Practices

Yoga ~ Samkhya Philosophy ~ Asana ~ Bandha ~ Chanting

~ Concentration ~ Dharma ~ Diet ~ Japa ~ Kriyas ~ Meditation

~ Philosophy ~ Pranayama ~ Visualisation

Yoga

Many think of yoga to be simply postures or asanas. In fact, it is a rich philosophy and encompasses all of the techniques listed above. A good teacher should be well versed in these and take into account other factors such as: desired effect, diet, season, cosmological influences, moon phase, life stage and time of day. Techniques should be blended uniquely for each individual practitioner to balance their personal constitution- to be centred. These practices should be integrated into daily life.

Samkhya philosophy

states that we are a mix of elements that make up the universe. Simply put, balancing them is believed to facilitate enlightenment. My natural strength of individualisation allows me to see the characteristics of others. I have never taught a one size fits all class. Within a class we work on the same or similar practices, with individual adaptations and or substitutions. I often teach one to one classes, as is traditional in India. The purpose of a teacher should be to empower the student to learn about themselves and support themselves. It should be about empowerment, never dependency.

Traditionally, these practices are not considered physical exercises like a class at the gym. They are spiritual. The body would be cleansed in preparation. Essential oils would be applied to support the body mind and spirit during practice and offered to relevant deities. Following the practice any sweat, and remaining oils would be rubbed in, so the body can reabsorb minerals, salts and valuable compounds. As the body was clean and free from microbes there should be no smell. 

I studied Hinduism and Buddhism at The School of Oriental and African Studies. It was fascinating, but intellectual and left me lacking. Practicing in the AHYMSIN and Himalayan Institute traditions really took my religio-philosophical understanding to a deeper level on an experiential level.  Long retreats with daily programmes of asana, bandha, concentration, dharma, diet, japa, kriyas, meditation, mindfulness, mudras, philosophy, pranayama, visualisation.


Similarly, In Plum Village and Tushita in Mcloed Gange, a daily schedule meditation, mindful movement, walking, dharma discussion, dharma family work, deep relaxation etc provides a dharmic way of life. Thich Nhat Hanh regularly expressed the need for experience and practice over the intellectual pursuit of knowledge.

Breathe you are alive      

Peace is in every step

Practices:

  • Asana means posture.

    Postures are used traditionally to maintain balance and prepare for meditation practice. There are a huge number of postures that originate in texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Siva Samhitha.

    Although fast vinyasa practice with extreme challenging postures looks impressive and has its place, often what people need is to lie down in calming and nourishing asanas for longer periods of time. One of my teachers once joked that in any city you should advertise fast challenging vinyasa classes, lock the doors and make everyone lie down and just stop competing!

  • Bandha means lock.

    The most commonly known and practiced locks are made by using sphincter muscles in the body. These locks can provide stability in asana practice, but also energetically manipulate energy by stoping, locking, increasing and disseminating its flow.

  • Chanting is something that happens in all traditions.

    There are just so so many chants. Om is the oldest known chant. It is first recorded in the Rg Veda dating from 1500-1000 BCE. The Rg Veda states that Om is the sound or vibration that all existence arises from. The first vibration and the sound of Mother Earth herself. In the Bible Genesis talks of the ‘word’ and of the ‘light’. Science talks of the Big Bang an explosion of sorts that would have probably emanated light, sound and vibration. 

    Om is very beautiful and engages all our senses. The importance of all chants are to set an intention, but it must be accomplished with a clear methodology and feeling. 

  • Concentration is the precursor to meditation.

    It is when you bring your mind into mindful or one pointed focus. Many tools can be utilised to support this process, such as focusing on a candle, or the breath.

  • Dharma in Buddhism means the Buddha’s teachings in Hinduism it relates to your duty.

    Both inform how one should act and behave. 

  • Traditionally, food has always been used as medicine.

    Both my grandparents grew their own food and used it to nourish themselves and make medicinal items. Chinese and Indian traditions do the same. They have foods for general health, but also to balance the elements that make up our constitution. Oils can be added as part of this regime.  

  • This is repetition of a mantra.

    This can be done aloud or in ones head. As with chanting the vibrational intention is beneficial. 

  • These are purification practices.

    In many ways all practices can be considered to be purifying. However, the group of practices that are often sited are generally physically cleansing, such as using a neti pot. 

  • This is a state when there is a cessation of thoughts.

  • ‘The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence, especially when considered an academic discipline.’

    Oxford languages

    In the Hindu Traditions there are 6 main Schools. As I have said Samkhya is the philosophy that links Hindu tradition to Buddhist and  Ayurveda. 

    Many scriptures in numerous traditions discuss the difference between knowledge attained by revelation and that which is taught.

  • These are different methods to manipulate the breath in order to achieve different energetic and physical results.

  • The use of visual images, either real, representations, or imagined, to alter the practitioner’s state of mind.

    All traditions use nature to connect to the ultimate. Plum Village Mindfulness practice or Zen Forest Bathing are good examples. Representations could be artists impressions of a variety of things, varying from life like to images of the divine or geometric patterns. When chanting colours and shapes may arise.