#yogic exercise

[10bmnews]

10 yogic exercises that work wonders for the brain

Yogic exercises for brain health In the fast-paced world we live in, mental clarity, memory retention, and emotional balance are more important than ever. Yoga, rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, offers powerful techniques that not only strengthen the body but also rejuvenate the brain. From boosting focus to calming anxiety, here are yogic exercises that can work wonders for your mental…

[quitepossiblyknot]

Wherever the heart is heavy, consider expressing it visually on paper, press down on that paper equivalent to the pressure you feel

Translate each feeling to a color, draw a circle to a vibe and a frequency to a square

In any instance where the weight is too much, do this exercise

$afromagnetic ∆ if it pays to do this visual exercise for catharsis, offer it for sale or keep it, if it gets sold, cashapp me a percentage of the profits

Shop

[compassionmattersmost]

Understanding Vrittis and Pratyayas: A Guide to Mindful Awareness

Introduction In the journey of mindfulness and meditation, understanding the nature of the mind is crucial. Two fundamental concepts in this exploration are vrittis and pratyayas. These Sanskrit terms, drawn from ancient yogic and Buddhist teachings, provide insights into the workings of the mind. This guide aims to clarify these concepts, helping you integrate this understanding into your daily…

[santoschristos]

“Everything Is Energy,

and that’s all there is to it.

Match the frequency of the reality you want and you can not help but get that reality. It can be no other way.

This is not Philosophy.

This is Physics.” -Bashar

art: KEYS. TELOS Graphics, liner

"Life is in the Breath."--Thoth

Yogic breathing exercises are some of the most powerful ways of amplifying the vril, witchpower and chi. I remind myself of this phrase constantly, as meditation is a complete focus of breathing.

[gizurrr]

headcanon that Ford was a ceremonial magician (à la Aleister Crowley, or more accurately in the scientist case, Jack Parsons) during his time working with Bill Cipher cuz like,, c'mon

bro was literally doing yogic exercises (which ceremonial magicians appropriated from tantric practitioners in India and Tibet in the late 19th/early 20th century but that's a tangent for another day)

meanwhile, Fiddleford, being from hillbilly roots and thus probably from a devoutly conservative Christian background*, was def unnerved by how they approached their research cuz after all, chanting interdimensional mantras and then yammering about ingesting ground up baby bones or whatever effed up things while having weird eyes is def a sign of demon possession. and Ford seemed okay with it??? and actually enjoyed it, setting up shrines to this "muse"????

but "oh, Fiddleford is a stupid superstitious redneck bum who's scared of his own shadow" Ford would conclude under the influence of Bill

tl;dr: i love the correlation between scientists and the occult/esotericism in history and i think Ford def fits in that correlation

[postitforward]

Hey friends! 👋

It’s another year of Holiday Blues. Which must mean it’s another year of Flex Fridays 💪 

Exercise is great for mind, body, and soul. And it can even be something you enjoy, too. And no one understands this better than Tiffany Curtis, founder of Indwell Collaborative, a community gathering space for social healing. She has over 13 years of experience facilitating programs for social change. As the daughter of Liberian immigrants, she has visions for intergenerational healing contextualized by living through years of compounding grief from complex familial loss.

She is bringing those skills and experience to you, this winter, with her unique program, and it’s a special invitation—to work with the presence of tenderness that moves within. This offering will be a 5-part yogic wisdom series inviting participants to explore the embrace of tenderness for collective liberation through asana, breath, and meditation.

Speaking of invitations, class one is just that: THE INVITATION. Y’all will begin by permitting yourselves to be open-hearted. What is possible for us if we embrace and validate the many sensitivities that move within us? 

🧘 Flex Fridays: Indwell Collaborative, 12/01 at 1pm EST 🧘

[satureja13]

Summer Solstice - Part 3 It starts -> here

Jack thought it's time for the others to finally get up too. To not waste their precious time here in Henford. This is supposed to be a special trip for them since it had been Vlad's last wish to come back here because they'd been so happy and carefree here on their first visit. Ji Ho and Sai are too tired to have an opinion about this, but Jack, with his endless energy, dragged them to a clearing where they started with their daily yoga practice (which is helping Jack with his pain).

Even though the night had been short - and Ji Ho is still a bit drained from teleporting the TukTuk - they felt a lot fresher and fitter after practice. Before the others return, Ji Ho wanted to talk with Jack and Sai about what Princess Jihovere learned about in Saarburg: Tantra.

