In this final part of the essay by Lynn Holt, she writes about the Yoga Sutra-s in our practice.
Patanjali wants us to discover this silent space that is possible in samadhi where we discover tranquility. In our practice of asana and pranayama we need to cultivate our brain to obtain the sensitivity and stability to respond to this change.
Not commonly in his teaching did Guruji explain the connection of asana and samadhi that leads to the inner bliss that awaits us all. In “Light on Pranayama” he does explain why in savasana the extension of the cervical neck and the moving of the back of the head away from the trunk is important. The tilt of the head upwards takes the mind into the future and if the head tilts down it broods in the past. If the head leans to one side, this affects the inner ear that in turn affects the mid-brain inducing drowsiness and we lose awareness. If the head is kept in level with the floor in savasana the mind is present, peaceful and at rest and in a type of heaven.
It is this correction of any apparent tilt of the head which is important as it will help balance between the two hemispheres of the brain and the body opening the gateway to samadhi. As previously discussed earlier, a type of bridge is formed between the head and the torso and space is created.
For teachers this is an important point to know. Geetaji reminded us that we need to know why the platform neck curvature is important for students when the cervical spine is affected and why the head has to be straight.
While practicing asana one studies vitarka-vicara. Being the gross part of the intellect, it encourages the subtle energy of the heart to blossom with bliss ananda that is gladness. Similar in all respects to the stages of the blooming of the lotus flower. This process reverses in pranayama as we begin with asmita, then move to ananda then to vicara and vitarka.
What Guruji teaches us in every asana is that you have to learn to keep our brain quiet but alert. How we uphold ourselves in our asana and pranayama practice is important. When we are instructed to open the chest and release the chin away this is to release any tension from the brain.
If we are to become one with our asana we have to observe that our brain has to become quiet; observing in but passively as far as the brain is concerned but actively with awareness, attentively looking within and not looking somewhere outside. Samadhi is a state of experience where the concept of self disappears Guruji has explained to us. It is now up to us to take that journey.
Have you had time to explore some of the ideas in this essay? The dynamic feeling in meditation that Guruji speaks of through the alignment of the body. This is where practice is such an important aspect to think about. How we practice, when we practice and why we practice. When we look at the practice as just poses, it may not mean much, but in the larger concept of Yog - practice is everything. Enjoy your practice.
In Peace,
Pam
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