Hari Om
~~~~~~~
Hello sadhu's (or those on the spiritual pursuit).
One main lesson on AYP is on opening the heart chakra.
This is a wonderful thing to consider.
http://www.aypsite.com/plus/220.htmlYogani discusses the Ishtadevata in that particular post.
Not many of us in the West know our ishtadevata. If we are
Christians , Jesus is perfect; if we are from India or
Santana Dharma (~ Hinduism) some know their ishta and some
do not, yet many are aware of Sri Ram, Sri Krsna, Sri Nharmasima,
Siva, etc.
IF one was interested in finding thier ishta, one could look to
a practicing Jyotisha (~ astrologer) and they can assist.
Now, if one pursues this, let me recommend that you ask the
Jytotisha to view the Navamsa ( 9th divisional) chart for this info.
Many Jyotisha's just deal with the birth chart ( rasi chart) and
look to the 9th house... Not a bad first start, but a better selection is advised by Maharshi Jaimini in his Upadasa sutras.
I mention this in case you pursue and the astrologer you talk to needs the audit trail behind this recommendation.... this comes from my teacher and paramapra (or my teacher's lineage). Marharshi Jaimini, for those inquisitive minds, was a student of Veda Vyasa, one of the greatest rishi's in the rishi tradition, who in part was the son of Parasara, considered the father of Joytish and all astrology.
This then may assist you to the Heart Chakra technique via the ishtadevata.
Regards,
Frank In San Diego