SHIVA YOGA GIRI by ashramshivaista9

SHIVA YOGA GIRI

Mauricio RĂos Shivacharya Mohan Giri Maharaj

Yoga taught by the Himalayan Shaiva tradition

Yoga is eternity. Far beyond all the things of this material world and at the same time so close, inﬁnity shines with the brightest light. The teaching of this book transcends time and space. Shiva Yoga Giri connects us with the eternal source of love, with the inﬁnite, auspicious blessing of divinity that is always pure, sacred, and limitless, and which is always available for us throughout the spiritual pathway. Let's move on and keep working continuously in the realization of our true selves; the eternal Brahman, the primordial essence, what we truly are. OM Nataraja Giri

© 2019 Orlando Mauricio Ríos Villa All rights reserved. Edited and produced by: Centro de Yoga Ashram Shivaista Adress: Calle 18B No. 27 – 11 Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia, Sudamerica. Phone number (+57) 310 875 6222 E-mail ashramshivaista@gmail.com Facebook centrodeyogaashramshivaista www.ashramshivaista.byethost31.com/index.html Translator Nicolás Hurtado - Nataraja Giri (+57) 311 661 1700 November 22nd 2020

This book does not replace the importance of having a spiritual living Guru. Warning: All the techniques of the Asanas must be learned with a qualiﬁed Yoga instructor.

SHIVA YOGA GIRI By Mauricio RÃos Shivacharya Mohan Giri Maharaj

Yoga taught by the Himalayan Shaiva tradition. 3

Introduction In order to restore the spiritual principles, Shiva Maharaj has given this transcendental message for the benefit of all living entities of this material creation, showing us the way to attain liberation from samsara (indefinite cycle of birth and death) leading us to salvation from all sufferings and miseries of this world and allowing us to overcome the influence of the three Gunas (Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva) which are like chains that tie us down. Shiva Maharaj leads us to the spiritual paradise called Kailasa (sacred mount), through the Tantras (sacred texts), through Yoga (sacred practices), and through the Vedas (books of wisdom). In Kailasa we find unlimited life, a spiritual body with all the qualities, peace, eternal happiness, the knowledge of absolute truth, mystical powers; there we do not suffer disease, nor pain, nor needs of any kind, there we can see directly to the divinity, bow down to his lotus feet, serve devotionally and enjoy our relationship with him. Beyond the dual plane, Kailasa, and beyond the Shivaloka (Shiva's planet) is Parashiva, (the divinity in his impersonal aspect) the same supreme impersonal Brahman, the primary source of eternity and spirituality. Shiva in his aspect of Maheshvara or personal appearance leads us with his light until at last, Jiva (the individualized incarnated being) merges with Parashiva through Yoga Shiva Giri, achieving Mukti (spiritual liberation). Jaya Shiva Maharaj Namo Namah All glories to Lord Shiva, to him I offer my humble obeisances over and over again. OM NAMAH SHIVAYA (Initiatic Shaiva Mantra which means: Invocation, my humblest obeisances to the supreme divinity, who is supremely kind, all glories)

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OM GANESHAYA NAMAH My humblest obeisances to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Deva who guards the temples.

OM MAHANT PAHARIBABA TARA GIRI MAHARAJ KI YEI (All glories to my beloved Guru, guardian of the Giri tradition, and the sacred mount.)

OM SRI PANCHA DASNAM JUMNA AHAVANA AKARA KI YEI (Appreciation to our Sampradaya which has its origins in Sri Adi Shankaracharya's swamis and monks) OM SHAIVA YOGA GIRI ADVAITA KI YEI (All glories to the Shaiva Yogis.)

I shelter at the lotus feet of Shiva Maharaj, who is an ocean of mercy, cause of all causes, and SELF of everything that exists. Shiva Maharaj (the fully auspicious), is worshiped by sages, Yogis, saints, devotees, and monks; by Sadhus (Shaiva renunciates), by Rishis (prophets and seers), by pious kings, spiritualists, and meditators. "Oh! Lord of all living entities, You who protect and bless your devotees, who are supreme perfection, holder of all mystic opulence; Oh! original guru, the giver of the path for salvation and transcendental knowledge, you supreme master; creator, maintainer, and destroyer of this material manifestation. For you are all obeisances, the glory, the praises, and the everlasting offerings. Oh, Ashutosh, merciful to the devotees! Oh, Mahadev, the highest of deities!

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Index Introduction ............................................................

Prakriti meditation ............................................ 52

Prologue .................................................................

Pratyaksha (Direct evidence) ............................ 52 Samadhi (IdentiďŹ cation - Unifying ecstasy) ..... 53

Chapter I What is Yoga? ................................................... 10 Different kinds of Yoga .................................... 11 What is Tantrism? ............................................. 12 Chapter II What is Shiva-Yoga? ........................................ 13

Chapter III Who is Shiva Maharaj? .................................... 55 Chapter VI Which are the Siddhis or mystical powers that can be achieved through Shiva Yoga? .............. 57

Yamas (Restraints) ............................................ 16

Conclusion ............................................................. 61

Niyamas (Duties) .............................................. 16

Glossary ................................................................. 63

Tyaga (Renunciation) ...................................... 16

Author's biography ................................................. 64

Mauna (Silence) ............................................... 17

Acknowledgments ................................................ 65

Vijana (Solitude) ..............................................

Kala (Time) ......................................................

Asanas (Postures) ............................................. 18 Mula-bandha (Muscle contractions) ................

Deha-Samya (Body exaltation) ....................... 46 Pranayama (Vital energy control) .................... 46 Pratyahara (Organic sensory perceptions control)..

Drishti (Attention) ........................................... 47 Dharana (Concentration) ................................. 48 Dhyana (Meditation) ........................................ 48 Ajapa Japa meditation ...................................... 49 Yotih meditation ............................................... 49 Shabda meditation ........................................... 49 Hridaya meditation .......................................... 50 Tantric meditation ............................................

Chakras meditation ..........................................

Brahmajyotih meditation .................................

Maithuna meditation ......................................... 52

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When talking or writing about Sadhana (spiritual self-realization means), the subject of Yoga is treated as if it were the only path, yet there is also the path of Tantra, which has not been fully understood. This book's mission is to clarify and disseminate Shaivism, which is a synthesis of Yoga and Tantrism; and to expand and clarify the teaching, life, and work of Shiva Maharaj.

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Chapter I What is Yoga?

The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root 'Yug' translating: to unite, to join, to engage, to identify. Sanskrit is the oldest written language, it is the basis of all current languages and in the sacred books bequeathed by our ancestors, and we ďŹ nd the foundation of this secret knowledge. The main texts of Yoga are: The Shiva Samhita, the Yogasutras of Patanjali, the Gheranda Samhita, Hatha Pradipika, the Upanishads, the Shiva Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita. Yoga is a path to spiritual fulďŹ llment, it is a right way of living. It helps us to know our place in the universe, to know the relationship of the microcosm and the macrocosm, of the spirit with matter, of Purusha or spiritual essence with Prakriti or mother nature, of Shiva or primordial deity with his Shaktis or internal energies, of JivaAtma or incarnated being with Paramatma or supreme spiritual manifestation, of us with divinity and with mother nature; understanding that we are embodied and limited spirits in imperfect material bodies wishing to return to the spiritual world. Through Yoga, total unity among the gross physical, the subtle, and spiritual planes is achieved, knowing that the divinity is everywhere and all is in the divinity. Through daily practice, complete self-control is achieved; over the mind, the body, and the senses. A Yogi learns to be even-handed in happiness or sorrow, wealth or poverty, cold or heat, in fame or infamy, in comfort or in need. The Yogi is always free from fear, dedicated to the puriďŹ cation of one's existence, cultivation of spiritual knowledge; developing charity, self-control, austerity, humility, truthfulness, absence of violence, modesty, compassion, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, simplicity, love and all Sattvic or divine qualities. 11

Yoga is therefore a system of practical asceticism. The deﬁnition that Patanjali gives us shows the depth of this science. "Yoga is the removal of the ﬂuctuations of the mind” . Yogasutras. There are different kinds of Yoga according to the different inclinations of the candidates. However, they all lead us to the same end: knowing divinity and becoming aware of the essential oneness. "He who does not practice Yoga during his existence in this physical body will have no goal in life that low satisfaction of the senses" (Shiva Samhita V, 158-182).

Different kinds of Yoga Within Yoga, there are different ways to achieve the same goal, as each aspirant has his personal inclinations, individual tendencies, and special features. Each Yoga method has its peculiarities. Some are passive and others are active, some are for beginners, others for initiated, some give a greater emphasis to the physical body, others to the mental plane; some are for the Pashu that are the offspring, generally living like animals; others are for the Vira (heroes), who defy nature, are aware of spirituality and have a will to advance; we also ﬁnd Divya (the pure ones) which are the highest ones. Their life is offered to the divinity and they practice a special kind of Yoga. According to the Shiva Samhita (chapter V-14.): "There are four methods. Their names are: Mantra-Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Laya Yoga, and Raja Yoga".

Mantra-Yoga This kind of Yoga is based on the repetition of some mystic formulas, certain specialized sound vibrations called Mantras which affect the physical and subtle matter.

