THIS NAVRATRI CHANNELIZE THE INNER ‘SHAKTI’ IN THREE BREATHES

-Kirti Tarang Pande

Official website, Instagram, Twitter

Originally Published in Daily Bhaskar

Yesterday, we discussed Tantra, what it is and what it is not. Today, let’s kick-in Navratri by preparing our bodies for Tantra. Just to refresh, yesterday we talked about how Tantra is a technique of goal achievement by harnessing & focusing our inner power.

This is where Navratri comes in. Tenth Mandal of Riga Veda considers Navratris to be the auspicious time to invoke, channelize and harness the Shakti within.

Yogic concept of ‘Shakti’

This Shakti is ‘Mooladhar Nivasini’, that is, she resides in Mooladhar Chakra- the root chakra. Mooladhar Chakra is responsible for grounding us with this material plane- Khshiti, meaning the earth element.

Kshiti is considered to Tamasic in nature in the practice of Tantra. Tamas brings inertia. Therefore, Shakti by virtue of residing here becomes inert in nature.

In other words, we have an innate power but it is sleep mode. The only time we unconsciously turn it on, is during sex. That’s why it’s common mistake to equate Tantric practice with sex.

We are not aware that we doing it or how we are doing it, so we can’t harness it at our own will. However, the worst part here is that we dispel & just disintegrating the ‘Shakti’ outside our body. This implies that we are not even using it!

How to awaken this ‘Shakti’

Yogataravali Sutra in its 5,6 and 8 sholkas  mentions Bandha as the method to do this. It says:

By the practice of the bandha the dormant Shakti awakens and enters into sushumna nadi. The breath becomes kumbhaka (still), the rechaka (exhalation) and pooraka (inhalation) cease to function. Senses are purified and kevala (enlightenment) takes place.

In fact, Acaranga Sutra of Jainisim cites Mahavir Jain attaining enlightenment through Mula Bandha.

How to practice Mool Bandha?

Basic underlying principle of bandhas is that by locking certain physical muscles, we initiate an unlocking at mental & pranic levels.

Following this principle, we lock the physical muscles around Mooldhar Chakra, to unlock our Mooladhar Nivasini, our Shakti. There are two techniques to do this:

1. Antar & Bahir Kumbhak

2. Maha Mudra Khumbhak

At beginners’ level, one should practice Antar & Bahir Kumbhak.

Step 1 Finding the right muscles:

Now, to find these muscles, in my personal practice it follow a simple method. I imagine that I am stuck in crazy Mumbai traffic & my bladder is bursting. I really have to pee; instinctively my body contracts certain muscles. That’s it; those are the muscles (perineal muscles) we are working upon here.

There’s another way to understand this, where I put out pictures of our anatomy & mention different sets of muscles for men & women. As an instructor, I’ve learnt it the harder way that it just confuses the students.

Step 2 Preparing for the locking

Before locking, we must check if we are in sync with the first Niyam (Dos) of Yoga- Sauch (Inner & outer cleanliness). Our bladder must be empty for this practice.

You can start with sitting in Padmasana. Take a Pooraka (inhale), observe Kumbhak (hold the breathe in), let out Rechaka (exhale) observe Kumbhak. Do this three times to ease your body into Kumbhak.

Step 3 The lock

·         Sit comfortably in Padmasana and bring all your awareness to mooladhar chakra.

·         Breathe in deeply & hold your breathe.

·         Mentally contract the mooladhar chakra by contracting your perineal muscles. Visualize that mooladar chakra is being massaged with your thumb.

·         Chant the beej mantra- lam mentally & visualize the Shakti awakening at the Mooldhar Chakra

·         When it’s no longer comfortable to hold the breathe. Exhale.

·         Before you inhale again, hold the breathe.

·         Mentally contract the mooladhar chakra by contracting your perineal muscles. Visualize that mooladar chakra is being massaged with your thumb.

·         Chant the beej mantra- lam mentally & visualize the Shakti awakening at the Mooldhar Chakra

This is one round. You can start with three rounds & as your practice improves, you can take it up to 12 rounds.

Bonus: A cheat trick

To increase the time of breathe retention you can hold your fingers in Shakti Dharana Mundra- press the breathe base of the thumb with index finger. By doing so you will observe that your capacity of comfortably retaining breathe has doubled.

Caution:

1. It’s not advisable to practice this if one is suffering from irregular periods.

2. Shiv Samhita in Chapter 4 insists that this bandha should only be practiced in isolation.

3. In Vedic Yoga, bandhas are esoteric practices and should only be practiced under the guidance of a Guru. You can use this write up increase to discuss your initiation into Bandhas with your Yoga teacher; but don’t use this write up for practice (especially as a beginner).

In case, you’re a beginner and don’t have a good teacher, keep watching this space; soon I will be sharing how to prepare our bodies for Tantra without a Guru.

