Saturday, October 9, 2010
What is Sound Healing & How Does it Work
What Is Sound Healing? How Does It Work?
The power of sound touches and moves us deeply because we are vibrational beings in nature. Cultures the world over use sound to attune, invoke, and transform consciousness.
"Speech is the essence of humanity." All of what humanity thinks and ultimately becomes is determined by the expression of ideas and actions through speech (and its derivative, writing). Everything comes into being through speech. Ideas remain just as an idea until they are created through the power of speech.
Sound is a form of energy made up of vibrations that have the potential to heal while others can break glass. Mantras are syllables, words or phrases when repeated will bring an individual to a higher state of consciousness. They are sounds or energies that always existed in the Universe and cannot be created or destroyed.
Mantra repetition (or japa) provides you with a point to focus your mind. It also releases the energy that is encapsulated in that sound. The energy literally manifests itself, creating a specific thought pattern in the mind. Correct pronunciation is very important. With sincere practice, repetition of a mantra leads to pure thought where the sound vibration merges with the thought vibration and there is no awareness of meaning. This way, the mantra will lead you to true meditation.
What is a mantra?
The word "mantra" is derived from two Sanskrit words. The first is "manas" or "mind," which provides the "man" syllable. The second syllable is drawn from the Sanskrit word "trai" meaning to "protect" or to "free from." Therefore, the word mantra literally means "to free from the mind." Mantra is, at its core, a tool used by the mind, which eventually frees one from the fluctuations of the mind.
Mantras create thought-energy waves.
The human consciousness is really a collection of states of consciousness, which exist throughout the physical and subtle bodies. Each organ has a consciousness of its own. That consciousness allows it to perform functions specific to it. Then come the various systems. The cardiovascular system, the reproductive system and other systems have various organs or body parts working at slightly different stages of a single process. Like the organs, there is a primitive consciousness also associated with each system. And these are just within the physical body. Similar functions and states of consciousness exist within the subtle body as well. So individual organ consciousness is overlaid by system consciousness, overlaid again by subtle body counterparts and consciousness, and so on and so on.
The ego with its self-defined "I" ness assumes a pre-eminent state among the subtle disturbance of random, semi-conscious thoughts, which pulse through our organism. Of course, our organism can "pick up" the vibration of other organisms nearby. The result is that there are countless vibrations riding in and through the subconscious mind at any given time.
Mantras start a powerful vibration, which corresponds to both a specific spiritual energy frequency and a state of consciousness in seed form. Over time, the mantra process begins to override all of the other smaller vibrations, which eventually become absorbed by the mantra. After a length of time, which varies from individual to individual, the great wave of the mantra stills all other vibrations. Ultimately, the mantra produces a state where the organism vibrates at the rate completely in tune with the energy and spiritual state represented by and contained within the mantra.
At this point, a change of state occurs in the organism. The organism becomes subtly different. The person who becomes one with the state produced by the mantra is also coherent in a way which did not exist prior to the conscious undertaking of repetition of the mantra.
Mantras eventually quiet the mind and are an effective tool for meditation.
The power of sound touches and moves us deeply because we are vibrational beings in nature. Cultures the world over use sound to attune, invoke, and transform consciousness.
"Speech is the essence of humanity." All of what humanity thinks and ultimately becomes is determined by the expression of ideas and actions through speech (and its derivative, writing). Everything comes into being through speech. Ideas remain just as an idea until they are created through the power of speech.
Sound is a form of energy made up of vibrations that have the potential to heal while others can break glass. Mantras are syllables, words or phrases when repeated will bring an individual to a higher state of consciousness. They are sounds or energies that always existed in the Universe and cannot be created or destroyed.
Mantra repetition (or japa) provides you with a point to focus your mind. It also releases the energy that is encapsulated in that sound. The energy literally manifests itself, creating a specific thought pattern in the mind. Correct pronunciation is very important. With sincere practice, repetition of a mantra leads to pure thought where the sound vibration merges with the thought vibration and there is no awareness of meaning. This way, the mantra will lead you to true meditation.
What is a mantra?
The word "mantra" is derived from two Sanskrit words. The first is "manas" or "mind," which provides the "man" syllable. The second syllable is drawn from the Sanskrit word "trai" meaning to "protect" or to "free from." Therefore, the word mantra literally means "to free from the mind." Mantra is, at its core, a tool used by the mind, which eventually frees one from the fluctuations of the mind.
Mantras create thought-energy waves.
