Yoga Therapy Archives • Blue Lotus Ayurveda

Self-Inquiry Meditation – Atma Vichara

Healing the Spirit

Everyone can heal, no matter what the state of physical state of health and the practice of meditation is one of the most valuable medicines. Some might say that that goal of meditation is already our natural state, so there is no need of effort to attain it, but without knowing that from direct experience, it may be just another thought in the mind. To truly know that state, which is our very nature, we need to plum the depths of our hearts and minds to uncover that gem of pure consciousness that is always shining from within. If we’re already in direct contact with this natural state, then we have no need for self-effort, but for those that are not aware, practice is a gift.

Regular Sadhana (practice)

In this form of Sadhana (practice) we can suggest to the mind that the goal of meditation is already in the palm of the hand, and that all we need to do is gently, and continuously redirect it back to that simple sense of being. At first, the mind will start to buck like a wild horse, but in time it will naturally settle down. If we try to force the mind, it will rebel even more. The tendency is to give up if the mind proves to be stubborn in its desire to run wild. But if the sadhana is continuous and preformed on a daily basis, we start to experience a

One of the most powerful and simple pranayama methods (breathing practices) is Nadi Shodhana. It is designed to balance the right and left sides of the brain, thus bringing balance to the solar and lunar pathways of the metaphysical body. It also helps to purify all nadis or subtle pathways of the body, so vital life force can freely move throughout the body.

There are three major nadis, or pathways in the body, two running on either side of the spine in a spiraling motion, and the third in the center that follows the same pathway as the spinal cord. The left side represents the Ida Nadi is lunar, female, and cooling, while the right side is named Pingala Nadi and represents the solar, male and heating energy. When these two forces of the sun and moon within the body are harmonized it allows the prana, or life force energy to more easily enter the central channel know as Sushumna Nadi. The Kundalini Shakti, the serpant like spiritual force, moves along this pathway form the Muladhara chakra at the base of the spine, to the crown of the head, Sahasrara chakra.

Practicing this technique is easy, but it should be done with enthusiasm and concentration. If the mind wanders while performing it, gently redirect your attention back to the practice. Below is a simple hand gesture called Vishnu Mudra that can be used to help block the nostrils while preforming this practice.