Margit and the Prana Mudra: Uplifting Current of Vital Energy

Earlier last summer I was confiding in Gwen, a fellow yoga teacher and friend that recently passed. I said to her, “ I feel as if I’m practicing (yoga) as though I’m preparing for something but I don’t know exactly what that is.” I had been feeling this way for months, and although I had many goals for my practice, I felt my preparation was fueled by something greater than I could even explain. In this case, by “practice,” I’m referring specifically to yoga philosophy, the study of self, and meditation.  A few weeks before Gwen died, I also confided in her that I felt as if I might be my own greatest obstacle, and if that was true, I was interested in trusting myself and getting comfortable with hearing the sound of my own voice. Afterwards she prescribed me a mantra to dispel fear, without knowing that she had tapped into one of my greatest fears: not living up to my full potential.

Flash forward a few months to me experimenting in teaching with–what might seem frivolous to some–several platforms such as Facebook live and videos on YouTube…To the outside observer it might just seem as if that’s what yoga and tennis teachers do now, but no one knew except for me, that it was all just an experiment on my end.  I realized that when I filmed myself, I froze and became a different person. I became self-conscious, and tight in a way that doesn’t happen when I’m in the comfort of a regular class setting, and it really bothered me.  Little did I know that this self-practice of “getting over myself” and “accepting myself” was actually preparation for what is happening present day, and that I would need to get comfortable in a hurry if I was to keep in touch with students and stay afloat through this challenging time!

What my students don’t know is that I receive exactly what they hope to gain in coming to take my classes.  Cut to the present moment: an opportunity to inspire and be inspired (which is basically all I ever hope for) in these uncertain times that require us to operate day by day, one breath at a time.  How important it is, now more than ever, to focus ourselves on the task at hand, enjoy simple pleasures and stay positive when there’s potentially so much to be down about!

I do realize I am one of the fortunate ones, and that is not lost on me. A student asked me the other day, “Aren’t you scared?!” The truth is that I do have concerns, but apart from being as prepared as I can be and making decisions I’m comfortable with in the moment, I try to let the rest go. Not an easy task for someone who likes to plan and control what could happen in the future! And so with that I share that I feel a strange sense of calmness, in this rare opportunity to allow all of this practice come to fruition (there’s no shortage of opportunity, time for the “performance”!) I wish you much peace, perhaps with the ability to spend more quality time at home caring for yourselves and others, perhaps reminding yourself of where you are, one day at a time, one breath at a time…I look forward to seeing you on the other side!

😉 Margit

You can keep up with all the Margit does, here at The Yoga Sanctuary and on her court at home, by following her Facebook page, PlayTennis.PracticeYoga. 

The dualistic theory of creation or causation is called Sankhya Philosophy and it appears in texts as ancient as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Its founder was the sage Kapila who is considered by scholars to be older than Buddha. It is also the theory of creation recognized by both Yoga and Ayurveda.

Sankhya means “empirical” or “number.” It explains creation in a manner where the implicit becomes explicit and where there exists neither production nor destruction. All of creation stems from the two facets of Sankhya: Purusha and Prakriti. Purusha is pure consciousness, the soul, Self, or knower. It is not substance, rather essence, beyond time and activity. Prakriti is matter and Nature. It is the power of manifestation in all objects and holds all three Gunas in equilibrium.

Modern science affirms Sankhya Philosophy. The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy can be transformed, but neither created nor destroyed. Einstein’s equation E=mc² explains that matter and energy are interchangeable. Energy is stored in matter and matter can be converted to energy. The constant speed of light (3 x 108 m/s) is the factor c. Moreover, the dualism of the Particle-Wave Theory holds that light behaves like a wave and a particle at the same time.

In short, both the ancient philosophy and modern science contend that there is no difference between the energy that grows a walnut and the walnut itself. All of existence is two things at once.

The Gayatri Mantra in repeating Devangari script

Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

Translation:  With loving reverence we bow to the inner Light, the supreme wisdom in all the world.  May this Divine Light guide and illuminate our intelligence.

