Surya Namaskar Origin And Satya
SURYA NAMASKARA ORIGIN AND SATYA (TRUTH)
Ancient origins of Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar has been used to practice in ancient for many centuries as a ritual in the form of worship to the Surya Deva, Sun God. When and how it originated, as the ancient view, there is one story that relates to Hanuman, the monkey King of the epic, Ramayana that we know that we will find fascinating how Hanuman almost swallowed the Sun from this writ.
Hanuman, the great monkey God, was one of the prominent characters in the epic of Ramayana. This story has been representing the origin of Surya Namaskar, relates to Hanuman’s childhood. There are two parts to the story. The first part where Hanuman tries to swallow the sun is known quite well and the second part which relates to how the practice of Surya Namaskar evolved is quite new for all.
The Origin story goes:
Hanuman was born with supernormal powers, the great monkey hero. As a child he was a greedy eater. One day when his mother went out, he was hungry and looking for food. He looked outside and saw the Sun just rising on the horizon in front of him. He misunderstood it for a ripe mango and wanted to eat it. Using his supernormal powers, he took a big leap and rose to grab the sun to eat. He grabbed the sun and tried to put sun into his mouth to eat. As soon as he put the sun in his mouth, the earth began to get swallowed in darkness. The gods in heaven finally got worried about the situation and requested Hanuman to release the sun.
The stubborn child refused release the sun. Indra, the Lord of all gods, had to use his weapon, the diamond thunderbolt, vajra yantra and threw it at Hanuman. The weapon stroke the Hanuman’s jaw. Due to the pain, Hanuman suddenly opened his mouth and dropped the sun. Thus, it was possible to bring the universe back to sunlight. But the thrust of the vajra broke his jaw, known as Hanu, giving him the nickname as a brave name by which we know him today, “Hanuman, the one with the broken jaw.” The gods, as punishment for Hanuman’s impunity, temporarily took away Hanuman’s powers.
Only after they were threatened by Vayu Devata, the wind god, Hanuman’s father, they realized their mistake and gave Hanuman a boon that would give him special powers of strength, speed, shape-transform, a gift for brahma power, a prodigious memory, and the qualities of a true lover of God, all of which would be restored to him in the future when he would meet and serve Lord Rama.
In the meantime, Hanuman, as a growing child, he needed an education. His mother, named Anjana, taught him to approach sun, the perennial teacher, to teach him about all holiest epics. Initially, the sun refused Hanuman’s request and said that it is not possible to learn from him as he is constantly on the move. Hanuman persisted and assured the sun that he would keep a step with the sun while getting his education.
The sun agreed and imparted all the knowledge of the vedas and other shastras to Hanuman. Due respect, Hanuman offered to pay his “guru dakshina” ,as traditional fees for Guru but the sun refused. Hanuman then decided to pacify his Guru through the practice of Surya Namaskar which he dedicated to the sun and began practicing it regularly. That is how the practice of Surya Namaskar was in practice till today.
Further Information
As stated earlier, the practice of Surya Namaskara was not explained and practiced in any of the ancient Yoga manuals. As per the yoga historians, the story goes back about 157 years ago, in 1920 B.S when there was a king in the state of Aundh, now in Maharashtra. The king was both a yoga practitioner as well as the practitioner of the Surya Namaskar rites as a form of sun worship. He came up with the idea of integrating Surya Namaskar, which has the combined merits as physical, mental, emotional as well as a spiritual point of view into his daily yoga practice.
Surya Namaskara, in some form or another, is an integral part of most styles of yoga that are practiced today. Integral Yoga, the style that we practice and teach today, Yogi Vashistha, Shivananda, Satyananda, Kripalu, to name just a few of the more commonly practiced styles today – all include some variation of Surya Namaskar as a part of their yoga routine. As we know, most yoga practices have their origins in the ancient yoga texts related to the philosophy and practice of yoga. We will find that no mention has directly been made of the practice of Surya Namaskar in any Hatha Yoga Texts and Yoga Darshana as well.
But Surya Namaskara is mentioned indirectly and secretly in Hatha Yoga Texts under Shatakarma as a Vaatasaara kriya which is very sacred and conceal as well. As this view, Surya Namaskara is the series of manoeuverses to fill the intestines with air. It is a kind of kriya of drinking air. This credit goes to Swami Adhyatmananda and later Dr. Prakash C. Malshe, a Cardiologist in Haridwar India scientifically did research and shared this knowledge to populace.
Vaatasaara Kriya:
“Vaatasaaram param gopyam dehanirmalakaarakam;
Sarvarogakshayakaram dehaanalavivardhakam” G.S. 1.16.
It means that Vaatasaara kriya is to be kept conceal. It is a great purifier, destroyer of all diseases and increases the body heat.
