Month: April 2021

How to practice Hatha Yoga in the Himalayan Tradition?

Posted on by Mandala

Question

I am reaching out in regard to the Hatha sequencing and warm-up stretching I did daily while at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG). I really enjoyed the teaching and how the lessons were put together. While I do recall some of the general postures, I was wondering if someone might be able to share names of asanas that the lessons were structured around, so I can look into them in more depth, please? Any background on the yoga classes, postures, and sequencing would be greatly appreciated.

Answers

Swami Ritavan Bharati and Carolyn Hume have answered this question.

From Swami Ritavan Bharati

Please refer to these books:

  1. Exercises for Joints and Glands as taught by Swami Rama. This is published by the Himalayan Institute. (This also comes as a DVD.)
  2. Philosophy of Hatha Yoga by Swami Veda Bharati (Sometimes the author is listed as Usharbudh Arya, which was Swami Veda’s pre-sanyas name.). This is published by the Himalayan Institute.
  3. Yoga: Mastering the Basics by Rolf Sovik and Sandra Anderson. This is published by the Himalayan Institute. 
  4. Holistic Living Manual by Prakash Keshaviah, Ph.D. This is published by Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust.
  5. Yogic Practices of the Himalayan Tradition: As Taught by H.H. Swami Rama of the Himalayas by Prakash Keshaviah, Ph.D. This is published by Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust.

In addition, you can ask teachers at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama.

From Carolyn Hume

There are also the books Hatha Yoga Manual I by Samskrti and Veda and Hatha Yoga Manual II by Samskrti and Franks. Both are published by the Himalayan Institute Press.

All of these books are available through Amazon and also other book sellers. They should give you some idea of hatha as taught within our tradition.

Editor’s Note

If you have any questions about your spiritual practice, you may write to the AHYMSIN Spiritual Committee at adhyatmasamiti@gmail.com.

3 Prime Conditionings

Posted on by Mandala

You all want to know that reality or truth which is eternal; you want to experience that state of peace and equilibrium that is your essential nature. And yet the mind and personality prevent you from experiencing that finest level of yourself – the Center of Consciousness within. In the ancient teachings it is said that time, space, and causation are the three primary conditionings or filters that affect the mind; however, you can lead your mind beyond these conditions. Time is the most powerful of all the “filters” that condition the mind. It is a powerful filter of reality. For example, perhaps you are very sad today, but even then, a time comes during the day when you laugh. Or perhaps today you have been laughing and feeling good; still a time will come when you will feel sad. Thus, time affects your mind. Every state of mind is transitory and limited by time.

It is important to understand and recognize how time affects the mind. You can better understand the effect of time by considering the nature of space. If you can fully understand how space is created, then time will no longer deter you; you will go beyond both time and space. For example, if I draw two lines, then there is a space between the first line and another. If there is no space, there is only One; then where is time? Time and space exist only when there is division, when you are divided within yourself. When you are One with yourself, the Self of all, then time, space, and causation – the three conditions and limitations of the mind – are left behind and you go forward to a higher experience.

Editor’s Note

This is an excerpt from The Art of Joyful Living by Swami Rama. Chapter “Knowing Your Own True Self,” Pages 1 – 2 in the 1989 edition.

Although this book is out of print, for all other Swami Rama’s and Swami Veda Bharati’s published works, please email hyptbooks@gmail.com

Published works of Swami Rama and Swami Veda Bharati are also available at other venues.

Easter Message

Posted on by ahymsin

Blessings of Grace and Transformation at this special time of atonement and redemption. May God’s grace be with you and your family throughout the year with well-being, peace, and contentment.

Many of us relate to the beauty and awe of these ceremonies and celebrations. Of all the Christian Liturgies, the Eastertide liturgies are the most sacred and mysterious in their symbolism and meaning. We are so fortunate that Swami Rama and Swami Veda gave such extensive commentaries on the Christian Scriptures to understand these layers of meanings and levels of experience for all of us.

Through prayer, meditation, and contemplation we come to understand Christ-Consciousness, and realize Truth. Through atonement, abandonment (death), resurrection (transformation), and redemption, we discover the path and purpose of life and sadhana. May we continue in our evolution with victory over death, and liberation over ignorance to awaken (muksheeya), the Oneness of our true nature, and the Eternal Presence of Being.

with gratitude and blessings of the Lineage,
Swami Ritavan