The Path of Yoga Sutras - a practical guide to the core of yoga
written by Nicholai Bachman
Principle 7 - Vairagya
Nonattachment to Sensory Objects
"The secret of happiness lies in the mind's release from worldly ties."
-The Buddha
Thoughts
Attachment to that which inevitably changes causes suffering
As my heart-mind turns inward, I become less and less affected by external objects and conditions.
I will be deeply content when I do not depend on material things to make me happy.
Exercises
Think of situations in which remaining indifferent is helpful to yourself and others. Are you able to be that way? Why or why not? Identify possible attschments associated with the situation. How can you detach from them?
As you establish an abhyasa practice, notice what attachments naturally fade. For example, when you begin doing regular aerobic exercise to replace idle time, you may notice yourself daydreaming less. Or if you start a vigorous asana practice, a high libido may adjust to normal as you feel your body stretching and moving.
Sit quietly and meditate. Notice the path of your attention as it moves toward and away from the point of focus. Making a list of your to-dos beforehand may help reduce the amount of time your mind wanders.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Yoga Sutra - ABHAYSA
The Path of Yoga Sutras - A practical guide to the core of yoga
written by Nicholai Bachman
Principle 6 - Abhaysa
Diligent, Focused Practice
"Be soft in your practice. Think of the method as a fine silvery stream, not a raging waterfall. Follow the stream, have faith in its course. It will go on its own way, meandering here trickling there. It will find grooves, the cracks, the crevices. Just follow it. Never let it out of your sight.
Abhyasa along with viveka (keen discernment) are fundamental practices within all progress.
Adhyasa along with vairagya (non-attachment to sensory objects) are necessary to calm the heart-mind.
"For example, we want to learn how to cook our own meals instead of eating at restaurants all the time. At first, it takes a while to acquire the ingredients and follow recipes. Each time we make the same dishes, they become easier. Eventually, the recipes that began as difficult and time consuming seem fast and simple. For another example, if you come down with a disease that is hard to shake, establishing healthy dietary, exercise, and lifestyle habits can help you overcome this obstacle and move in a positive helpful direction.
It is important to stay on track and not give up, even when we want to. Practice makes perfect. If we can get ourselves into good routine, practiceing becomes habitual and, thus, easier. Whether we attend regular asana classes or set aside time every morning to sit quitely and meditate, perserverance will ensure some level of progress. Over time our body, breath, heart, and mind will become more clear, refined, and pure, benefiting not only ourselves but everyone around us as well."
Thoughts
Ongoing, sincere, and effortful practice is the source of my strength and progree.
Consistent, focused practice will diminish distractions, reduce attachment to superficial matters and deepen the connection to my divine inner Self.
Every time I practice, it empowers me and reinforces my positive direction.
Exercises
If you do not yet have a regular practice, carve out some time in your day, even if it only ten minutes, to spend connecting with your inner Self. Make this practice a priority, even higher than checking your email or answering the telephone.
written by Nicholai Bachman
Principle 6 - Abhaysa
Diligent, Focused Practice
"Be soft in your practice. Think of the method as a fine silvery stream, not a raging waterfall. Follow the stream, have faith in its course. It will go on its own way, meandering here trickling there. It will find grooves, the cracks, the crevices. Just follow it. Never let it out of your sight.
Abhyasa along with viveka (keen discernment) are fundamental practices within all progress.
Adhyasa along with vairagya (non-attachment to sensory objects) are necessary to calm the heart-mind.
"For example, we want to learn how to cook our own meals instead of eating at restaurants all the time. At first, it takes a while to acquire the ingredients and follow recipes. Each time we make the same dishes, they become easier. Eventually, the recipes that began as difficult and time consuming seem fast and simple. For another example, if you come down with a disease that is hard to shake, establishing healthy dietary, exercise, and lifestyle habits can help you overcome this obstacle and move in a positive helpful direction.