Hatha-Yoga HA symbolizes the moon and THA the sun. Through the practice of corporal exercises, postures (Asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayama); the Yogi achieves the psychophysical control to attain the Shiva-Shakti union; especially by regulating the movement of the Prana or vital ﬂuid.

Laya-Yoga Union by means of the dissolution of mental faculties in the same object of concentration. Shiva himself says mythologically that there are one hundred ﬁfty thousand forms of Laya, but the four most common are: Contemplation with Shambavi-Mudra, hearing the internal sound with Bhramari-Mudra, enjoying the nectar (Rasa) with Kechari-Mudra, and the pursuit of happiness with Yoni-Mudra.

Raja-Yoga It is the royal Yoga. It works on the mental plane in order to direct the ﬂow of Prana. Mental concentration plays an essential role. It is a higher Yoga practice that only those who have already gone through the above methods are able to try. It is the cult of Shiva's body by which all duality is transcended. The different kinds of Yoga given by the tradition can be classiﬁed in the above four methods. These are: Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion), Karma Yoga (Yoga of action without reaction), Jñana Yoga (Yoga of intellectual knowledge), Kriya Yoga (It is the path through the internal and external action), Kundalini Yoga (the method of awakening the internal energy), Yantra Yoga (the Yoga of geometric shapes), Ashtanga Yoga (the Yoga of 8 steps), Shakti Yoga (the Yoga to develop the forces of nature), Tantra Yoga (the Yoga of liberation from bondage) and all other knowns. 12

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What is Tantrism?

Tantrism is a little known aspect of Shaivism. It consists of sacred practices, texts, sets of doctrines, and special traditions that distinguish it from Yoga in form, but not in its ultimate goal. The word Tantra comes from the Sanskrit word which means Tantriki; a form of worship that is distinct from the Vedic way in the details of the rite. TAN means bondage and TRA means liberation. Tantra is what frees us from the bondage of ignorance and sin. The word Tantra translates tissue, book, and warp. Ⅰt also has a sense of continuous series, of rituals, sacraments, of essential foundation and doctrine. All Tantras develop as a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Parvati Shakti (also called Kali, Durga, Maya, Ambika, etc.) When Lord Shiva teaches, they are called Agamas, and when his Shakti predominates they are called Nigamas. Hinduism considers Tantrism as the fifth Veda, the Veda for this age of Kali (Age of war and hypocrisy.) Tantras are to Vedas as perfume is to flower. The true connoisseur of the Tantras, the Tantrikacharya, is the master of the Vedas. Tantras address issues such as Dharma (the fulfillment of duty), Artha (the acquisition of wealth and material goods), Kama (satisfaction of desires), and Moksha (how to achieve liberation) all issues that the Vedas forgot to consider. Tantras are the essence of the Vedas. While the Vedas talk about general topics, the Tantras are the specialization. They are books for initiated. The most known Tantric texts are the Tantrakaumandi, the Shaktisangana, the Kalika, the Kularnava, the Tantrasattva, the Mahanirvanatantra, the Rudra Yamala, the Syama Rahashya, the Mantra Mahodadi and the Sharadatilaka, among others. All Tantras deal with five topics: Creation, destruction of the world, the worship of the Devas or deities, obtaining superhuman faculties, and the union with the truth, with the absolute, with the essential divinity by various techniques such as rituals and meditation. 13

The Tantras are divided into four main groups: Kriyatantra, CaryaTantra, Yogatantra, and AnuttaraTantra. When the mental disturbance is predominant in the individuals, when they are slow and clumsy, and intelligence is not bright; for them is the Kriyatantra (rites of temples, altars, and deities). In others, darkness is barely perceived, and intelligence shines, for them is the Caryatantra (methods of spiritual discipline). For those whose passion and irritability are in the middle and lower level, are the YogaTantras (rites of psychophysical discipline). When the three defects (anger, hatred, and greed) are present in the highest degree, for the most fallen, is the AnuttaraTantra (magic rites), reserved for the most sinful creatures. On the same guilt where they are stained, the work of redemption is slowly built. There are more than 200 tantric books with a million and a half Slokas (quatrains of eight syllables). Another classiďŹ cation speaks of 108 agamas of Vaishnavites, 28 of the Shaivas or Shaivites, and 78 of the Shaktas. There are several Tantric communities. Each with its particular Gurus, and with its special methods of initiation (Diksha). The most traditional ones are the Shakta (the followers of the mother goddess), the Shaiva (followers of Shiva), the Vaishnavite (the followers of Visnu), the Ganapatya (the followers of Ganesh), and Saura (the followers of the sun). It exists within Tantrism a secret important esoteric oral tradition called Vaktrat Vaktrantaran (from mouth to ear), where knowledge is transmitted from Guru to disciple and just a few are lucky enough to hear. The essential doctrines of Tantrism have a marked tendency to study the aspects of the divine energies, or Shaktis, represented under feminine forms that play a special role in Tantric culture. Shakti represents the material nature, the released energy of the divinity. In Tantrism, the relationship between Prakriti (nature) with Purusha (spirit) is given as pastimes between Lord Shiva and his Shaktis. Tantrism uses the power of nature, human passions, and instincts as help to conquer the world of the senses. The human body is not an obstacle for salvation, it is a necessary tool for self-realization. Tantras are attempts to teach the ways to discern the divine light which shines mysteriously within us wrapped in the insidious Maya network ( the illusion). As stated in the Kularnava-Tantra: "Men give in, and succeed for the same causeâ&#x20AC;?. Things that bind misconducted men are at the same time means of liberation to others. Existence is puriďŹ ed by existence. The Tantrika (tantric aspiring disciple) gradually raises his eyes from the craving for sensual pleasures to the powers of the invisible world or the spirit world, the Tantrika devotes his whole mind, body, and life to achieve his search. He goes from the physical to the abstract, from bottom to top, from black to white, from the outside to the inside. The Tantrika is initiated on transmutation. "Tantric culture is a total evolution. It makes the body strong and resistant to the heat, the cold, and the rain, it makes it able to prevent diseases from the outside by facing them from the inside. It makes one tough, diligent, and patient. With the methodical training of will becomes one resolute and fearless. All these qualities of mind and body make oneself both a useful member of society and a humble supplicant of the dust of the lotus feet of the Divine Mother." Tattva Tantra.

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Chapter II What is Shiva - Yoga?

Shiva-Yoga (the Yoga taught and practiced by Shiva Maharaj), is also known as Maha-Yoga (Great Yoga) or Rajadhiraja-Yoga (the Yoga of the King of Kings, which is one of the many names of Shiva Maharaj in the Shaiva tradition). Shiva Maharaj is revered as the creator of the science of Yoga. He is praised as Maha-Yogin (the most elevated of Yogis), as well as Yogisvara (the controller of all mystic opulence). He is worshiped as the protector and Guru (spiritual master) of all who desire to devote themselves to the path of Yoga, which is full of obstacles and tests that only those who obtain the blessings of Shiva Maharaj will pass. Shiva Yoga is the essential Yoga, synthesis of other methods. It is taught by a Guru belonging to the Shaiva Sampradaya (discipleship succession originated in Shiva Maharaj) and given for all living entities who are sympathetic, with absolute control of the senses and the mind, who refrain from harming any living being, who are pure, who have desires to seek the absolute truth, those who truly surrender themselves to the path and are willing to give up a materialistic life based on sensory gratiďŹ cation. There are different degrees (Angas) inside Shiva Yoga. The Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) must follow them to achieve the desired results. With determination, under the guidance of the Guru and the protection of Shiva Maharaj. 15

These Angas are:

YAMAS Controls AHIMSA

Non-violence.

SATYAM

Living in the truth.

ASTEYAM

Refrain from taking other's possessions.

BRAHMACHARYA Purity. KSAMA

Patience.

DHRITI

Fortress in happiness and unhappiness.

DAYA

Mercy.

ARJAVAN

Simplicity.

MITAHARA

Regulation in the lacto-vegetarian diet.

SAUCAM

Cleanliness.

NIYAMAS Obligations TAPAH

Austerities.

SAMTOSA

Contentment in all circumstances.

ASTIKYAM

Faith in the Guru and in the sacred texts.

DANAM

Charity.

ISVARA PUJANAM Participate in the prescribed rituals and worship. VAKYA SRAVANAM Specialized study.

HRI

Modesty.

MATI

Willing practice, controlled mind.

JAPA

Recitation of sacred Mantras.

HUTAM

Participation in ďŹ re ceremonies.

VRATA

Religious observation according to the acquired responsibilities.

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TYAGA Renunciation One must renounce especially to all manifested forms in order to only contemplate existence. It is good to cultivate austerity and simplicity. Each Yogi must get rid of his faults, vices, bad habits, instincts, and everything that causes attachments, through discipline and willpower.

MAUNA Silence Some Yogis make vows to be silent for hours, days, months, or even years, in order to control the tongue and thus eventually also stop the mental dialogue. The word is a double-edged sword, and when we are silent we understand that we must use it in the best way. We must always speak sweet words, with good manners, without offending anyone, and without causing gossip or disagreements with what we say. Finally, the Yogi amidst the silence learns how to listen to the inner sound, the voice of the divinity that manifests as Nahda, the holy vibration that permeates all creation. Besides, in every initiatory path, there are certain secrets that must be handled with great care so that they are not misused by unscrupulous people.

