A Moment of Yoga - The Yamas -  the restriants of Raja Yoga

Diwali Celebration

Yoga moment - Siva

Yoga moment - Ganesha

Yoga moment - Male-female gods

Yoga moment - gods 3

Yoga moment - gods 2

Yoga moment - gods 1

Free Yoga - VISNU 2

Free Yoga  - VIshnu

The Gods are not meant to enslave the mind, they are powerful uplifting symbols to focus the mind upon. Try this experiment. Here are 2 words, “Gun? and “ ambience?. Which word creates a more powerful impression in your mind. Probably the word “gun.’ It is a thing. It is an object with observable qualities. Like the world around you. “Gun’ also symbolizes something for you. Perhaps it symbolizes violence, or your grandfather who used to shoot guns with you when you were a kid.
The point being, the mind uses symbols and creates deep connections through them. It is much easier for the mind to relate to a powerful relevant symbol than to an abstraction like  “Ambience? or “God.? Even if you know what the word means, it does not conjure up much of an image or emotion in you.

the term â??worshipâ?? in the West conjures up images of people cowering in fear on one knee begging mercy from some wrathful entity that my strike us down if we do not behave. It smacks of surrendering our knowledge and power to remote intangible forces from some archaic past or proposed future. It seems devoid of reason. A sort of mental enslavement for those too weak to stand and face â??reality.â??
But Deity worship is not meant to be and should not be that way at all. Simply stated, worship should affirm experience. Once the deeper layers of being start becoming revealed, guidance and support is needed. Worship is that type of support.

One of the most beautiful yet misunderstood parts of Yoga and Hinduism are the Deities and their Worship. They are a large part of the shared culture of Yoga and Hinduism. They influence all facets of Hindu and Yogic culture. Weeklong festivals like the annual Navratri, (literally the â??9 nightsâ??) â??The Divine Mother Festivalâ?? bring India to a standstill every year as do other holy days. Pujas (ceremonial offerings) are performed daily to bring luck, success, peace into the lives of most Hindus and All Yoga Ashrams. The Gods represent the eternal forces of good that we aspire to and in worshipping them we are worshipping the divine in us.

Laxsmi

Deities

Monday Pisces (Uttara Bhadra) Moon|Jupiter | Saturn (11th tithi Ekadashi - Rudra, Fasting, Spiritual practies). The Moon in Pisces today i sbetween Rahu and Venus, bringing a dreaminess and unfocused nature. The Jupiter/Venus exchange will be highlighted as we seek to merge our individual desires with the cosmic will and relax into the mystic and abstract nature of life. Yet rahu will still be churning our mind for a good portion of the day, bringing some stress related our intangible fears related ot sociability and other people. It is the 11th lunar day, related to fasting and Lord Siva - a good day to reduce food intake and do some extra meditation. Saturn is the lord of this nakshatra, giving determined effort and consistency today. IN general there is a high capacity for escapism through indulgences today, so be careful with that.. moderation in food intake and consumables especially.  

Free Yoga Podcast - Brahma

Free Yoga Podcast - Lakshmi

Free Yoga podcast - A Moment of Yoga - Lakshmi

YOga podcast - A moment of YOga - Visnu 2

YOga podcast - A moment of YOga - Visnu 2

Yoga Podcast - A Moment of Yoga - Vishnu

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga Podcast - Kali

A Moment of Yoga - Durga Parvati 2

A Moment of Yoga - Parvati|Durga 1

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga podcast Siva 3

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga Podcast - Lord Siva 2

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga Podcast - Lord Siva

A Moment of Yoga -- yoga deities

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga Deities explained

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga Information

A Moment of Yoga

A Moment of Yoga - #5

A Moment of Yoga

A Moment of Yoga

A Moment of Yoga

A Moment of Yoga - YOga Principles

A Moment Of Yoga

Differences Between Eastern and Western World View

Western Material View	Eastern Spiritual View
On Man as a Creature in the World – We are a physical body first and fore most, a mental body second, there is no rational or verifiable proof of the existence of a Soul or operating force behind mind and body, many disbelieve its existence. Why we inherit the circumstances of our lives is not explained or understood.	On Man as a Creature in the World – We are Spiritual creatures first and foremost, having a human experience in this lifetime. This Spiritual nature is the primary force, which operates the grosser layers of mind and body. The circumstances we inherit in our lives are based on our Soul’s karma.
On the True God: One God – one true religion – those who accept this one God will receive his grace, those who don’t will suffer, perhaps even in eternal hell. God is both loving and wrathful.	On the True God: Everything is God, including man. Religions are simply spiritual paths that ultimately arrive at the same goal. God is pure love – pure knowledge and all - powerful. It is our misunderstanding of this that brings pain.
On Knowing God: It is presumptuous for man to proclaim to know God. The linchpin of religion is not experience of God directly, but belief in his existence and faith in the teachings of his messenger. Only God’s messenger truly knows God.	On Knowing God: Each person is capable of knowing God and will come to this knowledge through a direct experience, in communion with their deeper selves. Knowledge of God is commensurate to Self - Knowledge as we are all God.
On Man’s Plight: Man’s suffering is due to disobedience and failure to adhere to God’s will and a non - acceptance of God’s laws. (Commandments) Man is inherently bad or wicked and in need of salvation; otherwise he will do wicked things.	On Man’s Plight: Our suffering is due to our karma. This karma comes from attachment to the limited effects of our actions. This attachment is the result of Self- forgetfulness, not wickedness. As we mature, we reclaim our inherent goodness.
On Virtue and Salvation: If one obeys Gods laws for a moral and ethical life and believes in God’s messenger as the agency of salvation, eternal happiness is assured in the afterlife.	On Virtue and Salvation: Virtuous conduct and right beliefs are the foundation for a Spiritual life and the first step in purification. These are necessary for a mystical communion with God to occur.
On the origin of Religion: Religion has a historical beginning with a prophet or an event in the past. From this past event, a future afterlife becomes a central theme. Time and history are linear and never repeated.	On the origin of Religion: Religion is cosmic, transcending human history. Emphasis is placed on here and now, so as to experience ourselves as God directly. Time is circular and permeates many incarnations and lifetimes.

