A new way of seeing

When we engage in observation and listening with genuine curiosity and attentiveness, we open ourselves to receiving fresh perspectives and understanding. This profound level of interest allows us to notice subtle nuances, uncover hidden meanings, and make connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. In this state of receptivity, our minds are more open to receiving new insights and knowledge, enriching our understanding and expanding our awareness of the world around us. Insights will come to us when we are ready to receive them. We do our best and leave the rest, understanding that clarity of perception will arise when we are ready and deserving.

As I rise from my bed, I whisper gratitude to the mosquito net for the restful sleep I had. The cool morning breeze fills my lungs with salty freshness, while the distant caws of crows, the rhythmic crash of ocean waves, and a few persistent mosquitoes make sure I know where I am. Loud and clear!

This is my fourth visit at the Ashram and the fifth course I’m attending. This time, I delve deep into the realms of Pranayama Sadhana, now in its second year. In the past, I would often linger a few more minutes in bed, telling myself that I need more time “to be fully ready”. Yet, as I awaken today, a profound shift surprises me - I no longer entertain such thoughts. Instead, I seamlessly transition into my morning routine, step by step. Certainly, something has changed within me.

The notion of approaching each moment with fresh eyes is not new to me. When I practiced Kendo, a modern Japanese martial art, I often heard about the concept of maintaining a 'beginner’s mind' at all times. In Integral Coaching, a coaching approach grounded in the theories of Ken Wilber and Robert Kegan, we assist clients in crafting a New Way of Being (NWOB) by transcending and including their Current Way of Being (CWOB). A way of being primarily encompasses how one sees, checks, and acts in the world. It's truly heartwarming to witness those moments when a client experiences a shift in perspective, enabling them to see, for the first time, what was always present. Just like putting on your contact lenses and suddenly seeing what's right there in front of you. 

Is there something at Ananda Ashram that has always been present, yet eluded my notice? Undoubtedly, there is, and it will always be. Each time I visit the Ashram, I sense a subtle shift in my perception. There is a shift in my being. Presently, I find myself drawn to observing the internal and external rhythms, both during my yoga practice and in daily life. I have more appreciation for the pause between the notes, for the inner stillness that empowers me to say goodbye to the remains of the previous activity so the next activity is not colored by it. Observing, experiencing, and expressing the five elements is another aspect that fascinates me - especially the space element, the quiet pause between life's symphonic notes.

Since my initial visit to the Ashram in 2022, my practice has undergone significant changes. I've cultivated greater patience, allowing me to engage in repetitive practice with more curiosity, seeking to uncover hidden truths. I'm drawn to exploring what resonates as true for me - delving into the essence of each technique and practice, observing its effect during the practice and immediately after. This understanding allows me to adapt my teaching to accommodate the diverse needs and physical limitations of my students. By understanding the essence of an asana through repeated practice and observation of its effects on my body-mind-energy system, I can guide my students to similar experiences using variations of the asana that suit their unique abilities. This is what I aim to cultivate in my students as well - to grasp the essence of a technique for themselves, to discern through consistent practice whether what I am telling them is true. I believe a tradition evolves through practitioners who bring their unique insights, refined through dedicated practice and experimentation. Create gurus not followers who blindly emulate.

So, what did I finally notice at the Ashram this time that had always been present? It's the skillfully designed structure and rhythm of daily activities - an embodiment of the core concept 'Yoga is a way of life.' It's the seamless transition from silence to activity and back again, from the causal to the gross to the subtle, and back to the causal. Allow me to explain.

First, the bell ringer breaks the silence of the night, awakening everyone from sleep to prepare for the morning Aarti. During Aarti, we invoke higher energies to guide us and reaffirm that our essential nature is pure consciousness with the chant 'Shivoham, Shivoham, Shivoham, Soham.' Divinity comes first, activity second.

The subsequent activities of the day center around the individual and collective aspects of our physical existence, known as the Annamaya Kosha. We begin by taking care of our own bodies through a Hatha Yoga class, followed by a wholesome and tasty breakfast prepared with love by Shanti. Then, we extend our care to the physical environment, engaging in Karma Yoga activities such as cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms for the benefit of all.

The following activity primarily addresses the Pranamaya Kosha, the subtle level of our existence, during the Pranayama class commencing at 11:00 AM. We use the vehicle of breathing as a tool to enhance our perception, absorption and utilization of prana. The main aim of Pranayama is to make the mind fit for the higher aspects of Yoga.

In the afternoon, we delve into even subtler dimensions of our existence. Dr. Ananda's theory class offers a glimpse into his expansive mind, exposing us to a wide range of perspectives. He makes unexpected connections, illustrating the workings of a mind operating at a high level of consciousness. It's not just the topic that captivates me; rather, it's his approach to each topic that truly resonates and opens my mind and heart. This experience produces shifts within the attentive listener, it is such a treat for the Mannomaya Kosha and Vijnanamaya Kosha - the subtler layers of our existence. Being in the presence of a Guru is an unparalleled experience, unmatched by any substitute.

We conclude our day with Bhajans, devotional songs that allow us to connect with various aspects of Divinity. This is followed by the evening Aarti, where we chant ‘Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu’ (may all beings everywhere be happy and free), and then Mauna, the silence that fosters an environment for the whispers of our soul to be heard. This is to me the realm of Anandamaya Kosha.

It was during this visit that I truly grasped how the activities at the Ashram are meticulously designed to facilitate connection with different layers of our existence. This newfound understanding has deepened my appreciation for Bhajans more than ever before. I used to have mixed feelings about them. While I greatly appreciated listening to Dr. Sir speaking or simply sitting in silence with my fellow students and immersing myself in the sounds of an evening on the Bay of Bengal, Bhajans didn't resonate with me as much. I recall a previous visit to the Ashram when I expressed to my beloved Yoga Thilagam Yogacharini Sangeeta Laura Biagi, Ph.D. something along the lines of, "I simply wish to sit in silence and absorb the energy of the Ashram. No more Bhajans, please. At least for one evening!" But now, I truly appreciate their role in the daily rhythm at Ananda Ashram, serving as an important prelude to the profound silence of the upcoming night. Even though I still prefer to simply sit in silence.

I believe this shift in perception was only possible because of my repeated visits to the Ashram and the consistent practice that cultivated greater stillness and silence within me. However, I also recognize that such insights cannot be rushed or forced; they unfold naturally with time and dedicated practice. All we can do is continue our practice and stay connected to Ananda Ashram, the source of these teachings, trusting that insights will come to us when we are ready to receive them. We do our best and leave the rest, understanding that clarity of perception will arise when we are ready and deserving.

Om Asato Ma Sadgamaya

Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya

Mrityor Ma Amritamgamaya

Hari Om Tat Sat Om.

Lead us from untruth to truth.

Lead us from darkness to light.

Lead us from death to immortality.

We seek that which is Truth.

[First published in Yoga Life, April 2024, https://pubhtml5.com/urcbn/dpzh/]