Guest guest Posted June 9, 2005 Report Share Posted June 9, 2005 Chrisji, thank you for divulging your asan secrets. It is a comfort to know that (almost) everyone is struggling , and I appreciate your taking the time to write about this subject which I now realize must have come up a few times already. I too have been taught to use a 'zen'-cushion filled with buckwheat and somehow we do get attached to these things, I guess, and I feel kind of naked without it. So there was also an element of reluctance to change involved in my questioning. But I can sit in something approaching siddhasana without the cushion for an hour or so now, and I understand the importance of pelvic/spine alignment and pressure on the muladhara chakra (which can become quite uncomfortable, by the way). So I'll try to extend that period and keep away from the cushion (when it becomes too much, I change to my accustomed half-lotus position; although my one knee does not touch the floor without the cushion, it is more comfortable than the siddhasana). I'm sure in time the body will adjust, although, as you say, there are apparently some difficulties in getting the message across to muscles and joints that are advancing in years And if Maa says: "My devotees don't use pillows", then I trust Her to teach us how to sit without one, however long it takes. with love, Henny -, "Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956> wrote: > Henny, > > This is a perrennial question here on the group. Everyone, at least > all of us who grew up in the West, have this problem. > > Maa has said, "My devotees do not use pillows." > > Swamiji has said that one should add five minutes a month to their asana. > > Devnath has said (presumably on the advice of Swamiji) to do one mala > of japa in the preferred asana every day, and increase appropriately. > > Maa has also said that once one sits, the knees should not move until > the practice is finished. > > It's apparent from these comments that while there is a standard of > perfection, there is some wiggle-room for those of us who are in the > process of training our bodies. > > For myself, I came from a tradition where pillows were encouraged for > Westerners, whose legs are almost uniformly stiff and unyielding, > especially as they age So, in addition to my blanket asana, I have > a rice bag filled with buckwheat hulls that I have been using as a > pillow, as well as two other props, a rolled-up dishtowel that tales > the place of the heel against the perineum, and a rolled-up hand towel > that goes under my left leg in suhkasana (easy posture). > > The problem with suhkasana is that there is no pressure on the > muladhara chakra, and it is rather unstable. With the right leg on top > of the left heel, the right foot provides all the support for the left > leg. The foot, not being a rigid structure, tends to collapse and hurt > if the leg is not supported. Supporting it greatly increases the > stability and comfort, and hence the endurance of this asan. But even > with a prop under the left leg, suhkasana is inherently uncomfortable > after a while because, unlike siddhasana, where the weight is spread > across the buttocks and legs, in suhkasana, the weight is > concentrated, largely, on the sitting bones of the hips and the feet, > and there is a concentration of pressure where the right leg rests on > the heel. It's not a good asana for protracted sitting. > > The problem with using a pillow is that it is hard to get both proper > pressure on the pelvic floor, which naturally stimulates the upward > flow of prana, and it is harder to get the pelvis aligned properly > with the spine, which can block the upward flow of prana. During a > retreat one time, Maa, significant of nothing, just up and said into > her microphone, "The reason you did not get samadhi is your hips were > too high on the pillow." (the spine wasn't aligned) There was a room > full of people, but I thought she was talking to me. > > I have been practicing in this way for some time now. My practice is > broken-up into two parts. For the first, I sit in suhkasana, with the > props, and in the second, siddhasana, with the pillow. I have a pretty > fair sense, I think, of where the pelvis is, but I still have to think > about it, and about the pressure and flow from the tailbone area > (swadhisthana). > > Just lately, I have gotten enough limberness to begin sitting without > the pillow. I am finding there is a difficult adjustment while the > muscles get used to the new arrangement. My advice would be, if you > need the pillow, use it, if you don't, don't, but if you do, make sure > it's firm and not too thick, and always remember the ideal of > perfection, "My devotees do not use pillows." > > Jai Maa! > Chris > > > > , "henny_v_i" <HvI@S...