It is important to stay on track and not give up, even when we want to. Practice makes perfect. If we can get ourselves into good routine, practiceing becomes habitual and, thus, easier. Whether we attend regular asana classes or set aside time every morning to sit quitely and meditate, perserverance will ensure some level of progress. Over time our body, breath, heart, and mind will become more clear, refined, and pure, benefiting not only ourselves but everyone around us as well."
Thoughts
Ongoing, sincere, and effortful practice is the source of my strength and progree.
Consistent, focused practice will diminish distractions, reduce attachment to superficial matters and deepen the connection to my divine inner Self.
Every time I practice, it empowers me and reinforces my positive direction.
Exercises
If you do not yet have a regular practice, carve out some time in your day, even if it only ten minutes, to spend connecting with your inner Self. Make this practice a priority, even higher than checking your email or answering the telephone.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Yoga Sutra - VIVEKA
The Path of The Yoga Sutras: a practical guide to the core of yoga
written by Nicolai Bachman
Principle 5 - Viveka
Keen Discernment
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
-Dr Suess
Thoughts
Distinguishing what changes from the unchanging light within us is a way to end suffering.
With a clear heart-mind, I can develop the ability to determine what is helpful and what is not.
I will make wise and informed decisions for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Exercises
The next time you have to make an important decision, collect as much information as possible, then sit quietly for some time. Try and view all the angles before making your decision. Will peer pressure factor into your decision?
When you see someone whom you need to interact with, but do not like very much, try and separate their personality from the divine inner light of awareness residing within them. Take time to meditate on the dynamic between you, and see if there is a way to improve our interactions.
Think of areas in your life where you could practice more viveka and how you might apply it.
written by Nicolai Bachman
Principle 5 - Viveka
Keen Discernment
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
-Dr Suess
Thoughts
Distinguishing what changes from the unchanging light within us is a way to end suffering.
With a clear heart-mind, I can develop the ability to determine what is helpful and what is not.
I will make wise and informed decisions for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Exercises
The next time you have to make an important decision, collect as much information as possible, then sit quietly for some time. Try and view all the angles before making your decision. Will peer pressure factor into your decision?
When you see someone whom you need to interact with, but do not like very much, try and separate their personality from the divine inner light of awareness residing within them. Take time to meditate on the dynamic between you, and see if there is a way to improve our interactions.
Think of areas in your life where you could practice more viveka and how you might apply it.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Yoga Sutra - DRSYA
The Path of The Yoga Sutras: a practical guide to the core of yoga
written by Nicolai Bachman
Principle 4 - Drysa
Ever-Changing Mother Nature
"Listen
all creeping things
the bells of transience."
-ISSA
Seer (Drastr/Purusa)
conscious
inactive
permanent
intelligent
unchanging
observer
subject
independent
uniform
Seeable (Drysa/Prakrti)
unconscious
active
impermanent
changing
manifest
observable
dependent
composite
The seer (purusa), the instrument od seeing (citta) and the seen (drsya) all play their parts during perception. Imagine the seer sitting quietly in its own luminosity watching the entire cosmic process; all matter and energy that encompass the changing, manifesting world; watching everything but the seer.
Thoughts
A conscious, permanent, inner light of awareness pervades the impermanent, changing universe.
I can alleviate suffering by distinguishing between what changes and what never changes.
I will begin to accept the transient nature of all things by the persistent and sincere practice of yoga.
Exercises
The next time you go to a movie in a theater, imagine a blank screen is your citta; the images projected onto the screen are your thoughts, emotions and perceptions; an the light that allows you to see the images is the seer within you. Think about the illusory, changing nature of the images. Notice, too, the emptiness, clarity and brightness that arises when there are no images in the way.
The next time your expectations are not met, see if you become upset. Explore what you were or are attached to that caused the upset, and then view that thing as yet another changing entity within your seeable world.
Each time you see an object that looks like it does not change, such as a rock, think about how it might have become what it is, and what it might change to in a thousand or million years.
written by Nicolai Bachman
Principle 4 - Drysa
Ever-Changing Mother Nature
"Listen
all creeping things
the bells of transience."