Sex or Black Magic- Let’s talk about Tantra

-Kirti Tarang Pande

Official website, Instagram, Twitter

Originally Published in Daily Bhaskar

What is Tantra? When I ask this question during workshops; in West, I find the answers equating it with sex/ yoga poses that guarantee good sex. Back home, however, the answer depends on socio-economic strata of my students. One class equates it with Black Magic & another with sex.

When we equate Tantra with either sex or black magic, we come close to knowing what tantra is, and yet, we are way off the mark!

Tantra as sex:

One-dimensional approach to Tantra, defines it as an expression of our innate energy. Isn’t that what sex is? Unfortunately, while engaging in sex, most of us are unaware of the results that will be manifested as a result of bringing this powerful energy into motion. It’s like we picked up a sharp knife, because it appealed to us. However, we have no clue how to use it. So, we are simply waving it all around. In the process, at times it’s cutting fruits, chopping woods and at times it’s cutting & chafing us.

Please note the key word above was ‘one-dimensional’. If we employ this ‘tantra means sex’ approach, we are just nibbling upon the skin of the mango, happily unaware of the delicious delight that exists under the skin of the mango.

Tantra as Black Magic:

Black magic is simply an unusual technique of goal achievement. Black or white, for any magic to work; a focused personal energy is required. So, sometimes certain Tantra practitioners lose their path and get tempted by the Tamasic things they can acquire by practicing tantra in deviation from the teachings. These methods sometimes arouse black magic. Remember, it’s called black for a reason- it backfires.

So, if both the approaches are inadequate, what shall we do? How should we approach Tantra?

What is Tantra?

Defining Tantra is difficult because it’s not a darshan (philosophy) but a kriya (practice). Therefore, in Sankhya Darshan (philosophy from which Yoga & Ayurveda originate) there is no reference to Tantra. The knowledge of Tantra Kriya is passed on through Guru-Shishya parampara (Tradition of Guru & Disciples) in an esoteric fashion. 

So, in my opinion, best way to have clarity about Tantra is to explore its root.

The root of the word ‘Tantra’ comes from ‘Tana’, in Sanskrit it means weaving. There’s another word originating from the root ‘Tana’, it’s ‘Tanu’ which means the body.

This makes Tantra a process of weaving to create an effect of some kind. For weaving one needs a thread, the thread we are using here is Shakti. Shakti is the cosmic energy manifesting in us as our innate power.

Does Tantra serve any practical purpose?

I remember asking this question to my Guru in Tantra, a Shaivik Aghori who never gave me his identity. After him bursting my bubble of sex & magic, I blurted, “Then what’s the point of all this trouble? Why does it interest you?”

He gave me a two words answer, “Panchmahabhoota shuddhi”

It means purification of five basic elements that envelop our Chetna (conscience) in this world, which are- Earth, Water, Air, Fire & Ether.

Adi Shankaracharya has said, “Tad Brahma Nishkalamhum Na Cha Bhoot Sangha”- when we transcend ourselves beyond a being of amalgamation of these five basic elements, we become one with the divinity that exists within us.

This idea of being divine interested me too. If it does the same to you, watch this space tomorrow, because I am going to share how.

Vegan Dessert Challenge- Day 5

- Kirti Tarang Pande

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 Mango- Cashews Fudge

Ingredients:

1. Fine ground cashews- 1/4 cup
2. Grated/ Powdered Jaggery- 1 (tbsp)
3. Coconut flour- 1/3 cup (optional)
4. Water- 1 tbsp
5. Salt - a pinch
6. Mango puree- 1 cup
7. Cardamom powder- 1 tsp
8. Mashed Banana- 1 (if required)

Disclaimer:

Making mango fudge is little tricky for following reasons:

1. No matter how accurate your recipe is the mango is a uncontrolled variable. The amount of jaggery required depends upon how sweet the mango is. The mango that I have used is plucked from my garden, so I know how tangy it is, especially when the season has not yet properly arrived. I have used 1 tbsp of jaggery because I like  tangy & I don't want sweetness to overpower the flavor of cashews. I like things subtle but go with your palette. The trick is- less sugar is okay, you can always fix it by mashing bananas in it in the end.

2. We never know how thick the puree of mango will turn out to be. If it's too liquid, it becomes a test of patience.

3. For beginners dry roasting cashews in iron pan maybe difficult, so it's okay to use a non-stick in this case 

Method:

1. Boil jaggery with water in a deep bowl, till it you get the three string consistency. Another way to check consistency is take a bowl of water, add a drop of mixture to it. If it falls into the bottom in the shape of a ball, it's done.

2. Dry roast cashews & salt in an iron pan till they turn golden in a low flame.

3. Add jaggery syrup & the puree. Increase the flame. Let it boil, till you get the right consistency of a fudge. The mixture will become like a non-stick clay happily dancing to your tune in the pan. This tests patience. So, to fasten the process, you can add coconut flour too. I don't do it. I like the taste to be pure.
5. Drop the mixture in a parchment & press down with spatula. Allow it to cool & let it chill for an hour.

