Today and tomorrow MahaShivaratri ( the festival of “the Night of Shiva”)  is celebrated with great fervor in honour of the Lord of The Yogis and one of the deities of the Trimurti,the Hindu Trinity. Shivaratri falls on New Moon on the month of February/March. Shivaratri is the celebration of the day and night when Shiva saved the universe. 

Shiva Statue on the banks of the Ganges , Rishikesh India. Photo courtesy of Kishan Shah

One of the legends from the Purana goes that during the churnig of the milky ocean in search for the pot of nectar of immortality, the devas ( deities, semi-gods) and the asuras ( demons) witnessed the surfacing od a pot of poison Hala hala and they were terrified by this event as the poison could have destroyed the entire manifested universe. They swiftly went looking for help to Lord Shiva. He drank the terrible poison to save creation and all living beings. Lord Shiva did not swallow the poison but he kept it in his throat and that caused him to turn blue. From this episode Shiva gets his attribute Nila Kantha that means the one with the blue throat.

Shiva drinking of the Hala hala

Moreover the night when Shiva drank the poison he was suggested to keep awake. The Gods helped him to keep awake by performing dances and playing music.Therefore on Shivaratri devotees observe day and night fast and they perform puja to the Shiva Lingam (male symbol ). They meditate and sing praises to Lord Shiva.

How do we relate to such picturesque legend and celebration in our western culture and context? If we find the key to interpret the legend we can surely refer to it.

The churning of the ocean has been associated with the internal stirring that is caused by working on opening the spiritual spine Sushumna nadi , the central channel, through the physical and spiritual  practices of Yoga . The spine is opened from the base up towards the crown of the head. The milky ocean represents the reservoir of energy at the base of the spine, energy of oceanic proportion. From that  churning both amrita ( nectar ) and hala hala ( poison ) emerge. What to do with that poisonous stuff that comes up? Shiva – the accomplished yogi  and Lord of  Transmutation- indicates that the poison cannot and should not be dispersed or dumped outside our body. It should be transformed and recycled inside Vishudda , the throat centre ( which means the Purifier) and that circulated back into our system. As a result we will be transformed ( change colour) . Last bit of the symbolism is maybe may favourite part: the night vigil Jagran.  Avoiding to sleep ( loss of awareness ) seems to be the antidote to the terrible poison. So with the legend Lord Shiva tells us that those who can maintain  an uninterrupted stream awareness  can survive and defeat their own inner poison!

Food for thoughts!

Namaste’

Alessandra

Bhudda's eyes in Shambavi Mudra. Swayambhunat stupa temple, Katmandu Nepal

With this and the next article I will try to map both Shambavi and Kechari Mudras from yogic into modern , tangible and scientific language. Let’s start with The Ajna Chakra – third eye – and Shambavi Mudra.

The physical counterpart of Ajna Chakra is the Pineal Gland, a tiny protuberance the size of a pea and the shape of a pinecone that seats deeply inside the skull, behind and slightly above the line of your eyes. This gland and its functions are still being studied by modern science as Neurophysiology has only been recently developed, thanks to the technological advancement made in MRI scan of the brain. Nonetheless it is known that the Pineal Gland is affected by light ( hence its name) and it regulates the circadian rhythm of the body ( the internal body clock).  Ajna Chakra is considered the chakra of the mind. Working on Ajna chakra results in increased power of intuition , refines awareness, it provides clatiry of thought, insights and wisdom. The third eye centre allows one to connect with the “higher Self” for guidance and inspiration. It improves vision and allows for non-verbal communication. One becomes able to build up focus and one pointedness of mind.

Medial sagittal section of the Brain that shows the position of both the Pineal and the Pituitary Glands

Winter Solstice Full moon Lunar eclipse

Winter Solstice is celebrated in many cultures as an important date as the Sun reaches its minimum in the Northern Emisphere and it’s the shortest day ( in terms of daylight ) of the year. As we get to solar minimum  we approach an important transition that is the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. It’s a time of stopping and restarting.

It is quite important that we can synchronize ourselves with such big events as they affect us not only externally  but also internally. Both our internal clock ( regulated by Melatonin , produced in the pineal Gland, third eye) and the “Happiness Hormon” Serotonin are strictly correlated to amount of daylight that we are exposed to .