The Sun Salutation is a graceful sequence of twelve positions with twelve mantras performed as one continuous flow of different individual asanas. Each position counteracts the one before, stretching the body in a different way and alternately expanding and contracting the chest to regulate the breathing. It activates the nadis and chakras for kundalini awakening.
- Paranaamaasana- OM Mitraya Namaha ~ Salutations to the friend of all
- Hasta-uttaanaasana- OM Ravaye Namaha ~ Salutations to the shining one
- Paada-hastaasana- OM Suryaya Namaha ~ Salutations to he who induces activity
- Anjaneyasana- OM Bhaanave Namaha ~ Salutations to he who illuminates
- Dandaasana- OM Khagaya Namaha ~ Salutations to he who moves through the sky
- Ashtaanga Namaskaara- OM Pushne Namaha ~ Salutations to the giver of strength and nourishment
- Bhujangaasana- OM Hiranyagarbhaaya Namaha ~ Salutations to the golden cosmic self
- Adho Mukha Svaanasana- OM Marichaye Namaha ~ Salutations to the rays of the sun
- Anjaneyasana- OM Aadityaya Namaha ~ Salutations to the son of Aditi (the cosmic mother)
- Paada-hastaasana- OM Savitre Namaha ~ Salutations to the stimulating power of the sun
- Hasta-uttaanaasana- OM Arkaaya Namaha ~ Salutations to he who is fit to be praised
- Paranaaamaasana- OM Bhaashkaaraaya Namaha ~ Salutations to he who leads to enlightenment
Here’s How to Do It :
Music and Colour : Existence & Effects
An environment that is conductive is a great catalyst in any meaningful activity .The right surroundings,good diet ,music and colour ,Fragnance and so many other compatible factors usher quality moments to the seeker.
These moments can be infinite and open windows of great joys and enchantment to the genuine believer.He/she will be seized with an inexplicable ecstasy that will consume his every pore.
About Music :
The right music has a calming effect . Even in hospitals ,music accompanies surgery these days .Its therapeutic effects ,even on plants and animals,have been well documented ,and its accompaniment with Mudras transports the practitioner into a state of deep relaxation.
However,the choice of music remains personal though classical music,solo concert instrumental music and airy sounds have been found to be conductive to the right mood elevation necessary for the spiritual journey.Soft music abets a softer mood and hard, blaring music can move inherent aggression into fifth gear.
About Colours :
Along with the music,colours too play an important part.There is no rule of thumb and there are no‘bad’colours‘good’colours.The use of colours is also subjective and is dependent on personal taste,moods,imagery, the way we feel about ourselves,our personal evolution and development, and so many other factors.
Research into colours has thrown up some interesting conclusions on how they influence us .Red is supposed to improve circulation, ,yellow stimulates digestion ,violet is the colour of transformation,brown is stable,black protects,green regenerates, blue is calming,and white contains all the colours and stands for purity.
Conclusion : Music and Colour
So, don’t ever underestimate the power of compatible music and colour . For growth of any kind,the right ambience is vital.In the big cities of today,yoga,meditation,and other self-healing techniques have staged a fashionable comeback .The stressed-out executive has realized that money and the gizmos it affords can’t keep him sane or healthy.So there are retreals,conclaves, resorts,communes,even little corners in crowded homes that provides a little slice of private space for the soul seeker.
Alternate therapies ,self-healing, various types of realizations and actualizations are falling over each other in a hurry as the humans experience has not only magnified but also been blister packed into a tiny time capsule.Every generations gets smarter ,and burnout is early .So all forms of healing have been culled out of the past with a vengeance as the neo-man in the Aquarian Age is hooking up to Nirvana faster than his coffee turning black.
Here at Himalayan Yoga Academy ( Yoga School ), We greatly learn different aspects of life sciences. We teach yoga knowledge to everyone.As we conduct yoga retreats, Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal, meditation retreats, relax retreats, detox retreat, and other trainings like singing bowl training and reiki training.We have discucssed about how music and colour affects lives.
Written By : Sulakshana Simkhada
Derived From : The Healing Power of Mudras.
Why we offer Budget Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal?
By Swami Yog Subodh
Yoga is the unification of entire being and cosmic self. It is very ancient science existed with the appearance of human being. It is a path, a code of human life, an art of living developed with the intrinsic need of body and the influence of natural phenomena. People were used to in practice (Tapa) and could empower and flourish themselves. Some of them got empowerment, optimum experience; true knowledge and path of truth that made reproduce theses sacred novels. Its history goes back more than 15,000, it was before vedic period.
