Philosophy |

Wanted Dead or Alive – A Guru

Alexandra Piacenza — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 15:25:33 +0000

Life-Changing Teachers

Finding or being drawn to an excellent teacher, no less a true guru, is a great boon and often life-changing. Whether you are following the footprints of a teacher no longer on the earth plane or basking in the physical presence or a living guru, you have likely reached a turning point in your growth and development as a human being, as a yogi, as a soul.

Nevertheless, travelers on the spiritual path, especially relative new-comers, sometimes puzzle over whether they are missing out if they haven’t arrived at the feet of a physically living teacher. Even in my own family, there is disagreement about which is preferable; my sister, an accomplished alternative healer, has consistently sought out an exemplar she can touch and speak to, while I have never seen my guru in the flesh.

Pros and Cons of Living Teachers

Like everything else in the kingdom of maya (our commonly perceived and dualistic world), there are pros and cons to consider. There is a certain logic in the fact that a student of physical phenomena and techniques, such as my sister, would want to witness the physical example provided by a teacher who shares the same three dimensions that she does.

Is there a better way to learn yoga asanas than to have them dynamically demonstrated before one’s eyes? Hard to imagine! Not only are the nuances of positioning—lowered shoulders, expanded rib cage—easily perceived, but there is a natural inclination to generalize from the example of the teacher to oneself. As the old adage goes, seeing is believing and the incontrovertible evidence in front of you leads to the conclusion, “If he can do it, I can do it”.

One frequently experienced negative of following a leader incarnate in a human body is the fact that they can be just as much heir to the ills of the flesh as you are. While they may have reached adepthood in mastery of their own body or have an uncanny ability to convey spiritual principles to their students, development in other areas may lag or at least clash with your ideals. Sexual peccadilloes, a penchant for luxury cars, or a tender ego can be a cold wake-up call and hard to integrate with the benefit you have received.

Following Masters of the Past

In discussing the pros and cons of a guru not currently available in physical form, I suspect I will part company with folks who set reason and the evidence of the senses as their standard of truth. In fact, they also part company with traditional yogic philosophy; in the classic example of a rope mistaken in the gloom for a snake, the Sutras of Patanjali teach us that the senses are unreliable. There is another mode of perception, an inner eye whose light is essential life force and whose object may be a guru not present to the physical eye. To meet one’s teacher in this classroom is in itself a powerful lesson in the scope of reality. With a graciousness that exceeds understanding, a guru whose time on earth will quickly pass leaves breadcrumbs for his future devotees to follow: these may be writings, devotional practices, or disciples who outlive the master and embody his or her teachings.

Unfortunately, it is far easier to over-idealize a teacher who is not standing right in front of you. Imagination is sometimes the enemy of genuine spiritual experience. A true guru is not seeking to be idolized, but emulated, does not desire to see his individualized reflection in others but is fiercely dedicated to liberating his chelas from obsessive attachment to their own ego-image. Most of us have a tendency to put our heroes on a pedestal and there is only room for one up there. This is not following; it is abrogating one’s responsibility to become.

In weighing the pros and cons, we can rest easy in the thought that all great teachers and gurus, “living or dead”, hold one thing in common. Their gift to us is bringing our concentration and consciousness firmly into the present moment: this posture, this breath. All temporal disadvantages of how or who we follow are outweighed by this power to introduce us to the eternal now

Yogasync Me! Move towards the yogis or yogini’s ultimate goal, of resting fully and lovingly in this one and only present moment.

Fierce Grace Yoga

Stay With Your Inner Harmony – Yoga of Synthesis

Natasha — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 15:03:23 +0000

Face Yourself to Find Yourself

Yoga is a spiritual discipline that encompasses the man as a whole. If you want to strengthen and control your body, then you would probably be interested in hatha yoga. However, yoga is much more than asanas that make your body strong and your mind focused. Hatha yoga teaches you to face yourself and establish balance, harmony, and control over your senses, body and mind.

Modern yoga centers tend to simplify the practice to hatha yoga without using its full potential. If the practitioner is solely concerned with the physical aspect of his being, he will experience results on other levels too, but they will be minimal and he will probably go pass the subtle changes without noticing them. The different types of yoga have one common goal: to make the practitioner more conscious about what he is as a being and as part of the Universe.

