“Truth is not something outside to be discovered, it is something inside to be realized.” — Osho
Weekly Focus: Sahaja — spontaneous enlightenment
We have the capability to find spiritual liberty through Self-realization. We are vast beings, and with deep focus and self-reflection we may awaken an Absolute Truth within. Sahaja comes from the Taoist and Buddhist traditions, and holds special significance in Tantra Yoga. The word itself translates to “spontaneous” or “naturally born together.” It is the idea that any person, at any time, can come to a place of of peace and freedom by the recognition of all things as one. This state brings awareness that there is no separation between yin and yang, spiritual or sensual — all things are pure and void. This is a state that comes after Samadhi and brings about awareness of the relation between external activity and internal quietude. And if that all finds you confused and befuddled, just reflect on this — your truth lies within the Self. Are you seeking out your truth through external means? Or are you able to to grant permission to yourself, to see the vastness you hold within?
Passive Pose: Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle)
Allow yourself to be receptive to bursts of spontaneous liberation in this reclined posture. Come to lie on your back. Bring the souls of your feet together and allow your knees to open wide like a book. No matter how wide your knees open up, consider supporting the backs of the knees with either blocks, pillows, or blankets. This signals to the body that it is OK to relax — something is beneath you supporting you. In fact, you may find that with time, adding support behind the knees actually allows you to drop deeper into the opening. We also recommend some padding behind the head, and a nice warm blanket to cover up.
Active Pose: Kapalabhati (Breath of Fire or Skull-Shining)
Build an internal fire to shed the excess and make room to expand your awareness. To begin, take a full inhale in through the nose and exhale sigh out your mouth, release. Then inhale about halfway, begin to forcefully exhale out the nostrils by pumping the belly to fully release your breath, 20 – 30 times. There will be a natural passive inhalation between each breath. Take a full breath in and out, then start a round of kapalabhati again. Try repeating three times. As you take this breath, you may bring both hands to your belly to feel the pumping or snapping action as you breath. This breath can take time to get the hang of, it’s a little awkward! If it is new to you, start with just 10 – 15 pumps, and when it begins to feel more natural increase the number of pumps on the exhale.