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Meditation And Yoga In a Personal Development Program – For Spiritual Growth

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Meditation And Yoga In a Personal Development Program – For Spiritual Growth

What is the Difference between Meditation and Yoga?  Meditation in yoga program is defined by Patanjali as “Chitta Vriti Nirodhah. It means a personal development program that establishes the harmony of body and mind and considering the development of humans on the physical, mental and spiritual.

Meditation is an element of the yoga program. Yoga Personal Development Program uses meditation to perfection in the physical actions on postures, breathing and the habit of thinking to realize all-round benefits. 

Personal development program of yoga for beginners suggests perfection in the practice of meditation in the eight stages of yoga to rely on the pure consciousness inner spiritual growth.

Yoga meditation is said to be a way of life and when you do yoga postures and breathing exercises regularly. The eight-step program of yoga meditation is self-control the actions, self-control on positive thinking, self-control on the physical postures, self-control on breathing, self-control purposes , self control on any topic, self-control over his selfishness and the dissolution of the individual self in itself ..

To achieve spiritual growth, personal development program in yoga offers conscious practice of patience, contentment, non-attachment and non-violence in words, actions and thoughts. Meditation in Yoga is that emphasis on the discipline of thinking with mental relaxation and attention. Here, awareness is focused on thoughts as well as breathing. Yoga meditation program organizes the process of reflection and calm the spirit so perfectly. Finally, the program of yoga meditation is thoughtless state of mind, where consciousness is invoked on consciousness in the inner unit of life itself, called Samadhi. 

Attention fixed on thoughts of spiritual object or subject is a physical activity program of meditation. Dissolve the thought processes is a non-physical program of meditation in yoga. Attention fixed on the spiritual thoughts is meditation for beginners for spiritual growth. Dissolve thought attention on internal processes of self meditation is peak of perfection in spiritual growth. 

 The aim of personal development program in meditation yoga is union with the Absolute, or the development of spiritual growth. .Today, many program of meditation in Yoga are also used for growth of self physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, stress management and spiritual growth universal.

 All the saints of the world, with the illumination of spiritual growth have been fans of various techniques of meditation based on yoga. We can invoke the growth concentration practicing meditation regularly on the basis of yoga.  

Meditation in yoga program is the cure for diseases such as indigestion, constipation, obesity, fatigue. Today, many medical centers offer meditation classes to complement traditional medical treatments for a broad range of mental and physical. Meditation in yoga program aims to gain

Author GS Virk has published books on spirituality, Yoga, Meditation, Gita , Sikhism, God , Spiritual Sculptures and phones. All are fully accessible online at Spiritual Book Numbers, and are for beginners.
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  GS Virk Heavenly Gardens

Great Meditation Indian Drone with Ocean Waves Sound Music and Video! ax.itunes.apple.com This track track is from cd: ”TheArt of Flying” (Sitar, Voice, Piano) Christian Tatonetti The ocean was wild today after a little storm so I ran out with my camera to capture a glimpse of the moment. I hope you will enjoy this video to meditate, relax, fall asleep or jam with.(It is in the key of C#) Check out my channel if you want more relaxing music! Thanks for your support. Christian Tatonetti was born in Montreal. itunes.apple.com He lived for ten year son Salt Spring Island, and now resides in Victoria. This innovative musician plays sitar, piano and is currently studying classical singing at the Victoria Conservatory of Music with the illustrious soprano Nancy Argenta. He won first prize for best original song at “Le Gala Provincial de laChanson” in British-Columbia in 2002. He was awarded “Best Singer Interpreter” at the same Provincial competition in 2004. Christian also joined Théâtre Inconnu for their production of ”Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris” in Victoria. Christian is currently a chorus member of Pacific Opera Victoria. Last spring, Christian sang in Mozart’s ”Cosi FanTutte” and will sing once again with the company in Puccini’s “LaBohème” in February 2011. In addition, he hosts a morning show called ”Bon Matin” at a local French radio station in Victoria. (107.9 FM CILS) Christian also performs at music festivals and at Victoria’s …

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Yoga Meditation works With Various Levels of Mind to Experience Peace and Spiritual Joy!