They sat on Jack's blanket and Ji Ho told them about the benefits of this kind of yoga. Noxee had sent Ji Ho two books and now he shares what he already found out. (Noxee was very excited about Ji Ho's request and she thinks that it would help Sai and Jack (her 'kids') a lot! (She'd kind of adopted Jack and Sai after they'd been rescued from the Lab a few years ago. But this didn't stop Jack from having a major crush on her, neither that she's in love with his biological father, Greg...)

But back to topic. Ji Ho: "Here, this book says: 'Tantra is a method to expand the mind and liberate the dormant potential energy. Tantra principles form the basis of all authentic yogic practices.' It's not just about sex, like many think. There are a lot of beginner friendly exercises for us we could do together. I would love to do them with Vlad since it could help us to build a better and deeper relationship, but I know that he would hate it ^^' There are Tantra yoga and meditation practices so we just could replace our daily practice with Tantra exercises. If you like?'' (It seems the Little Goats/Satyrs are already very interested. Food for their plots and twists ^^')

That does sounds interesting indeed. Saiwa is positive that this could even be a replacement fo their therapy until they can safely log in again, if ever... Maybe it will even help him to get back together with Jeb? And Jack is up for it too (Jack has too much energy anyway, so usually he's up for anything, but he's also easily distracted by something else ^^') Ji Ho told them a bit more and they started with a few breathing and meditating exercises.

When Vlad, Jeb and Kiyoshi returned from jogging, they had breakfast together, took a quick shower (not together ^^') and called the horses. The rest of the day they are going to spend by the river.

It had been here, in Otherworld's Bramblewood, where Ji Ho found Yang Mal, his horse. We took such beautiful pictures of them -> here and here.

They took their time to explore the surroundings. It's so beautiful here, Jack didn't think much about his nightmare and trauma. He remembered the good times they had here during their first trip. It's good to see Jack is leaving his trauma behind. It was a good and brave decision to stay here. And not to give in to his fears. Jack to Ji Ho: "Haha do you remember when we rehearsed for the trailer video after I'd lost my swimming trunks?" Saiwa to Jack: "I do! You almost got killed because some monster hunters thought you were attacking Ji Ho and kidnapped a boy omg!" (TMI: Oh my, that's almost 2 years ago! And the monster hunters had been adult Jack's sons from our other story universe! And my posts had been only 1-3 pics long ^^' And we never found out how Jack managed to lose his trunks... ö.ö)

They dismounted the horses by the river to go for a swim. The perfect day and weather. A bit cloudy, so it wasn't too hot. The only thing too hot - in Jeb's opinion - was Saiwa in his stupidly short shorts and this too tight tank top...

We weren't able to call the horses before ~ 6 am because they 'were sleeping'. So why, only a few hours later, are they so tired again? -.- Plus - it's happening very often that the relationships between the boys and their horses get erased and they don't know each other anymore. I had to move in Valerian and Kiri because we weren't able to call them. Lol and Saiwa, Jeb and Kiyoshi were running to the other 'entrance' of the river even though I'd told them to go swimming where Ji Ho, Vlad and Jack went in... Nothing is easy in these worlds. Maybe Jeb needed to cool down after seeing Sai in his new swimming trunks.

Nonetheless they had a lot of fun! And it was healing. When they'd been here for the first time, they had no worries and troubles. Well a few, but not like it is now. I hope they will have more peaceful times like these in their future.

They spent the rest of the day by the river before they packed up in the evening and the TukTuk took them back home to Tomarang.

Ah, this was a nice and healing Summer Solstice! Jack did so well. The others too. They made huge steps towards living all together again (more or less) comfortable. Like before. And they could scratch one point off of their bucket list :)

'Lady, running down to the riptide Taken away to the dark side I wanna be your left-hand man I love you when you're singing that song And I got a lump in my throat 'Cause you're gonna sing the words wrong

I just wanna, I just wanna know If you're gonna, if you're gonna stay I just gotta, I just gotta know I can't have it, I can't have it any other way'

Riptide - Vance Joy

The Therapy Game Master Post with the sessions and places so far is -> here

From the Beginning  ~  Underwater Love ~  Latest Current Chapter: 'Who killed Jack?' from the beginning ▶️ here Last Chapter: 🕹️ 'The One' from the beginning ▶️ here 📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 17-22 ~ 23-28

[t-leaves]

My 2025 Shifting Resolutions

Study pranayama and other yogic practices

Study meditation in general

Fix my sleep schedule - with improved sleep hygiene and regular exercise - in order to give myself consistent sleep phases for wb2b

Dress more like my wizarding world dr self

Actively attempt to shift at least 5/7 days of the week (instead of muttering i intend to shift before rolling over and sleeping)

Keep a shifting/meditation/dream diary

Shift

[kingmabry]

G.V. SUBBARAMAYYA,

part 3

Though Sri Bhagavan made an enormous impact on me at this first meeting, it was not until the spring of 1936, three years later, that I paid my second visit. On that occasion, I brought with me a note of introduction from Sri G. Sambasiva Rao Garu. I handed the note to Sri Bhagavan when I presented myself in the hall.

