Tag: thought

Biostrata ….. continues 6

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Now the true nature of development is taking place. Between the Sensory Stratum and that of the Godhead, rests the Spiritual Stratum.

As shown already, the trend is ever upwards as the units of one stratum come together to form units in a higher stratum. Just as the cells join to form human bodies, human bodies also join and unite to form spiritual units.

The spiritual stratum is perhaps the most complex of all the Biostrata for the human bodies from the sensory stratum unite in specialized groups to form a plethora of interrelated unit types, those such as ‘family’ which is first in the field of spiritual unit types what with its genetic bonds and those qualities of unique loyalty. Then coming up closely behind the family unit is the vast and ever-widening racial unit. There are far less racial units than family units in the Spiritual Stratum and here is where complexity kicks in even more so for both family and racial units are dependent upon each other for their components (human bodies) and therein lies the fact that each race becomes composed of a greater number of families because more and more we find families belonging to more than one race.  Parents of differing races come together to make new families. Atop of all this we then have the multi-complex combining of units via nations, cultural societies, religion and religious organizations, politics and political groups, idealists and their seedlings.  Despite all of this mixed up overlapping, the spiritual intelligence is of the highest order, it is the link between the sensory (human) intelligence and the godhead infallible. Spiritual intelligence is infallible at its very best and far more reliable than sensory intelligence at its very worst.

Again, reverting to your triangle Biostrata diagram you will see that the Spiritual Stratum is but one step from the Godhead Infallible.  But what is infallibility?

The Godhead holds ‘exclusive’ rights to infallibility, being the most elevated level of intelligence. Being at the most elevated level of intelligence is always by courtesy of the Godhead for the complete Biostrata is an extension of the Godhead. All essential and absolute qualities for Life becoming ever more fallible and as yet, less vital as disintegration and dissipation co-exist in ever readiness to dilute existence back to the basic Pranic stratum, and as such behaviour and intelligence and all extensions exist only as an inert promise to great propensity.

Within the Biostrata, there are three possible states to existence and they are Life, Stagnation and Deterioration.

True Life exists when progress within the Biostrata is in upward motion, moving toward the Godhead. Any movement in the opposite downward motion is a resulting deterioration, life diminishing descent toward death. Stagnation is the state of there being such an enormous variety of inanimate substances present in the Universe about us. Inhibiting influence causes stagnation within a stratum, almost stopping the upward trend of the Life-state. Life forms from every level of evolution all play a role appropriate to its biostrata status and all of these so to contribute to the ascendance or descendance through life and death.

Life status is an ascent, Death status is from descent but stagnation occurs in an outward direction on a horizontal plane. All interact and influence each other and this can have a stabilizing effect but also ensures no single state can gain supremacy without a struggle.  Life is indeed a struggle, a continual battle against Stagnation and Death.  But deterioration does not just happen, it is brought on by units failing to resist the lure of stagnation. Instead of resisting stagnation, those units who collaborate will eventually lose their vitality and thus must surrender to Deterioration.

Dependent upon which state is exerting the greater influence at the time when stagnation is allowed to succeed on one particular level will rely heavily on whether Life continues or Death ensues and from this we can learn that Stagnation means remaining too long with the bounds of one stratum.

You will see this clearly in this so-called civilized world that there is far too much stagnation. Within the consciousness of almost every human being there is a choice to stay outbound in direction over the whole of the Sensory (mind) stratum of the Biostrata rather than continuing to expand upwards to the Spiritual Stratum and eventually the Godhead. Stagnating in the Sensory Stratum not only increases the struggle for existence but it so weakens life’s upward ‘thrust’ too – as a result, Deterioration’s chances of gaining supremacy greatly improve.

One of the biggest and most valuable lessons to learn from this piece of knowledge is that the most successful, wholesome form of life and living can be experienced whilst ascending the Biostrata. It would be most prudent to seek avoidance from stagnation and deterioration. Remembering that all of this applies to the impermanent Self (the bodily vehicle) for the Essential Self moves in one direction only, and that is toward Godhead enlightenment.

We have only to resist Stagnation in order to deter and delay Deterioration and prolong life as the impermanent Self thus hastening the Essential Self’s ascent to the ultimate haven of spiritual bliss – the Godhead.