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Yoga meditation is described to be an art and science of systematically, observing, accepting, understanding, and training each of the levels of our being, such that we may coordinate and integrate those aspects of ourselves, and dwell in the direct experience of the center of consciousness.

The Yoga of today is not actually a separate part of Yoga Meditation, simply because for a fact Yoga is meditation. However, to differentiate Yoga Meditation to the now popular belief that Yoga is all about physical postures, Yoga Meditation is a complete process unto itself and only a small though useful part of which relates to the physical body.

In Himalayan tradition of Yoga Meditation, one systematically works with the senses, body, breath, the various levels of mind, and then goes beyond to the center of consciousness. The science of yoga meditation as taught by the Himalayan sages, is already a complete science that has been divided into smaller pieces over time, each having individual parts that has sometimes unfortunately been cut out from the whole Yoga Meditation and has been given separate names and taught as unique systems of meditation.

Yoga Meditation of the Himalayan tradition involves a broad range of practices and not only deals systematically with all levels, it is also holistic. These practices include:

Meditation

Regardless of what object is used, such as breath, a visualize image, an internal point of focus, or a religious symbol, meditation evolves in stages.

• Gross objects . Yoga meditation may start with concentrating on identifiable objects or words.

• Subtle objects. Second would be to shift to their non-objective form, such as light or sound which constructs the object

• Bliss. Third would lead to the subtler, joy-producing essence or meaning of the object, or

• I-ness. Moving still deeper into the being-ness or existence itself.

Yoga meditation is systematic, moving inward from gross, to subtle, to subtler, and to subtle-most. Attention moves inward progressively, from the most external to the very core of the being.

Contemplation

Whether it is a reflection on the universal picture or an aspiring verse from the sacred texts of one’s religion, contemplation also evolves. One of the focuses of Contemplation in the Himalayan tradition is Mahavakyas or great Contemplations. The stages that contemplation evolves are:

• Thought. Contemplation may start with a verbal thought or process.

• Reflection. Second is to deepen to quiet reflection

• Intuition. Later bring intuitive wisdom, and

• Knowing. Then lead to a formless knowing.

Like meditation, contemplation also moves inward, following the steps of moving inward from gross, to subtle, to subtler, and to subtle-most. As the more external, gross, verbal way recedes, it leads to the very core of our intuitive being.

Prayer

Although Prayers might be different for people of different cultures and religions, prayer also evolves through stages:

• Repetition. Prayer may start by being repetitive and standardized in a traditional way

• Relationship. Then shifting to a more verbal and spontaneous inner relationship

• Feeling. Then developing to a deeper, non-verbal feeling of love and devotion and

• Communion. Transforms into still deeper communion.

Prayer also moves inward, progressively from the most external to the very core of our being. Prayers for strength, or for spiritual awakening, gradually come to completion.

Mantra

Whether the Mantra is of a particular religious significance, such as a short phrase or a spiritual language such as Sanskrit, or a seed syllable not of any particular religion or language, it also evolves through stages. Mantra usage deepens with practice:

• Spoken. It may be spoken first externally or internally

• Heard. Later heard or attended to internally

• Feeling. Then later experienced as a syllable-less feeling, or

• Pervasive awareness. Finally experiencing pervasive awareness that leads to its source.

Mantra like the other practices of Meditation, Contemplation, and Prayer, also moves inward.

The root meaning of Yoga Meditation lies in the meaning of the word Yoga itself, which comes from “yuj” meaning to join, to bring together the aspects of yourself that were never divided in the first place. Although some principles of Yoga Meditation are contained within various religions, Yoga meditation is not a religion.

Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. For more information on meditation, yoga meditation, methods & techniques of mediation, visit his website:
Meditation Info Guide

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The Eight Limbs of Yoga

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Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. It focuses upon developing a healthy mind and body, and on attaining self-awareness. The various practices and disciplines of yoga are available to everyone, no matter what their culture or other paths they may follow. Yoga practice also involves developing awareness on a universal and personal level through the yamas and niyamas, a series of ethics and disciplines intended to cultivate living in harmony with others and in oneness with our true selves.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and consists of ancient theories, observations and principles regarding the connection of the mind with the body. The ancient Indian sage systemized yoga philosophy into eight paths or limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi. These limbs each express a different aspect of yoga and combined make up the path or yoga practice that unites the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of our being.

Yama – Yama are ethical disciplines that relate to how we can live in a shared world with peace and integrity. Niyama – These disciplines relate to the individual and focus on living a healthy, fulfilled and masterful life. Asana – The word asana means ‘to be’, in the sense of being in a posture. The asanas were developed for the maintenance of a healthy mind and body, with each posture affecting the body, mind and emotions in a unique way and working as a pathway to balance and wellbeing. Pranayama – In the practice of pranayama, we develop breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake and strengthen lung capacity while also increasing the absorption of prana, or life force. In its simplest form, pranayama involves deep, full breathing. Dharana – Following on from pratyahara, dharana is the ability to be completely internally absorbed and focused. This practice of single-pointed concentration stills the mind and leads to profound quietness within. Dhyana – Following on from dharana is dhyana, or meditation – sitting where there is no focus, just stillness; no thoughts, only emptiness. Samadhi – In this state of absolute personal freedom there is union of the individual soul with the universal soul. It is the practice of living at one with all that is.

With regular yoga practice of yoga, you will get strength, flexibility and good health, the benefits of which flow into all aspects of life. Increased energy levels bring a new perspective on life, the increased feelings of self-love and inspiration lead us to discover talents and interests we never knew existed and problems that once seemed overwhelming become more manageable.

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What is Yoga? James Traverse and Yoga

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Six Persimmons

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What is Yoga?

Yoga is more art than science as it cannot be understood with your thinking, conscious mind. In other words yogic understanding is experiential and is more of the heart than the head.

Yogas chitta vritti nirodha
Yoga is the cessation of mental fragmentation
(yoga is the cessation of the wrong turning of the mind).
(yoga is establishing the mind in stillness)

Yogas: Oneness, yoga, couple, union, integration, intercourse
Chitta: mind, the mental ocean of perception and reflection
Vritti: wave, the action of rolling/whirling, modification, fluctuations, way of being
Nirodha: cessation, ending

‘What is yoga?’ is experientially answered with the understanding of these four words; the process defines both the ‘discipline’ and the ‘practice’ of yoga as the living answer of this question is being yoga.

Yoga: Patanjali defines ‘Yoga’ as a way of being in his first four Yoga Sutras as follows:

  1. Now-Yoga.
  2. Yoga is the cessation of mental fragmentation;
  3. Then the seer abides in and as its true nature;
  4. Otherwise the seer is regarded as a mental formulation.

Like being in Love…

The great challenge to experientially understanding the definition of yoga that Patanjali provides is to engage your thinking mind appropriately without limiting the definition to its optic (in other words the means is the end as the way of experiential understanding is itself Yoga).

Patanjali, the father of yoga, does this skillfully with the words ‘chitta vritti nirodha’ where chitta is the ‘ocean’ or field of all possibilities, vritti is a ‘wave’ of mental activity/motion/fragmentation, and nirodha is that which flowers when fragmentation has ended – it is silence that is not broken by sound.

Three relationships that give the taste of the experiential understanding of this question are:

a) Shakespeare and Hamlet;

b) the Ocean and a Wave;

c) Dancer and Dance;

a) Shakespeare and Hamlet – Hamlet is Shakespeare’s mental creation;

Hamlet and other characters are the means by which Shakespeare expressed himself and without them Shakespeare could not be as he is known today. Thus Shakespeare cannot be/express himself without Hamlet and Hamlet cannot be without Shakespeare. Since Shakespeare created Hamlet it follows that Hamlet is of the same kind as his Source, Shakespeare, yet it is obviously preposterous for Hamlet, a fragment, to think of or regard himself as being identical to Shakespeare.

b) Ocean and Wave
There has to be an ocean (chitta) for a wave (vritti) to appear.