> wrote: > > Dear all, concerning Swamiji's response : > > > > > If the asana is too flimsy or too hard we will contemplate the pain > > in > > > our backside rather than the love of the Guru. > > > > I have an inkling that most of you are familiar with the problem of > > learning to sit in the siddhasana and learning to recite the text at > > the same time. At times, all I can think about is 'how many more > > pages till the end', so I can unbend my legs. So contemplation of the > > meaning of the text goes out the window (but it sure teaches you how > > to read Sanskrit quickly). I wonder if it is advisable to first learn > > to recite and understand the text, for which a minimum of comfort is > > required (for instance, sit on the edge of a cushion to keep the > > spine straight and keep the weight of the heel) and concentrate on > > maintaining the correct position later, or go for the whole package > > in one and try to recite in the correct position for as long as you > > can stand it (and break off if necessary or learn to deal with > > discomfort). What is your experience? > > > > with love, > > Henny > > > > > > > > , "Nanda" <chandimaakijai> > > wrote: > > > Question from Chris: > > > I wonder if you could explain this verse for me, For instance, I do > > > not understand why sitting on a cloth will produce affliction, and > > > sitting on wood produces no fruit.Thank you so much. > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > If the asana is too flimsy or too hard we will contemplate the pain > > in > > > our backside rather than the love of the Guru. > > > > > > Question from Henny: > > > I am eager to learn what merit there is in sitting on a dead > > animal's > > > skin. Is the animal symbolic of certain attributes like swiftness > > or > > > courage? > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > Also sacrifice, giving up our animalism, our animalistic > > tendencies. > > > Also the skin will provide optimum insulation between us and the > > earth. > > > > > > Question from Sherri/Kalia : > > > The next several verses (138 onwards) of the Guru Gita are related > > and > > > deal with color and directions to face when practicing. I have a > > > lingering question regarding the qualities that may be enhanced by > > the > > > various colors and directions faced...If one has a real need for > > > support in more than one area, should the disciple rotate through > > > colors of asan and directions faced or is there some other > > > instruction? I recollect discussion of this in the past but > > remember > > > not being totally sated. Thank you Swamiji for your overwhelming > > > generosity. > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > If there a is specific type of support that one needs, that subject > > > should be consulted with the Guru, rather than randomly changing > > > colors and directions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2005 Report Share Posted June 10, 2005 Henny, Regarding the pressure on muladhara with the heel. It shouldn't get so uncomfortable (I don't think). You may be aware that there are some anatomical differences between men and women...Being a man, I can't say I have direct experience here, but I will try to share what I know and what I have read. Perhaps some of the women can reply to this thread privately. With men the heel goes against the perineum about midway between the genitals and the anus. At that spot, where muladhara connects, a certain kind of energetic feeling can be discerned if the muscles in that area are contracted. This contraction is what is desired. What the heel does is stimulate that contraction, and help maintain it. Actually one accomplished in this mulabandha does not even need the heel to maintain the contraction. Now, I have read that there is a similar point of contraction in women, where muladhara is energized, but that point is not on the perineum, it is said to be on the top front of the uterus. Contracting this area is mulabandha. The heel position that supports this contraction is firmly against the opening to the vagina. Now my experience is that if I am not applying mulabandha by contracting the muscles, the heel is very painful, but if I do contract, the heel supports the contraction and the energetic process of muladhara continues it. Even if the pressure is enough that I lose feeling in the genitals, there is no pain at all. Hopefully some of the women with experience in this can discuss it with you. If no one does, experiment yourself with trying to find the point of contraction that activates the upward flow of muladhara, and the heel position that supports it. Try applying the contraction before you place the heel, and see if that helps. Good luck! Jai Maa! Chris , "henny_v_i" <HvI@S...> wrote: > Chrisji, > > thank you for divulging your asan secrets. It is a comfort to know > that (almost) everyone is struggling , and I appreciate your taking > the time to write about this subject which I now realize must have > come up a few times already. > I too have been taught to use a 'zen'-cushion filled with buckwheat > and somehow we do get attached to these things, I guess, and I feel > kind of naked without it. So there was also an element of reluctance > to change involved in my questioning. > But I can sit in something approaching siddhasana without the cushion > for an hour or so now, and I understand the importance of pelvic/spine > alignment and pressure on the muladhara chakra (which can become quite > uncomfortable, by the way). So I'll try to extend that period and keep > away from the cushion (when it becomes too much, I change to my > accustomed half-lotus position; although my one knee does not touch > the floor without the cushion, it is more comfortable than the > siddhasana). I'm sure in time the body will adjust, although, as you > say, there are apparently some difficulties in getting the message > across to muscles and joints that are advancing in years > And if Maa says: "My devotees don't use pillows", then I trust Her to > teach us how to sit