Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste and Smell.

Our eyes and our senses are the means of our knowledge; they teach us that something is there.  Through our five senses we gain knowledge of our universe; whatever is there is known to us through our sight, touch, smell, hearing and taste.  All that is in the world is knowable, you hear about a beautiful place and you have the desire to go there, you go and then you gain direct knowledge of that place, how it looked, what was there, how did it smell etc, we have the opportunity to gain that knowledge.

But how do we know that we really exist, we need not use a means of knowledge to prove our existence because we simply are, it is self evident.  We cannot say at any time that we are not here.  The scriptures tell us that we never die, the body will come and go, but ‘You’ will always remain.  Whatever our difficulties seem to be this is due to our ignorance of our true self, real knowledge about the ‘I’ is cause for happiness, that which we are all seeking.  And true happiness is that with no beginning and no end.  Through our senses the world is residing in our intellect, in awareness and everything else depends on this awareness, it is our senses that are causing this ignorance, they cover all reality.  So through our practice we must begin to learn how to withdraw our senses completely to find the lightness that eradicates the darkness.  Knowledge and ignorance cannot exist in the same location and we have to transcend our ignorance by the practice of withdrawing our senses know as Pratyahara. 

Learning may be both painful and enjoyable in many different ways, the mind can play a tug of war, but the painful thoughts are eliminated once the internal conflict is stopped by withdrawing the senses, and there is a complete concentration of the mind, if this state can be maintained then we can reside in a well of happiness and bliss. 

Recently a fellow Yogi asked me had I felt this state of complete bliss, if it is real, if it exists, how can we know?  Actually the very deep experiences we have shouldn’t be disclosed, as they are different for everyone and comparisons should not be made.  However to get to this stage in our beings we need to really dedicate ourselves to our practice, without dedication and discipline it wont come, you have to be ready and prepared for change.  You can be the master of your own destiny with self exertion, and with this you will get sign posts along the way and flickers of the real true ‘I.’  Without sight, without hearing, without taste, without touch and without smell, a difficult feat I hear you all cry.  But when the prize is pure joy then how can we not dive deep into our hearts for that and make the necessary changes and enjoy every breath.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the mat.

Yoga Day out at Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Namaste Everyone, Om Namah Sivaya

So here is our next visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Thankot.  Escape the city for a full day of yoga activities outlined as below and relax in the green environment of the Ashram.  The Ashram is home to about 200 children and adults who live there in a peaceful sanctuary, where they can learn and grow without the worries of life that they would have normally have faced.  The children would have had to have lived in very difficult situations if they had not been taken in, so come and meet them and their beautiful smiles! 

Saturday 9th March

8.30am dept from Pranamaya Yoga Studio; Moksh Patan

9.15am arrive and herbal tea

9.45am Pranayama class with Nicky.  Enjoy the energizing and cleansing benefits of breathing properly

10.15am 5 min break

10.20am Asana class with Nicky.  Enjoy full relaxation, Suryia Namaskar to work through every muscle of the body and ground yourself bringing courage to our daily life, and a set of postures to open up your 7 main energy centres within the body leaving you transformed into a fresh new you!

12.00pm Lunch, fully organic vegetarian lunch.  Time to visit the Ashram shop and order any organic vegetables, milk and yoghurt.  The Ashram has its own fully organic farm with about 40 cows that are also fed fully organically and their produce is delicious!

1.15pm Cultural performance of classical Indian Dance, performed by the children of the Ashram

2.00pm break

2.15pm Talk with Ramchandra the director of the Ashram on who was Sri Arubindo, the Mother and their teachings, and about the Ashram here at Thankot and what they are doing there.

3.00pm herbal tea break

3.15pm Yoga Nidra with Nicky.  Learn the art of throwing off the burdens to sleep with awareness and completely relax every part of you; physically, emotionally and mentally.  Mostly the activities we take up to relax are just diversions from the senses, this way full relaxation and rejuvenation is achieved which is vital for humanities well being.

4.15pm Snack and time to collect any veg, milk and yoghurt that you have ordered

4.45pm dept for Kathmandu

All water will be provided, the cost for the day will be RPS2500 of which RPS1500 goes directly to the Ashram to support the good work that they are doing.

