Why Wear a Mala - What's it's Purpose

Everything you are destined to be is already hidden within you, everything you long for, every achievement you dream of and every wish you've ever repeated to yourself are what you already are - so what's they need for anything, right, we just need to acknowledge it - and we're done! 

INNER STRIVING

Well.... we all feel at some point that we need a little help, a little nudge in the right direction (almost daily) and it's for this reason we seek something to help remind us of our eternal quest - to find out who we truly are, and live our purpose in life. It is hard to remain connected to purpose when so many obligations, frustrations and commitments fill each and every moment. We have so many tools and skills that help us operate in the outer world, but do we really spend enough on reminding ourselves to journey inward, and take care of this temple and soul we've been blessed to carry. In building a new home for example this might take the form of factoring an extra room just for meditation, yoga and other spiritual practices - a sacred space. In going on a holiday it might mean visiting some places of significance to elders and wise ones, however amidst our daily life, when we need it most we often neglect to carry a reminder of what we are 'really' here to achieve, that knowledge of self.

CULTURED AWARENESS

In India gracing the dashboard of almost every car you'll see the form a some deity, often Ganesha or Lakshmi, walking into almost any shop look up and you'll see some sort of lucky charm and in each home there is always something significant like Shri Yantra to bring positive energy and repeal the bad. Guests are mostly asked to remove their footwear as a sign of respect and sanctity, in other words their requested to leave behind whatever has stuck to your shoes - energetically as much as physically. All these things are actually a humble request to always remain present - and not to take whats past for granted or what's coming as assumed, it's a constant request for help, guidance and support. Each moment is an opportunity and these simple reminders help to keep that in context. 

STAYING CONNECTED TO SELF 

Considering all of this it's even more significant to wear/use something as a daily and moment to moment reminder of the truth we are striving to become (albeit innerly), and what we are really here to know; 'who am I'. In the chaos of our day this is the point we forget time and time again, and yet it's the whole purpose we are here, on this planet. And on some level we know it, just take a reminder not to forget it.

A Mala is not only a reminder, it's a sanctified and charged vehicle of higher consciousness. It's not until you wear one you can truly appreciate how sacred it is and how much it does help to keep the mind connected with truth.
Tilakshop.com offers beautiful and sanctified Mala's at Yoga in Daily Life Brisbane. Learn More about this ancient practice of using beads. 

Unique and Modern Crystal & Rudraksha Malas to wear everyday
created for Tilakshop.com

Shree Alakhpuriji is Light and Blessing for the World, His Source - The Holy and Majestically Divine Himalayan Mountains beyond Badrinath

The land around Alakhpuriji’s Gufa (cave), about a 12km walk from Badrinath is nothing short of exceptional. There are mountain peaks every direction I can see, the peaks so high it’s beyond imagination and each one an impossible climb to the top. There are stories of people walking through these mountains, often met by some disaster, meeting their fate walking to the peaks. 

Looking up it’s unfathomable to consider walking, one can only admire and appreciate the absolute majesty and grace of what they offer, and how, in this part of the world these gracious mountain have grown like no-where else. Truly looking around 360 degrees all I can see are peaks that seem to reach the sky. 

At night these mountains light up in a kind of magical lightening display that flashes around with different colours - blues and pinks most often. We camped here, and on the first night there were a few clouds so I thought these lights were a sign of some storm, but the second night when the same thing happened without any clouds, only clear open sky it was testimony to the magic of being here. 

There were many, many mysterious things happening, many of us witnessed them and we all felt Alakhpuriji’s divine light and presence. I asked Vishwaguruji one evening if there were many saints, great rishis and wise men and women that came here to meditate and left their bodies; I had the feeing of this exceptional presence that had remained, his answer was Yes  ‘not only did they leave but many remained in the Karan Sarira, their light body’, or in other words the are still here. Over the years Vishwaguruji has mentioned that several saints still live from ages back in their light body and they are whom keep the balance of the earth, they are what stops the negative powers from overtaking. To hear the words and to experience that truth is something all together different. 

Here at the base of the Alakpuri mountains and at the source of Alakhnanda river meditation is simply the state of being. I had to remember to take pictures and to remember the necessary things to do for the day. Fortunately we dediced to fast for the three days we camped here, so there was no need to cook, no need to clean, and somehow that was a very great decision, that our minds could be occupied in the peace and divinity of the place not the day to day necessities. 