-ISSA
Seer (Drastr/Purusa)
conscious
inactive
permanent
intelligent
unchanging
observer
subject
independent
uniform
Seeable (Drysa/Prakrti)
unconscious
active
impermanent
changing
manifest
observable
dependent
composite
The seer (purusa), the instrument od seeing (citta) and the seen (drsya) all play their parts during perception. Imagine the seer sitting quietly in its own luminosity watching the entire cosmic process; all matter and energy that encompass the changing, manifesting world; watching everything but the seer.
Thoughts
A conscious, permanent, inner light of awareness pervades the impermanent, changing universe.
I can alleviate suffering by distinguishing between what changes and what never changes.
I will begin to accept the transient nature of all things by the persistent and sincere practice of yoga.
Exercises
The next time you go to a movie in a theater, imagine a blank screen is your citta; the images projected onto the screen are your thoughts, emotions and perceptions; an the light that allows you to see the images is the seer within you. Think about the illusory, changing nature of the images. Notice, too, the emptiness, clarity and brightness that arises when there are no images in the way.
The next time your expectations are not met, see if you become upset. Explore what you were or are attached to that caused the upset, and then view that thing as yet another changing entity within your seeable world.
Each time you see an object that looks like it does not change, such as a rock, think about how it might have become what it is, and what it might change to in a thousand or million years.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Yoga Sutra - PURUSA
The Path of The Yoga Sutras: a practical guide to the core of yoga
written by Nicolai Bachman
Principle 3 - Purusa
Pure Inner Light of Awareness
Weapons cannot cut this, fire cannot burn this, water cannot wet this, nor can wind make it dry.
-BHAGAVAD GITA 2.23
"Seated in our heart and pervading every cell of our body lies a conscious, intelligent awareness. Individual uniqueness is due to our temporary, ever-changing body, breath and mind. These outer layers of ourselves surround the inner divine light of awareness (purusa or atman), which illuminates the truth and expresses love and compassion."
As we turn our attention inward through introspection and meditation (samyama), the rational mind softens and opens, allowing indescribable experiences to occur. This divine inner spectator, also called the seer; quiet, still, changeless, simply watches the activity present in the heart-mind (citta). The tools and techniques provided by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras are all meant to clear our heart and mind for the single purpose of connecting with this purusa. These practices reduce impurities, cultivate inner contentment, and cause compassionate presence enabling us to see this divine essence within all sentient beings.
Thoughts
There is an unchanging, pure awareness that illuminates my consciousness
I can catch glimpses of this inner light by quieting my heart-mind and focusing inward
I will practice yoga to clarify my heart-mind and allow the light of awareness to shine through
Exercises
Meditate on the part of you that never changes
How does a belief in a divine entity help people cope with the ups and downs of life?
Sit quietly and ponder why the vast majority of the world's population believes in some higher power, even as more and more mysteries are explained by science.
written by Nicolai Bachman
Principle 3 - Purusa
Pure Inner Light of Awareness
Weapons cannot cut this, fire cannot burn this, water cannot wet this, nor can wind make it dry.
-BHAGAVAD GITA 2.23
"Seated in our heart and pervading every cell of our body lies a conscious, intelligent awareness. Individual uniqueness is due to our temporary, ever-changing body, breath and mind. These outer layers of ourselves surround the inner divine light of awareness (purusa or atman), which illuminates the truth and expresses love and compassion."
As we turn our attention inward through introspection and meditation (samyama), the rational mind softens and opens, allowing indescribable experiences to occur. This divine inner spectator, also called the seer; quiet, still, changeless, simply watches the activity present in the heart-mind (citta). The tools and techniques provided by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras are all meant to clear our heart and mind for the single purpose of connecting with this purusa. These practices reduce impurities, cultivate inner contentment, and cause compassionate presence enabling us to see this divine essence within all sentient beings.
Thoughts
There is an unchanging, pure awareness that illuminates my consciousness
I can catch glimpses of this inner light by quieting my heart-mind and focusing inward
I will practice yoga to clarify my heart-mind and allow the light of awareness to shine through
Exercises
Meditate on the part of you that never changes
How does a belief in a divine entity help people cope with the ups and downs of life?
