Jan
27
Categories: Ashtanga
Tags: Experiences, Important Point, Intellect, Lead, Mediation, Meditation, Relevance, Yoga, Yogic Path
Jan
27
Meditation and it’s relevance to the 8 limbs of yoga are important topics to understand. At first we gain an intellectual understanding so we can direct our practices, eventually the practices lead to experiences beyond the intellect. This subject is explored in the page Meditation and 8 Limbs, this is a post.
“Meditation is something I think most people have heard of, however, the meaning of this word isn’t as widely known. Meditation is a spontaneous state, most of the time when people say they are meditating they are not. They are not even concentrating, they are trying to develop their ability to concentrate. This is a very important point for two reasons, one it allows us to see where we are on the yogic path, and the other because it helps us understand what we are trying to achieve.“
May
22
Yoga states that deep reality is beyond intellectual understanding which has it’s limits and can only take you so far.”, I.8: Unweaving the mind
“All creation is governed by law,” / “The principles that operate the outer universe discoverable by scientists, are called natural laws. But there are subtler laws that rule the hidden spiritual planes and the inner realm of consciousness; …”, page 131- Autobiography of a Yogi (Paramhahansa Yoganananda)
Ever the skeptic that I am, I like to find facts that support my writings, thinking and experience. This may seem a contradiction with the above quote, but it is not, for when one is treading the yogic path and has learnt things (experientialy and intellectually) that prove aspects of the map are correct he feels confident with the path;however, when he then has “experiences” which he can not deny, but does not intellectually understand
it is nice to try and use science, yogic and other significant literature and evidence to help his understanding. This is more important where a guru is not at hand, and living in England I have found no guru, although I have found some good teachers.
Charles Robert Richet (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Robert_Richet – foot note, on page 136 of Autobiography …) has performed some research and performed demonstrations regarding these matters. As I am reading my way through Autobiography I thought I would find what I could on the internet, except I haven’t found as much as I would like; however, please find a few links below for further reading. A biography for Charles Robert Richet can be found at the following link; www.spiritwritings.com/charlesrichet.html
Unfortunately with limited time I have not found much more, but I do intend to delve into Charles Roberts work in the future sometime.
Autobiography of a Yogi is a fantastic book. The chapter “Years in My Masters Hermitage” is full of interesting and insightful things, a treasure trove of wisdom. I recommend it even though I have not finished reading.
Copyright © 2008 Russell Smithers