Sometimes of course in the cold we were a little hungry, but we were also told about certain flowers that when you eat you don't get hungry or thirsty. Such flowers and herbs when there are available keep you for months, weeks, or days without any hunger or thirst or feeling that you lack oxygen, which at such a high altitude can often be a problem. Thus the whole nature seems to support meditation, introspection and realising the source of our existence beyond all kinds of obligations and limitations we normally experience daily. 

To be here is to experience oneself. To spend the night out here, or few nights is to be one with the source, and you don't have to try to experience that, it is, it is the very existence that surrounds you and permeates through you. 

It’s not easy to come here but it’s worth every struggle, this is the source of our spiritual lineage; the place Alakhpuriji still resides in his light body. He passed on the siddhis, knowledge and wisdom to Shri Devpuriji here, who in turn passed on the knowledge, light and blessing to Shri Mahaprabhuji and from him to to Holy Guruji who has passed it all in it’s entirety onto our Vishwaguruji who is giving the same blessing and opportunity to all of us. 

Vishwaguruji while here, was quiet, He didn't say very much but did indicate that he was experiencing certain phenomena. One night while sitting in Alakhpuriji’s cave, after prayer He just said ‘we are very fortunate to be here and now it’s our duty to take this light of Shree Alakhpuriji through the world’. 

If it’s so then it’s only through his grace, but the experience and truth and light is definitely something I wish to share and encourage all to experience. 

Swami Shivjyoti Puri 

Shri deep Narayan Bhagwan Kijay

Deveshwar Mahadev Kijay

Madhavkrishna Bhagwan Kijay 

Om Shree Alakhpurij Mahadev Bhagwan Kijay

Satgurudev Bhagwan Kijay

Sat Sanathan Dharma Kijay    

The Kumbha Mela Experience

To try and explain the Kumbha Mela is more than an impossible task, it’s simply not possible, but what does transpire here over the month will elevate and awaken the consciousness of everyone who comes here in some way, profound or subtle. And these impressions will last a lifetime. 

The Kumbha Mela experience is an incredible journey through sights and sounds of what spirituality means to a myriad of people. The vastness of what can be experienced here is phenomenal, at the very least we can let go of our judgements that only one way is the right way, because this place and this time will prove it wrong. India is a land of contrasts and the people are no exception, there are no rules. It’s faith that brings us all here, to merge with an even greater energy that is particularly available at this time in this place, it’s why over 15 million people will converge throughout the month making it, and every Kumbha Mela the largest gathering on earth.

There are countless Saints, Guru’s and rare Spiritual Masters here for the Kumbha Mela that all open their camps for people to come and meet them, the atmosphere is divinely welcoming, almost as if your expected, and there are many opportunities to gather in their presence and just experience, despite the noise, Supreme Peace.  

In our camp, Yoga in Daily Life teachers and students from around the world have come to be with Vishwaguruji, we have a large open space and simple comfortable accommodation. Each day brings new experiences and different programs, one never quite knows what to expect. Yet there is a sense of fullness and richness to everything that happens, something more, each event has ‘spirituality’ at its essence, and unlike tourism or sightseeing these days offer deeply profound opportunities through which we can transform ourselves.These are ‘holy days’ rather than holidays.

Bathing in the holy river Shipra at this time has a tremendous effect, revered in mythology as purifying all karma that would otherwise hold one back from experiencing the state of universal love, freedom and oneness - Self Realisation. So it’s not for nothing millions of people come here, moreover the Masters and Guru’s who otherwise hold tight schedules, for this short time everyone in the spiritual world of Sanathan Dharma is here, in some form or other. And so we bathe, not only though in the river Shipra, but in the spiritual bliss that here to be experienced. 

 

Yoga holds the possibility to change the state of the World.

Peace begins within ones own heart, to see peace in our world first we must discover that it’s source is within each one of us, and that each and every one of our thoughts manifests in someway at some time, according to the law of karma we reap what we sow. So the first step to changing the world is to change ourself. 