What is Yoga of Synthesis?

Yoga is a spiritual discipline that unites all aspects of the being: the body, mind, energy, psyche, and spirit. Swami Sivananda intended to harmonize all these aspects through a synthetic approach that integrates karma, bhakti, jnana, and raja yoga, along with kirtan, hatha yoga and few other sub-types. The yoga of synthesis is focused on all components of the human nature.

Although everything sounds too complicated when you read about it, this practice comes naturally and there is absolutely no need to start reading about the different types and aspects of yoga when you start practicing. One of the biggest mistakes people do before attending yoga classes is reading too much and filling their minds with prejudices about what yoga is supposed to do and how the practice is supposed to look like. They expect to sit and meditate for hours on the first session they attend. A good instructor will guide you through the systemized program in a way that will seem effortless to you, but you have to “empty your cup of tea” (see Zen Story below) and start practicing without expectations.

It’s not accidental that these four types of yoga are presented with a specific order. It would be best for the practitioner to start with the practice of karma yoga and establish discipline over his actions; then continue with our emotional side as spiritual beings (bhakti yoga); then start reading and studying jnana yoga; and finally come on the path of raja yoga.

Conclusion: The Purpose of Yoga Practice

The purpose of this synthesis is to activate all elements of the human structure and free the practitioner from all obstacles on physical, emotional, energetic, and mental level. Everyone comes to yoga classes for different reasons. Some want to lose weight, others are looking for a way to deal with stressful situations, and others are guided from an inner call. The reasons why you came to yoga are not important; it’s important why you keep practicing. Yoga comes to our lives to re-establish the union and neutralize the blockades that separate us from our true essence.

In Swami Sivananda’s words – “one-sided development is not commendable.” The different paths of yoga should be united to improve all aspects of the human being: “his heart, intellect and hand.”

*Zen Story – A Cup of Tea

A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.

Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!”

“Like this cup,” Nan-in said, “you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”

Yogasync Me! Want to try traditional hatha Yoga at home? Try this sequence, inspired by the Traditional Rishikesh Series:

Yes, Show Me Hatha Yoga at Home

You’re Not Alone! The Nine Obstacles We All Face in Yoga and Life

Natasha — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 15:06:47 +0000

Yoga practice is a journey through our mind and soul towards ourselves. That’s the journey towards the truth and spiritual realization. This isn’t a straight highway with signs showing you where the self-realization is. It’s more of a bumpy, rough road with obstacles that need to be surpassed.

Why are the obstacles here? They are not present to make us give up on our efforts, but to make us more persistent and committed to the practice. Patanjali distinguished nine obstacles on the journey of a yogi, calling them antaraya. There isn’t a practitioner who hasn’t faced these obstacles. In order to surpass them, we should know their nature, as well as our own qualities.

Nine obstacles in yoga practice

1- Vyadhi (sickness)

is the first obstacle on the path. When the physical balance is disturbed, the practitioner cannot devote himself to yoga with his full potential. However, as with everything else, we shouldn’t neglect that every obstacle is here to teach us something. Besides being an interference, illness also teaches us to respect life. When we pass through vyadhi, we gain knowledge, wisdom and consciousness.

Styana means mental stagnation, lethargy and dullness.

In this state, the mind cannot understand and make difference between everything that’s happening around us and within us. Even if you are physically well and don’t have troubles staying in an asana, styana will make it impossible for you to meditate.

Samsaya, the third obstacle, means doubt.

This is one of the most subtle interferences, which usually comes when one expects it the least. Many people start practicing yoga with great enthusiasm, but start having doubts soon after. They may think that yoga is a waste of time (this usually happens for those who come to lose weight), or start doubting the teacher and the entire philosophy of yoga. The worst part is when we start doubting ourselves. In these moments, the practitioner should meditate, think well about what’s stopping him to believe and talk to the teacher.

Pramada is lack of keen interest and foresight.

Most practitioners are happy to come to every class when they start practicing, but you will see them less and less as the course advances, until they stop coming. It is very important to advance slowly into the practice. If you bite off more than you can chew, the interest will soon go away.

