and boring food items. In this recipe, they really are spruced up beautifully - lathered in a creamy, salty, spicy, deliciously smooth and decadent satay sauce that coats every strand of soba noodles making a quick, easy and hearty week-night meal or even fit for a snazzy week-end special. This can be whipped up in no time, making it a great busy-day meal. It can also be a wonderful take-to-work or school lunch that ticks all of the boxes.From an Ayurvedic perspective, this is a wonderfully balanced dish in terms of the 6 tastes: bitter, sweet, salty, sour, sweet, pungent and astringent. In Ayurveda, it is believed that in order to create a very balanced meal you would like to ideally incorporate all 6 tastes in order to get the full benefits of how each taste balances particular corresponding doshas. Each taste balances or imbalances particular doshas, therefore an appropriate balance of all 6 tastes allows for each element and dosha within your own unique constitution to be balanced (to be balanced means to live in a way that balances your unique birth ratios of doshas, otherwise known as your birth constitution or Prakruti). Ingredients:3 garlic cloves, chopped1 yellow onion, sliced1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger1/2 cup of unsweetened soy milk 2 tablespoons of smooth natural peanut butter1.5 tablespoons of olive oil 4 tablespoons of high-quality soy sauce2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes 1 block of firm tofu 3 cups of chopped broccoli florets (250g) 8 button mushrooms (or mushrooms of your choice)1/3 cup of lentil sprouts (optional but recommended)1/2 cup of frozen peas 1 x 200g packet of Soba noodles 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro/corianderMethod: Bring a saucepan to heat on medium-high. Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the pan and once it is hot, place the sliced onion into the pan and cook until fragrant and slightly translucent. Then add in the ginger root and garlic and continue to cook. If you see it starting to stick a bit to the bottom of the pan you can add a small splash of water to loosen. In a blender place the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy milk, peanut butter and black pepper and blend on high until smooth. Bring a big pot of water to the boil and cook your soba noodles according to the packet instructions. About a minute before you drain the soba noodles add in the frozen peas. Drain and run under cold water to stop further cooking. Place back into the pot with a splash of olive oil to keep the noodles separate and loose. Add chopped broccoli and mushrooms into the pan with the onion and add the peanut butter liquid mixture. Stir and cook. While this is cooking, get another saucepan and place the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of olive oil into the pan and add the chopped tofu into the pan. Don't turn the tofu too much - let it cook and "shallow fry" until beautifully browned on each side and slightly crispy. Once done, turn off the heat and add a sprinkling of sea salt and the chili flakes. When the broccoli is cooked through but still a vibrant green color turn off the heat and check the taste - adjust seasoning according to your palette. Prepare your chopped coriander and lentil sprouts. To assemble, mix the soba noodles into the broccoli satay mixture and stir through. Then add in the tofu squares and top with fresh cilantro/coriander and lentil sprouts. VOILA. You have a beautiful, fresh, tasty meal in no time at all. Optional: add another sprinkling of chili flakes, black pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to serve.
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/creamy-and-spicy-broccoli-tofu-soba-bowl
This sequence is taught in a similar way as a traditional Bikram yoga class. Same breathing, timing, and static hatha yoga holds. This hatha yoga sequence is preferably practiced in a heated room. If the timing is right 60 minutes is enough to complete this sequence. If you have another 15-30 minutes you can make two sets of cobra and fixed firm series and spend more time on wheel pose. PranayamaPranayama - Standing deep breathing (10 slow repetitions)Warm-upVirabhadrasana - Salute to gods and goddesses (two sets)With right foot take a big step forward in Warrior salute, drop your head back, Palms together stretch up and move your arms back to create a backbend. Right hip forward, Right leg strong and heel over toes.Stay for a few breaths and slowly open upTurn around on the mat and do the same thing on the other side.Bend the right knee and place it 20 cm behind your left heel on your mat. Tuck your chin into the chest and curl down and put your forehead to the knee for compression.Hands in Namaskar, fingertips between the big toe and second toe. Stay for a few breaths breathing normally.On an inhale, sweep your arms up and back while dropping the head back and create a backbend. Stay here up to 10 seconds with 80/20 Breathing.Turn around and do the same thing on the other side. Coming out from backbend put hands on the floor and move your right foot back meeting the left foot. Walk your hands back to feet and up to hips. On an inhale, come up with a straight spineStanding poses Everything onesPars ardha chandrasana - Lateral half moon pose Ardha chandrasana - Half moon pose (backward bending)Pada hastasana - Hands to feet (head to knees)Utkatasana - Awkward pose (3 parts)Garudasana - Eagle PoseDandayamana janushirasana - Standing head to knee poseDandayamana dhanurasana - Standing bow pulling poseTuladandasana - Balancing stick poseSeparate leg seriesTogether in one flow both sidesDandayamana bibhaktapada paschimotthanasana - Standing separate leg stretching poseTrikanasana - Triangle poseDandayamana bibhaktapada janushirasana - Standing separate leg head to knee poseTree and Toe togetherTadasana - Tree posePadangustasana - Toe stand poseWarm-up and Crow poseFirst warm-up shoulders and core 2-3 min 5 x Lolasana lifts10-sec Lolasana holdNavasana and Ardha Navasana play Kagasana (Bakasana) - Crow pose (two tries 10 breaths each) No strength yet lift one foot at the timeShavasana - Dead body posePavanamuktasana - Gas (wind) removing poseCobra seriesOne flow one setBhujangasana - Cobra poseSalabasana - Locust posePoorna salabasana - Full locust poseDhanurasana - Bow poseShavasana - Dead body poseFixed firm seriesOne flow one setSupta vajrasana - Fixed firm poseArdha-kurmasana - Half tortoise poseUstrasana - Camel poseSasangasana - Rabbit poseShavasana - Dead body poseJanushirasana - Head to knee pose Paschimotthanasana - Stretching poseShavasana - Dead body poseBridge pose and Wheel poseTwo sets. If open go straight from Bridge into Wheel pose if not ready for Wheel two sets of BridgeSetu bandha - Bridge poseChakrasana - Wheel pose Shavasana - Corpse postureKnees to chest and roll up turn around and sit-in VajrasanaHeadstand seriesStep by step - stay where your maximum is. Start in Downward facing dog and move to the next posture if more challenge is needed, Always feel strong and comfortable in the pose before moving on to next. Anytime if needed coming into child's pose for rest. Experienced practitioners Move straight into Sirsasana and stay for 20 breaths.Adho mukha Svanasana - Downward facing dogArdha pincha Mayurasana - Dolphin poseArdha Sirsasana - Half headstand poseSirsasana - Headstand poseBalasana - Child's poseArdha matsyendrasana - Spine twist poseKapalabati - BlowingSavasana - Dead body pose
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/hot-60-a-60-minute-hot-yoga-sequence
Pranayama is a very powerful and focused breathing technique that directs your energy flow for self-realization and healing. In her study of the human bio-field, Dr. Valerie Hunt found this out. She established that people who felt ungrounded and lacked vitality often missed a certain energy frequency that’s associated with that of the Root Chakra.Ungrounded states, where you don’t necessarily feel within your body lack physical vivacity and represent an imbalance in your energy spectrum. If your Root Chakra power is low, it’s a signal that you may be drawing less of it from the Earth. This often results in forms of numbness and dissociation.Hypo states like hypoglycemia, hypotension, and hypothyroidism show that you’re likely to be having insufficient subtle energy in your body’s grounding realm. The same applies to depression, fatigue, weakness, and general body under-functioning.Pranayama is the AnswerWhile many think of Pranayama as breath work, it has to do a lot also with the breathing, attunement, and direction of energy. Your intention in practice is to draw in power to replace the missing frequency in your biofield. In the case of being unground, the color red misses from the energy biofield’s spectrum.StepsFind a disturbance-free spotAdopt a sitting or standing position. It’s preferable to get the soles of the feet on the floorRelax, turn inward to your inner stillness, and set your attention on your breath. You can utilize Ujjayi for a more in-depth focus and generation of heatFollow your breath for a few moments, inhaling through the nose and allowing the breath to expand the belly, lungs, and ribcage.Exhale through the noseContinue with the breathing pattern above before using the following visualization technique:Imagine that roots are spreading down from the soles of your feet to the Earth’s center, anchoring you to the ground.During the inhale, imagine you’re inhaling red life-sustaining energy from the Earth, up to the roots and through the soles of your feet.Continue breathing in this energy upward through the legs and into the pelvic floor and the Root Chakra’s revolving, rich red cortex. This is where you’ll feel the absorption and distribution of the power through your body.If you wish, hold the breath for a short natural pause at the end of your exhaleFrom the Root Chakra, exhale down the legs, through the feet, and down your roots back to the Earth’s centerRepeat this exercise several times, focusing on how grounded your hips and legs feel with the flow of energyAs an optional exercise, you can breathe the red energy of the Earth further up your body and into the rest of the chakras. You can also do so into any of the areas that are associated with hypo-functioning to feel the energy’s stimulating effects upon it. Exhale down back to the Earth’s center. Repeat this cycle of breaths a few times.Start TodayPranayama is the best exercise when it comes to directing your flow of energy for healing and self-realization. It helps you draw the power that’s necessary for the replacement of the missing frequency in anyone’s biofield. Try Pranayama today to get these benefits.
from https://www.yogateket.com/blog/pranayama-for-root-chakra |
About UsYogateket a online yoga site with main focus is yoga for beginners. Inspiring yoga challenges and programs so as many people as possible can start or continue their yoga journey. Asana and Pranayama practice and guided meditations all in one place. ArchivesCategories |