Before he had even perused its contents he gave me a knowing nod and a gracious smile.

'Why the introduction?' he asked. 'You have come before. You are not new.'

To add to my wonder, I now felt as though my dead father had come back to life. The resemblance was striking. Lest it should be dismissed as my fancy, I might add that my cousin, Sri VV Narayanappa, who saw Sri Bhagavan later, observed to me, 'Sri Bhagavan looks the very picture of my uncle, your father'.

That settled my relation to Sri Bhagavan for all time. He was not only Guru, Maharshi, Bhagavan, he was also my father. My approach to Sn Bhagavan has ever since been that of a child to its parent, quite fearless, free, and familiar.

Several years before, I had been initiated into two mantras and had been enjoined to repeat them a minimum number of times every day. I had been doing this practice punctiliously, but now, after entering the ashram, I had no mind to repeat the mantras or do any other kind of formal worship. After a few days, I was seized with the fear of incurring a sin by failing to observe the instructions that were given to me at the time of my initiation. I approached Sri Bhagavan himself, made a clean breast of my default, and asked him what I should do.

Sri Bhagavan smiled and replied, 'You have done so much japa. Its merit has brought you here. While you are enjoying the fruit of your japa, why should you worry or be afraid?

At a much later date, I questioned Sri Bhagavan about the difference between japa done with the mind and meditation. Sri Bhagavan replied by saying, 'They are the same. In both, the mind is concentrated on one thing, the mantra or the Self. Mantra, japa, meditation - these are only different names. So long as they require effort, we call them by these names, but when the Self is realized, these go on without effort and what was formerly the means becomes the goal.'

I had also at this time a more serious trouble. I had been practicing breath control as taught by Swami Ramatirtha in his works. There came a stage when I felt a terrible sensation. I felt that my head was about to crack open and break into many pieces. I stopped doing this practice, but every day the sensation recurred at the time I used to practice. I was afraid that some disaster was imminent. In the middle of the night, when Sri Bhagavan was alone, I approached him with my tale.

He said, laughing, 'What! Again you are seized with fear! These are the usual experiences of people who do yogic exercises without the immediate guidance of a Guru, but having come to me, why should you fear?'

Then Sri Bhagavan added in an undertone, 'Next time you get that sensation, think of me and you will be all right.'

From that moment to this, I have never felt that sensation again, so there has been no need to think of Sri Bhagavan on that account.

The Power of the Presence, III.

[24yoga7]

Yoga for Weight Loss: Can Yoga Help You Shed Extra Kilos?

Yoga for Weight Loss: Can Yoga Help You Shed Extra Kilos?

Although yoga is frequently linked to flexibility and relaxation, it can also be a useful weight-loss aid.

Yoga offers a sustained and all-encompassing method of losing excess weight while enhancing general well-being, in contrast to intense exercise. 

This blog discusses the greatest yoga poses for burning calories, how yoga helps people lose weight, and how to get the most out of your workouts.

How Can Yoga Aid in Losing Weight?

Yoga promotes weight loss by enhancing metabolism, encouraging awareness, and encouraging physical activity. Among the main advantages are:

Enhanced Calorie Burn: Power yoga and vinyasa are dynamic forms that increase heart rate and burn calories.

Increased Metabolism: By promoting hormonal balance and digestion, some poses raise metabolic rate.

Muscle Toning: By strengthening muscles, holding yoga poses improves fat burning.

Decreased Stress and Emotional Eating: By lowering hormones that cause stress like cortisol, yogic mindfulness helps people avoid gaining weight through stress-induced eating.

Better Digestion: Long breaths and twisting positions promote digestion and detoxification.

Improved Sleep: Yoga helps control sleep patterns, which is important for weight loss.

The Greatest Yoga Pose for Losing Weight

1. Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations

A vigorous sequence that improves flexibility, burns calories and works the entire body.

Take a deep breath, lift your arms above your head, and stand erect.

Breathe out and stoop to touch the ground.

Lower yourself onto a plank, then turn into an upward-facing dog.

Return to standing after pushing back into downward dog.

Do 10–12 rounds again.

2. Navasana (boat pose)

Helps to improve digestion, balance, and core strength.

Raise your feet off the floor, sit with your legs out in front of you, and use your sit bones for balance.

Maintaining a straight back, extend your arms forward.

Repeat three to five times while holding for 20 to 30 seconds.

3. Utkatasana or chair pose

Increases stamina, strengthens the core, and tones the thighs.