The end of the year  is a time of let go and renewal. This is an amazing occasion ( and deadline!) to do your yearly written Sankalpa ( intentions) for 2011. Take your time to recollect your ideas, thoughts and feelings about the past year, feel gratitude for all the experiences and relationships that this year has brought you. Write down what you are grateful for and cultivate this feeling ” bhava” inside you. Then come back to stillness as nature does.   After this moment of stillness  is time to shift your energy and restart: write down on another page your “Swa Dharma for 2011″, a plan for your personal development for the next year. It should include a section of self development and one of  projects. This way you honour the closure of an important cycle , a year, and inaugurate the one that is just about to start.

Keep your written intentions for 2011 in a special place ( like a box or a pouch on your altar if you have one ). They serve you as a steering wheel and compass to navigate into the new year!

Namaste’

Alessandra

"Diyas" Clay Lamps . Photo Courtesy of Silvia Chance

Diwali also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and on this day Lord Ganesha, the auspicious elephant-headed Hindu god, is worshiped. Ganesha is the ruler of Mooladhara Chakra (energetic centre at the base of the spine) of the New Year!

Traditionally in India Diwali is considered a good time for shopping, starting new ventures, business deals and house warming. On this day, doorways are lit and decorated with Rangoli or traditional patterns to welcome the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

The true meaning of the Festival of Lights is the triumph of good over evil and of light over darkness. It is a time to reflect and realize that the inner light resides within all of us.

The most popular version of the legend is taken from the epic “Ramayana”, which tells the story of Lord Rama and his consort SIta. Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama from exile after defeating evil demon Ravana (ten headed demon).

Rama symbolically represents the self.

SIta – his consort – the Soul.

They are the eternal lovers and are established in their abode, the human heart centre.

When Rama is sent in exile by his stepmother ( the ego “Ahamkara”) SIta decides to follow him. They live in the forest (lower chakras) for a period of time as renunciates.

After defeating the demon Ravana ( that wanted to take SIta away from Rama ) the triumphant couple return to their kingdom and their way back is lit by a “row of Diyas “ hence the name of the festival. So the soul and the self are returned happily to their abode!

 Other versions focus on Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of light and prosperity, and the act of welcoming her into your home.

Happy Diwali everybody, might you find your inner diyas!

Namaste ‘

Alessandra

From Top Left: Cherry Quartz, Fire Agate, Red Sustainable Coral, Fresh Water Pearl Malas. Photography by ELeonora Pecorella

A mala consists of 108 plus one bead call the SuMeru (literally translates as the central world mountain, or the axis around which everything else revolves!). This is a very specific number in yoga as the ancient vedic texts state that there  are 108 principal nadis (energetic channels) leading from the  heart out to the subtle body, so when you repeat a practice 108  times you charge your entire system.

A Mala is traditionally made of:

• Wood ( Tulsi,, Sandalwood, Rudraksha)
• Coral
• Pearl
• Quartz or Crystal
• Shell
• Silver, Gold

Tulsi wood ( Basil ) is bext for believers of Lord Vishnu, Ram, Krishna or Hanuman.

Sandalwood Mala is common.

Rudraksha Mala is for believers of Lord Shiva and Shakti. Rudra Aksha means the tears of Lord Shiva

Pearl and Coral MAlas are for Shanti Sadhana ( pacifying spiritual practice).

Besides being a counting device a mala is also a good centring device. Engaging the fingertips means engaging consciousness. There is in fact a psycho-physical connection between our hands and our brain, and a more subtle energetic connection between our hands and our spiritual heart centre. Therefore doing Japa ( repetition) using a Mala is also a way to reconnect your spiritual heart to your brain!

Let’s mention some of the many benefits of doing Japa using a Mala. Japa (repetition) creates a sense of rhythm in your breathing .This , in turn,  affects the brain stem ( the most primordial part of our brain). It helps de-conditioning from old habits by generating new neural pathways. Ritual, on the other side, helps to stimulate and regulate the R-complex ( an area of your cerebrum that has to do with aggression, social hierarchy and territoriality) . Finally doing Japa influences our cerebral cortex (the most evolved part of our brain which is the seat of consciousness).  Think about a mantra as a tool to cleanse and energize your physical and spiritual body.

A Mala is used with the right hand only (between thumb, middle and ring fingers) and then worn around the neck, or kept in a pouch when it’s not used.

You wear these beads around your neck (seat of the chakra Vishuddi  centre of expression ) and they sit over your heart ( Hridaya , your spiritual Heart in the centre of your sternum).  The beads are magnetized by your touch and they get charged with use.

