Vastu, which means “science of space” in Sanskrit, is a sister science to Yoga, Jyotish and Ayurveda, and is the precursor to Feng Shui. The ancient Shastras are the books of rules of the Vedic sciences and the Vastu Shatra is the text that explains the principles of design, layout and spatial arrangement. Vastu integrates architecture with Nature for temples as well as homes and public areas. The notion is that peace and prosperity are established in a dwelling that is in alignment with solar and geomagnetic forces. The Vastu Purusha Mandala (a grid of 81 squares) is the architectural blueprint that synthesizes the effects of the directions, the planets, the five elements and the chakras for the most auspicious results.

Here are some basic tips that most people can employ in their living spaces:

1. All doors should open inward

2. Sleep with the headboard to the South, several inches away from the wall.

3. Remove clutter from under the bed.

4. The center of the home should be clear and open.

5. The meditation area should be in the Northeast section of the home.

Major structural (and therefore unrealistic) changes to the home might be needed to follow more of the many guidelines.

It is interesting to note that the main axis of the mandala runs upper right to lower left. This is the same orientation of the Gemini/Sagittarius axis in an astrological chart that runs through the plane of the galaxy. The chakras of the human body are presented in a fashion that follows this axis as well. Other aspects of the blueprint account for the planets and elements. The Vedic sciences, Vastu, Jyotish and Ayurveda, are sisters indeed.

Maha Mritynjaya in repeating Devangari script

Om Triyambakam yajamahe

Sugandhim pushti vardhanam

Urvarukamiva bandhanan

Mrityor mukshiya mamritat

Translation:   I meditate on, and surrender myself to, the Divine Being who embodies the power of will, the power of knowledge and the power of action.  I pray to the Divine Being who manifests in the form of fragrance in the flower of life and is the eternal nourisher of the plant of life.  Like a skillful gardener, may the Lord of Life disentangle me from the binding forces of my physical, psychological, and spiritual hurdles.  May the Lord of Immortality residing within free me from death, decay and sickness and unite me with immortality.

The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is the nourishing, healing, and life restoring mantra deriving from the Rig Veda and is considered the heart of the Vedas.  In Sanskrit, “Maha” means great, “Mrityun” means death, and “Jaya” means victory.  Of course, every living thing eventually dies.  Through the practice of reciting this mantra we obtain victory over the fear of death.  We realize that the deathless Divine Being is who we really are.

The practice of the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra sends forth vibrations from body to mind to soul.  It awakens the internal healing forces and Nature’s healing forces together so that we may receive the full nourishment of any discipline undertaken for well-being.  Strengthening the powers of will, knowledge and action, it unblocks the flow of courage and determination.  The scriptures guarantee that, through sincere practice, we clear away obstacles and attain freedom from weaknesses (the fear of death being the greatest) by making the strong part of ourselves even stronger.

This is the mantra of choice or those who struggle with grief, hopelessness, burn-out or illness.  It is most suited for those who need to access their own healing force for spiritual unfoldment.  Japa, the silent repetition of a mantra, is most effective with the use of a mala.  The Rudrasksha mala, made from 108 seeds of an Indian tree, is most traditional.  The practice of the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra can be done for ourselves or for someone else, but the time to learn this mantra is before it is needed.  Then we must execute the practice.

The Wood Gatherer by Jules Bastian LePage

Our investigation of the four Purusharthas, or aims of life in the Vedic tradition, concludes with Moksha, which means release, liberation or self-realization. The harmonious interactions of the first three aims, Dharma, Artha and Kama, are the essential steps that lead to Moksha. Moksha is the inner realization that the individual is the same as the Higher Self that dwells in all. The balanced expression of the four Purusharthas creates a deep fulfillment of purpose for any individual lifetime.

Paramhansa Yogananda taught that, “You must long for freedom as the drowning man longs for air.” But freedom from what? Ideally, we long for freedom from our own ignorance, fear, anger, doubt, confusion and attachments. With effort we overcome obstacles, the slavery of the senses, the bondage of karma, and the illusory nature of the world. The ultimate goal is to cease to seek happiness outside of ourselves.

According to Vedic Astrology, three houses are Moksha houses. In an individual birth chart the fourth house is the house of home. Influences on this house will show how one experiences the place within where true inner peace dwells. The eighth house is the house of change. Here we can see how unforeseen challenges and catastrophe become fodder for self-transformation. The twelfth and final house is the house of loss. The ease with which an individual can surrender and let go can be seen here. Painfully few actually reach the state of enlightenment, but we can all aspire to make progress with the time we have left here on Earth.

