Practice Yoga in a meditative Kljuch

In the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, the most authoritative source on the philosophy of yoga, Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna the importance of yoga as liberation from suffering and sorrow. It says: 



"When the thoughts flow, curbed, 
resides only in the Atman, Partha, 
when her husband reassured desire - he was then called "yogi." 

When the yogi, the thought under control, 
itself strengthens yoga 
He is like a candle, whose flame 
does not fluctuate in a place without wind. 

Where the idea of exercise in yoga 
shut down, freezes, 
where there is joy in the Atman 
contemplates atman atman -- 

For there he learns that happiness 
anything beyond the senses, one thought is available, 
supraliminal, standing in which 
he will not depart from the truth, -- 

staying there is not embarrassed 
even the most severe grief; 
in fact, reaching the goal does not claim he 
something higher, better meet. 

Condition this is yoga, 
that opens the shackles of sorrows. " 
( "Bhagavad Gita", VI, 18-23.) * 

In the Katha Upanishad yoga is described as: "When feelings calm down, when the mind is at rest, when the intellect does not fluctuate, then, as the sages say, reached the highest stage. This constant control over the senses and mind is called yoga. Are over him freed from delusions." 

Sage Patanjali (who lived around the second century BC, the founder of the school of Yoga in India), describes yoga as citta Vritti Nirodha "that can be translated as" deterrence (Nirodha) oscillations (Vritti) mind (citta), or as "suppression (Nirodhi) fluctuations (Vritti) consciousness (citta)". The word "citta 'means mind in general or collective sense, and includes three categories: (a) the mind (manas, ie, the individual mind that has spososobnostyami and opportunities of attention, selection and rejection, is a vacillating, indecisive piece of mind), (b ) mind or intellect (buddhi, ie the state decision, finding differences between subjects) and (c) ego (Ahamkara, literally "create itself", ie the state of approval: "I know"). 

Happy is the man who knows how to through their insight and wisdom to distinguish the real from the unreal, the eternal from the transitory and the good of the pleasant. Twice blessed is he who knows true love and can love all God's creation. Thrice blessed is he who works selflessly for the benefit of others with love in my heart. He who combines in his mortal body of knowledge, love and dedication, holy, and to him are the pilgrims, as a confluence of the rivers Ganges, Jamuna and Saraswati. Who saw him will find peace of mind and cleared. 

Um - the king of the senses. The winner your mind, feelings, passions, thoughts and mind - the king over the people. He is worthy of Raja Yoga, the royal union with the Universal Spirit. He found inner light.

Tips from Yoga and Ayurveda

How to keep stressed skin from aging and transformed into healthy, radiant skin. 
Do you know the proverb: Up to 40 you wear the face that you got from his parents and from 40, the face that has given your life. It is a truth lies, and which is often a good news for all those who stress-reducing measures, such as yoga have made a part of everyday life. Yoga asanas nourish not only the internal organs, but they also benefit the health and the complexion of the skin. But what can we do about yoga out yet to make it appear healthy aging skin? 

"Our faces and our facial skin are the physical representation of everything we think and do - an unerring mirror of the soul observes," the Indian Pratima Raichur, author of "Real beauty comes from within," (Droemer / Knaur). "If you want to change your appearance, you must first change the thoughts, feelings and habits, from which stem from the stress and aging." 

The good news are that we have a considerable influence on looking like our largest organ in the long run and will work. If we live a life under constant pressure, poor diet and too little sleep, then the stress, these habits contribute to the body, and finally transferred to our skin. On the other hand, our skin will age gracefully and with dignity, if we learn to empathize with the body's needs and adopting a healthy lifestyle. 

According to Ayurveda is a major factor for the deterioration of the skin that we ignore the needs of our individual body type. Each of us is born with a special mind-body constitution, which is dominated by the respective proportions of the three doshas - vata, pitta and kapha characterized - in the body. Each of the three body types, faces, each with different challenges and different ages. The first step in maintaining a healthy skin, then, is to focus on the needs of our specific attention to the constitution. 

Those predominance of vata dosha, Vata qualities are reflected in their psyche and physique. They tend to be lighter stature, with thin, frizzy and dry hair, as well as fine, delicate skin, with a tendency towards dryness, premature wrinkles and dull, lackluster appearance. 

If vata predominant in your body, they should be your Schönheitsambition focus mainly on the moistening and nutrition - both internally and externally. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Get used to a diet of warm, sweet and oily food that appears. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also very helpful, but you never eat them cold. 

Pitta types have very sensitive skin. That is why people tend to wrinkle more of this body type, age spots and freckles due to sun exposure. Pittas also react extremely sensitive to chemicals in personal hygiene and cosmetic products, which then can cause rashes or other reactions. 