This types of Sadhana called Japa and Tapasya had mostly done on base of Himalayas, bank of rivers, lap of jungle, triple-braid of rivers around Himalayas and hills and also the origin of all the sacred novels is Himavat kshetra (Himalayan Zone), was ownership by Nepal. Nepal, a country of Himalayas is the land of Shiva (Founder of Yoga), Land of Parvati (goddess of Shakti), Saptarishis, land of sages and seers, Yogis, Maharshi Kapil Muni (Samkhya Yoga), Buddha, Devi Sita, Maharshi Patanjali, King Janak (Great Yogi), Vyasa, Bhrikuti. This is the country of “Third Pole” i.e. Mount Everest.
Nepal is the beauty of ancient wisdom, eastern philosophy, culture and nature which is the favorable spot for spiritual and natural tourism. In the contest of these matters, Nepal will be the higher and ultimate destination for spiritual, cultural and natural tourism, even in the world. Nepal is the right and easier venue for Yoga Teacher Training nepal, Yoga Retreat, Sound healing and meditation, Yoga Tour and Travel. The currency of Nepal is cheaper, so it makes easier to stay here longer for any purposes like visit, training, and retreats in Nepal. We offer the budget packages reminding our ethics and responsibilities.
Few major causes behind offering budget yoga teacher training nepal are:
- People from all over the world may visit such a historical, natural, spiritual, as well as such a memorable country with all the truths, not only the facts in the world.
- The current pandemic crisis rises, globally suffering by covid-19 and now world is stopped and lockdown.
- Financial crises arouse in world.
- After this covid-19, the need of Yoga practice ascends very much to revitalize and build strong defense mechanism.
- It’s our big responsible to create awareness about literal Yoga science motive to merge eastern philosophy and modern technology.
- Our main mission is to promote and spread Yogic philosophy beneficially in every nook and corner of the world.
Our Yoga Organization “Himalayan Yoga Academy” is the first commune to introduce this huge eastern wisdom institutionally in tourism fields among the people from all over the world. So it’s our primary concern.
*We do provide the course in broad sense focusing philosophically, practically, and therapeutically with fundamentals ethics of yoga science in making family atmosphere.
*Our motto is to raise ‘Responsibility, Understanding, Honesty and Humanity’ with professional value add rather than business trade.
*Our fundamental motto is to make acknowledge to worldly people affordably about Yoga as a science of life which may bloom their life healthier, happier, harmonious, and more conscious.
We hope that this pandemic issue will get back in normal situation very soon and we come back and start our regular project. The worldly people will also be freeing from this crises and initiate their normal life.
We all together pray for peace and prosperity in the world.
AUM! Sharveshaam Svastirbhavatu;
Sharveshaam Shantirbhavatu!
Sharveshaam PoornamBhavatu;
Sharveshaam Mangalambhavatu!!
Covid-19 Prevention Yogic Package
BY YOGAGURU SUBODH SIMKHADA
Yoga is being a moment in life. There are various means to feel the moment as full of life. There is a strong part called Shatakarma of yogic practices in traditional Hatha Yoga Science. Hatha Yoga is the science of body discipline. In yogic term, Hatha Yoga is the harmony between Pingala (Sun Channel) and Ida (Moon Channel) or Solar and Lunar energy. In Hatha Yoga, there are seven levels of practices, is called ‘saptaanga yoga’ or saptanga saadhanaa. Out of these, ‘shatakarma’ is the first practice purpose to cleanse the body systems. Purification is the foundation of rest of the means of yoga.
Now I am going to present one package in order to revitalize our immune power against all the pathogens, entire living enemies and different virus species, also Covid -19 as well by one compete cleansing process called “Covid-19 Prevention” with gala dhauti kriya (Gargle Act), jala neti (nasal cleansing with water), Kapal Bhanti (Sinuses cleansing), Bhashtrika (Bronchioles & Alveoli cleansing) and Nadi sodhana Svaasa Kriya (Purification of Energy channels).
Four things are very important to run human life. These are the purification, the revitalization, the transformation and realization. Here I have focused only two things i.e. purification and revitalization. As yogic Science, we can do here particularly two acts i.e. shatakarma (Six cleansing Acts) for purification and techniques of Prana (life force) for revitalization in life. Definitely it works for purification and better health of people and hope also work for prevention and also treatment of Covid-19 (Corona) virus.
Entrance mode of Covid -19: Nose or nasal cavity is the first organ of Respiratory System which is the main gate for oxygenated air into the lungs and periphery of body space. So it is the main entrance of the body. This virus and almost pathogens stay few days to few weeks as its incubation period in nasal cavity, throat cavity, and one route into esophagus and stomach, and then another main dangerous pipeline are bronchi and bronchioles to Alveoli/Lungs. Throughout all the channels, virus passes by filtering, inactivating and destroying, finally 3 to 5 % are able to enter into lungs. So Nasal cleansing and gargling wash and suppress the viruses partially and by breath work out can enhance the vitality in the body which can inactivate the microbes.
