Integrating into Yoga

A brief explanation of the concepts of Ego, Universe and Integration

Let's Be Selfish

The message that often gets misconstrued as we discuss the practices of Yoga is that it is a practice of selflessness.  True: we are to practice Karma Yoga by being in service to others.  True: we should detach from desire and let go of that which we grasp.  True: ultimately we will realize that all that we think is true is false and reality is an illusion.  

Also True: we are Ego driven, Kosha limited, human beings.  Our current situation is the result of the fact that we are influenced by the fluctuations of nature (Gunas) and our own consistution (Dosha).  Realizing this, observing its effects and changing our behaviors is our basic goal for now.  Therefore, we have to be selfish.  We have to focus on ourselves, first.

Atma

When teaching the concepts of self (Ego) and Self (Atma), I like to relate them to the way in which humans have evolved to understand the universe.  First, we thought the Earth was flat.  Then, we thought the Earth was the center of the universe.  Then, we thought there was only the Milkway Galaxy.  Then, we realized there is so much more.  

The self (Ego, I-ness or Individual) is who you are now.  You perceive the world based upon what you think is important (the Earth is the center of all things).  You are the most important thing.  Therefore, everything else revolves around you.

The Self (Atma) is a tiny piece in the grand, gigantic, enormous, universe.  It plays a part that is both of value, but also minor in the grand scheme of things.  It is made up of all the stuff that surrounds it and, it's its own way is a tiny universe in itself (the Milkyway).  It is both unaffected by the Ego and also hidden by it.

Brahman

You know that video that starts out with the viewfinder on one individual or tiny speck and then pans out for what seems like forever until it has broadened the view to contain the the entire universe?  That last part, when it's panned out as far as it can go; that's Brahman.

Once we realize that we are "chips off the old block" of something bigger (Atma), then we can begin to See the whole picture.  Before, we were caught up in wants, desires, thoughts, nature, perception, etc. (Ego).  Realization, observation and detachment has revealed that all that stuff is unreal; illusion.  Now we can see.  It's as though our vision has panned out from that tiny speck to envelop the entire universe.

Samadhi

Bliss sounds great, but integration sounds better.  Would you rather be all zoned out and disconnected or fully aware and detached?  This is the difference between bliss and integration.  Samadhi is made up of two words: Sama meaning "same" and Dhi meaning "reflection" or "perception."  Samadhi is the the ability to see sameness among everything. 

When I first started learning about Samadhi it was translated as bliss.  In my mind I imagined that I would be in this happy, joyful, euphoric mindset; that every experience would be wonderful.  The deeper I dove into understanding Samadhi, the more I realized it isn't a state of bliss.  It is a state of integration; a state of contentment.  You reach a level of awareness that allows you to stop "sweating the small stuff."  You get to participate, observe and be present without having attachments to emotion, energetic fluctuation or mindful chatter.

Want to learn more about the traditional practices of Raja and Hatha Yoga and how to integrate them into your life?  Join us at LTY.