Diminishing Returns

Awakening is often likened to subtraction. Peeling away layer upon layer of un-Truth so as to find the pearl of Truth in the center. The initial motivation for most in this process is to find relief of pain or depression, or to gain peace of mind, unity with the divine, or enduring joy. These desires for an outcome, or some sort of return, keep Seekers seeking, doing the work to "get something."

While seeking the awakened state we are asked to let go of so many things. One of the most difficult may be attachment to a guaranteed outcome. The price of awakening is everything. The outcome is nothing.

So when in the awakening process the time comes that it seems like all the work is for nothing, this is a moment of Truth- and one which may be incredibly uncomfortable. But rather than cling to pylons of belief about what we may "get" out of it- out of anything for that matter- let go and drift out into the open sea of the unknown.

Doing the Five Tibetans

Here is a brief Instructional video on how to do the Five Tibetans along with some of the modifications we use for people with physical challenges.

It might be a little difficult to learn the Tibetans from a video alone (though not impossible) but if you have attended a class this will be a good reminder of the process.

Space: The Final Frontier

In the journey to be awake, much time is spent in looking for what is real. Noticing feelings, reactions and stories. But when you get right down to it, what is this reality we seek to dance with? How much of it is based on assumptions? Is there a solid foundation anywhere on which to stand?

Quantum physics teaches that in spite of our perceptions of a solid world, emptiness takes up the vast majority of "space". The deeper into space we go, the harder it shakes established beliefs- about Self and the Universe. Stare long enough into the void, and precious stories dissolve. Some very primal fears must be confronted. Fear of no center. Fear of no meaning. And ultimately, fear of no Self.

Exploration of this frontier of vast and unknown space can be approached as an adventure or as a dreaded mission. Or it may refused as well. Consider beginning with small spaces. Notice the empty places inside your own body. Notice the space outside yourself.

This is the beginning of contact with reality.

Mechanics of Giving

In the quest to be an awakened being, recognition of mechanical patterns is a vital step. Where it can get sneaky is where the habit is a "good" one. Exercise. Teaching. Volunteering.These are good habits.

For example, how could generosity be a problem? We "should" be giving human beings, right? It's important to help others when they need it, right? Taking the should out of the equation is the first step. Removing value judgments from our actions is essential, and oh-so-challenging for most people.

The term Enlightened Self-Interest is one which may be appropriate in being honest about why we do our acts of service. Examine the motivations behind giving. Do I give to get? Do I give to feel good about myself? Do I give so I won't feel bad about my own good fortune? Generosity in itself is a lovely thing if we can be conscious about it, are willing to root out expectations and be in clarity with why we do what we do.

Shen Haung Chi Kung

We are very excited to introduce this rarely taught health and longevity art, developed in the Taoist temples of the Hubei region, China.

Shen Haung Chi Kung works to develop “chansiijing” (reel-ing silk energy) and to free the spine through “string of pearls” and “swimming dragon” exercises. Shen Haung Chi Kung creates a strong and supple core, floods the joints with Synovial fluid to remove toxins and bring nutrients, thereby helping to fight the process of aging.

Shen Haung Chi Kung practice strengthens both “post-birth” and “pre-birth” Chi. The practice consists of four distinct elements, the warm up, the standing set, the moving set, and the cool down. The Warm up takes the body’s joints through various “range of motion” and complex rotation exercises to prepare the body for the next two sets. The Standing set is designed to help the individual gather chi in preparation for the next set. The moving set circulates the gathered chi, flushing the system of stagnant energy while revitalizing body and mind.

Develop:
-Supple Joints
-Strong Core
-Dynamic Energy
-Flexible Spine
-Youthful Vigor

Dates: May 21- July 9th
Time: Thursday’s 7-8:30 pm
Location: The Armenta Studio
955 Wealthy Street SE Grand Rapids
Fee: $100

To register, email: atmesvara@gmail.com

Falling Down

Things can be going along quite nicely, the path feeling smooth, the messages all thumbs up. We cannot help but dance for joy in the music of our lives. Suddenly something is in the way, the road no longer smooth. We trip. Maybe we fall. We look around, did anyone see that clumsiness? Possibly all those who moments ago were our cheerleaders. Possibly nobody at all.

