Shaktiananda Yoga and the Seven Principles
1.) Goal. The teachings of Shaktiananda Yoga are for Self-discovery of the true inner nature of wholeness, the origin of eternal truth, beauty, eternal happiness, and bliss, and Self-realization. Shaktiananda Yoga practice is a way of life for the yogin (male) or yogini (female); both who may go on to become swamis or sages. The yoga path is about concentrating on the true inner nature, which is love itself, beyond limitation.
The goal of all yoga is to achieve the constant meditative state of samadhi which is an inner soul experience. This happens when the ego (little self) which feels separated from God is surrendered through devotion to God. The focus of concentration and identification with the Divine monad (higher Self) produces a state of bliss in Self-realization. The male and female polarities become balanced; the yang and yin and this develops into the experience of samadhi. In this state, oneness with God and also the Goddess is experienced. God as pure energy; Alpha and Omega. Yoga is not a manmade religion. Yoga goes beyond religion and is complimentary to all religions. Yoga is the “Science of Religion”. The word religion really means to “realize” or to discover the true inner source. This is accomplished through personal experience in communion with God. This is Self-discovery and Self-awareness which manifest as Self-realization of the soul.
2.) Spiritual Study in ShaktianandaYoga is included. Shaktiananda in Sanskrit means to love Divine Mother is Bliss: Shakti; Divine Mother, Ananda; bliss. Yoga in Sanskrit;Yug; means joining or union with the Creator.
The Shaktiananda Yoga method could be described as a way of teaching and practicing Yoga where the student is constantly reminded that their true Self is happiness, and Love itself. Through loving the Divine Mother oneness with the Divine Father unfolds as a complete oneness in the Goddess and God; yin and yang; female principle and male principle of the Divine Creator of all manifestation. The inner space is in complete oneness and harmony with the geometric pattern of Divinity.
Shaktiananda Yoga includes teachings of the Brotherhood of the White Light, including the Himalayan Masters in ancient Sanskrit Mantras, texts as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita, Ascended and Unascended Masters, Elohim, Archangels and Elementals.
3.) Devotional Practice of Shaktiananda Yoga is the opportunity to offer our gratitude and love to the Divine Source of our existence. When we combine Bhakti (devotional) Yoga with daily Asana practice, our experience becomes more meaningful and satisfying. The postures assumed in practice are expressions of the infinite possibilities imagined by God. Some Asanas mimic the shape of animals, while others honor Great Beings of Light. Practicing the Asanas produces the energy and spirit of those beings. The body becomes connected to the earth, providing stability and foundation to lift the spirit upward. The flow of energy in Asanas establishes the energy between the temporal and the spiritual.
4.) Instruction of the Shaktiananda Yoga technique is learned by students through each and every movement. Shaktiananda Yoga technique is more therapeutic than a full body massage, releasing the stored and blocked energy of both body and mind. Asanas are meditative postures and cultural postures for body control to connect with the inner space; ‘I Am That I Am’ (as above, so below). Through Yoga practice the student establishes a grounded relationship to the earth. Shaktiananda Yoga classes are for all ages and levels including meditation instruction and Sanskrit Mantras chanted in the traditional way.
Meditation instruction is included. The student develops control to sit in a comfortable position for an extended period of time, holding still, and concentrating the mind. When concentration is mastered a meditative state in the inner space will naturally unfold. The goal of meditation is to unite with God/dess. Experiences of Samadhi and Enlightenment unfold as the student progresses.
5.) Energy (Light of God) vibrates which is called nada or nadam, cosmic music. Vibration (Sound of God) produces sound waves. Plato called it the “Music of the Spheres”. OM is the original sound from the Absolute consciousness; the I Am That I Am; that all language, sound, and music come from. OM is the home and the seed consciousness of all existence. OM (AUM in Sanskrit) is a mixture of:
“A” – manifestation, “U” – growth, “M” – perfection and completion. The Mantra OM is chanted at the beginning and end of each Shaktiananda Yoga Class. The aim of Hatha Yoga practice, according to the ancient scriptures, is to hear the sound of OM internally. Your Guru will help you experience the sound of OM.
6.) Hatha Yoga. Ha: Sun; Tha: moon; Yug: joining; Hath: tied to a post attained through physical practice toward a spiritual goal. All physical Shaktiananda Yoga practices include Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Tantra Yoga, and Kriya Yoga.
7.) Guru means teacher, the dispeller of darkness. The male teacher is called Gurudeva, and the female teacher is called Gurudevi. The Guru helps you discover who you really are. The Guru can hold the balance for your soul and your personal karma on inner levels as you progress on the path. G U R U – Gee You Are You. The Guru is a mirror reflecting your true Self; your soul’s inner blueprint of individuality of your causal body; your own I am Presence. The goal of Self-realization is to awaken to your inner higher Self; your own Christ Self and I Am Presence; your inner Guru.
G O D is the Geometry Of Divinity.
