Guest guest Posted November 17, 2003 Report Share Posted November 17, 2003 As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. The mantra says: OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The seer is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful form, the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are applied to make the seat free from obstructions. ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy situated in this lotus seat. Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported by the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this seat. Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and down the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which is a very important aspect of our sadhana. When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind is agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to sit straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and so I straighten up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2003 Report Share Posted November 17, 2003 Thanks Parvati, What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit like that? These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them flexable, then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about five minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. I also have lower back problems. That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is messed up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing further problems? Brian parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM Developing an asan As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. The mantra says: OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The seer is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful form, the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are applied to make the seat free from obstructions. ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy situated in this lotus seat. Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported by the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this seat. Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and down the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which is a very important aspect of our sadhana. When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind is agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to sit straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and so I straighten up. Your use of is subject to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2003 Report Share Posted November 17, 2003 this was a beautiful post! - parvati_saraswati Monday, November 17, 2003 12:35 PM Developing an asan As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. The mantra says:OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo devataa aasanopavesane viniyogahOm Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The seer is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful form, the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are applied to make the seat free from obstructions.ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namahWith these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy situated in this lotus seat.Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanamOm Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported by the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this seat.Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and down the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which is a very important aspect of our sadhana.When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind is agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to sit straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and so I straighten up.To from this group, send an email to:Your use of is subject to the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2003 Report Share Posted November 17, 2003 Namaste Brian, Thank you for your blessings and good wishes. I too am interested in knowing what long time practitioners have done to resolve the asan issue. I cant sit for very long either and I certainly cant sit in the recommended asana. My legs go to sleep and it is a painful process. For a while I used to chant in the 'proper' or the only possible position and then used to stretch my legs out and prop myself against the wall and continue chanting. Of late, I find that it causes me to lose momentum and get distracted. So everytime I feel the need to stretch, I break the asan, get into a more comfortable position , and then come back to the asan and resume my chanting. I make it a point to chant only when I am in the asan so that the body 'understands' and cooperates with the mind. Swamiji has always recommended that we expand our asan over a period of time (extra 5 mins every month if I got it right) , and I take heart from that. Once I asked him 'Swamiji, my feet are killing me. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the pain. He said in his typical style, 'Yes, you can pray ... ' '. Best wishes, Latha , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> wrote: > Thanks Parvati, > > What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit like that? > > These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them flexable, then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. > > I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about five minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. > > I also have lower back problems. > > That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is messed up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. > > The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing further problems? > > Brian > > > parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati> > Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM > > Developing an asan > > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. > The mantra says: > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The seer > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful form, > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > situated in this lotus seat. > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported by > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this > seat. > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and down > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind is > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to sit > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and so > I straighten up. > > > > > > Your use of is subject to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2003 Report Share Posted November 18, 2003 Namaste Parvati, By odd coincidence, last night I was reading a mantra for the aasan and fretting that it was not transliterated into English phonetics. It's in Devanagari script (which I can't read). So here today you post a mantra for the asan in English phonetics and