 

 

Yoga Nature

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Yoga is a Science. It is an Art. It is an Order to which every boy and girl, man and woman can adhere toward in their lifetime to become healthy and whole.  Dedication, discipline and direction are all required to bring oneself from infancy to healthy normal maturity.  During all stages of growth, maintenance of one’s general health and well-being requires self-control and perseverance.  An understanding of the self will lead to the development of mind body unification and ultimately physical welfare.  The science of Yoga encompasses all aspects of ‘how to’ gain a normal state of health. It is profound, there are foundations to be laid, it is a way of life.

The fundamental birthplace of Yoga teaches the path of a natural mode of living.  On this modern planet in which we inhabit, this can prove challenging. Can we return to ‘Nature’?  Have we time to turn our view away from the dazzling mad rush of modern civilisation? Fashion and Social ambition demeans and befools us. In short, it controls us. The repercussions thereafter, obliterate us.  In the cradle of Yoga, one can receive nourishment, warmth and protection. In your Yoga practice you gain first, nature, second, nature, third, nature.  A return to whence it began.

The ordinary way, true earth, natural magnetism, is still with us.  The most vigorous races of the world still live, still inhabit this wondrous earth, as they have done for centuries.  They require little other than what nature gives. This last remaining vital force is bestowed on us all.

Attention now, to the self, is inherent.  It is how nature, and all living beings, will survive.  Observation and awareness to ‘natural magnetism’ and ‘vitality’ will teach all that a Yoga Nature and the answers therein, will show earth’s way.  The Earth is like a battery, charged with magnetism and ready and willing to give forth its strength to all beings. Apply the ‘test of nature’ to all theory and know that it has valuable ‘order’ and is a trusted friend.

Seeking to maintain a healthy, normal, natural body? Assume the title of ‘Yogi’, reverse the trend of ignorance, and endeavour to lead the Yogi plan of physical life.

One can be loyal, as far as possible, to the continuous practice of Yoga, in order to gain insight and experience of Nature’s plans and methods. All systems and techniques within Yoga will indicate how to reach normal functions of the body.  With this adherence followed, a natural state of health and well-being can be achieved.  Yoga’s key note is ‘Health’ and its main purpose is to help all conform to a standard of healthy living.  That which keeps a human healthy can make an unhealthy human healthy.  Yoga (and all branches thereof) exploits a sane, natural, normal and healthy manner of living, and if followed, will benefit all. Yoga stays close to nature and advocates a return to natural methods of life in preference of those which mislead us into obliteration.

Yoga will demand your attention and observation and will teach you how to take command over your rebellious self. Yoga will call to action your responsiveness, your ‘will’, and will show you how to do everything you can to achieve health and well-being.  Yoga will re-ignite your belief in the Intelligence behind all Life. Engagement with the great Life Principle will allow us to survive, to all be well within our bodies.

Put your yearning for something new into Yoga practice; through this you will get a good fair start on the road to the knowledge you seek.

Hatha Yoga / Styles

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Regardless of your age and/or level of fitness you can find a style of Hatha Yoga that will appeal and be most appropriate for your particular body and/or personality. Throughout all styles of Hatha Yoga, basic asanas (postures) and pranayamas (breathing exercises) remain the same, however it is within their order, how they are approached and where attention is focused that differentiates them. The emphasis may be on the postures, the breath, the rhythmic movements, the philosophy or a combination of non-exhaustive factors. There will always be the specific characteristics which reflect any particular teacher’s approach too. All styles and all teachers have their own personalities and it is about finding one which suits you.

Ananda Yoga ~ this method combines physical and spiritual with its purpose to clear and energize the systems of your body in preparation for meditation. Every posture looks toward expanding or heightening self-awareness. It is enhanced through affirmations which are a distinctive feature of this system. This style utilizes series of poses called ‘energization exercises’ which involve tensing and relaxing different parts of the body synchronised with breathing exercises to send energy to all parts. There is emphasis placed on relaxing deeply into the poses reflecting the intention that Hatha Yoga is a preparation for meditation.

Ashtanga Yoga ~ this yoga system is a rigorous practice and can be compared with the training of an elite athlete. There are 240 postures done in six successive series which are all linked by the breath (vinyasa flow). This style of Hatha Yoga represents the most intensive form with its purpose to create heat which in turn produces a cleansing/detoxifying effect on the body. There are equal emphasis placed on strength, flexibility and stamina within Ashtanga practice (also known as ‘Power Yoga’).

