How can we change our behavior?
The behavioral outcome of Raja Yoga as stated in the Yoga Sutras (1:33) explains how it is possible to change our behavior.
Maitreekarunaamuditopekshaanaam
Sukhadukhapuyaapunyavishayaanam
Bhaavanaatashchittaprasaadanam. Continue reading
The list is unending of the gifts which I have received from the practice of Yoga. They are too many to enumerate. I will start with the first one. Compassion and empathy. These are words freely used by us and how many of us understand the meaning. I also found them difficult to understand. I imagined being sympathetic was enough and then after maybe shedding a tear or saying, ‘you poor thing’ forgetting about the person and the issue. Continue reading
In Satyananda Yoga Asana and Pranayama are the first and second steps. These steps give one an understanding of annamaya kosha, the experience of matter and pranayama kosha, the experience of energy. The balancing of matter and energy is enabled through the practice of asanas and pranayama the third and fourth step, the practice of pratyahara and dharana are taught, in order to make the mind one pointed. Continue reading
“We can live freely within the essence of nature
Or stay in the confines of individual consciousness.
Our mind is modified by right and wrong knowledge,
Fancy, sleep, and memory.
Neither right nor wrong knowledge brings wisdom.
Fancy is not based on reality.
Sleep fails to release awareness.
Memory clings, giving no freedom.
Some of these things are painful,
Some are not painful
But burn them all together and find peace.” Swami Satyananda Saraswati
The sadhana in Satyananda Yoga is different to Patanjali’s eight-fold system. An explanation is given for the purification of the five sheaths which enclose our spirit. Asana and pranayama are the first and second steps which give us an understanding of Annamaya Kosha (sheath). Continue reading
Leela Mata gives a short explanation of the meaning and purpose of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, the most import textbook of Raja Yoga and one of the most works on Yoga in general. Yoga Master Leela Mata gives seminars on the Yoga Sutra in Peaceful Valley Ashram Pennsylvania and in Yoga Vidya Ashram Germany
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