RN Gupta - Ashtanga and 10 bodies

[Guest guest]

SAT NAM RN Gupta,

 

with my previous comment I just wanted to point out, that our presence is

more than just a 'physical' thing and that Yoga is more than just

'exercises'. Are you familiar with the principle of Ashtanga as taught /

introduced by Patanjali (Indian Yogi philosopher, approx. 200 bc) ?

Just for reference - the eight arms of Ashtanga (read as aspects of yoga

or steps towards enlightenment) are:

 

Yama - Code of behaviour

be open, gentle, friendly, honest

Not obsessed by possession

No violence

Not obsessed by sexuality

 

Niyama - Self discipline

Silence, thinking, patience

Fasting / Ishnaan

Cleanness – outside and inside

Moderation – life style, food

Devotion

‘Do not feel guilty’ – take 'it' as an advice

 

Asana - Physical exercise

Best is daily sadhana (early morning)

Best is 2.5 hours per day

Move and stretch every muscle

Static – dynamic

48 basic postures / asanas - no head stand!

 

Pranayama - Breathing technique

Prana - Live-energy

Yama - Control

Long deep breath

Breath of fire

Sitali (rolled tongue)

Lots of variations

 

Pratyahara - Control of senses

try to obtain freedom and independence in thinking and feeling

hear and smile

 

Dharana - Concentration

focus on a thought, a picture, a mantra

 

Dhyana - Meditation

try to become ‘empty’

let thoughts pass by, don’t judge them

 

Samadhi - Enlightenment

everything is one, nothing matters any more

freedom of thoughts, time, feelings

OM

 

 

But now to the 10 bodies. They are:

1. spiritual body - soul

The soul is part of the divine creator and takes the physical body as

‘vehicle’ for its live on earth. The soul is – same like god – infinite.

The ‘light of the soul’ is necessary for spiritual development. The

soul-body is represented by the heart.

 

2. negative mind

Is protecting us, makes us alert for dangers or unfavorable situations ?

‘belly feeling’

 

3. positive mind

Is aware of beauty and joy, let us overcome bad situations, is making us

sensible for positive options.

 

4. neutral mind

Is the center for mental balance, is the ‘referee’ for the negative and

positive mind. Finds the middle course, strives for harmony and makes

decisions.

 

5. physical body

Your real body, limbs, muscles, organs, blood stream, digestive system.

 

6. arc line

Is a small, ‘strong’ magnetic field from ear to ear over the 3rd eye. It is

the ‘representation’ of the immune system and the self esteem. If strong,

it helps the ability to concentrate and to defeat sickness and negativity.

 

7. aura body

Is the electro-magnetic field around our body. It is mostly determined by

the function and effectiveness of the chakras (energy wheels along the spine)

 

8. prana body

Is the vitality, which comes via breath, water, food, sunshine and touch

into our body. It is the driving force for the heartbeat, breath and body

functions.

 

9. subtle body

This is the shell, in which the soul will leave one day our physical body.

Also it ‘stores’ all subtle experiences of a lifetime. Every baby is borne

with an ‘old soul and an old subtle body’. The other 8 bodies are created

newly by this new earth existence. The subtle body is related with

intuition and intelligence

 

10. radiant body

Is the impression you make to others – open minded, smiling, ‘light’. This

is the non-verbal communication part, when you meet other people. Also the

‘love on first sight’ is related to ‘fitting’ radiant bodies.

 

 

In the deeper sense it's all about awareness and consciousness. Therefore

Yoga is a *little bit more* than the exercises. Also it is difficult to say

- do this set, chant that mantra, breath this way, do exactly this time.

You should (- together with an experienced teacher -) have a look at

yourself and figure out what to do. I personally don't know you, your life,

your expectations, your limitations and strengths. So I can't give you

exact and specific recommendations what, how and when to do. I am not (yet

?) gifted enough to 'feel' or 'see' others in the whole presence (but we

are working on it ;-), so I won't be able to give you perfect matching advices.

 

A good starting point is to identify weaknesses in your existence, where

you feel the urge of improvement. Take your back - does it hurt ? Do spinal

flex sets. You feel lonely, frightened? Chant an uplifting mantra. You are

restless? Work on meditation. You are stressed and angry? Do long deep

breathing. Along the spiritual way you are walking you'll find lots of

'construction sites'. Interesting enough all the exercises, mantras,

meditations etc. are having their different effects on various aspects of

your presence - its a multi-functional and multi-dimensional thing. And

finally - practicing yoga is FUN.

 

This was long by now, hope this helps a little....

 

 

Sending blessings from Shanghai,

 

Adarsh S.