The “H” breath or Seven Breath

The “H” breath or Seven Breath is so named, as the inflowing breath is a series of steps as if ascending a hierarchical ladder with brief pauses for prana assimilation. The more subtle the breath the better, with each in-breath becoming more refined until experienced as if it were a flow of light and consciousness. It is advised that before practising these subtle forms of breathing that the ethical principles of yoga are firmly established.

This meditational breath starts by breathing in to the level of the Base chakra; with a pause for prana assimilation, the inflowing breath then continues with a brief pause at the pelvic chakra for the assimilation of light and energy. The inflowing breath then continues with similar pauses at each chakra, so that each chakra receives the refining light of the conscious breath.

This type of breathing relies upon the intelligence of the practitioner, as there has to be no stress, or strain experienced during the process, even if this means starting with a fresh breath if there is insufficient lung capacity.

The symbolic Eight Breath, which is no breath at all, is the experience of ‘no mind’ which occurs on completion of the cycle, as if stepping off into infinity and becoming one with all that is ...infinite spirit.

Integral Yoga

Integral Yoga is a term that highlights the holistic nature of yoga, as these days many practise yoga partially rather than wholly. Yoga goes beyond the exercises to promote health and flexibility, to include the well being of all and the planet on which we live.

To live at the level of immediacy so that we act in a way that is appropriate to each moment transcends the automatic level of reactionary behaviour. This means that we have to start to develop a sixth sense so that consciousness becomes the guide. This process starts with the first yoga exercise class, when we discover that our guru (teacher) is on the inside and not on the outside.

Wholeness of being is only possible if we unify the scattered energies in the body by coordinating MIND, Feeling and Will, and not think one thing and do another, as we do when by responding to stray impulses. This means when practising Hatha yoga to visualise the ideal or perfect posture. Then feeling into the whole body, harmonise and energise the appropriate muscle groups, before starting the movement toward asana. This is not running on automatic pilot, but an act of will in the light of consciousness.

Life is patterned by a supreme intelligence that guides the processes of this world and if we can embody this intelligence, we awaken the higher mind and start to will what God wills for us. The Self (Atman), transcends the bits and pieces that make up the lower personality. To be ‘Self’ responsible is to be ‘Self’ response-able, that is able to respond adequately in all situations.

Centring is the stepping back and letting go of the external differences that have captured our attention. It is the return to immanent spirit void of distractions, and which allows us to see clearly the true relationship of each part of the whole. To centre is to step back into the still space and the timeless peace that mirrors the wisdom reflected in each moment. Whether Raja, Jnana, or Bhakti, each is part of the seamless whole, which is yoga.

Shabda Brahman

Shabda Brahman can be defined as the sound geometry that underlies and patterns creation. It is these sound patterns that gave rise to the Sanskrit language and the invocative power of mantra. Sound vibrations that support the natural harmony of the body are conducive to health, and if we were able to listen to the sound of the universe and creation, all the individual sounds would be heard as a unified humming, represented in yoga by the mantra OM.

For the purpose of ‘Self’ healing intoning the mantra OM can be conducive to health, by feeling for the right tone that is conducive to body harmony. Starting at the level of the belly and with good feeling, direct the sound vibrations into this area; helps are abdominal breathing, always with good feeling. The next level is the emotional centre of heart and lungs, with love as the feeling with each sound vibration, helps are mid-chest breathing. Next is the upper part of the body, with relaxed upper chest breathing and in the spirit of truth.

To complete the three levels, sit with head and spine balanced and maintaining spinal consciousness, and in a spirit of coordination intone the mantra OM so that it is felt as a vibration conducive to healing in Head, Heart and Belly. The mantra OM, is to be treated with respect, as it is an early representation of the Absolute, being without limit, yet complete in itself.

Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart

The heart is love’s chalice,

Grail of holy essence

The tender cup

That captures life’s heartbeat

A cup of pure essence,

When, dipped into God’s ocean

Is filled with divine nectar;

That heals and makes whole

A gateway to love sublime,

Its creative healing touch

Beyond words defined.

Yet from which words are born

Words which God speaks

With the gift of eternal life;

Yet love unrecognised, hung there

Sharpened by thorns

The cross a timeless symbol.

Brings love reborn to every heart

The arms of the cross the Sun’s rays

Giving light to everyone

Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga is the name given to the actions that purify and strengthen the body, both physically and psychologically, in preparation for the experience of the transmutative life force experienced during meditation and yoga practice. It is called the path of the good son, and referred to by Paramhansa Yogananda, as the Yoga of the householder.

Kriya refers specifically to the last three ‘nyamas’ as duties for everyday life, namely ‘Tapas’ Austerity, ‘Swadhyaya’ Self-Study, Ishwara-pranidhana’ Attentiveness to God. It is the Yoga most suitable for the western practitioner, and was revived by Lahiri Mahasaya who lived 1828-1895, and who was unusual among Indian holy men, in that he had a job, was a family man with children.