Alasya means mental and physical fatigue.

When you start forcing yourself to do yoga, you should recognize this obstacle. Almost all practitioners experience this interference and we should learn to identify it, because it can easily lead us to discontinuation of the journey.

Avirati – desire to enjoy in sensuality.

When passion and attachment becomes an obstacle, we think that the subject of our interest is the only thing that matters and we forget about everything else. Our mind works in interesting ways, so we can always find “excuses” for ourselves.

Bhrantidarshana – false perceptions and self-deception.

This is a very difficult interference to recognize. When we think that we’ve reached a high level in yoga practice and we no longer need a teacher to guide us because “now we know everything”, we should pay a lot of attention to this obstacle and the manifestation of our ego.

Alabdhabhumikatva means inability to advance

in the practice and reach a higher level. Even when we devote ourselves to regular practice, sometimes we can’t achieve progress due to karmic predispositions.

Anavastitava is an inability to attain the qualities we reached

For example, we can achieve concentration and then the mind will start “walking around” again. This interference may disappoint us and make us insecure.

Conclusion: The obstacles are here to make us committed

We have to understand that the interferences are part of the journey. They are here to make us realize something, to test us whether or not we are ready to go further. Although they may seem insurmountable at times, we have to face them and stay committed to our practice. When we manage to surpass them, we will awaken new qualities that will guide us further on the way… until new obstacles come to test us again. When we know how to recognize them, we will know how to face them and outpace them.

Yogasync Commit Me! We created these time-wise sequences for Beginners and Intermediates who commit to their practice. All you nned to do is press PLAY! Check them out here:

Beginners Rise And Shine!

Intermediate Daily Dedicated Practice

Have You Heard About the Secrets of Immortality and Wisdom?

John Chuidian — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 03:04:28 +0000

Philosophy from The Sutras

“By practice of samyama on the form of your body, you disappear, as you suspend the receptive power of light from being received by others’ eyes”.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Chapter III: Vibhuti Pada

In the 4^th Century CE, one of the analogues to the Christian Bible in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, the Yoga Sutras, were compiled by Patanjali from the 196 sutras (aphorisms) that discussed the philosophical and the mystical teachings of the path of the yogi. It is mind you not rooted entirely in one theology, for it also derives from Jainism, Buddhism, and Samkhya (an orthodox and atheistic Hindu philosophy). For this reason, there are conflicting views that yoga’s views are derived from Hinduism, whereas the alternative is that due to this syncretism, yoga is as divorced from Hinduism as Gnosticism is from Christianity and Sufism is from Islam.

It is precisely because of the controversy around yoga that has led to both suspicion and wonder, not only due to the philosophical and esoteric mysticism taught through yoga, but the prospect of being more than mere mortals. This could be achieved through samyama, which means “union” or “binding together” and references the transformation of the mind through meditation that begins with contemplation, continues into meditative state, and concluding with spiritual absorption.

An example from the most direct chapter on samyama, the third chapter of the Yoga Sutras, the Vibhuit Pada from the introductory quote is further elaborated in the same chapter:

By practice of samyama on the strength of an elephant and the virtues of other animals, one gains corresponding strengths and other virtues

(Yoga Sutras, Ch. III, V. 39).

From this particular passage, we can imagine how this could be misinterpreted and exaggerated as it passes from the ears of non-students who hear stories of going into snake, monkey, and alligator poses. To use your mind and focus with intent to evoke the energy and individual grace of these animals who inspired the poses and be taught by a master who said to not try to mimic the noble beasts, but to metaphorically become them is misinterpreted as some sort of shamanic transformation, as misunderstood when traveling between ears by way of rumor, showing that the old game of Chinese Whisper (or telephone for readers from North America) is centuries old.

However, there are further gems in the Yoga Sutras that do offer a kind of power, or mastery, a virtue more valuable in of itself that is beyond the type of power that generals and kings hold over their subjects.

Another example:

By the practice of samyama on the relationship between the body and the element of ether as space, and y becoming one with the lightness of cotton, one’s consciousness can move through space anywhere

(Yoga Sutras, III, 43).