One of the big challenges on the path of our lives is how to deal with these falls. If the stumble was caused by our own unawareness, do we stand accountable for our actions? Do we become discouraged and just sit on the side of the road pouting in self-pity over a skinned knee? If the fall was seemingly caused by another's action, do we waste energy in anger and blame?

Developing an ability to keep moving forward whether the road is smooth or bumpy is key to reaching our destination. A key in this is of course, holding the non-attached view of our journey. (Take advantage while down of noticing what things look like from below- there could be important information there). Another is remembering to continue both being accountable and being kind to our selves in doing so.

Look at babies becoming toddlers: they fall all the time. They may bump something in the landing. They may cry for a moment, but they don't blame someone else, or give themselves a hard time. And they get back up. Because the most important thing is their desire for mobility.

How strong is your desire for mobility? Are you willing to keep getting back up?

The Rest of the Story

There is a story of Gautama that is usually only told in part. The part that is spoken of is often quoted by people who would like to make a spiritual path that is comfortable for them, one where they can pick and choose their lessons.

"The Buddha asked his disciples how they would get across a river. 'With a boat', they replied. The Buddha asked, 'When you arrived at the other shore, would you carry the boat with you or would you leave it on the margin?', The disciples replied,'We would leave it on the margin and go on without it'.The Buddha said,'In the same way, when you arrive at the other side of the river, you may leave the boat of doctrine and practice.'"

Here is the rest of the story:

Buddha and his disciples came to a river and taking a boat, crossed. The Buddha then delivered the parable given above. The disciples, understanding the meaning of the story, left the boat and followed Buddha on his journey. In a few hours they came to another river. Buddha sat under a tree laughing, and waited for his disciples to go back and fetch the boat they left on the shore of the first river.

It is not a "thing" that you get, it is a process.
It doesn't matter what poetry you quote
The poet means what he means,
not what you wish he meant.

No matter how often you call a weed a rose,
You will never change its scent.
And the only river that matters
Is the one that you find at the end of your life.

The question is, when you reach the banks,
Have you developed the strength and discipline
You will need to make it to the other side.
Or will you be swept away into oblivion.

Thinking about enlightenment
is not the same as being awake.
The map is not the territory,
but if you insist that you are in
Ifsfahan when you are in Shiraz,
you will never make it to Mecca,
no mater how good your map is.

The saddest ones of all Are the ones who,
thinking they see the shore,
Leave the boat in the middle of the river.
And then tell us that breathing water
Is enlightenment.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Ātmeśvara Mārga School is very pleased to announce a new class this Spring:

Introduction to Prāṇāyāma
अमृतप्राणायाम
Class: Introduction to Prāṇāyāma
Dates: March 26- April 30th
Time: Thursday’s 7-9 pm
Location: The Armenta Studio
Fee: $100

According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Prāṇāyāma is one of the eight essential practices of Yoga. Prāṇāyāma (breath practice) offers profound benefits for body, mind and spirit, and is considered the premiere practice to begin stilling the chatter of the mind.

The method taught in this six week class is called Amṛta Prāṇāyāma
(Amṛta: “the nectar of immortality”. Prāṇāyāma: “breath practice”)
and comes from the Kashmir region of Northern India.

The benefits of this practice include a calming of emotion and quieting of mind, strengthening the core of the body, increase in energy and endurance, more suppleness of the spine, and a positive effect on overall health. Many people report better digestion, lower blood pressure,
and a boost to the immune system as well.

The class teaches both the sitting and the moving methods of Amṛta Prāṇāyāma as well as the skills to integrate the practice into everyday life.

Come join us in exploring this essential yogic skill!

Windows of Opportunity

Clear intention, effective action, and appropriate timing work together to create success. If any one of these is off, we're unlikely to achieve our goals.

The Universe breathes in and breathes out. Windows open and windows close. There are some things which do not operate on a time line, and many which are "available for a limited time only". If you want that certain job, you must submit your resume before the decision of who to interview is made. If an August tomato harvest is your heart's desire, you must start seeds in early spring and pay attention to when the weather turns warm enough to put the plants in the ground. Developing awareness of when the window is open requires sensitivity and attentiveness to the moment.