Sit quietly and ponder why the vast majority of the world's population believes in some higher power, even as more and more mysteries are explained by science.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Yoga Sutra - CITTA
The Path of The Yoga Sutras: a practical guide to the core of yoga
written by Nicolai Bachman
Principle 2 - Citta
Heart-Mind Field Consciousness
"The Power of the Universe will come to your assistance, if your heart and mind are in unity."
-Lakota saying, passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman
Citta: heart-mind; outer and inner psyche, ego and memory, sitting between the ever-changing outside world and the inner light of awareness/unconditional Love. Interacts with external objects and conditioned by our experience
Citta-prasadana: clarifying the heart-mind so external objects accurately and truthfully.
Purusa: inner light of awareness, illuminates the citta
Samskara-s: habitual behavior patterns, opinions, biases, predjudices established from impressions and memories programmed into the citta.
Thoughts
The heart-mind is the center of consciousness.
I understand the citta as a link between external objects and the inner light of awareness.
I will guide my heart-mind field toward clarity and kindness.
Exercises
Think of yourself in broader term, as if you were a citizen of the world instead of limited to your particular local culture. What might you do differently if you were free to act and not bound by conformity?
Think of times when you changed your mind, replacing what you thought before with something completely different. How did this change affect your worldview? Did you make the change instantly, or did you consider it carefully before making it? Did ou make this change as a result of a shift from within or influence from someone or something outside yourself? If someone or something outside yourself convinced you to change your mind, what might that person or thing have to gain by you change of mind?
Which of your habits or behaviors are due to nature (genetic, acting the way your parents acted when they were your age) and which are due to nurture (based on your life experience)?
written by Nicolai Bachman
Principle 2 - Citta
Heart-Mind Field Consciousness
"The Power of the Universe will come to your assistance, if your heart and mind are in unity."
-Lakota saying, passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman
Citta: heart-mind; outer and inner psyche, ego and memory, sitting between the ever-changing outside world and the inner light of awareness/unconditional Love. Interacts with external objects and conditioned by our experience
Citta-prasadana: clarifying the heart-mind so external objects accurately and truthfully.
Purusa: inner light of awareness, illuminates the citta
Samskara-s: habitual behavior patterns, opinions, biases, predjudices established from impressions and memories programmed into the citta.
Thoughts
The heart-mind is the center of consciousness.
I understand the citta as a link between external objects and the inner light of awareness.
I will guide my heart-mind field toward clarity and kindness.
Exercises
Think of yourself in broader term, as if you were a citizen of the world instead of limited to your particular local culture. What might you do differently if you were free to act and not bound by conformity?
Think of times when you changed your mind, replacing what you thought before with something completely different. How did this change affect your worldview? Did you make the change instantly, or did you consider it carefully before making it? Did ou make this change as a result of a shift from within or influence from someone or something outside yourself? If someone or something outside yourself convinced you to change your mind, what might that person or thing have to gain by you change of mind?
Which of your habits or behaviors are due to nature (genetic, acting the way your parents acted when they were your age) and which are due to nurture (based on your life experience)?
Saturday, January 17, 2015
The Path of The Yoga Sutras - ATHA
Today I have begun reading The Path of The Yoga Sutras written by Nicolai Bachman
I will be reading, discussing and applying one Sanskrit principle each day. There are 51 discussed in the book so I will complete the book in the first week of March.
Introdution Page 1 & 2
"The Yoga Sutras (written by Patanjali somewhere between 500BCE and 200CE) came to be accepted as the primary text on yoga philosophy, not yoga postures (asana). Patanjali focuses on yoga as a method of transforming the way we think, communicate, and act by directing our attention inward and cultivating inner contentment.
The Yoga Sutras consist of 195 small, concise aphorisms (called sutra-s) in four chapters. The aphorisms were written in Sanskrit, a language designed to express the subtle aspects of yoga. The text describes human consciousness n detail, including how our heart-mind functions, how suffering happens, and how to refine our body, breath, mind and heart so we are able to cultivate inner happiness and free our selves from negativity."
