Advanced
Yoga Practices
Plus
Glossary of Sanskrit Terms
This glossary of
Sanskrit terms (updated for AYP Plus) is designed primarily to support the Advanced Yoga
Practices lessons. Since the lessons were written with a mind to
simplify things, including minimizing the use of Sanskrit terms, this
glossary should not be considered to be a complete general purpose one
for use in academic studies. Nevertheless, there are over 100 Sanskrit
terms here. Nearly all of them are related in
some way to the conduct of yoga practices.
Advaita
- The same as vedanta, the monistic (non-dual) branch of Indian
philosophy discussed mainly in the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the
Brahma Sutra. Advaita upholds the oneness of God, soul and universe.
Advaita prescribes Self-Inquiry as a primary means for direct
realization of the Oneness of all, also called Unity. In the AYP
approach, Self-Inquiry is recommended once abiding inner silence (the
witness) has come up as a result of deep meditation and related
practices. In this way, inquiry occurs in stillness (relational), where
it will have the greatest effect on the progress of the aspirant. The
precepts and methods of Advaita, Vedanta and Jnana Yoga are synonymous.
Ajna
- Means, command. The sixth chakra, also known as the third eye,
encompasses the neuro-biology from the center of the brow to the center
of the head, and the medulla oblongata (brain stem). The third eye is
the command center controlling the ecstatic aspects of the enlightenment
process, which is the orderly awakening of kundalini.
Akasha
- Means, space. Inner, omnipresent space in particular. When used in
samyama, akasha reveals the body to be one and the same as inner space,
allowing it to be effortlessly transported anywhere.
Amaroli
- Urine therapy, an ancient spiritual practice described in the Hatha
Yoga Pradipika and the Damar Tantra.
Amrita
- Means, nectar. In yoga, most often associated with fragrant secretions
coming from the brain, down through the nasal pharynx and into the GI
(gastrointestinal) tract.
Anahata
- Means, unstruck sound. The fourth chakra located in the heart area.
This is where the yoga practitioner first experiences the vastness of
inner space, which is often filled with celestial sounds and other inner
sensory experiences.
Ananda
- Means, bliss. One of the three characteristics of sat-chit-ananda, our
blissful inner silence.
Asana
- Means, posture. The third limb of the eight limbs of yoga from the
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Asanas are used to physically loosen and open
the subtle nerves of the body, particularly the sushumna/spinal nerve.
Asanas are generally practiced immediately before pranayama and
meditation.
Ashtanga Yoga
- Means, eight limbed yoga. A system of yoga practices based on the
eight limbs of yoga from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Asvini Mudra
- A dynamic version of mulabandha (root lock), where the anal sphincter
muscle is gently flexed and released periodically. This happens
automatically as ecstatic conductivity rises in the nervous system.
Atman
- The immortal soul of a human being. The divine Self that exists in
every person. Upon beginning meditation, it is first experienced as
stillness, peaceful inner silence, and, later, as ecstatic bliss and
outpouring divine love.
Avatar
- Means, incarnation of God in human form. Also is regarded to mean a
spiritual savior of humankind. The birth of an avatar is sometimes
foretold beforehand, and he or she typically undergoes the trials of
achieving final enlightenment, and then takes on a mission to help many
others advance spiritually. Well known avatars in the East include
Krishna and Buddha, and in the West, Jesus. Many avatars have come to
earth, and most are little known. Everyone has the inherent ability to
become an avatar because everyone contains the same divine potential.
The primary mission of an avatar is to show us that this is so.
Ayurveda
- The ancient yoga-based system of medicine that focuses on balancing
the doshas (constitutional elements) and pranas (energies) in the body.
The great strength in this system is in the application of natural
modalities and preventive measures that pre-empt illnesses, or resolve
them before they can become chronic. Ayurveda can aid in resolving
imbalances and internal energy excesses that can crop up on the path of
yoga.
Bandha -
Means, lock. A fixed muscular position that is applied in the course of
yoga practices. Examples: mulabandha (root lock) and uddiyana bandha
(abdominal lock).
Basti
- Cleansing of the large
intestine (colon) with enema using a mild saline solution. This
facilitates the flow of ecstatic energy throughout the neurobiology,
once ecstatic conductivity (kundalini) has become active as a result of
other practices. Prior to that, basti may be used on occasion a health
aid, since many diseases originate in the colon. Obviously, diet plays a
role in this also.
Bastrika Pranayama
(also spelled Bhastrika) - Means, bellows breathing. A rapid (panting)
breathing technique used in advanced stages of yoga practice. In the AYP
lessons it is used while tracing up and down the spine with the
attention, and is called spinal bastrika pranayama.