A wave (vritti) is the means whereby the ocean (chitta) expresses itself. Thus a wave is in the ocean and the ocean is in the wave. The wave is distinct yet not separate or different from the ocean; the ocean is distinct yet not separate from the wave as the wave is its means of expression.

c) Dancer and Dance
The Dancer IS the Dance; the Dance IS the Dancer.

A dancer is by dancing; without the dancer there can be no dance. A dance is the means whereby a dancer expresses her/himself; without a dance there can be no dancer.

The binary nature or ‘withness‘ that all three of the relationships given above have in common are:

1) chitta

2) vritti

3) nirodha

where:

1) ‘chitta’ is the mental field/ocean with its ‘subject and object’ or ‘ocean and wave’ duality described/regarded from the perspective of the ocean;

2) ‘vritti’ is the wave of mental fragmentation of ‘subject and object’ regarded from the perspective of the wave; this fragmentation is both the fundamental process of thinking and the separation that is a consequence of thinking (for example the mental activity of describing/regarding things like ‘chitta-ocean’ and ‘vritti-wave’ is ‘vritti’ as the process of separation whereby each thing is rendered distinct by mentally describing/thinking of it in terms of the other; thus vritti is thinking and it is also the separation that happens as a consequence of thinking).

3) nirodha is the silence that is always available and is when fragmentation has ceased; it is authentic silence that includes and transcends the silence that is mentally understood via ‘chitta’ and ‘vritti’ without self-contradiction; this is silence that like Om, music, authentic art, song and dance includes sound and motion without breaking silence (it is the peace beyond understanding as the spiritual heart that is the homeground of being… it expresses itself – it is breathing as it flows as spirit~heart~mind~body [it branches or 'waves' and its branches branch] and it flowers as body~mind~heart~spirit).

What is your most fundamental need?

Like Shakespeare, the ocean and a dancer…

your most fundamental need is to express yourself – to act!

Like Hamlet you are not identical to your source when you mentally regard that you are because that conclusion is ‘vritti’ which negates Oneness through its separation. And yet when you experientialy understand ‘What is yoga?’ you are Source because then mental fragmentation has ended and you are established in and as what you have always been which is your true nature by whatever name.

As Source you express yourself in the same manner that you have always expressed yourself – you breathe and act as this is how your true nature functions. And your actions do not arise out of your thinking mind which means that they are not the result of knowledge or of any need or of lack; instead your actions come out of the homeground of being which is the heart that uses instruments like your thinking mind, your senses and your body to express itself as all that is for its own sake.

In this light ‘What is Yoga?’
It is Love and Love is what it does!

Peace Now ~ Love Always
James

Yoga for Asthma and Bronchitis

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Yoga for Asthma and Bronchitis

Written by: mec-mec

Yoga is a system inclusive of physical and mental training that can benefit people of all ages. It involves Asanas (body postures) and Pranayama (art of breath control), among which of its physical uses are to reduce stress-related conditions, help with circulatory and respiratory disorders such as Asthma and Bronchitis, and improve over-all health.

Asthma and Bronchitis are two chronic lung ailments that can cause damage to the lungs. These should be treated immediately to avoid any complications.

Yoga for Asthma and Bronchitis

Asthma

This is a very common respiratory complaint, which involves a severe narrowing of the bronchial tubes (bronchi). These tubes lead from the windpipe – called the trachea – into the lungs and they carry the oxygen we breathe in to all parts of the lungs and provide a path for the carbon dioxide to escape up the trachea when we breathe out. This narrowing of the bronchi causes difficulty in breathing, specifically when breathing out.

The typical attack is characterized by a sudden shortness of breath and wheezing, also sometimes accompanied by coughing. The bringing up of phlegm is not a prominent part of the attack, but if it occurs, the patient may also have Bronchitis. Asthma attack is triggered by infections like common cold and sinusitis, irritants or allergens breathed in like fumes and dust, food allergens, psychological changes, physical exertion, and even medicinal drugs. Identifying the causes and treating the symptoms early on can help prevent attacks and make it worse.