Through regular Yoga Sadhana we awaken the energy centres within the body that store and produce all the negative and positive experiences in life. In order to master ourselves we must first master these energy centres, which means to understand them. Each chakra has it’s own  tendencies and capacities. All emotional turmoil, anger, resentment, guilt and fear can be released through the yogic techniques, which, when practiced correctly and with awareness and proper instruction can lead us to transcend any afflictions, either physical or mental, leading us to experience more positive feelings in our daily life.  

Through the practice of meditation we can finally move beyond pain and suffering, we learn how to understand others and develop the ability to see things from their perspective. We experience calmness, compassion, serenity and gratitude. Through meditation we ultimately look within and there we discover all the answers for which we have been searching. 

So through Yoga exercises we release the impressions of stored emotions, gather fresh energy, heal the body and improve all it’s functions, and by meditating on the Anahata (heart) chakra we can awaken compassion and humility, allowing us to curb the impulses of anger, fear and depression.

A healthy person creates a happy family, a happy family means a happy society, a happy society leads to a happy nation and in this way Yoga contributes one person at a time, towards world peace, sustainability, and importantly our inner freedom.

Taken from Lecture excerpts and teachings of Vishwaguruji Maheshwarananda

SHIVARATRI - The auspicious opportunity for all bhaktas of Shiva

OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA 

OM MAHESHWARAYA NAMAHA 

Shivaratri is the festival or celebration of completeness, when we as bhaktas or devotees of the truth have an opportunity to merge our individual consciousness into that supreme universal consciousness. 

The energy available on the night of Shivaratri is like a gateway to experiencing the reality or ultimate realisation of who we are, why we are here, where we are going and what our purpose is here on this earth. Though in order to realise this and have the personal experience of knowing our truth, connection with the source of all, it’s necessary to prepare. We do this through fasting on the day of Shivaratri and keeping our thoughts pure and actions humble, and dedicate our mind to Shiva who represents universal consciousness through the practice of meditation. 

In the period of days or weeks leading up to the celebration we should meditate every day on Shiva and ask for the blessing to clear away all the debris that we’ve accumulated throughout the past year. All the little resentments, hurts and pains that we've been holding onto. All of that has become our negative thinking, and it gets in the way of experiencing the true bliss and understanding of our own true nature. 

The purpose of Shivaratri celebration and the reason we come together to meditate and seek the blessings of Mahadev (Lord Shiva), is in part due to the particularly powerful constellation whereby the energy of Shiva is more available for us to imbibe, absorb and help us transcend to a higher level of awareness. The energy of Shiva means the awakening of pure consciousness, however, our present state of purification governs largely how much we are able to achieve and receive on this night. 

It is recommended to be very receptive, to make oneself very receptive for that day, then your own experience will give you the realisation, the knowledge…

There is no end to Shiva and what Shiva has created and given to mankind, all knowledge has it’s essence in Shiva, to worship Shiva means to come to the source of everything. When you come to the source of everything naturally everything else is left aside or cast away, so this Shivaratri is here to help us become more free. 

Om tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ pushtivardhanam ǀ

urvārukamiva bandhanān mrityormukshīya mā'mratāt ǁ

My adoration to the three eyed God Shiva, who is omnipresent.  May He bless us and nature with health. May His blessings free us and lead us to immortality.

Rudraksha is a seed of consciousness

Rudraksha is a seed of consciousness

ABOUT RUDRAKSHA 

The Rudraksha seed is a blessing to keep and wear because of it’s powerful vibration which protects against all kinds of negative influences and energy. It also protects against environmental factors and the stress emitted from modern technology by creating a shield around the wearer.

It keeps the bodies bioenergy in balance and harmonises the environment around oneself or in the place the seeds are kept. It has been revealed to effect up to 100 metres around, protecting the wearer and environment from all kinds of negative energy. This radiance of protective energy is particularly felt at home or where you mostly keep the Rudraksha. 

You will notice a sense of peace and after some time, less disturbances within your environment, this is extremely beneficial for meditation, study and areas needing great focus or concentration. Ideally Rudraksha is worn at all times or kept close to the skin, it is a sacred seed that emits a potent protective energy, enabling the wearer to achieve their greater potential. 

