“I know that chitta are the movements of the mind, because the first Yoga-sutras say that.”
I believe Chitta refers to the ‘mind’ in general. Vritti are the movements or ‘thoughts’
“The biggest problems I have are 2) maintaining a position with an upright spine for more than 10-15 minutes, as I have a problem with the knee and 7) not being disturbed.”
Sit in a chair. don’t fold the legs. [B]The key is to find a position in which you can forget about the body.[/B]
Make the Lotus your goal. Work towards it with the hatha yoga i.e mostly asana. If the lotus is out of the question. Then keep sitting in the chair - or however is most comfortable. Although I would never put the lotus out of the picture. keep working towards the Lotus. [B]It is in my opinion the very best.[/B]
“I overtook some of what’s suggested in Iyegar’s Light on Pranayama, I blindfold myself for example (put a piece a cloth over my eyes) and sometimes block my ears with cloth too, but that’s somewhat primitive I guess. 7) often sounds like you can get into a condition where you can meditate and actually not be disturbed by noise: Can you/anyone second that? And how do you get there?”
I just close my eyes. I also use foam ear plugs - a lot.
Now the super secret special advice.
There are eight limbs to hatha / raja.
Hatha makes raja possible. Raja and Hatha support Tantra.
The Approach should be [B]harmonious.[/B] DOn’t focus too much exculsively on one limb. Like asana - which is what many seem to do.
[B]Cultivate good ethics. The Yam Niyam. [/B]
Practice some asana.
Practice the pranayama. This includes but is not limited to: the pots, the bandhas, the mudras,
practice sensory withdrawl
[B]practice the concentrations[/B]
practice contemplation
practice samadhis
These last three are interrelated
[B]STUDY the scriptures and teachings.[/B]
Maintain an open mind - not closed. Continually study and make adjustments to your practice.
Understand what Karma yoga means. Do your worldly work with the proper approach.
[B]Give your respects to those worthy (bhakti) even if only in mind. [/B]
[B]When you go to sit. Go through the limbs. You will find the session to be more fruitful if you go methodicaly through the instructions. BUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN BE A ROBOT ABOUT IT. [/B]
For example:
Little asana or more. Then take your seat.
Surf the Breath.
Close the doors and withdrawl.
Pick an object of concentration. [B]Keep DISCIPLINING YOUR MIND.[/B]
Keep going.
DO NOT FORGET YOUR STUDIES! THIS is a foundation.
This also means to look at the spiritual art. Pictures of SHiva, Krishna, The paintings of the buddha and the various siddhas. Zen art ect… Most of it has within it secrets…
practice brahmacharya by this I don’t mean celibacy. I mean a [B]balanced harmonious Integral[/B] approach that incorporates the essential practices.
Study. Refine. Practice.
[B]Understanding and advancement comes from practice and study.[/B]