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga Podcast

A Moment of Yoga - More Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A moment of Yoga - Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A Moment of Yoga - Yoga information and other holistic Healing practices

A Moment of Yoga - Ayurveda

A moment of Yoga - Ayurveda

A Moment of Yoga - Ayurveda 2

Ayurveda and the 3 Doshas
    As was stated earlier, animating all creation is a state of pure energy awareness. It is beyond time space, it has no beginning or end, and no qualities. At the proper time, the dance of creation begins, animating the 5 elements and a physical body takes shape around the awakened spiritual energy.
According to Ayurveda the resulting physical body has specific, observable qualities that are a mixture of the unique combination of each of the 5 elements. Every physical entity has a unique combination of elements in differing degrees. This combination of elements is called the prakriti. 

The prakriti has been further refined around 3 distinct archetypes based on the attributes of the 3 Middle elements:
Kapha – stability - related to Water and Earth
Pitta – metabolism - related to Fire and Water 
Vata – motion - related to Air And Space 

    Every cell must have some component of stability. (kapha) otherwise it would disintegrate. Every cell must have some metabolic function (Pitta) otherwise it could not grow and sustain. And every cell must have some motion (vata) otherwise it would be dead. 
Just as every cell has each of these qualities in some degree, every living being also has a combination of these 3 doshas. The combination is different for every plant animal and person. For example someone’s prakriti may be: 25% Vata – 50% Pitta – 25% Kapha – giving them a predominance of Pitta Dosha. 
    Not only does a person’s predominant dosha indicate their physical body type and constitution, it also indicates what will be their main psychological attributes or imbalances. The term dosha actually means “imbalance.? As was stated earlier, it is a state of disequilibrium which caused our body to be created out of the pure harmony at the center of our being. Our purpose in life is to re connect to that natural state of harmony, to return to God, if you will. Ayurveda helps us to return to our natural God like state by teaching us how to see beyond, and eventually balance our doshas, our imbalances. 

The 3 Doshas and the 5 Elements
    Kapha (water / earth) - The Kapha Dosha is mainly Water, with a little Earth, as the Water is contained in the bodily tissues. (Earth) 
Body type: Like water, their skin is moist, and retains fluid easily. Body tissues are made of kapha, thus they have a heavy body. In nature, water and earth makes mud. The body’s mud is phlegm. Kapha types become congested the easiest. They are often the healthiest body type overall but they can have a tendency to diabetes later in life from having indulged in sweets. They are usually slow moving, yet steady. 
Positive Psychology: They are generally very pleasant to be around as the water element rules emotion. They can be passive and gentle in nature and tend to sentimentality and nurturing. They are slow to get started with things, but once a task is begun they have the most endurance of all the doshas. Most Kapha types love to cook, and eat! 
Negative Psychology: Their negative psychology comes from too much Earth “damning up? their emotional flow. They are the most stubborn of all dosha types and can tend to depression, denial, passive aggression and attachment. Often times they will try to make due in the most difficult of situations for fear of changing them. Denying problems even exist as they cling to destructive patterns they are stuck in. Sometimes the hardest thing for a kapha type to do is analyze a situation objectively. As they lack the opposite element of ether. This is the first step toward positive change. They can be unwilling to acknowledge a problem even exists. 

    Pitta (fire / water) – The Pitta dosha is mainly Fire and a little Water, as the bodies’ Fire is contained in the hot fluids. (Water) 
Body type: Like fire, their bodies will be warm, with a rosy complexion. They will be of medium build with well - developed muscles. They are usually focused and persistent with sharp penetrating eyes and voices. Pitta is the digestive force in the body, which functions through the bile and acidic digestive fluid. They tend to have heart attacks, high blood pressure and hypertension from overexertion and trying to do too much. 
Positive Psychology: They are passionate, gregarious, playful and warm, with keen intellects and sharp minds. They are born leaders. They are courageous, driven and ambitious as well as logical and very direct. Although they may tend to argue, they are usually right in their assertions. They digest thoughts as effectively as they digest their food. 
Negative Psychology: Their negative psychology comes from not enough water (emotion) and too much passion. With their strong digestion comes a strong appetite and desire nature and a tendency to do too much. These things can deplete their energy. Sex, success, sports, you name it, they want it all and they want to win. They can be overly competitive and aggressive, self – centered, resorting to criticizing and blaming others for their problems. Their basic combative nature is their most destructive trait, which if not reconciled, can lead them to hostility anger and violence. 

