Meditation (Dhyana)

Meditation (dhyana) according to an "Old Irish Prayer" is the source of power. Learning Eastern precepts has helped me understand Dhyana for following through with intentions (sankalpa). At Yoga Training (Touch) the sankalpa is perfecting peace, celebrating life and harmonizing responsibilities, values and principles. Responsibilities are learned as the Eight-ways (As(h)tanga) of Classic-practice, values via Plexus-sentience/Energy-system (Chakras) and principles are an Illusory-protection within the Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philisophical (Panc(h)a-maya-kosha) model of care. 

The responsibilities are civility (yama), politeness (niyama), posture (asana), breath (pranayama), holding-tension (pratyahara), attention (dharana) meditation (dhyana) and with an awareness of the eighth practice beyond the seventh value correlation of stillness and being a living-meditation (samadhi) as eight ways (Ashtanga) of teaching the Classics including and not limited to Physical-body (Hatha), Causative-energy (Karma), Mindful-knowledge (Jnana), Cultivated-ideas/wealth (Raja) and Reverent-devotion/love (Bhakti). Often people begin meditating (dhyana) by noticing the breath (pranayama), then thoughts brought back to the breath for quieting the mind (pratyahara) allowing for present moment attention (dharana). In western culture these preparatory practices have become known as meditation (dhyana). The importance of breath awareness (samadhi) is a Classic Karma practice when breathing (pranayama) is living utilized for power during Physical-practice (Hatha)!

The most commonly known values of the Sentient-plexus/energy system chakras are the rights to: 1.) have 2.) feel 3.) physical activity (PA) 4.) love & being loved 5.) listen & speak 6.) think & know 7.) stillness & being of the subtle body as well as the less commonly known gross body practices of twelve systems recycling around such as 8.) privacy 9.) intimacy/optimacy, 10.) ultimacy 11.) efficacy/advocacy and 12.) agency. The chakras are located at the 1.)  coccygeal plexus (muladhara) 2.) sacral plexus (swadishtahna) 3.) solar plexus (manipura) 4.) cardiac-pulmonary plexus (anahata) 5.) brachial plexus (vissudha) 6.) cavernous-cerebral plexus (ajna) and 7.) coronal plexus (sahasrara) as well as 8.) above 9.) beyond 10.) connecting 11.) helping and 12.) holding. To give attention (dharana), the precursor of dhyana, according to Nischala Joy Devi spoken at a 2020 IAYT Conference author of Healing Path..., "visualize (plexus-sentient) chakras". A Hatha meditative practice holding or flowing between chest expansion and contraction poses (asana) and or movements (vinyasa) noticing diaphragmatic expansion and contraction breaths (pranayama) inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for a count of 12-16, visualizing the cardiac-pulmonary plexus (Anahta chakra) and the color green thinking "the right to love and be loved with equanimity', studying "free and responsible ways of understanding (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi)", affirming (mantra/japa), "an attitude of gratitude and generosity, graciously thankful to lead and follow the heart, soul searching for True-self-arising (Brahmin, Atman, Parusha)!

By following principles of the life-force, source, essence, sheaths and or veils etc. known as, Pancha-maya-kosha, five protections from illusion for longevity, vitality, mentality, intellectuality and spirituality a person can practice the Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philosophical model of (Self)care provided by yoga therapists. Subtle breaths are mindful (udana), bodily (asana), core sustaining (sanyana), ever present (vyana) and nose only (yoga) without mouth breathing breaths keeping the locomotive 'steam energy' within without displacement, naturally filtering the air helpful to safety, especially important when social distancing is not intact, energy (prana) in from the environment breaths are also a subtlety. (Emotional) breaths are noticed as normal, according to the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Outdoor Guide in a ratio of 3:1, therefore becoming yoga-relaxation pranayama by elongating the exhalation providing parasympathetic responses in a 4:1 ratio. Energizing breath examples include alternate-nostril (nadishodhana), guttural-throat (ujaiiy), abdominal-work (bhastrika), skull-cleansing (kaphalbhati), pelvic floor/perineum holding and deep-diaphragmatic. When attentive (dharana) to power from vitality there is an environment of subtle, emotional, energy (prana) sustained by oxygen optimized by breath (pranayama) known as the Prana-maya-kosha; specifically connected to the power of pranayama is an ability to hold-tension (pratyahara), provide-attention (dharana) and meditate (dhyana) when instructed to practice Hatha Yoga; movement-meditation!