without one, however long it takes. > > with love, > Henny > > > > > > -, "Chris Kirner" > <chriskirner1956> wrote: > > Henny, > > > > This is a perrennial question here on the group. Everyone, at least > > all of us who grew up in the West, have this problem. > > > > Maa has said, "My devotees do not use pillows." > > > > Swamiji has said that one should add five minutes a month to their > asana. > > > > Devnath has said (presumably on the advice of Swamiji) to do one > mala > > of japa in the preferred asana every day, and increase > appropriately. > > > > Maa has also said that once one sits, the knees should not move > until > > the practice is finished. > > > > It's apparent from these comments that while there is a standard of > > perfection, there is some wiggle-room for those of us who are in the > > process of training our bodies. > > > > For myself, I came from a tradition where pillows were encouraged > for > > Westerners, whose legs are almost uniformly stiff and unyielding, > > especially as they age So, in addition to my blanket asana, I > have > > a rice bag filled with buckwheat hulls that I have been using as a > > pillow, as well as two other props, a rolled-up dishtowel that tales > > the place of the heel against the perineum, and a rolled-up hand > towel > > that goes under my left leg in suhkasana (easy posture). > > > > The problem with suhkasana is that there is no pressure on the > > muladhara chakra, and it is rather unstable. With the right leg on > top > > of the left heel, the right foot provides all the support for the > left > > leg. The foot, not being a rigid structure, tends to collapse and > hurt > > if the leg is not supported. Supporting it greatly increases the > > stability and comfort, and hence the endurance of this asan. But > even > > with a prop under the left leg, suhkasana is inherently > uncomfortable > > after a while because, unlike siddhasana, where the weight is spread > > across the buttocks and legs, in suhkasana, the weight is > > concentrated, largely, on the sitting bones of the hips and the > feet, > > and there is a concentration of pressure where the right leg rests > on > > the heel. It's not a good asana for protracted sitting. > > > > The problem with using a pillow is that it is hard to get both > proper > > pressure on the pelvic floor, which naturally stimulates the upward > > flow of prana, and it is harder to get the pelvis aligned properly > > with the spine, which can block the upward flow of prana. During a > > retreat one time, Maa, significant of nothing, just up and said into > > her microphone, "The reason you did not get samadhi is your hips > were > > too high on the pillow." (the spine wasn't aligned) There was a room > > full of people, but I thought she was talking to me. > > > > I have been practicing in this way for some time now. My practice is > > broken-up into two parts. For the first, I sit in suhkasana, with > the > > props, and in the second, siddhasana, with the pillow. I have a > pretty > > fair sense, I think, of where the pelvis is, but I still have to > think > > about it, and about the pressure and flow from the tailbone area > > (swadhisthana). > > > > Just lately, I have gotten enough limberness to begin sitting > without > > the pillow. I am finding there is a difficult adjustment while the > > muscles get used to the new arrangement. My advice would be, if you > > need the pillow, use it, if you don't, don't, but if you do, make > sure > > it's firm and not too thick, and always remember the ideal of > > perfection, "My devotees do not use pillows." > > > > Jai Maa! > > Chris > > > > > > > > , "henny_v_i" <HvI@S...> wrote: > > > Dear all, concerning Swamiji's response : > > > > > > > If the asana is too flimsy or too hard we will contemplate the > pain > > > in > > > > our backside rather than the love of the Guru. > > > > > > I have an inkling that most of you are familiar with the problem > of > > > learning to sit in the siddhasana and learning to recite the text > at > > > the same time. At times, all I can think about is 'how many more > > > pages till the end', so I can unbend my legs. So contemplation of > the > > > meaning of the text goes out the window (but it sure teaches you > how > > > to read Sanskrit quickly). I wonder if it is advisable to first > learn > > > to recite and understand the text, for which a minimum of comfort > is > > > required (for instance, sit on the edge of a cushion to keep the > > > spine straight and keep the weight of the heel) and concentrate on > > > maintaining the correct position later, or go for the whole > package > > > in one and try to recite in the correct position for as long as > you > > > can stand it (and break off if necessary or learn to deal with > > > discomfort). What is your experience? > > > > > > with love, > > > Henny > > > > > > > > > > > > , "Nanda" <chandimaakijai> > > > wrote: > > > > Question from Chris: > > > > I wonder if you could explain this verse for me, For instance, I > do > > > > not understand why sitting on a cloth will produce affliction, > and > > > > sitting on wood produces no fruit.Thank you so much. > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > If the asana is too flimsy or too hard we will contemplate the > pain > > > in > > > > our backside rather than the love of the Guru. > > > > > > > > Question from Henny: > > > > I am eager to learn what merit there is in