If you are a pitta type, then you take extra care to use only 100% natural health and cosmetics without preservatives, chemical derivatives, or artificial fragrances. You should also avoid direct sunlight and satisfy your pitta by maintaining regular eating habits, eat lots of fruits and süßsaftige avoid scharfgewürzte food. 

Kapha types tend to slow aging, compared to the other two body types. Their skin is thicker and therefore less vulnerable to wrinkles. The main problem for Kapha people is their low digestive power, which often leads to the accumulation of ama, or toxic waste materials in the body. And this can affect the allocation of nutrients to the skin and create oily, rough, dull skin with enlarged pores. 

Kapha types should be used to insist on a regular facial skin detoxification and this natural cleaning pads and masks. Practice yoga on a regular basis, because this is a great way to detoxify, while acting contrary to the kapha tendency to lethargy. Avoid heavy, cold and sweet food, since that is indigestible, and, as mentioned, tends to leave toxic waste in your body. It would be useful for you, you are held at regular intervals for several days to a detoxification diet. 

Once you have become one of the needs of your individual skin thoughts, it's time to look more closely at the stress in your life - both the stress in your environment as well as the stress in daily life. "Stress is a major cause for the deterioration of the skin and premature aging," says Dr. Rama Mishra, one of the experts in the field of Ayurvedic body care. "He takes effect on the balance of the doshas and to the delicate process of transformation of nutrients to body cells and also to skin cells. 

What do you too, to reduce stress - it will reward you not only with more beauty, but also enhance your health and vitality. " 

Many of the lesions, which we regard as normal expression of aging, such as some wrinkles, brown spots, or pigment changes caused by stress factors of the environment, and therefore are actually preventable. Air pollution, sunlight, alcohol, cigarette smoke (also known as passive smoking) and chemicals in cosmetics such as in the water all attack the skin. 

While the steps to avoid these negative influences are obviously relatively easy to perform, which can deal with the daily stress to be something more complicated. If the body is under stress, it produces a number of stress hormones - a rational response to short-term stress situations, but harmful if it lasts longer. Hormonal changes can cause a number of specific skin problems such as hair loss, acne, thinning of the skin, itching, excessive sweating, premature wrinkles and skin diseases such as psoriasis, hives, and shingles. 

"The language of hormones," says Raichur, "the skin and the immune system provided exactly what we think and feel in every moment, and they reflect our thoughts reflected by their corresponding functions." 

Prolonged stress is visible in several long-term changes in the skin and hair. The body is vital nutrients from the skin to organs like heart, brain and lung umdirigieren; a process that gradually the skin that lacks nutrition, they actually needed. 

Extended periods of stress also consider slowing down the metabolic processes affected, and the renewal of skin cells, which makes the skin appear dull and gray. Stress causes them upset the fluid balance in the body and leaves the skin relaxed and clean out. In addition, a longer-term stress response increases the production of free radicals, which in turn hamper vital cell structures and functions of the skin and damage. 

Such damage by free radicals are manifested not only in our appearance, structure, they also increase the risk of a gradual deterioration of body functions and, thus preparing the ground for a number of chronic diseases, from heart disease to cancer, the auto-immune deficiency and arthritis. 

One of the biggest promise is that you can give yourself the benefit of stress reduction, that you perform your yoga exercises regularly. Yoga postures induce deep relaxation and help you avoid fatigue and tension. Deep breathing normalizes blood pressure and freed from those tensions, which are for head and back pain, insomnia and stomach pains responsible. 

Meditation gives you an extra bonus skin care. For deep relaxation, which occurs often during meditation, supports the balancing of several sub-doshas of Vata, which are participants in the bloodstream. The skin of longtime meditators often develops a special glow and shine. 

The key question for you is how the way you find appropriate meditation and how to perform this then ever! A good teacher can make a big difference, as he answers your questions and help in overcoming your initial difficulties. 

Put thus diminish for a personal body and skin care program found that matches your Ayurvedic constitution; do this, the effect of environmental factors on your skin - and you will enjoy an exterior blasting, which is a reflection of your inner balance and your overall well-being

The Science of Yoga

The science of yoga is always devoted to the physical, mental and spiritual health of humanity. For a long time but people have misunderstood the east and west yoga as a science of the occult, mysticism, the black magic, witchcraft, and many have assigned it to the religious dimension of life. Because of this erroneous interpretation Yoga remained outside the realm of scientific research and investigation and could not be integrated into the mainstream of human life. 

Over the past hundred and fifty years is the human being physically, mentally and emotionally from the healthy and stable track, get out of balance. As a result, he learned the narrowness and ignorance, both of his utter dependence on further discoveries of medical science as its own. Now he has begun to look for a science that can give him at various stages of his life, health, serenity and inner harmony. 