VIJANA Solitude Some Yogis take a vow to live alone for a while. Some take time along the day for introspection, and others prefer to spend a long time in a spiritual retreat; days or even months, and years to ďŹ nd themselves and the essence that is inside. Sadhakas (those who follow a path or Sadhana) must ďŹ nd their own self, the self which is the spirit or Atman, our true divine nature, they ďŹ nd divinity in their heart. By living alone can one better analyze things and discover the great treasure that resides deep inside. Always remember that bad companies affect us and therefore when we are alone we can stop the mental dialogue more easily, we can discover many truths and the transcendental. it is important to recognize that we are born alone and we die alone. The guru shows us the path but we are the ones who walk through it. When we are alone we discover the presence of divinity in our inner temple.

KALA Time Shiva Maharaj is also called Kala, the time that devours everything, that transforms everything. He is the husband of the goddess Mahakali who is responsible for the annihilation of the material creation when laws so provide, and who protects the devotees. This degree is understood as transcending the duality of the material universe. The Yogi overcomes Kala by running Dharma (following divine law), also using his time in the devotional service (Seva), and understanding his true spiritual nature. When you realize that your spirit is immortal, time begins to be understood as something only related to this creation. However, the day will come when you will be able to transcend it and thus overcome aging and death. Time is something that gives us experience and the more effort you can put into Yoga, the faster you advance, that's why there is so much respect for veteran Yogis. One should be condescending to those with more time in the practice. Yogis understand that it is important to live in the present, because the past is gone and already left the karmic consequences that we must assume responsibly today, and the future is constructed according to the deeds, thoughts, and words that run in the present. This is why Yogis say that it is the now that can be leveraged to spend the precious golden time in the pursuit of spirituality. 17

ASANAS POSTURES It is vital to have a healthy and vital body, to thereby start the journey of spirituality. The proper use of the asanas (postures of the body) and mudras (hand and body gestures) helps to achieve flexibility, longevity, vitality, good health, energy activation, relaxation, and self-control. With constant practice, the chakras (wheels of energy) are activated and Kundalini (the light serpent) is awakened. The body is an energy field. It is like a battery. It receives and transmits energy. Through proper management of the gross and the subtle body, the mind will change its vibration and spirituality will gradually emerge. The healthy and revitalized physical body is the true temple of the soul. Yogis practice Asanas in a quiet place. It can be at home, at the Ashram (the Yoga temple), or in the countryside. With a Yoga Matt, some fabric, or Kusa grass on the floor to soften the seat. There should be a pleasant space, with good aeration and natural light. The best time to practice Asanas is at dawn, but if you cannot, then choose some other time. It is not recommended to do Asanas with a full stomach. There are standing and sitting Asanas, twisting of the spine, stretching, face-up, face down, relaxation, and meditation. There are 84 Asanas according to the sacred tradition. These are:

Advasana Posture lying face down

AkarshanaDhanvrasana Posture with the foot on the chin

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Angushtan Posture without resting the knees

Baddha-Padmasana Lotus posture with arms folded back

Baddha-Yoniasana Yoni Posture

Bhadrasana Comfort posture

Bhairavasana Bhairava posture. An aspect of lord Shiva

Bhujangasana Cobra snake posture

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Chakrasana Wheel posture

DakshinaPavanamuktasana Liberation posture

DakshinaJanyasana Knowledge posture

Dhanurasana Bow posture

Ekapada-Vrikshasana Temple posture

Garbhasana Fetus posture

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Garudasana Eagle posture

Gokilasana Control of the senses posture

Gomukhasana Cow's muzzle posture

Gorakshasana Yogi Goraksha's posture

Guptasana Hidden sex posture

Halasana Plow posture

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Hamsasana Swan posture

Hastha-Padamang Posture taking the foot

Hastha-Vrikshasana Inverted posture with handstand

Janusirasana Willow posture

Jeshtikasana Lying posture with raised hands

Kapaliasana Skull posture

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Kandapitasana Luminous egg posture

Karmukhasana Posture to overcome Karmas

Karnapitasana Heat generator posture

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Kshemasana Devotional posture

Kurmasana Turtle posture

Kukutasana Rooster posture

Lolasana Turkey variant posture

Makarasana Crocodile posture

Mandukasana Frog posture

Matsyasana Fish posture

Matsyendrasana Yogi Rishi Matsyendra's posture

Mayurasana Peacock posture

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Mritasana Posture to overcome death

Mukta-Hastha-Vrikhasana Inverted liberation posture

Muktasana Liberation posture

Oordhava-Padmasana Lotus posture in the air

Padadirasana Sitting on heels posture

Padahasthasana Frontal spine ďŹ&#x201A;exion posture

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Padmasana Lotus Posture

Padangustana Sublimation posture

Parvatasana Mountain posture

Paryankasana Open knees posture

Paschimottanasana Posture which rises to the west

Pavanamuktasana Posture holding the knees

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Pasini-Mudrasana Conscious sleep posture

Poorna-Padasana Standing with hands stretched posture

Shalabhasana Grasshopper posture

Samasana Equality posture

Samkatasana Suffering posture

Sarvangasana Neck posture

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Sasangasana Association posture

Shavasana Corpse posture

Siddhasana Posture of the one with powers

Simhasana Lion posture

Shirsasana Headstand posture

Sthirasana Unshakable posture

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Sukhasana Comfortable posture

Supta-Vajrasana Lying beam posture

Swastikasana Peace posture

Tadasana Inverted posture taking the foot

Tolangulasana Abdominal lotus posture

Trikonasana Triangle posture

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Ushtrasana Camel posture

Utkatasana Lifting posture

Uttama-Kurmakasana Raised turtle posture

Uttama-Padasana Erect feet posture

Utthita-Padmasana Elevated lotus posture

Utthita-Vivekasana High understanding posture

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Vajrasana Lightning posture

Vajra-Chakrasana Lightning rolled posture

Vajroliasana Banner posture

Vama-Pavanamuktasana Small liberation posture

Vatayasana Horse posture

Virasana Hero posture

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Vrishchikasana Scorpion posture

Vrikshasana Tree posture

Yoga-Nidrasana Connection with magical sleep posture

Yogasana Unity posture

MULA-BANDHA MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS The Yogi acquires full control of his physical body and parallel mastery over the mental plane. Certain muscle exercises are run to allow prana to properly circulate, to clean the impurities in the body, and to activate the dormant subtle centers. These exercises are related to contracting the sphincters, the movement of the abdominal muscles, and closing the ﬂow of air through the neck. The most important Bandhas are Mulabandha, Ardhabandha, and Jalandarabandha.

DEHA-SAMYA BODY ENHANCEMENT This is understood as the transmutation of matter for spiritual realization. Without the help of the gross body, one cannot burn the accumulated Karma, nor experience the various tests that life has for us. Through the control of the body, dominion over the material universe is reached. The body is a key instrument and it is also the temple where the divine dwells. You have to take care of the body in such a way that it serves the expression of divinity. You must become an instrument of God's will in this world and this can only be achieved with the puriﬁcation of the body, glorifying it like a temple and using it appropriately as a useful tool for the realization of spiritual things; this is why Yogis lead their body to become as hard as a diamond and can withstand cold, heat, hunger, thirst and all kinds of tests that mother nature and destiny have set. Yogis attain equanimity and self-control, which are essential.

PRANAYAMA VITAL ENERGY CONTROL Prana (vital energy) control is taught as a technique to clean the 350.000 etheric internal channels or Nadis, through which this subtle energy ﬂows. Prana is in all organic and inorganic, in the gross and the subtle, internally and externally. Prana manifests itself physically as magnetism, gravity, energy as mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and atomic. Prana allows the heartbeat, the brain work, and all organic and sensory development. It is thanks to Prana that planets, stars, solar systems, and galaxies vibrate in the universe. Subatomic particles exist because of Prana.

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When the astral, the causal, and the supra causal worlds are known, there is also the awareness that prana also has its manifestation there in a very subtle way. Thoughts are made of prana and the whole universe exists in different dimensions thanks to this fundamental and primal energy. Yogis absorb prana from the water they drink, from the food, the sun, the cosmos, the earth, and especially from breathing. There are different types of Pranayamas or exercises to absorb and accumulate Prana, and others to cleanse and detoxify the body. There are different types of Vayus or vital airs acting in the body: there is Prana which is ascending, Apana which is descending, Vyana which is expansive, Udana which is implosive, and Samana which is the unifier. The key of Pranayama is learning how to breathe properly, how to fill the bloodstream with oxygen, and how to appropriately eliminate all toxins flowing through the impure blood, caused by the cell combustion. There exist four breathing phases: Puraka, Kumbhaka, Rechaka, and Sunyaka; which are inhalation, internal retention, exhalation, and external retention, all Pranayamas are related to the knowledge and control of these phases. The fundamental Pranayama exercises are: Bhastrika, Bhramari, mūrcchā, Sahita, Shitali, Shitakari, Surya Beda, Plavinj and Ujjayi.

PRATYAHARA ORGANIC SENSORY PERCEPTIONS CONTROL It is understood as the mastery of the senses over the objects of the senses. The Yogi uses the senses for devotional activities and is not tempted by Maya, the illusion anymore. He becomes the master and lord of his instincts and uses the body properly. The senses are not bad, what happens is that we use them improperly; with this Anga, the Yogi dominates all kinds of external perception and learns to draw attention to the inner realms.