The human consciousness is really a collection of states of consciousness, which exist throughout the physical and subtle bodies. Each organ has a consciousness of its own. That consciousness allows it to perform functions specific to it. Then come the various systems. The cardiovascular system, the reproductive system and other systems have various organs or body parts working at slightly different stages of a single process. Like the organs, there is a primitive consciousness also associated with each system. And these are just within the physical body. Similar functions and states of consciousness exist within the subtle body as well. So individual organ consciousness is overlaid by system consciousness, overlaid again by subtle body counterparts and consciousness, and so on and so on.
The ego with its self-defined "I" ness assumes a pre-eminent state among the subtle disturbance of random, semi-conscious thoughts, which pulse through our organism. Of course, our organism can "pick up" the vibration of other organisms nearby. The result is that there are countless vibrations riding in and through the subconscious mind at any given time.
Mantras start a powerful vibration, which corresponds to both a specific spiritual energy frequency and a state of consciousness in seed form. Over time, the mantra process begins to override all of the other smaller vibrations, which eventually become absorbed by the mantra. After a length of time, which varies from individual to individual, the great wave of the mantra stills all other vibrations. Ultimately, the mantra produces a state where the organism vibrates at the rate completely in tune with the energy and spiritual state represented by and contained within the mantra.
At this point, a change of state occurs in the organism. The organism becomes subtly different. The person who becomes one with the state produced by the mantra is also coherent in a way which did not exist prior to the conscious undertaking of repetition of the mantra.
Mantras eventually quiet the mind and are an effective tool for meditation.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga - The Concept
The word Karma is derived from the Sanskrit Kri, meaning 'to do'. In its most basic sense karma simply means action, and yoga translates to union. Thus Karma yoga literally translates to the path of union through action. However, in Vedantic philosophy the word 'Karma' means both action and the effects of such action. Karma Yoga is described as a way of acting, thinking and willing by which one orients oneself toward realization by acting in accordance with one's duty (dharma) without consideration of personal self-centered desires, likes or dislikes. Acting without being attached to the fruits of one's deeds.
In my previous post, I wrote a letter in regards to a project, rather an expansion of a current project. My Partner and our Founder of our non profit organization, Buddham Yoga International, Yogi Amitram ji, while visiting Canada, we coordinated a clothing drive to India which is currently in progress.
In his last days, we were tying up some loose ends with the logistics of this project. I shall refrain from over using the word project. It is a project but more importantly, it is Service. During those last days, while picking up a hoodie with fur in the hood (you can read the full story in the previous blog) I was inspired to start something else in conjunction with the clothes drive by organizing a cap knitting campaign to keep the heads warm of those who are in need with or without shelter, often there is no heating and we can cover the body with clothes, blankets, sometimes even - I have seen this - newspapers - but the head needs to be covered as that is where we loose most of our body heat. As I am typing this - more information is being downloaded to me....the feet and the hands...another portal for energy release. So maybe this can expand to mits and socks. But one thing at a time; right?
"Karma Yoga is the selfless devotion of all inner as well as the outer activities as a Sacrifice to the Lord of all works, offered to the eternal as Master of all the soul's energies and austerities."
Bhagavad Gita
Whatever you have to do, just do your best. If you know of a better way to serve, you must use do it. Don't hold back because of fear of effort or because of fear of criticism. Do not work in a lazy manner just because no one is watching or because you feel the work is not for you. Give it your best. Try to do such actions that can bring maximum good and minimum evil. Do Karma Yoga increasingly. Don't be attached to the results. Don't be attached to the job. All jobs are importantly equal. There is no job higher or lower.
We all have our own paths to follow but if you look deeply into your lives...you are probably practicing karma yoga already. Parent's do so with their children every day. Isn't parenting a labour of love? I know sometimes the rewards aren't exactly what we expected...I know...I am a parent of a teenager...but that is not why we love and parent and guide our children, feed them, clothe them, take care of them. Other examples are volunteers, even in our own day to day jobs.
But...there is that something extra that many long inside some of us. The need to be doing something. So just do it. Anything! Plant a seedling in a deforested area. Serve at a homeless shelter...run a community bake sale or yard sale to raise funds for your local community programs. In the end...it makes one feel so good.
When we work with devotion. It is a selfless service. It comes right from the heart. No mind. Just doing. You will feel so free!