Bhagavad Gita
- Means, song of God. The most widely read scripture in India, sometimes
referred to as the Hindu Bible. It is part of the much longer epic, the
Mahabharata, and details a dialog between Krishna and the great warrior,
Arjuna. In the Bhagavad Gita the path to enlightenment is described,
including many of the methods found in the AYP lessons.
Bhakti Yoga
- Bhakti means, love of God or love of Truth. The first manifestation of
this is desire for something more in life, for an ideal (ishta). Bhakti
yoga practice systematically channels desire and emotion toward the
practitioners highest ideal, beginning with the question, Why am I here?
and ending with ecstatic union with the divine within. All spiritual
seeking and practice is fueled by bhakti (spiritual desire).
Brahma Sutra
- A primary scripture of vedanta's non-dual philosophy. The others are
the Bhagavad Gita and the 108 Upanishads.
Brahmacharya
- Means, walking in Brahma or walking in the creative force of God.
Commonly interpreted to mean celibacy, but it means more that that. It
means preservation and cultivation of the vital force (sexual energy) in
the yoga practitioner, which can be accomplished by both celibates and
non-celibates through yogic methods.
Brahmari Pranayama
- Means, bee sound. A supplemental pranayama that involves using the
larynx (voice box, located below the epiglottis) to restrict the exit of
air on exhalation while making a sound deep in the throat like the high
pitched hum of a bee. This is a powerful stimulator of the OM vibration
emanating from the medulla oblongata (brain stem), and is most effective
once ecstatic conductivity has arisen in the nervous system. In AYP,
Brahmari optionally can be used instead of ujjayi during spinal
breathing pranayama.
Chakra
- Means, wheel. Chakras are neuro-biological/spiritual energy centers in
the human body, connected together by thousands of subtle nerves/nadis.
There are seven major chakras and numerous minor ones. The seven major
chakras are muladhara (perineum), svadhisthana (inner reproductive
organs), manipura (naval/solar plexus), anahata (heart), vishuddhi
(throat), ajna (brow to medulla) and sahasrar (crown).
Chit -
Means consciousness. One of the three characteristics of sat-chit-ananda,
our blissful inner silence.
Darshan
- Means, to see or experience. To see or experience the presence of ones
chosen ideal. It also means, generally, to be in the presence of and
receive spiritual energy from an enlightened person.
Dharana
- Means, focused attention. The sixth limb of the eight limbs of yoga
from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Dharana is the first stage of
meditation, and also of samyama, when the attention is focused in a
particular way on either a mantra or a sutra.
Dharma
- Means, that which sustains. In yoga, this refers to activity one does
in the world that is naturally supportive their spiritual evolution - ones
dharma. In Buddhism, this refers to the entire teaching of the Buddha -
the dharma.
Dhauti
- Cleansing of the entire
intestinal tract by ingesting a substantial measured quantity of saline
water, and expelling it through bowel movement. Like basti, this
facilities the advance of active ecstatic conductivity (kundalini)
within the GI tract. Dhauti taxes the neurobiology much more than basti,
and therefore should be used sparingly to achieve a positive effect.
Dhyana
- Means, meditation. The seventh limb of the eight limbs of yoga from
the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Meditation is the process of attention
expanding from focus on an object (like a mantra) to an unbounded
undifferentiated state of blissful awareness called samadhi. The process
of meditation, correctly practiced, leads to profound stillness and
purification in the human nervous system.
Doshas - The
three basic types of biological humors in Ayurvedic medicine, which
determine an individuals constitution: vata (movement), pitta (heat) and kapha (structure). The therapies of
Ayurveda promote balance of the doshas, which provides the foundation
for good physical and spiritual health.
Guru
- Means, dispeller of darkness. The guru is that within us, and also
reflected outside us, that leads us gradually toward the experience of
enlightenment. Our innate desire for Truth and God (bhakti) is the most
fundamental manifestation of the guru. There is a common belief that the
guru can only be found in the form of another person. In fact, it is the
inner guru that leads us to all other forms of the guru. We are never
more than a heartbeat away from the illuminating power of the guru.
Hatha Yoga
- Means, joining of the sun and moon. A system of yoga practice focusing
on purifying the nervous system through physical postures (asanas),
breath control (pranayama) and related means.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- A five hundred year old scripture by Svatmarama, detailing many of the
practices of Hatha Yoga.
Ida and Pingala
- Two of the primary spiritual nerves (nadis) in the body. Second in
importance only to the spinal nerve (sushumna).