sitting on a dead > > > animal's > > > > skin. Is the animal symbolic of certain attributes like > swiftness > > > or > > > > courage? > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > Also sacrifice, giving up our animalism, our animalistic > > > tendencies. > > > > Also the skin will provide optimum insulation between us and the > > > earth. > > > > > > > > Question from Sherri/Kalia : > > > > The next several verses (138 onwards) of the Guru Gita are > related > > > and > > > > deal with color and directions to face when practicing. I have a > > > > lingering question regarding the qualities that may be enhanced > by > > > the > > > > various colors and directions faced...If one has a real need for > > > > support in more than one area, should the disciple rotate > through > > > > colors of asan and directions faced or is there some other > > > > instruction? I recollect discussion of this in the past but > > > remember > > > > not being totally sated. Thank you Swamiji for your overwhelming > > > > generosity. > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > If there a is specific type of support that one needs, that > subject > > > > should be consulted with the Guru, rather than randomly changing > > > > colors and directions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2005 Report Share Posted June 10, 2005 Chrisji, thank you very much for addressing this delicate matter. The information you give is very helpful because I never realized the heel was supposed to support muscle contraction. I'll keep an eye out for more information specifically for women, experiment a little and pray for guidance from one of Her incarnations, with love, Henny , "Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956> wrote: > Henny, > > Regarding the pressure on muladhara with the heel. It shouldn't get so > uncomfortable (I don't think). > > You may be aware that there are some anatomical differences between > men and women...Being a man, I can't say I have direct experience > here, but I will try to share what I know and what I have read. > Perhaps some of the women can reply to this thread privately. > > With men the heel goes against the perineum about midway between the > genitals and the anus. At that spot, where muladhara connects, a > certain kind of energetic feeling can be discerned if the muscles in > that area are contracted. This contraction is what is desired. What > the heel does is stimulate that contraction, and help maintain it. > Actually one accomplished in this mulabandha does not even need the > heel to maintain the contraction. > > Now, I have read that there is a similar point of contraction in > women, where muladhara is energized, but that point is not on the > perineum, it is said to be on the top front of the uterus. Contracting > this area is mulabandha. The heel position that supports this > contraction is firmly against the opening to the vagina. > > Now my experience is that if I am not applying mulabandha by > contracting the muscles, the heel is very painful, but if I do > contract, the heel supports the contraction and the energetic process > of muladhara continues it. Even if the pressure is enough that I lose > feeling in the genitals, there is no pain at all. > > Hopefully some of the women with experience in this can discuss it > with you. If no one does, experiment yourself with trying to find the > point of contraction that activates the upward flow of muladhara, and > the heel position that supports it. Try applying the contraction > before you place the heel, and see if that helps. > > Good luck! > > Jai Maa! > Chris > > > > , "henny_v_i" <HvI@S...> wrote: > > Chrisji, > > > > thank you for divulging your asan secrets. It is a comfort to know > > that (almost) everyone is struggling , and I appreciate your taking > > the time to write about this subject which I now realize must have > > come up a few times already. > > I too have been taught to use a 'zen'-cushion filled with buckwheat > > and somehow we do get attached to these things, I guess, and I feel > > kind of naked without it. So there was also an element of reluctance > > to change involved in my questioning. > > But I can sit in something approaching siddhasana without the cushion > > for an hour or so now, and I understand the importance of pelvic/spine > > alignment and pressure on the muladhara chakra (which can become quite > > uncomfortable, by the way). So I'll try to extend that period and keep > > away from the cushion (when it becomes too much, I change to my > > accustomed half-lotus position; although my one knee does not touch > > the floor without the cushion, it is more comfortable than the > > siddhasana). I'm sure in time the body will adjust, although, as you > > say, there are apparently some difficulties in getting the message > > across to muscles and joints that are advancing in years > > And if Maa says: "My devotees don't use pillows", then I trust Her to > > teach us how to sit without one, however long it takes. > > > > with love, > > Henny > > > > > > > > > > > > -, "Chris Kirner" > > <chriskirner1956> wrote: > > > Henny, > > > > > > This is a perrennial question here on the group. Everyone, at least > > > all of us who grew up in the West, have this problem. > > > > > > Maa has said, "My devotees do not use pillows." > > > > > > Swamiji has said that one should add five minutes a month to their > > asana. > > > > > > Devnath has said (presumably on the advice of Swamiji) to do one > > mala > > > of japa in the preferred asana every day, and increase > > appropriately. > > > > > > Maa has also said that once one sits, the knees should not move > > until > > > the practice is finished. > > > > > > It's apparent from these comments that while there is a standard of > > > perfection, there is some wiggle-room for those of us who are in the > > > process of training our bodies. > > > > > > For myself, I came from a tradition where pillows were encouraged > > for > > > Westerners, whose legs are almost uniformly stiff and unyielding, > > > especially as they age So, in addition to my blanket asana, I > > have > > > a rice bag filled with buckwheat hulls that I have been using as a > > > pillow, as well as two other props, a rolled-up dishtowel that tales > > > the place of the heel against the perineum, and a rolled-up hand > > towel > > > that goes under my left leg in suhkasana (easy posture). > > > > > > The problem with suhkasana is that there is no pressure on the > > > muladhara chakra, and it is rather unstable. With the right leg on > > top > > > of the left heel, the right foot provides all the support for the > > left > > > leg. The foot, not being a rigid structure, tends to collapse and > > hurt > > > if the leg is not supported. Supporting it greatly increases the > > > stability and comfort, and hence the endurance of this asan. But > > even > > > with a prop under the left leg, suhkasana is inherently > > uncomfortable > > > after a while because, unlike siddhasana, where the weight is spread > > > across the buttocks and legs, in suhkasana, the weight is > > > concentrated, largely, on the sitting bones of the hips and the > > feet, > > > and there is a concentration of pressure where the right leg rests > > on > > > the heel. It's not a good asana for protracted sitting. > > > > > > The problem with using a pillow is that it is hard to get both > > proper > > > pressure on the pelvic floor, which naturally stimulates the upward > > > flow of prana, and it is harder to get the pelvis aligned properly > > > with the spine, which can block the upward flow of prana. During a > > > retreat one time, Maa, significant of nothing, just up and said into > > > her microphone, "The reason you did not get samadhi is your hips > > were > > > too high on the pillow." (the spine wasn't aligned) There was a room > > > full of people, but I thought she was talking to me. > > > > > > I have been practicing in this way for some time now. My practice is > > > broken-up into two parts. For the first, I sit in suhkasana, with > > the > > > props, and in the second, siddhasana, with the pillow. I have a > > pretty > > > fair sense, I think, of where the pelvis is, but I still have to > > think > > > about it, and about the pressure and flow from the tailbone area > > > (swadhisthana). > > > > > > Just lately, I have gotten enough limberness to begin sitting > > without > > > the pillow. I am finding there is a difficult adjustment while the > > > muscles get used to the new arrangement. My advice would be, if you > > > need the pillow, use it, if you don't, don't, but if you do, make > > sure > > > it's firm and not too thick, and always remember the ideal of > > > perfection, "My devotees do not use pillows." > > > > > > Jai Maa! > > > Chris > > > > > > > > > > > > , "henny_v_i" <HvI@S...> wrote: > > > > Dear all, concerning Swamiji's response : > > > > > > > > > If the asana is too flimsy or too hard we will contemplate the > > pain > > > > in > > > > > our backside rather than the love of the Guru. > > > > > > > > I have an inkling that most of you are familiar with the problem > > of > > > > learning to sit in the siddhasana and learning to recite the text > > at > > > > the same time. At times, all I can think about is 'how many more > > > > pages till the end', so I can unbend my legs. So contemplation of > > the > > > > meaning of the text goes out the window (but it sure teaches you > > how > > > > to read Sanskrit quickly). I wonder if it is advisable to first > > learn > > > > to recite and understand the text, for which a minimum of comfort > > is > > > > required (for instance, sit on the edge of a cushion to keep the > > > > spine straight and keep the weight of the heel) and concentrate on > > > > maintaining the correct position later, or go for the whole > > package > > > > in one and try to recite in the correct position for as long as > > you > > > > can stand it (and break off if necessary or learn to deal with > > > > discomfort). What is your experience? > > > > > > > > with love, > > > > Henny > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "Nanda" <chandimaakijai@y. ...