Vata (air / ether) – The Vata dosha is formed by Air and some Ether, as Air is contained and moves through Ether. 
Body type: Like air moving through space, their bodies will usually be light, dry and thin. They can be of a pale complexion with veins clearly visible. Their skin tends to be cold like the wind. Vata is the body’s motion, thus Vata types will move quickly and usually speak rapidly and often. They are generally flexible yet in pain with joints that crack. They are prone to arthritis and other drying conditions. 
Positive Psychology: They are flexible and creative, communicative and sensitive. They are very adaptable and curious. As being ruled by Air (the mind) and Space (consciousness) they are naturally attuned to the vibrations around them and the most open and sensitive of all doshas. Their perceptions can lead to remarkable breakthroughs. They are the least ego centric of the doshas. 
Negative Psychology: Their negative psychology comes mainly from too much Ether element. When Vata becomes deranged these natives become very ungrounded which leads them into fear, nervousness, anxiety even paranoia. Extreme vata types can turn ordinary life situations into a series of insoluble problems in which they feel trapped. This leads to more stress and problems to analyze over and over again. Their constant mental worry leads to a deeper and deeper disconnect from their bodies, as a lack of the Earth element, and their true nature. 
Balancing the Doshas

    Until the point where we have traveled far along on the spiritual path, our responses to unexpected situations will be fear based. Fear being an unbalanced state, we will exhibit the qualities of our predominant dosha, our predominant imbalance. One of the quick tests that you can do to figure out your predominant dosha type is to ask yourself. “When faced with a new and challenging situation do I?:
A. Become anxious, worried or frightened (Vata)
B. Become argumentative, even angry (Pitta)
C. Deny that anything is wrong or try to make peace (Kapha)
There is no wrong answer or better dosha. Each has a lesson to teach and 2 lessons to learn. (the other 2 doshas!) There are times when it is best to flee in fear, (vata) fight with courage (pitta) or be a peacemaker, (kapha) but usually we are acting out of our deep unconscious programming, not through any balanced sense of wisdom and clarity. A common analogy compares the 3 doshas to animals. Kapha is a turtle, Pitta is a bull and Vata is a rabbit

Kapha type – Kapha is Water and Earth – Water is cool, Earth is heavy and unmoving with a lot of mass. So hot and lighter foods and less of it are best for them. Fasting is good, so are stimulating spices to get them moving. Even black tea or caffeinated beverages may be prescribed. 
Pitta type – Pitta is mainly Fire – Fire is hot and dry and variable in motion. Pitta types need cool, moist heavier food. Nourishing but cooling, heavy oils and grains help to put out their fire. They can digest almost anything so they do not need help with digestion, but no stimulants or hot spices. 
Vata types – Vata is Air and Ether – Air and Ether are light, dry and cold. Vata types need heavy, grounding food that is moist and warm. They also need to eat smaller meals but more frequently because of their weak digestion. Some spices can be used to stimulate their poor digestion.

A Moment of Yoga - Ayurveda Intro

A Moment of Yoga - 5 elements Cont

A Moment of Yoga - 5 elements

A Moment of Yoga - 5 elememts Continued

A Moment of Yoga - 5 elements continued

>THE FIVE ELEMENTS â?? Building Blocks of the Vedic Sciences
â??The Self has entered this body, this dense jumble. If a man finds him, recognizes him, Heâ??s the maker of everything-the author of all! The world is his-heâ??s the world itself.â??
- Brhadaranyaka Upanishad

Spirit is called Purusha. When spirit takes form it is called Prakriti. Every object as Prakriti is an expression of Purusha â?? Matter Expressing Spirit. This world of Matter Expressing Spirit is formed by the five elements; they are the building blocks of the Vedic Sciences. Their properties provide the archetypes that underpin all aspects of Vedic thinking. First we will examine the five elements, and then explore their evolution as affected by the three Gunas (qualities of nature). 

Starting with the grossest element and moving towards the finest, the five elements are: 

Earth â?? Water â?? Fire â?? Air â?? Ether (Space).

Each of the five elements is responsible for some important aspect of the self and one of the five senses. 

Earth
Primarily responsible for the physique, though its influence does not end there. Earth, as the densest element, has also the heaviest psychological influence. Our physical body demands the most attention when its needs arise. For example, no matter how enjoyable it may be talking to your best friend on the phone, you will only suppress the urge to go to the bathroom for so long before you relent. 
Psychologically, Earth is our practical nature, literally being â??down to earth.â?? 
Earth connects us to the sense of smell. Ayurveda says anything we can smell contains Earth. 
Prominent planets in Earth signs will be sensual and hands on. They want to be useful and will work hard. They are practical in expression. They will wash your car on your birthday. Too much Earth brings stagnation and clinging to form. 

Water
Primarily responsible for the senses. Water specifically shows the flow of the senses from the physical body to the outer world and the emotional connections and impressions made through the senses. It is also our receptive emotional mind. It is on this vital level that our energy must connect and receive the environment in order to satisfy our bodily needs (Earth). We see a chocolate éclair in the window of a bakery and our mouth starts to water. 
Psychologically, Water has to do with our deep emotional bonds, memories and sensory impressions.
Prominent planets in Water signs make one want to merge and bond emotionally. They can be the most psychic of signs. They will cook you dinner on your birthday. Too much Water can lead to excessive emotion/emotional dependence.
Water connects us to the sense of taste. Ayurveda says that anything we can taste contains water.