As protection from Covid-19, it is not enough safe by washing hands, making social distances, wearing mask, etc. Also washing hands is sure as the final solution and prevention that works completely. It can be duplicate, misused, allergies, expensive, partial effect. Then, droplets from sneezing, coughing and speaking of infected persons, may enter through particularly nasal cavity, mouth, eyes into the internal organs of the body. Next thing, in case, virus enters in the body, its not problems if you have strong immunity power, the army cells against microbes. As the latest data and researches as well, 80 -85 percent infected people have no any sings and symptoms and also no need of any treatment where as 10 to 12 percent people need general treatment and 2 to 3 percent people need intensive treatment to those who are already suffering chronic problems, by ages, internal hemorrhage, accidentally vital failures.
That is why, my humble request onto all beloved souls from all over the world is to apply the following “Covid-19 prevention packages” and also click the following links for more information ( www.himalayanyoganepal.com /blogs ). To those who are regular yoga practitioners, please keep your whole yogic practice on as a part of life making different capsules as your spare time but ethically each moment is the beautiful initiation of your beautiful day. So use the moment, do not miss and do not misuse. The application of the full package is given below.
Process:
Preparation: Warm water, Salt, Neti pot, Tissue paper, Yoga mat,
- Galaa dhauti kriya (Gargle Act):- gargle with warm salty water, hold water in throat 15 to 30 sec 3 times per day two times.
- Jala neti (nasal cleansing with water):- put the water in neti pot and insert the tip of neti pot into one nostril and tilt your head keeping your mouth bit open and feel water is dripping down. Like wise do it through another nostril.
- Kapal Bhanti (Sinuses cleansing):- Make the nasal cavity and sinuses dry by exhaling air by one by one nostril and then through both nostrils, you can get nostrils dry side to side differently.
- Bhashtrika (Bronchioles & Alveoli cleansing):- mobile breath work out with upper limbs locomotion differently focusing all the lobes of lungs particularly ten zones by vibrating and revitalizing for multiplication of lungs capacity.
- Nadi sodhana Svaasa Kriya (Purification of Energy channels):- to purify the energy channels and refill air to generate life force and boost the immune system.
- Yoga for Love: Namaskara Mudra with attitude of gratitude.
Hari Om Tat Sat!
The following series is explained in video below :
History and Principles of Naturopathy
“Return to Nature”
History of Naturopathy
Naturopathyis the application of five elements healing system. It is an art of natural treatment via drugless process. It is considered as the oldest medical system in the world. It is known as the mother of all the therapies. It is the oldest therapy as nature itself and also as the creation of all the creatures as well. Natural way of treatment has been mentioned in Vedas as a Upavaasa (Fast), surya chikitsa (Sun therapy), Aahara Chikitsa (Food therapy), Jala Chikitsa (Water therapy), herbal therapy, etc.
In pauranic period, the King Dasharatha had undergone to use phalahara on the infertility case of his queens. The Devil King Raavana initially used natural treatment but later on due to his nature and lifestyle change, he ordered Vaidyas to make the fast and easy treatment, as a result, they searched and brought medicinal herbs by making liquid to cure the various diseases.
Lord Buddha had told to the monks to use mud, cow dung, cow urine, and ash on snake bite and also advised to use steam bath, hot water bath and sun bath on specific ailments. Religiously it was used to get some of the natural treatments in different communes and religions such as observance of ‘Kalp Vaasa’ (Light fast), Vrtta (Religious fast), worship of Panchatattva (Five elements) on each, Surya Namaskar, Sun Bath, Water Bath, Earth bath, Herbal bath, Yogasana, Pranayama, Mudras, Mantras, etc. respectively.
In middle of Era, the application of naturopathy minimizes and almost hidden, only somewhere else used to in limit for long period of time. Finally on seventeenth century around, the western scientists and doctors felt the the need of naturopathy and they started natural treatments one by one and finally developed all over the world. Dr. James Currie in 1717 wrote a Book on treatment by water. But Dr. Vincenz applied this, so he was called the father of modern Naturopathy. Similarly, different personages like father Sebastian, Louis Kuhne, Adolf Just, Hippocrates, in different times worked in Naturopathy.
Though, Naturopathy was used to eastern belt of world in very beginning of creation but formally when the book named “New Science of Healing” of Louis Kuhne was translated in Telugu by Shri D. Venkat in 1894 and in Hindi and Urdu by Krishna Swaroop in 1904 and then formally it has been started in India.
Mahatma Gandhi was deeply inspired by Adolf Just’s Book “Return to Nature and studied it completely and used himself at first and then used to members of his family, Ashram and others gradually and published developed through articles and direct work on naturopathy and then got popularity in India, Nepal and other surrounding zones. Then inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Naturopathy treatment system has been developed formally establishing the Hospitals and institutions. Some of very popular names of India are Krishna Swaroopop, Mararji Desai, Dr. Laxmi Narayan, Dr, Vitthaldas Modi, etc.