> > > > > wrote: > > > > > Question from Chris: > > > > > I wonder if you could explain this verse for me, For instance, I > > do > > > > > not understand why sitting on a cloth will produce affliction, > > and > > > > > sitting on wood produces no fruit.Thank you so much. > > > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > > If the asana is too flimsy or too hard we will contemplate the > > pain > > > > in > > > > > our backside rather than the love of the Guru. > > > > > > > > > > Question from Henny: > > > > > I am eager to learn what merit there is in sitting on a dead > > > > animal's > > > > > skin. Is the animal symbolic of certain attributes like > > swiftness > > > > or > > > > > courage? > > > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > > Also sacrifice, giving up our animalism, our animalistic > > > > tendencies. > > > > > Also the skin will provide optimum insulation between us and the > > > > earth. > > > > > > > > > > Question from Sherri/Kalia : > > > > > The next several verses (138 onwards) of the Guru Gita are > > related > > > > and > > > > > deal with color and directions to face when practicing. I have a > > > > > lingering question regarding the qualities that may be enhanced > > by > > > > the > > > > > various colors and directions faced...If one has a real need for > > > > > support in more than one area, should the disciple rotate > > through > > > > > colors of asan and directions faced or is there some other > > > > > instruction? I recollect discussion of this in the past but > > > > remember > > > > > not being totally sated. Thank you Swamiji for your overwhelming > > > > > generosity. > > > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > > If there a is specific type of support that one needs, that > > subject > > > > > should be consulted with the Guru, rather than randomly changing > > > > > colors and directions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2005 Report Share Posted June 10, 2005 Henny, I'm afraid I made a mistake in my description of the location of muladhara chakra in women. My feminine geography was confusing, and just downright wrong. I rechecked my source, Kundalini Tantra, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati (of Bihar School of Yoga). The location is the posterior of the cervix. I apologize profusely for the misinformation. I read your response, and you should have no problems (no women have contacted you?) Jai Maa! Chris , "Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956> wrote: > Henny, > > Regarding the pressure on muladhara with the heel. It shouldn't get so > uncomfortable (I don't think). > > You may be aware that there are some anatomical differences between > men and women...Being a man, I can't say I have direct experience > here, but I will try to share what I know and what I have read. > Perhaps some of the women can reply to this thread privately. > > With men the heel goes against the perineum about midway between the > genitals and the anus. At that spot, where muladhara connects, a > certain kind of energetic feeling can be discerned if the muscles in > that area are contracted. This contraction is what is desired. What > the heel does is stimulate that contraction, and help maintain it. > Actually one accomplished in this mulabandha does not even need the > heel to maintain the contraction. > > Now, I have read that there is a similar point of contraction in > women, where muladhara is energized, but that point is not on the > perineum, it is said to be on the top front of the uterus. Contracting > this area is mulabandha. The heel position that supports this > contraction is firmly against the opening to the vagina. > > Now my experience is that if I am not applying mulabandha by > contracting the muscles, the heel is very painful, but if I do > contract, the heel supports the contraction and the energetic process > of muladhara continues it. Even if the pressure is enough that I lose > feeling in the genitals, there is no pain at all. > > Hopefully some of the women with experience in this can discuss it > with you. If no one does, experiment yourself with trying to find the > point of contraction that activates the upward flow of muladhara, and > the heel position that supports it. Try applying the contraction > before you place the heel, and see if that helps. > > Good luck! > > Jai Maa! > Chris > > > > , "henny_v_i" <HvI@S...> wrote: > > Chrisji, > > > > thank you for divulging your asan secrets. It is a comfort to know > > that (almost) everyone is struggling , and I appreciate your taking > > the time to write about this subject which I now realize must have > > come up a few times already. > > I too have been taught to use a 'zen'-cushion filled with buckwheat > > and somehow we do get attached to these things, I guess, and I feel > > kind of naked without it. So there was also an element of reluctance > > to change involved in my questioning. > > But I can sit in something approaching siddhasana without the cushion > > for an hour or so now, and I understand the importance of pelvic/spine > > alignment and pressure on the muladhara chakra (which can become quite > > uncomfortable, by the way). So I'll try to extend that period and keep > > away from the cushion (when it becomes too much, I change to my > > accustomed half-lotus position; although my one knee does not touch > > the floor without the cushion, it is more comfortable than the > > siddhasana). I'm sure in time the body will adjust, although, as you > > say, there are apparently some difficulties in getting the message > > across to muscles and joints that are advancing in years > > And if Maa says: "My devotees don't use pillows", then I trust Her to > > teach us how to sit without one, however long it takes. > > > > with love, > > Henny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2005 Report Share Posted June 10, 2005 Henny, In your search for the point of contraction for muladhara, it will help if you use the breath. As you contract the area, use a subtle breath and breath in slowly from the pelvic floor