Am I having a spiritual awakening, am I just sick?

Spirituality
#8

trademarked,

As “hot yoga” is just a form of physical exercise, yoga is concerned with coming to an understanding of the inner workings of the mind, not through thinking or analysis, but through direct experience, as well as coming to a direct perception of the original nature of mind. So what would be taking place is a withdrawal of your senses inwards from the conscious mind, to the subconscious, to the unconscious, to beyond the unconscious, to the very source of the mind itself - but all the while remaining absolutely awake. Once you come to your own original nature, time and space have disappeared from your perception, the division between yourself and the “other” has disappeared, the very sense of “I” as an ego has disappeared, and what is left is something else entirely which cannot be contained through words. In the yogic sciences, they have called it nirvikalpa samadhi. It is in this nirvikalpa samadhi where there is a glimpse into your true nature. But even this, is just the beginning.

#9

[QUOTE=trademarked;57756]I am confused. How would a more spiritual yoga differ from hot yoga? What would be taking place?[/QUOTE]

You would be doing pranayama, learning to withdraw senses, concentration exercises, object meditation and mantra chanting to work directly on your energy system, mind and soul.

Asanas(physical postures) only focus on the body. This is why they are little more than just physical exercise. Types of yogas which offer more spiritual and holistic yoga are: Satyananda yoga, Kripalu Yoga, Integral Yoga, Kriya Yoga.

#10

Hi Trademarked,

I personally find Bikram Yoga (which was developed in Pune, India by a teacher with a VERY strong lineage) to be a very spiritual experience and have benefited a significant amount physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually from it. Some may practice it for 10 years and gain nothing but physical benefit, but that’s not my personal experience. It doesn’t sound like it’s yours either, so don’t let anyone convince you otherwise (see my signature). Your experience is yours. Enjoy that ride.

With that said, some of the symptoms you’ve described would concern me as well and I’d continue to work with my doctors. I would certainly try an elimination diet, and are you showering and scrubbing right after hot yoga? For the first two weeks I took Bikram, my chest would break out until I finally began showering at the studio immediately after class. I attribute this to my body sweating out toxins that were then reacting with my skin. I would also take a hard look at everything from your yoga mat to your towel and laundry detergent to make sure you’re not experiencing an allergy there.

Taking it a step further down the line, you may at some point think of taking a few weeks off the heated yoga and going to classical or meditation classes instead. See if the rashes clear up. See if you feel better. It’s certainly possible that your body just plain doesn’t like the heat and is trying to send you a message. Approach the situation scientifically.

#11

[QUOTE=Surya Deva;57767]You would be doing pranayama, learning to withdraw senses, concentration exercises, object meditation and mantra chanting to work directly on your energy system, mind and soul.[/QUOTE]
All of those are practiced in Bikram Yoga classes. The mantra comes from the teacher but I find myself saying it in my head.

#12

[QUOTE=trademarked;57739]For the past year some exciting spiritual events have occurred in my life, but at the same time [B]I’ve been experiencing excruciating pain and discomfort.[/B] [/QUOTE]These signs show that may be you need to change the yoga system.

#13

[QUOTE=David;57768]Hi Trademarked,

With that said, some of the symptoms you’ve described would concern me as well and I’d continue to work with my doctors. I would certainly try an elimination diet, and are you showering and scrubbing right after hot yoga? For the first two weeks I took Bikram, my chest would break out until I finally began showering at the studio immediately after class. I attribute this to my body sweating out toxins that were then reacting with my skin. I would also take a hard look at everything from your yoga mat to your towel and laundry detergent to make sure you’re not experiencing an allergy there.

[/QUOTE]

Sadly, I’ve tried everything. I haven’t been to class in a couple of months due to my health situation.

#14

[QUOTE=Surya Deva;57767]You would be doing pranayama, learning to withdraw senses, concentration exercises, object meditation and mantra chanting to work directly on your energy system, mind and soul.
[/QUOTE]

Most of these are done at the classes I attend. However, I am open to the fact that I may need to explore other styles, and will begin to research what is available in my area.

#15

[QUOTE=trademarked;57792]Sadly, I’ve tried everything. I haven’t been to class in a couple of months due to my health situation.[/QUOTE]
I’m sorry to hear that. I know how incredibly frustrating chronic conditions can be. It took me about 5 months of rather constant doctors visits to finally get diagnosed with my condition. I’m now exploring the emotional side of my condition (I feel past, unintegrated emotions affect our current state of health a tremendous amount) with the help of this book (which I have read multiple times before) which is bringing up some pretty powerful things for me.