If you could bring your own yoga mat it would be appreciated and please wear appropriate clothing for the Ashram environment, knees and shoulders covered.

For bookings please email info@pranamaya-yoga.com

For now have a wonderful day

OM Shanti OM

mangala/nicky 

World YOga DaY

Join us this Sunday 24^th Feb at 6pm for a beautiful 2 hour yoga session at Pranamaya Yoga Centre; Moksh, Patan, to celebrate yoga and join the world wide yoga practice for human rights. 

World yoga day will dedicate its efforts to support FIAN Nepal, a section of FIAN International, the class is by donation and all monies are donated to help support this organisations work which includes right to food violation cases in Nepal and worldwide.  Today there are 870 million people suffering from hunger and malnutrition.  Surly today this shouldn’t be happening.  FIAN envisions a world free from hunger, in which every person fully enjoys human rights in dignity, particularly the right to adequate food.  FIAN urges all people to support this event by joining the participating yoga centres and contribute to this good cause.  So come and Join myself, Nerine and Marion for a two hour session including healing mantra, flow of asanas and finishing with a beautiful session of yoga nidra, the art of complete relaxation.  Your contributions will be greatly received and appreciated.

Looking forward to seeing you all there, do something worthwhile this Sunday,

OM OM Shanti OM

Mangala/Nicky

How to overcome our anger, fear and anxieties.

Have you noticed that each time you practice your yoga that you feel different, sometimes asanas come easily and sometimes not, sometimes we seem to be able to balance for eternity and other days we shake and wobble all over the place.  This is largely due to our emotions and state of mind, there are deffinate links between our physical performance and our emotional state. 

Swami visnudevananda says ‘ Love, hatred, anger, fear, greed, envy and jealousy are emotions of the mind.  All evil qualities proceed from anger and therefore Yoga students are advised to control anger, and then all other evil qualities will then vanish by themselves.  Moreover, emotions affect the endocrine glands, which are governed by the nervous system, and cause disorders in the normal functions of the internal organs.’

In fact anxiety can be the most damaging of emotions causing ulcers, depression can lead to constipation and the stomach being unable to digest food creating high toxin levels in the body, and anger high blood pressure, higher cholesterol and heart problems.  Fear brings knots in the stomach increasing acidity and disorders to the nervous system.  Swami Sivananda says; ‘Eradication of evil qualities within you is just like dusting away the dirt on the mirror.  When the dust is removed you can see the beauty of your face in the mirror.  When the evil qualities are eradicated you can see the beauty of your self in your heart.’

This week somebody made me angry an emotion I have to say I don’t think I felt for a while and it was a strange feeling, they had no intention of making me angry and probably are quite unaware of it, but my body felt tight, I lost sleep and mentally had to really watch myself.  In fact I thank them for allowing me to feel this again and to be able to watch my emotions and learn how to handle them.  We can really tell how far we are in our practice when we can see how well or not we handle a situation, but it is always good to know what to do to help, how we can overcome these lower emotions and turn them into positive ones.  Here are some excersisies and postures that will help to release anger and bring peace;

1. Sit in childs pose, bring the bottom back onto your heels and upper body resting on your thighs, make contact with the mat with your forehead and allow yourself to feel a gentle pressure at your third eye centre (point between the eyebrows.)  The arms are beside the body, palms face up next to your feet.  Breath deeply, breathing into your rib cage, filling the front and back ribs, have an awareness of your breath and allow the tension to release from you with every exhalation, stay there for as long as you need to.
2. Sit in vajrasana (sitting back on your heels) with your spine straight.  Close your eyes and allow any anger to be within you, tense your body and let that anger rise so we can get rid of it.  Remain angry as you clench your fists and start punching forward one arm at a time using your breath as furiously as you like.  Allow the anger energy to be consumed by your punching, use the breath to help you.  Once finished lower your arms and relax still sitting on your heels, let the breath become smooth and calm, bring a soft expression on your face and allow the body to relax. Breath into your heart and feel a complete sense of release, feeling love and affection start to flow.

So remember that these lower emotions can have a detrimental effect on your body not only your mental state but also of those around you.  It is through our practice that we can become more and more in control and what a lovely feeling when something happens that normally would have made you angry but now doesn’t touch you any more and peace remains.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the mat for some anger management!

