Yoga means unification of body, mind and soul.
Mantra Yoga
Mantras are unique mystical formulas of sacred syllables, which were originally revealed to the Rishis (seers or sages) in the deepest states of meditation. They are one of the earliest components of yoga and are quite possibly the first type of meditation that was developed. The most well-known mantra is Om or Aum, and it is often used as the seed mantra in longer chants.
A yoga mantra has three components: intention, meaning and vibration or sacred sound. Intention is the why of your practice—it’s reason, goal and purpose. Meaning is the what of your practice—the definition and meaning of your personal mantra. Sacred sound is the how of your practice—your connection to the vibrational sound and life force energy that your practice cultivates.
The three types of mantras
There are three main types of mantras, Bija (seed), Saguna (with form), and Nirguna (without form). The Bija mantras can be used individually, but are most often incorporated into Saguna mantras to invest them with a special “seed” power. The Bija mantras correlate to the seven chakras and to the main Hindu deities.
The Saguna mantras invoke the forms of the individual deities or personalized aspects of God. It is said that the recitation of the Saguna mantras gives rise to the actual form of the particular deity, thus manifesting its power.
The Nirguna mantras originate from the Vedic texts and are thus the oldest mantras of the three types. As no deities or personalized aspects of God are invoked with these words, they are very difficult to interpret and are considered to not have a specific form or meaning to them. These mantras are said to have their identification with all of creation, and contain the fundamental truths in yogic philosophy. It is said that the mind must be very strong to be able to concentrate on the abstract Nirguna mantras, and thus they are not recommended for beginning students.
Mantras are believed to be a link between the devotee and the Divine. The mantras are said to increase in power in direct relationship to the number of times repeated. A mantra is fully empowered by becoming “seated” in the heart after 125,000 repetitions, achieving what is called Mantra Siddhi.
SparshaYoga
Bhava is mindful intent, which can include consciously and intentionally setting an appropriate mood or mental space for a yoga practice or in one's self. Bhava refers to reincarnation, the permanence and continuity of the life and death cycle, and the spiritual maturity that can be attained through this cycle. The Sanskrit term may be translated as “ecstasy,” “emotion,” or “expression" in English.
In Bhakti traditions, including Bhakti yoga, bhava also means directing and activating the emotional and spiritual energy that is created through routine and mature meditative thinking on an individual’s chosen deity or object of devotion.
In Bhakti yogic philosophy, bhava is considered the center of spiritual feelings and affections, as well as the heart and everlasting soul (the true Self). Bhava can be a “sixth sense” so to speak -- as an individual begins to listen to bhava, it can provide guidance and insight into what is important and beneficial to the true Self. An example of this could be feeling a deep sense of spiritual wellness while engaging in a therapeutic or meditative activity, such as yoga or gardening.
At its core, bhava is setting or receiving an attitude of peace, vitality and wellness. Feeling a deep sense of conscious rest and spiritual peace is an excellent indicator of what is life-giving to the true Self. Individuals practicing spiritual aspects of yoga can also exercise bhava by setting positive and peaceful intentions for meditative times.
AbhavaYoga
Abhava is a Sanskrit word meaning “non-existence” or “absence.” Abhava is the direct opposite of bhava, meaning “existing” or “becoming.” Abhava is considered the place of absence out of which bhava materializes, or arises from.
Within a yoga practice, yogis may have the objective of abhava, or the goal of moving away from something in their life that they find negative, unhealthy or hindering, by facilitating the deeper teachings of yoga (bhava).
In Hindu philosophy, abhava is considered to be of the following four kinds:
- Pragabhava: the non-existence of something before it comes into being, like a drum before it is created by someone.
- Pradhvamsabhava: the non-existence of something after it is destroyed, like the same drum after it is destroyed completely.
- Atyantabhava: the mutual non-existence of two different objects within one another, as in a flute cannot exist within a drum and a drum cannot exist within a flute.
- Anyonyabhava: the concept of absolute non-existence, like the sound of a flute coming from a drum or the sound of a drum coming from a flute.
MahaYoga
Mahayoga is a Sanskrit word that means “great yoga.” II is an inner transformative practice that focuses on dhyana, or deep meditation, to train the mind to enter a state of awareness. Used as a healing practice, it is also sometimes called siddha mahayoga.
Mahayoga yogis practice deep meditation to remove the veils of illusion that obscure the mind, thereby gaining pure perception and knowledge of reality. This practice is, among other things, used to remove aggression and anger.
The three inner Yoga:
- Mahayoga (development stage)
- Anuyoga (completion stage)
- Atiyoga (stage that cultivates realization of the reality of phenomena)
Mahayoga also is used to describe a path of yoga also known as Siddha yoga. This path consists of seeking initiation through a guru, who absorbs the yogi's negative karma and awakens kundalini shakti energy. Regular meditation helps the yogi reach a state of self-realization.
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