To me a Mala  ( literally translates as garland ) is a garland of beads of awareness!

Namaste’

Alessandra

I have been making Malas in the past year or so. My Malas will be available at The Yoga Show through Omnitom, Stand G14

29^th, 30^th and 31^st October

London

 Kensington Olympia

SYBILLE:

When i moved East London about a year ago i was determined to find a yoga teacher that would suit me. Even though i love practicing yoga on my own in my room under the roof, i also love following a teacher and feeling the energy of a group class.

After trying several places and teachers, i went to Alessandra’s class at Yogahome . I can’t say i instantly loved it as i came from a different style of Yoga and found it quite hard. Something got me hooked though. Something in Alessandra made me want to jump on her “yoga train” as she said later to me. There was a sort of presence in her that i felt i should try to follow…

 As i entered Alessandra’s house i felt like going into her world. And her world at the moment is rather busy! Taking care of her son is her Sadhana (yoga practice) these days. I got the impression that Yoga is present in Alessandra’s entire life.

me, my son and GAnesha

 S: Tell me about your Yoga journey.

         A:  My Mom was a Yogini. In Italy at this time she was considered as a bit marginal, but she did not mind, she worked hard and yoga was something that she discovered and it accompanied her all along her life. She was very interested in the devotional and philosophical aspects of it. So i guess i have always been surrounded by that, even unconsciously.

I started doing tantra and Kriya  yoga. I was initiated by a swami when i was 20.

Then i discovered Ashtanga Yoga which i took as yoga therapy. It helped me recover from a serious injury. I studied with Patthabi Jois in Mysore, Matthew Sweeney and others.

Then slowly i moved to Vinyasa flow yoga. I first met Shiva Rea in London in 2004 and her approach instantly talked to me. This is the style of Yoga i now teach.

S: I am intrigued by Kriya yoga, can you tell me a bit about this experience?

       A: I  studied Kriya Yoga for several years under the direct guidance of Swami Kriyananda (direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda) both in California and in Italy. Kriya is Yoga for the householder of the 21st century and consists of Karma , Bhakty, Meditation, Pranayama and mudra asana that have been passed down from generations by the great Siddhis (Saints) of the Himalayas. It is a technique of very powerful pranayama (breathing exercises) that works on the chakras. It moves Prana (life force) and can be very uplifting. The asanas are simple and gentle.

S: How did that practice made you feel?

     A: To be honest, i really liked it and found it fascinating. At 20 years old i was initiated by a Swami. This is quite a big thing, believe me and i am not sure i was old enough to go through all this. As well as being wonderful, it made me feel very UN-grounded. The funny thing is that most people these days start Yoga from a physical aspect with the Asanas, and then the spiritual side can come (or not). But for me it was the opposite. And i have to say i was not always so happy. I felt like i could not relate to other people of my age. I could relate very well to 50 years old people though, but it made me feel apart. I would meditate every day, mornings and evenings. It was a fantastic and also difficult time.

S: What made it so difficult?

    A: Don’t get me wrong, i felt very blessed to experience such a thing, however, i felt like it had made me ready to leave this life, i felt like i was on another plane. I think i felt like i was too young to be like that, i had a whole life in front of me and i was very ungrounded and isolated.

S: Did the more physical Ashtanga practice helped you then?

    A: Not only did Ashtanga help me recover from an injury, i think it also helped me to ground myself. My husband also played a very important role and i realised that Yoga had to be applied to my life, be part of my life but not necessary taking over everything and making me feel isolated and ungrounded. That, i feel is the real challenge: to incorporate yoga in your everyday life.

S: You studied in Mysore and with loads of great Ashtanga teachers, then you discovered Vinyasa Flow yoga with Shiva Rea. It seems like it was a revelation, a practice you could relate to a lot.

   A: Yes, Ashtanga has been wonderful for me. However, in my personal experience  i am not sure i could practice it right now,  at the moment i need to preserve my energy to take good care of my family! Well, i am sure some women find it works well for them . But you know, i am talking for myself, and i practiced it a lot and loved it. It’s just that my Yoga journey has continued and brought me to teach about discovering the flow of prana (life force) .

S: It feels like you have a strong connection with Shiva. Can you tell me what you like in her practice?

   A: Shiva is like a wild animal, she really is in touch with nature, wilderness. She brings you back to real life and teaches how to apply Yoga to your own life. There is no rigid rule. It is all about being connected to yourself and finding your own path and your own way.