Om Lokha Somasta Sukhino Bhavantu

May all living beings find balance and harmony

Om Shanti

Mangala/nicky

Padahastasana

PadaHastasana is one of the twelve postures that Swami Sivananda considered to be the most important for complete health of the body and mind.  Known as the hands to feet or standing forward bend, I think it looks simpler than it is.  Often I see mistakes in this posture; that there is tension held in the neck and shoulders, the knees are bent and weight kept back on the heels and the back is rounding.  I had one practitioner recently approach me regarding this posture saying she found it so difficult.  And I agree it can be difficult, but if we approach it with the right intention and try to relax within the posture then it will become easier and we can start to enjoy it.  For me I love the release I feel in my upper back when I’m in padahastasana, and to feel the energy flowing downwards brings invigoration. 

Every posture has its benefits both physically, mentally and spiritually and all postures should be performed slowly with deep breath, using the breath properly during your practice will enable you to relax more and hold the posture steadily which in turn will enable you to hold it longer therefore receiving more of the benefits of the pose.  Using the breath correctly will also replenish all the oxygen that is being used from the muscles preventing the build up of lactic acid which is caused when the muscles are overworked and the oxygen is not being replaced, this is a common problem whilst playing sport.  This build up of lactic acid causes fatigue and is difficult for the body to expel, so always remember to use your breath and to relax between postures, or after a heavy game of sport lye down in our relaxation pose; savasana, and breath deep abdominal breath.  Our body is our vehicle for our soul so we should take great care of it, it is a blessing to have it and the practice of yoga will bring great health and vigour to not only your body but also to your mind giving a greater sense of balance and harmony, greater ability to concentrate and focus and generally a better sense of well being. 

Infact the yoga system can be compared to no other in the sense that it completely rehauls the entire being, both externally and internally, where all the internal organs, glands and hormones are receiving stimulation and will begin to work more efficiently also balancing our emotions.  We focus greatly on the health of the spine; we are as young as we are flexible right?  The spinal column houses the spinal cord, the telegraph system of the body, and the main nerve of the body so it is vital we take care of it.  By maintaining the spine’s flexibility and strength the circulation is increased and the nerves are ensured their correct supply of nutrients and oxygen, leaving you feeling refreshed.  So there is every reason to practice yoga and the more you practice the better you will start to feel. 

So here is how to do the padahastasana

1.Stand in mountain pose with the feet together pushing down into the mat.  Spread your toes to ground yourself, the spine is up straight, shoulders back and down.

2.Inhale and raise the arms up over your head, next to your ears, palms face front.

3.Exhale slowly as you stretch the body forward, bending from your hips, try to keep the spine and knees as straight as you can.

4.Don’t worry about how far you are coming down but try to keep the alignment of the pose and breath; you are still receiving all benefits of the posture regardless of flexibility.

5.Hold onto the backs of the legs without just letting the arms hang and relax your neck completely.

6.Bring the weight slightly forward on the feet and feel the hips pushing upward toward the sky.

7.Breathe deeply and remain in the posture for as long as it is comfortable.

8.Inhale until you have come up to the original position.

Physical benefits of the posture:

1.The spine becomes supple and is lengthened, joints are mobilised and everlasting youth is obtained.

2.The whole nervous system is invigorated

3.The hamstrings and other muscles in the back of the legs and lower body are stretched.

4.A complete stretch to the posterior of the body is given

5.There is an increase of blood supply to the brain, increasing memory and intellectual capacity.

6.Excess fat around the abdomen will be reduced.

7.Bad posture will start to be corrected and any shortening of the legs due to fracture will be corrected.

Mental benefits of the posture:

1.The body becomes light thus reducing feelings of inertia and laziness

2.The sushumna nadi, the most important of the astral nerves that runs through the centre of your spine is purified.

3.The energy is helped downwards bringing balance.

So roll out your mat and practice your padahastasana!