Vegan Dessert Challenge- Day 4

- Kirti Tarang Pande

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 Walnut Halwa

Ingredients:

1. Coarsely Crushed Walnuts- 1 cup
2. Grated/ Powdered Jaggery- 3/4 cup
3. Fennel seeds- 1 tsp (only in summers)
4. Water- 1/2 cup
5. Coconut milk - 1 cup
6. Rawa (semolina)- 1tbsp
7. Cardamom powder- 1/2 tsp

Method:

1. Boil jaggery with water & fennel seeds in a deep bowl, till it melts. Avoid fennel seeds if it's not too hot, since their aroma empowers walnuts'. Don't over boil jaggery otherwise you won't get the right consistency.

2. Dry roast semolina in an iron pan till it turns golden.Semolina prevents the halwa from becoming pasty.

3. Add the walnuts and cook over low flame till the mixture becomes dark brown like chocolate (approx 7 minutes). I prefer walnuts coarsely crushed to because of the texture it bring.
4. Add jaggery syrup, cardamom powder & coconut milk. Increase the flame. Let it boil till it becomes dry.
5. Serve hot. I love it so much that I don't garnish it with anything.

How is it different:

Tastes same. Looks same. Equally rich (courtesy: Omega 3 of walnuts).

Vegan Dessert Challenge- Day 3

- Kirti Tarang Pande

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 Til Ke Laddoo

This is the simplest & quickest dessert in the world! Takes me just 5 minutes. So, I make it on the days, I have 6 am yoga class, so that I can wrap up with my cooking & be in Shala on time.

Ingredients:

1. White Til- 1 cup
2. Grated/ Powdered Jaggery- 1/4 cup

Method:

1. Dry roast tilin a heavy bottom iron pan.

2. Grind the til & jaggery together in the mixer
3. Roll out lemon sized balls. The oil from till will hold your laddoo together.
You're done!

How is it different:

It's not :)

Vegan Dessert Challenge: Day 2

- Kirti Tarang Pande

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 Oats Kasar

Ingredients:

1. Oats- 1 cup
2. Grated/ Powdered Jaggery- 3/4 cup
3. Saunf- 1 tbsp
4. Water- 4 tbsps
5. Geated Coconut - 1 tbsp
6. Peanut Butter- 1tbsp
7. Cashew nut & Golden Raisins: For Garnish

Method:

1. Dry roast Oats in a heavy bottom iron pan. It will bring out nice aroma to it. Don't let it turn turn brown. If your pan is nicely hot, it won't take more than 5 seconds. Clear the oats off the pan.

2. Dry roast grated coconut. Its aroma will compliment oats'. Clear it from the pan.

3. Add water in the pan. When it starts boiling (It happens quickly) add jaggery. When jaggery starts melting, add saunf to it. The taseer of jaggery is hot, in summers one must neutralize it with cooling effect of saunf.
4. When the jaggery dissolves add oats & coconut to it.

Side step:
At this point, I moist my palms with oil & roll 3 lemon sized laddoos for my husband (he is watching his calories)

Back to main cooking: 

5. When the mixture is dry, turn off the flame & add peanut butter. I make peanut butter at home- The usual way, just replace honey with Maple Syrup, because; a. I am Vegan, b. Ayurveda frowns upon mixing honey, oil & salt.

6. Garnish with raisins & almonds. 

How is it different:

Traditionally kasar is made by frying atta in ghee. So, this tastes nothing like the traditional one. It's not better/worse, it's totally different.

Vegan Dessert Challenge: Day 1

- Kirti Tarang Pande

Official website, Instagram, Twitter

Whenever we begin a new batch in our Shala, before I talk about Yoga, I talk about food. I do so on the last day & every other day!

The reason is simple. In Yogic Philosophy our gross body is referred to as 'Annamayakosa'. This means that this gross body is a sheath made of matter. This matter is the Panch Maha Bhoota (Five basic Elements) that we consume via food. In one sentence it would be: The food that we eat, makes us who we are.

In fact, if you're hosting a Yogi, the first thing the sadhak'll do upon entering your house is to takeover your kitchen. We have many rules regarding food. Sankhya Darshan (Philosophy from which Yoga & Ayurveda originates) discuss food before touching Ayurveda or Yoga. In food, before touching what to eat, it has a treatise on when & how to eat!

So, now you know how passionate we Yogis' are about our food.

In my personal practice, the rules that I found challenging in the beginning were:

1. Ahimsak/ non violent food- This meant no diary & honey

2. Only fresh food

3. No white sugar. Only natural sweeteners- jaggery, maple syrup. 

4. Nothing cooked in a microwave. 

The challenge came from my sweet tooth. I love to have some dessert at lunch. Can you think of a dessert that fits the above four criteria?

Initially even I couldn't. Then my mother suggested 'Murmure ke laddoo'. This opened a window of creativity & recipes began pouring in. 

As I spoke with more & more vegan people, I realized that they too struggle with gratifying their sweet cravings. This gave birth to #7Days7DessertsChallenge on my instagram. Today, being Day 1, I have picked up is different recipe.