Anita, sitting in TYS’s main downstairs studio

The Yoga Sanctuary: Tell us a little about yourself.

Anita Weisglass: I was born in Greece in 1937, which means that I am a survivor of the Holocaust. My family name is Castro, a Spanish name, and that means that my ancestors came to Greece in 1492 when they were expelled from Spain because the were Jewish. We survived the Holocaust with the help of Greek Orthodox families with whom we went into hiding.

We came to the United States in 1952 under the Displaced Persons Act that President Truman enacted. We settled in Boston.

In 1961, I went to Israel to visit family and while there I met my husband, Max, who was also visiting family. His home was Montreal, Canada, and that is where we went after we married.

In the 1970’s, he moved his business to Houston, Texas, and we lived there for 20 years. My husband always dreamed of moving to Florida to enjoy boating and fishing. We came here 21 years ago after his retirement.

We have two daughters. Lena, who now lives in California and has two daughters herself—Rachel and Natalie—and Melanie, who now lives in Duneden, Florida.

TYS: When did you first start yoga and what are its greatest benefits for you?

AW: I started practicing yoga with Bonnie, the former studio owner, at what is today the YMCA many years ago. Bonnie and Yoga opened a new world for me, a world of exercise and relaxation. For one hour during yoga practice, I concentrate in a peaceful way and the world and its challenges fade away.

TYS: What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

AW: Yoga is relaxing and keeps my body flexible. I look forward to the days when I have yoga practice. And, of course, my favorite pose is what comes at the end of all the work I have done—Savasana!!

Cathy Getz in her favorite pose: Virasana

The Yoga Sanctuary: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Cathy Getz: From my first trip to Florida with Grandma when I was 18, I knew I wanted to live here, so when my husband Jim and I retired in 2003, the move was imminent. Jim and I already owned a vacation home in Burnt Store Marina.  I was raised by a fishing guide Dad and a Mom who loves to swim more than another activity (she is now 91), on Lake St. Clair in Michigan. Charlotte Harbor water was the draw.

I have been a student at TYS since 2007 and had been associated as a Staff Member/Retail Manager between 2010 and 2015.  I call myself “Staff Emeritus” and still offer unsolicited advice and help when needed. I’m also a member of TYS’ first teacher training class in 2011.

TYS: When and why did you first start yoga?

CG: I started practicing at Burnt Store Marina in 2003 because I was curious and knew I needed something to slow me down. Two days a week was not enough and I began to search, finding Vibha Kumar, Virginia Williamson, and ultimately, Bonnie Yonker (former owner of The Yoga Sanctuary).  I drove to Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte every day for class and connected with other Yogis.  When Bonnie opened TYS in 2007 I had found a home.

TYS: What are the greatest benefits of practicing yoga?

CG: For me, the greatest benefit has been to learn to look at others with an open heart.

TYS: How has your yoga practice changed your health and/or life?

CG: I’m way less intense!  (I know some may refute that!).

TYS: What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

CG: I have two, sitting in Virasana and Sarvangasana (even though I do not practice it as often as I should).  I am well grounded in Virasana (Hero’s Pose) and can be very relaxed while still alert.  Shoulderstand just feels good to me; the neck stretch and ability to focus are the two main reasons.

TYS: Do you have a favorite book or quote that you would like to share?

CG: Again, I have two. Both are from fortune cookies and are now taped to my computer! “Compassion is a way of being” and “You feel restless – change is just around the corner.”

Still Life with Turkey Pie by Pieter Claesz

The second Purushartha or aim of human existence as described in the Vedic texts is Artha, which means “wealth,” “means” or “goal” in Sanskrit. Artha is kept in check by Dharma. The Purursharthas are not to be considered in a stand-alone fashion. Together they keep life in balance so we can ultimately reach Moksha or liberation.

Artha is concerned with the resources needed to achieve and ideal state for life, which includes spiritual practice. Financial and material means for comfort and basic necessities are not a selfish pursuit. Artha ensures enough food, shelter and material possessions to live a dignified and meaningful life. Poverty leads to ruin; excessive pursuit of wealth leads to greed and social disorder. Although Nature herself is abundant, moderation and non-attachment are essential.