Ishta
- Means, chosen ideal. Ishta is at the heart of bhakti yoga, and is that
which each person chooses as the ideal to inspire active engagement on
the spiritual path. The ishta can be as simple as the constant question,
Who am I? and its gradually unfolding answer. Or as complex as a guru in
human form. Any object or idea can serve as the touchstone for a persons
ishta statues, philosophical concepts, the beauty of nature, etc. What
all ishtas have in common is their ability to inspire the aspirant to
diligently pursue spiritual practices.
Jalandhara Bandha
- Means, chin lock. Practiced during certain stages of kumbhaka
(breath retention). A more advanced version in the AYP lessons is called
dynamic jalandhara, or chin pump.
Jala Neti - Nasal wash, which is passing
a saline solution through the nasal passages, using either a "neti pot,"
or by drawing the water directly up from a bowl through the nasal
passages and releasing out through the mouth. Jala neti aids in
promoting the function of ecstatic conductivity (kundalini) in the
delicate nasal passages and sinuses, and has a relationship with
sambhavi mudra, kechari mudra, and other methods designed to purify and
open the upper energy channels. Jala neti is also good for health,
particularly for sinus allergies, and may be used at any time with
little risk of undesirable side effects.
Jiva - The individual soul. Body and
ego-bound consciousness. An unenlightened human being.
Jivan Mukti
- A liberated soul, merged with the infinite. An enlightened, living
human being. One who has attained Christ consciousness.
Jnana (or Chin)
Mudra - The well-known hand mudra
where the thumbs and index fingers of both hands are joined to form
circles with hands resting, palms upward or downward, on the knees
during sitting practices. This mudra is more effect than cause, since it
arises automatically with the awakening of kundalini energy in the
nervous system.
Jnana Yoga
- Path of
knowledge.
A system of yoga practice based on inquiry and intuitive reasoning.
Jnana yoga is commonly misunderstood to be the collection of
intellectual knowledge about spiritual matters. In reality, it is a
close cousin of bhakti yoga, where the mind and heart both melt in the
tapas (heat) of the ever-penetrating inquiry, Who am I? Jnana yoga is
also closely related to samyama, where intention and inquiry are
released in stillness, resulting in stillness flowing outward, which is
the realization of the oneness of Self and all things – Unity.
Jyotish
- The Indian system of astrology.
Kama Sutra
- An ancient guidebook on social and sexual relations between men and
women. While it is commonly believed in the West to be a tantric
scripture, the Kama Sutra does not contain the core principles or sexual
techniques of tantra yoga, which are embodied in brahmacharya the
preservation and cultivation of sexual energy by celibate or
non-celibate tantric methods.
Kapalbhati
- Means "shining forehead" or
"luminous face." Kapalbhati is a traditional shatkarma. It is a
pranayama technique, where the breath is taken in normally and suddenly
expelled through the nose or mouth (with pursed lips). This practice
increases air pressure in the nasal pharynx and sinuses in short bursts,
providing a cleansing of the brain and upper body. The effects of
kapalbhati are similar to bastrika pranayama.
Karma - Means, action and its
effects. This is the idea that our past actions have created current
tendencies, limitations and opportunities
in the present. This is sometimes referred to as the law of karma. In
Christian theology, it is contained in the phrase, As you sow, so shall
you reap. Karma is the basis for the doctrine of reincarnation, and the
idea that dissolving stored karma (samskaras) in the nervous system
through yoga practices will unfold more happiness in this life, the next
life, and eventually lead the soul to eternal life in the higher realms,
freed from the necessity of taking human birth.
Karma Yoga
- The path of action. This is the spiritual method of acting in the
world in a spirit of service (seva), while systematically letting go of
the expectation to receive anything in return, thereby promoting a
positive cycle of causes and effects. Living a lifestyle of karma yoga
emerges naturally as yoga practices have been engaged in over a period
of time. Some are born with the gift of karma yoga, and spend their
lives lifting up all of humanity (and themselves) through their good
works. Everyone can develop a natural tendency toward karma yoga
(service), and freedom from suffering in this life, through the use of
effective sitting practices. In doing so, karma is transformed to a
higher purpose through an unending flow outpouring divine love.
Kechari Mudra (also
spelled Khechari) -
Means, to fly through (inner) space. Kechari is the practice of raising the
tongue to the soft palate, and eventually above it into the spiritually
erogenous nasal pharynx. This closes a neurological circuit in the body,
enabling ecstatic energy to flow between the pelvic region and the head.
Kechari, practiced in coordination with sambhavi and other yoga methods,
leads to opening of the ecstatic celestial realms within the heart, and
throughout the subtle levels of the nervous system.