Any form of action or kriya, is not a blind re-action to an external situation, but an act of will for the greater good. It can take many forms from politeness to others, a moderate diet, control of the mind and regular yoga practice. Any form of self discipline awakens us to the established inertias that resist change; strengthens our central will, and helps us grow in self understanding. The householder does not live in isolation and has others to consider. They do not live in isolation from the world, such as in a cave on a mountain top. They live in the hurly burly of daily life, which provides the difficulties needed for development.

Patanjali defines Yoga as controlling the activities of the mind; which is quite a difficult thing to do when the senses are pulling us, first in one direction and then the other. To withdraw the mind from movement, and enter the stillness that transcends mental activity, is not abandoning ship, but rather placing oneself in a position of command. To awaken the wisdom mind, is to awaken the intuitive response from our vast storehouse of spiritual knowledge, and to which our thoughts are but the stepping stones.

Feeling is the key to unlocking the intuitive response, after first stilling the mind. A mind that is locked into one thought chasing another is confused by a variety of impulses, and feelings that obscures the clarity that lies within. The wisdom mind arises from inner clarity, and the love that transcends all differences. The techniques of yoga are there to bridge the gap between the lower mind and the all comprehending mind of the Divine, sometimes referred to as the mind of the heart.

Kriyas are actions that purify at every level from the physical to the spiritual. They are pure uncomplicated acts of will that focus heart and mind on that which is essential. Whether asana or pranayama the aim is to make the link between the underlying space (stillness), from which has arisen all movement.

Asana is held against an undifferentiated background of stillness; pranayama is an expression of life force that breathes life into all living things, or remains poised between breaths in moments of realization. It is from moments of stillness that we touch the reality that lies within, and grow in Self understanding. Kriya yoga is not different from Christian yoga as it does not serve self interest but aspires to a level of action as expressed by the words ‘Thy Will Be Done’

The householder, beset by the problems of daily life, through study, prayer or repetition of sacred mantra, refines and purifies his actions. Any form of self-discipline sets the pattern for the future; physical exercise will help to promote health. Actions that are consciously initiated (kriya), transform the spiritual body, so that the psyche or soul, not unlike the transformation of the caterpillar to butterfly, awakens the Self (atman), to much wider and freer dimensions of reality.

The Old Doctor

Liverpool University’s

Doc the old Clock   (The Old Doctor as featured on Antiques Roadshow)

No Tick Just Tock

No Tick but Tock.

At Midnight’s Eerie Hour

With Time to Spare,

Only Ghosts inhabit there.

How many have admired

Its beauty form and shape; 

It’s Healing Restful Tone 

Much like the Ancient ‘OM’ 

Tock, the moments gone,

His job is almost done.

Doc fills the space between

With healing power supreme.

How many Tocks to come 

With problems to overcome.

Before the Old Clock fades away 

To eventually pass away.

Light, Love, Peace and Truth

Light, Love, Peace and Truth is a summary of the words used by the many that have had near death experiences, ascended heavenward and returned. They are also a summary of the words used by holy men to describe their spiritual experiences. There is no light that is not spirit, light is a vibration of field energy and we are all condensed light, which as pure consciousness provides the clarity that structures life around us. To understand these meta-physical concepts we need to experience them for ourselves.

Consciousness is that level of awareness that perceives the differences that exist all around us. By meditating and stilling the mind, and letting go all impressions (if this were possible), we would not disappear but experience a refreshing and profound peace, and a sense of oneness with spirit. We can either choose light or darkness; darkness leads us to lack of clarity, depression and death. Even during the darkest nightmare, always look toward the light, as even on the darkest night the stars usually shine brighter.

To appreciate the light, set aside a little time each day to circulate the light, allow the light to flow inward through partially closed eyes, experience the light flowing inward with each conscious breath; as light and consciousness are not different. Occasionally retain the breath as consciousness is a catalyst and will help to promote healing. All life is crystallised consciousness and truth made manifest.

When meditating it is possible to use words that remain at the level of intellectual analyses, and still have no real understanding. We have to involve both the head and the heart and let love and light work within. Love is a developmental power that helps us to grow. Love and life are not separate, as life itself is divine love at work.

Eugene Halliday writes in his book The Conquest of Anxiety. ‘We are here in time to choose what kind of being we will to become’. There is a purpose to life, in which we all play a part. and by meditating on the light within, we awaken the intuitive faculty and a sixth sense attuned to the life of the spirit. Meditation provides moments of inner clarity, when we release the chains that bind us to the world of time and receive the intuitional guidance that we need.

To attain the inner clarity that leads to revelation takes perseverance, as there are hidden persuaders that try to control our thoughts and have agendas of their own. With just a little immersion into Light, Love, Peace and Truth, meditation is no longer a trial, but a joyous necessity.