The World Health Organization knows the importance of the spiritual side of man, when health as "physical, mental, emotional, moral and spiritual well-being" defined. 

For humanity Yoga is not new, it existed in all ages. But there were phases in which this science fell into oblivion. In India, however, the universal science of yoga was even during the dark period that raises the most degenerate spiritual traditions protected, and preserved. 

In this century, the yoga again came out of India to alleviate the suffering of mankind. It was revived by virtue of the intense effort and compassion of the yogis and sanyasis of India as the science of spirituality and integral personality development. The yogic science is freed from the grip of religious dogma and is now recognized throughout the world as an independent science. It serves the health of all humanity, not just one specific religion or nation. 

The traditional meaning of the word yoga is "union", the Union of jivatma or the individual soul with Paramatma, the cosmic soul. Yoga means the spiritual science that leads to the recognition and realization of this association. But in practical concrete context is yoga science, which leads to a balanced, harmonious and integral personal growth. 

There is no aspect of human existence or human assets that are not covered are the yogic science. Yoga is a science of "self-culture" and the "self-development." With the help of various systematic techniques and disciplines that are applied to physical, mental and emotional level, does yoga in all areas of our being - whether gross, subtle or causal - a harmonious balance. 

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains to Arjuna: ... samatvam yoga uchyate - "... balance, balance and harmony in every situation, whether favorable or unfavorable, this is known as yoga." Yoga also presents itself as the science of right living and points the way to fulfill the higher purpose of life, which can only be done through the acquisition of perfection in progressive steps. Shortly summed - Yoga is the science that helps us to consciously perceive the true life, and guarantees to us at all levels of health. 

It creates a harmonious balance, inwardly and outwardly, so that we can remain indifferent to all the highs and lows of life with praise and insult, as if success and failure in all our actions and efforts to attain perfection. 

The types of yoga 
As a yoga class is comprised of various types, such as Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Mantra Yoga and Laya Yoga, etc. Each variant has a special instrument to physical, mental, emotional and psychological disciplines and methods , intended to transport the aspirants to the higher realms of consciousness, the existence and perfection. Yoga as a unification of the individual soul with the Paramatma is the end, and yoga as a method of discipline and practice is also the means to achieve this highest purpose of human existence. 

The size of the Indian spiritual tradition - it is seen as a tradition of Sanatan Dharma - is based on the fact that it accepts all aspects of life and abilities of the person as they are all for individual growth, in favor of harmony and fulfillment can be used. The tradition deals with the "four goals" of life - artha, kama, dharma and moksha. 

Artha and Kama, the physical, biological and emotional needs, therefore, are not vulgar or dirty, but form the first stages of the spiritual ladder. To ascend on the spiritual path to higher levels, one must first meet the basic needs because they carry the life of every person has a great influence. However, should the sense of the respective rights and obligations of all such efforts are in the background. 

Even the human life process was divided into four stages or ashramas, namely brahmacharya (life of the child, pupil, student), grihashta (Life of 'householder'), vanaprashta (retired life for the purpose of contemplation) and sannyasa (renunciation of life, alone devoted to the spiritual realization). In this way, every single aspect of life was observed and fully integrated. 

In addition, characterized the numerous spiritual traditions and methods of practice by a sound logic, and offer a very practical approach to life. Every individual has a singular character and temperament respective stands on specific developmental stage, and shows an appropriate level of understanding. Just as a single medicine, the various diseases afflicting humanity can not heal, can be a single yogic technique does not apply at all spiritual aspirants. 

Therefore developed a large number of yoga techniques and traditions. Treated, for example, Hatha Yoga involves the body as a "clay pot" that was not fertiggebrannt by the potter, but physical, sensory, mental, emotional, intellectual and egocentric systems. Similar to the unfired clay pot in the first heat and fire to burn must require the psycho-physiological nature of a man of "burning" in the fire of yoga, so that it can develop themselves spiritually. 

The hatha yoga tradition, therefore, is based on body-related method. The body is the medium that requires for example cleaning and reinforcement through shatkarmas and asana, the lightness, freedom from illness and patience through the practice of pranayama and pratyahara, the stability of mind and emotions through the practice of mudras, and bandhas dharana. Only under such conditions, the higher achievement - thanks to the acquired balance between solar and lunar energies in the body - is possible. 

The philosophy of yoga 
The philosophy behind yoga is generally coincides with that of the real Raja Yoga and is based on the Yoga Sutras of Maharshi Patanjali. Together with the Sankhya philosophy of Raja Yoga is an eternal, omnipresent, plotless Prakriti principle (manifested and non-manifested in nature) and a variety of ubiquitous consciousness Purusas (monads of pure consciousness). Yoga accepts another, a third principle, namely) Ishvara (God. The contact between Purusha (s) and Prakriti latter can manifest their multiple effects. The Purusha experiences - thanks aviveka (lack of distinction) - that he is an individual person, because he identifies with prakriti and its various modes. 

