The Practice
of yoga involves not only the poses (asana) and the breath (pranayama), but
also the yamas and niyamas or the things we should abstain from and the things
we should observe if we are to live a spiritual life. The object of these four
stages is to cleanse the body-mind so that the life-force can flow through and
lead us to higher levels of consciousness. This means to become more balanced
and aware.
The poses
are not yoga, but through the practice of the poses we have an opportunity to
discover yoga. For example; balance can best be understood when we do a tree. It
takes strength, focus and stillness to find balance. In life you will need all
of these to maintain your balance when life’s stormy emotions pervade your life.
Pranayama is
the control of the breath. It is not the breath, but the life force that gives
rise to the breath. When we sit in Zen and take a few controlled breathes we
clear the astral channels and allow a flow of energy throughout our body-mind and
this produces contentment and peace.
The astral
channels correspond to the nerves of your body. The nerves are the only part of
your body that does not regenerated throughout your lifetime. When we clear the
astral channels we touch the soul. Think of this like touching something with
your body. We need the nerves to be able to feel. Damage the nerves and the ability
to touch disappears. Damage the astral channels and the ability to touch the
soul becomes impossible.
The yamas
and niyamas are guides for living a spiritual life. In the weeks to come we
will discuss each of these. For now let’s focus today on the poses and the breath.
Using the
body and the breath we learn to harness prana or the life-force. This week pay
attention to your sense of touch and your breath. Flow with the force of life
and you will bring balance and harmony into everything you think, say and do.
Namaste
Doctor Lynn
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