Meditation (dhyana) examples include hand gestures (mudras) which can be expressed with the entire body during moves when holding in pose (asana), flowing (vinyasa) & quickly transitioning (kriya), similar to sign language, is body language (asana)! When utilizing a hand gesture indicating rphysicality (Hatha) choose a thumbs up mudra. Seed-sounds (biju) are Sanskrit sounds whereas one sound summarizes a set of affirmations (mantra). When strung together mantras are known as japa (visualizing the islands of Japan to remember the sanskrit term). For example the seed sound "Yauhm" affirms (mantra/japa), "Air, Alive, Arrive, Live, Love, Survive, Thrive; Pranayama". Observe the breath, for "Meditation (dhyana) is the source of power" - An Old Irish Prayer, whereas pranayama is an integral connection uniting (yoga) Body-mind!

Holding-tension (pratyahara) often occurs in easy sitting pose (sukhasana) with the right to stillness and being without-prejudice and without-blame transcendence, "when (anything not of service) other thoughts arise, detach and let them go" (Holistic Health and Healing, 2015, 48). Being attentive (dharana) to working for world peace sustained by hypothesizing theories enhanced by attention (dharana) to details in research and meta-analysis, meditating (dhyana) in peaceful-bliss, without illusion/illness, being happy (anandamayakosha) "anyways" (Post in Mother Theresa Ashram Calcutta). 

- Yoga Training (Touch) with Kathryn Ann (Katie A.) Campbell C-IAYT, YA-CEP, E-RYT 500 A Yoga Therapy [C(h)ikitsa] General Practitioner specializing in Lifestyle Medicine, specializing in Performance and Prevention during Physical Rehabilitation and Energy Facilitation addressing Metabolic and Immune Function, a Continuing Education Provider, and Teacher with thousands of hours of experience. Yogatrainingtouch.com (2009-present), Helena Montana 59601; US 

*JayaKumarSwameeSri, Mysore Pranavadhama Education, Research & Therapy Center, IN, 2008 who learned directly from K. Pattabhi Jois founder of Ashtanga; power yoga.

Restorative Sequence

YT(T) Physical Rehabilitation

 yogatrainingtouch.com

Physical Rehabilitation: Specifically designed for clients seeking specialized alignment(s), a centered frame, body balance, flexibility, stability, strength, surgical recovery and or pain relief! Includes safe movements, attentive breaths & proper technique for body integrity, wellness, and recuperation. Utilizing a functional format to improve form as form improves function.*

I usually recommend beginning supine, lying on your back. Background (pun intended) reasoning is a Service (SEVA) Workshop sponsored by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (iayt.org) wherein Jon Kabat Zin a premier yoga therapist, meditation and wellness expert provides information, required reading for anyone applying for the SEVAward. Other requirements included the aforementioned workshop taught by a yoga therapist in a wheelchair. My understanding, per instructional intention (sankalpa) is the Earth (see also Earthing), ground, floor and other supportive surfaces provide relief.

Relief is a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress. An assistance, ... given to those in special need or difficulty. The alleviation of pain, discomfort or distress. Beneficial effects from relief vary from person to person; a person feels comfort, ease and pleasure as needed.

In yoga therapy at Yoga Training (Touch) sentient feeling sensations can be awakened see also "YT(T) Energy Facilitation". Following the felt relief from supine Stretching in a YT(T) Physical Rehabilitation Session and or program is Stabilizing, occurring in the form of hand or foot balances and next is Strengthening. Pose (asana) addressing kinetic chain "stacking" can provide 'lift' as inner holds known as bandhas support the body's frame subtly enhancing to 'lift' holding, think of feeling secure and comforted by a hug only your own body's where-with-all from within. Participating in YT(T)'s Physical Rehabilitation optimizes, notice "om", "opti" (perceptions) and "optimistic" word correlations to optimization, where form follows function and vie-a-vie as function follows form! 