Raja Yoga is now offering a way out of this Purusha, the concatenation. Therefore, it is also this yoga as a practical path to liberation rather than as a philosophical excursion into the realms of the spirit. He treats the so-called eightfold path, the "eight limbs" are scientifically described this as the natural steps of the ladder, which makes the people come from his human to the true divine nature. The coarse and fine ties that will bind to Prakriti Purusha intersected. 

After all the bonds have fallen enjoys the liberated purusha its independence (kaivalya or moksha). This is the goal of Raja Yoga. The "eight limbs" will be briefly presented: 
The 8 limbs of Raja Yoga 
 
Yama: In the form of ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (truthfulness), Asteya () non-stealing, Brahmacharya (living in harmony with the higher consciousness) and Aparigraha (is) without possessiveness yama, the social code of conduct, the acts against fellow human beings controls. 

Niyama:) By shaucha (cleanliness and purity, Santosha (contentment), tapas () voluntary privation, want) Svadhyaya (analysis of the self, understanding one's own nature) and Ishvara Pranidhana (Selbstergebung before God, discipline, culture of the self, nature , strong will and faith in God to be developed. 

Asana: Asana positions intended reasonable, balanced and harmonious functioning of bodily organs and systems under all conditions. They also help eliminate the gross energy blockages and to perceive the subtle aspects of the body. In the form of meditation asana position forms the basis for the grandiose building of the Antaranga sadhana (the inward disciplines of Dharana, dhyana and samadhi). 

Pranayama breathing technique and reorganized This harmonizes the body's energy by cleaning the energy channels and the obstacles is removed, then the whole system energized and to exercise adequate control over the subtle pranic body-helps. It is this control allows the control of desires and the Vrittis (shapes and forms of the mind and the imagination), the chains of Prakriti Purusha. 

Pratyahara: This technique shows us how we should withdraw the senses from sense objects. A retreat, which clarifies the perception of the inner world of the spiritual dimension of emotions and the psyche and intensified. 

Dharana: focus on the technology, the mind for a long time to a point, it helps to internalize the perception and to draw energy from our inner being. It also supports the development of willpower and inner strength the face of difficult life situations. 

Dhyana: Will dharana a continuous and uninterrupted process and the perception does not differ more from their point of concentration, it is called dhyana or meditation. It brings the aspirant closer to his inner being - the source of peace, joy, knowledge and wisdom. 

Samadhi: The dissolution of mind, intellect and ego in the cosmic consciousness in which peace, happiness, harmony and light will ever know - this is samadhi. Here Purusha experiences its own true nature, the transcendent state of absolute independence and freedom (kaivalya). 

Patanjali's Yoga, the building was built not on preconceived notions or axioms. He merely laid down the fundamental principles that are applicable for every practitioner, regardless of his religion or his faith. On rope verifiable experience, the practitioner, step by step to the destination. The practical applicability of this yoga is universal. 

Mantra Yoga 
The science of Manta and Yantra Yoga deals with the concepts of consciousness and energy in terms of sound vibration and the symbolic representation of this vibration. A mantra helps divine energy that manifests itself in a sound pattern. A yantra containing the divine energy that is reflected in a visible geometric shape. Both help to erase the negative gradually Samskaras (deep-rooted impressions from past lives) and engraved in the subconscious archetypes. 

These two form of yoga to harmonize the intellectual, emotional and psychological systems of the personality, to redeem in the course of the absent-mindedness, instability and turbulence of the mind and the mind. Thus the potential energy is brought in people from their latency (concealment). 

Bhakti Yoga 
The science of Bhakti Yoga is suitable for people with devotional tendencies and abilities. It helps to remove emotional blockages and impurities, leads to higher-yielding and I believed in a reality. Reine, ecstatic bhakti is probably the highest level in the spiritual life of a man. 

Karma Yoga 
Karma Yoga is the path of service is free of selfish motives, but carried by the sense of individual duty. The ideal of the Bhagavad Gita can be in the form of two terms express summarily karma and yoga. Krishna consistently throughout the Gita sets with precise and forceful words, the core principles of karma yoga dar. He praises the high duty of man, selfless work, I run-lose actions without waiting for the "fruits" of the work. 

The secret of Karma Yoga is the development of skill and perfection in action. The magic formula to be learned, if you live in an active spiritual community, after which they can easily apply it in everyday life. In fact, it may be far smoother and richer motivation to work selflessly for others, as selfish for themselves 

This shows the difference between "karma" and "Karma Yoga". It creates karma, if you have yourself in mind - and when their own wishes or conflicts are the drivers for action. If you work but not for themselves, ie, in favor of the ego, but presents his action as a service and a gift of other people, then the mind is free and one can experience the benefits of Karma Yoga. 