Integral Yoga ~ this combines all paths of yoga to benefit all aspects of the individual. One approach is made through asana (postures), pranayama (controlled breathing), selfless study, chanting, prayer, meditation and self-inquiry. Integral Yoga is more meditative than anatomical. This approach encourages one to be ‘at ease in body, peaceful in mind and useful in life’.

Iyengar Yoga ~ this is probably the most widely known technique of Hatha Yoga and is prescribed by yoga master B.K.S Iyengar. It is rigorously scientific and therapeutic and concentrates on alignment, correcting those structural imbalances of the physical body. One will pay close attention to the placement of hands, feet and pelvis as well as gaining alignment of the spine and appendicular frame (arms and legs). There is much attention to detail within Iyengar Yoga and props (wooden blocks, belts, straps, blankets, bolsters) are made available to assist in achieving great symmetry of the skeletal frame and progressing in extension within the posture.

Kripalu Yoga ~ this style of Yoga has been described as ‘meditation in motion’.  There is less concern with the structural detail of the poses more rather how the student feels mentally and emotionally whilst holding the posture. This style encourages a gentle, compassionate and introspective approach and due to the nature of holding the position for a longer time, it helps the practitioner to explore and release any emotional/spiritual obstructions. There are 3 stages to this style of practice, willful practice, will and surrender and surrendering to the body’s wisdom. There are differing intensities offered, gentle, moderate and vigorous. On top of all of this there is spontaneity encouraged through sequences of postures and too in individual postures to be guided by the body’s internal awareness.

Kundalini Yoga ~ this is the ancient practice which is designed to unlock and bring forth the reservoir of energy located deep within the base of the spine. The use of breath, posture, chanting and meditation are all encouraged to stimulate and consciously awaken the ‘kundalini’ through the chakras of energy centres positioned along the spine. The most common breathing exercises to be emphasised are : alternate nostril breathing, diaphragmatic breathing and a dynamic technique called ‘breath of fire’.

Sivananda Yoga ~ this style of Hatha Yoga incorporates a 5 point method of practice. It includes proper exercise, breathing, deep relaxation, vegetarian diet and positive thinking and meditation. The practice herein follows a routine of breathing exercises, sun salutations, a series of postures and then relaxation. Short Mantra chants and prayers will always begin and end each class.

Viniyoga ~ this style is ‘middle of the road’ between exacting Iyengar Yoga and demanding Ashtanga Yoga. Its basis is within the realm of ‘organized course of yoga study’.  There is the combination of asana, pranayama, meditation, text study, counselling, prayer, ritual, chanting and using the powers of imagination. There is a tailoring of the postures to the physical needs of the individual student, the emotional needs and also the cultural heritage. Breathing is considered to be one of the most important parts of the movement and inhalations and exhalations are consciously coordinated and articulated in varying length and ratios. This style of yoga is tutorial on a private one-to-one basis.

Bikram Yoga ~ this style is also known as ‘hot yoga’ for it is practiced within temperatures of 80 degrees or more (supplemented by a humidifier). The 90 minute class consists of 26 hatha yoga postures repeated twice over and there is a pranayama exercise at the beginning and the end of the session. A brief relaxation concludes the class. This style of yoga is exhilarating and an excellent routine for the physically and mentally fit.

 

The Art of Tantric Sex

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tantric sex is meditative, spontaneous and intimate lovemaking … through it you learn to prolong the act of making love and to channel rather than dissipate, potent orgasmic energies moving through you, thereby raising the level of your consciousness ……

tantra transports your sexuality from the plane of doing to the plane of being

there is no goal in tantric sex, only the present moment of perfect and harmonious union … tantra teaches you to revere your sexual partner and to transform the act of sex into a sacrament of love ………….

tantra teaches that lovemaking between a woman and man when entered into with awareness, is a gateway to both sexual and spiritual ecstasy

tantrikas view sexual energy as a divine, all-encompassing life force that sleeps within the individual, permeates the universe, and affects everything we do from birth to death … as sexual beings, we have the ability to raise that energy within ourselves and use it to directly experience alternate or mystical states of consciousness … in effect, we become ‘goddesses’ or ‘gods’; our bodies transformed into temples of female and male divinity