As though you were sitting in an invisible chair, place your feet together, bend your knees, and drop your hips.

Hold your arms out in the air for 30 to 45 seconds.

4. Phalakasana, or Plank Pose

Increases overall stability and strengthens the core.

Maintaining your body in a straight line, perform a push-up.

Hold for 30 to 60 seconds after engaging the core.

5. Virabhadrasana II, or Warrior II

Strengthens the core, increases endurance, and tones the legs.

Place your feet wide apart, bend your front knee, and turn one foot outward.

Hold for 30 seconds on each side while extending your arms parallel to the floor.

6. Parairittta Utkatasana, or Twisting Chair Pose

Promotes digestion, tones abs, and speeds up metabolism.

Place your feet wide apart, bend your front knee, and turn one foot outward.

Hold for 30 seconds on each side while extending your arms parallel to the floor.

7. Setu Bandhasana, or Bridge Pose

Helps maintain hormonal balance and strengthens the lower body.

While lying on your back, raise your hips toward the ceiling and bend your knees.

Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, then let go.

8. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Strengthens the back and enhances digestion.

Press your hands onto the floor, raise your chest, and lie on your stomach.

Hold for 15–30 seconds.

Research on Yoga's Effect on Weight Loss

According to several studies, yoga can help people lose weight by lowering stress, enhancing digestion, and promoting physical activity. 

According to a study that was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, people who consistently practiced yoga for 12 weeks lost a substantial amount of weight in comparison to those who did not exercise at all.

In another Harvard study Yoga practitioners typically have healthier eating habits and a lower body mass index (BMI), according to research from medical school.

Mindful Eating and Yoga

People who practice yoga become more self-aware and mindful of their eating patterns. Yoga as a mindfulness practice can benefit:

Cut down on harmful eating desires.

Encourage portion control.

Promote the consumption of healthier foods.

Yoga Practice Every Day to Lose Weight

If you want to lose weight, do this yoga practice every day:

Warm-up: Begin with mild stretches and pranayama breathing techniques.

Main Workout: Do 10 rounds of Sun Salutations and asanas such as Plank Pose, Chair Pose, and Boat Pose.

Cool Down: To relax your muscles, end with Child's Pose and Cobra Pose.

Meditation: Spend five to ten minutes meditating to close up your session.

How Can Yoga Help You Lose Weight the Most?

Be Regular: For observable effects, do yoga at least five times a week.

Combine with Cardio: To improve fat burning, including cycling, walking, or jogging.

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Steer clear of processed foods and consume entire foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Engage in Mindful Eating: Yoga promotes greater awareness of hunger signals, which helps people avoid overindulging.

Maintain Hydration: Adequate hydration facilitates digestion and increases metabolism.

Incorporate Breathing Techniques and Meditation: Pranayama and meditation can help prevent weight gain brought on by stress.

Success Stories: Actual Individuals Who Used Yoga to Reduce Weight

Yoga has been used to help many people lose weight. 

One woman, for example, shed 15 kg in six months after implementing mindful eating and regular yoga into her routine. 

Another person reported that they lost two dress sizes in a matter of months after beginning Power Yoga and Vinyasa Flow.

These actual cases show that yoga can be a useful weight loss strategy when paired with a healthy lifestyle.

In conclusion

Yoga offers mental, emotional, and physical advantages, making it an effective weight loss method.

You can lose weight and improve your general health in a sustained way by doing the proper poses, staying consistent, and leading a healthy lifestyle. 

Consider enrolling in Ekam Yoga Classes for an organized and supervised yoga experience.

Skilled instructors may assist in customizing your practice to meet your weight reduction objectives. Begin now to see the change for yourself!

[mindfullofyoga]

Chakra Journey: Immersion into Seasonal Yoga Practice

Transform old patterns. Find inner confidence and lightness. Experience holistic growth as you discover the themes and yogic practices of each season and chakra.

Who is this Journey for? 

It’s for those who are curious about how yoga philosophy, chakra teachings, and the energy of the seasons can enrich your daily life. If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while and are ready to deepen your self-discovery journey, this workshop series is perfect for you. It offers thematic answers to life’s big questions, practical tools, and helps you live consciously and joyfully. Discover how to move gracefully and in harmony with life’s natural rhythms.

What to Expect? 

The Chakra Journey is a workshop-series of 4 seasonal sessions. Each session focuses on the corresponding themes of that season and will combine two complimentary chakras in a unique way to support your journey of self-discovery and holistic growth. It's a fusion of study, inquiry, asana, pranayama and meditation, custom-made and based on Karolien's personal journey and discoveries.

