Practice from Wellington with MM Vivekpuri
The body is the foundation for calming the mind. A restless mind creates a restless body, just as boiling water makes a pot shake. Yoga aims to still these thought waves, citta-vṛtti, to reveal the true self within. Directly calming the mind is difficult, so we begin with the body. Through āsanas and movement, we influence the mind toward stillness. Awareness of the breath is a scientific method; focusing on it activates brain centers for relaxation. Each posture is an experiment in awareness, balancing the body and mind. This mindful practice is itself a form of meditation.
"Yogaḥ Citta Vṛtti Nirodhaḥ... yoga starts when we calm down this citta-vṛtti, these thought waves."
"When we are aware of our breathing process... immediately after a few seconds... you will become more and more relaxed."
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Practice from Wellington with MM Vivekpuri
The body is the foundation for calming the mind. A restless mind creates a restless body, just as boiling water makes a pot shake. Yoga aims to still these thought waves, citta-vṛtti, to reveal the true self within. Directly calming the mind is difficult, so we begin with the body. Through āsanas and movement, we influence the mind toward stillness. Awareness of the breath is a scientific method; focusing on it activates brain centers for relaxation. Each posture is an experiment in awareness, balancing the body and mind. This mindful practice is itself a form of meditation.
"Yogaḥ Citta Vṛtti Nirodhaḥ... yoga starts when we calm down this citta-vṛtti, these thought waves."
"When we are aware of our breathing process... immediately after a few seconds... you will become more and more relaxed."
Rules and regulations are important
Sādhana rests upon four essential principles: conduct, thought, diet, and recreation.
Discipline in behavior is paramount, encompassing punctuality and consideration. Thought must be guarded, as exchanging distracting thoughts creates disturbances within the mind and intellect, leading to afflictions and obstacles. Therefore, many masters impose strict silence during practice. Such rigorous retreats, even for corporate leaders, serve as treatments for stress and psychic turmoil by forcing confrontation with internal heat and agitation, which are then calmed by the Master's guidance. Personal transformation through consistent practice affects one's entire environment, bringing peace to relationships. The essence is to speak only what is necessary, avoiding idle talk. Adherence to these principles of conduct, thought, moderate eating, and mindful activity forms the foundation of successful spiritual practice.
"Exchanging your thoughts will disturb you, definitely. Because such thoughts in sādhana create vikṣepa."
"Speak what is necessary. That’s very important for sādhana."
The Purifying Path of Haṭha Yoga: An Introduction to Ṣaṭkarma
Haṭha Yoga's essence is the six purification techniques, or Ṣaṭkarma, for cleansing the body and balancing energy. Our polluted modern environment necessitates these natural cleansings using water, salt, and air. These practices purify the physical system and uniquely influence the vegetative nervous system, which is typically beyond our control. The goal is to balance the Iḍā and Piṅgalā energy channels, allowing the central Suṣumnā to flow. This mastery brings many benefits, fostering willpower and overcoming inertia. Regular purification, especially during seasonal changes, removes metabolic waste that causes illness and stagnation, keeping energy flowing. Specific techniques like Netī cleanse the nasal passages, while Agni Sāra and Naulī stoke the digestive fire. These are potent tools that require proper guidance from an experienced teacher regarding the correct method and timing.
"Haṭha Yoga is not only that we clean and purify our whole system, our whole body, but it also has a great, very great effect on our nervous system, especially the vegetative nervous system."
"When they are balanced, then the third one, the Suṣumnā Nāḍī, will start to flow."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Preparation for advanced postures
Preparing the body and mind is essential for Kriyānuṣṭhāna. Discipline is required, not all must perform advanced postures like a handstand. A foundational requirement is the ability to sit motionless for a minimum of one hour, cultivating kāya-sthairyam for a steady mind. Physical preparation over a year is needed, focusing on postures like the half and full butterfly to increase flexibility in the hamstrings and hips. Practice must be done correctly, prioritizing the quality of movement over quantity. The goal is to coordinate body and breath, leading to awareness and inner experience. Yoga integrates body, breath, and mind for peace and harmony.
"Now yoga begins with anuśāsanam, which means discipline. No discipline, no success."
"Our mind is like water in our body. When you move your body, your mind also moves."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