with the English translation! Amazing! Jai Maa! Astraea , "parvati_saraswati" <parvati_saraswati> wrote: > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. > The mantra says: > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The seer > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful form, > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > situated in this lotus seat. > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported by > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this > seat. > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and down > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind is > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to sit > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and so > I straighten up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2003 Report Share Posted November 18, 2003 Brian, You didn't ask me, so forgive me for jumping in. What's wrong with the Maitri Asana (Friendship Pose)? This is where you sit straight on a wooden chair. According to one source, this asana is described by Buddhist scripture as acceptable for meditation. Astraea , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> wrote: > Thanks Parvati, > > What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit like that? > > These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them flexable, then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. > > I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about five minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. > > I also have lower back problems. > > That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is messed up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. > > The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing further problems? > > Brian > > > parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati> > Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM > > Developing an asan > > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. > The mantra says: > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The seer > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful form, > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > situated in this lotus seat. > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported by > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this > seat. > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and down > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind is > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to sit > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and so > I straighten up. > > > > > > Your use of is subject to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2003 Report Share Posted November 18, 2003 Latha, Are you doing any Hatha Yoga? I've read that one of the primary purposes of Hatha Yoga is to train the body to sit still for long periods of meditation. I used to be able to do the Svastikasana & Siddhasana poses for short meditations (20-30 min.) when I was younger, but now use the Maitri pose (chair) on the rare occasions I meditate. I've been focused on Mantras for a while, but need to get into regular meditation. There's no way around it. I need to work out with my Beginner's Hatha Yoga stretches. I found when I lie down for guided meditation tapes (which are really visualization exercises, NOT real meditation)-- I just pass out. And it's not Yoga Nidra either. Astraea , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote: > Namaste Brian, > > Thank you for your blessings and good wishes. > > I too am interested in knowing what long time practitioners have done > to resolve the asan issue. > > I cant sit for very long either and I certainly cant sit in the > recommended asana. My legs go to sleep and it is a painful process. > > For a while I used to chant in the 'proper' or the only possible > position and then used to stretch my legs out and prop myself against > the wall and continue chanting. Of late, I find that it causes me to > lose momentum and get distracted. > > So everytime I feel the need to stretch, I break the asan, get into a > more comfortable position , and then come back to the asan and resume > my chanting. I make it a point to chant only when I am in the asan so > that the body 'understands' and cooperates with the mind. > > Swamiji has always recommended that we expand our asan over a period > of time (extra 5 mins every month if I got it right) , and I take > heart from that. Once I asked him 'Swamiji, my feet are killing me. > Is there anything I can do to alleviate the pain. He said in his > typical style, 'Yes, you can pray ... ' '. > > Best wishes, > Latha > > , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> wrote: > > Thanks Parvati, > > > > What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit like > that? > > > > These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit > properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them flexable, > then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. > > > > I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about five > minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. > > > > I also have lower back problems. > > > > That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is messed > up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by > samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. > > > > The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing further > problems? > > > > Brian > > > > > > parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati> > > Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM > > > > Developing an asan > > > > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. > > The mantra says: > > > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo > > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The > seer > > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful > form, > > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are > > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > > situated in this lotus seat. > > > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported > by > > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this > > seat. > > > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and > down > > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which > > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind > is > > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the > > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's > > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to > sit > > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap > > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not > > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and > so > > I straighten up. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of is subject to > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2003 Report Share Posted November 18, 2003 LOL. I think I've heard Swamji say that answer to many questions. And this fits our previous conversation perfectly. Swamiji is the epitomy of the quick wit. His mind is so clear, so pure, that nothing escapes him. Thus he still has a mind though, right? So the question is: after Chandi takes away the thoughts, what remains? I guess its King Good Thoughts. Thoughts remain, but only the good ones. The mind is purified. I think I need to stop struggling with my mind... I'm trying to follow his example. Its not easy though, its like trying to observe a rock climber who's most of the way up a mountain while still being in the valley below him. I think I need some spiritual binoculars. ;-) I only sit in an asan (a loose definition of the word at best) when I do puja to DurgaKrista. That's four times a month or so. I have noticed I can do it longer now, but it sure seems to be taking a while to open up my hips. I'll keep after it, thanks. Brian Latha Nanda <lathananda Nov 17, 2003 6:52 PM Re: Developing an asan Namaste Brian, Thank you for your blessings and good wishes. I too am interested in knowing what long time practitioners have done to resolve the asan issue. I cant sit for very long either and I certainly cant sit in the recommended asana. My legs go to sleep and it is a painful process. For a while I used to chant in the 'proper' or the only possible position and then used to stretch my legs out and prop myself against the wall and continue chanting. Of late, I find that it causes me to lose momentum and get distracted. So everytime I feel the need to stretch, I break the asan, get into a more comfortable position , and then come back to the asan and resume my chanting. I make it a point to chant only when I am in the asan so that the body 'understands' and cooperates with the mind. Swamiji has always recommended that we expand our asan over a period of time (extra 5 mins every month if I got it right) , and I take heart from that. Once I asked him 'Swamiji, my feet are killing me. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the pain. He said in his typical style, 'Yes, you can pray ... ' '. Best wishes, Latha , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> wrote: > Thanks Parvati, > > What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit like that? > > These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them flexable, then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. > > I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about five minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. > > I also have lower back problems. > > That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is messed up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. > > The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing further problems? > > Brian > > > parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati> > Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM > > Developing an asan > > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. > The mantra says: > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The seer > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful form, > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > situated in this lotus seat. > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported by > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this > seat. > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and down > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind is > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to sit > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and so > I straighten up. > > > > > > Your use of is subject to Your use of is subject to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2003 Report Share Posted November 18, 2003 Dear Brian, First, one question, what asan are you sitting in? There are five different kinds of asans as described in the Devi Gita. Next, Maa had the suggestion for you that you try to sit in a hot bath or hot tub in an asan for 5 minutes and slowly increase the time you can sit. She said to be patient and not to force yourself but it will take time. She mentioned that hatha yoga would also be of benefit. In terms of relaxing try pranayama. There are many different ways to do pranayam. On of the ways Swamiji teaches pranayam is following a cycle of 1:4:2 or 2:8:4, or 4:16:8, etc. Inhale a mantra like om namah shivaaya for 1 breath, hold it for 4 saying the mantra in your mind for 4 counts and then exhaling the breath for 2 while repeating the mantra 2 times. When you are inhaling the belly fills with air like a balloon and then you bring the breath up and hold it then exhale following the cycle. That is just one way. I also recommend that you talk with Nityananda. He is very good at yoga and pranayama. He has taught me several excellent postures specifically for sitting in an asan. I think it one is called the "pigeon pose." He also knows lots and lots of good pranayama exercises. Hope this will help you a bit. , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> wrote: > LOL. > > I think I've heard Swamji say that answer to many questions. And this fits our previous conversation perfectly. Swamiji is the epitomy of the quick wit. His mind is so clear, so pure, that nothing escapes him. Thus he still has a mind though, right? So the question is: after Chandi takes away the thoughts, what remains? I guess its King Good Thoughts. Thoughts remain, but only the good ones. The mind is purified. I think I need to stop struggling with my mind... > > I'm trying to follow his example. Its not easy though, its like trying to observe a rock climber who's most of the way up a mountain while still being in the valley below him. I think I need some spiritual binoculars. ;-) > > I only sit in an asan (a loose definition of the word at best) when I do puja to DurgaKrista. That's four times a month or so. I have noticed I can do it longer now, but it sure seems to be taking a while to open up my hips. > > I'll keep after it, thanks. > > Brian > > > Latha Nanda <lathananda> > Nov 17, 2003 6:52 PM > > Re: Developing an asan > > Namaste Brian, > > Thank you for your blessings and good wishes. > > I too am interested in knowing what long time practitioners have done > to resolve the asan issue. > > I cant sit for very long either and I certainly cant sit in the > recommended asana. My legs go to sleep and it is a painful process. > > For a while I used to chant in the 'proper' or the only possible > position and then used to stretch my legs out and prop myself against > the wall and continue chanting. Of late, I find that it causes me to > lose momentum and get distracted. > > So everytime I feel the need to stretch, I break the asan, get into a > more comfortable position , and then come back to the asan and resume > my chanting. I make it a point to chant only when I am in the asan so > that the body 'understands' and cooperates with the mind. > > Swamiji has always recommended that we