FOR MEDITATION

Rudraksha is used for meditation and is the only seed which absorbs all positive energy, storing and thus magnifying it over time. We use the Rudraksha in the right hand, and repeat one mantra per bead, implanting in the seed the vibration of liberation which is then kept with us (through the beads) at all times regardless of where our thoughts may dwell.

The longer it’s worn and used for meditation (to repeat mantra) the more powerful it becomes, constantly emitting a positive and pure vibration that settles the energy of any different environment and neutralising the thoughts of others. After some time one feels that something is missing when not worn.

CONSTELLATIONS

Generally the different planetary constellations have an effect on the emotions of each individual. It is not unusual for doctors to say the full moon nights are an extremely busy time in emergency and they dread a full moon on a weekend or holiday because so many patients are brought in. For a spiritual person this can work in their favour if managed in the right direction, offering greater possibilities for spiritual evolution and transformation. 

There are several subtle yet powerful influences that govern our lives that we may or may not be aware of, yet looking back we can see there have been several instances where we lost control of our emotions and reactions in certain circumstances. When our emotions run rampant we are privy to unfavourable outcomes. To harmonise the energy within oneself, and protect against the changeable nature of the world and universe Yogis have always encouraged the use and wearing of Rudraksha. 

Wearing Rudraksha gradually releases oneself from the fluctuating emotions and protects against psychic disturbances, to be gifted a Rudraksha is a great blessing and sign of good luck. 

Honouring the Divine Mother

ODE to THE DIVINE MOTHER During Navatri Celebrations 

This translation of a poetic song, in spiritual language (Bhajan) is glorifying the Divine Mother, it was given by Swamiji during Navaratri, the ancient festival worshiping the Divine mother that lasts for 9 days and takes place twice per year.  A devotee sang this beautiful ode of divinity to the Holy Mother, inspiring Swamiji to give its translation. 

To listen to kirtans and bhajans is to receive their nourishment and imbibe a deep peace, a belongingness that can at times overwhelm us. When we seek to take that experience and live it in our daily lives, an understanding of what we are singing is valuable. 

…………………….

SWAMIJI WAS SITTING back he appeared to enjoy the atmosphere in this small hut perched high almost as among the stars, the occasion was the eighth day of Navaratri, or Durga Ashtami. As we breathed and sung in the mountain air, absorbing the beauty of all that surrounded us Swamiji spoke; “These last 9 days were the days of the universal Shakti, the Divine Mother, which in the Upanishas is said, Matri Devo Bhava, the first God is Mother.

In the Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna says “time to time I manifest in this world through my Yog Maya”, through the divine Shakti so in India we celebrate the glory of the divine mother four times per year, there are two Navaratris which are celebrated in physical form and there are two, known as Gupta Navaratri which are celebrated in the astral form. Whenever an incarnation comes into this world we first adore and worship the Divine mother who gave birth to such a divine soul. 

Devotees of the Holy Mother fast for the nine days of the festival, the mother is the very embodiment of mercy, love, devotion, humbleness and kindness. This bhajan is like a prayer, an ode to the mother and praise to her through whom such a divine light is born. 

Jaya Matesvari Jaya Devi Chandan

Jaya Mahalakshmi Jaya Devi Chandan

Visva Dipa Jyoti Ghara Tere Nandan

Jai means victory, praise be the Lord as mother, God as mother, 

Oh goddess who is also known as maha Lakshmi the great goddess of wealth, 

Victory, glory to thee, you are great 

Dhanya Dip Prabhu Dhanya Matesvari

Teri Sumarana Se Hoya Dukha Bhanjan

Protector, oh divine mother, thanks to you, adoration to you, oh divine mother when we remember and meditate on you and offer our prayers to you all our troubles are removed, we become free from all our sufferings 

Risi Muni Avatara Jape Nita

Teri Kripa Se Kate Jaga Bandan

Rishis are the sages, the hermits, and Muni’s are yogis, Avatara is the incarnation of God and all of them repeat, with great adoration, the name of the cosmic mother, oh holy mother only through your mercy we may become free from the bondage of this mortal world 

Mujha Para Meher Karo Meri Maiya 

Darshana Deya Haro Bhava Bandan

Please be merciful to me, oh my divine mother, appear to me and remove all my bondage in this world 

Sri Dipa Jyoti Hai Apaka nandan 

Bala Mukanda Jagat Sukha Kandan

This divine flame, the incarnation is your beloved son and he is like a Krishna who is giving to this world the blessings, happiness, and divine light 

Madhavanda Par Najara Niharo 

Mere Pap Ka Pahara Karo Saba Khandan

The author of the Bhajan, Madhavananda is saying, my lord, my divine mother have your merciful look upon me, look to me in kindness, bless me with your mercy, if I have any sin or any mistakes in my life oh divine mother please destroy it so that I feel worthy to come to thee”.