Lifestyle, Exploring Societally Self-realized (Brahmacharya)

Let us begin intending (sankalpa) a peaceful celebration of harmony attending (dharana) to Enhancement (Aztanga) responsibilities, Sentient-plexus (Chakra) values and Bio-enviro-psyche-socio-philosophical (Panchamayakosha) principles! Responsibilities include civil (yama), polite (niyama), posture (asana), breath (pranayama), sensory-withdrawal/counterintuitive-relaxation/holding-tension (pratyahara), attention (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and living-meditation (samadhi). Indispensable value elements colors locations & vibrations are 1.) Earth, red & Coccygeal-plexus (Muladhara) 2.) Water, orange & Sacral-plexus (Swadishtahana) 3.) Fire, yellow & Solar-plexus (Manipura) 4.) Air, green & Cardiac-pulmonary-plexus (Anahatha) 5.) Sound, blue & Brachial-pharyngeal-plexus (Visshuddha) 6.) Light, purple & Cavernous-cerebral-plexus (Jnana) 7.) Ether, white/clear & Coronal-plexus (Sahasrara) - into the recycle system 8.) Spacious-black-revolving-disc-beyond 9.) Gascious-gold-hovering-orb-above 10.) Mineralized-silver-extending-strands-connect 11.) Vitamin-pink-stabilizing-helpful-holds 12.) Wood-brown & Strengthening-supportive-ground. Principles inspiring longevity, vitality, mentality, intellectuality & spirituality are sustained by natural unprocessed (without salt, oil & sugar) plant foods, fresh unpolluted air, thoughtful disillusioned theories, researched dis-alienated meta-analysis and affirmative non-addictive pleasurable (sukha) habits (hutu). Harmonizing holistic performance and prevention practices daily is an intensive non-moderately moderate self-care known as Lifestyle Medicine which is curative!

The responsibilities of aztanga consider the yamas, civil societal norms or social-restraints, one of those being Brahmacharya important to Lifestyle Medicine/Management. The specific responsibility of brahmacharya can be translated as, 'without touching' or more broadly as, 'resisting', other translations include without controlling, without addiction and celibacy, possibly accounting for the prevention of nymphomania and rape. The book, The Language of Yoga, translates brahmacharya as, "appropriate use of one's vital energy". Remembering civil codes of honor (yamas) like brahmacharya may be helpful to resisting for nothing less than safe, consentual, compassionate care!

Lifestyle medicine inclusive of brahmacharya can improve the safety of populations helpfully reducing incidents of disease. Social Distancing (brahmacharya) and coverings are protective norms in some cultures which Eastern religious (Islamic) women, during outings, utilize. Yoga Sessions helpful to acquiring a lifestyle of playful equanimity throughout the day can progress interests periodizing teachable moments when loving to learn yamas, like brahmacharya, can readily occur keeping students attentive (Dharana). Brahmacharya is a helpful teaching tool during Classic Physical (Hatha), Knowledgable (Jnana), Cultivated (Raja), Causative (Karma) and Reverent (Bhakti) Practices in learning to work/live (Samadhi) for world-peace (shanti)! 

Brahmacharya a loyal lifestyle including a habit of self-care reduces symptoms of disease (dukha) increasing outcomes of ease (sukha) when pleasurable trustworthy (satya) feelings can accumulate. Research compiled by Dean Ornish's Lifestyle Medicine indicates 1.) marriage without a person's marital partner being their confidant is more successful for longevity then 2.) no marriage and no confidant while 3.) a loving monogamous relationship ultimately bound by marital confidence indicates the highest rates of longevity. Possibly a form of brahmacharya, healthy lifestyle choices and practices are encouraged such as safely holding your orgasmic plasma or that of your marital partner during coitus. Whereas marriage is normally a good sign of a loving relationship for feeling safe together, appreciating a no more than once daily practice, where-in Berkeley Health reported from WebMD stating, the happiest people are having sex once every two weeks! 