DRISHTI ATTENTION This Anga is understood as we must begin to direct the attention of the senses and the mind in a conscious way. To the extent that the mind is controlled, you can control the body and become owners of all decisions and actions. The mind begins to be oriented with a series of techniques. As we are in the world of the physical senses, we have to use the matter, the body, as instruments to reach the transcendental. In this pathway, one goes from the bottom up, from black to white, from dark to light, from mortal to immortal; therefore there are exercises for each organ of the senses. I'll teach you how to control your body and mind: Pick an object of your devotion, it can be a symbol, your Ishta Devata (deity), a Yantra (geometrical figure), a Mandala (sacred drawing), a flower, a star, a drawing, a picture, an altar, a candle... for this purpose you can choose any power object you have an affinity for. You can also choose a man you admire, such as your spiritual master. In this technique you just contemplate the object almost without blinking, try to make your mind direct attention to that object, its color, shape, size, origin, brightness, meaning; you can look at the different details, but without letting your eyes look elsewhere. You can reinforce attention at that point, for example, if you decide to look at a deity, you can listen to devotional music of that deity, in this way your sense of hearing begins to direct deeper attention, and if there is any external sound that bothers, try to keep your attention on the sacred music. Same for your sense of smell to keep attention, you can light incense to keep the chosen deity in mind and so this sense will also be directed to the deity you are using for this exercise. To direct the sense of touch to your point of attention, you can make yourself a necklace or rosary with Rudra seeds or with any other seed, wood, or ceramic and use the thumb and ring finger to count each seed and so you keep contact with the rosary and your touch is used to improve your attention. 47

For your mouth to be busy in this technique, choose a mantra to be repeated devoutly, neither too fast nor too slow. It should be a mantra associated with the deity that was chosen. In case you have chosen Shiva Maharaj, you can repeat the Shiva Diksha or initiatory Mantra of Shaivas which is OM NAMAH SHIVAYA and while chanting the mantra, count with your rosary to complete the sacred number of 108 times per round and you can do as many rounds as you can; in this way, the whole physical body will be aimed at keeping the focus on a fixed point. When you eat and offer the food to the deity of your devotion, in the case of Saivism, the taste will be satisfied by consuming Shiva Prasad or food offered to the deity and taste will direct attention to the focal point you want. Drishti is the first step on the path of controlling the mind, the senses, and continuing advancing to eventually reach full control of thoughts and emotions.

DHARANA CONCENTRATION After practicing Drishti, the development of a higher concentration is reached and this is done by means of Yogic visualization techniques. When the senses are finally used to remain fixed even just for a few minutes, you will have the ability to do the following exercise: Stare at the light of a candle and then close your eyes and watch it on your inner display, there between the eyebrows. Try to see its light, color, shape as if it were as real as the external candle. At first, you will have to open your eyes repeatedly and look again, but over time you will be able to imagine that visualization more clearly and for more time. Another exercise is to contemplate your Ishta Devata or deity who you feel devotion for. Look at it for a long time and then close your eyes, try to observe it in your brow, with all the trappings and details of its shape, clothing, objects worn, and entourage. This technique will help you improve your concentration. In Dharana, different activities are performed, such as imagining landscapes, objects, situations, or characters, under the guidance of an instructor or by your own determination. In this way, your brain will get used to letting your imagination be channeled to improve concentration and thus having more realistic and perfectly focused visualizations. You can make use of mentally chanted Mantras to help with your concentration. There will come a time when you will be able to stay focused for hours on an image you chose or that your Guru brought on. Shaivas visualize Shiva Maharaj, his consort Parvati and their children and devotees; and so they prepare for the next step, which has to do with meditation. You could also focus on sounds, songs, smells, tastes, and textures. These concentration exercises must be executed in a comfortable posture or Asana, in a nice quiet place, and at the appropriate time, so you do not get bothered by anybody.

DHYANA MEDITATION Meditation is part of the path of Shiva Yoga and of all the other schools that use Raja Yoga as a means for personal and spiritual fulfillment. According to each Guru and Sampradaya, there is a special technique and I'm going to teach you. There exist Saguna and Nirguna meditations, with form and without form. Saguna then leads to mastering Nirguna. Meditating is not thinking, reflecting upon a topic, analyzing, imagining, dreaming, visualizing, or hallucinating; true meditation involves directing all the ray of consciousness to one point, this turns off the mental dialogue, it stops your everyday thinking in order to draw out intuition, so you can become aware of this other reality of the subtle realms of the universe and be able to perceive this great truth that is beyond rationality and appearances of this illusory world. To meditate you need an appropriate place, a good Asana where you find comfort and stability. and where you can keep your spine straight, Mudras (Yogic gestures) with the hands that generate that contact with the energies of the cosmos, proper and harmonious breath, a devout and cheerful attitude, excellent relaxation of the whole body, love for the practice, perfect attention and concentration, perseverance, endurance, patience, purity, and dedication. 48

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Japa meditation on the Ajapa The Yogi sitting in a comfortable posture, with the spine straight, seeks to use relaxation as a tool before starting meditating and allows each muscle and cell in his body to repose and rest. He starts then to become aware of his breathing, he begins to inhale, retain, expire, and retain again in a natural way. It is good to do a slow and deep inhalation, moderate retention, and gentle and prolonged exhalation. There is a mantra that is produced naturally by the body, with the sound and vibration of breathing and it is the Hamsah, which translates to I AM HE. You can listen and concentrate on this Mantra that your body generates while listening to your breathing process. As you advance in the practice, your mind calms down and your intuition emerges, you will be suddenly transported to higher levels of consciousness, peace, and love, and you will understand the meaning of that powerful initiatory mantra that we constantly repeat when we breathe, which allows you to grasp your spiritual essence, that you are spirit and that spirit has the qualities of divinity. The lilting rhythm of breathing will stop the mental dialogue and you will soon experience deep peace and a sense of internal harmonization. You will know that all that you experience comes from your Atman, from the divinity that is within you.

Jyotih meditation In this technique, you must focus your attention on the Shiva Netra, the eye of Shiva, or the third eye. It is important to be in an appropriate Asana in which you can last long without moving, then you have to relax the body and the mind with a slow and deep breathing. After this, you must isolate the senses from the external. Close your eyes and look at the internal display as if you were looking with open eyes, but with eyes closed, and hold your attention at that point in your brow. Do not put pressure on your optic nerve and close your eyes as if you were to sleep, look to the front of your internal display. In the beginning, you will see only dark, but as you go on activating your third eye you will see colors and lights internally. When thoughts come to distract you, let them pass by and in between these thoughts, there will be spaces of mental emptiness, you will be able to make these spaces longer, and enjoy the inner visions. Within you is the microcosm, the whole universe is living inside of you, and in this technique and you look for what you really are and your essence. For the mind not to be distracted, and in order to stop its operation and control it, the repetition of a sacred Mantra or name of the divine is used; in Shaivism are used: Om, Om Namah Shivaya, Shivoham, etc. But each person according to his beliefs and devotion chooses a mantra and repeats it mentally, neither too fast nor too slow. Although Mantras have sometimes meaning, do not think about that, or about anything, what you have to do is to chant your Mantra with full concentration and to be observing very carefully with your third eye. It is possible that a great quantity of light emerges from within you, you will see stars, constellations, galaxies, the moon, the sun, and many other symbols and inner visions. When a vision appears, keep it centered in your internal display and if another one with greater luminosity appears, then continue with this new one. Concentration will gradually help bright experiences to rise up, reaching an ocean of light ďŹ lled with love, peace, happiness, and spirituality; here you will recharge like a discharged battery, you will be ďŹ lled with the light coming from the divinity. The mind will become a mirror and your consciousness will be reďŹ&#x201A;ected in the light of the Shivajyothi (the light of Shiva) within you, you will see the brightness of your Atman. The Mantra is the vehicle and you must be just an observer in this technique. When you are advanced, the master power will appear within you, or your beloved deity or your Guru, and he will be bringing you from the physical to the astral, from the astral to the causal, from the causal to the supra causal, and from there to the highest spiritual plane. He will take you from the third dimension to more subtle ones and you will be able to accomplish the goal of Yoga, which is the Samadhi or union with the divine. You will understand that you are Satchitananda, an immortal spirit, full of happiness, love, awareness, wisdom, peace and eternity.