Fire
Fire is primarily responsible for the mind and mental impressions while also being responsible for digestion of all sorts, whether digesting food or digesting information. Fire is also our active emotional mind, our passionate nature and the instinctual, conditioned/reactive mind. It is the element of Fire that digests sensory impressions (Water), turning them into thoughts we can use. Otherwise, our minds would be a jumble of sensory data. 
Psychologically, Fire represents our active desire nature. We literally â??burnâ?? to satisfy our desires. It is Fire that makes us â??wantâ?? the chocolate éclair in the window. 
Prominent planets in Fire signs will exhibit an active, bold or perhaps aggressive nature. Strong Fire types can be the most inspirational of signs, yet also the most self-centered. They will buy you sexy underwear or wear them for you on your birthday. Too much Fire can lead to excessive anger. 
Fire connects us to the sense of sight. Ayurveda says anything we can see is touched by Fire.

Air
Air is primarily responsible for the intellect. The Air element corresponds to movement of all sorts in the body, breath, thoughts, etc. Air is our higher intellectual and social mind. It is the mind of our philosophies and opinions â?? our politics and rationalizations, as well as how we relate to others and society as a whole. It is through the Air element that we observe and interact socially with the world, forming conclusions about it and our self. It is the Air element that will decide whether or not we will eat the éclair in the window. 
Psychologically, Air represents our higher mental capabilities as well as our conscience and ethical principles. 
Prominent planets in Air signs will generally exhibit a social nature. They like discourse and debate. They will take you to the Opera on your birthday. Too much air and one becomes ungrounded, aloof, dry or sterile. 
Air connects us to the sense of touch. Anything we can feel is touched by Air.

Ether (Space)
Ether is primarily responsible for consciousness. The element of Ether corresponds to pure consciousness itself - our awareness. It is the layer of being beyond the four gross physical elements. Ether refers to the witnessing consciousness, that which is able to perceive the thought process and remain unidentified with it. It is our intuitive nature, connection to freedom and the closest to our true Self. 
Psychologically, Ether represents an initial freedom from the mind/body complex. It is through the element of Ether that we perceive the distance between the thinking and feeling mind substance and the oneness of creation and our connectedness to it. The behavioral archetype is that of one who is detached in a healthy way, as the observer or witness. Ether is not represented in the Astrological Signs of the Chart.
Ether connects us to the sense of sound. Ayurveda says that it is through sound that we perceive space.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS AT WORK
Each finer element contains, observes and animates the grosser ones. In this way, and for this reason, the primordial sound of Aum is the first act of creation. Even in Christian texts it is stated â??in the beginning there was the word,â?? the Amen. Amen is simply another form of Aum. All creatures are produced in this way through the unique sound vibration based on their Karma, yet all creatures arise from the same source, the same primordial origin, the sound of Aum. Thus, through the element of Ether, the dance of creation begins out of the equilibrium that existed before (sound resonates through Ether). After Ether, the Air element is formed (intellect), then Fire (mind), Water (sense mind), and Earth (body). This model shows why Mantras (sacred sounds) are so powerful. They resonate through all five of our elemental bodies. As shown above, life is created from the finer elements to the grosser ones. However, our spiritual path is walked in reverse. First we must master the body, then the senses and sense mind, then the active emotions, then the intellect, and finally pure consciousness. When we see a chocolate éclair, the physical body (Earth) is animated by the senses (Water). The desire to eat it arises in the instinctual mind (Fire), but the higher mind (Air) actually decides whether or not to eat the éclair. Our consciousness (Ether) makes us aware of this process. 
In Hatha Yoga, Asana (postures) are designed to balance the five elements. 

Earth: Holding the posture stabilizes and relaxes the body. 
Water: A stable, relaxed body stabilizes the emotions and the senses. 
Fire: Stable emotions allow mental peace and removes desire and motivation.
Air: Once struggling stops, perceptions clear and the mind can enter the present moment. 
Ether: Once perceptions become clear and the mind is present, consciousness and blissful awareness fills the being â??one rests in their true nature.

Hatha Yoga prepares the mind and body for meditation. In meditation we connect to our deeper Self and balance the five elements in this way. We connect to the Universe (Ether) through the breath (Air). Deep breath slows, deepens and stabilizes the mind and active emotions (Fire). With the passions controlled we can observe the senses and connective emotions (Water) with detachment; upon which the body becomes stable (Earth). A stable body in meditation is one of awareness. Since we started with breath connecting to Ether, higher consciousness will be observing the thoughts and mind/body events.

KARMA AND THE FIVE ELEMENTS
According to Vedic thought everything is an expression of pure God energy, pure God consciousness. As stated above, all physical bodies arise out of this balanced God state. But as a result of past Karma and the Samsaras (mental impressions) that accompany them, the five elements arrange themselves to create the body that reflects the appropriate person, animal, or whatever. This karmic energy points to the lessons that need to be learned in that lifetime. 
For example, a person who needs to work through anger problems in this lifetime will inherit a body, mind and upbringing that will challenge them to confront their anger and hopefully transcend it. In the case of anger, the element of Fire will likely predominate. An Astrological chart reveals this. It is a portrait of the soulâ??s Karma and the pattern of illusion in which we may become trapped. As Karma means â??actionâ??, we may mistake ourselves to be our actions, not our essence. This is Maya, the illusion that we are merely an acting, mind/body experience. 

THE THREE GUNAS
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains the nature of Maya, in Ch.14 v.5:
â??Sattwa or goodness, Rajas or activity, and Tamas or inertia; these three Gunas of mind bind the imperishable soul to the body, O Arjuna.â?? 

