(Picture of sunrise in Costa Rica)

We are just a couple of weeks away from the first day of Spring on March 20th. Many of you know I am holding a special Prana Flow Yoga Class at exhale spa in honor of the Spring Equinox and the powerful time of Light we are awakening to through this seasonal and energetic shift. The Spring Equinox is the time of the year where the amount of lightness and darkness is in balance. And then, of course, after the Equinox we grow into expanding light as the time of sunlight grows longer. As Yogis, we learn to honor and appreciate the times of perceived darkness and light as we realize it all flows from the same Source, the Light of Consciousness, or simply, Consciousness itself. There is only one Light which illuminates all of reality, existence and the Universe itself. It is our mind which casts shadows causing illusions in our perceptions. In Yoga, the veil of illusion is called maya. Through our Yoga practice the veil of illusion, maya, gradually dissolves and we become enlightened to the One Light…the Light of God, Consciousness, Creation, Love, which is pure joy, peace, bliss Itself. And, each one of us is this love, this light, this joy, this peace, this truth, pure consciousness experiencing itself through the 5 senses. Through the practice of Yoga we gradually withdraw from the 5 senses back into the essential nature of our own Self, Spirit, Atman, Consciousness and we know ourselves to be that which we are seeking…

I’m fascinated by what I am learning in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. (Light on Hatha Yoga). I’d like to post some of that information here for you. It talks about the amount of time it takes in our Yoga practice, especially practice of meditation, to realize perfection, or enlightenment, essentially.

Verse 40

The yogi who meditates on the self or atma, takes moderate and pure food and practises siddhasana (meditation pose) for twelve years, attains perfection or siddhi.

Twelve years sounds like a long time to have to practise one things before perfecting it, but it should be taken into consideration that it also takes many years of study to practise to become a qualified practitioner of medicine or law. In comparison to the rest of one’s life, twleve years is not a long time if it is going to culminate in perfection and the awakening of a higher state of consciousness. If people can devote a whole lifetime to the pursuit of material goals, why not dedicate twelve years for the development of higher awareness and the unfoldment of the spirit?

It takes many years for the body and mind to change. After a cycle of seven years all body cells have been completely replaced. We can say one has a new body. However, it takes longer to restructure the mind and remould the awareness. Many shastras say that sadhana (practice) takes twelve years to fructify. Twelve years enables gradual and complete restructuring of the body, mind, emotions and psyche.

In spiritual life, twelve years is an important cycle. Perhaps it takes that amount of time to purify and prepare the pranic and psychic bodies for spiritual awakening. In the guru-disciple tradition also, the disciple is meant to spend twelve years training with the guru.

Two other specifications are also given here: moderate diet and contemplation on atma. A pure and moderate diet helps establish equilibrium and creates conditions conducive for higher experiences. In fact, the basic cause of disease can be attributed to faulty diet. If people took more care about their diet, many physical and psychological problems could be averted.

Yogi Swatmarama recommends meditaiton on the self or atma. As all spiritual aspirants are heading towards the experience of atma, it is a good idea to prepare oneself for that realization right from the beginning. The practice channelizes one’s internal energy in a positive direction, makes the mind one-pointed and keeps one moving towards the ultimate goal.

Mind is not static; it is a vibrating mass of conscious energy and is moulded into whatever shape you give it. When a person lives for material pleasure, the mind becomes absorbed in the material reality. If it is absorbed in negative debauched things, then it becomes that way. If it is absorbed in the subtler experiences then it can come closer to the atma. This is a process which involves the total restructuring of the entire organism right down to the minutest cell. – The Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Twelve years, in western culture, is reflective of our grade school years from 1st – 12th grade. Imagine what we could have realized if we had also had a guru we were studying with and learning from during that time. In actuality, it is a very short time. And, what he says is so true…it’s very little time to commit to one’s spiritual development and awakening.

I love this part from another verse, too. Apparently, depending on our degree of discipline and determination, we can realize perfection sooner.

Verse 57

One who is brahmachari, takes moderate and pure food, is regular and intent on yoga and renounces (attachment to sensual experiences) becomes perfected (siddha) after a year.

Brahmachari means ‘one whose consciousness is absorbed in Brahma’, the purest state of consciousness, not necessarily one who abstains from sexual interaction. So, one who keeps his mind above the existence of duality and sex, takes agreeable and sweet (mitahara) food, practises his sadhana (Yoga/meditaiton) regularly and maintaines detachment from the affairs of mundane life, will definitely achieve perfection within a short period of time. It is certainly no easy task as we have previously discussed; there are many trials and obstacles on the path to perfection. – The Hatha Yoga Pradipika

A few other things. I frequently get requests to post information about products and events on my blog. I sometimes have a hard time posting this information as it’s quite the process, although I love it, to write and update the True Yoga blog regularly, as it is. So, I am going to post some information about a few different things I’ve been meaning to share for some time.

The first is a book called Saltwater Buddha: a surfer’s quest to find Zen on the sea hits stores all over the world this May! Here’s the latest advanced praise, not included in my first email. As you can see, it’s not just for surfers and Zen enthusiasts! (More advanced praise at: http://www.jaimalyogis.com/?page_id=54)

“As a city boy, I’ve never been on a surfboard and a day on the water means a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. But reading Jaimal Yogis transformed me to a different — and dare I say higher — reality. I can feel the wind in my face, the sand between my toes and the surging sea beneath my feet. This book is a joy to read.”
Ari L. Goldman, author of the The Search for God at Harvard (former Religion writer for The New York Times)

“Jaimal’s tale of survival and perseverance reminds us to follow our hearts without fear. A bold young man’s coming of age, Saltwater Buddha is not only entertaining, it’s inspiring and motivating. I loved this book!”Urijah Faber, World Champion Mixed Martial Artist

“One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that the finish line is not ultimate success. This book teaches us that same lesson in a lighthearted and poetic way. The words in this book may be about surfing, but it’s true meaning goes much deeper. I couldn’t put it down!” Jamie Patrick, Iron Man Triathalete
It’s not just for surfers and Zen enthusiasts.

For more info visit: www.jaimalyogis.com

The next is a brand of Yoga clothing called hyde. Although I’ve never worn their clothes, although I’d be happy to receive a sample to see if I like it ;) , it is all organic, which sounds wonderful. You can learn more here.

The third is some music which, apparently, is free for download at this site: http://www.thekyotoconnection.com Might be worth checking out, I’m going to have a listen myself.

There is also an upcoming Yoga teacher training program in New York with Rodney Yee and other master yogis. For those of you in the New York area or interested in learning more, you can visit: www.urbanzen.org

Phew…I’ve been meaning to post a few of those announcements for a while now. But, keep them coming, I’m happy to share the news when I can. Om shanti!