Kirtan
- Devotional chanting. Through a combination of bhakti (devotion), mantra
repetition, and pranayama, the practice of kirtan can significantly enhance
ecstatic conductivity and inner silence. Chanting kirtans in groups can also
strengthen the beneficial effects and power of group spiritual
consciousness.
Kriya Yoga -
Means, the yoga of techniques. It comes in many forms through the various
traditional lines of teaching. The main teachings of kriya yoga focus on
pranayama, with spinal breathing being the core practice. Kriya yoga also
utilizes many of the methods of hatha yoga.
Kumbhaka
- Means, suspension of breath. The breath is held in (internal kumbhaka) and
out (external kumbhaka) at different times during yoga practices. When
practiced in conjunction with other yogic methods, such as mudras and
bandhas, kumbhaka plays an important role in awakening the kundalini energy
located in the pelvic region. Kumbhaka also occurs spontaneously at times
during yoga practices, especially during deep meditation when the metabolism
comes to a near standstill.
Kundalini
- Means, coiled serpent. A metaphorical word and concept used to describe
the latent and active states of sexual energy in the overall process of
human spiritual transformation. When kundalini is awakened, it is the
activation of sexual energy in the pelvic region in an upward flowing
direction, permeating the entire nervous system with great transforming
power. The feminine name, Shakti, is often used interchangeably with
kundalini once the energy becomes dynamic. In the Christian tradition, it is
called the Holy Spirit.
Kundalini Yoga
- A system of practices designed primarily to awaken kundalini energy
throughout the body. Techniques used are taken mainly from hatha yoga,
focusing more on the use of pranayama, kumbhaka, and mudras and bandhas, and
less on asanas, meditation, samyama and self-inquiry.
Lingam - The
male sexual organ, both literally and energetically as the Shiva power in
the yogic merging of Shiva and Shakti energies throughout the nervous
system.
Maha Mudra -
Means, great seal. An advanced yoga asana designed to purify and open the
sushumna (spinal nerve).
Mahabharata
- The great epic poem of India covering the life of Krishna and a war
between two rival families, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The Bhagavad Gita
is part of the Mahabharata.
Mala
- A string of beads (like a rosary) containing 108 beads, used for counting
repetitions of spiritual practice. Also sometimes worn for ceremonial and
devotional purposes.
Manipura
- Meaning, city of gems. The third chakra, located in the naval/solar plexus
area, associated with digestion, including the higher metabolism associated
with the production of enlightenment-promoting organic compounds in the GI
(gastrointestinal) tract that radiate sparkling energy. Hence the reference
to gems.
Mantra - A
specially chosen syllable or series of syllables that is used in the
practice of deep meditation.
Mantra Yoga
- A system of yoga practice based on mental techniques that utilize mantras
and sutras.
Maya - Means,
illusion. Refers to the illusory nature of the world experienced by an
unenlightened person. Acts of ignorance and death are regarded as part of
maya. An enlightened person has a different experience, seeing maya as a
play (lila) on the infinite, immortal field of pure bliss consciousness,
which is known to be ones Self. Though an enlightened person is affected by
acts of ignorance and death on the earth plane, he or she lives a radiant
reality that is forever untouched by maya. That is the outcome of yoga a
purified nervous system that has been opened to the infinite within pure
bliss consciousness and outpouring divine love.
Moksha -
Enlightenment. Liberation in this life in the form of ongoing ecstatic bliss
and outpouring divine love. Freedom from the wheel of birth and death.
Mudra
- Means, seal. Various physical postures and maneuvers that direct ecstatic
energy toward higher levels of manifestation in the nervous system.
Mulabandha
(also spelled Mula or Moola Bandha) - Means, root lock. Systematic stimulation of
sexual energy upward in the nervous system during yoga practices through
gentle compression of the anal sphincter muscle.
Muladhara
- Means, root or foundation. The first chakra, located at the perineum,
where kundalini energy is first awakened.
Nada Yoga
- A path of yoga utilizing naturally occurring inner sound
(such as OM) as the object of meditation. Since the natural occurrence of
inner sound may not be consistent at any particular time in a practitioner,
or among any number of practitioners, the consistency and effectiveness of
nada yoga will also vary widely. In the AYP approach, nada may be heard in
the form of inner sounds and vibrations (particularly OM), often accompanied
by blissful ecstatic energy flow. The advice in such cases is to favor the
procedure of the practice we may be doing at the time, since it is the
practice that is producing the experience. In the case of AYP, nada (inner
sound) is effect rather than cause.