Sentience paired with sapience (ojas~bindu) holding ovum/semen at the pelvic floor/perineum (mullah bandha) during orgasm without expelling or exchanging during intercourse requires a cohesive biological systematic "autonomic" functioning for longevity a biologically proficient physical body sustained by whole plant foods enhanced (aztanga) by postures (asana), relieving impurities as needed by ejaculating without illness or reproductive risks when alone. Brahmacharya integrates with the anahatha chakra value four within the panchamayakosha principles which can improve civilized capillary exchange for energy (prana) begetting energy metabolizing nutrients as climaxing/exercising opens sensorineural pathways and a vie-a-vie protecting (kosha) and supported by vitality (prana-maya-kosha) in an environment of subtle emotional energy sustained by air enhanced (aztanga) by breaths (pranayama) optimizing power holistically. Mentality (mana-maya-kosha) sustained by thoughts (chitta) which are optimized by holding-tension (Pratyahara) cessating (unwanted) thoughts (chitta vritti nirodaha) whereby peace of mind often includes Yamas such as brahmacharya enhancing a psychologically wealthy mature mind protecting (Kosha) intellectuality (vijnana-maya-kosha). Therefore, keeping in mind brahmacharya while loving, correlating to the fourth value is the wealth, to love and be loved maturely without taking anything personally and without taking anything for granted, an equanimity of the mind protecting (Kosha) intellectuality, "the wisdom of freedom, the intelligence of responsible ways and the intuition of understanding" a social science sustained by hypothesis/theories optimized by attention (Dharana) to research/meta-analysis 

Brahamacharya may be a warning, hopeful sign, healthy habit, moderate key and or other inclination. Yet, for spirituality sustained by prayer, talking to the universe and everything, correlating the fourth value japa known at Yoga Training (Touch) as, "an attitude of gratitude and generosity, graciously thankful to lead and follow the heart while soul searching for True-self arising (brahmin, atman, parusha)" is loving. Optimized by meditation (dhyana), listening to the universe and everything, brahmacharya as well as other classic practice responsibilities can enhance a philosophically and or theologically happy blissful spirit. Affirming the fourth chakra value within pancha-maya-kosha the modern mantra summary is, "Air Alive Live Love Survive Thrive"!

Classic Practice (Ashtanga): Civility (Yama); Fidelity (Brahmacharya)

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Imagine, if you will, branches on a proverbial Tree of Life and a Hindi Icon with multiple arms and legs having Classic Eight-Limbs (Ashtanga) symbolic of a yoga therapist's responsibilities allowing therapists to provide sharing blooms and gestures (mudras) of knowledge pertaining to best practices¹. One limb accommodates civility, ethics and restraints (yamas) likened to living with safe rules (vrata) that protect S/society and therefore S/self. Brahmacharya one branch/digit included on the yama limb can be known as, without being limited to, monogamy without promiscuity, civil union without addictions, loyalty without controlling that may be especially helpful when without a lifepartner for a lifestyle. Brahmacharya is literally translated as “walking in the light of God” as mentioned in The Yamas & Niyamas, Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice². In Tantric Practices when thinking about brahmacharya as a way to resist by appropriating the intellect (bindu) to perform (ojas) the gift of life³. 

Research compiled by Dean Ornish's Lifestyle Medicine⁴ for when a person has experienced trauma found comparable longevity between marital partners and people who are one another’s confidants. Furthermore, longevity connected as a biological aspect to Bio-enviro-psycho-socio-philosophical (pancha-maya-kosha) principles decreases when a person is not married and is without a life partner - that is when having sex is as unsafe as living a life without intimacy. Practicing brahmacharya works for people who are not married and do not have a confidant in helping mitigate infection and morbidity rates by replacing intercourse with a chaste active lifestyle, not discluding an intimate no more than once daily routine for the Western Law of ‘what is in motion stays in motion’⁵ whereas energy begets energy. Engaging in sex is healthy to partners in marital bliss where as brahmacharya is effective for practitioners of self-care during abstention.