1.5 Overview and Principles of Naturopathy
The purification process of body and mind with the use of panchatattva through different methods is called Naturopathy. It is also called Nature Cure or Natural Therapy. Treatment by use these five elements and rama Naama is quite different from the systems of medicines practiced at present. Naturopathy is an art of living attempting a healthy and long life. The rules or principles of naturopathy applied to maintain good healthy are the same which are advocated to cure diseases.
The fundamental principles of Naturopathy are listed as follows:
- Unnatural lifestyle causes the accumulation of waste products.
- Accumulation of waste products is the primary cause of diseases.
- All diseases is one i.e. “toxification”, their cause is one i.e. ‘toxins’ and treatment is also one i.e. “detoxification”.
- Acute diseases are good fellows but not the enemies.
- It takes the time to cure the chronic ailments in Naturopathy.
- Treatment is not of a particular disease but of the entire body of the patient.
- It gives the proper in body, mind and soul levels
- Healing crisis is seen during getting treatment in Naturopathy.
- Germs do not cause the diseases which is appeared due to lack of vitality.
- Nature is a doctor, and she herself heals in ailments.
Why Online Yoga Teacher Training During Corona virus Quarantine?
Why Online Yoga Teacher Training During Corona virus Quarantine?
Nothing is powerful than the nature. Nobody and nothing can stop the overflow of nature. Natural calamities sometimes bring natural disasters, by nature like accidents, incidents, epidemics and pandemics.
During this pandemic Corona virus outbreak, most of us are inside our homes lockdown. So during this quarantine, we are not allowed to go outside our home. This lockdown has been making us lose our trainings and courses.
Those who are already trained, they may practice at home and boost the vitality which works against the pathogens like covid-19, even situation has been making us stay home, stay safe as well. In order to use the home time for innovative and effective works and also prevent the depression and anxiety which may possibly suffer by the pandemic disasters.
All we know how wonderful it is to have access to online class, yogic materials, lectures and motivations from the comfort of your home devices or mobiles, so you can consult your Yoga Guru, watch and replay all the forwarded items at anytime you want. You can learn different skills, wonderful tips, lessions, new perceptions and lots of trainings of yogic paths through online teachings.
As you will, if you are a yoga lover, looking for true knowledge and life pills against any types of physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual suffers like current viral pandemic moments,
Follow this link to know things to during Coronavirus Quarantine
https://himalayanyoganepal.com/things-to-do-during-coronavirus-quarantine-at-home/;
and also if you are imagining and recalling about yoga teacher training course with academic Yoga Guru in original and literal footing in order to meet your sub-conscious dream plan, let’s join hand in hand together in this beautiful journey of self, throughout the self, to the self. Why is just stuck at home?
So, you may do this online yoga teacher training where you will get all the ancient knowledge and skills required for overflowing the spiritual energy in whole life and also for generation to generation by becoming true Yoga Master for enlightening to all human who are keenly searching hither and thither but it was not any way to grab this chance due to some circumstances till date, may be the right time, right use for right purposes, so please hurry up.
The certification will be exactly the same as you would receive if you were to do the course in-person and you will be qualified to teach yoga both online and offline.
About 200 hour Online Yoga Teacher Training
This is an online teacher training which will helps you to fully understand the lifestyle and practices of authentic and literal yoga. It will help you to develop your connection to your own deepest wisdom, your inner knowing and intuition. And most importantly it will help you finding the tools for self-development, spiritual self-inquiry, as well as integration of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspect of your being.
It will transform limiting beliefs and perceptions that may be holding you back into a joyous affirmation of life, while deepening your understanding of your true life’s purpose and role in the universe.The teachings are rooted in the philosophy of Yoga and other sacred texts, meeting you wherever you may be in life, enabling you to unleash your greatest potentiality.
Under our Yoga Teacher Training course, there are no only Physical trainings, also includes body cleansing acts, different yogic paths, good lifestyle, healthy food rules, knowledge of body science, mantras as sound energy, meditation as entire silence, Yoga for children, Yoga for old ages, corporate yoga, etc.
BUDDHA JAYANTI & PURNIMA AND BUDDHA
BUDDHA JAYANTI & PURNIMA AND BUDDHA
“Happy Buddha Jayanti” to all beloved souls for peace, love and light
Memory of Buddha by Japa;
“Om Mani Padme Hum.” May Lord Buddha enlighten to all on the path of love, peace and truth.