In a nutshell

Winter: The Foundation of Rest and Inspiration

Root deeply and open up to new sources of inspiration. Find rest, stability, and nourishing comfort in the stillness and darkness of winter. More being, less doing.

Spring: The Innocent Flow of Creativity

Awaken your desires and creative energy, and be intuitively guided. Open up to the magic of everyday and amaze yourself about life’s synchronicities. More play, less focus.

Summer: The Calling for Self-expression

Ignite your inner fire, step into your greatness, and speak your truth. Take meaningful steps towards your dreams and values. More playing big, less listening to fears.

Autumn: Coming Home in the Heart

Conclude the cycle and receive the fruits of your journey with gratitude. Embrace life’s natural flow with faith and learn to let go off what is old. More abundance, less resistance.

Interesting to know

In each workshop we will dedicate time to absorb new information about the theme’s of each season and how the chakra’s relate to that. Then there is time to reflect on this through inquiry, journaling and/or sharing so it becomes alive in your personal life-situation of that moment. And then we will bring all of this to the mat and explore a yoga practice of about 75-90 minutes that combines asana, pranayama and meditation catering towards the arising challenges when embracing the calling of each season. You’ll leave nourished, inspired and motivated.

A recording of the yoga class – filmed upfront, so it doesn’t interrupt the intimacy and flow of our workshop – will become available to you after the workshop so you can come back to the yoga practice as often as you feel need for it throughout the season until we meet again. 

To support you further, you’ll get an extensive handout with valuable information, journaling prompts, and practical exercises to support implementation and integration in your daily life.

The workshops can be booked as a complete journey or individually, if one theme calls you more than others. 

Why This Journey Will Enrich You:

Depth and Insights: Understand how chakras work and learn ways to integrate their wisdom into your daily life.

Practical Tools: Gain techniques and lifestyle tips that you can apply right away to enhance your well-being.

Balance and Flow: Align your daily life and inner energy with the natural rhythms of the seasons.

Inner Growth: Break free from old patterns and move towards a life filled with confidence, lightness, and joy.

Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and draw inspiration from shared experiences.

About Karolien 

I’m Karolien, a yoga teacher and consciousness coach. For over ten years, I’ve been guiding individuals on their path of self-discovery and transformation. My mission is to help curious and mindful people like you break through patterns, strengthen self-love, and live joyfully. My approach combines compassion, clarity, and practical applications. Whether you’re feeling stuck or simply curious about deeper insights, I’m here to support you in rediscovering your radiant, joyful self.

Practical Information

Dates & Time

Workshop 1: Winter – The Foundation of Rest and Inspiration Sunday, 12 January 2025 | 11:00-14:00 

Workshop 2: Spring – The Innocent Flow of Creativity Friday, 4 April 2025 | 16:30-19:30

Workshop 3: Summer – The Calling for Self-expression Sunday, 6 July 2025 | 11:00-14:00

Workshop 4: Autum – Coming Home in the Heart Sunday, 12 October 2025 | 11:00-14:00

Location Svaha Yoga Downtown Shala Begijnensteeg 1 Amsterdam

Investment 

Seasonal Workshop: EUR 95,- (including VAT) Includes:

Custom-made, uniquely designed seasonal 3-hour live workshop

Handout with information, journaling prompts, and exercises to support implementation and integration in your everyday life

Recorded yoga class to repeat at home on demand. For your interest: the recording is done upfront, so it won’t interrupt the intimacy and flow of the workshop!

The Complete Chakra Journey: EUR 324,- (including VAT, paid upfront at once) Includes:

All 4 Seasonal Workshops as mentioned 

Extra gift no. 1: one individual coaching session with Karolien via ZOOM to be planned on demand (total value of 95,-)

Extra gift no. 2: Beautiful hand-drawn Chakra-Altar Cards (total value of 24,50)

Embark on Your Chakra Journey. Connect more deeply with yourself and the world around you. Discover how to live joyfully, in balance, and with confidence through life’s natural rhythms.

➡️ Buy your ticket here

*** The workshop will be taught in English to include non-Dutch participants. However, if expressing yourself in English during inquiry or sharing’s is difficult, you’re welcome to do that in Dutch of course. ***

[33-108]

Sri Yantra (Sanskrit यन्त्र) or Sri Chakra, literally, "machine, instrument, engine, motor, implement, fetter, implement for holding, mystical diagram supposed to possess occult powers, trace, prop, appliance, band, apparatus, surgical instrument, any instrument for holding or restraining or fastening, restraint, tie, device, any instrument or apparatus, support, force, mechanical contrivance, barrier, means, amulet, rein."