#16

Your experience, Trademark, sound so painful and confusing. I can’t help but feel your pain. Having gone through a healthy concern of my own a few years ago, there’s one thing that I neglected to do in my quest for answers: to continuously think positively. I can’t emphasis how going to medical professionals and seeking answers in all other alternative medicine, spiritual and physical outlets is critical. But in addition, and however difficult it may be, I now recognize that the power of our positive and peaceful thoughts work miracle in themselves. Continuously acknowledging the things that are positive in your life and how you’re grateful for them is one way to start. Also thinking that you will indeed overcome this; that you are as strong as you let yourself be can also help. Please try at all cost to reduce your stress. Ultimately, you’re alive and have the power to overcome this.

#17

David,

“I personally find Bikram Yoga (which was developed in Pune, India by a teacher with a VERY strong lineage) to be a very spiritual experience”

It is important to understand what the “spiritual” is, before one starts declaring that one has had a spiritual experience. Because generally, whatever is pleasant to your mind or emotions is usually passed off as being “spiritual”. You went through the Bikram Yoga practice, and felt a great relaxation or a deep contentment. Or, you sat by the lake and felt a few moments of peace. If you want, you can call it “spiritual”, just as words are simply words, they have no meaning in themselves. But as far as the way the word “spiritual” has been used in the spiritual sciences, one is referring to a dimension which is beyond time and space, which is the very source of existence itself. As the same nature pervades all things, one who has come to realize the “Spirit” within his own being, is said to have realized his spirituality. Although I disagree with the distinction, that is why most traditions have seen that there is a split between Matter and Spirit, Spirit is that which is eternal, Matter is just ephemeral. But what such traditions have failed to realize is that it is impossible to separate the two - everything is of one and the same original nature, there is not a single atom of this existence which is not divine.

So, there is nothing “spiritual” at all about a series of physical exercises which makes you feel good, nor is there even anything “spiritual” about sitting in meditation and entering into deep states of samadhi. The very word “spiritual”, at least in the way it is used in the spiritual sciences, is that which is the very source of existence itself. If you come to such a realization, not just as an idea but as a direct experience of yoru own true self, then it is said that you have become “spiritual”.

#18

trademarked,

“Most of these are done at the classes I attend”

The way things are done, not just at your classes but in more than ninety percent of the so called “yoga” studios in the West, is just superficial. I want to emphasize this - that you will not find the original spirit of yoga anywhere in the yoga studios of the West, simply because the teachers themselves have not taken the technology and science to it’s very innermost depth. Nowadays, to begin to teach “yoga”, all that you need is just a few months of training, and you can get a certification. The fact of the matter is, that only a Buddha is capable of assisting you towards the realization of your Buddhahood. And to realize your Buddhahood is the very essence of all the yogic sciences. Anything else, is just something which is passing off in the name of “yoga”, the very word “yoga” means Union. So dealing with something like pranayam, or even meditation, in these yoga centers is bound to be limited - not only because the teacher has likely himself not used these methods to their very innermost depth, but because to get anywhere with such methods requires enormous attention, effort, and energy. It is not something that can be done just by going to a class once or twice a week. You yourself have to be practicing everyday, in such a way that it is almost a life or death situation for you. Such intensity is usually needed, not because it is difficult, but because man has created far too many psychological hindrances which are part of his programming, preventing himself from coming to more awareness. So in the beginning, his system will be very unwilling to cooperate. That is why - an atmosphere of commitment is essential if one is willing to take these techniques anywhere as a method for the expansion of consciousness.

“However, I am open to the fact that I may need to explore other styles”

What you are calling other “styles” are just, again, the manufactured yoga which is manufactured for the person in the marketplace. It is not yoga, and it should not be considered as yoga. These are just practices which are designed to give you a good workout, perhaps at the most a little bit of relaxation. But - the way these techniques are being transmitted, they are not methods for the expansion of awareness. And you can go to countless yoga studios and try countless different styles, and you will find it is the same situation everywhere. If you want to really explore the yogic sciences, then either you will have to channel all of your energies into the work yourself, at times abandoning even food and sleep if necessary, or you will have to come into the presence of a master.

#19

Thank you for defining what you feel spirituality is :slight_smile: And by your definition, you’re right of course, there is nothing spiritual about a series of physical exercises that make you feel good.