Background:
Buddha Purnima, the traditional Buddhist holiday is celebrated in Nepal and across the globe like India, Bhutan, Tibet on May 07, today. This day is a very important commemorative holiest day for people of Buddhist faith and general populace in Nepal is regarded to be the day when Lord Buddha got enlightenment. This is the 2564th Birth Anniversary of Gautama Buddha today. It is also known as Kurma Jayanti or Buddha Jayanti, the festival lies during the month of Vaisakh as it usually falls during the month of May and is celebrated by the Hindu community , especially in Nepal as well.
The word ‘Buddha’ means ‘intellect’ or ‘one who is awake’ or also the enlightened one. The Buddha was born in 563 BC as Siddhartha Gautama into the royal family of a small kingdom in Kapilavastu District, Nepal. Siddharth grew without ever knowing about the miseries that were faced by commoners. Siddharth became more inquisitive about the life outside his palace. He did and gave up all materialistic pleasure. Although he was the prince living with all the availabilities and possibilities in the palace, out of his sheltered life upon realizing that life includes the harsh realities of old age, sickness, beggar and death which then made him to seek about the meaning of life.
This encouraged Siddharth to choose this path. One day, at midnight, he finally left his palace to discover the answers about these questions. For seven years, he underwent several austerities. After enlightenment, he was known as Gautam Buddha. The supreme light of enlightenment dawned on Buddha on the Vaisakha Purnima Day, under a Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya. At the age of 80, Gautam Buddha left the world on the full moon day of Vaisakha. He attained Nirvana at Bodhagaya. It is one of the most sanctified places of pilgrimage.
As per the Buddhist legend, his wife Yashodhara, his first disciple Ananda, his charioteer Channa, and his horse Kantaka were all born on this sacred day. The Bodhi Tree, under which he attained nirvana, was also believed to have been created on this day.
As his views, everyone had the ability to unfold their potential to its fullest capacity. The teachings of Buddhism may be seen as attempts by the Buddha to fulfill this vision and to help people grow towards first in peace, love and intellects, then showed the path of Enlightenment as well.
Buddha Jayanti or ‘Buddha Purnima’ is celebrated in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Gautam Buddha is one of the greatest spiritual Masters across the world. His messages for peace, love and light, also known as the ‘guiding light of Asia,’ won the millions of devotees and lovers across the world. He is considered as the 9th ‘avatar’ of Godhead of Lord Vishnu. He was the founder of Buddhism, the religious and philosophical system that has produced a great culture across southern and eastern Asia. Gautam Buddha’s message spread from Nepal and India, and soon it was assimilated into many cultures. Traditionally this festival is observed by Buddhists as ‘Vaisakha.’
Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. – Buddha
The history behind the festival: BUDDHA JAYANTI
Vedic literature tells that Lord Buddha was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and was sent to earth to spread the message of non-violence and peace and convey love and true knowledge to all living creatures. Buddhist lovers and devotees celebrate and honor the major events which shaped Buddhism including his birth, enlightenment and passing away. Devotees also visit special shrines and undertake a pilgrimage to pay their respects at Lord Buddha’s birthplace. Mahabodhi Tree is one such special shrine. To seek peace, tranquility, intellect and ward off negative energy, devotees offer prayers, candles, flowers and joss-sticks at the shrine. Many even spend the day meditating, chant Buddhist mantras or reading important religious texts and scriptures. Today spiritual Saadhaka meditates on “FULL MOON’ for peace and prosperity.
Many also observe a fast, especially in the Hindu community to pay homage to the full moon, which is considered very auspicious. People also worship Lord Satyanarayan, holding pooja, fast or vrtta who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu too. It indeed is a special day of learning for holy worshipers. In Nepal, all Kiranti people in the country and abroad on the occasion of the great festival of the Kirants, celebrate the Ubhauli festival and the diverse cultural traditions in the country help enhance mutual trust and goodwill, and also in building a prosperous social structure.
Buddha Purnima has been a very important festival which highlights the significance of Gautam Buddha’s teachings of life, love, peace and spirituality. One of the holiest festivals, Buddha Jayanti, celebrates Gautam Buddha’s Birth Day, his Enlightenment Day, and his passing away Day as well.
We all know, and are very much known in the world for reclaiming that “the Buddha was born in Nepal”. Buddha has indeed become an icon of national unity, identity of country, pride and “spiritual hero”, but as a matter of fact, having him born in the place which is by its virtue located now inside the geographic territory of Nepal, but from other perspectives of the millions of Buddhists are living in all over the world, whether we have some space in our heart or mind for the man who is named the Buddha.
While being proud of Buddha, only a few take time to learn some basic teachings of Buddhism. We need to follow the right path of Buddha as teachings and meditating. Buddha did talk only about peace and light; he also showed the applied way by spiritual sadhana. Major path is to meditate like Vipasana Dhyana, Japa of Mantras, Prayers, etc. Apart from this, now, after a long hardship, a Lumbini Buddhist University has been set up and classes of higher education have started. Anybody can be benefited from there.
