Hello and Help!

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#1

Hello everyone,

My name is Danielle, and I need some help. I’m a college student of little means, currently living and going to school in Southwest Virginia. For the past month, I’ve been both burdened and blessed to feel a great passion for learning Raja Yoga. I found out about Raja Yoga through a paper I was doing for a Sociology course (my major), and ever since stumbling upon it I feel like it was divine intervention.

The burden of this passion began when I realized I really had no place to begin. The only classes in my area teach Hatha Yoga and are more for physical fitness means than spiritual. Also, I’ve picked up some basic books on Hinduism, but they’ve not been very helpful. To be honest, I’m completely lost as to what step to take next. I feel like I really need personal human contact, a leader to ask questions of and lead me through this process. A book just isn’t cutting it.

Anyone have any advice on where I can start?

#2

Hello Danielle,

Awesome! You’re already on a good tack and heating up. But tell us, what do you mean by “Raja” which does not include Hatha?

“Raja,” the yoga of action, or the “royal way,” has eight limbs, one of which is Hatha, which together with Pranayama are the bread and butter of raja.

It’s ok if Hatha does not appeal to you. There’s plenty of practice to do with just the mind and heart, however you may find barriers to them in the body which need attention. Why not try the hatha class and see if the light comes on for you.

The nature of your question shows that you are already on a divine path. If you’re ever in Richmond, I’d be happy to have a chat with you.

Peace,

Emil

#3

I have stated before and I hold to my conviction, from my readings I believe that the AYP system is the easiest and clearest way for someone to manifest a home practice. The system is designed for people who practice at home. The site is http://www.aypsite.org
I have read his books and to me he breaks it down into the simpleist form. I wish you well on your path, whatever path you choose.
best of luck to you
we are love, we are joy, we are peace, we are of the same one, we are the same
your brother
neil

#4

Thank you both so much for your advice and information! I’ve felt pretty deeply overwhelmed with my lack of knowledge, but now I feel like I at least have some options and tools.

I decided to enroll in the class, and I’m happy to say I’ll be going to my first session this next Wednesday. After some more info gathering (ugh, I know so little still), I felt that you were completely sound in your advice Siva. I was very worried that while the class would probably do my overstressed body good (Late night study groups over copious amounts of pizza have definitely added to the damage), I was not going to be able to find the spiritual guidance that I desperately crave. I’m going to use the tool readily available to me though, and really a whole bunch of heartfelt thanks on the encouragement and info. :slight_smile:

Justwannabe, the site is becoming a [I]really[/I] (I can’t stress it enough) helpful tool. I feel now like I have a launching pad and a guide to get me where I spiritually want to go. There’s so many books, dvds, and sites to choose from on this subject that it’s a little overwhelming, and I imagine in the end that they would probably have put a nasty dent in my pocketbook. I love that the site is free but also thorough. Also, many thanks for the encouragement and information.

Dani