Shabda meditation Another technique is to listen to the internal sound; there is something known as the sacred verb, the Naam, or Nahda. In the physical universe, sound, the music is very important and catches the attention of the mind. When there is a song somewhere, your ears capture the sound and are directed towards it, sound draws the attention of the mind. 49

Very well you are going to use the different vibrations of the universe and grasp the subtle sounds as instruments to ease the mental dialogue and travel into the depths of your interior. Make yourself comfortable, spine straight, and tap your ears with both thumbs. You must be alert to what you hear internally, go from gross sounds to subtle sounds, from low octaves to high octaves. It is said in the scriptures that in the beginning was the Word, it is said that the divinity created the universe through a thought that became vibration and sound. When you do this meditation you will be aware that divinity is the source of all creation, that the spiritual vibration is constantly resonating throughout the cosmos, that it always conveys great love and speaks permanently with melodious chanting, but you're deaf to the message and the celestial music, because you've lost touch and you have polluted yourself a lot with bad habits and customs. In all Yoga techniques, it is very important to have an ethical life; in thought, word, and deed, to thereby be able to advance to a perfect meditation. When you tap your ears, you must hear inside you, you will gradually hear physiological sounds, like the drums of your heartbeat, the blood running like water, the sound of the wind in your breathing. However, you will then hear the sound of thunder, birds, musical instruments and when you reach the subtle sounds, you will get in contact with the sacred melodies: Concerts of Gandharvas or celestial musicians, you'll hear the sound of the spheres and discover the voice of divinity within. Success is attained when you focus on these internal sounds and when you keep on without fear to meet your divine essence. As time goes by the experience will become deeper. Remember that there are sounds that seem to come from the left side and others from the right side; listen to the right and discard those on the left, so you will go on by better course, to ﬁnally hear the transcendental OM within you. All your ego and your mind will disintegrate in the subtle sounds and your attention will be ﬁxed on divinity. When you realize that your conscience is the manifestation of the Atman and that this conscience feels very attracted by the magic melody that comes from the sacred verb, you will be directed towards it, like when a piece of metal iron is directed to a magnet head; then you will enjoy that sound full of peace, love, happiness, and spirituality; and so you shall merge with the source of all life, like water with water and milk with milk; you will become one and the coveted Samadhi will be reached. All the sounds that exist in the macrocosm can be found within you, in the microcosm.

Hridaya meditation Devotion, Bhakti, Prema, and love for the divine are very important in this technique. When you love someone, you permanently think of that person, and you want to always be by his/her side. In this technique you must find an appropriate Asana in which you feel comfortable, then you must relax with a slow, deep breath; then close your eyes and turn your attention to the heart. There you find a Chakra called Anahata. Use your Yogic visualization and perceive all the love inside you, vibrate in the ecstasy of love of divinity, and all the creation. You will perceive yourself as consciousness full of love and very pleasurable visions and sensations will appear. Try to repeat a mantra that reminds you of divinity. You can use the Shiva Diksha or initiatory Mantra Om Namah Shivaya or any other that awakens pure devotion in you. When you love, it is easy to remember and visualize that source of love. In this meditation you will experience the love of God and all its creatures and this very love will lead you to inner regions, discovering that the essence of divinity is love. Then just like when a river flows into the sea, your river of love will fall into and merge in the infinite ocean of divine love, achieving Samadhi as sought by all Mahatmas and Yogis.

Tantric meditation In this technique, you must understand that divinity has two aspects, one as Shiva and one as Shakti, which could be translated as masculine and feminine aspects. In this material world, duality is permanent, and in the spiritual realm, oneness is permanent. Since you are in the physical body, here you should seek to return to the primordial unity, the original source and you will accomplish it with this technique. A place of power must be found, and a candle and incense must be lit. The place is prepared with proper physical and astral cleaning, if you have specialized music for meditation you can bring it or if you are in the ﬁelds enjoy the sound of the air, water, and birds. Shakti is the source of all material creation and Shiva is the spirit that gives life to matter. Without Shiva, Shakti cannot 50

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exist. Shakti is Shiva's wife and she wants to always be united with her everlasting husband. The Yogi makes this perfect marriage between lunar and solar energies possible. Get into Padmasana or Vajrasana or Siddhasana or any other comfortable position. Relax your body and your mind. When you inhale, imagine the energy or Prana entering through the Ida and Pingala Nadis, through the left and right nostrils, and also your spine as silver and golden rays respectively. When you hold the breath, imagine bright heat being generated right in the base of the vertebral column, in the Khanda (Base of the spine, which has a shiny egg shape.) At this point, the moon and the sun get together and this generates combustion, which is heat and luminosity. Then while exhaling, imagine that in the Sushumna Nadi (which is all along the middle of the spine,) there is a fireplace through which the unified solar and lunar prana raises and ascends to the crown where the remainder of this magical combustion exits the body. You must go on repeating the mantra HUM HAMSAH. With the passing of time in the first step of this technique, you will feel more luminosity at the time of retention and light will take the form of a snake that starts to become erect and you will feel that this snake called Kundalini rises up through the Sushumna Nadi, right in the middle of the spine. Kundalini represents Shakti and she longs to be united to her everlasting husband who is waiting for her in the Ajna Chakra or third eye in the form of Shiva Linga. The snake full of love carries the lunar energy itself and Shiva is the one who manages solar energy. In this way, they will meet right in the brow ( the third eye ) and they will engage merging into one and together they form a super intense light, which is the union of silver and gold energies, super-bright, as the light of millions of suns and full moons, and flashes of lightning at the same time. This light will rise through Sushumna towards the chakra of a thousand petals ( Sahasrara chakra, in the crown) and then will continue ascending until reaching the planes beyond the material, astral, causal, and supra causal. That spiritual place is known by the secret name of Kailasa, and if you get here, you will reach the Samadhi, which mystics seek as the ultimate goal. It is a place of pure spirituality that is beyond time and space. In this technique, the Yogi must be identified with the Kundalini serpent and he must fervently wish that the consciousness raises on the stairs up to divinity. The symbolic husband, your Jiva Atman (incarnated being) will fervently and passionately long for Shiva Maharaj and the microcosm will merge with the macrocosm.

Meditation on the Chakras There are subtle energy centers in the body which are described as subtle energy wheels, lotus flowers, or internal temples. They can be located from the base of the spine up to the crown. We find them among other places in the different plexuses: Basic, splenic, solar, cardiac, laryngeal, frontal, and cranial respectively. These centers can be visualized as temples full of light or lotus flowers. In this meditation, you must concentrate on perceiving through each one of the seven main Chakras. First through the Muladhara, then the Svadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, Ajña, and Sahasrara respectively. One day the meditation begins with the lower Chakra and the other day with the next chakra and so each week. If you visualize more luminosity in any specific Chakra, you can repeat that meditation that suits you best. Gradually you will see more light, brighter, and in different colors. Your mind will merge with that light and you will transcend the physical body and experience the light of divinity. You can repeat a mantra for each chakra: Bottom-up the indicated Bija Mantras are Lam, Vam, Ram, Yam, Ham, Om, and Shivoham. You can also visualize the colors of each Chakra: These are bottom-up red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet respectively. In the beginning, it will be easier to visualize higher Chakras, and over time your attention will be able to focus on any part of your body with closed eyes. Try it and you will enjoy that spiritual peace, luminosity, and happiness and your consciousness will begin to understand the energy management, you will purify yourself, you will activate all the Chakras and experience the presence of divinity inside and outside of you.

Meditation on the Brahmajyotih In this technique, you must seek an Asana in which you feel comfortable. Close your eyes, take your senses away from the outside, breathe deep, repeat the mantra RAM with your mind and try to perceive yourself as a bubble of light that perceives the energy everywhere: upwards, downwards, sidewards, inwards, and outwards. You will feel like floating and perceiving bright light. Little by little you will feel that you merge with an ocean of light and that you are a drop of that immense sea. When you perceive that great luminosity, you will be filled with love, peace, consciousness, and wisdom. It is a delectable thrill to be floating in the middle of the eternity of the soul and in the midst of the great ocean of divinity. 51

Meditación Maithuna This technique is for couples, for Grijastras (married couples). Men and women's bodies are temples. Both must perform physical cleanliness and energetical purification so that this practice can be carried out. Pick a full moon day or an astrologically auspicious day. You have to light candles and incense to taste. In a nice place, man and woman choose an Asana and sit facing each other. They hold hands so that the right hand of the one relates to the left hand of the other and vice versa. When she inhales, he exhales, and when he inhales, she exhales rhythmically. He sings the mantra Hamsah and she sings the mantra Hum mentally. When both close their eyes they experience that the two bodies, minds, hearts, and souls merge in an ocean of light and love. They start floating and rising in vibration and luminosity. Try not to move, and instead forget your physical bodies and feel the pure and transcendental love. Suddenly you will experience unity not only between you two but also with divinity, who is the source of all love. You can also perform this technique nude and in sexual intercourse or Maithuna. You must try to retain sexual energy as long as possible. Repeat the Mantra Hum Hamsah mentally right at the time of retention of breath and while doing sphincter retention to stimulate Kundalini. The man identifies with Shiva and the woman with Shakti, thus they lose their individual identity and assume their spiritual role. If you master your breath you will be able to go on with this practice even for hours and both will be recharged like empty batteries when connected to a charger. Both will discover that it is divinity that enjoys within each one. I recommend you to perform this meditation with someone with whom you have compatibility, with the person you love or with someone with whom there is a lot of energy affinity, being that the energy exchange is quite intense and the more pure and holy the two are, the better the experience.