SHAMATHA OR MINDFULNESS DHYANA (MEDITATION):
Shamatha (mindfulness) is a well-known Buddhist practice that focuses on developing calmness, clarity and equanimity. With the proper guidance and commitment, the cultivation of these qualities can ultimately lead to deep inner peace. The initial stages of mindfulness meditation are essentially non-denominational and can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their faith tradition.
The basis of Shamatha, or mindfulness Dhyana is:
- Sit in a comfortable at any meditation posture; find a pose that doesn’t hurt your back or legs. Keep your back straight and try to find a happy medium between too rigid and too relaxed. Totally prepare yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.
- Observe your breath: You don’t have to manipulate your breath, use abdominal breathing or have long, deep in-breaths and out-breaths. Just breathe normally and pay full attention to your breathing process, one breath at a time. Keep your awareness focused but be gentle; just be witness.
- Acknowledge the thoughts that still into your mind without engaging them. Simply observe them and let go. Come back to the breath. Just watch and hear the movement and sounds “So Ham”. Let the thought arise, touch on it gently, and then let it go but no judgment, no identify.
- Stay 15 to 20 minutes silently and consciously.
- Gently get back consciously watching the breath, the body and then release it.
AUM SHANTIH!
Yoga For School Children
YOGA FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN By Subodh Simkhada
Yoga as a Life science:
Yoga is the rule of running existence. Yoga is as old as life itself. Yoga imparts specific attitude to life, a manner of living as well. Yoga deals how to live with fullest maturity and better manner. It expedites the natural process of evolution in all aspects of life and of consciousness as well.
Yoga as knowledge:
The ultimate purpose of Yoga is to gain right knowledge throughout the yogic ways of teachings. Yoga has been initiated as very specific educational functions purpose to achieve a higher state of consciousness on the evolutionary scale of personal fullness.
Yoga Educated One:
The yoga educated one has the true sense, integrity, healthier lifestyle, happier living who lives a balanced and harmonious state of body, mind and soul. A healthy and happy person is a person whose karmas, thoughts, behaviors, values and norms can determine the higher consciousness. The problems of life like misunderstanding, life disorders, materialistic values, dissatisfaction, desires & ambitions, unrest body & mind cause the pain, suffering and much more troubles in life. So Yoga removes the root of the problems.
Yoga Application:
- Yoga Hygiene – self-reliance e.g. Tattva Shuddhi – Purity of five elements; Trust in Nature; Living in harmony; personal cleansing – jala Neti, Kapalbhati, Agnisaara, Yama and Niyama, etc.
- Sitting or Meditation Postures: Sukhasana, Dhyana-viraasana, Vajrasana, Bhadrasana,
- Namaste Pranayama, Clapping; AUM Chants; Mantra Chants – e.g. Sarasvati Mantra –
“AUM (HREEM AIM HREEM) SARASWATAI NAMAH” - Warm up Kriyas – -Baby Rock, -Butter fly, Shakti sanchalana, Squat-Rise, Pulling Rope, Pair-Acts, Pair-Boat posture
- Standing Position – Tadaasana, Lord Krishna pose, Dhrubasana, Lord Shiva Pose, Garudaasana
- Sitting Position – Mandukaasana, Balasana, Marjarisana, Vyagrasana, Simhasana, Yoga Mudra in sitting circle position.
- Supine Position: Gudasana, Jhulasana, Druta Halasana, Sarvangasana, Happy Baby, Baby Play, Chakrasana in Walking
- Prone Position: Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Parvatasana in pair with crawling,
- Pranayama: Shitali Pranayama, Nadishodana Pranayama, Bharamari Pranayam
- Yoga nidra – attitude training, links the five senses with sixth sense, the mind.
- Sangita (Music) Dhyana: Music Meditation, Imagining Meditation, Mantra Meditation,
Overview of Ayurveda Science
Overview of Ayurveda Science
Ayurveda is the science of life. ‘Ayu‘ stands for Life and ‘Veda‘ stands for Knowledge. It is one of the branches of vedas. It is regarded as upaveda of atharva-veda but, really sense, it is a stream of the knowledge coming down from generation to generation since eternity parallel to the vedic literature that is why its emergence has been said to be from the Rishis / Yogis himself prior to the the purity of life, particularly for body. It is also called eternal because nobody knows when it was not there. All this shows its long tradition and deep attachment to the eastern culture and system. More about Ayurveda Science
Ayurveda ‘the Knowledge of Life’ is a holistic system of medicine from eastern world, particularly south Asia, which evolved from Brahma sages of Himavat (Himalayan Belt); somehow more than 3000 years ago. The principles and system of Ayurveda includes our external and internal environments .The principles are derived from universal laws of nature that have changed little through time. With objective, and intuitive approach to gaining knowledge, incorporated with a deep understanding of the unseen intelligence of the universe via. Ayurveda.