Sri Yantra is a representation of one aspect of the Universe, it comes from the Sanskrit words 'Yam' and 'Trana' and essentially means liberation from birth to rebirth.

The Sri Yantra, also known as the Sri Chakra, is a mystical diagram used in the Sri Vidya school of Hinduism. Out of hundreds of Yantras related to principles, deities and planets, the Sri Yantra is said to be one of the most auspicious and powerful of all. It’s called the ‘Queen of Yantras’ because all other Yantras were derived from it. It’s also widely used in Hindu ceremonies and meditation practices.

Sri Yantra, is the yogic equivalent of the Buddhist Mandala. In Buddhism, (Tibetan: Trulkhor, which also means "movement of body"). Particular exercises taught by Padmasambhava to harness Prana (energy) and achieve profound relaxation in preparation for meditation.

In Hinduism the Yantra is generally used to referred to a mystical diagram like a mandala, utilized for meditation. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, a Yantra is a geometric diagram, or a symbolic representation of aspects of divinity.

In the realm of myth and legend, it’s said to be the tool that Goddess Lalita used to recreate the universe after its destruction. So, while its antiquity isn’t in doubt, what we don’t really know is exactly when and how it became a central figure in meditation and sacred rituals.

Within the inner lotus is the first set of interlocked triangles. A fundamental meaning of the Sri Yantra meaning is the union of the divine masculine and feminine. This is symbolized by the nine interlaced upward and downward pointing triangles. The interlocking of the triangles is symbolic of the opposite principles complementing each other, and the general balance and symmetry of the entire figure represent the unity of god.

The central triangle is the giver of all perfection. In the middle of the central triangle is a Bindu, or the central dot. It’s the ultimate destination of this spiritual journey. It represents pure consciousness, the source of all creation, and the ultimate truth of existence. The journey to this point signifies the merging of the individual self into the supreme self, the final aim of many spiritual traditions.

Yantra is an instrument of fastening and also a magic diagram. It is derived from the verbal root Yam, ‘to control.'

Because it restrains all suffering arising from the defects (in the form) of desire, anger and so forth they call it Yantra. The god who is worshipped in it graces (the practitioner).

The Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra is an important cult object for the Sri Vidya tradition of tantrism. It is understood as being the subtle form of the goddess Sri Lalita.

A new Sri Chakra is always carefully drawn whenever a Puja is performed. The Pujas that are done in this tradition are always performed privately, except for the Puja done in select temples.

The Sri Yantra is composed of two sets of triangles. One set includes four male triangles denoting the four aspects of evolved or limited consciousness. The other set includes five female triangles denoting the five vital functions, the five senses of knowledge, the five senses of action, and the five subtle and five physical forms of matter.

These two sets of triangles are superimposed to show the union of the masculine and feminine aspects of your nature. When united they make the eight lotus petals of the Yantra. Four gates or doors called Bhupura, surround these triangles representing the gates of the consciousness to the deeper mysteries beyond.

These nine triangles are of various sizes and intersect with one another. In the middle is the power point (Bindu), visualizing the highest, the invisible, elusive center from which the entire figure and the cosmos expands. The triangles are enclosed by two rows of (8 and 16) petals, representing the lotus of creation and reproductive vital force. The broken lines of the outer frame denote the figure to be a sanctuary with four openings to the regions of the universe.

When the Goddess is invited to take her place, before the moment of worship, the yoni mudra is made since the yoni, the female organ is her Pitha or Yantra. The yoni can never be regarded by a Tantric adept otherwise than an altar.

"A Yantra symbolically represents the human body and psyche. Most are circles enclosed in a square outer form with four gates. The square represents the ego consciousness, while the circle represents the unconscious. Whenever something unconscious becomes conscious, it is symbolized by a circle or a round shape, becoming a square or a cube. The square outer layer of a Yantra represents the act of entering the circle, or the unconscious entering the consciousness."

― Heinrich Zimmer - Philosophies of India

Sri Yantra represents visually the replication of the “genetic code” of the first triangle in the process of creation of the multiform universe in all its complexity.

The expansion of space, time, sound and energy continue in the process of creation, and the primary triangle is transformed into a series of lines, triangles, circles and squares to form the Sri Yantra. The various patterns are the modifications of the original primal vibration, which at each stage contains interplay of the static and kinetic energies in varying degrees of concentration. The Sri Yantra is called “Nava Chakra”, since it is composed of nine circuits, counting from the outer plane to the Bindu. Through contemplation on the Sri Yantra, the adept can rediscover his primordial source.