It's different from other recipes because it takes 45 minutes to make it & requires efforts. Others are 15 minutes quicikies. You're going to meet them tomorrow onwards.

Today, let me introduce you to:

  Moong Dal Halwa

Ingredients:

1. Moong Dal, yellow & split- 1 cup
2. Grated/ Powdered Jaggery- 1 cup
3. Rose Water- 2 tsp
4. Cardamon- 4
5. Water- 2 cups
6. Coconut milk- 1 cup
7. Golden raisins- 1tbsp
8. Cashew nut- 1tbsp
9. Grated cocunut/ Rose syrup (optional)
10. Coconut oil: 1 tsp (in non-stick), 1 tbsp (in iron pan)

Method:

1. Overnight soak one cup moong dal in enough water.

2. Without using water, grind the dal into a smooth or coarse paste. Coarse adds texture & you can move to Step 3 quicker. Smooth is easy to cook. I prefer smooth.

3. Heat coconut oil in deep, heavy bottom pan. Amateurs must use non-stick, because the paste is sticky. Pros can try iron pan. Sankhya Darshan advocates for iron & frowns upon non-sticks.

Side step:

As the oil is being heated, on a different flame boil coconut milk with water & jaggery. Once it's boiled, lower the flame & let it simmer.

Back to main cooking: 

4. Now this the part that requires efforts & patience- roast the most dal paste. There will be three stages-

a. The mixture will be all sticky- use low flame & keep scratching it off with a wooden ladder.

b. Lumps formation- work your way through lumps

c. Lumps will disintegrate- can use medium/high flame- keep stirring till the mixture is powdery  

For 1 cup of all dal this step takes 25 minutes.

5. Add the coconut milk mixture, cardamon, raisins & almonds. On high flame allow the water to evaporate & the mixture to get the powdery consistency back. Towards the end, add rose water, here the mixture will require attention, stirring & low flame.

6. Take it off the flame. Garnish with raisins & almonds. My mother would use grated coconut too but husband doesn't like it, so I add rose syrup. 

7. Have it hot. 

How is it different:

Traditionally, 1 cup of mood dal will require 9/10 tbsp of ghee to get the right flavor. Also, instead of coconut milk, full fat milk is used. Rose water has no place in the recipe.

So obviously, this version has less calories. This however, comes at the cost of sacrificing the richness that comes from ghee. Moreover, frying dal in ghee brings out its irresistible aroma. That's the reason why I use rose water & rose syrup. It's nothing like the nose of moong dal but it blends well with coconut milk & the halwa still gets an aroma.  A yogi can't get too greedy after all :)

Watch out! Everything You Know About Chakras Could Be Wrong!

-by Kirti Tarang Pande

Official Website, Instagram, Twitter

Originally published in Daily Bhaskar

These days, you may or may not find a sea shell in Goa, but what you will find is a Chakra Healer, in every lane! Why single out Goa? The scene is same everywhere-  Bombay, Delhi, Himachal, internet. You landed up on this article, didn’t you? Even in my yoga classes, I have people enquiring,  “Do you teach Chakra Yoga?”, “Do you do Chakra healing?” One lady even asked, “Do you fill your Chakras?”  I don’t  know how to answer  to this. Mostly, because there’s no ‘Yes’ or  ‘No’  reply.  If you’re genuinely interested in Chakra  Healing, this is the answer that you deserve:

 CHAKRA MYTHS BUSTED

Myth 1: There are seven chakras in our body

Shiva Samhitha talks about 72000 nadis in our Pranic System. These are the vessels that carry our Pranic Energy, having 114 junction points (not seven) that we call Chakras.

Myth 2: Every Chakra has a corresponding physical organ

According to Shandilya Upnishad, Chapter I,  Maya-sakti  is embodied in human physiology as subtle centers of expressions of Consciousness (Caitanya), that we call as Chakras. In simple words, Chakras are a part of Cosmic Energy, an energy system much higher than our physical body. Therefore, their functions are in correspondence with our Cosmic existence not our needs of this physical plane.

Now the question arises- if Chakras are there to serve a Cosmic Purpose, why are they such an integral part of Ayurvedic healing? The answer is provided by Dhyana-bindu Upnishad which defines Chakras as centers where Nadis are given their purification. Any form of Chakra Healing method used in Ayurveda, is merely a pump used to flush out the blockage in Nadi system, so as to ensure the free flow of Pranic Energy and not fixing the organ that happens to near the location of that Chakra.  This brings us to your next myth.

Myth 3: “I went for Chakra Healing & it worked wonders!”

You may have gone for a Chakra Healing, the practitioner may have called it a Chakra Healing but actually happened was Pranic Healing. According to Yogakundali Upnishad, Chapter III, Chakras can be opened through inner practices of pranayams, mantra and meditation.  The process can be aided with outer measures like diet & gems. This opening clears the path of nadis for Pranic Energy to move freely and do the necessary healing.