Prakriti meditation Divinity is in everything and everything is in divinity. It is manifested in nature and the Yogis who do this meditation have already experienced the divinity within and now want to see the Paramatman or the presence of divinity in every atom and in all creation. You must find a place of power in the middle of nature, use a comfortable Asana with the spine straight. The object of meditation is sought, it can be a mountain, a tree, a river, a lake, the sea, or any natural object like the moon, the stars, etc. Then the Yogi with narrowed eyes, almost without blinking will observe, hear, smell, taste, and touch his environment. The mental dialogue will gradually stop and you will begin to glimpse luminosity on the objects of meditation and even if you look with physical eyes half-closed, you will be really looking through the third eye. To overpower your mind, the best technique is the mantra, so choose a mantra that will bring a positive vibe such as Om Namah Shivaya or Om Durgaya Namah, and repeat it mentally while observing nature. This technique can be done at any time, but the hours of power are the best: Dawn, noon, sunset, and midnight. Little by little the shapes will disappear and will be transformed into a luminous aura, in luminous colored eggs, in bright fibers, just keep watching as a witness; all the lights will gradually merge into one and you will feel like a bubble of perception and you too will become one with Prakriti, which is the aspect of divinity as nature. I recommend you to practice enough until you can stop your internal dialogue and extrasensory perception arises; then you will discover that within all creatures and organic and inorganic beings is the presence of the divine spark known as Paramatman and so you will grasp that all creatures of the universe are essentially siblings in nature, in various shapes, bodies, and forms. You will know that when the illusion vanishes, there is a fusion with divinity and eternity. There are other meditation techniques that when you find your Gurudeva he will teach you.

PRATYAKSHA DIRECT EVIDENCE By means of the different methods, the Yogi has achieved the spiritual experience. He acts for divinity, he becomes an instrument for its work, he thinks in terms of divinity, because he knows it. He follows its teachings and commandments, he has already awakened Shakti Kundalini, the internal energy and all the Chakras through Yoga, the Tantra, power plants, the Maithuna, the meditation, and all practices taught by his Guru and the genuine tradition of enlightened saints. Theories have been conﬁrmed in his life, he becomes a Mahatma, an example for humanity who has already achieved mastery. 52

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SAMADHI IDENTIFICATION, UNIFIER ECSTASY When the Yogi reaches Samadhi, the functions of the mind disappear, the Yogi and the meditation object are one. Srimati Kundalini joins her everlasting husband in Kailasa, the symbolic name of the last Chakra that awakes and the Yogi achieves liberation even in this life. There are two types of Samadhi: Partial (Savikalpa samadhi) where you are incarnated and there is still duality, but your consciousness is already in contact with divinity, and total Samadhi (Nirvikalpa Samadhi), where there is full oneness Jiva with Shiva, like when you throw water in the water, this is achieved when you die and have evolved so much that merge with divinity, you achieve eternity and you do not have to reincarnate again. This is the ultimate goal desired by Yogis, where you manage to be aware of your spiritual essence that is Satchitananda, that is to say, that you are essentially everlasting light, love, eternity, wisdom, peace, and happiness. The last step in the stairway of spirituality has to do with the liberation of the Samsara or cycles of birth and death. The full release of karma or fruitive actions of Maya or illusion and Anava or false ego. It is needed to reach spiritual maturity to understand the importance of getting out of the karmic ties and to return to your true home, where you are not attached to illusion, duality, time, space, and to the gross and subtle wrappings that chain the Atman. There are some Yogis that even while being incarnated have already experienced the union with divinity and even if they have physical bodies, their soul is united with divinity and they are responsible to be gurus and teachers for all humanity and fulfill the mission that fate has given them in this world. They live in peace, they are always even-handed in happiness and sorrow, in love and heartbreak, in fame and infamy, and are always happy and satisfied with what they have and with what life gives them every day; they continue in this world, but no longer belong to it. There are Yogis who due to their permanent meditation and holiness, are being prepared for not returning more and when disembodied, go right to the holy place beyond name and form, the residence of the cosmic one, a place that is beyond the heaven of deities or Devas, beyond the Shivaloka and that is secretly known as Kailasa. When you are purified, when you have already burned all pending Karmas, thanks to the help of your Guru and with the help of divinity and its mercy, then in your meditation experiences you will have a closeness to that other world, the kingdom of peace, happiness, love, consciousness, light and eternity. One must go beyond the physical, astral, causal, and supra causal bodies and reach the Atman Sarira or spiritual body and knowing oneself in one's spiritual essence. You will approach the infinite ocean of light and bliss, and you will merge with the cosmic one, as a spark of light in the sun. There is no higher fruit, no higher goal than the Samadhi, where you experience the union of Jivatman with Paramatman, of the microcosm with the macrocosm, of the individual self with the universal self, of Jiva with Shiva. When you achieve Samadhi, you no longer have to return to this material universe, you will not be attached to the disease, old age, death, and birth. You will always be in Satchidananda, that is to say, an experience of infinite happiness, awareness, peace, love, wisdom, and spirituality. There is a moment when the Yogi merges with the cosmic consciousness, the divine spark becomes one with the infinite ocean of light and the individual passes to be part of the unification with the most wonderful experience of spirituality; where everything becomes part of the unity and one gets to rediscover the true essence, which is pure spirit. ssssssssss The different grades we have explained are the basis of Shaivism. This method was designed by Shiva Maharaj for us all to achieve the goal, the fullness as human beings, self-fulfillment, and reason to exist; but remember that only under the guidance of a genuine Guru, with determination, willpower, discipline, and divine mercy the desired results may be achieved. 53

When the Shaiva disciple has surrendered completely to the practice of Shiva Yoga, he becomes an example for society and family, he will love every living entity, he will be straight in his thought, word and deed, he will be consistent with what he preaches and with what he does, he will radiate peace and harmony to the environment, he will be tolerant with all creatures including those who believe and think differently, he will not cut any hair on his body as sign of renunciation, he will let the beard, the mustache and the hair grow, he will draw horizontal tilak marks with ashes and with sacred clay on his body, he will be fed with Shiva prasadam or lacto-vegetarian food offered to Shiva, he will live in a place conducive to spiritual life, in a Shiva-Ashram or Shaiva community, he will try to share life with devotees and Yogis (Sadhu Sanga) who will help him moving forward on the road to Kailasa, the paradise; he will wear Yoga-pants, curtas, dotis, sarees (special shirts, pants, and dresses to practice Yoga) white or saffron in sign of humility and showing that one has transcendental knowledge, he will chant Mantras with Rudra rosaries which he always wears for the deity, he will always seek to do the will of his Guru, of the sacred Shaiva tradition and to practice Sadhana permanently. "Only the knowledge imparted by a Guru, through his lips, is powerful and useful; any other is fruitless, weak, and very painful.â&#x20AC;? (Shiva Samhita 11.03). "So they (the Yogis) obtain the gift of prophecy, they transport as they want, anywhere in space. They see all that is, even the farthest; they hear everything, see the invisible, they can penetrate at will into the body of another being, change all metals into gold, they can do everything, and ďŹ&#x201A;y through the air if they want."(Shiva Samhita 3-63 and 64). "By repeating the formula, happiness is achieved here on earth and in the afterlife after death; the wonderful powers, omnipotence and eternal happiness or Ananda are obtainedâ&#x20AC;?. (Shiva Samhita 5-239).

SHIVA YOGA

Chapter III

Who is Shiva Maharaj?

Shiva Maharaj is the original father of the cosmos, the origin of Yoga. He is the master of all kinds of spiritual knowledge by seniority. He is the master of all existing universes in the material creation. He is the controller of all living entities and of all the forces of nature. He is one of the ways in which Sanatana Dharma represents the supreme deity as the transformer of all that exists. There is a personal aspect as Maheshvar and another impersonal aspect as Parashiva. Shiva Maharaj is omnipotent, omnipresent, eternal, and omniscient; possessor of all the divine qualities and all mystic opulence. The word Shiva translates the kind one, the personiďŹ ed good. They represent Mahadeva (Shiva Maharaj as the highest deity) in the Shastras (sacred texts) and the oral tradition; with bluish body because of the smeared ashes as a sign of renunciation, with his hair below the waist for being a Sadhu (renouncer); he also braids a sacred bun ďŹ nely on his coronary plexus from where he receives the holy Ganga river as one of the Shaktis of Shiva; on his head is the crescent moon, symbolizing that he inďŹ&#x201A;uences the magic of the night and the esoteric. They represent him with a Trishula (trident) in his hand, the small drum Dindima in the other, with Rudra necklaces all around the chest, arms, and forearms, with a cobra snake around the neck, with a Rudra rosary to chant or recite Japas (Mantras); with a horizontal Tilak made of clay or ashes and three lines on his forehead, with the third eye between the eyebrows; with hoop earrings in his ears and dressed in elephant skin sitting on a tiger skin; always radiating a spiritual aura, living in mountainous areas, surrounded by trees, water and animals; this is why Shiva Maharaj is called Mahayoghin (the most elevated of Yogis) and Yoganath (controller lord of all the mystic opulence) 55