Definition of Shareera (Body) –
Dosa-dhatu-mala-mulam hi sariram —————————————-. [SS-XV / Body is originally composed of dosas, dhatus and malas and as such try to comprehend their characters being delivered hereafter.
Astanga Ayurveda – Tasya-ayurveda-sya -anyastauh ———————————————. [C. S.-XXX / 28]
- Kayacikitsa (Medicine),
- Salakya (dealing with disease of supra-clavicular region- ENT. & Ophthalmology),
3. Salyapahartrka (dealing with extraction of foreign bodies- Surgery),
4. Visa- gara – vairodhika-prasaman (dealing with alleviation of poison, artificial) poison and toxic symptoms due to take in antagonistic substance – Toxicology),
5. Bhuta Vidhya (dealing with sprint or organisms- Psychiatry Medicine),
6. Kaumarabhrtya (Pediatrics),
7. Rasayana (dealing with promotive measures – Rejuvenates)
8. Vajikarana (dealing with aphrodisiacs-Aphrodisiac) –a drug that arouses sexual desires
Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda
- The Pancha-Mahaa-bhutas and tri dosha -Five basic elements theory: Aakasha (Ether), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jala (Water) and Prithvi (Earth). Panchatattva (Five elements), a origin of nature and mother of all existence is the first fundamental principles of Ayurveda, where as the nature is the mother of all regular existence and all discoveries today.
- The Tri-Gunas and tri dosha-Three Fundamental universal energies: viz – Sattvik, Rajasik and Tamasik.
- The Tri-Dosas -Three Body Humors equanimity: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- The Sapta-Dhatus -Seven types of body tissues equanimity: .- Rasa (fluid) Dhatu, Rakta (blood) Dhatu, Mamsa Dhatu, Meda (fat) Dhatu, Asthi Dhatu, Majja Dhatu and Sukra Dhatu
- The TrayodosaAgni -Thirteen types of digestive fires harmony: Jatharagni (gastric fire), SaptaDhatvagni (Seven Tissues relate) and PanchaBhutagni ( Five elements relate).
- The Tri-Malas -Three types of Body Wastes regulation: Purisa (faeces), Mutra (urine) and Sveda (sweat)
Definition of Health – Samadosah-samagnis-ca –samadhatu-malakriyah ——————————–. [S. S.-XV / 41]
One whose Doshas like Agni, function of Dhatu and Malas are in the state of equilibrium and who has pleasent mind, wise and good senses are termed as optimum health (Uchcha Swastha).
Disease manifests as the opposite of some or all of the criteria for health listed above. It is vice versa of ease. That is dis + ease = disease. It is a state of dysequilibrium or disharmony of the doshas, dhatus, agnis, and malas; the individual is out of harmony both internally and with relation to the environment and experiences unpleasant sensations and misery in some form (duhkya).
The Channel Systems (Srotamsi) -14
PRANAVAHA SROTAS – Channels that carry Prana, the breath or life-force, primarily the respiratory system and circulatory system. Originates in the heart and the g.i. tract, primarily the colon
ANNAVAHA SROTAS– Channels that carry food, the digestive system. Originates in the stomach and left side of the body
AMBHUVAHA SROTAS– Channels that carry water or regulate water metabolism. Originates in the palate and pancreas
RASAVAHA SROTAS- Channels that carry plasma (rasa), the lymphatic system. Originates in heart and blood vessels
RAKTAVAHA SROTAS- Channels that carry blood (rakta), circulatory system. Originates in the liver and spleen
MAMSAVAHA SROTAS- Channels that supply muscles (mamsa), the muscular system. Originates in the ligaments and skin
MEDAVAHA SROTAS- Channels that supply fat or adipose tissue (medas), the adipose system. Originates in the kidneys and omentum
ASTHIVAHA SROTAS- Channels that supply the bones (asthi), the skeletal system. Originates in adipose tissue and the hips
MAJJAVAHA SROTAS- Channels that supply the marrow and nerve tissue (majja), mainly the nervous system. Originates in the bones and joints
SHUKRAVAHA SROTAS- Channels that supply the reproductive tissue (shukra), the reproductive system.Originates in the testes or the uterus
SVEDAVAHA SROTAS- Channels that carry sweat (sveda), the sebaceous system. Originates in adipose tissue and the hair follicles
PURISHAVAHA SROTAS- Channels that carry feces (purisha), the excretory system. Originates in the colon and rectum
MUTRAVAHA SROTAS- Channels that carry urine (mutra), the urinary system. Originates in the bladder and kidneys