In this talk, we will explore the ways in which prana moves in the subtle body. The movement of prana, or life force in the subtle body is called vayu (literally meaning wind). Vayu moves in specific ways, and each movement governs a particular function of the body and mind. The five primary vayus are prana, apana, vyana, udana, and samana. The five secondary ones naga, kurma, krukara, devadutta, and dhananjaya. When we understand the functions of these prana vayus, we can gain greater clarity about our body-mind. Through particular pranayama techniques, we can learn to become acutely aware of these vayus and to bring about a sense of calmness and harmony in the body-mind. We can then harness these vayus through awareness, resulting in the increased cultivation of discernment, dispassion, equanimity, and contentment. Eventually, these vayus become the portals of freedom from the clutches of duality and suffering.
Vedanta is the core philosophy of Hinduism. It is based on the texts known as the Upanishads, which themselves form the highest teachings of the Vedas, the very ancient scriptures of the Hindus. There are many schools of Vedanta, the most well known of them being Advaita Vedanta (Nondual Vedanta)...
This talk will focus on what it means to call Sāṃkhya a “dualism” and how this contrasts with what is referred to as “nondualism”. We will critique the perspective that privileges one over the other and explore how these two perspectives imply their opposite.
For anyone wishing to practice or teach skillful breathing, it is vitally important to clearly grasp the basic structure and function of the human respiratory mechanism. Unfortunately, there are many commonly-held misconceptions about breathing and breath anatomy that have remained largely unexa...
