YOGA - Why a Master is needed
SADHGURU says
"A spiritual practice by itself is nothing. You have to breathe life into it; otherwise, it will not become alive. This is why traditionally,there is much reverence for a live guru. Doing yoga without a living guru is like stillbirth. If you are looking for exercise, I would say go play tennis, take a swim, take a walk or climb a mountain. The yogic system was not created as an exercise form. It is a subtle manipulation of your system to allow it to rise to a different level.Yoga means ‘union’. Every asana, every mudra, every way of breathing — is focused towards ultimate union.
If it has to become alive, you have to breathe life into it. This is why yoga was given in the form of sutras.The word sutra literally means ‘thread’. Without a thread, there is no garland, but you never wear a garland for its thread. You wear it for the fragrant flowers that it holds. But without a thread, there is no garland. When Patanjali gave the sutras, he only gave the thread. It has been for each master to put together the flowers, beads, pearls, or diamonds, or whatever else he likes. But Patanjali gave the thread; you cannot change the thread, nobody can because it is a live thread. This is not something that somebody thought up; this is not an idea. This is a very deep observation of life.
So you cannot change that because that is how life is made. But what kind of garland one makes out of this thread is left to each master or guru who comes along the way. To make a garland out of this thread, he has to have some stuff of his own; otherwise, it is not possible to do this. This cannot be done in a yoga studio.This will not happen because you have a certificate in yoga. Some subjectivity has to happen, which needs sadhana. You must hold it above your life, not as your profession, not as your hobby, not as something that you do on the side. This must be more important than your life, only then we let you teach; because without subjectivity, you cannot breathe life into it. There are many ways to breathe life into the spiritual process. The most rudimentary way is through sacrifice. The simple technology of this is to take a life which is young, a life which is vibrant. When you break that life, it releases a certain amount of energy.There is a whole technology of using that energy to convert it into another form.
Many idols are consecrated by this means. Once you have a consecrated idol, every day you must make the necessary offerings depending upon how that particular energy form is created. Because it is not a toy to play with, it is not a toy for you to work out your emotions. It is not a psychological tool. If you do not keep it up all the time, it will die. Or it will become a receding energy. When it becomes a receding energy, it causes more harm than well-being. So, constantly sacrifices were done. That is very rudimentary technology. There are more sophisticated ways of doing the same by using one’s own energy system. This needs a certain level of mastery and development of the energy system. If you were not restricted by the limitations of logic, if all of you were simply open, I would not waste your time and my time talking. Everything that needs to happen, will happen, just by the presence. My work is not about changing your attitude but to touch you at your core. A touch that will leave you transformed. Not changed but transformed.
THE BEST AND ONLY WAY TO LEARN YOGA IS ISHA YOGA
"A spiritual practice by itself is nothing. You have to breathe life into it; otherwise, it will not become alive. This is why traditionally,there is much reverence for a live guru. Doing yoga without a living guru is like stillbirth. If you are looking for exercise, I would say go play tennis, take a swim, take a walk or climb a mountain. The yogic system was not created as an exercise form. It is a subtle manipulation of your system to allow it to rise to a different level.Yoga means ‘union’. Every asana, every mudra, every way of breathing — is focused towards ultimate union.
If it has to become alive, you have to breathe life into it. This is why yoga was given in the form of sutras.The word sutra literally means ‘thread’. Without a thread, there is no garland, but you never wear a garland for its thread. You wear it for the fragrant flowers that it holds. But without a thread, there is no garland. When Patanjali gave the sutras, he only gave the thread. It has been for each master to put together the flowers, beads, pearls, or diamonds, or whatever else he likes. But Patanjali gave the thread; you cannot change the thread, nobody can because it is a live thread. This is not something that somebody thought up; this is not an idea. This is a very deep observation of life.