The three Gunas are the three qualities of nature. The term Guna means â??that which binds,â?? as each Guna is like a separate strand, which when placed together form the rope of Maya. They are what bind us to the illusion that we are merely a physical/mental creature. All matter and energy consists of the three Gunas in different quantities. They are the component qualities of the physical, mental and spiritual worlds. The 3 Gunas are:

Tamas: Stability, inertia, ignorance, attachment. Tamas binds through inertia and our tendency to cling to situation and form. Best expressed through the physical body as the desire for physical life, which provides the vehicle for spiritual development.

Rajas: Activity, passion, desire. Rajas binds through motivation and our desire to experience pleasure. Best expressed through the mind and emotions as the desire for happiness and intellectual stimulation.

Sattwa: Harmony, knowledge, peace. Sattwa binds us to the truly good things of the world and as such to worldly happiness, which is also a barrier to final liberation. Best expressed as the Soul qualities of peace, contentment, love, forgiveness, etc. 

Each of the Gunas has a proper and necessary function. Tamas provides the solidity and stability of the physical world; for us, that means our bodies. Solid objects have a preponderance of Tamas, especially when at rest. Rajas maintains the mind and emotions, animating the physical world through need and preference. When the body needs to eat or move, Rajas gets us moving. Sattwa looks after the higher mind and Soul and its progress, compelling us to learn about ourselves and to seek completion. 


But each of these attributes also act as obscuring factors as their expressions show our projected illusory limitations, thus forming the rope of Maya. When Tamas becomes a mental or emotional state, the intellect becomes stagnant, which brings clinging and ignorance. An excessively Rajasic body will bring exhaustion and instability. Neither Rajas nor Tamas is healthy for higher learning. Higher learning requires a Sattwic mind. If suddenly you become sleepy as you read this you would stop learning, as the heaviness of Tamas overcomes your attention. If suddenly you became hungry or sexual or angry, also you would stop learning, as Rajas would compel you to act and disturb the mental peace necessary for learning. 
All beings are under the sway of the three Gunas, even enlightened beings. The difference is that enlightened beings are not identified with the Gunas. A Saint will generally exhibit a harmonious, balanced and peaceful nature, those things associated with Sattwa. Yet the Saint will be established in the Self, not identified with the qualities of Sattwa. 

Saints have a preponderance of Sattwa.
Humans have a preponderance of Rajas 
Animals and other Subhuman creatures have a preponderance of Tamas. 

To illustrate how the Gunas typically work: This morning, as your alarm clock went off there was an excess of Tamas. Your body and mind were heavy and perhaps you had just mistaken yourself in a dream as being your real self. Sleep, inertia, and delusion are Tamasic. As you started to become motivated and got up from the bed, Rajas was dominant, as Rajas is activity. The need to go to work to earn money so you can have things that give you pleasure and that you enjoy is also Rajasic. Worldly pursuits are mainly Rajasic in nature as they are primarily self-centered. As you read this, in search of knowledge and understanding beyond pleasure seeking and accumulation, Sattwa dominates (hopefully!).
Most of the time we are Rajasic, striving towards Sattwa, trying not to be pulled down by Tamas. Our experiences take on the quality of the predominant Guna. Even though waking from sleep is generally Tamasic, Saints, for example, awaken in a Sattwic way. Our spiritual practices, or lack thereof, determine whether we are growing toward higher knowledge and harmony, descending into darkness and delusion, or simply maintaining our outward desire driven existence. 
Either way, our true Self is always there, unspoiled and causeless, silently and peacefully existing beneath all actions and beyond the qualities of the Gunas.

A Moment of Yoga - 5 elements

A Moment of Yoga - 5 Elements

------------------

THE FIVE ELEMENTS – Building Blocks of the Vedic Sciences
“The Self has entered this body, this dense jumble. If a man finds him, recognizes him, He’s the maker of everything-the author of all! The world is his-he’s the world itself.?
- Brhadaranyaka Upanishad

Spirit is called Purusha. When spirit takes form it is called Prakriti. Every object as Prakriti is an expression of Purusha – Matter Expressing Spirit. This world of Matter Expressing Spirit is formed by the five elements; they are the building blocks of the Vedic Sciences. Their properties provide the archetypes that underpin all aspects of Vedic thinking. First we will examine the five elements, and then explore their evolution as affected by the three Gunas (qualities of nature). 

Starting with the grossest element and moving towards the finest, the five elements are: 

Earth – Water – Fire – Air – Ether (Space).

Each of the five elements is responsible for some important aspect of the self and one of the five senses. 

Earth
Primarily responsible for the physique, though its influence does not end there. Earth, as the densest element, has also the heaviest psychological influence. Our physical body demands the most attention when its needs arise. For example, no matter how enjoyable it may be talking to your best friend on the phone, you will only suppress the urge to go to the bathroom for so long before you relent. 
Psychologically, Earth is our practical nature, literally being “down to earth.? 
Earth connects us to the sense of smell. Ayurveda says anything we can smell contains Earth. 
Prominent planets in Earth signs will be sensual and hands on. They want to be useful and will work hard. They are practical in expression. They will wash your car on your birthday. Too much Earth brings stagnation and clinging to form. 