Shiva Maharaj lives with his associates and devotees in a spiritual planet called Kailash, which is the Shaiva paradise, although he is also within us as Paramatman. He lives with his wife Parvati (also known as Durga, Kali, Maya, Ambika, Uma), with his four children: Sri Ganesha ( he is the right hand of Shiva, Deva in charge of keeping the temples), he helps the Brahmins not to fall down from their platform, being Ganesha the most qualified Brahmana; Sri Kartikeya ( the general of the army of the Devas, to defend and protect religious principles), Shrimati Lakshmi (the goddess of fortune) and Shrimati Saraswati (the goddess of arts and knowledge). Shiva Maharaj travels through the different planetary systems mounted on his favorite bull Nandin, who is one of his most beloved devotees. Shiva Maharaj has many aspects and names depending on the different activities and avocations he runs. He is part of the Hindu Trimurti where he plays the role of the transformer, beside Brahma who is the creator, and Visnu the sustainer. Although he lives originally in Kailash, he operates throughout the material creation by means of his Shaktis or internal energies and in the tradition, he is known with the following exaltations: He is Adimatha (the first Guru), because he is the origin of the Shaiva Sampradaya or disciplic succession, he is Rudra because he destroys the suffering of his creatures, he is the Veda because he destroys the darkness of ignorance, he is Madhu (wine) because he instills joy to those who know him, he is Vishvayoni, since the existence of the universe is due to him, he is Srinivasa since the immortal Shri Shakti rests on his chest, he is the Mantram (mystical formula), because he is in all Mantras and all Mantras arise from him. In the Rudra Upanishad he is called Sarvatman (the Self of all that exists); he is also worshiped under the name of Dakshinamurti (the one who teaches), since he is the spiritual wisdom and the means by which this wisdom can be known and realized; he is sometimes referred to as Shambho (the giver of peace) as he protects his devotees, he is Ashutosh (very compassionate and easy to please), because his lotus feet are like wish trees and when he feels satisfied with his devotee, he gives blessings for the benefit of the entity. He is Tripurari (the one of the threeeyed looking), because he has clairvoyance; they also call him Pinaki (the bearer of the trident), with his Trishula he punishes the demons and protects his devotees; when at the time of the annihilation of the material universe, running his famous dance of the Tandava Nritya, he is called Nataraja (The King of Dance); in the Visnu Purana, L, 9 he is known as Nilakanta (the one with the blue throat), when sacrificing himself for his creatures, he took an ocean of poison (the poison of the world) and transmuted it burning all the poison by the action of the LayaYoga. He is called Yogesvar (Yoga controller and giver of mystic powers), only he can bestow the blessings that Yogis seek. In the material manifestation, he is called Sarva on earth, Bhava in water, Rudra in the fire, Ugraha in the ether, Bhima in sacrifice, Pashupati in the sun, and Ishana in the moon. These are just some of the thousand names of Shiva Maharaj. How Shankaracharya, our beloved Paraparaguru, is described himself as being an Avatar of Shiva is: “The eyes do not discern me, the human ears are deaf to my silence. I am neither of the earth, nor of the air, nor of the water, nor of the fire. Those who want to name me are reduced to silence. Because I am knowledge, the life, the absolute." Shiva invocation originally from a temple in southern India, used in the rites of Puja or worship: "O Shiva! Lord of the Dance; You who call all who are engrossed in the things of the world, to the beat of your drum; You who turn the fear away of the humble and comfort with your divine love; You who show the path of salvation with your foot rising from the earth; You who carry the fire of sacrifice and dance in the dwellings of the Universe. Protect us!"

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Chapter IV

What are the siddhis or mystical powers that can be achieved with Shiva – Yoga?

Through the constant practice of Yoga, of the regulative principles, the purifying activities, sacrifices to the gods, of the prescribed austerities in the sacred writings, and following the secret tantric technique to awaken the internal energy known as Shakti Kundalini, the Yogi awakens his extrasensory powers with the help of the Guru and the mercy of divinity. Kundalini Shakti is the mother of the cosmos, it is one of the manifestations of Shiva within us. Srimati Kundalini has a form of a serpent that is asleep, rolled up on itself. When the Tantrika (Tantric disciple) manages to wake this Shakti up through Mantras, Asanas, power plants, visualizations, etc, and under the lotus feet of his guru, who is the one who gives blessings; the Yogi can obtain the following eight major Siddhis or mystical powers: Anima Siddhi: The aspirant can reduce his consciousness to the size he wants: To become like a grain of sand, like an atom, as small as desired. He can perceive the microcosm. Mahima Siddhi: The initiate can magnify his consciousness to be a mountain, a planet, the universe, and perceive the macrocosm. Laghima Siddhi: The Yogi can become as light as a feather, if he wants he can fly through the air, float on the water and travel anywhere in the universe with the physical body.

Gharima Siddhi: The Yogi increases his gravity to take the weight he wants. To be as heavy as an iron mine or a giant rock that not even a thousand men can lift. Prapti Siddhi: The Tantrika (the one who practices the Tantras), can materialize anything he wants, with his hand he can bring fruits from other regions or stones from another planet. Clairvoyance, clairaudience, telepathy, etc. are also acquired. Prakamya Siddhi: The initiate dominates all the elements in nature. He can be buried for days without dying, he can walk on water and be on ďŹ re without burning. Vasitwan Siddhi: The man of knowledge who can communicate with animals, with plants, and with the mineral monads, can tame wild animals and control spirits in ghosts bodies and elementals. Ishatwan Siddhi: The Yogi becomes the Lord of the universe, he can restore lives, heal the sick, raise the dead

There are eight mystical powers described in Chintamani Yantra by Damodar Pandit and worshiped by the Devas, namely: Vashyadhikarah

The power of domination

Akarshanadhikarah

The power of attraction

Stambhanadhikarah The power of stopping Vidvdeshanadhikarah The power of hatred Maranadhikarah

The power of death

Uchchatanadhikarah The power of extirpation Shantyadhikarah

The power of appeasement

Mokshadhikarah

The power of liberation

Those who worship Shiva Maharaj with faith and follow his instructions with full trust, they achieve these powers promised by the text. Along the path of Yoga, minor Siddhis will be found as well, they are: The liberation from hunger and thirst, the liberation from heat and cold, clairaudience, clairvoyance, total control of the mind, hypnosis, telepathy, telekinesis, astral projections, total control of the body: The Yogi can take the body he wants; the mystic can enter in another body and animate it at will, that of a corpse for example. The Tantrika chooses the time of his death, death at will when it is the exact time to disincarnate. The Sadhaka sees the astral beings, ghosts, demigods, and spirits around him and is able to communicate with them. He reaches the gift of prophecy, he knows the past, the present, and the future, he recalls his previous lives, all his reincarnations. The Yogi achieves everything he wishes, he materializes everything he wants, he can transmute metals into gold, he can take the bodies he wants in one life to burn all the accumulated Karma, he exorcises demons, he destroys diseases and 58

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regrets, he counteracts black spells and evil rituals, he knows astrology and reaches the wisdom of the different stars and planet groups, he recognizes those who have mystical powers, he has mastery over the five elements, he can fly, he manages to control storms, earthquakes and all the energies of nature, Prana alone can feed him, he has no need to eat anymore, Prana is in the air. He moves at will with his physical or with his subtle body to anywhere in the universe, he can expand into different bodies, which are in different places at the same time, he can find hidden treasures, legendary secrets, he can listen and decipher any writing, he can generate heat and be naked in the snow, he can transmute the poisons, he is able to use power plants to activate his chakras and open the doors of perception of the inner realms and the other dimensions. There are Yogis currently in Benares, Rishikesh, in Kailasa, throughout India, they teach with their lives that mystical powers are real, that all men have them latent, and that we can awaken them if we follow the secret teachings of the Yogis. Various sacred texts of Sanathana Dharma describe the life of many of these sadhus, saints, munis, Mahatmas, Paramahansas, yogis, and mystics, in the east and in the west, in the north and in the south. Gurus, Vedic, and Tantric literature enable us to know what the techniques and methods to awaken these mystical powers that all men can achieve are, because they are original of our divine nature. For example, in Patanjali Yoga Sutras you can find this information from a reliable source. Extrasensory powers can be developed and cultivated by the proper use of power plants, the magical dance, asanas or postures, pranayama or breath control, by deep meditation, by the awakening of Kundalini, by activating the Chakras, by the control of the body, by the consecration to divinity, by the slow and patient effort of will, by mastering the mental plane, by the Sanyama or perfectly directed concentration, by the repetition of Mantras. By practicing white magic, by a pure and spiritual life, by Yoga Sadhana or Yogic discipline.

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Conclusion In this small book, I communicate the beneficial message of Shaivism for all mankind. Shiva Maharaj, with his mercy, tells us what our real reason to exist is, the way to return to the spiritual world, and the way to end the sufferings and miseries of this material universe. The seeds of knowledge will be found in this text. Depending on the land where they fall, the Shiva Yoga plant will grow and flourish, the seeds will germinate in the heart of the Yogi who already has the basis of spiritual experience in other lives and is determined to pass all tests and obstacles imposed by Maya (the illusion). "Mount Meru is in your body, surrounded by the seven continents (Chakras), the rivers are there too (Nadis), and seas, mountains, plains, and divinities of the fields, prophets (Rishis), monks (Sadhus) are there as well, places of pilgrimage and the divinities who preside; there are the stars and the planets, and the sun with the moon, there are two cosmic forces: The one that destroys, the one that creates, and all the elements: Ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Yes, all the beings that exist in the three worlds are also to be found in your body. Surrounding Mount Meru, (The backbone) they are engaged in their functions. (But ordinary men do not know it). He who knows all of this is a true Yogi, there is no doubt about it. (Shiva Samhita 2, 1-5)

Om Namah Shivaya Shivoham, Shivoham, Shivoham Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantiji

SHIVA YOGA

GLOSSARY Ananda

Spiritual bliss, happiness.