The Gayatri mantra, the most ancient of the mantras found in the Rig Veda, is considered to be the mother of the Vedas.  The sound “gai” in Sanskrit means sing and “trai” means protect.  Gayatri therefore translates to “she who protects the singer.” The practice of the Gayatri mantra allowed the Rishis, or seers, to receive the revelation of all other mantras.  The first line is comprised of what is known as the Great Utterances.  Bhur indicates earth or matter, Bhuvah indicates sky or energy, and Svah indicates heaven or mind.

The practice of the Gayatri mantra helps us become strong by overcoming our own inner weaknesses. It stills mental chatter and clears away karmic impurities.  It purifies the ego and sharpens the intellect.  Connecting us to the teacher within, we receive inner guidance and inspiration.  As the inner being which flows directly from Source is illuminated, the deep unconscious is purified.  Gradually and with sustained effort and patience, the effect pervades all aspects of our personality.

Gayatri is the mantra for the common man.  Exact pronunciation is less important than intention.  The sages tell us that the practice of the Gayatri mantra allows for immense and everlasting transformation.   No one among us will not benefit.

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.

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.

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.

Fire, or Agni in Sanskrit, is one of the five basic elements of creation. It dominates the Pitta dosha of Ayurveda. Agni allows for heat, light, color and vision and is essential for combustion, cooking and our ability to digest food. When the element of fire within us is unsupervised, it will lead to mental frustration and irritability. Anger, aggression, fury, and rage can easily follow. It is the root cause of most combativeness. Agni also expresses as enthusiasm and desire. Its power can be used to satisfy one’s own needs and wants, or it can be used for the benefit of all. In its highest expression, however, Agni is the source of self-discipline, purification and transformation.

The Vedic fire ceremony is an instrument that harnesses this sattvic quality of Agni. The Vedic fire ritual, known as Homa, Puja or Yajna, is considered sacred. This ancient ritual is performed at precise times depending on celestial events. Daily sunrises and sunsets, monthly lunation cycles or major planetary transits are used as guides for timing. In mundane life they are used in celebration of birth, marriage or death. A “kunda”, a square pit that faces all four directions, is used to contain the fire. Practitioners offer into it gifts of grains, ghee, herbs and seeds as specific mantras are repeated. The sacred fire coupled with prayerful intention removes fear, spreads joy, burns karma, purifies the environment and creates conditions for peace and prosperity. The fire ceremony is among the most powerful of spiritual practices because it beckons the burning up of the ignorance, delusion and obstacles that keep us from the success of knowing our own divinity.

Our Sun, Surya in Sanskrit, is the 4.5 billion year old yellow dwarf star at the center of our solar system. It is an almost perfect sphere of gas (mostly Hydrogen and Helium) 860,000 miles in diameter and 92,000,000 miles away from Earth. Its size /distance ratio is the sacred 108. Surya burns at an average 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit and its mass is 330,000 times that of Earth. Light emitted from the surface takes 8 minutes to travel to Earth and this energy allows for all life forms to exist on our planet. The other planets in our solar system can be seen only because they reflect the light of the Sun.

According to Vedic Astrology texts, the planets are the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the sustainer. Surya is the Para Atman or the Supreme Self; it is the singular Inner Light or Spirit. He is the sattvic king of the planets and he rules Sundays and the zodiac sign of Leo. His associated color is red and gem is ruby. In so far as the inner and outer zodiac are inseparable, the Sun corresponds to the third eye chakra. Surya fortifies and vitalizes us, conferring self-confidence, consistent vision and dignity. His job is to purify anything that does not serve our highest Self. He is benevolent but firm.

Although the Earth revolves around the stationary Sun, from our vantage point Surya appears to move along the 360 degree path in the sky that is called the ecliptic and its strength, therefore, is always in relative flux. This also means that in an individual birth chart, the sacred mandala of karma, the possible combinations for positions of Surya and the sign of Leo are enormous. Knowledge of these locations assists in determining where and how much personal power lies within any of us. Even without this information, we can grasp the impact and miracle of the Sun. Deepening our sadhana by including Salute to the Sun into our daily hatha practice cannot fail us, nor can introducing the Sun mantra into our daily meditation. Om Sum Suryaya Namaha. We become aware of the simple truth: As above, so below.