Kundalini Yoga 
The science of Kundalini and Kriya yoga aims to awaken the latent energy of the cosmic man. Is she awakens, it recognizes and understands the mysteries of human nature and the universe. All the exquisite experience of spiritual life are caused by the Kundalini energy. 

Of course there are many other classes and types of yoga with their respective characteristics. But rather than list it seems to me important to make more and more people are familiar with the beneficial effects of yoga. You should choose a few techniques that you can practice each day, then you should try to exercise it unilaterally, but balanced so that the demand is supported by the different personal abilities and growth (and space) development. 

It is gaining the impression that yoga is one in future for the heritage of each nation. It is increasingly accepted in all sectors of society, whether in education, medical sciences, in prisons, sports, military, hospitals, during space flights, in psychiatric hospitals or in commercial and industrial groups. Again, the time has come for humanity to claim their authority in the realm of the great spiritual yoga tradition.

Meditation and Brain Research

Meditation has always been a central spiritual discipline. Whether it's the Buddha under the Bodhi tree, Shiva in the lotus position, or be it the desert fathers of early Christianity: All the great spiritual traditions consider meditation as a powerful tool on the path to enlightenment, Gottverwirklichtung, nirvana, satori, Unio Mystica, or whatever you give the pinnacle of spiritual perfection may seem. In addition to meditation, spiritual direction also has an appreciable wellness potential. Then have mainly focused Western meditation teachers and meditation closely associated with relaxation and health issues. 

In the past two decades, then began to seriously turn to the modern science of meditation. Initially there were doctors who were mainly the positive effects of meditation on health explored. Thus, among other studies show that meditation lowers blood pressure, relieves symptoms of stress, the immune system improves and offers help with insomnia and chronic pain. 

Following a rather hesitant approach, there is now a significantly increased interest in science of meditation, which is also reflected in a growing number of relevant publications. While careful researchers in the past, fearful for her reputation before had to deal with meditation, is the ancient art of mind control and transcendence is now almost become hip and is not dismissed much more than esoteric and New Age. 

The foundations for the meditation research have laid pioneers such as Harvard's Dr. Benson ( "Relaxation Response") and Jon Kabat-Zinn. More recently, however, were mainly neurologists such as Richard Davidson and Sara Lazar, marching with their studies, the attention of the scientific community and the public's. Using the latest scientific tools such as the measurement of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the magnetoencephalography (MEG) and the improved electroencephalography (EEG), brain researchers and neurologists are in a position to the effect of meditation on to understand the human brain. They were thus able to prove scientifically sound, that meditation not only the way the brain works, fundamentally changed, but that its effects extend into the physical structure of the brain. 


The studies 
1 Meditation optimizes the functioning of the brain 
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin discovered in a study with Tibetan monks that a trained through meditation brain works differently than the untrained. Has worked with the Tibetan Buddhist meditation on unconditional compassion. Richard Davidson, a neurologist at the Institute for Functional Brain Imaging at the University of Wisconsin believes that the results can glimpse a hitherto unimagined potential of the human brain. The study found, among other things following results: 

People with a long meditation practice during meditation show a higher frequency of gamma waves (gamma waves are brain waves associated with higher mental activity, higher concentration and learning are brought together) 

The gamma wave frequency was already above average before the monks began to meditate. This suggests that the effect of meditation on brain waves is permanent and not limited to the period of meditation. 
The brains of the monks of this study had compared to the same group without previous meditation practice more and unusually strong gamma waves. 
The intensity of gamma waves corresponded roughly to the length of personal meditation practice. Some of the most experienced monks showed the strongest gamma waves on that have ever been detected in a human brain. In the control group without previous meditation practice, the increase in gamma waves during meditation was only slight. 
The human mind can be trained through meditation. Meditative training alters the brain and increases its capacity for consciousness, happiness and compassion. 

2 Meditation increases brain 
In another study by Sara Lazar, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, was also the brains of meditators compared with a control group with no meditation experience. The meditation technique used here was a Buddhist mindfulness meditation, body and works with the senses. Perceptions that arise in consciousness, to be registered there without thinking about it, otherwise, the attention rests on the breath. 

With this study have shown that meditation not only changes the structure of the brain, but even enlarged. More specifically, regular meditation increases the thickness of the brain areas involved with cognition, the processing of emotions and well-being. These areas of the cerebral cortex (cortex) are generally thinner with age. Meditation seems just as comfortable as effective means of retarding the aging process and reverse the brain (some of the negative effects of aging as decline in memory and cognitive performance). 