See you all on the mat

Om Lokha Somasta Sukhino bhavantu

May all living entities find balance, harmony and peace

Om shanti

Mangala/nicky

Join me for Mother Earth

As temperatures are rocketing in Australia we cannot ignore the signs that Mother Earth is again giving us.  Staying close to nature means looking after her too.  We can no longer waste time leaving the problem of our suffering planet in the hands of others, we have to start at home and be aware of what we are doing, how much power we are using and what we can cut down on.  Living here in Nepal we experience load shedding, which means we have no electricity for a certain amount of hours each day.  This can range from maybe 3 or 4 hours up to maybe 18 hours at times.  Unfortunately this isn’t for environmental reasons but I think it’s a great idea, it’s amazing how you get used to it and find yourself using electricity much more wisely and being much more aware of not leaving unnecessary things on etc.  I propose that every house hold take one hour a day to turn the electricity off, all those little red lights on standby, everything off.  Don’t worry the freezer won’t defrost in an hour!  Lets help our Mother Earth by making a real effort, she gives us all our nutrients, isn’t it time we all started to give something back.  We can also apply this to other areas as well, using less gas, recently I bought a pressure cooker and it is amazing, what used to take maybe an hour to cook, like soup or dhal, now takes 10 minutes of gas use and it tastes better too!  Think about all the gadgets you have, do you really need all of them?  And try to cut down on the amount of packaging you are consuming, plastic bags are a definite no no, try to buy vegetables from the fruit and veg shop or stall where it is not all sealed and made to look perfect and shiny.  Try to cut down on the amount you are eating, just by a little bit.  Walk some places instead of driving and you will feel better for it too.  Get some fresh air.  Lets really make an effort to make a difference and think of the money you will save on your bills, maybe you could put that money to a really worthy cause that needs your help, or treat someone you know that needs cheering up.  And maybe that hour will give you time for reflection, instead of staring at a screen; you could have a conversation or play a made up game with your children.  So I invite you to take an hour out of power, and invite all your friends, family, work colleagues and anybody you know to do the same.  Lets really start to make a difference.

In yoga we don’t use much but our bodies, breath and minds, however those mats do wear out sometimes pretty quickly so here are some tips with what you can do with your old ones, and when you buy a new one try to go for one with a life time guarantee.

1. Donate to homeless shelters for sleeping pads
2. Put under a rug to make it non-slip
3. Donate to an animal rescue shelter they can be used to line kennels etc
4. Use as a non-slip surface whilst using drills or power tools
5. Line kitchen shelves to prevent glass wear from slipping
6. Use to kneel on to protect your knees when you are gardening or decorating
7. Cut it up to make a mouse pad or several!
8. Cut if up for drawer liners
9. Cut it up to make grip pads for opening jars etc
10. Cut it to size and use for footpads for furniture
11. Use under your sleeping bag whilst camping
12. Use for a protector whilst shipping/ packing
13. Make children’s toys, masks, letters of the alphabet, shapes for the bath or pool
14. Plug up drafty places, windows and doors
15. Makes a great liner under house plants
16. Keep in the car for those spur of the moment picnics
17. Use as a liner in the boot of the car to stop your shopping sliding about

Have fun thinking of other ways you could use that old mat, and looking forward to seeing you all on the mat for its other use and that’s to exercise properly, relax properly, breath properly, meditate and to think positively

Om Lokha Somasta Sukhino Bhavantu

May all living entities find peace and balance, and may we help Mother Earth find it too.

OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI

Mangala/nicky

Shanti Salad

My Shanti Salad is a carrot and raison salad and is great by itself or served as a side dish to any meal. Here is what you need:

2 large carrots - grated

1/2 cup of raisons

poppy seeds

coconut powder or grated

olive oil

black and white pepper

Heat the oil in the pan or wok for a few minutes and add the ground black and white pepper to taste.  Add the carrots and raisons and keep stirring for about a minute.  Add the the coconut and poppy seeds (how much is up to you!) and stir for another 30 seconds or so.  Simple!  You can serve hot or cold, delicious any time!! Enjoy and find your shanti whilst you eat!

Our next Satsang will be held at Pranamaya Yoga Studio, Moksh, Patan, on Feb 2nd at 4.30-5.30pm.  Do come and join me for a beautiful meditation in company, and the chanting of Kirtan, devotional songs to uplift yourself and feel your heart opening like the lotus flower in bloom.  Looking forward to seeing you there.

For now Om Lokha Somasta Sukhino Bhavantu

May all living entities find happiness, balance and peace

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti 

mangala, nicky.