By my definition (an inward exploration of self) it can be spiritual in nature. And for the record, for me, that exploration has rarely been “pleasant to my mind or emotions”. Quite the contrary :smiley:

#20

Well, I am now completely confused about how to proceed.

Is the 500-e-ryt designation that a teacher holds actually of value? What about Baron Baptiste? Rod Stryker? Are their philosophies worth following?

#21

[QUOTE=trademarked;57807]Well, I am now completely confused about how to proceed.[/QUOTE]
I would be confused as well.

When I first started yoga, I felt AMAZING. Then I started listening to others and I got confused. And angry. There is a tremendous amount of BS out there (which I’m guilty of spewing as well) that can confuse the ever loving heck out of someone.

I’m now at the point where I understand that there are a million ways of doing things, a million different definitions, a million different teachings, and a million different opinions on even the smallest aspect of yoga. As such, I’ve thrown pretty much all of them away and am feelings things out on my own. I’m trying to do what is right for me, listen to my own inner voice, and approach everything from a curious, scientific perspective.

That doesn’t mean you can’t follow yogic teachings and read texts such as the yoga sutras. But for example, rather than listen to what others tell me the sutras mean, I interpret them myself and apply them to MY experience. Considering my experience is unique to others, it makes sense to me that my path will be somewhat different as well. I’m not following anyone else’s philosophy, I’m following my own.

#22

@David. This is a good view. Someone says something that resonates with the world, then a million people interpret that a million ways, based on how they perceive the world. My own path and truths are all that matters, but I can certainly identify with your view. As for hot yoga - I am obscured and prejudiced by the source.

As for the OP; I can’t judge if you experienced spiritual awakening or not. But I am always skeptical whenever someone experiences a spiritual event when drugged or pschologically compromised. I do not speak from ignorance. I was a teenager during the '70s and explored many, many drugs many, many times. I have read many treatise(s) on spiritual experience from Rampa to Castenada. I stand by my firm belief that we are all enlightened (or spiritually awake) and some of us are driven to explore the condition much further than others, then report back.

If you feel you made a spiritual advancement, then write it down. Record what that experience means to you. Look for the opportunity that experience has given you, and act in a way that validates its truth. Then listen for the feedback from within.

#23

[QUOTE=trademarked;57794]Most of these are done at the classes I attend. However, I am open to the fact that I may need to explore other styles, and will begin to research what is available in my area.[/QUOTE]

I have reviewed some material on Bikram Yoga and seen their intro clip on their UK web site: http://www.bikramyoga.co.uk/home.html, and based on that I can say Bikram Yoga is not the same as spiritual Yoga i.e., authentic Yoga

You practice one breathing exercise at the start, then do 26 asanas, and then you practice one breathing exercise at the end. Therefore it is safe to say 80% of your practice is physical postures i.e., physical. The material I have read does not mention any meditation or mantra chanting(which you and David say is a part of it, but I don’t see it here)

What Amir told you was right. Yoga is not just some postures that you do once or twice a week in the studio. It is a full lifestyle that you practice daily for life. Patanjali describes 8 limbs of Yoga:

Yama and Niyama: You must live a balanced, disciplined, clean and controlled life. I have explained in another thread yama and niyama in more detail here

Asnas: This you are already doing, but you must make it a daily practice you do every morning.

Pranayama: You are doing two kinds of pranayama for about 5 min, but this is not enough. Pranayama is more important then asanas, because it works directly on your energy body(pranamaya kosha) and this is what triggers real spiritual awakenings. Moving your energy up and down your spine is one of the key kriyas(exercises). Kriya Yoga focusses more on pranayama.

Pratayhara: This is learning how to withdraw the senses into the mind. To an extent this is done while executing an asana, but not to the same extent. Pratyahara is the practice where you learn to completely block out the sensory world. If practiced properly you will actually shut your senses off temporaily. It is entered into by finding a quiet place, closing your eyes and simply becoming aware of your hearing. Listen to it very intently(do not think about the sounds or judge them) After a while shift to watching your thoughts(again do not think about them or judge them) Then switch back to the your hearing. Alternate, gradually over time you will make your senses introvert. There will come a point when they turn off completely(it is unmistable, it’s like being under water)

Dharana: This is when you learn to focus your mind with concentration exercises: gazing at candles and mirror, gazing at pictures, maintaining a visualization such as recreating an image in your minds eye, or simply just watching the space behind your closed eyes.