upward. After some practice, you should be able to discern that the upward breath is helping the contraction, ie., that the upward flow of the prana in the breathing is joining with the upward flow produced by applying mulabandha. Once you have that sensation, it becomes a simple matter to find the focal point of that contraction. The actual area that needs to be contracted to perform mulabandha is fairly small, but to begin a large contraction of all the pelvic muscles may be necessary. Then the contractions are refined until only those muscles necessary are used. To help expand the sensation, and help locate muladhara, it may be helpful to say the bija of muladhara, lam (pronounced, in the tantric manner, lung). Say it with a low tone. Also, saying muladhara, muladhara, muladhara...can help (as a mantra it is tied to its location). That's all I can think of to help right now. You will have no difficulties, I'm certain. Jai Maa! Chris , "Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956> wrote: > Henny, > > I'm afraid I made a mistake in my description of the location of > muladhara chakra in women. My feminine geography was confusing, and > just downright wrong. I rechecked my source, Kundalini Tantra, by > Swami Satyananda Saraswati (of Bihar School of Yoga). > > The location is the posterior of the cervix. > > I apologize profusely for the misinformation. > > I read your response, and you should have no problems (no women have > contacted you?) > > Jai Maa! > Chris > > > > , "Chris Kirner" > <chriskirner1956> wrote: > > Henny, > > > > Regarding the pressure on muladhara with the heel. It shouldn't get so > > uncomfortable (I don't think). > > > > You may be aware that there are some anatomical differences between > > men and women...Being a man, I can't say I have direct experience > > here, but I will try to share what I know and what I have read. > > Perhaps some of the women can reply to this thread privately. > > > > With men the heel goes against the perineum about midway between the > > genitals and the anus. At that spot, where muladhara connects, a > > certain kind of energetic feeling can be discerned if the muscles in > > that area are contracted. This contraction is what is desired. What > > the heel does is stimulate that contraction, and help maintain it. > > Actually one accomplished in this mulabandha does not even need the > > heel to maintain the contraction. > > > > Now, I have read that there is a similar point of contraction in > > women, where muladhara is energized, but that point is not on the > > perineum, it is said to be on the top front of the uterus. Contracting > > this area is mulabandha. The heel position that supports this > > contraction is firmly against the opening to the vagina. > > > > Now my experience is that if I am not applying mulabandha by > > contracting the muscles, the heel is very painful, but if I do > > contract, the heel supports the contraction and the energetic process > > of muladhara continues it. Even if the pressure is enough that I lose > > feeling in the genitals, there is no pain at all. > > > > Hopefully some of the women with experience in this can discuss it > > with you. If no one does, experiment yourself with trying to find the > > point of contraction that activates the upward flow of muladhara, and > > the heel position that supports it. Try applying the contraction > > before you place the heel, and see if that helps. > > > > Good luck! > > > > Jai Maa! > > Chris > > > > > > > > , "henny_v_i" <HvI@S...> wrote: > > > Chrisji, > > > > > > thank you for divulging your asan secrets. It is a comfort to know > > > that (almost) everyone is struggling , and I appreciate your taking > > > the time to write about this subject which I now realize must have > > > come up a few times already. > > > I too have been taught to use a 'zen'-cushion filled with buckwheat > > > and somehow we do get attached to these things, I guess, and I feel > > > kind of naked without it. So there was also an element of reluctance > > > to change involved in my questioning. > > > But I can sit in something approaching siddhasana without the cushion > > > for an hour or so now, and I understand the importance of > pelvic/spine > > > alignment and pressure on the muladhara chakra (which can become > quite > > > uncomfortable, by the way). So I'll try to extend that period and > keep > > > away from the cushion (when it becomes too much, I change to my > > > accustomed half-lotus position; although my one knee does not touch > > > the floor without the cushion, it is more comfortable than the > > > siddhasana). I'm sure in time the body will adjust, although, as you > > > say, there are apparently some difficulties in getting the message > > > across to muscles and joints that are advancing in years > > > And if Maa says: "My devotees don't use pillows", then I trust Her to > > > teach us how to sit without one, however long it takes. > > > > > > with love, > > > Henny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 Chrisji, it is very kind of you to take the time and trouble to recheck your information. And with the help of your advice and by the Divine Mother's grace, I am beginning to understand what is needed. So thank you very much, with love, Henny , "Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956@y. ...