Nadi
- Means, "channel." Nadis are the subtle
(spiritual) nerves corresponding with the physical nerves. There are
thousands of nadis in the body, but only a few are deliberately purified and
opened to achieve the broad effects of yoga throughout the entire nervous
system.
Nadi Shodana
- A simple and relaxing form of pranayama involving use of the fingers to
achieve alternate nostril breathing. In its more advanced forms,
combined with the use of kumbhaka, mudras and bandhas, nadi shodana can
become a very powerful pranayama.
Nauli
- Means, to churn. A yoga practice involving the twirling of the abdominal
muscles first in one direction, and then the other. This practice stimulates
the higher functioning of the digestive system and raises kundalini. It is
often included as part of a routine of asanas (postures).
Niyama
- Means, observance. The second limb of the eight limbs of yoga from the
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The niyamas are aspects of conduct that support
the process of human spiritual transformation. They are saucha (purity and
cleanliness), samtosa (contentment), tapas (heat/focus/austerity), svadhyaya
(study of spiritual writings and self) and isvara pranidhana (surrender to
the divine).
Ojas - A
luminous substance/energy that ecstatically permeates the human body as
sexual energy is cultivated and refined to a higher spiritual purpose.
OM
- (also spelled AUM) The most sacred mantra syllable in India, and found in
other cultures as well. The primordial vibration of God in human beings. OM
is used alone and with other syllables for meditation. As yoga practices
advance, OM can be heard as a natural spiritual vibration emanating
ecstatically from the medulla oblongata (brain stem). The medulla, which is
part of the ajna/third eye, is also called, the mouth of God.
Padmasana
- Means lotus posture. A way of sitting for pranayama and meditation that
involves crossing the legs and resting both feet on top of the opposite thighs.
Prana - Means,
first unit. Prana is the first manifestation of consciousness in the nervous
system. It is experienced as moving energy, and it is moved in yoga
practices to advance the process of human spiritual transformation.
Pranayama
- Means, restraint of prana. Prana is the first manifestation of
consciousness in the body, and can be encouraged toward higher spiritual
expression. This is accomplished with the breath through a variety of
pranayama (breathing) practices to stimulate the flow of prana in the body.
Pranayama cultivates the subtle nerves (nadis), making the nervous system a
much more receptive vehicle for meditation.
Prasad
- A spiritual offering or gift offered to ones ishta, guru, or teacher,
which is returned bearing a spiritual blessing.
Pratyahara
- Means, withdrawal. Withdrawal of the primary focus of attention on the
external senses. This is caused by the expansion of inner sensuality due to
yoga practices and the awakening of ecstatic conductivity. The attention is
naturally drawn inward to more enjoyable levels of inner experience. Over
time, inner sensuality expands back out into sensory perception of the
everyday world. Pratyahara (the withdrawal) is the first step on the journey
of attention going inward toward divine perception, and then back outward
again to divine perception everywhere.
Raja Yoga
- Means, royal yoga. A name given to the systematic application of the
practices contained in the eight limbs of yoga described in the Yoga Sutras
of Patanjali.
Rishi - Means,
seer. One who has raised ecstatic conductivity (kundalini) in the nervous
system and experiences refined sensory perception inside and outside the
body. Then the relationship of consciousness and prana (refined energy) can
be observed directly. Hence the term seer. Rishi is also a general term that
is used describe a sage, sadhu, hermit, or mendicant.
Ramayama - A
great epic poem of India, telling the story of Rama and the path of right
action the Dharma.
Sadhana - The
regular practice of spiritual disciplines.
Sadhu
- An ascetic practitioner of yoga. A mendicant. A holy person.
Sahasrar
- Means, thousand-petaled lotus. The seventh chakra, located at the crown
of the head (corona radiata). Awakening and entering it leads to the merging
of individual consciousness with infinite divine consciousness. Awakening
the sahasrar prematurely leads to many troubles in a nervous system that has
not been sufficiently purified beforehand. Awakening the ajna (third eye)
first prepares the nervous system, while at the same time slowly and
indirectly opening the sahasrar with much greater safety.
Samadhi
- Absorption in the inner silence of pure bliss consciousness. The repeated
destination of meditation, and, ultimately, a state which is sustained
throughout daily living. This is the eighth limb of the eight limbs of yoga
described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Sambhavi Mudra
- The practice of lifting the eyes to the point between the eyebrows while
slightly furrowing the brow, producing physical stimulation back through the
brain to the medulla oblongata (brain stem). When used in coordination with
other yoga practices, sambhavi is a primary means for purifying and opening
the ajna (third eye). This is first experienced as an ecstatic connection
between the head and the pelvic region.
