i_rabbit

I am experiencing an incredible lightness of being. Over the course of the past week I have been consciously letting go of attachments. Letting go the past, remaing in the NOW, and trying not to project into the future in my thoughts. I now feel as though I am at ground zero, an empty cup, and ready to accept new life emerging like a sprout. I am standing in the SuperUnknown and there is no fear, no tears, only wonder and a feeling of being truly alive. As part of this emergence I am also devoting myself to following the Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga for the duration of this season:

1. Yamas - The Yamas, or restraints, are divided into five moral injuctions, aimed at destroying the lower nature. They should all be practiced and developed by the letter but also more importantly in the spirit. They should all be practiced in word, thought and deed.
   • Ahimsa or non-violence
   • Satyam or truthfulness
   • Brahmacharya or moderation in all things
   • Asteya or non-stealing
   • Aparigraha or non-covetousness
2. Niyamas - The Niyamas, or observances, are also divided into five and complete the ethical precepts started with the Yama.. These qualities are:
   • Saucha or purity - this internal and external cleanliness
   • Santosha or contentment
   • Tapas or austerity
   • Swadhyaya or study of the sacred texts
   • Ishwara Pranidhana which is constantly living with an awareness of the Divine Presence
3. Asanas - Postures
4. Pranayama - regulation or control of the breath. Asanas and Pranayama form the sub-division of Raja Yoga known as Hatha-Yoga
5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses in order to still the mind.
6. Dharana - concentration. The last 3 steps constitute the internal practice of Raja Yoga. When Dharana is achieved, it leads to the next step:
7. Dhyana - meditation is that state of pure thought and absorption in the object of meditation. There is still duality in Dhyana. When mastered Dhyana leads to the last step:
8. Samadhi - the superconscious state. In Samadhi non-duality or oneness is experienced. This is the deepest and highest state of consciousness where body and mind have been transcended and the Yogi is one with the Self or God.

Realistically I can only hope to make progress in the first five of these during the next three months as 6-8 can take a lifetime. But I intend to keep a journal (some of it here) and see what a difference in my life this dicipline will bring.

Nameste!