Water
Primarily responsible for the senses. Water specifically shows the flow of the senses from the physical body to the outer world and the emotional connections and impressions made through the senses. It is also our receptive emotional mind. It is on this vital level that our energy must connect and receive the environment in order to satisfy our bodily needs (Earth). We see a chocolate éclair in the window of a bakery and our mouth starts to water. 
Psychologically, Water has to do with our deep emotional bonds, memories and sensory impressions.
Prominent planets in Water signs make one want to merge and bond emotionally. They can be the most psychic of signs. They will cook you dinner on your birthday. Too much Water can lead to excessive emotion/emotional dependence.
Water connects us to the sense of taste. Ayurveda says that anything we can taste contains water.

Fire
Fire is primarily responsible for the mind and mental impressions while also being responsible for digestion of all sorts, whether digesting food or digesting information. Fire is also our active emotional mind, our passionate nature and the instinctual, conditioned/reactive mind. It is the element of Fire that digests sensory impressions (Water), turning them into thoughts we can use. Otherwise, our minds would be a jumble of sensory data. 
Psychologically, Fire represents our active desire nature. We literally “burn? to satisfy our desires. It is Fire that makes us “want? the chocolate éclair in the window. 
Prominent planets in Fire signs will exhibit an active, bold or perhaps aggressive nature. Strong Fire types can be the most inspirational of signs, yet also the most self-centered. They will buy you sexy underwear or wear them for you on your birthday. Too much Fire can lead to excessive anger. 
Fire connects us to the sense of sight. Ayurveda says anything we can see is touched by Fire.

Air
Air is primarily responsible for the intellect. The Air element corresponds to movement of all sorts in the body, breath, thoughts, etc. Air is our higher intellectual and social mind. It is the mind of our philosophies and opinions – our politics and rationalizations, as well as how we relate to others and society as a whole. It is through the Air element that we observe and interact socially with the world, forming conclusions about it and our self. It is the Air element that will decide whether or not we will eat the éclair in the window. 
Psychologically, Air represents our higher mental capabilities as well as our conscience and ethical principles. 
Prominent planets in Air signs will generally exhibit a social nature. They like discourse and debate. They will take you to the Opera on your birthday. Too much air and one becomes ungrounded, aloof, dry or sterile. 
Air connects us to the sense of touch. Anything we can feel is touched by Air.

Ether (Space)
Ether is primarily responsible for consciousness. The element of Ether corresponds to pure consciousness itself - our awareness. It is the layer of being beyond the four gross physical elements. Ether refers to the witnessing consciousness, that which is able to perceive the thought process and remain unidentified with it. It is our intuitive nature, connection to freedom and the closest to our true Self. 
Psychologically, Ether represents an initial freedom from the mind/body complex. It is through the element of Ether that we perceive the distance between the thinking and feeling mind substance and the oneness of creation and our connectedness to it. The behavioral archetype is that of one who is detached in a healthy way, as the observer or witness. Ether is not represented in the Astrological Signs of the Chart.
Ether connects us to the sense of sound. Ayurveda says that it is through sound that we perceive space.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS AT WORK
Each finer element contains, observes and animates the grosser ones. In this way, and for this reason, the primordial sound of Aum is the first act of creation. Even in Christian texts it is stated “in the beginning there was the word,? the Amen. Amen is simply another form of Aum. All creatures are produced in this way through the unique sound vibration based on their Karma, yet all creatures arise from the same source, the same primordial origin, the sound of Aum. Thus, through the element of Ether, the dance of creation begins out of the equilibrium that existed before (sound resonates through Ether). After Ether, the Air element is formed (intellect), then Fire (mind), Water (sense mind), and Earth (body). This model shows why Mantras (sacred sounds) are so powerful. They resonate through all five of our elemental bodies. As shown above, life is created from the finer elements to the grosser ones. However, our spiritual path is walked in reverse. First we must master the body, then the senses and sense mind, then the active emotions, then the intellect, and finally pure consciousness. When we see a chocolate éclair, the physical body (Earth) is animated by the senses (Water). The desire to eat it arises in the instinctual mind (Fire), but the higher mind (Air) actually decides whether or not to eat the éclair. Our consciousness (Ether) makes us aware of this process. 
In Hatha Yoga, Asana (postures) are designed to balance the five elements. 

Earth: Holding the posture stabilizes and relaxes the body. 
Water: A stable, relaxed body stabilizes the emotions and the senses. 
Fire: Stable emotions allow mental peace and removes desire and motivation.
Air: Once struggling stops, perceptions clear and the mind can enter the present moment. 
Ether: Once perceptions become clear and the mind is present, consciousness and blissful awareness fills the being –one rests in their true nature.

Hatha Yoga prepares the mind and body for meditation. In meditation we connect to our deeper Self and balance the five elements in this way. We connect to the Universe (Ether) through the breath (Air). Deep breath slows, deepens and stabilizes the mind and active emotions (Fire). With the passions controlled we can observe the senses and connective emotions (Water) with detachment; upon which the body becomes stable (Earth). A stable body in meditation is one of awareness. Since we started with breath connecting to Ether, higher consciousness will be observing the thoughts and mind/body events.

KARMA AND THE FIVE ELEMENTS
According to Vedic thought everything is an expression of pure God energy, pure God consciousness. As stated above, all physical bodies arise out of this balanced God state. But as a result of past Karma and the Samsaras (mental impressions) that accompany them, the five elements arrange themselves to create the body that reflects the appropriate person, animal, or whatever. This karmic energy points to the lessons that need to be learned in that lifetime. 
For example, a person who needs to work through anger problems in this lifetime will inherit a body, mind and upbringing that will challenge them to confront their anger and hopefully transcend it. In the case of anger, the element of Fire will likely predominate. An Astrological chart reveals this. It is a portrait of the soul’s Karma and the pattern of illusion in which we may become trapped. As Karma means “action?, we may mistake ourselves to be our actions, not our essence. This is Maya, the illusion that we are merely an acting, mind/body experience. 