Samkhya
- The dualistic branch of Indian philosophy which is closely integrated with
yoga. In it, unmanifest pure bliss consciousness and the manifest universe
are seen as two sides of the whole of life, and can be experienced as one by
the yogi and yogini. This two becoming one is the intersection of the dual (samkhya/yoga)
and non-dual (vedanta/advaita) philosophies if India. It is through yoga
practice and direct experience that the apparent inconsistency is resolved.
Samyama
- A practice which utilizes the characteristics of the last three limbs of
the eight limbs of yoga in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - dharana (focus),
dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption in inner silence). Through the
initiation of sutras (particular words and phrases with meaning), in the
quietest levels of awareness, consciousness is moved through the nervous
system with great purifying effects. Samyama is the source of miraculous
powers exhibited by human beings. These are called siddhis, and are effects
rather than causes of rising enlightenment, and are best regarded as such.
Samyama is also a primary constituent of the direct realization of the
non-dual (advaita) nature of existence, where all actions is seen to be
emanating from stillness, the One. All thinking and feeling is then a
process of samyama.
Sanskrit
- The ancient language of Indian spiritual culture (the vedas) and of the
great scriptures that have emanated from it.
Sat
- Means eternal existence. One of the three characteristics of Sat-chit-ananda,
our blissful inner silence. It is that in us which never dies.
Sat-Chit-Ananda
- Means, eternal bliss consciousness. Inner silence. Immortal Self. Pure
bliss consciousness. The witness. the Tao. God the Father. It is that in us
which is our self-awareness in every moment. Through yoga practices, our
nervous system is cultivated toward its natural evolutionary transformation
to provide the direct, permanent experience of this, our essential nature.
Satsang
- Means, association with truth. Keeping company with those of high
spiritual aspiration. Also, association with enlightened persons. Bible: If
two or more are gathered in my name I will be there in their midst. Any
contact or communication with others on matters pertaining to human
spiritual evolution will stimulate the inner energies of bhakti. Reading
spiritual writings can be a form of satsang also.
Shakti
- The dynamic, feminine creative force in the human body and in nature.
Shakti is awakened kundalini. In order to create, Shakti must merge with her
counterpart, Shiva, who is the silent seed behind all manifestation. The
movement of kundalini/Shakti in the human nervous system is toward that end,
and yoga practices are designed to facilitate the union of Shiva and Shakti
everywhere in the body, leading ultimately to an ecstatic overflowing from
the head down to the melting heart. The Christian name for Shakti energy is
the Holy Spirit.
Shaktipat - The
awakening of the Shakti/kundalini power in an aspirant by a guru or
spiritual teacher. While this may have benefit, the ultimate responsibility
for spiritual progress remains with the aspirant, who can carry the process
forward through the conduct of daily yoga practices.
Shatkarmas - Neurobiological cleansing techniques of yoga. Traditional shatkarmas include Jala Neti (nasal wash), Basti (colon cleansing/enema), Dhauti (intestinal wash), Nauli (churning of the abdominal muscles), Kapalbhati (sudden exhale, a nerve cleansing pranayama method), and Trataka (an eye/attention gazing method).
Shiva
- In yoga, Shiva is analogous with inner silence, the silent, blissful
aspect of experience gained through meditation and other yoga practices.
Shiva is the silent seed from which all is manifested, and to which all must
return. It is the blending of inner silence (Shiva) and the dynamic ecstatic
energy (kundalini/Shakti) in the body that produces enlightenment in the
human nervous system. In Hinduism, Shiva is personified in the trinity of
Brahma (creator), Vishnu (sustainer) and Shiva (dissolver/destroyer) and
plays a major role in the religious heritage and customs of the culture. The
Christian equivalent of Shiva is God the Father.
Siddhasana
- Means posture of the perfected ones or perfect posture. A way of sitting
for pranayama and meditation that involves crossing the legs and sitting
with the perineum firmly on the heel of one foot. This seat provides
stimulation of sexual energy upward through the nervous system, ultimately
creating a constant fountain of ecstasy throughout practices. Over time,
siddhasana, practiced in coordination with other yoga methods, will lead to
ecstasy naturally being experienced throughout daily life. This is so
because the nervous system can be cultivated to naturally sustain a
condition of ecstatic conductivity. This is one of the primary prerequisites
for enlightenment.
Siddhi - Means,
perfection. Siddhis refer to powers, which result as a by-product of yogic
purification occurring in the nervous system on the path to enlightenment.
This is especially so in Samyama practice, which cultivates the movement of
consciousness in the nervous system in particular ways for the purpose of
enhanced purification and opening to the divine within.