Yoga for Asthma and Bronchitis

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a more critical lung ailment compared to Asthma – a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)– and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. This is a serious infection of the lungs and bronchial tubes, which can become chronic. Breathing polluted air and smoking are mainly responsible for this ailment.

This particular disorder has inflamed bronchial tubes caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It may develop suddenly, following a head cold (acute Bronchitis), or it may persist or return regularly for many years, causing progressive degeneration of bronchi and lungs (chronic Bronchitis). The color of the sputum (phlegm) shows how serious the form of chronic Bronchitis is. On one hand, initial symptoms for acute Bronchitis include head cold, running nose, fever and chills, aching muscles, and possibly back pain. The most obvious feature that follows is persistent cough. On the other hand, chronic Bronchitis is characterized by cough with sputum (phlegm), and other symptoms depend on how much or how little emphysema is present.

Certain people are more susceptible than others; men are more so than women, outnumbering them ten to one – the reasons why are unclear. Smokers are 50 times more likely to get chronic Bronchitis than non-smokers. Generally, it occurs with greater frequency in winter, in damp, cold climates, and in heavily polluted environments. Chilling, overcrowding, fatigue, and excessive smoking are contributory factors.

Yoga Exercises including the poses, breathing, and relaxation techniques put you in control of your mind and emotions, making you more relaxed and allowing you to breathe easier. This will also help your lungs work better and enhance airflow during Asthma attacks.

Here are the Yoga poses to help you feel better and take control over Asthma and Bronchitis, together with proper medication and your doctor’s help:

Seated Poses - Easy Pose (Sukhasana) Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
This is one of the classic Meditative Poses and is usually performed after doing the Corpse Pose. The Easy Pose helps in straightening the spine, slowing down metabolism, promoting inner tranquility, and keeping your mind still.
Warm-Up Poses - Shoulder Lifts Shoulder Lifts
Many people hold tension in their necks and shoulders, leading to stiffness, bad posture, and tension headaches. Yoga practice can ease tension, increase flexibility, and tone the muscles. This section covers the steps on how to practice Shoulder Lifts.
Twist Yoga Poses - Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
If done properly, the Half Spinal Twist lengthens and strengthens the spine. It is also beneficial for your liver, kidneys, as well as adrenal glands. Practice this Yoga Pose under the supervision of a Yoga instructor. In this section, learn how to perform the Half Spinal Twist.
Supine Poses - Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana) Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana)
The term Pavanamuktasana comes from the Sanskrit word ‘pavana’ which means air or wind and ‘mukta’ which means freedom or release. The Wind Relieving Pose works mainly on the digestive system. specifically, it helps in eliminating excess gas in the stomach.
Yoga Exercise - Corpse Pose (Savasana) Yoga Exercise – Corpse Pose (Savasana)
The Corpse Yoga Pose is considered as a classic relaxation Yoga Pose and is practiced before or in between Asanas as well as a Final Relaxation. While it looks deceptively simple, it is actually difficult to perform. Learn more on how to do it with the help of this article.
Anuloma Viloma Anuloma Viloma
Anuloma Viloma is also called the Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique. In this Breathing Technique, you inhale through one nostril, retain the breath, and exhale through the other nostril. Learn how to do this technique for beginners by following the steps found in this article.
Relaxation Yoga Pose Relaxation Pose
There are three parts to proper relaxation – physical, mental and spiritual relaxation. Relaxation Yoga Pose relaxes your body and mind, and makes you feel refreshed after doing the asanas and the pranayamas.This is why it is an essential part of Yoga practice.

The general lifestyle involved in Yoga serves as a good therapy for respiratory problems. A healthy diet can build your resistance against cold, allergies, and other environmental causes of Asthma, Bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory disorders. It also promotes a non-smoking lifestyle.

According to Yoga philosophy, a calm mind produces regular breathing and a relaxed body. So, breathing exercises can definitely help people with Asthma and Bronchitis.