What This Means For Us Today

The main message as always through yoga is meditation, meditation, meditation. It’s often misunderstood that meditation is just sitting down and doing nothing, but that itself is actually a form of meditation among many. Meditative practices can range from chanting mantras to utilizing mudras (sacred hand seals), drawing mandalas, or going through yoga with full mind-body intent and unity.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoist practices (especially in Tai Chi and Chi Kung), the parallels between the act of moving the body through the asanas of yoga today to direct the flow of prana (or chi as it is called in Chinese) are unsurprisingly the same. A common teaching in chi kung is “The chi follows the yi” or rather “the energy goes where the mind directs it to go”. When the mind is going through the asanas and imagining that we are the various animals and trees or mountains, we are directing our intent and literally becoming one with the universe, one aspect of creation at a time. When we do mountain pose, we channel the force of a great mountain. When we are in cobra pose, we are as majestic as the reptiles that gracefully move about the earth.

In other words, yoga itself empowers our minds and hearts through the intent of each pose, putting us in meditative state since the energy flow from each pose and the mind-intent focuses our thoughts, leading to personal insights leading to contemplation, reflection, meditation, and spiritual union—samyama. This is what the secret behind yoga and power was about. The misunderstanding in history, however, is parallel to a fundamental misunderstanding of yoga today for people: their egos and the mythical “yoga body” people hope to attain while dismissing the fundamentals of yoga, much like generals and kings wanted to have the mystical power over reality that yogis claimed to have.

Yogasync Me! The experience of traditional yoga:

Traditional Rishikesh Series

The Dawning of Spiritual Awareness

Alexandra Piacenza — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:54:48 +0000

A Yogi’s Wake-Up Call

Unlike the rising sun, the dawning of spiritual awareness is not necessarily experienced as a gradual process. Undoubtedly connections are being made below the level of consciousness long before the emergence of a newly awakened self. Nevertheless, the first conscious spiritual forays often contain an element of profound surprise. The whip-like electric crack of sudden understanding can stimulate all manner of extra-ordinary perceptions, ranging from inchoate light and thundering silence to deeply heard guidance and saintly visions. It is important to be on guard against one’s own overactive or wishful imagination, but a true epiphany is one of those “you know it when you have it” experiences that marks an unmistakable change or turning point.

Such phenomena may not be entirely welcome, as typified by the story of Krishna’s childhood penchant for cheese. Imagine Krishna’s adoptive mother chasing her naughty toddler who has run from her after stuffing his mouth with the cheese he loves so much. Fearful the child will choke, the moment she catches him, she pries his mouth open to remove the cheese. Instead, she gets a profound surprise: within the mouth of the baby god she sees the endless cosmos, world upon world, universe upon universe. Overwhelmed, she prostrates herself and begs Krishna to become her little boy once again.

However fully we embrace our initial spiritual experiences, unless we are very unusual beings indeed, we tend to revert back to mundane reality. This can be disappointing, especially when no amount of pranayama or meditation can reproduce those dramatic experiences. But consider the birth of a child: when it emerges it is slapped—surprised!—to produce the first in-breath. Once it is breathing, do we continue to spank the infant? Likewise, it seems natural that the initial shock of awakening fades, to be replaced by gentler, more subtle experiences.

It may be useful to consider the opinion of some wisdom-scholars that the purpose of such exalted experiences is direct communication of how higher levels of consciousness operate or to accustom the recipient to new vibratory levels. Nevertheless, the important work remains to discover the higher purpose for ourselves, the purpose to which we can put them in our lives. This process begins when, rather than grasp greedily at the platter of possible phenomenal experiences, we mature as yogis and learn to receive whatever is placed on our plate—the present moment—with gratitude.

Yogasync Me! Intermediate Yoga for all parts of your being:

The Yoga of Tranquility

Yoga and Creativity, an Inspired Combination

Mary Williams — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 14:18:02 +0000

Yoga Will Move Your Creative Blocks

People in the creative fields often look for new ways to boost creativity and ramp up the right brain. What better way to engage our creative selves than yoga! There’s something about the mindfulness of movement and the focus on the breath that is empowering. This boost in confidence naturally leads to openness to trying new things, or tackling challenges, both of which are essential to creativity.