Dhyana: Meditation by maintaining a single object of focus(a mantra, breath, a point on the body, a single thought etc)

Your daily Yoga program should include all of these practices. Then you are really doing Yoga. Here is a typical program of a yogi:

Wake up and wash up: 4-5am
Yoga asanas: 5-6am
Pranayama and meditation(20 min pranayama 40 min meditation) 6-7am
7-8am: Breakfast and off to work/school(breakfast should be the largest meal of the day, lunch the second largest, and dinner the smallest)

5-6pm: Dinner
7-8pm: praytahara and dharana training(experiment daily with different exercises)
8-9pm: meditation
9-10: Read positive and inspiring spiritual literature and go to sleep.

Practice yama and niyama throughout the day. This program will give you 3-4 hours of spiritual training a day. On days when you are off of work/school, include another 1-2 hour meditation in your day. For those who have no work commitments(monks, unemployed) include another session of pratyhara and dharana training and make your meditations longer(2-3 hours each) You will get about 10 hours of training a day. (When I attended a 10 day Vipassana course I meditated at least 6 hours a day and at the most 10 hours)

#24

By the way I just realised I confused the Yoga you do with Bikram Yoga. So some comments will not be applicable to you, but I think you will find most of my comments are applicable.

Vinyasa flow Yoga is even less Yoga, because it involves movement(you might as well be doing tai chi or ballet) An asana is suppose to held for a while in a single position. You must maintain the asana for a few minutes, synchronize it with your breath and keep your attention fixed. Hence why in Satyananda yoga there is a lot of emphasis on just being with an asana and listening to your body. It is a more gentle and meditative approach to Yoga.

#25

trademarked,

“Is the 500-e-ryt designation that a teacher holds actually of value?”

If you are interested in receiving certification, which superficially qualities you to teach others, then yes. But if you are interested in enlightenment - then it has no value at all. Truth is not something in which one can become certified. If you are a seeker of Truth, then you will have to investigate into the innermost depths of your own being and come to a direct perception of your original nature. Seeing your tendencies, that does not seem to be one’s interest. So, perhaps receiving certification may have some value.

#26

Carlos Castaneda kind of did glorify drug use as a tool for spiritual growth but many consider him nothing more than a talented fiction writer weaving stories that seem to draw heavily on Yogic, Buddhist and North American Indian techniques and systems:

“Today I have to pound the nail that Genaro put in, the fact that we are luminous beings. We are perceivers. We are an awareness; we are not objects; we have no solidity. We are boundless. The world of objects and solidity is a way of making our passage on earth convenient. It is only a description that was created to help us. We, or rather our reason, forget that the description is only a description and thus we entrap the totality of ourselves in a vicious circle from which we rarely emerge in our lifetime.” ~Carlos Castaneda, Tales of Power

Meditation brings order and “That order is the order of the universe. It is irrevocable and doesn’t depend on anything.” Meditation is the eternal essence of nature taking on conscious form within the mortal human frame?~J. Krishnamurti

Listening to discussions on meditation and marijuana with an open mind consider that we each have different body chemistries, thus the effects differ from individual to individual, same with foods; some don?t tolerate dairy, wheat, sugar etc. yet to others it nourishes? The debate from contrasting mindful views seems endless but cannabis may simply be a crafty plant seducing worthy cultivators in humanity. THC may very well fill or block memory receptors and that would certainly keep the mind out of the past however, what if mind altering substances make the perceived reality change by shifting the perspective to an alternate perceived reality? Therefore initiating the meditation process layered in illusions may become counterproductive since meditation attempts to remove the cloak of reality, the illusion of perception. Of course there are formidable arguments from many directions however it?s not unreasonable to be suspecting of any short lived euphoric pleasure that leads us away, dissolves and then returns us, especially when it activates a craving sensation for repetition. This pattern is not limited to mind altering substance; romantic loves (mind chemicals?) also generate beautiful ethereal experiences, nonetheless fleeting and short lived. Not understanding the difference between pleasure and happiness may cause further suffering with an endless search for more pleasure, suffering follows in the wake, whereas meditation aims for the permanence of self-discovery.

#27

While many here have provided wonderful responses and opinions on my situation, others continue to post in a subtle condescending tone. Assumptions are being made about my intent, and about my lifestyle, and I think that I’ve now realized that an internet message board is not an appropriate place to seek guidance. Thank you go those who shared their wisdom.