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October 10, 2008
Sahaja Yoga
As a supporter of holistic health, I am always looking for simple new ways to stay centered. I stumbled upon Sahaja Yoga - a method of meditation focused on Self-Realization - through CrazyWisdom Bookstore's weekly e-Newsletter. (The CrazyWisdom Tea Room, located above the bookstore is also worth the detour to Main Street on a tranquil afternoon). They offer a free weekly group Sahaja Yoga session on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm. At first, being the active-minded person that I am, I had difficulty tapping in to a thoughtless state of mind. After several sessions, I noticed an improvement in my sleep habits, along with a reduction in my physical and emotional stress level.
As for some background on the Yoga form, Sahaja Yoga was founded by Shri Mataji in 1970. Mataji believes that each person must be his or her own guru, and that mental and spiritual unity, or yoga, can be achieved through Self-Realization; this prime focus revolves around the fluidity and balance of the central nervous system. Through Sahaja Yoga, one is able to tap into a consiousness that is freed from thoughts or worries. In this intrinsic meditation process, one passes energy through an energy chain of chakras:
1. Mooladhara Chakra - the base chakra of innocence and purity; located below the sacrum bone.
2. Swadishthan Chakra - chakra of creativity, pure attention and pure knowledge; located in the the lower abdomen
3. Nabhi Chakra - chakra of generosity, contentment, & satisfaction; located on the left and right sides of the body.
4. The Void - represents the power of mastry within us; surrounds the second & third chakra.
5. Anahat Chakra - chakra of the heart; connected to our spirit.
6. Vishuddhi Chakra - chakra of pure relationships & bonds.
7. Agnya Chakra - chakra of compassion & forgiveness; located at the temples.
8. Sahasrara Chakra - final level of human awareness.
For more in-depth insight into the various chakras
Sahaja Yoga sessions are held free of charge and the process can be practiced as part of a group, or individually. However, I noticed a stronger sense of relaxation through meditation with a group - the collective silence and focus circulating in a room of people takes on its own form of renewable energy.
For such a simple practice, Sahaja Yoga can be so rewarding, providing an instant gratification of heightened self-awareness in a matter of minutes. I would advise giving it more than one try before abandoning the path towards reaching a mental state of Awakening altogether; the positive results are internalized within oneself, but the benefits of Self-Realization will naturally spread unto others.
शांति
Karen Rockwood
Posted by rockwood at October 10, 2008 10:29 PM
Comments
I thought there were seven chakras. Oh well. I guess there are different ideas in different sects of whatever and whatever.
Do you find that visualizing your chakras in a specific place on your body allows you to concentrate more fervently upon it, or does it distract you from the idea that that chakra symbolizes?
Furthermore, do you find that you're more productive when meditating in groups when the group you're with is completely silent, or when that group has some sort of mantra or sound?
And finally, do you meditate for relaxation, or for mental clarity/"nirvana"? And, with that approach to meditation, what is your opinion of the practices of Zen Buddhism and its practicality in application for your personal goals?
Posted by: xgreen at October 15, 2008 03:20 PM
Alex,
Yes - it can be said that there are seven chakras. "The Void," which really is more of a transparent concept that surrounds the second and third chakra where one's stability resides, brings the count up to eight.
I find that focusing on the particular part of your body where the chakra is located really helps you concentrate on the functions of and stresses on that area. I find this to have the most powerful effect once you reach the Sahasrara Chakra (the top of your skull).
When participating in group meditation, most groups will have some light background noise (such as a Sahaja Yoga mediation audio cd). Some group sessions might also offer participants to borrow these audio cds in order to practice individually at home, or to share with others through the facilitation of their own group session.
Mostly, I meditate for mental clarity. I noticed that my stress shows up in the form of physical negativity - more so than emotional. Thus, when I work towards mental clarity, physically, my body can be relieved as well. Of course relaxation comes hand-in-hand with this process, but achieving mental clarity has a much more long-term effect during and after each session.
Posted by: rockwood at October 17, 2008 04:04 PM
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