The keyword here is ‘opening’, we are not ‘activating’ the Chakra here.  There’s a difference.  Chakra opening paves path to Pranic Healing. Chakra activation will open the doors to enlightenment.

Myth 4: “I went for a Chakra meditation & now I can feel my Chakras being activated”

Once again, let’s refer to Yogakundali Upnishad.  According to the Upnishad, there are only two ways of Chakra activation- Antaranga & Bhiranga.

Antaranga way: This refers to the inner way through meditation. To activate the base Chakra, it requires double the amount energy required for a normal body & brain to function in a day! Only a sadhak whose body is prepared through asanas, sattvic diet of food and thought, & whose nadis are balanced through pranayams can create that much energy. Channelizing that in right direction is another game. This we are just talking about the base Chakra. As we move up, the requirement of energy doubles.  Keep in mind that there are 114 Chakras in body & do the maths.

Bahiranga way: This refers to the outer path of Chakra Awakening- our actions.  One must understand that Chakra awakening/ activation is a method of reversing the process of creation so that we can unify with the creator. Therefore for instance, if one wants to awaken the Muladhar chakra, then one must withdraw from the element of earth. This can be done by giving up the desire (and actions) of earthly possession & accumulation.

So, how can I get Chakra Healing?

You need to ask yourself- why I am looking for Chakra Healing? If the reason is anything but the desire to be a jnani & reach the state of enlightenment, I strongly recommend switching to Pranic Healing. As according to Prasnopnishad:

Pranasyedam vase saevam tridive yat pratisthitam

Mateva putran raksasva srisca prajnamsca videhi na eti

(Meaning: Whatever exists in three worlds is all under the control of Prana. Protecting us as a mother protects her sons; giving us affluence and intelligence.)

However, if you’re in pursuit of Moksha, then I recommend finding a siddha guru with right motivation and taking refuge in him. Please note: Chakra Activation is a tantric process and should only be done under tutelage of a Siddha guru.

 How can I find the right Pranic Healer?

You already have one- You! No one can channelize your Pranic Energy better than you. You just need to know how. At my shala Home Yogis’ Home we always teach our students (even the beginners) basic pranic healing techniques, you can request your yoga teacher to do the same. Happy healing!

Your 'Gratitude Thinking' May Not Be Good For Your Karma

-Kirti Tarang Pande

Official website, Instagram, Twitter

Originally Published in Daily Bhaskar

Incidence 1

Recollect- The Rangbhoomi scene of Mahabharata, unchallenged, unparalleled Arjuna had stolen the show, he was about to be declared warrior of the day & that’s when it happens- arrival of Karna.

He wants to take on Arjuna, but due to his low-birth it was forbidden to him.

Duryodhana saves the day for Karna, by crowning him the King of Anga. What does Karna do?

Veda Vyasa in Mahabharata writes-

“Karna sets his emotions free to flow, through his eyes, in the form of tears. He asks Duryodhana, “How may I be of service to you?””

Now think- What you would have done in similar situation- a man saves you from a national humiliation, makes you the king! What would you say?

I would say, “Thank you”, as a reflex. Karna didn’t. Note the choice of his words,”How may I be of service to you”, and not, “How can I repay you?”

Does it mean Karna was ungrateful?

Let’s look at it from the prism of another incidence-

Incidence 2

Recollect- When Hanuman meets Sita in Ashok Vatika, as a messenger of Rama. He shows her Rama’s ring & tells her that her husband will be here to rescue her. How did Sita respond?

Rishi Valmiki writes,

“Upon knowing that he is a messenger of Rama, she blesses him. With a heart overwhelmed with joy & grief, she says; “Give your master my Pranam (salutation)”

Now think- If you were trapped by the most feared person of our times & suddenly someone comes and says, “Rescue team is on its way.”  Wouldn’t you thank that person or at least send your gratitude to the rescue team?

Sita didn’t

.

Does it mean Sita was ungrateful?

Before judging further, let’s understand what gratitude means?

In today’s society it’s the ‘trending’ thing. Saying ‘thank you’ not only reflects our politeness & manners but practicing gratitude gives one the most ‘in’ label of being a ‘spiritual person’ these days.

However, for true yogis & advanced practitioners of ancient Vedic wisdom (like Karna & Sita), this is a sign of ignorance- this gratitude towards another human being because s/he was of service to us.

Why?

Answer is given by Krishna in Gita. While talking about Vedic concept of Janana Yoga (The path of wisdom), 

Krishna says;

Gatsangasya Muktasya Gyanavstitchetasah|

Yagyayachratah Karma Samagram Praviliyate||

-Gita 4.23

Beyond attachment, free & with a mind established in knowledge, when he performs action for a yajna alone, everything is destroyed.

It means that when we perform an action, with the attitude of performing a yajna (a Hindu purification ritual of making offerings to scared fire), surrendering our every action as a service of society, one gets freedom from the bondage of Karma. There’s no negative or positive Karma attached to such an act. This is the easiest path of ultimate liberation (knowledge, happiness & bliss). Since, our Atman takes a body to pay dues for negative Karma & reap benefits of positive Karma.