expand our asan over a period > of time (extra 5 mins every month if I got it right) , and I take > heart from that. Once I asked him 'Swamiji, my feet are killing me. > Is there anything I can do to alleviate the pain. He said in his > typical style, 'Yes, you can pray ... ' '. > > Best wishes, > Latha > > , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> wrote: > > Thanks Parvati, > > > > What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit like > that? > > > > These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit > properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them flexable, > then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. > > > > I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about five > minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. > > > > I also have lower back problems. > > > > That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is messed > up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by > samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. > > > > The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing further > problems? > > > > Brian > > > > > > parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati> > > Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM > > > > Developing an asan > > > > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. > > The mantra says: > > > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo > > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The > seer > > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful > form, > > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are > > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > > situated in this lotus seat. > > > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported > by > > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this > > seat. > > > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and > down > > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which > > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind > is > > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the > > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's > > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to > sit > > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap > > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not > > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and > so > > I straighten up. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of is subject to > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of is subject to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2003 Report Share Posted November 18, 2003 Astraea, You have hit on my secret sorrow - lack of exercise and yoga. I have to take that up to get more flexible. I dont know the Maitri pose , but I am sure that the yoga will benefit my exist asan enormously. I do want to work up to Siddhasana as this is what Swamiji recommends. Thank you, Latha , "astraea2003" <astraea2003> wrote: > Latha, > Are you doing any Hatha Yoga? I've read that one of the primary > purposes of Hatha Yoga is to train the body to sit still for long > periods of meditation. > > I used to be able to do the Svastikasana & Siddhasana poses for short > meditations (20-30 min.) when I was younger, but now use the Maitri > pose (chair) on the rare occasions I meditate. I've been focused on > Mantras for a while, but need to get into regular meditation. There's > no way around it. > > I need to work out with my Beginner's Hatha Yoga stretches. > > I found when I lie down for guided meditation tapes (which are really > visualization exercises, NOT real meditation)-- I just pass out. And > it's not Yoga Nidra either. > > Astraea > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote: > > Namaste Brian, > > > > Thank you for your blessings and good wishes. > > > > I too am interested in knowing what long time practitioners have > done > > to resolve the asan issue. > > > > I cant sit for very long either and I certainly cant sit in the > > recommended asana. My legs go to sleep and it is a painful process. > > > > For a while I used to chant in the 'proper' or the only possible > > position and then used to stretch my legs out and prop myself > against > > the wall and continue chanting. Of late, I find that it causes me > to > > lose momentum and get distracted. > > > > So everytime I feel the need to stretch, I break the asan, get into > a > > more comfortable position , and then come back to the asan and > resume > > my chanting. I make it a point to chant only when I am in the asan > so > > that the body 'understands' and cooperates with the mind. > > > > Swamiji has always recommended that we expand our asan over a > period > > of time (extra 5 mins every month if I got it right) , and I take > > heart from that. Once I asked him 'Swamiji, my feet are killing me. > > Is there anything I can do to alleviate the pain. He said in his > > typical style, 'Yes, you can pray ... ' '. > > > > Best wishes, > > Latha > > > > , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> > wrote: > > > Thanks Parvati, > > > > > > What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit like > > that? > > > > > > These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit > > properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them > flexable, > > then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. > > > > > > I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about five > > minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. > > > > > > I also have lower back problems. > > > > > > That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is messed > > up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by > > samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. > > > > > > The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing further > > problems? > > > > > > Brian > > > > > > > > > parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati> > > > Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM > > > > > > Developing an asan > > > > > > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our > asan. > > > The mantra says: > > > > > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo > > > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > > > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The > > seer > > > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful > > form, > > > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras > are > > > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > > > > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > > > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > > > situated in this lotus seat. > > > > > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > > > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > > > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are > supported > > by > > > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure > this > > > seat. > > > > > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and > > down > > > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam > which > > > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > > > > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind > > is > > > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the > > > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > > > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when > Maa's > > > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to > > sit > > > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly > tap > > > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back > not > > > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and > > so > > > I straighten up. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of is subject to > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2003 Report Share Posted November 18, 2003 I was actually asking everyone so thank you for jumping in. When I do meditate I generaly do so on my bed because its soft and squishy and makes my legs less cramped. I used to sit in a chair and I also did dead man's pose for a while, (aka lying down) but I never do that pose in bed, unless I'm sleeping! heh. I actually want to learn to sit to do the pujas. Thanks for your ideas. Brian astraea2003 <astraea2003 Nov 18, 2003 3:07 AM Re: Developing an asan Brian, You didn't ask me, so forgive me for jumping in. What's wrong with the Maitri Asana (Friendship Pose)? This is where you sit straight on a wooden chair. According to one source, this asana is described by Buddhist scripture as acceptable for meditation. Astraea , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> wrote: > Thanks Parvati, > > What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit like that? > > These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them flexable, then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. > > I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about five minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. > > I also have lower back problems. > > That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is messed up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. > > The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing further problems? > > Brian > > > parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati> > Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM > > Developing an asan > > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our asan. > The mantra says: > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The seer > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful form, > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras are > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > situated in this lotus seat. > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are supported by > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure this > seat. > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and down > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam which > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind is > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when Maa's > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to sit > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly tap > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back not > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and so > I straighten up. > > > > > > Your use of is subject to Your use of is subject to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2003 Report Share Posted November 19, 2003 Thank Maa and thank you Parvati, I was doing Yoga in a class once a week for a while and that helped tremendously, but unfortunately my back went on the fritz. Now if I do any twisting yoga my back goes out and hurts very badly (only my chiropractor can fix it then) so I gave it up. I have been doing simple exercizes to help with my back, opening up my back, but that's all. Sitting in an asan in a hot tub is a great idea! I'll start that practice tonight. I think what I really need is a practice. I need a daily program of stretching, yoga, and meditation. I haven't had one in years. A decade or so ago I was doing it daily, but then affliction / dharma / karma / what ever you want to call it came and now looking back I wish there had been a way to keep it up. I guess its pointless to look back now though. Krista meditates every day and she stretches often. I think we should work together to set up a regimen. Tell Maa I'm going to work on it. My favorite asan is the one where you sit with your legs folded under with your butt on your heals or on the inside of your feet. I can sit for quite a while in that asan, but I suspect its not the best for meditation. I've been working on and off on my legs and hips for thirteen years. A lot of life changes have occurred during that time. One thing I know for sure: my body is a reflection of my mind and my body is inflexable because my mind is stressed. It may just be part of the process of letting go and learning to relax, at any rate I'm crying for surrender now. God knows its the only freedom there is. Thanks again. Goddess Bless. Jai Maa! Brian , "parvati_saraswati" <parvati_saraswati> wrote: > Dear Brian, > First, one question, what asan are you sitting in? There are five > different kinds of asans as described in the Devi Gita. > Next, Maa had the suggestion for you that you try to sit in a hot > bath or hot tub in an asan for 5 minutes and slowly increase the time > you can sit. She said to be patient and not to force yourself but it > will take time. She mentioned that hatha yoga would also be of > benefit. In terms of relaxing try pranayama. There are many different > ways to do pranayam. On of the ways Swamiji teaches pranayam is > following a cycle of 1:4:2 or 2:8:4, or 4:16:8, etc. Inhale a mantra > like om namah shivaaya for 1 breath, hold it for 4 saying the mantra > in your mind for 4 counts and then exhaling the breath for 2 while > repeating the mantra 2 times. When you are inhaling the belly fills > with air like a balloon and then you bring the breath up and hold it > then exhale following the cycle. > That is just one way. I also recommend that you talk with Nityananda. > He is very good at yoga and pranayama. He has taught me several > excellent postures specifically for sitting in an asan. I think it > one is called the "pigeon pose." He also knows lots and lots of good > pranayama exercises. > Hope this will help you a bit. > > > > > > > > > > , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> wrote: > > LOL. > > > > I think I've heard Swamji say that answer to many questions. And > this fits our previous conversation perfectly. Swamiji is the epitomy > of the quick wit. His mind is so clear, so pure, that nothing escapes > him. Thus he still has a mind though, right? So the question is: > after Chandi takes away the thoughts, what remains? I guess its King > Good