Besides building confidence how else does yoga increase those wonderful moments of inventiveness and insight? Well, think about what happens during Savasana (Corpse Pose). Consider that feeling of blissful relaxation, that warm “chillax” that we experience. What about those little fleeting sensations that you might see or hear during this period? You’ve probably experienced that little bit of “whoa, what was that?” What’s cool is that there is science behind these flashes of inspiration.

Yoga Optimises Brain Waves

Jeffery Davis, author of the book, The Journey from the Center to the Page: Yoga Philosophies and Practices as Muse for Authentic Writing, refers to relevant findings in the investigation of the yogic-creative connection. He cited a study of four subjects who were new to yoga. After three months of yoga practice, the right hemispheres of their brains became more activated. And there’s more. Davis also notes the difference in brain patterns between beta waves and alpha waves.

Beta wave patterns move at about 13-36 oscillations per second. These patterns typically appear when someone is stressed, pre-occupied, multi-tasking, or analyzing information. The slower Alpha waves, on the other hand, are present when the person is engaged in their “flow.” Davis refers to this moment of flow when a surgeon, runner, chess player, or musician is in their groove, that magic Mushin (no-mind) moment. As we learn to harness our breathing, and become more relaxed during yoga and meditation, brain waves slow down. And when your brain is in this Alpha state, creativity begins to emerge.

Cross Training for the Soul

Another aspect of combining say, an art class with yoga, is the transformative nature of each practice. Just as yoga can heal the spirit, the same is true of painting. Or making music. Or writing. This kind of pairing can’t be underestimated. Reducing stress and developing awareness of our higher selves can only serve to improve both the practice of yoga and the art.

For years, we’ve been hearing the phrase “diet and exercise helps people lose weight and live longer” Swap out “diet” with “healthy eating” and you’ve got a great combination of beneficial activities. Take it a step further and combine yoga with making art. Now that is an inspired combination

Yogasync Me! The Second Chakra, an energy center located in the spine, just below the navel, is said to be the seat of Creativity. if you’re feeling stunted, try these Second Chakra specific sequences.

Not sure about this ‘Chakra’ talk? Try it anyway, you never regret yoga, and who knows what may happen?!

Beginners Chakra Workshop

Advanced Chakra Workshop

Karma Yoga: Releasing the Fruit of Action

Alexandra Piacenza — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 01:28:11 +0000

A Not-So-Positive Habit

One not-so-positive habit many of us have in common is being overly concerned about the outcome of our work, social activities, relationships, travel, even hobbies. Anxiety about how our efforts will turn out can sometimes escalate to the point where we are frozen and unable to act. In its extreme, this kind of fear can manifest as panic attacks or agoraphobia. As you might guess, the root of the problem lies in the ego, that part of our identity that both provides cohesiveness to our experience and tends to place us, in our mind’s eye, in the center of the universe. The ego whispers to us from the inside that what we do is important! And certainly on some levels it is.

The Yoga Perspective

When we practice yoga, physical and philosophical, we broaden our viewpoint on the nature of our own energy and the energies at play in the perceivable universe. This broader point of view allows us to place ourselves in a more harmonious relationship with both our inner and outer worlds: while being aware of the larger context makes us seem smaller by comparison, it also unburdens us of a false sense of responsibility. Karma yoga is conscious acknowledgement of this more realistic view of our place in the order of things, accomplished by detaching ourselves from the outcomes, or fruit, of our actions.

Let’s Get Real

A karma yogi’s primary obligation is simply to bring his or her authentic self, including relevant skills and knowledge, to each activity and relationship. This requires striving to keep motives transparent both to self and others and contributing generously but not foolishly within the scope of the specific arena of activity. What it doesn’t include is taking complete ownership of the results, which is not only egocentric but naïve concerning the number of factors at play at any one time in any one situation. Whether you offer the fruit of action at the altar of God or release it in the name of practical realities, relinquishing total control is not only liberating but much closer to the truth of human limits.

Let’s Have Fun!

One of the most salutary effects of acting in good faith without attachment to the results is the attitude of experimentation it produces, a “let’s see what’s going to happen” approach. This is the mindset of children at play, open to learning and fun, and just as gratified by the “mistakes” that teach them about their world and their own capabilities as they are by so-called successes. The root of innovation, and of happiness, lie in this non-judgmental embrace of ourselves and release of the fruit of our actions.