In Buddhist tantra this Yantra appears as a six-pointed chakra, which may be depicted at the center of certain mandalas or form the lower seats of deities such as Vajravarahi, Simhamukha, and certain forms of Mahakala. In Hindu tantra the Yantra formed from the intersection of these triangles is also known as a chakra, the most famous being the Sri-chakra of the goddess Tripura Sundari or Sri. Mahākala derives from Maha great + Kala time, great time; a name of Siva as the destroyer, and of Vishnu as the preserver.

The six-pointed chakra, formed by two intersecting triangles, is one of the prime symbols of Hindu tantra. It represents the union of the goddess as the downwards-pointing female pubic triangle, with the upward-pointing male triangle of the god, formed by the testicles and erect penis.

The Shri Yantra is composed of five downward-pointing Shakti triangles and four upward-pointing Shiva triangles, creating a perfect pattern of forty-three interlocking triangles.

Yantra (or chakra) is a geometrical “design filled up with mantra (syllables)” with mystic significance for every part of it. The deity is believed to reside in the Yantra. A Yantra is made of geometric images or drawings of triangles, and hexagons and colors with mantras written in them. Common colors such as white, red and black are used therein, representing the qualities Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.

Together the nine triangles are interlaced in such a way as to form 43 smaller triangles in a web symbolic of the entire cosmos or a womb symbolic of creation. Together they express Advaita or non-duality. This is surrounded by a lotus of eight petals, a lotus of sixteen petals, and an earth square resembling a temple with four doors.

Mantra and Yantra work in unison. During worship, mantras are recited invoking deities of the Yantras. The latter is the visual representation of deity while the former is the sonic form of the Yantra. The divine force of a Yantra is derived from the sacred power of the mantra from which it is born. It is a physical manifestation of a mantra.

Yantras are used for the worship of deities in temples or at home; as an aid in meditation; and for the benefits believed given by their occult powers based on Hindu astrology and tantric texts. Such diagrams are intended to channel psychic forces through concentrated visualization.

These two sets of triangles are superimposed to show the union of the masculine and feminine aspects of your nature. When united they make the eight lotus petals of the Yantra. Four gates or doors called Bhupura, surround these triangles representing the gates of the consciousness to the deeper mysteries beyond. By regularly meditating on a specific Yantra, you can tune in to the corresponding archetype to focus its healing energies in your psyche and foster personal growth.

These nine triangles are of various sizes and intersect with one another. In the middle is the power point (Bindu), visualizing the highest, the invisible, elusive center from which the entire figure and the cosmos expand. The triangles are enclosed by two rows of (8 and 16) petals, representing the lotus of creation and reproductive vital force. The broken lines of the outer frame denote the figure to be a sanctuary with four openings to the regions of the universe.

The expansion of space, time, sound and energy continue in the process of creation, and the primary triangle is transformed into a series of lines, triangles, circles and squares to form the Sri Yantra. The various patterns are the modifications of the original primal vibration, which at each stage contains interplay of the static and kinetic energies in varying degrees of concentration. The Sri Yantra is called “Nava Chakra”, since it is composed of nine circuits, counting from the outer plane to the Bindu. Through contemplation on the Sri Yantra, the adept can rediscover his primordial source.

"The Sri Yantra is composed of two sets of triangles. One set includes four male triangles denoting the four aspects of evolved or limited consciousness. The other set includes five female triangles denoting the five vital functions, the five senses of knowledge, the five senses of action, and the five subtle and five physical forms of matter."

― The Encyclopedia of Hinduism

Image: Sri chakra or Sri Yantra with correct traditional colors in a silkscreen print made in 1974 at the Tantra Research Institute in Oakland, California.

#sriyantra #srichakra #navachakra

[everester01]

How often have you spotted someone taller and sighed "If only I too were…" You are not alone. There are so many who are blessed with so much, but the height. There may be many causes for that and even there may be factors that are beyond your control such as genetics. But there are ways that can help you inch up. Height growth supplements and height-increasing formulas are in vogue. Are they really the go-to medicine that makes you taller? How effective are they, let's check.

Where do you get your height from?

Genetics is a major determinant of your height. How tall you will get rests mainly upon your DNA. There may be rare cases when your genes aren't the cause of your short stature. Other than genetic factors nutrition, lifestyle, physical activities, environmental factors, physical trauma, and stress may play vital roles in physical growth.

Normally, a child after the age of 2 grows at a rate of 6 cm per year till she or he reaches adolescence. Most of the growth in height takes place during puberty and stops when the growth plates fuse, limiting further growth of bones. This means you have to focus more on increasing height during your adolescence stage.

Can you grow more?

There are things that you should also continue to do to optimize your ability to grow and maintain your height even after you attain adulthood. Follow these steps to look taller and maximize your growth potential.

Nutrition

The growing stage requires adequate nutrition. After puberty, although they don't give a spurt in your height, but will make and keep you strong and healthy-looking.