Swadhaya through Pranayama

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Our breathing not only connects us with the outer world, but it also connects our body, mind, emotions and spirit. Sit quietly with eyes closed and spine erect but supple.  Begin to relax more and more into this very simple posture. Simply follow the breath going in and out of one’s nose. Then follow the actual movement of the air into and out of the lungs. Observe the body and sense where the breath is taking place. Does it take place in the shoulders, the chest or the lower abdomen? Do your shoulders go up when you inhale? does your belly go out or in? Do you feel your breathing in your ribs, your back and your pelvis? As you sense your breathing, are your inhalations and exhalations taking place evenly and harmoniously or do they seem to pull in one direction or another? What tensions do you feel? What does your breathing ‘sound’ like? As you sense the location of your breath, do you feel peaceful, agitated, angry, joyful, sad, bored or wilful? Are you being stubborn or rigid in your thinking? What are you thinking and feeling?

In addition, at the more advanced levels of this work with breathing, one can even sense a certain quality of energy that seems to enter with each breath, and one can follow the movement of this energy in one’s body. The purpose here is simply to observe – not to analyze, judge or manipulate.

Do self-study at least 20 minutes at the beginning of each day.

PSYCHOLOGY (part 1)

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Psychology is the study of the mind. It is a vast and complex subject.

Here, we deal with the mind in general, in a very straightforward, easy-to-understand study.

THE MiND

Mind is tangible. It consists mainly of thoughts, ideas, reasoning, awareness, perceptions, concepts, memories. It is creative, calculating, scheming, imaginative. Although completely non-material and non-physical, mind is a kind of receptacle for everything one experiences throughout life.

UNCONSCIOUS MIND

In order to give a little substance to mind, let us, in imagination construct a working model – a representation of mind in symbolic form. Firstly, imagine a sphere, the solid interior of which represents the Unconscious Mind: that part of mind which is normally inaccessible: that part of mind which contains a complete record of all past experience.

SUBCONSCIOUS MIND

The surface of the sphere can represent the Subconscious Mind. The subconscious, although accessible, functions in a very special way – secretive and somewhat obscure. It deals with a continuous influx of impressions drawn in from every direction. As long as the impressions continue to strike the surface of the sphere (sub-conscious) in darkness, they occur as subconscious impressions, incapable of entering consciousness.

Using the imagination once again, imagine a dense population of ‘tiny men’ covering the entire surface of the sphere (subconscious). These ‘tiny men’ represent Subconscious Response to the continuous influx of impressions and are of course influenced by all impressions that reach the subconscious.

Each impression acts as a stimulus, and each stimulus demands some kind of response. A response coming from a group of ‘tiny men’ receiving an impression, could be negative or positive. If positive, it could be either Instinctive or Conditioned. The ability to respond instinctively is inherent in humans from before birth, whereas conditioned responses are the outcome of training or learning (conditioning).

The ‘tiny men’ are most obedient; but they lack such faculties as initiative, reason etc. They are only able to respond as they have always responded to stimuli. In fact, it could be said that they represent that motivating force known as Habit.

CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE CONSCIOUS MIND

Now practically all that has so far been mentioned has been to do with the unconscious and the subconscious. What then of the Conscious Mind and Consciousness?

If we use the imagination yet again and imagine a helicopter of convenient size, in flight around the sphere, at a distance from the sphere’s surface (subconscious) and imagine also, a searchlight fixed to the underside of the helicopter, its beam of light scanning the activities of the ‘tiny men’, then we shall have a fair representation of consciousness. As for the conscious mind, of which consciousness is a part, that can be best represented by the helicopter, its equipment and crew members.

the following explains exactly what each symbol represents:

HELICOPTER – several crew members occupy the helicopter. The Pilot represents the Will, whereas other crew members represent various faculties of the conscious mind such as Reason, Logic, Decision etc

SEARCHLIGHT BEAM – the beam of light from the searchlight represents Attention and can be moved by the helicopter to illuminate any part of the surface of the sphere (subconscious) within its focus

ILLUMINATED AREA – the ‘populated’ area of the sphere’s surface illuminated by the beam of light from the searchlight, represents Consciousness.