Thoughts. Thoughts remain, but only the good ones. The mind is > purified. I think I need to stop struggling with my mind... > > > > I'm trying to follow his example. Its not easy though, its like > trying to observe a rock climber who's most of the way up a mountain > while still being in the valley below him. I think I need some > spiritual binoculars. ;-) > > > > I only sit in an asan (a loose definition of the word at best) when > I do puja to DurgaKrista. That's four times a month or so. I have > noticed I can do it longer now, but it sure seems to be taking a > while to open up my hips. > > > > I'll keep after it, thanks. > > > > Brian > > > > > > Latha Nanda <lathananda> > > Nov 17, 2003 6:52 PM > > > > Re: Developing an asan > > > > Namaste Brian, > > > > Thank you for your blessings and good wishes. > > > > I too am interested in knowing what long time practitioners have > done > > to resolve the asan issue. > > > > I cant sit for very long either and I certainly cant sit in the > > recommended asana. My legs go to sleep and it is a painful process. > > > > For a while I used to chant in the 'proper' or the only possible > > position and then used to stretch my legs out and prop myself > against > > the wall and continue chanting. Of late, I find that it causes me > to > > lose momentum and get distracted. > > > > So everytime I feel the need to stretch, I break the asan, get into > a > > more comfortable position , and then come back to the asan and > resume > > my chanting. I make it a point to chant only when I am in the asan > so > > that the body 'understands' and cooperates with the mind. > > > > Swamiji has always recommended that we expand our asan over a > period > > of time (extra 5 mins every month if I got it right) , and I take > > heart from that. Once I asked him 'Swamiji, my feet are killing me. > > Is there anything I can do to alleviate the pain. He said in his > > typical style, 'Yes, you can pray ... ' '. > > > > Best wishes, > > Latha > > > > , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> > wrote: > > > Thanks Parvati, > > > > > > What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit like > > that? > > > > > > These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit > > properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them > flexable, > > then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. > > > > > > I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about five > > minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. > > > > > > I also have lower back problems. > > > > > > That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is messed > > up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by > > samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. > > > > > > The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing further > > problems? > > > > > > Brian > > > > > > > > > parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati> > > > Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM > > > > > > Developing an asan > > > > > > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our > asan. > > > The mantra says: > > > > > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah kuurmmo > > > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > > > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. The > > seer > > > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful > > form, > > > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These mantras > are > > > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > > > > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > > > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > > > situated in this lotus seat. > > > > > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > > > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > > > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are > supported > > by > > > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure > this > > > seat. > > > > > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up and > > down > > > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam > which > > > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > > > > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's mind > > is > > > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in the > > > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > > > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when > Maa's > > > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but to > > sit > > > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would lightly > tap > > > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back > not > > > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely and > > so > > > I straighten up. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of is subject to > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of is subject to > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 Brian, That's exactly what I've been thinking. I need a routine set up for basic Yoga stretches, breathwork and meditation. Mantras alone are not enough. Astraea , "btmckee1967" <brian@s...> wrote: > Thank Maa and thank you Parvati, > > I was doing Yoga in a class once a week for a while and that helped > tremendously, but unfortunately my back went on the fritz. Now if I > do any twisting yoga my back goes out and hurts very badly (only my > chiropractor can fix it then) so I gave it up. I have been doing > simple exercizes to help with my back, opening up my back, but > that's all. > > Sitting in an asan in a hot tub is a great idea! I'll start that > practice tonight. > > I think what I really need is a practice. I need a daily program of > stretching, yoga, and meditation. I haven't had one in years. A > decade or so ago I was doing it daily, but then affliction / > dharma / karma / what ever you want to call it came and now looking > back I wish there had been a way to keep it up. I guess its > pointless to look back now though. > > Krista meditates every day and she stretches often. I think we > should work together to set up a regimen. > > Tell Maa I'm going to work on it. > > My favorite asan is the one where you sit with your legs folded > under with your butt on your heals or on the inside of your feet. I > can sit for quite a while in that asan, but I suspect its not the > best for meditation. I've been working on and off on my legs and > hips for thirteen years. A lot of life changes have occurred during > that time. > > One thing I know for sure: my body is a reflection of my mind and my > body is inflexable because my mind is stressed. It may just be part > of the process of letting go and learning to relax, at any rate I'm > crying for surrender now. God knows its the only freedom there is. > > Thanks again. Goddess Bless. Jai Maa! > > Brian > > , "parvati_saraswati" > <parvati_saraswati> wrote: > > Dear Brian, > > First, one question, what asan are you sitting in? There are five > > different kinds