So you cannot change that because that is how life is made. But what kind of garland one makes out of this thread is left to each master or guru who comes along the way. To make a garland out of this thread, he has to have some stuff of his own; otherwise, it is not possible to do this. This cannot be done in a yoga studio.This will not happen because you have a certificate in yoga. Some subjectivity has to happen, which needs sadhana. You must hold it above your life, not as your profession, not as your hobby, not as something that you do on the side. This must be more important than your life, only then we let you teach; because without subjectivity, you cannot breathe life into it. There are many ways to breathe life into the spiritual process. The most rudimentary way is through sacrifice. The simple technology of this is to take a life which is young, a life which is vibrant. When you break that life, it releases a certain amount of energy.There is a whole technology of using that energy to convert it into another form.
Many idols are consecrated by this means. Once you have a consecrated idol, every day you must make the necessary offerings depending upon how that particular energy form is created. Because it is not a toy to play with, it is not a toy for you to work out your emotions. It is not a psychological tool. If you do not keep it up all the time, it will die. Or it will become a receding energy. When it becomes a receding energy, it causes more harm than well-being. So, constantly sacrifices were done. That is very rudimentary technology. There are more sophisticated ways of doing the same by using one’s own energy system. This needs a certain level of mastery and development of the energy system. If you were not restricted by the limitations of logic, if all of you were simply open, I would not waste your time and my time talking. Everything that needs to happen, will happen, just by the presence. My work is not about changing your attitude but to touch you at your core. A touch that will leave you transformed. Not changed but transformed.
THE BEST AND ONLY WAY TO LEARN YOGA IS ISHA YOGA
Upcoming Programes,Events,Schedule and Registration Please contact
http://www.ishafoundation.org/Schedule/Sadhguru.isa
Visitor's Impressions aboutISHA DHYANALINGA
A few comments from the Guest Book at Dhyanalinga
When I closed my eyes, tears came automatically. I don't know why. I felt my body was very light. Usually I am not able to sit in one place for more than 5 minutes, but today I sat in front of the Dhyanalinga for about 30 minutes. Lt. Col. P. Easwari, Guwahati, Assam.
Espace de silence et de meditation extraordinaire. La paix est presente en ce lieu. "An astounding space for silence and meditation. Peace can be experienced in this place." Deschamps De Boishebert Olivier, France
I don't know how to meditate, but after being quiet for 15 to 20 minutes here, I found my whole body vibrating. I just forgot the outside world. Great experience. Uma Natarajan, Madras
It's a wonderful place to visit and experience peace with incredible architecture. No wonder everyone whom I met and who had visited this, is longing to visit this place again and again. Truly a different and exciting experience. G.Srinivasan, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai 400 055
As I entered the dome and sat down I felt the power of silence and quietness. I remained sitting in the cove immersed totally in this silence. It was a great elevating experience. S. Krishnaswamy, Chennai
When I meditate on Linga after 4-5 minutes it disappears and I saw beautiful hills, Lake and nature. I opened my eyes again and meditated upon Linga again I saw nature and really which I felt but cannot explain it. Latashree, Indore (M.P)
Amalgamation of thought, spirit and breath has been a wonderful kshana before the Dhyanalinga. Dr. S. Swaminathan, Chennai
The dome is an Engineering marvel. Why only few know about this? I would like more people to visit, as non-religiousness is the immense need of the hour in our country. T. N. Ramamurthy, Chennai - 600 017
The time I stepped into that hall, I felt so safe and secure. It's filled with life, life and sound beyond silence. After I closed my eyes, I realized I never wanted to open them again. I'll definitely come back here someday and that last time I'll surrender myself entirely to this energy. -Tamara Menon
Well I have no words to describe. What a lovely place to do meditation! I had the opportunity to have Darshan of Dhyanalinga. I can feel in the atmosphere peacefulness and happiness. I have discovered today what life is.