S: Can you tell me about your teaching?

     A: Teaching makes me happy. I need space and time though to get inspiration. That is why i try not to teach too much.

In my classes i include movement that gives freedom. I really like people to find their own “dance”, their own rythm. I like using music to uplift, or calm when needed. Some parts of the practice are very cleansing (kriyas) and liberating. Each class is different. I try to have a different focus each week. There is no rigid rule about a series of postures, it’s more about flow. I like to include some partner work as well sometimes.

I also like to incorporate some philosophy, usually at the end of the class when people are more relaxed and their ears are more open.

S: Thank you Alessandra for our conversation.

Before i left Alessandra’s house, she showed me her beautiful Ganesha Statue.

I felt very inspired by our conversation.

The Kriya Yoga subject definitely aroused my curiosity and i want to learn more about it and the energy body. For those of you who are interested, Alessandra recommends to read Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda.

 My next encounter will be with Ann Malone, Hang player singer songwriter and sound healer…

A Bientot!

Sybille.

Prayag, Allahabad (in the state of Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three holy rivers – Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati
Haridwar (in the state of Uttar Pradesh) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas
Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of shipra river
Nasik (in Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.

The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of the four locations. Each twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbha Mela at Prayag, attended by millions of people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering around the world.

 Kumbha Mela has a lot of significance for people in India; a stuggering number of pilgrims gather to bathe in holy waters. That gives them an opportunity to liberate themselves from the sufferings and wash away all their sins. Kumbha Mela is believed to have the largest congregation of ascetics, yogis, sadhus, sages and common men living on the planet Earth. People from all across the country assemble here to observe this famous Mela, but very few are aware about its origin & history.

The mythical Kumbha Mela 2010 has started on January 14, 2010 and will end on April 28, 2010. Millions of people come from all over the world for a holy dip, during Kumbh Mela.

Kumbha Mela derives its name from the immortal “Pot of Nectar” described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas. Kumbha  means ‘pot or pitcher’. Mela means ‘festival‘. Thus Kumbha Mela literally means festival of the pot. Or in this case a festival celebrating the appearance of the pot of nectar.

The ancient origin of the Kumbha Mela is described in Vedic literature as the search for the nectar of immortality . It is said that the demigods and the demons assembled on the shore of the milk ocean that lies in the celestial region of the cosmos. The demigods and the demons made a plan to churn the milk ocean to produce the nectar of immortality. They then agreed to share the nectar equally once it was produced.

For the task of churning the milk ocean, the Mandara Mountain was used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the rope for churning. As the churning began, the Mandara Mountain began to sink deep into the ocean, at which time Vishnu incarnated as a great tortoise and supported the mountain on His back. With the demigods at Vasuki’s tail and the demons at his head, they churned the milk ocean for one thousand years.

 The churning of the milk ocean first produced a deadly poison which Shiva drank without being affected. That gave Shiva the attribute of NilaKantha ( the one with blue throat). As Shiva drank the poison, a few drops fell from his hands and were licked up by scorpions, snakes, and similar other deadly crea­tures. After Shiva drank the poison, numerous opulent items were produced. First a surabhi cow appeared, who could yield unlimited quantities of milk. A white horse named Uccaihsrava was then produced, as well as a white elephant named Airavata. Then a valuable gem called the Kaustubha-mani appeared.

Next came the apsaras, beautiful dancing girls, and a host of other wonderful things appeared from the milk ocean. At last a male person named Dhanvantari appeared carrying the pot of immortal nectar in His hands. Seeing Dhanvantari with the pot of nectar, both the demigods and demons became anxious. The demigods, being fearful of what would happen if the demons drank their share of the nectar of immortality, forcibly seized the pot.

Wherever the demigods went with the pot of nectar, fierce fighting ensued. The battle went on for twelve consecutive days and nights, which was equivalent to 12 human years. In an endeavor to keep the nectar from falling into the hands of the demons, the demigods hid it in four places on the earth, P rayag (Allahabad), Hardwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. These are those four points or locations, where Kumbh Mela festival is celebrated four times in every 12 years. At each of the hiding places, a drop of immortal nectar spilled from the pot and landed on the earth. These four places are since believed to have acquired mystical power.

