Vedanta Yoga and Meditation

As we continue our “brush” with Hindu yoga and meditation, we will consider the practice of Vedanta, as explained by the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center.

According to Sivananda Vedanta, yoga can be described as a way to unite the mind, body, and soul with the divine.  Yoga refers both to a state of consciousness and a practice to achieve that state.  Vedanta has condensed the essence of yoga practice into five principles:  proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking and meditation.

1. In proper exercise, the poses (asanas) develop strength, health, flexibility, and circulation in the body.  The purpose of the exercises is not only to develop the body but also to develop mental and spiritual capacities.
2. In proper breathing (pranayama), Vedanta teaches a method called full yogic breathing, in which breathing begins with expanding the abdomen, then the ribcage, and finally the upper lungs.
3. In proper relaxation, three methods are taught—physical, mental, and spiritual.  Physical relaxation begins at the toes, works up to the head, and includes relaxing the body’s organs.
4. In proper diet, a simple, lacto-vegetarian diet is advocated.  Practitioners should understand the basics of nutrition, and, preferably, eat organic, unrefined foods.
5. In positive thinking and meditation, we must realize that we become what we think.  The teachings of Vedanta will foster a positive view of life, while meditation will develop a peaceful mind.

Sivananda Vedanta explains 14 points of meditation.  A few of these pointsare summarized below.  Studying all 14 points would be a worthy endeavor; see the website notation below.

1. Practice regularly:  same time and place.
2. Meditation is most effective at dawn and dusk.
3. If possible, have a separate meditation room.
4. Face north or east.  Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position with your spine and neck erect.
5. Tell the mind to be quiet.
6. Regulate your breath by beginning with five minutes of deep abdominal breathing.
7. Do not hinder meditation by forcing the mind to be still.
8. Rest the mind at a focal point, either the third-eye chakra or the heart chakra.
9. Meditate for half an hour a day.

Let us move on to the Ramakrishna-VivekanandaCenterexplanation of Vedanta as the final teaching of the Vedas (sacred Hindu texts), the culmination of Hindu spirituality.

Vedanta cannot be called a philosophy or a religion:  Vedanta leads the soul to union with Brahman, the ultimate reality.  In fact, the soul, or atman, is the focal point of Brahman.

How, though, do humans move from confusion and separation to liberation and self-knowledge?  Vedanta says there are four yogas, or paths, to this goal.

1. Jnana yoga, the way of knowledge, reason
2. Bhakti yoga, the way of love, devotion, and surrender to the divine
3. Karma yoga, the way of action and unselfish work
4. Raja yoga, the way of meditation, posture, and breathing

All yogas lead a person from bondage to genuine, as opposed to theoretical or theological, freedom.  Vedanta sings out:  “Truth is one!”  Vedanta proclaims:  Spirit (God) alone abides.  The physical, time-and-space world is a manifestation of Spirit.  The Spirit and the soul are of the same essence.  Only this realization of our identity can liberate us and end our suffering.

For yoga locations in Albuquerque and New Mexico, please see: http://www.yogafinder.com/yogacity.cfm?yogalocation=nm

For Hindu meditation locations in Albuquerque and New Mexico, please see:http://tamilelibrary.org/teli/templeus5.html

NOTE:  Consider doing your own internet or telephone book research, as there are many yoga and meditation resources in Albuquerque and New Mexico.

For information on International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, please see:

http://hinduism.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=hinduism&cdn=religion&tm=126&f=11&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.sivananda.org/teachings/meditation/meditation.html ; http://hinduism.about.com/ , http://hinduism.about.com/od/meditationyoga/Yoga_Meditation.htm

For information on the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center, please see:  http://www.ramakrishna.org/index.htm , and http://www.ramakrishna.org/activities/message/message5.htm