Soma
- A substance produced in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract that greatly
enhances the processes of yoga. Soma arises from the alchemy of food, air
and sexual essences blending naturally in the digestive tract, giving rise
to a luminosity that begins in the belly and travels throughout the body.
The production of soma is stimulated by kumbhaka (suspended breath) and
mudras and bandhas, and is closely related to the raising of kundalini
energy. Soma is also a hallucinogenic plant in India, which is referred to
in the ancient Vedas.
Sri Vidya
- Means, glorious knowledge. In tantra it is the scriptural and experiential
fruition of human evolution. Sri vidya is ecstatic bliss and outpouring
divine love, expressed through the enlightened nervous system, and in the
mathematical precision of the ancient Sri Yantra diagram.
Sri Yantra
(or Sri Chakra) - Means, glorious diagram or glorious wheel. Represents the
spiritual structure of the human nervous system and the universe.
Mathematically, the Sri Yantra recreates the wave pattern formed by the
vibration of OM, the sacred sound that resonates naturally within the human
nervous system as purification and opening occur.
Sushumna
- The spinal nerve that extends from the perineum to the head. It is the
most important spiritual nerve (nadi) in the body. By purifying and opening
the sushumna, the entire nervous system is transformed to higher spiritual
functioning. All of the practices in yoga are designed to cultivate, in one
way or another, the purification and opening of the sushumna.
Sutra
- Means, stitch. A short verse containing potent spiritual knowledge. When a
group of such short verses are brought together, they stitch together the
whole of knowledge. Particular sutras can be used for the purpose of
structured samyama practice, as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
The use of sutras in samyama can have dramatic effects on the course of the
enlightenment process in the nervous system, and can also lead to the
manifestation of siddhis (powers).
Svadisthana
- Means, dwelling place. This is the second chakra, located in the area of
the internal reproductive organs. It is the dwelling place of the great
storehouse of pranic energy, the sexual vitality. Once activated, vast
energy flows up from there and spiritually illuminates the entire nervous
system.
Swami - Means,
master or owner. A title given to indicate a teacher who is enlightened.
More commonly, it is a title given to indicate rank in the religious
hierarchy, like the title of priest, rabbi, or mullah.
Tantra Yoga
- Tantra means, two woven together. The meaning is similar to that of yoga,
to join. Tantra is the broadest known system of yoga, encompassing the
methods of all other systems. While tantra includes the eight limbs of yoga
from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, it goes beyond them by addressing sexual
practices that have been controversial for hundreds of years. Hence, tantra
has been known as the yoga of sex. But sex is only an aspect of the whole of
tantra, so the label is misleading. Tantra is concerned with meditation,
pranayama, mudras, bandhas, asanas and every other useful practice in yoga,
including methods that promote the expansion of sexual energy upward to
facilitate the enlightenment process.
Tapas
- Means, heat or intensity. This is an aspect of bhakti (devotional desire),
which determines the spiritual force behind the desire for union with the
divine, and enlightenment. Tapas is commonly associated with austerity and
self-sacrifice (sometimes extreme) in spiritual practices. There is no
standard to meet for tapas. Each aspirant will experience and apply tapas in
their own way.
Trataka
- Means,
steady gazing," and involves fixing the gaze on an object and continuing
this for a period of time. This aids in purifying the inner machinery of
attention. Traditionally, trataka is done with the eyes on an external
object, such as a candle, wall (common in Buddhism), or other object. In the
AYP approach, inner objects such as mantra and spinal nerve are used with enhanced effects. In this ways
all external objects naturally become objects of trataka, as they come to be
seen with the unblinking eye of abiding inner silence (the witness).
Turiya
- Means, the fourth state. This is
the experience of inner silence cultivated in meditation. It is called
turiya because it is distinct from the first three states of consciousness
waking, dreaming
and deep dreamless sleep. As yoga practices advance, turiya gradually comes
to coexist as a constant condition during the other three states of
consciousness. It is the beginning stage of enlightenment. In that
situation, one is never unconscious, whether awake, dreaming, or in deep
sleep. That is called witnessing.
Uddiyana
- Means, to fly up. A yoga practice involving the lifting of the abdomen
with the diaphragm while the lungs are empty. This practice stimulates the
higher functioning of the digestive system and raises kundalini. It is also
a preparation for Nauli practice.
Ujjayi Pranayama
- This is an additional practice that is done during spinal breathing and
other pranayamas. It involves partially closing the epiglottis (the windpipe
door we hold our breath with) while exhaling during pranayama, making a fine
hissing sound deep in the throat. This creates additional air pressure in
the lungs and pranic pressure throughout the nervous system. It also creates
a fine vibration deep in the throat that assists in purifying and opening
the neuro-biology in the chest, throat and head.