Translated by Vishwaguru Mahamandelshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda Puriji

MANTRA - what to repeat? As a Source of Power & Achievement

We often think of Mantra as a kind of ritual practice that offers a particular benefit we can't quite quantify, but when correctly practiced with dedication and faith we soon find out the benefits are indeed very tangible.

Some of the benefits include greater clarity of mind, protection from negative thoughts which are the root cause of all our troubles in the world and clear perception of our connection with the omniscient power of the universe.

My intention is not to discuss mantra but to encourage it's practice, and thus allow it to reveal it's real benefits to you. My Guru always says 'tonnes of theory is equal to a gram of practice' so my only real motivation is to inspire you to practice....... and see the result. For many the most profound results are a sense of being protected. 

Normally we repeat one mantra repetition per bead, so that's 108 times by the time you complete one round of mala. There are 5 levels of mantra practice, and these steps help to learn and finally actualise the mantra within.

They are:

• Likit; to write the mantra repeatedly
• Bekhari; to chant the mantra in one's own melody
• Upansu; to chant innerly, the lips may move but there is no outward sound
• Mansik; Mentally repeating the mantra
• Ajapa; The highest level, when the mantra repletion is spontaneous and quite constant  

The real success in mantra is when its spontaneous and constant, this means that no other thought is there, only the mantra, and this is indeed very powerful. 

A personal Mantra received from a Guru is the highest blessing, and a definite path to liberation, other MANTRAS You can use include:

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

This mantra helps to achieve wisdom and knowledge by praying to Ganesha to remove the obstacles and hinderances both internal and external that hinder success, he is also teh one who opens and reveals spiritual gifts in spiritual people. it is a very good idea to always start anything with remembrance and repetition of Ganesha mantra.

Om Namaha Shivaya

This mantra leads one beyond all types of suffering and afflictions to the realisation of the pure light of truth. It is a very powerful mantra and helps to free one from all fears. Shiva represents pure consciousness, truth and beauty. 

Om Prabhu Deep Niranjan Saba Dukha Bhanjan 

This mantra means; My adoration to the cosmic light, may my heart and entire being receive the divine light which purifies all my suffering, frees me from attachments and illumines my consciousness, may I merge and become one with the Universal Consciousness.

The vibration of each mantra when constantly repeated brings about the real understanding of it from within. Realisation of the mantra is when knower, knowledge and the object of that knowledge become ONE. Realisation can't be taught, it's imbibed and reflects the inner state, when we're ready it will happen. 

MUDRAS - and the balancing act of vitality in the body

These are just a few pictures of common mudras you practice every class

Mudras are positions held in Yoga practice, that re-balance the flow of vital energy in the body. They can be so effective in overcoming states of depression and anxiety and creating a sense of inner harmony that we should know more about, and use them during the week. You’ll find yourself in these positions during a Yoga in daily life class, but you may not be aware of how your deeply benefiting yourself.

I’m always newly amazed at how incredibly scientific the ancient Yogic science is, and how much good it does for the human psyche. Our only problem is that we tend to practice quickly, desiring physical health, and performing postures we like, more than those we need. While that’s a positive contribution in making us ‘feel good’ , It’s not the best way to heal deeply, and manifest our deeper soul wish, to achieve fulfilment.

SURRENDERING means LEARNING and GROWING
Yes, It’s necessary to put yourself in the hands of a qualified, well experienced teacher to fully understand Yoga, and it’s depth. It’s a gradual process and what you’ll encounter is perhaps not what you expected, but what can most certainly help you immensely.