The word Karma is derived from the Sanskrit Kri, meaning 'to do'. In its most basic sense karma simply means action, and yoga translates to union. Thus Karma yoga literally translates to the path of union through action. However, in Vedantic philosophy the word 'Karma' means both action and the effects of such action. Karma Yoga is described as a way of acting, thinking and willing by which one orients oneself toward realization by acting in accordance with one's duty (dharma) without consideration of personal self-centered desires, likes or dislikes. Acting without being attached to the fruits of one's deeds.
In my previous post, I wrote a letter in regards to a project, rather an expansion of a current project. My Partner and our Founder of our non profit organization, Buddham Yoga International, Yogi Amitram ji, while visiting Canada, we coordinated a clothing drive to India which is currently in progress.
In his last days, we were tying up some loose ends with the logistics of this project. I shall refrain from over using the word project. It is a project but more importantly, it is Service. During those last days, while picking up a hoodie with fur in the hood (you can read the full story in the previous blog) I was inspired to start something else in conjunction with the clothes drive by organizing a cap knitting campaign to keep the heads warm of those who are in need with or without shelter, often there is no heating and we can cover the body with clothes, blankets, sometimes even - I have seen this - newspapers - but the head needs to be covered as that is where we loose most of our body heat. As I am typing this - more information is being downloaded to me....the feet and the hands...another portal for energy release. So maybe this can expand to mits and socks. But one thing at a time; right?
"Karma Yoga is the selfless devotion of all inner as well as the outer activities as a Sacrifice to the Lord of all works, offered to the eternal as Master of all the soul's energies and austerities."
Bhagavad Gita
Whatever you have to do, just do your best. If you know of a better way to serve, you must use do it. Don't hold back because of fear of effort or because of fear of criticism. Do not work in a lazy manner just because no one is watching or because you feel the work is not for you. Give it your best. Try to do such actions that can bring maximum good and minimum evil. Do Karma Yoga increasingly. Don't be attached to the results. Don't be attached to the job. All jobs are importantly equal. There is no job higher or lower.
We all have our own paths to follow but if you look deeply into your lives...you are probably practicing karma yoga already. Parent's do so with their children every day. Isn't parenting a labour of love? I know sometimes the rewards aren't exactly what we expected...I know...I am a parent of a teenager...but that is not why we love and parent and guide our children, feed them, clothe them, take care of them. Other examples are volunteers, even in our own day to day jobs.
But...there is that something extra that many long inside some of us. The need to be doing something. So just do it. Anything! Plant a seedling in a deforested area. Serve at a homeless shelter...run a community bake sale or yard sale to raise funds for your local community programs. In the end...it makes one feel so good.
When we work with devotion. It is a selfless service. It comes right from the heart. No mind. Just doing. You will feel so free!
Wool for Warmth ~ Knitting for Need
Dear Friends;
Through the kind donations of clothing, monetary contributions and other item for our Clothes Drive India, an inspiration came to me one day when Amitram and I were in the process of putting this all together before he went back to India.
I came across a sweatshirt zipped hoodie which had a fleece lining in the hood and I thought; "how awesome is that"!
...
You see, in the chilly months in India; central heating is something not very often seen even in the best of situation due to the fact that most of the time there is no need for that, but in the northern areas of India during those months, it can get pretty cold at night and space heaters are often used and woolen caps. During those months between November and February, it is not unusual to see people with wool caps and toques on especially at night and in the early mornings until the sun warms up.
Having said this, I thought back to the clothes drive and thought if people need clothes to cover their bodies (in all seasons) but in the winter, what about the head. We can be covered up to the neck with blankets and like I said, even in the best of situations, the head and face gets really cold. I know - I have been there! But I was blessed to be in a position to have a space heater.
So this is where my inspiration comes in - a simple idea from a donated hoodie with fur in the hood; why not extend the drive to send warm hats.
Now there is where the fun part begins. I thought of the kind volunteers in our society that knit caps and donate them to hospitals for babies and chemotherapy patients. They are free for patients of the hospitals, clinics, etc.
This is where we need your help and suggestions.
The Dream:
1)To collect yarn and other items required for knitting hopefully by donation by contacting yarn companies or to purchase yarn through raising of funds.
2) To collect :-) and have volunteers at their own time and pace (those who can and like to knit) knit caps off all shapes sizes and colours. Have fun. Be creative!
3) Off they go to India (and maybe one day across the globe) and lest not forget our homeless right here in the West. Our winter is around the corner and we all know what that is like.