THE THREE GUNAS
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains the nature of Maya, in Ch.14 v.5:
“Sattwa or goodness, Rajas or activity, and Tamas or inertia; these three Gunas of mind bind the imperishable soul to the body, O Arjuna.? 

The three Gunas are the three qualities of nature. The term Guna means “that which binds,? as each Guna is like a separate strand, which when placed together form the rope of Maya. They are what bind us to the illusion that we are merely a physical/mental creature. All matter and energy consists of the three Gunas in different quantities. They are the component qualities of the physical, mental and spiritual worlds. The 3 Gunas are:

Tamas: Stability, inertia, ignorance, attachment. Tamas binds through inertia and our tendency to cling to situation and form. Best expressed through the physical body as the desire for physical life, which provides the vehicle for spiritual development.

Rajas: Activity, passion, desire. Rajas binds through motivation and our desire to experience pleasure. Best expressed through the mind and emotions as the desire for happiness and intellectual stimulation.

Sattwa: Harmony, knowledge, peace. Sattwa binds us to the truly good things of the world and as such to worldly happiness, which is also a barrier to final liberation. Best expressed as the Soul qualities of peace, contentment, love, forgiveness, etc. 

Each of the Gunas has a proper and necessary function. Tamas provides the solidity and stability of the physical world; for us, that means our bodies. Solid objects have a preponderance of Tamas, especially when at rest. Rajas maintains the mind and emotions, animating the physical world through need and preference. When the body needs to eat or move, Rajas gets us moving. Sattwa looks after the higher mind and Soul and its progress, compelling us to learn about ourselves and to seek completion. 


But each of these attributes also act as obscuring factors as their expressions show our projected illusory limitations, thus forming the rope of Maya. When Tamas becomes a mental or emotional state, the intellect becomes stagnant, which brings clinging and ignorance. An excessively Rajasic body will bring exhaustion and instability. Neither Rajas nor Tamas is healthy for higher learning. Higher learning requires a Sattwic mind. If suddenly you become sleepy as you read this you would stop learning, as the heaviness of Tamas overcomes your attention. If suddenly you became hungry or sexual or angry, also you would stop learning, as Rajas would compel you to act and disturb the mental peace necessary for learning. 
All beings are under the sway of the three Gunas, even enlightened beings. The difference is that enlightened beings are not identified with the Gunas. A Saint will generally exhibit a harmonious, balanced and peaceful nature, those things associated with Sattwa. Yet the Saint will be established in the Self, not identified with the qualities of Sattwa. 

Saints have a preponderance of Sattwa.
Humans have a preponderance of Rajas 
Animals and other Subhuman creatures have a preponderance of Tamas. 

To illustrate how the Gunas typically work: This morning, as your alarm clock went off there was an excess of Tamas. Your body and mind were heavy and perhaps you had just mistaken yourself in a dream as being your real self. Sleep, inertia, and delusion are Tamasic. As you started to become motivated and got up from the bed, Rajas was dominant, as Rajas is activity. The need to go to work to earn money so you can have things that give you pleasure and that you enjoy is also Rajasic. Worldly pursuits are mainly Rajasic in nature as they are primarily self-centered. As you read this, in search of knowledge and understanding beyond pleasure seeking and accumulation, Sattwa dominates (hopefully!).
Most of the time we are Rajasic, striving towards Sattwa, trying not to be pulled down by Tamas. Our experiences take on the quality of the predominant Guna. Even though waking from sleep is generally Tamasic, Saints, for example, awaken in a Sattwic way. Our spiritual practices, or lack thereof, determine whether we are growing toward higher knowledge and harmony, descending into darkness and delusion, or simply maintaining our outward desire driven existence. 
Either way, our true Self is always there, unspoiled and causeless, silently and peacefully existing beneath all actions and beyond the qualities of the Gunas.

A moment of yoga - 5 elements continued

According to Vedic thought everything is an expression of pure God energy, pure God consciousness. As stated above, all physical bodies arise out of this balanced God state. But as a result of past Karma and the Samsaras (mental impressions) that accompany them, the five elements arrange themselves to create the body that reflects the appropriate person, animal, or whatever. This karmic energy points to the lessons that need to be learned in that lifetime.

Hatha Yoga prepares the mind and body for meditation. In meditation we connect to our deeper Self and balance the five elements in this way. We connect to the Universe (Ether) through the breath (Air). Deep breath slows, deepens and stabilizes the mind and active emotions (Fire). With the passions controlled we can observe the senses and connective emotions (Water) with detachment; upon which the body becomes stable (Earth). A stable body in meditation is one of awareness. Since we started with breath connecting to Ether, higher consciousness will be observing the thoughts and mind/body events.