Conversely, when we say ‘thank you’ we form a Karmic alliance with that person. The alliance is formed out of our ignorance of cosmic law; which in Gita, Krishna describes as:

“Na Mam Karmani Limpanti Na Me Karmaphale Spraha|

Iti Mam Yobhijanati Karmabhi Nars Badhyate||

- Gita 4.1

In Bhavatakmak way, it means that Atman, our inner & true self, isn’t interested in the fruits of actions that we perform. Since our inner & true self has the awareness that by performing actions in this way, it can’t be tied in the chain of Karma.

Our conscious mind may not be aware of this process though, because over the years we have become aloof to our inner & true self. In this equation, when we add ‘Thank You’, we hurt the person in two ways:

1. We take the person further away from the inner-true self.

2. We tie the person in Karmic cycle of birth & rebirth.

Then what to do?

There are ways:

1. Follow Karna’s model: Gift the person the pleasure to witness the joy the action has brought to you, by expressing our emotions. Then connect with your heart in the wisdom- That the person in didn’t do a ‘favor’, but merely performed his dharma. You, in turn, perform yours.

2. Follow Sita’s model: Bless or offer salutations to that person, whatever comes naturally to you. Please note- the blessing/salutations should be seated in love & not in gratitude.

For example- When we get a glass of water to our grand-parents, they don’t say ‘thank you’, they say ‘Bhagwan bhala kare’ (May God Bless you), ‘jug jug jiyo’ (May you live long) etc

3. Use ‘Namaste’ instead- Namaste means I bow to the divine in you. This means that you’re acknowledging that the performed action was yagna & you are bowing to that.

For example- Remember our good old Kirane wale bhaiya( grocery man), he never thanked us for shopping with him, like billing guys in supermarket nor did our parents thanked him for assisting in shopping, like we say to the sales girls in stores. They would simple say ‘namaste’ to each other & would (knowingly/ unknowingly) transcend their materialistic transaction to spiritual level.

4. Path of least resistance- You may say ‘thank you’ with your mouth, but keep your heart & emotions firmly seated in any of the above mentioned options.

Namaste!

Do you know Yoga is a byproduct of Shiva-Parvati's lovestory?

- Kirti Tarang Pande

 Instagram, website, Twitter

Originally published on Daily Bhaskar

In his Sanskrit epic poem ‘Kumar Sambhav’, dramatist Kalidas writes;

“Tatha Vitham Prempatishtadarsh”

Love like Parvati & husband like Shiva, these are both beyond our reach.

Kalidas wasn’t being verbose here, in Hindu mythology it is believed that in Kailash Parvat, Shiva & Parvati began the ecstatic dance of mystic love, ‘I’, ‘you’, ‘he’, ‘she’, ‘we’, all these distinctions stop existing.

This mystic dance is Yoga that creates the divine union. After all the classic definition of Yoga says:

“Yujyate anena iti yogah”

One that joins is yoga.

That’s what I am sharing with you today, the mythological story of the cosmic union of Shiva & Parvati?

However, like every story of Hindu mythology, this one has a back story.

Let’s ruffle the pages of another Indian epic, Gita, for this-

To elucidate the concept of ‘detached action’ to Arjuna, Krishna gives example of Shiva as the Param Yogi- he has reached a state that’s beyond Karmic cycle. He has the ability to destroy entire shristi (the universe) without taking any negative karma upon him.

That’s where Krishna opens a love-window through which we can peep into Shiva’s love story; which can be summed up in two sentences:

It was Shiva’s love for Sati that made him a Yogi. It was Shiva’s love for Parvati that made him the Adi-Guru of Yoga.

That’s why in yogic tradition it is believed that if one worships only Shiva & ignores Shakti, the person remains confined in the trappings of maya- the illusion of subject-object duality.

To overcome this hurdle, ancient sages recommend Bhakti Yoga Marg- a path of complete surrender to Shiva & Shakti.

In the incarnation of Sati, Shakti was married to Shiva.

Shiva has emerged from cosmic sound. He took the form of an ascetic. And then, one day he falls in love with Sati. This love, however we try to describe, the description sounds lacking. How can we describe something that’s beyond our experiential field? So, let’s call this love an ocean, whose depth we know not of & move on.

In an unforeseen way, Sati dies (that’s another story, let’s touch it another day). This death tore off Shiva. He became a madman, choosing annihilation. But how does one slay something that was never born? So, the universe bore the brunt of Shiva’s grief, in the form of destruction.

Even that couldn’t liberate him from his grief. So Shiva embraced silence and turned within. It led to a miraculous expansion in Shiva from which Yoga was born.

Thus, Yoga was Shiva’s internal journey of transforming grief into a permanent state of ecstasy.

This closes Chapter one of Shiva’s love story.

Let’s jump to the page where Parvati, another incarnation of Shakti, touched Shiva through her tapas.