We have been fortunate enough to have this covered by local paper media to get the word out and any participation on your behalf would be most helpful. If you can knit, great. If not, you can help in other ways by spreading the word, collecting yard and getting it to the volunteers, finding volunteers. We need your help.
Everything starts from a thought. We are also looking for a name for this project. I have come up with Caps for Comfort, or Wool for Warmth but we are open to all suggestions. I keep thinking of that little grey hoodie that set the light bulb off over my head. That grey hoodie is now in India and will be one of the first pieces to be donating through Amitram.
This is making me feel all warm and fuzzy.
So...what do you think? Can we do this? Yes we can!
Looking forward to your response.
NOTE: You need not be from our local area of Caledon, Ontario Canada to participate. Our home base is here but anyone, anywhere can do this. We will manage the logistics from this end.
Warm regards
Rita
Rei of Light Yoga
Buddham Yoga International
Through the kind donations of clothing, monetary contributions and other item for our Clothes Drive India, an inspiration came to me one day when Amitram and I were in the process of putting this all together before he went back to India.
I came across a sweatshirt zipped hoodie which had a fleece lining in the hood and I thought; "how awesome is that"!
...
You see, in the chilly months in India; central heating is something not very often seen even in the best of situation due to the fact that most of the time there is no need for that, but in the northern areas of India during those months, it can get pretty cold at night and space heaters are often used and woolen caps. During those months between November and February, it is not unusual to see people with wool caps and toques on especially at night and in the early mornings until the sun warms up.
Having said this, I thought back to the clothes drive and thought if people need clothes to cover their bodies (in all seasons) but in the winter, what about the head. We can be covered up to the neck with blankets and like I said, even in the best of situations, the head and face gets really cold. I know - I have been there! But I was blessed to be in a position to have a space heater.
So this is where my inspiration comes in - a simple idea from a donated hoodie with fur in the hood; why not extend the drive to send warm hats.
Now there is where the fun part begins. I thought of the kind volunteers in our society that knit caps and donate them to hospitals for babies and chemotherapy patients. They are free for patients of the hospitals, clinics, etc.
This is where we need your help and suggestions.
The Dream:
1)To collect yarn and other items required for knitting hopefully by donation by contacting yarn companies or to purchase yarn through raising of funds.
2) To collect :-) and have volunteers at their own time and pace (those who can and like to knit) knit caps off all shapes sizes and colours. Have fun. Be creative!
3) Off they go to India (and maybe one day across the globe) and lest not forget our homeless right here in the West. Our winter is around the corner and we all know what that is like.
We have been fortunate enough to have this covered by local paper media to get the word out and any participation on your behalf would be most helpful. If you can knit, great. If not, you can help in other ways by spreading the word, collecting yard and getting it to the volunteers, finding volunteers. We need your help.
Everything starts from a thought. We are also looking for a name for this project. I have come up with Caps for Comfort, or Wool for Warmth but we are open to all suggestions. I keep thinking of that little grey hoodie that set the light bulb off over my head. That grey hoodie is now in India and will be one of the first pieces to be donating through Amitram.
This is making me feel all warm and fuzzy.
So...what do you think? Can we do this? Yes we can!
Looking forward to your response.
NOTE: You need not be from our local area of Caledon, Ontario Canada to participate. Our home base is here but anyone, anywhere can do this. We will manage the logistics from this end.
Warm regards
Rita
Rei of Light Yoga
Buddham Yoga International
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Yoga is Community or is it Really?
As I go through my yoga teacher life trying to make a go at making a living doing what I love, I see more and more it is all about the business. Even in arenas where there are venues to support the "yoga community", I see so many contradictions and road blocks. I am all for supporting the local community, whether it be Toronto, Canada, or wherever as we have all great talent to cultivate but at the same time there is a paradox. Yoga again like I said in my last blog is union. According to some venues, some of us aren't famous enough, some of us teach outside of the mainstream asanas (the fitness of yoga - the poses - we actually like to include the rest of yoga), so they don't want that either (well a few actually succeed at it), we are outside of the geographical area, and so on. The environment ' out there ' seems not conducive at times to the yoga community. Seems quite selective to me. But I do want to give props out there to the other teachers that are supportive. Like myself, they believe in supporting one another. I find these organizations that claim to support the yoga community actually creating limits and boundaries which in turns hurts the teacher and practitioner from growing; creating a yoga teacher typecast so to speak. They need massive sponsorships and have to set paramaters I guess from things getting wacky I guess...who knows....Hari OM
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)