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AYPforum
351 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 19 2005 : 10:19:57 AM
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All members are encouraged to create new and original topics in the AYP forums. There is no limit on the number of topics that can be put here.
It has been decided to keep the forum introductory posts by Yogani locked and without replies so they can continue to serve as a simple entry point to the AYP forums for all who visit.
In order to accommodate those who would like to reply to Yogani's introductions, they have been copied in unlocked topics (like this one) that can be replied to and will "float" up and down the list with all the other topics.
Here is the introduction to this forum, and the replies to date:
yogani
USA
49 Posts
Posted - Jul 10 2005 : 1:07:28 PM
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There are two parts comprising the operative side of the enlightenment equation:
1. The cultivation of inner silence
2. The cultivation of neurological ecstatic conductivity
The first, we have been talking about in the "Deep Meditation and Samyama" forum.
The second is the province of this forum. The cultivation of ecstatic conductivity in the nervous system is accomplished primarily through breathing techniques, called "pranayama," in combination with certain bodily maneuvers, called "mudras and bandhas." Most of these practices have been shrouded in secrecy for centuries, and have been little understood. Furthermore, these practices work best if combined in a routine that also includes deep meditation.
In AYP, we start off with deep meditation. Next we add spinal breathing pranayama, which is the most important of all the breathing techniques covered in the lessons. It is first covered in Lessons #39-41, and developed further in many other lessons. See www.aypsite.org/41.html
Spinal breathing pranayama cultivates the entire nervous system so it becomes a much better medium for inner silence, which, in turn, makes samyama practice much more effective. Spinal breathing and meditation are done in separate sessions one after the other -- spinal breathing first and meditation second. In the lessons, you will find out about the timing of learning spinal breathing and adding it in front of your daily meditation session. The practices are learned step-by-step over time like that -- not all at once.
Once spinal breathing has been taken on and stabilized, a series of additional practices can be added over time, including:
Mulabandha (http://www.aypsite.org/55.html)
Sambhavi Mudra (http://www.aypsite.org/56.html)
Siddhasana (http://www.aypsite.org/75.html - technically an asana, but we can discuss it here also)
Yoni Mudra Kumbhaka (http://www.aypsite.org/91.html)
Uddiyana Bandha & Nauli (http://www.aypsite.org/129.html)
Kechari Mudra (multiple stages - http://www.aypsite.org/108.html)
Jalandhara Bandha (see yoni mudra kumbhaka)
Dynamic Jalandhara (Chin Pump - http://www.aypsite.org/139.html)
Spinal Bastrika Pranayama (http://www.aypsite.org/171.html)
Targeted Bastrika Pranayama (http://www.aypsite.org/198.html)
Spinal breathing itself contains a few nuances: 1) Ujjayi pranayama, and 2) Brahmari Pranayama (not in the online lessons - it's in the AYP book)
So there is quite a lot, and all of it is fair game for discussion here in this forum. The overall effect of these practices can be best described as the rise of "ecstatic conductivity" in the nervous system. This phenomenon will no doubt be discussed in many places in these forums, as will the importance of cultivating inner silence.
As mentioned before, the addition of practices comes logically in a certain order, as discussed in the lessons. We would never try to tackle all of this at once!
Once we have inner silence and ecstatic conductivity coming up together in our nervous system, we find ourselves in a natural joining of these two aspects (or poles) within us. This joining is what produces enlightenment in the human being. These two aspects joining (balancing) within have been called by many names: shakti & shiva, yin & yang, holy spirit & father god, euphoria & emptiness, and so on. Many names -- same inner dynamic in the human nervous system.
And how do we characterize the end result of all this, the enlightenment? It is simple, really. When it is coming to fruition we have unshakable inner silence, ecstatic bliss and outpouring divine love. Then, we do for others as we would do for ourselves, because others become as dear to us as our own self. At the same time, it is complete freedom from the ups and downs of life in this world. We have all known or heard about people with these qualities. We each have that within us, and the methods of yoga are for uncovering it.
The guru is in you.
meg
USA
3 Posts
Posted - Jul 16 2005 : 11:16:10 AM
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Hello everyone - This new format for AYP is great! Many thanks to Yogani for his ongoing efforts. My inquiry is in regard to siddhasana. I don't get it. I'm reasonably flexible, and can easily tuck my heel in to connect with my perineum. Keeping it there for a half hour is out of the question, but I'm up to about 15 minutes. My real issue is with the sexual energy that it's supposed to create. I simply feel nothing down there, and wonder what other peoples' experiences are. I haven't been doing it for too long (maybe a couple of months), so it may just be a matter of time. Also, what about sticking a heel-like object under my perineum? I know that Yogani says it's okay to do that if you're somehow impaired and unable to fold your heel under, but is it okay to use an object (say, a tennis ball?) even if I'm physically able to use my heel? It's so much easier that way! I appreciate any insights on this subject.
meg
azaz932001
United Kingdom
3 Posts
Posted - Jul 16 2005 : 11:52:36 AM
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Hi Meg
Yes its quite OK to use a rubber ball or something, if you find the asana uncomfortable it defeats the object. I use a ball most of the time its easier for me to get the correct placement that way.
If you have a look at the tantra lessons they give the best placement for a woman.
Blessings R.C.
RICHARD
azaz932001
United Kingdom
3 Posts
Posted - Jul 16 2005 : 12:48:24 PM
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Hello again Meg I thought I would find this lesson for you. Remember the whole idea of Siddhasana is pleasure not pain that's why you should do it on a very soft surface like a bed, if its still uncomfortable just use a ball, you can practice Siddhasana at other times until it is comfortable otherwise it defeats the object.
here is Yogani's lesson
For women, the shift to advanced siddhasana involves letting the heel
come forward to rest snuggly in the entrance to the yoni. It is a
natural fit, and is easily accomplished by most enterprising yoginis.
There is a second part to advanced siddhasana for women. This is to
bring the toes of the outside foot up from under the shin of the
inside leg and tuck the toes between the calf and thigh, bringing the
heel of the outside foot to the yoni with the heel pressing against
the clitoris. So, when accomplished, this form of siddhasana for
women has the inside heel pressing comfortably up in the opening of
the yoni, and the outside heel pressing comfortably against the
clitoris. It is a very stimulating seat for doing advanced yoga
practices. As with all advanced yoga practices, it takes some
getting used to, and gradually settles in to be a steady and normal
way of doing pranayama, meditation and the other advanced yoga
practices. The result will be much more ecstatic energy moving up
through the nervous system during and long after sitting practices.
In time, all of life is illuminated by the ecstatic energies taking
up permanent residence in the nervous system.
RICHARD
meg
USA
3 Posts
Posted - Jul 16 2005 : 2:35:09 PM
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Thanks, Richard. Yes, the heel wants to go into the yoni, but I thought that wasn't the preferred spot, so I tried to avoid that. I'll try this suggestion and see if I get more "action" down there. A heel in the perineum feels more like a kick in the butt (literally) than something ecstatic. :)
meg
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Edited by - AYPforum on Jul 19 2005 11:26:53 AM |
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