Albeit, tactile reassurance (touch) has its place while brahmacharya translated as 'without touching’, ‘hands to yourself’ and ‘safe space' is a respectful direction/redirection furthering civility. In the article, “14 Reasons You Should Have Sex Now”, as published on WebMD⁶ it states having sex one time per week lowers risk of illness, and sexual intercourse no more than once every two weeks improves happiness, while a sexual connection improves memory, but only for married people. Even the National Institute of Health (NIH), where research matters, carries the popular story, “Viagra (pharmaceutical that improves erectile function) associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease”⁷. In the U.S. and around the world marriage is the gold standard, without infidelity (brahmacharya) being a safe lifestyle choice, normally a good sign of a healthy loving relationship and a way people feel safe together as coitus is a celebration of peace.

Brahmacharya is similar to without raping or pilaging the environment of natural resources when thinking (and symbolic) of the Sky [God, male, man, zest energy (ha)] and Earth [Goddess, female, woman, zen energy (ta)] as givers and sustainers of cosm. Nature teaches that when animals are safe they evenly space and spawn without bunches to graze and reproduce peacefully. Social distancing (brahmacharya) and mandates from the World Health Organization (WHO)⁸ likened to blooms and hand gestures (mudras) on symbolic limbs are wonderful best practices for civic responsibility during pandemics, like COVID-19. Holistic Health is informed by safe (vrata) practices inspired by civility (yama); noticing nature’s goodness can be a Living-meditation (Samadhi) wherein best practices, specifically inspired by brahmacharya, naturally occur.

Corresponding ashtanga responsibilities specific to the branch/digit of brahmacharya and generally to any ashtanga practice can improve awareness (samadhi). A Oneness may be more noticeable when chakra value correlations connect panchamayakosha principles to integrate, adjust and unify. The book The Language of Yoga by Niccoli Bachman lists the Ashtanga yamas, with five known examples, the fourth listed example known as brahmacharya is, “appropriate use of one’s vital energy”⁹; there is not necessarily an order to the Limbs (Ashtanga) or branches/digits as placement can occur in any order specific to a book, author and processes furthering Individual & Ultimate Truth (Vidya). Brahmacharya, as with all Ashtanga practices, is a responsibility known to correlate through Sentient-plexi (Chakra) values and connect Bio-enviro-psycho-socio-philosophical (Pancha-maya-kosha) principles.

Understanding through Chakra¹⁰/¹¹ values as well as adjusting/connecting to Pancha-maya-kosha¹² principles, Classic practice [Physical (Hatha), Mental (Jnana), Cultivation (Rajas), Causative (Karma) and Revered (Bhakti)] Ashtanga responsibilities like brahmacharya can branch or gesticulate enlightenment. A renowned psychologist/philosopher has said, “...resting in unity…can honor diversity”¹³ able to inform a multitude of best practices for honoring individual spirituality while respecting world religions revealing anandamayakosha, whereas a general ease (sukha) of responsibilities (ashtanga) cultivating (rajas) embodiment through values (chakras) and adjusting to principles (panchamayakosha) emanates, in the case of brahmacharya from an influential intermediary place, as an aura between macro and microcosms. Brahmacharya may be most relevantly correlated to the values from the bottom up, of the First Coccygeal-plexus (Muladhara chakra) the color red, Fourth Cardiopulmonary-plexus (Anahata-chakra) the color green and Seventh Coronal-plexus (Sahasrara-chakra) and the color white or clear. Brahmacharya can be understood as within an intermediary auric-field to panchamaykosha benefiting the soul source, force and essence sometimes known as veils or sheaths protecting inner bliss (anandamayakosha)¹⁴. 

Brahmacharya, generally corresponds to Muladhara, the 1st chakra value correlating civil-societal-norms (yamas) and connected aurically. The Anahata 4th chakra value, specifically corresponding to brahmacharya when thought to be the 4th yama, generally adjusts from vitality for an environment of subtle emotional energy (prana-mayakosha). Sahasrara the 7th Chakra specifically correlates to the literal translation of brahmacharya adjusting deep within pancamayakosha, and outermost, to philosophical and or theological principles for protection from illusion (ananada-mayakosha) corresponding more generally to the Ashtanga limb of meditating (dhyana) upon a happy blissful spirit¹⁵. Keeping brahmacharya in mind during Modern Mantra¹⁶ dhyana through a summation to the values of 1.) Generous Genuine Gifted Gracious Grateful-groups 4.) Alive Breath (Pranayama) Live Love Survive-thrive and 7.) Recuperative Rejuvenative Restorative Tranquil Transcendent-transformation can enliven life (samadhi).