Sometimes we struggle with goals because we were busy looking somewhere else while the window was open. Distractions can smear the glass and distort perception of what actually lies on the other side. Devoting too much energy to something that is not responsive is like continuously bumping against a closed window. Push too hard and the glass breaks. Stand gazing through the window and remain forever in a state of separation from your goal.

Picking up on the clues dropped by the Universe requires paying attention to where there is a return on expended energy. What is the view of the universe you wish to see? When you find the window that provides that view, watch for it to open and act accordingly.

More About Yoga: Advanced Breath Techniques for the Five Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation

The following is instruction for those practicing the Five Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation, referred to here, as simply the 5 Tibetans:

While the basic movements of the 5 Tibetans are easily found online, in books or videos, the effectiveness of the practice is greatly enhanced by inclusion of the Bandhas*. As far as I have seen, the Bandhas, or locks, are not commonly taught. These are coordinated with the breath and movements to create a greater ease as well as stronger energetic impact. The three locks are a little tricky to learn and take some concentration. But once integrated, they just feel like a natural extension of the breath and movement. In fact, to me, they are what really brings them together. Use of the bandhas while doing the 5 Tibetans is what will begin to increase the impact of doing this practice, and shift from restorative to regenerative benefits.
(*Bandha names a technique which works like a valve for Prana, or Energy. To engage the bandha is to lock the specific interior spaces of the body and therefore contain the energy at that point.)

Mula Bandha or the root lock (first chakra) is basically a Kegel (for women), or contracting the pubbococcygeal (PC) muscle. Squeeze and pull up the pelvic floor and begin your exhalation at the same time.

Uddiyana Bandha or the core lock (third chakra) is diaphragmatic, or pulling the abdominal muscles up and inward. This continues to squeeze the air out.

Jalandhara Bandha or the throat lock (fifth chakra) is a lengthening of the neck and dropping the chin forward towards the chest. Remember to slide the head forward before dropping your chin down. It should not block the air-flow at all. Most air is already out by then and this is your "control pause" or the space between breaths.

When all three locks are engaged sequentially, this is called the Maha Bandha or the Great Lock.

What follows is an explanation of how to include use of the Bandhas or locks in each of the exercises of the 5 Tibetan Rites.

1st Tibetan:
Only the root and core lock are engaged during the spinning. Begin with the root lock and exhale and slightly engage the diaphragm as you begin the spin. Relax the lock as you reach 180 and let air come back in.

2nd Tibetan:
Begin with the root lock and exhale. This will engage the abdominal muscle and core lock. Bring the head up and engage the chin lock. You can watch your feet go up. All the air is squeezed out and as you slowly lower your legs, allow air to seep back into your lungs, relaxing the root, the core and last the throat.

3rd Tibetan:
Begin on your knees with hands positioned for support on the upper buttocks. Root lock/squeeze/begin exhalation. Engage the core/pull the abs up and in/to push more air out. Slide head forward and drop chin towards chest. Relax the throat, then the core and last the root as you extend your backward movement. From the arched and relaxed position, begin again with the root lock/exhale. Then tighten the abs and keep exhaling as this pulls you forward. Finish with the throat lock and chin drop.

4th Tibetan:
Begin in the upright seated position. Begin with the root lock. Exhale, tighten abs/core lock. Drop chin/ throat lock. Relax throat as your head comes up. Relax the core, and then the root as you push up into the Table. Begin with root lock/exhale. Then core lock/ pull up abs/diaphragm as you swing back down into the seated position. And complete with the sliding head forward and dropping the chin forward for the throat lock.

5th Tibetan:
Begin in Upward Facing Dog with lungs open and relaxed. Exhale/root lock. Tighten abs/core lock and push up into Downward Facing Dog. Do Not engage the throat lock, as in the 5th Tibetan we want to allow the energy to move into the head. Relax the diaphragm and then the root lock as you move back into Upward Facing Dog.