On the night of their union Shiva taught Parvati 84 yogic asanas before taking her as his consort into Tantra.

That night out of his love of Parvati, Shiva became the Adi-Guru of Yoga & Parvati became his first student.

This is the reason why, when we take Deeksha of Yoga in Vedic Parampara, the first teaching that we receive from our Guru is this Mangal Sholka:

“Shri Adinath Namastu Tasmay Yenopdishta Hathyogvidya|

Vibhrajate Prannatrajyogmarodumichoradhirohireev||”

Meaning: Salutations to Shiva who’s instructor of Hathayoga vidya to Parvati which shines bright like a ladder for one desirous to climb to the heights of the most excellent Rajayoga.

Shiva’s teachings to Parvati bear such intimacy & indulgence that if you read the sholkas, it will create innumerable bubbles of love in your heart. Each sholka starts with ‘O the Resplendent one’, ‘O the Beautiful one’, ‘O the Graceful one’.

Shiva was so smitten by Parvati that he never bothered to share this Yogic knowledge with anyone else. Parvati, however, the symbol of feminine nurturing energy, couldn’t bear the idea of being in a state of permanent ecstasy when there was so much misery in the three worlds.

So she asked Shiva, cajoled Shiva into teaching Yoga to us mortals. He had no interest in doing so.

Parvati, the cosmic mother, was too resilient to give up. One day, she approached this topic as a woman, when Shiva was with her as a man, and said that she understands why Shiva is reluctant to teach. It’s too difficult. He can’t do it.

The reverse psychology worked! Shiva took Sapt rishis as his first batch of disciples. Through Sapt Rishis came a lineage of 18 siddhas. These 18 siddhas imparted the divine knowledge to us earthlings.

Disclaimer: Stories from Hindu mythology are metaphors depicting Cosmic Reality beyond experiential existence. They should not be approached with a mind that’s caged in human limitations.  

References: Kumar Sambhav, Devi Bhagwat, Shiv Mahapuran, Hath Yoga Pradipika, Gita

THIS DIWALI WOO LAXMI THROUGH SOUND YOGA

- Kirti Tarang Pande

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Originally published in Daily Bhaskar

Good News!!!!

You don’t need to spend thousands in buying lights, crackers, sweets and all the shenanigans to woo Goddess Laxmi.

You just need one thing. You have it with you. For free! This thing is your body.

So, why confine Laxmi to your house, when you can seat her in your heart & carry her along wherever you go? It is possible & can be done in  easy steps of Sound Yoga.

However, it is my belief that you mustn’t do anything just because; “I told you so”. That’s why before I tell you the  steps, it’s important that you understand the science behind it:

What isSound Yoga?

Who is Laxmi?

In Yogic Philosophy, Laxmi is a manifestation of Brahman/ Supreme Reality. This Brahman pervades in all things. In humans, the seat is the heart.

As a manifestation of this Brahman, Laxmi is the Goddess of beauty & divine grace. While love & devotion come under beauty; health, prosperity & fertility are a part of Divine Grace.

The Sound of Laxmi

Srim is the Beej Mantra of Laxmi. It governs the prime forms of energy as magnetic force, electrical force & delight. Of all the four Goddess Beej Mantras, it is one of the softest & safest mantras to use.

Srim allows us to surrender to and take refuge in Laxmi. Once we are immersed in Laxmi, not only good things flow in life but also our heart gets faith & emotional nature gets steadiness.

Woo Laxmi in Easy Steps through Sound Yoga

1. Start your day with Opening the Heart

If Laxmi is to reside in your heart, one must open its door for her. Laxmi’s seat is a blooming lotus. So, sit in Padmasana, form the mudra blooming lotus with your hands & place it near your chest. Now close your eyes & visualize that a lotus is opening in your heart chakra & Laxmi is sitting in it in her full radiance. Bless everyone & anyone who comes to your mind with the gifts of Laxmi. Generosity of soul is the cosmic door through which Laxmi comes in.

       2. Purify your heart through Om

We all know Laxmi resides in cleanliness. With each out breath chant Om. Let the sound ‘O’ come from your heart & ‘M’ from throat. Repeat the chant five times. This purifies our heart of its afflictions.

        3. Illuminate your Heart through Surya Namaskar

It is light of the heart which lures Laxmi, she has no interest in the ones that you hang in your home. So, stand in Namaskar Mudra & pray to Surya to illuminate your heart with truth this verse:

Hiranmayena patrena satyasyapitham mukham|Tat tvam pusannapavrnu satyadharmaya drstaye||

Meaning: O Sun! Like a utensil covering the mouth of a vessel, your golden orb is the lid covering the truth. Un-lid & lead me to the Dharma of Truth.

It’s important that you link every Asana of the Surya Namaskar with inhale & exhale of breath. Each inhalation & exhalation must be in Ujjayi Breath.

Laxmi, was born after churning the ocean. The Ujjayi (sound of ocean) inhalation & exhalation teamed with Surya Namaskar churns our body & Laxmi is born within us.