The results of this study agree with other studies, where it was shown that certain brain areas to grow through practice. To have a thicker musicians 'music area', dancers and athletes thickened "motor areas" and so on. The amazing story of Sara Lazar's study is that a purely mental, internal activity such as meditation has the same effect as an external, physical activities, such as learning a musical instrument, a sport or a language. For the brain, the imagination and consciousness work of meditation is as real as "real" experiences. 

Conclusions 
Meditation works! A correctly and seriously practiced meditation practice has many positive effects on our mind and our health. They even change the structure of the brain and lays the foundation for the experience of higher states of consciousness. 

The effects of meditation can be visualized and verified by scientific means. The subjective experience of the meditator can thus be objectified. 
The methods of modern brain research could be used to objectively assess how a person advanced in his meditation practice. 

Neurology practitioners could provide evidence of whether one's own meditation practice is successful or needs to be corrected. With its variety of methods they could both give detailed feedback as well be an important source of motivation. 
As the spiritually developed mind is fundamentally different from the unenlightened, uneducated mind (for example, because different) higher states of consciousness, a very special, distinctive brain wave patterns to create the methods could be used in neuroscience to themselves and enlightened alien named on the degree of illumination tested. This could help spiritual seekers to distinguish truly highly realized masters of false gurus, and money-hungry swindlers. 
Meditation can be systematically used as a physical and psychological therapy. 

Brain researchers and physicians are already examined in a position to describe the specific effects of different meditation techniques, and this in turn associated with specific clinical symptoms. This could, in principle, for many diseases are matching meditation technique discovered and prescribed. (What, however, would be nothing new, for Ayurvedic physicians have always been treated with meditation or mantras). This would of modern medicine and psychotherapy not only open up entirely new ways, but would also be a paradigm shift - from a predominantly drug-oriented, materialistic perspective towards a more holistic, more spiritual approach, but at the same scientific basis and would be accounted for. In any case, meditation is likely to play a central role in bringing some of the negative aspects of modern life (such as stress combined with lack of exercise, overstimulation of the senses and the mind through hustle and electronic media to counter). 

The potential of the human spirit 
Despite the amazing findings of quantum physics, modern thinking is still dominated by the materialistic paradigm, which considers matter and mind as completely separate entities. The described scientific studies of meditation, however, suggest that this paradigm does not reflect the realities of brain and mind. The human mind affects the brain as the brain, the mind. The latter is apparent in brain injury and changes in brain chemistry through drugs, the former had not yet been demonstrated. But the brain research now shows that our way of thinking changes the physical structure of the brain. 

Materialism sees the human mind as a product of matter - such feelings as the mere result of chemical processes in the brain or mind as a result of electrical impulses. Yoga and spirituality, considered on the other side, coagulated matter as spirit and the human spirit as the Lord of the brain, not his successor. The neurosciences can help bridge the gap between these two polar views of the world and bring the best of both approaches to the application. Thus, the modern brain research to show how spiritual practice shapes the brain and altered, but also just how important it is to recognize the importance of the brain as the material basis of mind. 

Above all, studies such as this, however, show one thing: The human mind has an almost infinite potential. Through spiritual practice like meditation, we can begin to awaken the slumbering potential of our mind. By training our brain through meditation, we can form little by little into a vessel for the enlightened mind.

Spiritual Activism

If activism is meant the kind of action which is focused on socio-cultural changes, then spirituller activism such action is required of the spiritual values, principles and objectives of inclusive perspective. But what is meant by "spiritual"? Here the matter is more complicated. 

Sometimes the answer will depend on the particular philosophical and religious backgrounds. Thus, a practicing Christian will probably respond differently than a practicing Buddhist. My own answer, described below, aiming at a more general formulation, although it is most inspired by the highly developed tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism. 

Outside of the Christian religious context in which it was formed, the term "spiritual" is used tend to be undifferentiated and ambiguous. Linguistically and historically, it refers to "spirit," which stands for "higher," transcendental "aspect of man. This approach is problematic and is by many thinkers, including some Christian theologians who have been rejected. In this light, I suggest that "spiritual" here in the sense of "self-transcending use" too. This captures the kind of guidance and current practice, which aims to go beyond the egoistic and even more profoundly, about the idea of the ego itself Instead, they prefer a state of consciousness of themselves as deeply connected to the rest of the world experienced. 

Thus, the use of the term "spiritual" a concession to ordinary language, but without the rigor mortis, which is often related to the word "spirit" associated. Spiritual Activism is therefore an activism that combines the theory and practice in order to fulfill our greater human potential, in particular our capacity for self-transcendence, whatever our orientation specific religious or philosophical. 

Thus spiritual activism is authentic, it must be grounded in mindfulness and reverence for life as an indispensable, but have voluntarily disciplines. Without adequate cultivation of these practices is spiritual activism inclined to be merely conventional activism that is often driven by unconscious motives and less desirable emotions associated with the ideals and goals have not given much to do. 