Principle 1 - ATHA
Readiness and Commitment
"Until one is committed, there is a hesitancy, the chance to draw back. The moment one definitely commits oneself the Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occured. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Thoughts
Learning anything well requires eagerness, commitment, and perseverance
With an open mind, I can direct my attention inward and see what unfolds
I will set aside time for learning and practicing the principles of yoga
Exercises
Think of a time when you took on too many projects at the same time. Writing down your thoughts ask yourself:
Which projects could have waited?
Honestly, every project could (and did) wait.
How did this overextended state affect the quality of your personal life?
I became more overwhelmed the farther behind I got and I gave up all together.
What could you have done differently?
I could have focused upon one or two books that I was eager to read and wanted to apply to my life. Also I could have focused upon one painting at a time. Thus giving myself a realistic goal to accomplish and room for the busyness of life.
Think of other ares of study you began, but could not keep up. Write down the reasons why you think they ended. Did something more appealing replace them? Did you give them enough of a chance?
Several times I have 'bitten off more than I could chew' and expected myself to follow through with every little task I would like to accomplish. Last summer I designed a reading list that required me to read 10 pages of 7 books a day and I set a goal to have 5 paintings completed by the end of summer. However, working 2 jobs and spending time with friends and family caused me to quickly fell behind on reading and painting.
What commitments have you made in your life that have brought you fulfillment?
My commitment to the Yoga studio and my practice. My commitment to my career at GreenTree. My commitment to my friends and family. Lastly and most importantly my commitment to MYSELF.
I will be reading, discussing and applying one Sanskrit principle each day. There are 51 discussed in the book so I will complete the book in the first week of March.
Introdution Page 1 & 2
"The Yoga Sutras (written by Patanjali somewhere between 500BCE and 200CE) came to be accepted as the primary text on yoga philosophy, not yoga postures (asana). Patanjali focuses on yoga as a method of transforming the way we think, communicate, and act by directing our attention inward and cultivating inner contentment.
The Yoga Sutras consist of 195 small, concise aphorisms (called sutra-s) in four chapters. The aphorisms were written in Sanskrit, a language designed to express the subtle aspects of yoga. The text describes human consciousness n detail, including how our heart-mind functions, how suffering happens, and how to refine our body, breath, mind and heart so we are able to cultivate inner happiness and free our selves from negativity."
Principle 1 - ATHA
Readiness and Commitment
"Until one is committed, there is a hesitancy, the chance to draw back. The moment one definitely commits oneself the Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occured. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Thoughts
Learning anything well requires eagerness, commitment, and perseverance
With an open mind, I can direct my attention inward and see what unfolds
I will set aside time for learning and practicing the principles of yoga
Exercises
Think of a time when you took on too many projects at the same time. Writing down your thoughts ask yourself:
Which projects could have waited?
Honestly, every project could (and did) wait.
How did this overextended state affect the quality of your personal life?
I became more overwhelmed the farther behind I got and I gave up all together.
What could you have done differently?
I could have focused upon one or two books that I was eager to read and wanted to apply to my life. Also I could have focused upon one painting at a time. Thus giving myself a realistic goal to accomplish and room for the busyness of life.
Think of other ares of study you began, but could not keep up. Write down the reasons why you think they ended. Did something more appealing replace them? Did you give them enough of a chance?
Several times I have 'bitten off more than I could chew' and expected myself to follow through with every little task I would like to accomplish. Last summer I designed a reading list that required me to read 10 pages of 7 books a day and I set a goal to have 5 paintings completed by the end of summer. However, working 2 jobs and spending time with friends and family caused me to quickly fell behind on reading and painting.
What commitments have you made in your life that have brought you fulfillment?
My commitment to the Yoga studio and my practice. My commitment to my career at GreenTree. My commitment to my friends and family. Lastly and most importantly my commitment to MYSELF.
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