Through the element of Ether, the dance of creation begins out of the equilibrium that existed before (sound resonates through Ether). After Ether, the Air element is formed (intellect), then Fire (mind), Water (sense mind), and Earth (body). This model shows why Mantras (sacred sounds) are so powerful. They resonate through all five of our elemental bodies. As shown above, life is created from the finer elements to the grosser ones. However, our spiritual path is walked in reverse. First we must master the body, then the senses and sense mind, then the active emotions, then the intellect, and finally pure consciousness. When we see a chocolate éclair, the physical body (Earth) is animated by the senses (Water). The desire to eat it arises in the instinctual mind (Fire), but the higher mind (Air) actually decides whether or not to eat the éclair. Our consciousness (Ether) makes us aware of this process. In Hatha Yoga, Asana (postures) are designed to balance the five elements.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS AT WORK Each finer element contains, observes and animates the grosser ones. In this way, and for this reason, the primordial sound of Aum is the first act of creation. Even in Christian texts it is stated “in the beginning there was the word,? the Amen. Amen is simply another form of Aum. All creatures are produced in this way through the unique sound vibration based on their Karma, yet all creatures arise from the same source, the same primordial origin, the sound of Aum.

Ether is primarily responsible for consciousness. The element of Ether corresponds to pure consciousness itself - our awareness. It is the layer of being beyond the four gross physical elements. Ether refers to the witnessing consciousness, that which is able to perceive the thought process and remain unidentified with it. It is our intuitive nature, connection to freedom and the closest to our true Self. Psychologically, Ether represents an initial freedom from the mind/body complex. It is through the element of Ether that we perceive the distance between the thinking and feeling mind substance and the oneness of creation and our connectedness to it. The behavioral archetype is that of one who is detached in a healthy way, as the observer or witness. Ether is not represented in the Astrological Signs of the Chart. Ether connects us to the sense of sound. Ayurveda says that it is through sound that we perceive space.

Air Air is primarily responsible for the intellect. The Air element corresponds to movement of all sorts in the body, breath, thoughts, etc. Air is our higher intellectual and social mind. It is the mind of our philosophies and opinions â?? our politics and rationalizations, as well as how we relate to others and society as a whole. It is through the Air element that we observe and interact socially with the world, forming conclusions about it and our self. It is the Air element that will decide whether or not we will eat the éclair in the window. Psychologically, Air represents our higher mental capabilities as well as our conscience and ethical principles. Prominent planets in Air signs will generally exhibit a social nature. They like discourse and debate. They will take you to the Opera on your birthday. Too much air and one becomes ungrounded, aloof, dry or sterile. Air connects us to the sense of touch. Anything we can feel is touched by Air.

Fire Fire is primarily responsible for the mind and mental impressions while also being responsible for digestion of all sorts, whether digesting food or digesting information. Fire is also our active emotional mind, our passionate nature and the instinctual, conditioned/reactive mind. It is the element of Fire that digests sensory impressions (Water), turning them into thoughts we can use. Otherwise, our minds would be a jumble of sensory data. Psychologically, Fire represents our active desire nature. We literally “burn? to satisfy our desires. It is Fire that makes us “want? the chocolate éclair in the window. Prominent planets in Fire signs will exhibit an active, bold or perhaps aggressive nature. Strong Fire types can be the most inspirational of signs, yet also the most self-centered. They will buy you sexy underwear or wear them for you on your birthday. Too much Fire can lead to excessive anger. Fire connects us to the sense of sight. Ayurveda says anything we can see is touched by Fire.

Earth Primarily responsible for the physique, though its influence does not end there. Earth, as the densest element, has also the heaviest psychological influence. Our physical body demands the most attention when its needs arise. For example, no matter how enjoyable it may be talking to your best friend on the phone, you will only suppress the urge to go to the bathroom for so long before you relent. Psychologically, Earth is our practical nature, literally being “down to earth.? Earth connects us to the sense of smell. Ayurveda says anything we can smell contains Earth. Prominent planets in Earth signs will be sensual and hands on. They want to be useful and will work hard. They are practical in expression. They will wash your car on your birthday. Too much Earth brings stagnation and clinging to form.

5 Elements -- Water -- Primarily responsible for the physique, though its influence does not end there. Earth, as the densest element, has also the heaviest psychological influence. Our physical body demands the most attention when its needs arise. For example, no matter how enjoyable it may be talking to your best friend on the phone, you will only suppress the urge to go to the bathroom for so long before you relent. Psychologically, Earth is our practical nature, literally being “down to earth.? Earth connects us to the sense of smell. Ayurveda says anything we can smell contains Earth. Prominent planets in Earth signs will be sensual and hands on. They want to be useful and will work hard. They are practical in expression. They will wash your car on your birthday. Too much Earth brings stagnation and clinging to form.

A Moment of Yoga - 5 elements 2 - Starting with the grossest and moving toward the finest, the five elements are: Earth – Water – Fire – Air - Ether (space).

The Self has entered this body, this dense jumble. If a man finds him, recognizes him, He’s the maker of everything-the author of all! The world is his-he’s the world itself. - Brhadaranyaka Upanishad Spirit is called Purusha. When spirit takes form it is called prakriti. Every object as prakriti is an expression of purusha--Matter expressing Spirit. This world of Matter expressing Spirit is formed by the five elements; they are the building blocks of The Vedic Sciences. Their properties provide the archetypes that underpin all aspects of Vedic thinking. First we will examine the five elements, and then explore their evolution as affected by the three gunas (qualities of nature). Starting with the grossest and moving toward the finest, the five elements are: Earth – Water – Fire – Air - Ether (space).

A Moment of Yoga - Saraswati

A Moment of Yoga - Brahma

A Moment of Yoga -Lakshmi

DailyHoroscope - 10/21