Since teaching in the city I’ve learnt that people don't want to ‘follow’, rather, they want the teacher to conform to what they think they need. And they’re quick to change teachers when they don't think they’re getting what they need. While that’s true for the most part of our lives, where were encouraged and even taught to be self-reliant and deeply independent. We must also, at some point be willing to surrender our perceived ideas of what we need, to those of someone who has more experience in something time has proven, we can benefit from immensely. It takes courage to surrender, because it involves trust.

THE PURPOSE OF A TEACHER 
A teacher can take you only so far as they have reached themselves, beyond that - if they’re a good teacher they’ll guide you further, if your fortunate and ready, to an enlightened Master. That’s the value of a Lineage - more on that another time. - Now back to mudras….

What you find in slowly down, and holding certain introverted postures and forming different positions of the hands is that all your inner systems re-energise, and re-balance. And with that your emotions and sense of identity realigns with your higher purpose. This enables you to pursue the real quest of human life, and remain on the path to your inner fulfilment, finding and living your purpose.

Who you ‘think’ you are is often the biggest obstacle to experiencing your true self, who you Really are.

OUR ULTIMATE AIM
Vishwaguruji always says, ‘to know who you are, you must first know, how you are’. We can only experience that by calming down, developing our self awareness, and surrendering in the moment to that teacher who helps us on the journey, that takes us within.

KEEP YOGA GOING and Success is CERTAIN

DAILY AMUSEMENT v’s INNER WELLBEING 

The seemingly arduous task of finding the answers within oneself for the solution to all our problems, dilemmas and misunderstandings isn’t quite so arduous after all, when we step back and see how our life is, allowing it to run it’s own course. Without paying attention to the real meaning of life we can get lost or rather pre-occupied with the demands of the day to day activities that are never ending. If we lack constant discernment we can easily get drawn into the multitude of activities that neither serve our inner wellbeing nor carry us to the destination that we were brought here to attain.


DEDICATION?

Although at times our spiritual path and spiritual discipline if we’ve been wise enough to step into it can seem tough, in reality it’s a great blessing and joy to be be granted with spiritual eyes that search for meaning beyond what’s visible in everyday life. Spiritual Life and material life are like two wings of the bird that help the soul soar towards God.

SPIRITUALITY = RESOLVING everything 

With true spiritual vision we learn the art of balancing our life by committing time each day for inner wellbeing and spiritual transformation, this ‘spirituality’ doesn't mean that we neglect our daily obligations, rather our ‘spirituality’ brings a whole new perspective into our life, this essence of understanding that ushers in balance, creativity and wisdom to go through all situations with grace and peace, remaining on purpose and in our hearts. This attitude keeps us calm and through calmness we contribute to world peace.


There are two things we must always remember, not to allow the commitments of life and the overwhelming demands to detract us or to take our attention into them so much so that we forget and have no time for our inner self and the second, not to see the inner spiritual work as arduous, painful or just another responsibility. Rather we are doing it in order to break the chains and be set free from our own mental limitations and conditioning.


INNER COMMUNICATION in OVERCOMING CONFLICT

Many come to me at a point where they are ready to give up, and I can understand them, sometimes it does feel like everything has become a bit much and the compromises seemingly made to remain on the spiritual path appear to conflict with the rest of what we imagine our life to be progressing toward! So the solution, we think is to commit less time to the spiritual life and avoid what’s believed to be the cause of the conflict, we avoid solving the problems that we have come up against. In truth, the reality and clarity we gain through our spirituality is what highlights the areas of conflict already in our life that need attention, we have received the opportunity and blessing to resolve it.

Is GIVING UP a SOLUTION?

The sudden desire to give up whatever becomes difficult is a very common mistake in the western world, surrounded by our comforts its easy to think we don't deserve any hardships. Perhaps this is less common in some other parts, but it’s still very much the subconscious which tries to bury everything that reflects back to us our inner conflict. This propensity of ours to give up certainly does take us off the tracks we were on to our spiritual destination, and inevitably makes our life harder, not easier, because we avoid the necessary work that has to be done to set us free.


So when people ask, sometimes ready to ‘throw in the towel’ so to speak, I remind them that this problem has been there all along and this little extra pressure is just showing it up. Instead of blaming and avoiding why don't you take it as a blessing, using the torch light of spirituality to reveal areas where you need to correct your thinking and ideas. This is a chance where you can work through where you’ve gone astray and what you need to change in order to truly progress.