Yogasync Me! If you have been come overly concerned with outcomes, instead of enjoying each relationship, task and moment as fully as can be, then try this calming Yoga Sequence. Afterwards you’ll find you have more perspective and a lighter, brighter spirit going forward:

Change Down a Gear

Mmmm, Dry Leaves – The 3 Subtler Stages of Growth

Alexandra Piacenza — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:27:18 +0000

1 – Evangelical Moments

You know it, you’ve been there, it’s the Big Wow! You take your first yoga class and can’t believe the way it makes you feel. You want to know what this yoga thing is, where did it come from, and how does it manage to touch not only your deep muscle tissue but also that deep place of inner peace. You may feel an increased energy level or see some noticeable changes in chronic health conditions. Through good teachers, study, and continued practice you begin to understand the philosophy and ancient science behind the postures. You can’t wait to tell your friends and family about what you’ve discovered. You are pumped!

2 – Disappointment

That discovery high, like all things that go up, is likely to gradually come down. The burst of enthusiasm that shook up your habitual ways of thinking and feeling becomes a lingering wave that eventually subsides as you integrate your new habits and knowledge into the normal routines of your life. You reap the benefits of regularity and familiarity—and also their down-side. Now that you know the ropes, you may find yourself hitting a plateau. It can be difficult to comfortably release our initial excitement and move on to the next phase of learning. Perhaps you’ve seen references to a “dry” stage in spiritual literature; your frustration with a lull in your yogic path may not approach a “dark night of the soul”, but it is a test of faith of a sort.

3 – Integration

Yoga practices and philosophy point us toward the importance and the subtlety of our interior life. Confronted with the waning of outer intensity, can we leave the seed of practice firmly planted, or will we give in to the urge to continually uproot it and see whether and what we are gaining from it? Temporary dormancy is a familiar pattern in the natural world that teaches us that quiet periods are part of the growth cycle. When practice becomes stale, old problems recur, etc. etc., are the principles that previously “blew our mind” invalid? Are we too weak, impatient or stupid to make them work? No. Many subtle changes continue to occur below consciousness during a “fallow” period. Listening closely with the inner perception and scanning all quadrants of life for your next edge of growth are examples of how to cope –and even savor– this seemingly “dry” period.

In this poem from his Whispers From Eternity, the spiritual master, Paramahansa Yogananda, gives us an exquisite example of right attitude when life gives us dry leaves:

May My Gratitude Be Changeless
When the summer of good fortune warms my tree of life,
it easily burgeons with fragrant blossoms of thankfulness.

During winter months of misfortune, O Lord,
may my denuded branches changelessly waft toward Thee
a secret scent of gratitude.

If you like this article, we think you’ll like this one too:

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Tickle Your Creative Conscience with Yoga

Durba Sengupta — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 15:35:28 +0000

Creativity and Human Being

Human beings are the most creative creation of the Creator. When a human child is born, it brings with it little wings of creativity which take the flight afterwards. Simple as it may sound, this extraordinary feature does not emerge so easily. The conscious and subconscious of the mind along with the world around play a very vital role in shaping up the creative mind and determining it’s show time. To create, one must understand the difference between being a creation and a creator. Moreover, to create, one has to detach himself from the “self” i.e. the ego to free the mind from its control.

Creative Conscience, its Barriers, and the Way Outs

In reality, creative conscience is more often than not bogged down by mind’s concentration over convention. To experience the joy of creativity, one needs to get rid of any negative emotions which can stand as hindrances in the path of enjoying the creative pleasures. The pattern of following norms in order to achieve materialistic gains, not trying something new in fear of losing something tangible, and the nature of copying others in fear of making a wrong choice keeps a person some miles away from interacting with their creative conscience. Now, when a person is free from such mundane fears and mere calculations of loss and profit, he or she can connect to his or her creative self and engage in creation without an expectation. Practicing yoga and meditation gradually open up the mind, body, and soul from such shackles of mundane fears through ethereal enlightenment. Hence yoga is a way that can help attain such a state of mind where the mind is without any fear and ready to dive in the ocean of creativity.