of asans as described in the Devi Gita. > > Next, Maa had the suggestion for you that you try to sit in a hot > > bath or hot tub in an asan for 5 minutes and slowly increase the > time > > you can sit. She said to be patient and not to force yourself but > it > > will take time. She mentioned that hatha yoga would also be of > > benefit. In terms of relaxing try pranayama. There are many > different > > ways to do pranayam. On of the ways Swamiji teaches pranayam is > > following a cycle of 1:4:2 or 2:8:4, or 4:16:8, etc. Inhale a > mantra > > like om namah shivaaya for 1 breath, hold it for 4 saying the > mantra > > in your mind for 4 counts and then exhaling the breath for 2 while > > repeating the mantra 2 times. When you are inhaling the belly > fills > > with air like a balloon and then you bring the breath up and hold > it > > then exhale following the cycle. > > That is just one way. I also recommend that you talk with > Nityananda. > > He is very good at yoga and pranayama. He has taught me several > > excellent postures specifically for sitting in an asan. I think it > > one is called the "pigeon pose." He also knows lots and lots of > good > > pranayama exercises. > > Hope this will help you a bit. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> > wrote: > > > LOL. > > > > > > I think I've heard Swamji say that answer to many questions. And > > this fits our previous conversation perfectly. Swamiji is the > epitomy > > of the quick wit. His mind is so clear, so pure, that nothing > escapes > > him. Thus he still has a mind though, right? So the question is: > > after Chandi takes away the thoughts, what remains? I guess its > King > > Good Thoughts. Thoughts remain, but only the good ones. The mind > is > > purified. I think I need to stop struggling with my mind... > > > > > > I'm trying to follow his example. Its not easy though, its like > > trying to observe a rock climber who's most of the way up a > mountain > > while still being in the valley below him. I think I need some > > spiritual binoculars. ;-) > > > > > > I only sit in an asan (a loose definition of the word at best) > when > > I do puja to DurgaKrista. That's four times a month or so. I have > > noticed I can do it longer now, but it sure seems to be taking a > > while to open up my hips. > > > > > > I'll keep after it, thanks. > > > > > > Brian > > > > > > > > > Latha Nanda <lathananda> > > > Nov 17, 2003 6:52 PM > > > > > > Re: Developing an asan > > > > > > Namaste Brian, > > > > > > Thank you for your blessings and good wishes. > > > > > > I too am interested in knowing what long time practitioners have > > done > > > to resolve the asan issue. > > > > > > I cant sit for very long either and I certainly cant sit in the > > > recommended asana. My legs go to sleep and it is a painful > process. > > > > > > For a while I used to chant in the 'proper' or the only possible > > > position and then used to stretch my legs out and prop myself > > against > > > the wall and continue chanting. Of late, I find that it causes > me > > to > > > lose momentum and get distracted. > > > > > > So everytime I feel the need to stretch, I break the asan, get > into > > a > > > more comfortable position , and then come back to the asan and > > resume > > > my chanting. I make it a point to chant only when I am in the > asan > > so > > > that the body 'understands' and cooperates with the mind. > > > > > > Swamiji has always recommended that we expand our asan over a > > period > > > of time (extra 5 mins every month if I got it right) , and I > take > > > heart from that. Once I asked him 'Swamiji, my feet are killing > me. > > > Is there anything I can do to alleviate the pain. He said in his > > > typical style, 'Yes, you can pray ... ' '. > > > > > > Best wishes, > > > Latha > > > > > > , Brian T McKee <brian@s...> > > wrote: > > > > Thanks Parvati, > > > > > > > > What about the physical pain involved for some of us to sit > like > > > that? > > > > > > > > These American long legs haven't been flexable enough to sit > > > properly since I was eight. And if I had known to keep them > > flexable, > > > then I would have but now, they are very resistant to change. > > > > > > > > I have been practicing, but the longest I can sit is about > five > > > minutes, then it all hurts or goes numb, or both. > > > > > > > > I also have lower back problems. > > > > > > > > That all being said I also know (mentally) that my body is > messed > > > up because I don't know how to relax, this is all caused by > > > samskaras, which is a result of lack of surrender. > > > > > > > > The question is: how do I learn to relax without causing > further > > > problems? > > > > > > > > Brian > > > > > > > > > > > > parvati_saraswati <parvati_saraswati> > > > > Nov 17, 2003 12:35 PM > > > > > > > > Developing an asan > > > > > > > > As part of the purification process in the puja we purify our > > asan. > > > > The mantra says: > > > > > > > > OM aasanasya mantrasya merupristha rsih sutalam chandah > kuurmmo > > > > devataa aasanopavesane viniyogah > > > > Om Introducing the mantras for the purification of the seat. > The > > > seer > > > > is He whose back is Straight, the meter is of a very beautiful > > > form, > > > > the tortoise who supports the earth is the deity. These > mantras > > are > > > > applied to make the seat free from obstructions. > > > > > > > > ete gandhapuspe om hrim aadaarasaktaye kamalaasasnaaya namah > > > > With these scented flowers om hrim we bow to the Primal energy > > > > situated in this lotus seat. > > > > > > > > Om prthvi twayaa dhrtaa lokaa devi twam visnunaa dhrtaa tvanca > > > > dhaaraya maam nityam pavitram kuru caasanam > > > > Om Earth! you support the realms of the Goddess. You are > > supported > > > by > > > > the Supreme Consciousness.Also bear me eternally and make pure > > this > > > > seat. > > > > > > > > Keeping the back straight helps the kundalini move freely up > and > > > down > > > > the shushumna and it also helps with the practice of pranayam > > which > > > > is a very important aspect of our sadhana. > > > > > > > > When Shree Maa meditates with us she can feel when someone's > mind > > > is > > > > agitated.One day someone's agitated awareness (a character in > the > > > > Chandi) came to her in meditation so she had all of us sit and > > > > meditate while she watched our every breath.Believe me, when > > Maa's > > > > really watching you this closely there is not much choice but > to > > > sit > > > > straight up and breathe. As she walked around she would > lightly > > tap > > > > us if our back began to slump. Whenever I sit and find my back > > not > > > > straight I try to remember that Maa is watching me so closely > and > > > so > > > > I straighten up. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of is subject to > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your use of is subject to > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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