THE REAL cause of THE PROBLEM 

So the problem is not the spiritual path, it’s our attitude and misunderstanding about it’s purpose in our lives. Let us at least pause each time a new challenge presents itself, taking a deep breath to re-new again, re-new the courage we had in the beginning and our dedication to the purpose so that we may not sacrifice our spiritual wealth for a short term convenient solution. 


The sacrifice we make in giving up on our spiritual sadhana (practices) is not a sacrifice we should consider, we need a great deal of faith to continue and as Vishwaguruji says ‘the most crucial element for your development in every aspect of life is inner communication, the ability to understand what you are doing and why you are doing it, through this you will be able to overcome the most difficult life situations’.

DONT GIVE UP

Don't give up, don't give up, don't give up, don't give up your spiritual wealth for anything, don't give up your spiritual journey for anything, no matter how tempting, no matter how elusive something may seem. The only true wealth, which we have forever is what we gain through our spiritual devotion, faith, sadhana, meditation and belief in the divine. Create harmony, create understanding, mutual support and love in your hear for all, this clears obstacles out of the way.

Learn to feel happy because you are blessed with these eyes to see the spiritual light, feel yourself honoured that the Divine has chosen to give you such a vision that causes you to search for the real meaning of your life.


Your GIVING creates ABUNDANCE 

Give your Smile because your gift of love lights up this world, and keep going however your situation may look, however hard it may seem, however tired you are or how much you think you are loosing, for as long as you are on a true path to Self-Realisation with honest devotion there can never be any loss.

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THE PROMISE OF YOGA - Attainable through the Right Practic

It’s wonderful that the physical practice of asanas is so widely recognised as being hugely beneficial for health, but to imagine we’ll achieve the success of true balance without practicing all aspects of Yoga will leave us, sooner or later wondering what went wrong.

The practice of asanas is like a single strand of hair on a healthy head. Asanas are a fantastically wonderful but small part of this vast science of human wellbeing, and were apt not to be forgiven for thinking they’re it! Many, many studios of ‘yoga’ claim the practice will give you what it ultimately should, ‘freedom from all limitations’ and ‘harmony for body, mind and soul,’ but the teachers themselves leave out so much out the ancient practice and forget the formative work a student must go through to truly achieve what’s being offered. 

Naturally, all practices of yoga lead to the transformation of our character, bringing out the better side of ourselves in every situation through awareness, and by adjusting our habits, ideals and expectations. To really cause an inner transformation the teacher must be capable, alert and grounded in their path to truly serve their students, their ability depends largely upon their dedication to the path. In Yoga this always means being connected to a lineage, we can think of it like a university, the lineage is those teachers that have passed down the sum total of the teachings, and whom we remain ever connected to. Learning different techniques and styles and putting them together according to our preference is not yoga at all. 

Yoga is vast, and of the four branches asanas fit into just one of them - Raja Yoga (the Royal path). The branches of selfless service (karma yoga) divine love (bhakti yoga) and knowledge (gyana yoga) don't even touch on the practice of asanas yet each part is an essential element in our development.  

Sequences of yoga postures are put together by Masters who have understood the energy systems and anatomy of the entire human system in a very deep way, the movements then cause an upward direction of vital energy, leading to releases which open the doors of achieving higher states of consciousness in everyday life. 

Even when practiced correctly it wont work if the student is not mentally prepared. This preparation takes the form of developing a certain quality to our lives which helps maintain the inner harmony and balance with all external forces. 

The quality of our life and the clarity of our consciousness is the naturalness with which we observe the Yamas and Niyamas. 

The Yamas (virtues) and Niyamas (more internal observances) help us understand how to adjust our behaviours in such a way that everything we do, think, and put effort into is for the highest good of our evolution. In effect, following these principles is deeply rewarding, both in our relationships with others and in our relationship with ourself. The amount of time saved when our relations are properly managed is phenomenal.

With the proper foundation, preparation and instruction we will achieve ‘freedom from limitations’ though Yoga. Most often our limitations are those we’ve imposed upon ourselves and haven’t understood how to release, proper yoga instruction gives us the way out. In time we become more gracious individuals and understand how important our life is to others, to ourselves and to nature. What we choose to do from then, is called living with purpose.