Mindfulness allows a spiritual activists to consider the forces that have shaped his character and his life, and between them and their cultural ideals and activist aims to be distinguished. For example, if anger and environmental destruction are present, is a spiritual activist, his feelings of anger do not allow to color his actions. Rather, everything he undertakes, be tempered by his reverence for life is good. He will use the raw energy of anger to initiate positive actions, that plan activities that well-intentioned change. He is careful to neutralize the target of his anger, it was a single individual, group, or "the system". There are traditional methods to achieve these neutralizing them, but they require a strong commitment to treat all life with reverence. 

In addition to controlling his negative emotions is a spiritual activist, continuously researching the foundations for his transformational behavior. In other words, he uses an extreme sense of responsibility in making decisions and decisions to ensure that his activism has no undesirable consequences that put the welfare of others at risk. Actions that might be described as "eco-called terrorism," for example, typically involve harming others intentionally or unintentionally (due to lack of foresight) to do good to a group of third parties. Reverence for life, however, requires extreme caution to ensure that the desired actions take an unsolicited result and no side to him. 

Would it responsibly, for example, burst a dam, so the salmon can swim upstream unimpeded, even if this action would be killed by numerous other creatures? Most people would probably refuse, as a person would accidentally killed. Would such a drastic action, however justified if it would save the survival of an entire species? Perhaps if all were known factors involved in the situation and could be clearly understood. Undoubtedly, different spiritual activists were to set different borders. 

In any case, they would put immense care in their actions and always been inspired by the ideal of reverence for life. 
For a spiritual activists, all life is precious, not just the human one. At the same time he realizes that life will get through life. This means that most life forms to survive, must consume other life forms. But this is not a license to kill or reckless in life out of sheer carelessness or disregard for trampling. At this point, the strict morality of non-infringement, as it is practiced in Jainism, exemplary, although perhaps in the context of contemporary life not fully apply. Maybe can the ethics of Buddhism - although also provide rigorous - a more satisfactory model for the practical everyday happenings of our modern era. 

In this short article is not about me, about offering specific legislation, but more concerned to outline the basic principles of spiritual activism. I am inclined to believe that - just like any other person dependent on the compass of spiritual activists from the level of his moral development. A fully realized Bodhisattva, who is irrevocably committed to the extinction of suffering of all beings, by them to the great realization of enlightenment (perfect Egotranszendenz results), behaves differently, with some probability, as it were a greenhorn, who was still struggling with his conscience and negative emotions . 

Accordingly, one can assume that spiritual activism for one and the same situation more than just a single possible reaction willing to stop. From the perspective of Buddhism is only a fully awake person in a position to act in a fully responsible and effective manner. All others can not avoid, to a certain degree of sleepwalking, and thus commit more or less serious errors in moral judgments. This sobering perspective should make us modesty and moderation would teach, as well as the will to grow, in terms of wisdom and compassion. 

While we ourselves are changing towards a stronger self-transcendence - finding expression in mindfulness, reverence for life and active compassion for all beings - we are increasingly able to change this world for the better.

Works wonders when you are exhausted

It is known that yoga helps reduce stress and fatigue. But how often do we feel so ausgepowert that the very thought of gentle stretching, or stretching is too demanding? In those situations, dependent on the personal energy balance always grab more people now in the West Ashwagandha, an ancient ayurvedic preparation that is often referred to as "Indian ginseng". 
Ashwagandha, in German, "Winter Cherry" provides not only energy and a rejuvenating boost, but also distinguishes itself by its calming, relaxing effect. The chemical constituents of Ashwagandha are indeed similar to those of ginseng, but studies show a clear superiority of Ashwagandha in stress reduction. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend Ashwagandha long with physical or mental exhaustion. 

Recent scientific studies have confirmed this effect. One study came to the conclusion that Ashwagandha prevents stress-related stomach ulcers and vitamin C deficiency, also increases the energy and endurance in stressful situations. The explanation of the positive effects of Ashwagandha lies in its adaptability promotional quality. So it helps the body more flexible and better able to respond to changing conditions, which is particularly conducive to the muscles. 

According to ayurvedic medicine Ashwagandha should strengthen as the heart muscles and increase its elasticity, it is also favorable for uterine and menstrual disorders) (menstrual cramps, contribute. 

However, the efficiency of Ashwagandha go even further should be. In the West, enjoys growing Ashwagandha a reputation as an aphrodisiac. In a recent study, 70% of participating men reported increased libido and sexual function after Ashwagandha resource. However, there are at this wonderful plant remedies are a few limitations. 