         4. Energize your Lunar Side

The Beej Mantra of Laxmi has a pleasing lunar property. To prepare the body for the Chanting of the Beej Mantra, first one need to activate the lunar side through Chandra Anulom: Upon nightfall sit in Vajrasana, close the right nostril with ring finger, deep inhale & exhale through left nostril. Repeat 10 times. Once, the lunar side is activated, it is time to energize it with Chandra Bhedan: Sit in Vajrasana, close the right nostril with ring finger inhale through left nostril. Close left nostril with the thumb & exhale through right. This is one cycle of Chandra Bhedan. Perform 10 such cycles.

Now that the body is prepared, it is time to chant the Beej Mantra & evoke the Laxmi that whose sthapana we did in our hearts this morning.

         5 Srim Japa

Srim (pronounced as: shreem) is the sound relating to beauty & divine grace. It floods the senses with divine beauty & delight, promoting health, prosperity, fertility & rejuvenation.

Sit in Padmasana, close your eyes, and bring your awareness to the Laxmi seated in your heart & chant Srim. You can chant from 5, 7, 9 to 108 any odd number of times. Please note it doesn’t matter how many counts you do, what really matters is how well you link the sound of Shrim to the energy of Laxmi in your heart.

• Originally published in Daily Bhaskar

LET'S TALK ABOUT SOUND YOGA

- Kirti Tarang Pande
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The Hidden Cosmic Secret


May I tell you a secret?

It's a secret that was kept hidden from 'commoners' in Vedic Prampara. Brahmins knew the power of this wisdom pearl that they had. So they kept quiet, because in the hands of unworthy, the power could be dangerous. In silence they quivered with the vibrations of Sound Yoga and attained a state of pure bliss.

No, I am not starting a new niche in Yoga. Yoga is the science of Shiva & art of Siddhas, you & I are not qualified to make changes in it. We can only share, what we have learnt:

What Is Sound: The Western & Vedic School Of It

Modern Physics tells us that Sound is an energy.
Ancient texts of Rig Veda agree with this & add that Sound is the original form all energy. This cosmic energy of sound, always have a referent object. It is the name of that object. The name connects us to the Being that it designates.
Therefore, whenever we make a sound, we are directing awareness to the object that it corresponds to.

How Sound Yoga Harnesses & Channelizes The Energy Of Sound?

When through sound our awareness goes to an object, along with awareness goes our Pranic Energy. So, ancient Siddhas through the blessings and guidance of Shiva created Beej Mantras, which can link our Pranic Energy to the object of our desires.

What Is The Object Of A Yogis' Desire?

Yogis weren't greedy they just wanted three basic things:
1. Healthy Body, you can't meditate if you're struggling with a physical ailment
2. A mind that's free from all afflictions, again, one can either fret or meditate
3. Liberation

What Did The Yogis Do With This Knowledge?

Since, the yogis understood that Sound is the mental aspect of Pran. They used the mantric vibrations of soul to awaken the powers within.
With this power they discovered the Beej Mantras corresponding to the three wishes of a Yogi:

a. For Healthy Body:

Yogis looked at human body as a sound body & called it Mantra Purush, representing it through Sanskrit Alphabets.
For the sounds in the head & our senses, they harnessed solar energy & created 16 Beej Mantras for it.
For our tissues, they harnessed lunar energy & created 9 Beej Mantras for them
And then, there are 25 Beej Mantras for our trunk & limbs

b. For Peaceful Mind:

They created Beej Mantras for six basic Chakras & weaved them in a meditation technique, in which we travel down from our Throat Chakra towards the Root Chakra & then we come up & dissolve it all in the Third Eye Chakra.

c. For Liberation

This approach came from the Shakti School of Yoga. The yogis discovered the four Beej Mantras corresponding to four forms of Shakti, leading to liberation.

How You & I Can Incorporate Sound Yoga In Our Daily Practice?

Remember, Sound Yoga is very powerful and should only be performed in the guidance of a trusted teacher. 

a. For Energizing

Every Asana has a corresponding Beej Mantra. Once you have mastered the asana on the physical level, then check if you can relax in that asana, connect it with your breathe, now you can ask your teacher to give you the Beej Mantra.

b. For Relaxation

You can recite Mantra Purusha prayer before meditation, it withdraws the pran from all the parts of body & leave

it in the Third Eye.

Yoga Task Of The Day

- Kirti Tarang

A couple of Hath Yogis are of the opinion that Surya Kriya (not Surya Namaskar), can be one simple way to liberate from Karmic cycle. I didn’t mention it in my post on the topic because:

a. It doesn’t make sense to me

b. I haven’t read any original yogic texts mentioning it.

However, I don’t want you to take my opinion as a fact. I want you to research on Surya Kriya & make an informed decision. That’s your Yoga Task Of The Day.

Suggested Readings:

1. Is Karma Really A Bitch
2. PanchKosa & Karmic Cycle
3. The Forgotten Limb Of Ashtanga Yoga