The Various Yoga Disciplines XV
Hindu tradition explains Yoga as the discipline of balance. This is another way of expressing the ideal unity through Yoga. You must harmonize everything in you to function optimally. A disharmonious mind is disturbing in itself and will lead to physical problems. An imbalanced body can play on your emotions and thought processes. If you have strained relationships, you cause distress for yourself and them. So, when your relationship to your physical environment is disharmonious, you trigger serious repercussions for everyone.
Our new Yoga Discipline is Sahaja Yoga. Sahaja means "spontaneous". In 1970, Sri Mataji Nirmala Devi introduced a simple and powerful method of meditation or inner awakening to bring spiritual ascent. The experience of the divinity is felt as a cool breeze over the crown of the head. As a result, physical, mental and emotional balance is achieved and one becomes peaceful and joyous in life. It is a form of meditation created by Shri Mataji; her followers refer to her as Mother. The term Sahaja Yoga International Organization is recognized as a new religious movement she established in Nargol, India. There is a shroud of controversy surrounding this Yoga discipline. Sources in the press have reported cult allegations by ex-members, "Sahaja Yoga is a cult with aims to control the minds of it's members". Some former members have started Internet Sites to detail the alleged abuses and accusations.
The practice and associated organization grew from India and spread internationally. The methods for practicing this Yoga form are free of charge to those interested, and they claim the practice results in rapid and even instant Self-Realization and Kundalini awakening. Sahaja teaches there are seven main energy points or chakras, on the subtle body that can be balanced by awakening the kundalini (a normally dormant energy which exists in every human being). When self-realization is achieved, a person will feel the cool breeze on top of their head. You have not achieved balance if there is a feeling of warmth or heat. Sahaja claims to provide an easier method of attaining this state than other methods. Some Sahaja Yogis meditate on the photo of the founder; they believe it helps in focusing the attention needed to aid in the rise of Kundalini. Some other methods used to help balance the meditator include soaking their feet in a bath of warm salt water, or walking in the sea.
In Shri Mataji's own words: "Global unity of mankind can be achieved through this awakening that can occur within each human being, so that transformation takes place within us. By this process a person becomes moral, united, integrated and balanced. Know thyself is the main theme of all the scriptures--- it becomes evident and one reaches the absolute understanding of oneself. Thus one becomes peaceful and joyous in life. One becomes collective as a drop falling into the ocean of compassion. This method works for the multitudes and not individually. Of course one cannot pay for the experience of Divine Love. Moreover, it is the last breakthrough of our evolution. This is the actualization of such transformation, which is taken place now, worldwide, and has been proved and experienced by hundreds of thousands in over 85 countries".
Through the practice of Sahaja, awareness gains a new dimension where absolute truth can be felt tangibly on the central nervous system. As a result of this happening, the spiritual ascent takes place effortlessly and physical, mental and emotional balance are achieved. More Sahaja next month. Here's To Your Dancing Health!
Chest Expansion
The Chest Expansion removes tension from the ENTIRE BODY. It's a great stretch for the ARMS, SHOULDERS, CHEST, THROAT, SPINE and LEGS. The first half of this exercise is geared to the UPPER BACK as it opens the chest, and the second half transfers to the LOWER BACK as it stretches the legs. It helps in developing the BUST. It firms and removes weight in the UPPER ARMS. It improves the POSTURE. It also brings an increased supply of BLOOD to the HEAD and BRAIN. Dancer and I disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercise and advice herein.
1. Begin by standing straight and bring your hands to your chest with fingers pointing toward each other.
2. Take your arms out and around to the back at shoulder level and clasp your hands behind your back. Make sure your palms are facing your back.
3. Begin to lift your arms behind you and drop your head back. Hold this position for 10-20 counts.
4. After your hold lower the body so your head is going toward your knees and hands remain clasped as the arms follow. Be sure to relax your neck and feel the shift from the muscles of the upper body to the lower body. Hold for 10-20 counts. Unclasp your hands and drop your arms as you slowly roll up through the spine. Relax and repeat.