Artha

Means to achieve wealth, power, how to work honestly.

Bhuta-Natha Name of Shiva which means the lord of all living entities. Chakra

Internal temples, magnetic centers of our subtle body, lotus ﬂowers inhabited by the Gods with their Shaktis. There are seven major chakras that are: Muladhara, Svadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, Ajña and Sahasrara.

Dharma

Devotional activities run by the Brahmanas or priests, rituals.

Gunas

Qualities of material nature, acting on all incarnated entities.

Guru

Spiritual master, he who with the light of knowledge takes us out of the darkness of ignorance.

Jiva-Atma

The individual spirit, the soul.

Kama

How to fulﬁll the desires and the senses.

Karma

Law of action and reaction.

Maya

One of the Shaktis of Shiva, named after the wife of Shiva, in charge of thrilling, testing the incarnated beings.

Moksha

The liberation from the material entanglement.

Mudra

Hand gestures, body movements, special positions to capture and radiate ﬂuidic energy.

Prakriti

Mother Nature, wife of divinity.

Purusha

The divine spirit, name of divinity.

Rajas

The quality of passion.

Rishis

The prophets, those who received the knowledge of Shiva.

Sadhus

Renunciants priests, followers of Sri Shiva - the most exalted of ascetics.

Satvva

The quality of goodness.

Shaivas

Followers of Shiva.

Shaktas

School where the feminine aspect of divinity is studied, the Shaktis of Shiva.

Shakti

It is the internal energy of divinity, the feminine aspect that acts and creates in the material universe.

Shiva

One of the faces of the Hindu Trimurti, who is fully auspicious and holder of all mystic opulence. Name of divinity which means the Benefactor.

Shivaism

The followers of the knowledge of Shiva, which is practiced by the Shaivas.

Tamas

The quality of darkness, ignorance.

Tantras

Sacred texts, the essence of the Veda.

Vaishnavas

Followers of Visnu.

Veda

Knowledge, the Vedas are the oldest books, bases of Hinduism.

Yogui

One who practices yoga, who seeks knowledge and union with the deity, Shiva.

AUTHOR'S BIOGRAPHY ORLANDO MAURICIO RIOS VILLA SHIVACHYARYA MOHAN GIRI MAHARAJ

He was born on March 19th, 1961 in Bogotá, Colombia. His parents are Julio Orlando Rios Bedoya and Luz Stella Villa Ramirez. He studied at San José de Calasanz School and graduated as a bachelor in 1977 in Bogotá. He then started psychology studies at Universidad Inca de Colombia in 1978. In 1979, he began studying at ISEV (Higher Institute of Vedic Studies) and it was in this very same year when he got together in civil marriage with Irma Patricia Rodríguez Casallas, with whom he has four children: Shivananda, Satshankar, Sati and Saraswati. The ﬁrst edition of the book called Shiva Yoga was published in 1981, with the auspicious blessing of Shiva Maharaj; who manifested in a dream, revealed the ancient knowledge of Shaivism, and entrusted to communicate it to others, and so the ﬁrst rural Ashram in la Calera, Cundinamarca was founded. In that decade, along with the devotees, the knowledge of Shaivism was spread around different cities in Colombia, selling books and candle sticks. In 1984 the Ashram was moved to Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia. In those days he shared mystical experiences, information and Yogic events with: The science of spirituality, Maharishi Mahes Yogi, Mahatma Chandra Bala's universal great brotherhood, Brahma Kumaris, Ananda Marga, Satia Sai Baba, Yogananda, Swami Shivananda and the Vaishnavites, among others. In 2002, he received the visit of our beloved Guru Mahant Paharibaba Tara Giri Maharaj, who came from India and gave him the Swami initiation in the sacred mysteries of Shaivism with the name of Shivacharya Mohan Giri Maharaj. His consort and collaborator received also the same initiation and was spiritually named as Maha Shakti Ambika Purnam Giri. Some other Yogis from the nascent school received the blessing and spiritual names as well. Since then, Master Shivacharya, with the collaboration of Purnam Giri, his family, and the devotees, has been in charge of leading the Shaiva Ashram of Colombia. He has been the head in the diffusion of the Yoga philosophy through means of publications such as: The online magazine The Yoga Pathway about astrology and Yoga since 2016, with the monthly horoscope that has been published for 20 years; he also directed the radio show called The Yoga Pathway from 2017 until 2019, which was broadcasted weekly through the radio station: Gobernación de Boyacá 95.6 fm He personally transmits integral Yoga or Shiva Yoga by means of face to face practices, conferences, workshops, videos and images in the social media, in television, radio, and journals to thousands of followers and disciples in different cities and institutions in Colombia. The mission of our Ashram and of this book SHIVA YOGA GIRI is to spread the wisdom of ancient Yoga to every corner of the planet, especially in South America.

SHIVA YOGA

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS It has been a complete team-work for this book to be able to come to all of you. Yogis and Yoginis of the Shaiva Ashram working together for many years. I thank first of all, Shiva Maharaj, the supreme Yogi who has inspired my life with his teachings and example. In second place, the blessings of my spiritual master Mahant Paharibaba Tara Giri Maharaj who gave me the initiation in the sacred mysteries. Thanks to Purnam Giri, my companion, who has supported me all the time to be able to write the book; and thanks to my children Shiv Giri, Shankar Giri, Sati Lakshmi Giri, and Saraswati Giri who have been my motivation. I acknowledge the importance of my mother Stella Villa and my father Orlando Rios who allowed me to be incarnated, thanks for their raising, love, and education given. Thanks to Yogiram Giri for helping with the pictures of the Asanas, to each one of the Yogis and Yoginis who took time to participate in the Photography session: Purnam Giri, Vishvakarma Giri, Nataraja Giri, Ashutosa Giri, Mahadeva Giri, Tatiana Quintero, Katemistika, Shambo Giri and Padma Giri. Special thanks to Nataraja Giri for translating this book into English. I thank Padma Giri for her commitment and dedication in the graphic design of this book. All of these activities have been possible because of the Shaiva Seva or selfless devotional service to Shiva Mahadeva, our guide and example to follow, the supreme divinity, the personification of the supreme Brahman. Shivacharya Mohan Giri Maharaj Grija Shaiva Ashram Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia, Sudamerica. November 22nd 2020.

Apropos Yoga… The fusion of the dimensions is in progress. There is no better testimony than our bodies. There is no better testimony than the supreme peace abode: that inﬁnite state of beatitude, which cannot bother anyone, which nothing can distort. Yoga nourishes us. Yoga illuminates us. Yoga reunites us… Our reencounter is a love that goes far beyond any human love, far beyond any projection (in our lack, in our fears, in our needs) because this love holds itself, because it is what we are, all of us, without exception. Only the suffering of separation has kept the illusion that Yoga was not here. Our consciousness is nourished by Yoga, and will become light (no matter any happening of this world). Yoga calls us to experience eternity, Yoga calls us to commune at every moment of our lives, not for a mental gesture or a mental attitude, but rather in this vibrational connection, in this love communion, our strength is there, the only one, which can assure the access to eternity (far beyond everything that concerns even today, our conscience, our sufferings). Yoga comes and sounds in our ears, the chant of eternity, the choir of angels, our presences and our presence. Communion… with our reencounters, with our communions, the joy will amaze us in Yoga. There is no better proof of what we live than this unconditional love, this love that transcends our human condition and gives us our place in eternity. That contact, whether with one of the stars and the group of dwellers that we call the sky ( whoever they are ), or even with our incarnated brothers and sisters, or if not, with the one who is part of ourselves, whoever those presences are, they come to bless us, they come to return the eternity, the beauty, the love. Our consciousness will then approach and live Shantinilaya, the renowned abode of supreme peace (where those who have reached eternal beatitude of the truth of love dwell). All of this will lead to establishing on earth not just an anchorage and the fact of practicing Yoga, but also the germination ,hatching, and explosion of this colorful fantasy of love, this explosion of light (that is ours) and nourishes our heart and the group of hearts of earth. We are the privileged witnesses, we are the actors, no matter our will, no matter our desires, because we will become the source of love that cannot extinguish or exhaust anything (and that will be permanent). With every reencounter, every alignment, and every Yoga posture; with every life wave we feel more clearly what is there, what we are (beyond our names and stories on this earth). It is time to awaken to what we truly are. The remarkable work that we have accomplished, that mechanism called ascension, in the most pleasant way possible, for us and for many of our sisters and brothers who have no doubts at all of what is lived. We shall not pose any issue: Being happy in this state, in this love, in this contact. Content to be totally satiated in this source of love. Whatever we have to live in this world (more than ever), we will grasp that the true life is not that which we live, but certainly, that which is eternal. The abode of supreme peace, and love, are the indelible markers of our presence. We will not be able to hear our mind like before anymore. We will not be able to believe in this world like before anymore. All we will be able to manifest will be love. Knowing the author of this book, and witnessing his growth as a Guide to his own principles, it only remains for me to urge you to read carefully its content, which, I am sure, will open doors to the knowledge and practice of Yoga. Nothing is easy, but nothing is difﬁcult either. If it is meant to be... so be it. Mario García Liévano