About Mantras
The phrase “singing mantras” usually causes an uninitiated or (uninitiated) person to give a wry smile and distrust + resistance: “no, no, I’m not some kind of fanatic, I won’t sway and sing gibberish like these strange people.” To get rid of any fear, Knowledge helps best. For it is Strength. Knowledge is also light, because it dispels the darkness of ignorance. Why are many frightened and embarrassed by mantras? – because it is “something alien”, and most importantly – incomprehensible. So let’s try to figure it out.
First, a dry reference. The word “Mantra” from Sanskrit is translated as “a tool for the implementation of a mental act.” These are sacred hymns written in the ancient sacred language of Sanskrit. Continue reading
Why are rituals needed in life?
Previously, in ancient times people didn’t even go hunting for a mammoth without a ritual – without some symbolic action that carries a certain meaning. It is the conscious meaning that makes the rituals useful, effective and very, very necessary.
Thinking about the rituals, 2 large general categories emerge:
1. Rituals – “Transitions”
2. Rituals – “Anchors”.
Rituals – “Transitions” – meaning not pedestrian, but transitions from state to state.
A kind of mystical, invisible door to another reality, to a new round of the spiral of development. Continue reading
Jivamukti yoga
Thanks to Margot’s inspired tales, earlier this year I developed an interest in tasting Jivamukti Yoga. Well-directed intention always leads to the goal. In February in London, I got to the Jivamukti Yoga Center for a seminar at Will Senn Lau (Hong Kong). From the threshold of the studio, I liked everything – both the interior and the smell and energy. After class, you can sit with a cup of herbal tea, stretch the feeling of nirvana 🙂 The seminar was called “5 Ways to Integrity” – there was a theoretical part based on the Yoga Sutras and a practice where we disassembled and tried complex balances on hand. While we were sweating and puffing, Will – agile and sinewy – encouraged “let’s, come on, angels, breathe, hold on.” He called us all angels and constantly smiled. It seems that he was the most correct person in the world to trick me with jivamukti yoga seriously and for a long time 🙂 Continue reading
Ashtanga yoga with Lino Miele
July 7-9, I was fortunate enough to participate in the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, in Haapsalu, at a summer camp with Lino Miele.
I would like to share some impressions. Haapsalu, of course, is ideal for such events – a cozy and calm city, fresh air, especially after the rain … Evening promenade at sunset, under the cries of seagulls, in an airy high spirits after a day of practice. Here is a photo mood:
haapsalu
A bit about Ashtanga Yoga. The founder of the style is considered to be Sri Pattabhi Jois. Actually, “Ashtanga” – is translated as the “octal path” and is based on the 8-step yoga proposed by the sage Patanjali, who wrote the “bible” of yoga – Yoga Sutras. Continue reading
Oh teacher
I was recently invited again to Radio 4 in the morning air – to talk a little about yoga and about our upcoming yoga camp in Spain. Before turning on the microphone, the dear presenter asks: “how to introduce you?” – Honestly, this question always baffles me. Yoga instructor? Yoga trainer? Yoga teacher? What is hidden behind these labels? How are ordinary listeners listening to them?
The hackneyed word “guru” in Sanskrit only means “dispelling the darkness of ignorance.” Although in fact it is closest to the truth, in our world with distorted concepts it is worth calling yourself a guru and tomatoes and accusations will fly into you, but this is not even the point. I really do not want to belittle the meaning of this word, devalue it. “Guru” – only your students can call you, not you yourself. So who am I? ! Continue reading