In this serene, calm and beautiful atmosphere and under the influence of Dhyanalinga we feel peaceful and happy. -CT Rajan, tuticorin
A rare experience beyond imagination. Did not feel like coming out of meditation but had to as it was not planned trip. Wish to visit again. - RK Nayar, Kanpur
Dhyanalinga is a marvelous and the most silent place I have visited. It was a mind blowing beauty of the sculpture. I think I have gained a divine power here. If I could, I would like to visit again. - Mukesh
I have meditated before, but I find this place to be like no other. It is the most peaceful and energizing place I have ever been. Thank you! -Rajat, Australia
This is my first visit here. I am filled with joy and I am able to understand and enjoy inner harmony. It's new experience to me. -fatima
This is my 5th visit here but every time it has the same impact on me. It is really one of the most peaceful places on Earth
Highly peaceful. Even our mentally challenged children kept very quiet. The atmosphere inside the dome is very peaceful. -Dr R. Sobhale
It was really a fantastic place and I realized something is moving in me though I am 13 years old girl. It was a peaceful and wonderful experience. I wish to come here again. I enjoyed everything here: the silence, cleanliness and the beauty. -N.Geetha
I enjoyed every moment here. It's an unforgettable experience and I would like to come again to stay longer. The location, nature, cleanliness, love, food and hospitality are extraordinary. I realized what silence is and how silence enhance spiritual well being.
When I closed my eyes, tears came automatically. I don't know why. I felt my body was very light. Usually I am not able to sit in one place for more than 5 minutes, but today I sat in front of the Dhyanalinga for about 30 minutes. Lt. Col. P. Easwari, Guwahati, Assam.
Espace de silence et de meditation extraordinaire. La paix est presente en ce lieu. "An astounding space for silence and meditation. Peace can be experienced in this place." Deschamps De Boishebert Olivier, France
I don't know how to meditate, but after being quiet for 15 to 20 minutes here, I found my whole body vibrating. I just forgot the outside world. Great experience. Uma Natarajan, Madras
It's a wonderful place to visit and experience peace with incredible architecture. No wonder everyone whom I met and who had visited this, is longing to visit this place again and again. Truly a different and exciting experience. G.Srinivasan, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai 400 055
As I entered the dome and sat down I felt the power of silence and quietness. I remained sitting in the cove immersed totally in this silence. It was a great elevating experience. S. Krishnaswamy, Chennai
When I meditate on Linga after 4-5 minutes it disappears and I saw beautiful hills, Lake and nature. I opened my eyes again and meditated upon Linga again I saw nature and really which I felt but cannot explain it. Latashree, Indore (M.P)
Amalgamation of thought, spirit and breath has been a wonderful kshana before the Dhyanalinga. Dr. S. Swaminathan, Chennai
The dome is an Engineering marvel. Why only few know about this? I would like more people to visit, as non-religiousness is the immense need of the hour in our country. T. N. Ramamurthy, Chennai - 600 017
The time I stepped into that hall, I felt so safe and secure. It's filled with life, life and sound beyond silence. After I closed my eyes, I realized I never wanted to open them again. I'll definitely come back here someday and that last time I'll surrender myself entirely to this energy. -Tamara Menon
Well I have no words to describe. What a lovely place to do meditation! I had the opportunity to have Darshan of Dhyanalinga. I can feel in the atmosphere peacefulness and happiness. I have discovered today what life is.
In this serene, calm and beautiful atmosphere and under the influence of Dhyanalinga we feel peaceful and happy. -CT Rajan, tuticorin
A rare experience beyond imagination. Did not feel like coming out of meditation but had to as it was not planned trip. Wish to visit again. - RK Nayar, Kanpur
Dhyanalinga is a marvelous and the most silent place I have visited. It was a mind blowing beauty of the sculpture. I think I have gained a divine power here. If I could, I would like to visit again. - Mukesh
I have meditated before, but I find this place to be like no other. It is the most peaceful and energizing place I have ever been. Thank you! -Rajat, Australia
This is my first visit here. I am filled with joy and I am able to understand and enjoy inner harmony. It's new experience to me. -fatima
This is my 5th visit here but every time it has the same impact on me. It is really one of the most peaceful places on Earth
Highly peaceful. Even our mentally challenged children kept very quiet. The atmosphere inside the dome is very peaceful. -Dr R. Sobhale
It was really a fantastic place and I realized something is moving in me though I am 13 years old girl. It was a peaceful and wonderful experience. I wish to come here again. I enjoyed everything here: the silence, cleanliness and the beauty. -N.Geetha
I enjoyed every moment here. It's an unforgettable experience and I would like to come again to stay longer. The location, nature, cleanliness, love, food and hospitality are extraordinary. I realized what silence is and how silence enhance spiritual well being.