MODULE 7

SAMADHI

SPONTANEOUS MERGING OF FINITE & INFINITE

CONNECTING WITH THE ABSOLUTE - EXPERIENCING SPIRITUAL ONENESS

STUDY YOGA HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY

Explore the various meanings of moksha and kaivalya (liberation) - escape from samsara, end of suffering, cessation of desire for things to be other than they are, dissolution of separate self, manifestation of one’s divinity, becoming one with absolute, abiding non-dual awareness, and limitless bliss.

ENGAGE WITH A PERRENIAL YOGA PRACTICE

Understand samadhi as spontaneous spiritual merging of the finite with the infinite. Consider how samadhi connects us with the absolute for the experience spiritual oneness. Become familiar with the concepts of samprajnata samadhi (bliss with higher knowledge) and asamprajnata samadhi (bliss beyond higher knowledge).

OBSERVE YAMAS & NIYAMAS

Compare the eleven niyamas in the Bhagavata Purana, tenniyamas in Hathayoga-Pradipika (1.18), and the one niyama (ahimsa) in the Vasishtha Samhita (3.22). Consider which of these ethics practices is most essential. Compare these ethics practices with the yamas and niyamas in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

PRACTICE & SHARE ASANA

Learn and teach inverted postures, including: viparita kurani, halasana, karnapidasana, urdhva padmasana, pindasana, salamba sarvangasana, sasangasana, salamba sirsasana. Develop and practice teaching a sensitization sequence of five standing postures, three seated postures, two back bending postures, one inverted posture, and oneintegrating posture.

PRACTICE & SHARE PRANAYAMA

Explore bandhas as internal gazing points where complementary patterns join. Experiment with visualizing the bandha engagements, including: jalandhara bandha, uddiyana bandha, mula bandha, and maha bandha. Practice gently engaging with the muscle patterns in these areas.

PRACTICE PRATYAHARA

Practice self-reflective journaling as a form of pratyahara. What definitions of moksha and kaivalya resonate most with you? When have you experienced a sense of transcendent freedom? What did it feel like?  What is evoked for you by the idea that we are not separate? What if our only task in life is to unfold?

PRACTICE DHARANA

Practice asking questions – particularly your core question –with a sense of curiosity and openness.  Notice your non-conceptual immediate experience after the question is asked and feel into that experience.  Practice letting go of a need for an answer and remaining in a sense of wonder and fascination with the mystery of life.

PRACTICE DHYANA

Chant Sri Matre Namaha Mantra (Divine Mother Chant) honoring iccha-shakti, the power of love that creates space and provides freedom. Chant Shiva Panchakshara Mantra (Shiva Chant) honoring Shiva consciousness, with five syllables representing oneness of the five great elements.Practice combined open awareness meditation and loving kindness meditation.

CO-CREATE CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY

Write a loving letter to someone with whom you’ve had difficulties. Consider Thich Nhat Hanh’s phrases: “Darling, I am here for you. Darling, I know you are there, and it makes me happy. Darling, I know you suffer and I am here for you. Darling, I am suffering, and I need your help.” Feel deeply into the nature of loving relationship. Meet with mentor and peer groups.

CREATE YANTRA

Continue to create a yantra as an exploration of energy and self-expression. Consider what the creative process has been like for you. How would you describe it in a few words?What did you learn most about yourself through the creative process? Prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally to share your yantra.

STUDY AYURVEDA

Experiment with life practices, dietary considerations, and routines beneficial to your dosha balance. Consider the impact of categorical thinking and closed beliefs in relation to ayurveda dosha typing. What concepts do you feel ayuveda gets right? What concepts feel off, reductionistic, and unnuanced? Contemplate the concept of outliers to dosha typing.

STUDY ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY & BIOMECHANICS

Understand the functions of the enteric nervous system. Learn how the gut is “the second brain” producing neurotransmitters that influence mood and well-being (GABA, serotonin, dopamine). Understand the functions of the digestive system, including the stomach, small intestine, and colon. Consider how asana and pranayama practice affects these systems.