According to Vedic Astrology three houses, or areas of experience, correspond to Artha. They are the second house of value and self-esteem, the sixth house of service and disease, and the tenth house of impact or career. Understanding the influences on these houses in a birth chart can help an individual navigate proper means for earning a living. Artha houses show karmas that surround economic prosperity and material security for oneself and for those he/she feels responsible. The goal is to thrive as a free person undertaking sadhana or spiritual practice.
Next time we will look at Kama, the third aim.

Young Mother Sewing by Mary Cassatt

The regulating moral principles of the Universe are described in the ancient Vedic texts to be the four Purusharthas, ususally translated as “aims of human existence.” Specifically, they are defined as Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). If we are interested in spiritual evolution, they are guidelines to comport ourselves properly. Let us first examine the concept of Dharma or responsibility, the most difficult to understand in our current Western society.

The role we play in our families and society and the right conduct that follows is what is known as the dharmic path. Dharma is what we must do; the inner compass guides us. Duties and responsibilities that come with parenting, guardianship, teaching, providing or caregiving are examples and they change as life progresses. In the Gita, Krishna counsels reluctant Arjuna and reminds him that he is a warrior and, therefore, must fight. “It is better to do one’s own duty, although imperfectly than another’s duty perfectly,” Krishna explains.

According to Vedic Astrology, three houses, or bhavas in Sanskrit, are considered dharmic. They are the first house of the physical body, the fifth house of children, the ninth house of Guru. Influences on these houses are telling. A capable astrologer looking at an accurate birth chart can and will offer guidance to an individual who might be perplexed with the role he is to play at any point in life. Living without making one’s own authentic contribution can make life appear pointless, and multifarious problems will arise. Consideration of the Purusharthas, therefore, becomes an important part of sadhana or spiritual practice. How much of an impact are you willing to make and how much of the collective burden can you shoulder?
The next aim, Artha, will be examined next month.

Diane Smolen

The Yoga Sanctuary: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Diane Smolen: Talking about myself does not come naturally. I arrived in Florida following retirement from a career in Michigan where I had earned a PhD at Michigan State University. Several years were spent working at Lansing Community College, where I met and married my husband, Chuck Bettinson. I went on to work for the Department of Education, State of Michigan. There I was involved in developing, implementing and then directing a number of different programs with state wide scope, responsibility and high visibility.

Chuck and I have a son, Tim Bettinson. Tim, and Margo Schwarberg, own and operate an independent restaurant in the suburbs of Cincinnati. Both have had long careers in the restaurant business.

Two of my proudest undertakings have been sharing my life with the Bettinsons and my educational attainment.

TYS: When and why did you first start yoga?

DS: Yoga for me began 5 years ago at our very own Yoga Sanctuary. At the end of a lengthy rehabilitation period following major back surgery that fused the last two vertebrae of my lumbar region, the therapist suggested I try some form of exercise that would be a bit kinder to my body. At that time, I was willing to try anything. I had already had a hip replacement and was faced with giving up many of the activities that I loved – long walks, running, working with my performance dogs and competing with my dogs in canine agility.

I attended a Yoga Sanctuary Open House, bought a mat and a strap and signed up! Margit helped me through my orientation session. I even wrote down all the props I would need for my first gentle yoga class. I wasn’t certain I would remember them and Margit had shown me how to use them safely.

Since that time every class, every instructor, every gentle correction has been a positive and life changing experience.

TYS: What are the greatest benefits of practicing yoga?

DS: I love my yoga practice for many reasons. I’ve strengthened my spine, back and leg muscles and my balance has improved. I learn something about myself and my body with every session. I have learned to quiet my mind and be still. I have learned what it means to be present even though I still find it a challenge to achieve. Yoga has helped me strive to be a better person. My life is much richer as a result of yoga.

TYS: What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

DS: Downward facing dog is my favorite yoga pose as it stretches my back and my hamstrings, two of my tightest areas and reminds me to re-establish my breath

TYS: Do you have a favorite book or quote that you would like to share?

DS: Several years ago in a gentle yoga class and then later in a meditation class, Melissa taught us a mantra that I have come to use almost daily.

May I be safe,

May I be happy,

May I be healthy,

May I dwell in peace.

I have added – with acceptance and understanding for all.

The Yoga Sanctuary: Can you  tell us a little about yourselves?