Upanishads
- Commentaries on the Vedas, written in dialog form, forming the basis for
vedantas non-dual philosophy. There are 108 principal Upanishads.
Vajroli Mudra
- A practice enabling a man or woman to draw ejaculative or pre-ejaculative
sexual emissions up the urethra and into the bladder. It is performed using
uddiyana/nauli and mulabandha/asvini, sometimes combined with conscious
control of the ejaculation process. The vajroli effect can also be
accomplished by physically blocking ejaculations with the finger pressing on
the urethra behind the pelvic bone. In ongoing yoga practice, vajroli has
the greatest significance as it evolves naturally to become an automatic
biological function in connection with an awakened kundalini. In this case,
vajroli is preorgasmic, and provides a constant drawing up of sexual
essences into the bladder, GI (gastrointestinal) tract, spinal nerve and
other components of the spiritual biology. As the nervous system evolves to
become constantly ecstatic, vajroli becomes a constant natural function. The
rise of natural vajroli is an important part of the fulfillment of the role
of brahmacharya the preservation and cultivation of sexual energy.
Veda
- Means, knowledge. The Vedas are the most ancient scriptures of India,
preserved through oral and written tradition for 5000 years. There are four
Vedas: Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva.
Vedanta
- Means, the end of the Veda. The monistic (non-dual) branch of Indian
philosophy discussed mainly in the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the
Brahma Sutra.
Vigyan Bhairav Tantra
- An ancient tantric scripture that identifies many of the methods of yoga
practice, including the essential principle involved in tantric sex the
preservation and cultivation of sexual energy.
Vishuddhi
- Means, purity. The fifth chakra, located at the throat. This is a gateway
for pranic energy to rise into the head. It is also a key center for speech
and communications. With daily yoga practices, purification and opening
occur naturally in the throat. The internal and external expressions of
energy open up simultaneously.
Yama
- Means, restraint. The first limb of the eight limbs of yoga from the Yoga
Sutras of Patanjali. The yamas are aspects of conduct that support the
process of human spiritual transformation. They are ahimsa (non-violence),
satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (preservation and
cultivation of sexual energy) and aparigraha (non-covetousness).
Yoga
- Means, to join, or union. The vast field of knowledge and practices
concerned with promoting the evolutionary process of human spiritual
transformation. The methods of yoga are many and diverse. Yet, all are
connected by virtue of their common denominator, the human nervous system.
All of yoga is derived from the innate ability for divine unfoldment
contained within every person.
Yoga Nidra
- Means, yogic sleep. It is the state of remaining conscious during deep
sleep. It can be cultivated by specific techniques. It also arises naturally
as one advances in daily yoga practices. In that case it is called turiya"
(the fourth state), or the witness.
Yoga Sutras
- Means, stitches of union. The most famous scripture on yoga, written by
Patanjali about 500 years ago. The Yoga Sutras contain the main elements of
yoga practice (the eight-limbed path, plus samyama), and detailed
descriptions of the experiences that are encountered on the road to
enlightenment, and at the destination. The Yoga Sutras are a measuring rod
by which all spiritual paths can be measured for completeness.
Yogi
- A male practitioner of yoga.
Yogini
- A female practitioner of yoga.
Yoni
- Means, womb or origin. It is the female sexual organ, both literally and
energetically as the Shakti power in the yogic merging of Shiva and Shakti
energies throughout the nervous system.
Yoni Mudra
- A yoga practice that purifies and opens the ajna (third eye), and
stimulates kundalini/Shakti energy to rise from the pelvic region, up the
sushumna (spinal nerve) to the ajna, and permeate the entire nervous system.
Yuga
- An age, or era, determined through astronomical calculations of the earths
position over time in relation the sun, planets and constellations. The
concept of a yuga is from jyotish (Indian astrology). The concept of ages
also exists in Western astrology. Yugas depict rising and falling human
spiritual sensitivities over long periods of time, in a repeating cycle that
goes round and round over thousands (or millions) of years. Astrologers
utilizing various mathematical approaches do not agree on the length of the
overall cycle, on the length of the yugas/ages, or on what yuga/age we are
in right now. It is a subject of debate. Suffice to say, history records
that spiritual sensitivities and knowledge have been slowly on the rise over
at least the past 100 years, so perhaps those who say we are entering (or
have entered) an age of enlightenment are right. There is still much
darkness in the world, but the light of yoga and rising human enlightenment
are becoming stronger every day.
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