Eventually, the demons overtiful woman, Mohini-murti, and approached the demons. When the demons saw the charming beauty of Mohini-murti, they lost all composure. Seeing Her slender hips, raised breasts, and pleasing smile, the demons completely forgot about drinking the nectar of immortality. While the demons were thus bewildered by Her beauty, Mohini-murti seized the nectar and returned it to the demigods, who drank it immediately

In coincidence with the vernal equinox ( the arrival of Spring,  literally when night and day have equal lenght ) we also have the occurrence of the Hindu festival Navaratri, literally 9 nights , celebrating  Shakti in her manifestations as Durga , Lakhsmi and Saraswati (*). 

Ganesh Lakhsmi Saraswati

  During the calendar year Navaratri is celebrated 4 times, more or less corresponding to the change of the seasons ( equinoxes and solstices). This is a time to profoundly reconnect with the Motherly Energy of the Earth, Shakti, the power lying at the base of the spine and in the very core of the planet. It is a time for reflection, cleansing, meditating , releasing the past and planting new seeds for the future. The festival of Navaratri is closed by a tenth day of music , parades and dancing to acknowledge the victory of Maha Shatki ( the divine feminine energy ).  

Chaitra Navratri is celebrated at this time of the year, as the name indicates is observed during the Chaitra month (March – April) in a traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India, on the first day of the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra Month or the day after. Chaitra Navaratri 2010 begins on March 16 and ends on March 24.  

Maha Durga

Here below find Living Practices to tangibly reconnect with Maha Shakti at this time of year.   

Chanting of kirtan for the divine mother in the form of Durga-Kali, Sri Lakhsmi and Saraswati.
Chanting with Japa Mala 18-27-54 or 108 rounds of the mantra Aim Hrim Klim Chamundayai Vicche  

 or mantras for the different aspects of the Goddess:  

Om Dum Durgayai Namaha,  

Om Shrim Maha Lakshimaye Namaha,  

Om Aim Saraswataye Namaha while meditating within your heart upon  

Fasting in a way that is appropriate for your system is also traditionally part of Navaratri.  

Days 1-3 (Tuesday -Thursday) Purification of Inner and Outer Obstacles on the Spritual Path (Durga Shakti)
Days 4-6 (Friday – Sunday) Worshiping the Healing Beauty and Abundance of Maha Lakshmi
Days 7-9 (Monday-Wednesday) Awakening the Divine Wisdom and Creativity of Saraswati Ma
Day 10 Victory of Shakti  

Hope you can find the space and time in your Sadhana to appreciate this transition in divine tune with the Eartly energy.  

Namaste’ ALessandra  

(*) I offer a “Goddesses” workshop once or twice a year if you are interested in deepening your connection with these aspects of Maha Shakti

I honour Ganesha Ganapathi, the elphant-headed God, remover of obstacles. May he protect our journey into the new decade! JAI 

Om GAM Ganapathaye namaha.

As we find ourselves immersed into the energy of 2010 we continue to ascertain the fact that time is flying faster. So our body-mind has to be light and prompt  to be able to respond to that stimulus. As we become more and more interconnected through the wonders of global communication we either fry or completely open up and let this total shower of information wash over us. 

More and more we become aware that we are multi dimensional living beings. It is important to find methods and tools that help us stay balanced in times of great change. In a definite manner we perceive that we live in the horizontal plane ( our daily life in the wake state ) as well as the vertical plane ( spiritual state, the capacity to operate from or connnect with our divine nature ). Yoga comes to our rescue.

Our daily yoga sadhana ( practice ) is that time of intersection between Earthly and Heavenly planes. When unrolling our mat and doing asanas, or being in somebody else’s service,  we are grounding and connecting with the powerful healing energy of the great divine Mother Nature. On the other side time spent in silence,  sitting still watching thoughts go by, chanting, praying , to cite only a few examples, are more subtle activities that uplift us toward the realm of  the great divine Father Sky. It is important to keep a balance between earthly-grounding and uplifting-inspiring actions during the day so that we can learn how to keep our vertical connection Earth-Sky while we live in the Horizontal direction ( wake state). 

May Ganesha bless our journey of unfoldment in 2010. Let’s open up to our fullest potential, embrace new possibilities and bring our deepest desires to the light.

Gopura ( tower ) at the main entrance of the Virupaksha temple, Hampi India. Photo courtesy of Silvia Putignano

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi, Karnataka India.

This temple is located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra. This area in general has been an important pilgrimage centre for the worshipers of lord Shiva. The very origin of Hampi’s history as a sacred place revolves around the myths associated with this temple.

It is believed that this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since its conception in the 7th century AD. That makes this one of the oldest functioning temples in India.