YOGA - All about Balance of the inner world

YOGA as it's Portrayed

Yoga is gravely misunderstood, we are taking just the very creamy surface layer off it to enjoy it. That’s if we think it suits us! The truth is Yoga is suitable for all because it’s a path of self-awakening, helping us to discover from the hidden aspects of our nature that we are striving to achieve, albeit often unconsciously. 

Yoga though, we often think is about being more fit, flexible calm and centered with the ability to do some quite advanced things! If we don’t think that’s likely to become a realistic description of ourselves, we tend to give up! What we’re really giving up on then is the possibility we see in ourselves, to be even more than we are now; and who wouldn’t want that? Why are we so obsessed with being everything now? Why don’t we give ourself room to grow and just accept there’s a journey to take us there? And that journey is part of the fun, that’s called Yoga.

YOGA as it's Intended

When Yogi’s talk about Yoga, what they’re really saying is that this path will make you a complete person, a conscious person, who is responsible, someone who takes care of themselves, and shows others how to do the same, by being an example. The Yoga path is about understanding our weaknesses along with our strengths so that we can overcome them and get even stronger. We need an inherent strength to go on and not to fall down. So identifying exactly where we are and what challenges we are facing, in an open and honest manner to oneself first of all, is an imperative part of the journey. 

I see too many people who want it all to be alright. Who think they should be all they want to be now and inevitably it’s those people who give up; not on Yoga, but on themselves. Yoga is the path to make you whole. The physical practice and the concentration is just a part. It’s the part we start with, to get our head right, to get us in the right frame of mind to do the harder work. Without the right attitude and the right physical (or rather inner) strength and focus, we will soon lose the force to continue. 

Yoga as Possibility 

This is not fancy talk and it’s not just for some, it’s for all of us who know we’re here to grow. Life is the opportunity placed before us, through which the experiences we have, take us closer to our goal. The goal is complete self-knowledge, self-realisation, knowing who ‘I am’. If we ask ourself that question honestly, “who am I?”, we may not be able to offer a very clear answer at all. Yet, that’s where each of us is going, to that goal, knowingly or unknowingly, were here to make progress. Then we must honestly see ‘what else i’m wasting my time on?’. Once you know that’s the purpose (self-understading or self-actualisation), then you begin to evaluate how much time you should give it.

And this is where physical Yoga comes in. Hatha Yoga, is the balancing principle of practice. Hatha Yoga means recognising that there are two forces within each one of us; Sun and moon, good and bad, energy and lethargy and we all know the list goes on. Our job is to balance the two polarities, recognising each force as within ourselves. This is sometimes called the journey inward. What we’re really saying is that all you think is outside of you is actually within and that’s, therefore, the only place you need to look.

Yoga offers Solutions 

To fix all your problems in the world you only need to spend time each day looking within and looking at your own balance, your own forces. To see how much dominance one has over the other. That’s why no-one has ever been able to fix you - only you can balance yourself by recognising within yourself what is out of balance. This is where relaxation enters. Making time to clear the unnecessary worry and incessant thinking out of the way so that reality can be seen. What we normally see is all the stress we are facing, all the things that have been blocking us and limiting our ability to progress forward. It’s through relaxation that we remove those ‘stressors’ out of the way and in doing so become conscious of how they came about thus eliminating the need for them to appear again. 

When we practice Asanas and move freely, our bodies start to pump. In Yoga practice, a proper practice, each and every part of the body, all the organs and every single system will get a workout - this is why it’s a science. This is why it is a masterpiece and this is why it’s so valuable. No other physical movement system is so completely balanced that you create a perfectly working, oiled machine. This is why it’s so effective in treating many, many illnesses.  

YOGA is Completion 

Yoga is a path of complete and utter self-understanding. Surrendering, as it were, to the forces within that govern our lives knowingly and unknowingly. For the forces that inhibit and limit, how do we get rid of them? By freeing ourselves of them. By understanding where they come from within our psyche and by acknowledging our own responsibility for them being there and then clearing them out of the way. This is because they no longer serve the purpose they once did. So how do we do that? Through Yoga. Through the many, varied, but all ancient techniques, with a qualified teacher who can show you the way. Is a Master important? Essential - so we can confidently walk the path to our own self.