> wrote: > Henny, > > In your search for the point of contraction for muladhara, it will > help if you use the breath. > > As you contract the area, use a subtle breath and breath in slowly > from the pelvic floor upward. After some practice, you should be able > to discern that the upward breath is helping the contraction, ie., > that the upward flow of the prana in the breathing is joining with the > upward flow produced by applying mulabandha. > > Once you have that sensation, it becomes a simple matter to find the > focal point of that contraction. The actual area that needs to be > contracted to perform mulabandha is fairly small, but to begin a large > contraction of all the pelvic muscles may be necessary. Then the > contractions are refined until only those muscles necessary are used. > > To help expand the sensation, and help locate muladhara, it may be > helpful to say the bija of muladhara, lam (pronounced, in the tantric > manner, lung). Say it with a low tone. Also, saying muladhara, > muladhara, muladhara...can help (as a mantra it is tied to its location). > > That's all I can think of to help right now. You will have no > difficulties, I'm certain. > > Jai Maa! > Chris > > > , "Chris Kirner" > <chriskirner1956> wrote: > > Henny, > > > > I'm afraid I made a mistake in my description of the location of > > muladhara chakra in women. My feminine geography was confusing, and > > just downright wrong. I rechecked my source, Kundalini Tantra, by > > Swami Satyananda Saraswati (of Bihar School of Yoga). > > > > The location is the posterior of the cervix. > > > > I apologize profusely for the misinformation. > > > > I read your response, and you should have no problems (no women have > > contacted you?) > > > > Jai Maa! > > Chris > > > > > > > > , "Chris Kirner" > > <chriskirner1956> wrote: > > > Henny, > > > > > > Regarding the pressure on muladhara with the heel. It shouldn't get so > > > uncomfortable (I don't think). > > > > > > You may be aware that there are some anatomical differences between > > > men and women...Being a man, I can't say I have direct experience > > > here, but I will try to share what I know and what I have read. > > > Perhaps some of the women can reply to this thread privately. > > > > > > With men the heel goes against the perineum about midway between the > > > genitals and the anus. At that spot, where muladhara connects, a > > > certain kind of energetic feeling can be discerned if the muscles in > > > that area are contracted. This contraction is what is desired. What > > > the heel does is stimulate that contraction, and help maintain it. > > > Actually one accomplished in this mulabandha does not even need the > > > heel to maintain the contraction. > > > > > > Now, I have read that there is a similar point of contraction in > > > women, where muladhara is energized, but that point is not on the > > > perineum, it is said to be on the top front of the uterus. Contracting > > > this area is mulabandha. The heel position that supports this > > > contraction is firmly against the opening to the vagina. > > > > > > Now my experience is that if I am not applying mulabandha by > > > contracting the muscles, the heel is very painful, but if I do > > > contract, the heel supports the contraction and the energetic process > > > of muladhara continues it. Even if the pressure is enough that I lose > > > feeling in the genitals, there is no pain at all. > > > > > > Hopefully some of the women with experience in this can discuss it > > > with you. If no one does, experiment yourself with trying to find the > > > point of contraction that activates the upward flow of muladhara, and > > > the heel position that supports it. Try applying the contraction > > > before you place the heel, and see if that helps. > > > > > > Good luck! > > > > > > Jai Maa! > > > Chris > > > > > > > > > > > > , "henny_v_i" <HvI@S...> wrote: > > > > Chrisji, > > > > > > > > thank you for divulging your asan secrets. It is a comfort to know > > > > that (almost) everyone is struggling , and I appreciate your > taking > > > > the time to write about this subject which I now realize must have > > > > come up a few times already. > > > > I too have been taught to use a 'zen'-cushion filled with buckwheat > > > > and somehow we do get attached to these things, I guess, and I feel > > > > kind of naked without it. So there was also an element of > reluctance > > > > to change involved in my questioning. > > > > But I can sit in something approaching siddhasana without the > cushion > > > > for an hour or so now, and I understand the importance of > > pelvic/spine > > > > alignment and pressure on the muladhara chakra (which can become > > quite > > > > uncomfortable, by the way). So I'll try to extend that period and > > keep > > > > away from the cushion (when it becomes too much, I change to my > > > > accustomed half-lotus position; although my one knee does not touch > > > > the floor without the cushion, it is more comfortable than the > > > > siddhasana). I'm sure in time the body will adjust, although, as > you > > > > say, there are apparently some difficulties in getting the message > > > > across to muscles and joints that are advancing in years > > > > And if Maa says: "My devotees don't use pillows", then I trust > Her to > > > > teach us how to sit without one, however long it takes. > > > > > > > > with love, > > > > Henny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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