Moreover, human beings are, by nature, self-centered. We are bound in a cage called “ego” that blinds us to view the world at large, to embrace others’ perspectives in order to defend our own thoughts and ideas. We tend to reject any idea that is foreign to our brain or contradict with our views. Thus, we end up choking our creative conscience and promise to close our eyes and ears to prevent any foreign notions coming in. To open the closed door of human mind and to let the free air of this universe pass in, one needs to connect with the inner self as well as the world within. Yoga opens the clogged pores of mind and prepares it to receive everything with equal openness.

According Sean Feit, a yoga teacher and a researcher of Performance Studies at University of California, “the universe expresses itself as spontaneous creative energy; the task of the yogic artist is mostly just to get out of the way.” Yes, the inner noise often distracts the mind from feeling the finest detailing of the world, its colors, sounds, shades, and movements. Practicing yoga for a longer period of time, awakens that intuition and open the eyes which can look deeper into earthly objects and dig out their out of the world features which are otherwise non-existent to naked eyes.

Yogic Solution for a Better Creative Conscience

To tickle the creative buds, engross yourself in true yogic sadhana. Practice Pranayama, Dhyana or meditation and Asanas to develop and nurture the creative self. Chanting mantra prior to any creative work can also help building that connection with the deeper world. Practicing yoga in the morning is also considered a helpful way to boost up the dormant creative conscience.

Yoga ignites a heightened sensitivity and perceptiveness which in turn refine the artistic skills as it let the person see this world with a different pair of eyes.

Yogasync Me! Yoga and Creativity are an inspired combination! An open body can only lead to an open and receptive mind for your creative endevours. Don’t take our word for it….try this moderate Yogasync, or any yoga at all and let us know what happens!

Yoga to Receive Creativity

Should I Eat Meat? Finding Personal Harmony of Health & Ahimsa

Vincent Gerbino — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 14:03:25 +0000

The Classical View

The Yogic principle of Ahimsa says do no harm to others or to the self. Loosely translated, it means, no killing, no torture and no abuse. It also is the premise for why many Yogis refrain from eating animal products, and prompts the asking of the question: must Yogis go vegan? The results of this controversial question remain mixed, and the only certainty on this issue is uncertainty.

Yogi and yoga teacher Sarah Lowenstein of Denver, CO considers it her obligation. She is an outspoken advocate for animal rights and emphasizes compassion between all beings in her teachings.

“I became a vegetarian (or Pescatarian) at the age of 5 after my grandfather made the connection for me between the cow and the burger I was eating. I have now been a vegan since 2004!”

She says with enthusiasm. That’s ten years without eating any animal products. She says she’s never felt healthier.

Modern Interpretations

But other stories have different conclusions. Yogi Karen Macklen went ten years as a vegetarian when she developed health problems. In a forum article, she reluctantly began to put meat back into her diet at the urging of her yoga teacher, who was also an Ayurvedic doctor. Macklen remains an active Yoga practitioner as well as a yoga topic writer whose work has appeared in journals and publications.

For years, Yoga practitioners around the world have discussed the topic again and again. The results of every deep-dive into the subject were mixed. In 2008, a popular journal article revealed that some of the world most-respected Yoga teachers couldn’t keep to a vegan diet. Among the teachers interviewed was the world-renowned yoga instructor Ana Forrest, who said the vegan diet made her sick again and again. Forrest now says she easts small amounts of meat and makes a point in her Yoga practice to honor the animals she eats.

Ahimsa

The vegan question doesn’t seem to get a decisive answer from the yoga community. Ahimsa may prove to be a relative term when it comes to human diets, since Ahimsa also says not to harm ourselves any more than we should harm others.

Realizing ahimsa may hinge on the practice of Brahmacharyra, or moderation. All of the yogis who brought meat back to their diet eat in careful moderation indeed. And if most people ate only small amounts of meat, the abusive acts of factory farming for meat production could be eliminated and organic, naturally-fed meat could become the new norm.

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Yes I’ll Try This at Home!

Everything you want to know about food, yoga, weight and more. Watch Now!:

Wisdom of the Vegetarian Chef