Add more fresh veggies, proteins, dairy, fresh fruits, and grains to your diet. Stay away from sugar and saturated fats. Keep checking your calcium levels. If you are wondering which vitamin is needed for height growth; they are vitamin D and K. Vitamin D and K are vital for bone health along with minerals such as zinc and magnesium. They support the body to absorb and utilize nutrients essential for growth. The study results have proved that a deficiency of vitamin D results in stunted growth in young children.

Exercise

Aerobics, flexibility exercises, and power-building exercises such as sit-ups and push-ups keep you healthy and help make your bones and muscles strong. Flexibility and stretching exercises like yogic poses maintain hormone levels, correct your postures, improve your mobility, and reduce the chances of injury in later years of life.

Supplements

Choose height increase medicines wisely. According to your needs, the doctors advise you supplements. They check whether your growth is stunted due to a deficiency of growth hormones or if you are an adult they may check for your calcium and vitamin levels and likewise.

There are natural height growth capsules and powder supplements that can be tried if you are in a growing stage. Unlike synthetic supplements, herbs are natural and often free of major side effects but be cautious if you are allergic to any herbs. For that do check the label for the ingredients in it.

You should consider the following before taking any supplements that claim height growth:

Effectiveness: As it is unlikely that supplements may bring a drastic change in your height if you have crossed puberty, some improvements can be expected if you are still in a growing stage.

Side effects: Synthetic hormonal supplements with human growth hormone or HGH may have side effects such as muscle, joint, and nerve pain. The best supplements for height growth don't have side effects. Mostly herbal supplements are safer as they are natural.

Only facts no fiction: Keep a realistic expectation. Don't expect 2 inches of height growth in a fortnight. Even natural hormones that your body releases take time to give effect. Here, you can't expect synthetic hormonal supplements to work magic.

Sleep

Human growth hormone is released by the pituitary gland in the body during sleep. HGH is responsible for the growth and multiplication of bone and cartilage cells. If you don't get enough sleep then HGH release is disturbed, causing slow growth. Growth here means overall growth, including height.

How can you look taller?

There are some tips that you can follow to look tall, and they are:

Correct posture: Maintain a good posture. Poor posture such as slumping and hunching may affect your height in the long run. Postures like mountain pose, cobra pose, and warrior pose correct your posture.

Clothing selection: Check for the fitting. The right-fit clothes can help you look taller. Check for styles that create an illusion of height.

High Shoes: Specially designed shoes can elevate your height instantly.

The bottom line

Focusing on height growth measures during adolescence is vital. It's a fact that height growth stops by the end of puberty; however, some steps can enhance your growth and development and help maintain your height during adulthood. Height growth medicines are a hope for those looking to add a few inches, but should be taken with taking necessary precautions. Opting for natural products with herbal ingredients is safer as they have minimum side effects. Consult a physician before you start any supplements or medicines. So, keep growing!

Reference:-

[santoschristos]

Image: Yoga and Meditation Art - Pranayama Microetched

by Greg Dunn

Pranayama is an exploration of the internal state during spiritual practices, a piece of meditation and yoga art celebrating yogic breathing exercises called pranayama.

What Inspired the Yoga and Meditation Art of Pranayama

Pranayama is a bit of a departure from my more directly anatomical work on the nervous system, one that explores alternative ways of interpreting the mind and brain. It is directly inspired by my practice of meditation and experiences inside my sensory deprivation tank. In particular, it is a map of the perceptions felt after years of practice of pranayama (breathing exercises) in meditation. Those most often interested in this type of meditation and yoga art are those who practice the various methods of training the mind- meditation, yoga, pranayama, and other related disciplines.

[sagesyoga]

Asana yogic exercise to keep your body healthy along with a part of 8 limbs of Yoga.

More Info: https://sagesyoga.com/ Contact No: +91-9084233277 E-mail: SagesYoga@gmail.com

#Yoga #yogainindia #yogainrishikesh #yogattcrishikesh #yogacourses #yogaclasses #meditation #yogaprograms #yogattc #YogaAsana #yogateacher #yogapractice #yogainrishikesh #health #meditation #hathaYoga #AshtangaYoga #200houryogateachertraining #health #fitness #dhyan #SagesYoga #sagesyogashram

[vidpoker11]

Yoga breathing exercises can sharpen your mind – Study

It has long been claimed by Yogis and Buddhists that meditation and ancient breath-focused practices, such as pranayama, strengthen our ability to focus on tasks. A new study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin explains for the first time the neurophysiological link between breathing and attention. Photo by Prasanth Inturi on Pexels.com Breath-focused meditation and yogic breathing…