Namely, it increases the quality of heat known as pitta in the head and heart, which may adversely affect the body and emotions. Ashwagandha Ayurvedic doctors recommend, therefore, in combination with cooling agents, such as liquorice, or to take in combination with cooling foods or beverages, such as ghee, raw cane sugar, milk and rice.

Pay attention to your mind

Yoga is a subjective science. As such, studying the inner human. Its primary purpose is to bring out the awareness in each of its essential nature. 

But, what is this essential nature? What difference would, theoretically, of course, if the call soul or astral body, as well as the views or doctrines popular expect? 

And if its key feature was or was not the impersonality, really change anything? Those that vary, however, are the methods, more or less artificial, more or less spontaneous, with which you try to achieve this awareness. 

 
Definition of Yoga 

Typically Yoga, the Sanskrit yuj, we define "union or unification of the individual soul with the divine principle." Like many Yogi, over the centuries, have always demonstrated, there is a connection between the individual nature and essence of this principle. Simply put, yoga is aware of their essence, which, in itself, is already a reflection of the divine. 

 
Features Yoga 

Yoga does not believe in the separation between spirit and matter. Each step of the phenomenal world is a state of consciousness that is revealed through the vibrations of life force or Prana single, more generally for a series of etheric vibrations. The greater the vibration, the more consciousness is manifested as a physical entity. 

Yoga, union of its small, tiny, limited itself to the immeasurable and everlasting, universal self? It is not true! Atman (soul, little self, ego), head of the mellifluous sense of dissatisfaction, separation and incompleteness, perceived by many creatures are particularly sensitive, it is only an ingenious contrivance of the mind to commit itself, a fleeting reflection of the Absolute Self. Attempts to know the atman reveal his hand chimeric and sham. Indeed some suggestions for its impermanence and emptiness. At others, deepening, infer the firm belief that in hindsight we are already the universal self, Brahman, the initial singularity. 

What would, therefore, the link between your little self or soul and the self-embracing? Everything depends on his / her identity, from what we believe or suppose to be. 

Yoga is, therefore, recognize the self-centered nature of the mind and its tendency to create fictitious phenomena without objective evidence, not to cling to people or things in a morbid recognize and reject the feelings imaginary or misleading seek balance in all their activities, whether of a physical nature, such as work, sports and nutrition, mental order that, as the treatment of affective relationships, the study, the provisions creative. 

 
Aims of Yoga 

What does, in practice, the Way of Yoga? While maintaining the specificity of our individual being, identifications with the peculiarities of its own small and hypothetical notional will be mitigated more and more and the personal consciousness, expanding into a sphere of influence far more extensive, will perceive a sense of unity and interdependence with the whole, absolute spirit, the Brahman. The insights will become more profound, real certainty. 

Of course, the "Yoga Aphorisms", shown in the following pages ... "are indicative only. But already they can be seen as the criterion of meditation, according to the traditional yoga, presupposes a methodology and a core introductory and inalienable. The latter is now secure a proper mental and respiratory process to earn his conscience, his irrepressible vitality of nature, its irreducible divine nature. 

E 'on this basis, unbiased search of Truth, that we intend to re-discover the specific dimension of Yoga meditation, freely and independently to assess its true importance. 

 
Practice Yoga 

Applying the principles of yoga involves, for the uninitiated, at least initially, the adoption of a rather severe mental and physical discipline (sadhana), which develops in eight stages (ashtanga) restrictions (yama), observances (nyama) the positions (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), concentration on one point (pratyahara), the focus on a specific object (Dharana), meditation (dhyana), super consciousness or awareness of the divine principle (samadhi). 

The set of three states: Dharana, dhyana and samadhi is said samyama (Swami Vivekananda). Samya means balance and the realization of samyama mastery of all the powers (siddhis). 

The specific texts to further the study of Yoga there certainly. As part of this site we are considering, in a relatively direct meditation. But in reality, without first pursuing some assumptions which are essential balance and moderation, always will meet many unnecessary difficulties. 

Suppose that some boaters have decided at this point, to undertake the study of yoga and begin meditation. Know what one of the first mistakes that generally s'incorre? Well is to confuse the objectives pursued by the "technical" approach to achieve them. But Let us explain better with an example, often tries to obtain secure, respiratory and mental processes directly. As in the case where one requires almost always in vain, not to think. Nothing could be more wrong. The calm, inner silence, peace, a sense of bliss, then feelings are reflected positively in relationships with others, with regard to our guidance, the result of the constant and persevering in some methods. 

The culmination of meditation is defined by Yoga as Samadhi. The eighth degree of achievement. Samadhi, a state that once conquered, can hardly be missed. 

On the next page, devoted to meditation, we will introduce in a concise, but essential, the main technique that we have mentioned, the focus on breathing. It is used, with some modifications, by many forms of Yoga. Yet we adopted it in its original form.