Observing the civility (yama) of brahmacharya within a polite (niyama) atmosphere unveiling anandamayakosha utilizing a string of affirmations (japa) can make an excellent meditation (dhyana). For example, without necessarily occurring in any particular order, align (asana), breathe (pranayama), withdraw-tension (pratyahara) and visualize (dharana). Imagine a beautiful red color at the first coccygeal plexus (muladhara chakra), utilizing a 1:4 ratio breath (pranayama) inhaling one second exhaling four seconds affirming (japa), “Have ahimsa, without harm, share the joy”. At the 4th cardiac-pulmonary plexus (anahata chakra) visualize the color green, inhale four counts exhale sixteen counts affirm, “Gracefully thankful for an attitude of gratitude and generosity while soul searching for True-Self-Arise (Brahmin, Atman, Parusha, Id)”. Finally utilizing a 7:28 breath count visualize clear/white at the 7th coronal plexus (sahasrara chakra) with the japa, “Dare to dream, peace is possible (shanti)”. Best practices bloom and hold forth from examples like brahmacharya realizing ways to celebrate peace for harmonizing responsibilities, values and principles whereas awareness (samadhi) keeps Azt(h)anga relevant and people/practitioners (w)holistically healthy!

Works Cited

1. Jaya Kumar, Swamee Sree. Classic Asthanga With Applied Yogic Sciences. Pranava Dhama Trust, Education, Research and Therapy Centre, Mysore India, 2009.

2. Adele, Deborah. The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice. On-Word Bound Books, 2009.

3. Mukitbodhananda. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India, 2000.

4. Dean Ornish, MD. Lifestyle reverses heart disease lecture. Global Yoga Therapy Conference, Virtual Lecture, International, 2021.

5. Isaac Newton (1643-1727). Western Science theory states that an object in motion stays in motion https://ei.lehigh.edu/learners/energy/readings/people_energy.pdf 

6. Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on August 31, 2020

7. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nih.gov/

8. World Health Organization (Director-General 2017-present) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as seen on YouTube https://www.who.int. Yoga Training (Touch), ”Holistic Health: Energy System Correlations; Lifestyle, Metabolic Immune Function” by Kathryn A. Campbell C-IAYT, YA-CEP, ERYT500 

9. Bachman, Nicolai. The Language of Yoga: Complete A-To-Y Guide to Āsana Names, Sanskrit Terms, & Chants. Sounds True, 2020.

10. Judith, Anodea, and Selene Vega. The Sevenfold Journey: Reclaiming Mind, Body & Spirit through the Chakras. Crossing Press, 1993. 

11. Dale, Cyndi, and Richard Wehrman. The Subtle Body: an Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy. Sounds True, 2009.

12. Sat Bir Sing Khalsa, Lorenzo Cohen, Timothy McCall, Shirley Telles et al. The Principles and Practices of Yoga In Healthcare. Handsprings Publishing, Pencaitland, East Lothian, UK, 2016.

13. Ram Das, Harvard Psychologist. The Love Serve Remember Foundation Founder Philosopher. RamDas.org

14. Weisenberg, Marit. Yoga Mind Body. Kindersley, Dorling, London, UK, 1996.

15. Sri Swami Satchidananda. The Yoga Sutras of Pitanjali. Integral Yoga Publications, Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville, Buckingham, Virginia 23921, 1978/2008, www.iyiva.org

16. Kathryn Campbell Global Yoga Therapy Conference. Virtual Silent Meditation, Modern Mantra. Internationally provided From United States, Hosted From Australia, 2021.

WildThing (Camatkarasana)~UpwardBow (Urdhva-Dhanurasana)

YogaLift, Standing Forward Hinge/Explorer III (Uttanasana/Virabhadrasana...