Miguel and Nicole Dotres: We have been married for 15 years and have 2 children.  We moved to Punta Gorda from Miami 3 years ago in an effort to find a great place to raise our kids.  Miguel is originally from Miami – a real life Florida native.  Nicole is originally from Texas.  We were fortunate enough to find each other in Florida and are grateful to have made Punta Gorda our permanent home.

TYS: When and why did you first start yoga?

M & N: Miguel had practiced yoga in the past and wanted to find a sanctuary in our new town.  Nicole was fairly new to yoga – having only taken an occasional class when she was pregnant.  Moving to Punta Gorda allowed Nicole to embark on a complete physical transformation as she had been struggling for her entire life with multiple health issues.  Starting yoga allowed her to manage many of the symptoms of her fibromyalgia and narcolepsy.  We joined The Yoga Sanctuary exactly 2 years ago, and have made it part of our life and daily routine.

TYS: What are the greatest benefits of practicing yoga?

Nicole:  Yoga introduced the idea of moderation, balance, and stability for mind and body – something that I definitely needed – and was clearly missing. While I find that I still push myself too hard – or navigate too easily to the extreme – I am learning everyday – and yoga has been essential to this development.

Miguel: The greatest benefit is having the ability to have a singular thought, a singular movement – provide the mind, the body and the soul – an extension of energy that comes from a place deep within the earth.  Having that connection for just a few moments of yoga practice fills every part of my body with joy.

TYS: How has the yoga practice changed your health and life? Have you found any emotional or other benefits?

Nicole: I now focus on practicing patience with myself and my body. While I still have pains and physical limitations, my effort is to listen to my body without judgement andto find ways to help the body, mind, and spirit as a whole. I am learning to allow my body to yell and scream at me – listen – and then move on. Unlike the past where I would try to fight back – Insisting that I had to be a certain way or able to do certain things – now my approach is to be accepting of what I can do today – and allowing myself to be happy with that.

Miguel: By practicing yoga, I am able to bring balance to my every day.  I feel stronger and am able to enjoy coaching my kids in soccer and even teaching yoga to them on the field.

TYS: What is the best thing about sharing the yoga practice together? 

M & N: Finding a place in our lives where we can be together while still growing individually.  We simply love being together and encouraging each other.

TYS: What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

Nicole:  Tree Pose.  This pose was very difficult for me at first and something that I set as a challenge to myself to be able to do.  I worked at it every day until I was able to do it well –  which made me proud.   At the same time, it is a pose that reminds me that every day is a new and different day, and that when my mind is out of balance, my body is too.

Miguel: Mountain Pose.  For me mountain pose represents the beauty found in the silence of growing things.  While it may appear a simple pose – the focus to me is to bring the mind and the body in balance while absorbing the energy of the earth through the roots of our feet.

TYS: Do you have a favorite book or quote that you would like to share?

Nicole: Wherever you go – there you are…

Miguel: Infinite spirit, open the way for divine design of my life to manifest; let the genius within me now be released; let me see clearly the perfect plan.

In Yogic philosophy, when the intention of the heart and intention of the mind merge with resolve and determination in search of Truth, we have what is called Sankalpa in Sanskrit, or solemn vow.   “Kalpa” means vow and “san” means truth.  It refers to the vow we take that supports the discovery of the inextinguishable Light within us.  Here the heart and mind are harnessed with willpower turned inward to do what is right for our sadhana, or spiritual practice.  With this directed energy that is always available whether we realize it or not, we become a disciplined yogi.

According to Jyotish , sacred Astronomy, Mars is the General of the planetary army and the defender of dharma or duty.  He is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who sustains the Universe and is the aspect of consciousness that allows for strength, courage, determination, and willpower.  Mars, Kuja in Sanskrit, provides the octane for sankalpa.  His relative strength by transit in the sky will affect the ease with which we might follow through on our vow.  On Jan 16^th of this year, 2018, Mars entered Scorpio (a sign it rules) and it will be the strongest planet in the sky for 10 months, as it then passes through Sagittarius (a fire sign) and then Capricorn (its exalted or strongest placement).  We have now the opportunity to be supported by the Vedic sky to, with determined effort, first face emotional weaknesses, then find inspired initiative, and finally do the hard work necessary for our spiritual evolution.  Consider that which makes you weak.  Fear, confusion, attachment, anger, pain, loneliness, depression and addiction lead the pack for most of us.  2018 could be a supremely productive year for those who are willing to take action to do what is right and for those who are willing to be changed at depth.