Yoga will set you free

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Yogi Ashwini [1]

Sound originated from the damru of Lord Shiva. It is said to be the first physical manifestation in creation. Seven swaras translate into zillions of frequencies of sound in many dimensions, some of which are perceivable to the human ear, while others are not. Sound further translates as colours we see in everything around us. Though again seven in number, these too metamorphose into zillions of frequencies to give distinction to all objects in creation. Everything in creation comprises a unique combination of sounds and colours. Technically speaking, it is a unique frequency of prana (the force in the universe which translates in different frequencies to form every object of creation). Consciousness, which is the ability to manifest, the all pervasive, all encompassing force, accessible to an individual as per his/her capacity is what makes him/her what s/he is in the physical world. Consciousness unites with prana to give shape to all things existing in the universe. While prana gives one his/her unique physical state, consciousness channelises his/her thoughts to take shape.
Let us take an example. In a company, the CEO sits in a luxurious office and chalks out a plan for the company in a few hours. At the other end of the spectrum is a labourer who spends countless hours every day of his life, bringing the CEO’s thoughts into reality. This is the play of consciousness. Both are unique specimens of consciousness, the ability to manifest. The level of consciousness of the CEO is much higher than that of the labourer and, therefore, the power of his thought. The higher the level, the greater is one’s ability to manifest one’s thoughts. The difference between a successful and an unsuccessful person is their levels of consciousness.
The next question that arises is: How does one increase one’s level of consciousness?
Consciousness increases when the body’s pranic frequency becomes subtler. That is the ultimate purpose of yoga, to raise one’s consciousness. Anything and everything, is achievable when the level of consciousness is high. That is the precise reason why even kings paid reverence at a yogi’s feet. A saint/yogi, apparently a hermit, has the ability to draw rich and poor alike to his feet. He has the ability to grant whatever one comes asking for because he has raised his consciousness to a level where every word he says manifests. A yogi is not bound by maya and commands the physical as well as the subtle forces of nature; he has access to both these worlds and is not affected by one’s physical position or material, for he knows only giving. A true yogi would never ask anyone for anything because he has access to all the material things the world has to offer yet remains unaffected by them. Sanatan Kriya, encapsulating all eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, comprises practices to cleanse the body of bad prana and elevate the level of consciousness. Yoga is a way of life.
Sanatan Kriya is formulated in such an easy manner that one does not have to renounce worldly pleasures and become a hermit to reap the benefits of Ashtanga Yoga. It is very much possible living in a modern setup to practice the kriya and achieve the same results as experienced by people living in ashrams, as nowhere in yoga is one asked to leave one’s surroundings and responsibilities. The practice of this kriya slowly brings you to a level where you are not affected by your surroundings, businesses and prevalent chaos of a modern setup. As one progresses in Sanatan Kriya, subtle changes manifest in the body, elevating the level of consciousness. The connection with the guru, who exists at a much higher level of consciousness, slowly starts reflecting on the follower’s body. The highly potent yogic techniques start to reshape and redefine one’s aura. As the aura gets cleansed of grosser prana, the congestions in the subtle channels called nadis get cleared and the shakti (force) of the guru is channelised in the body. At the physical level it results in ridding the body of imbalances which generally are seen as physical, financial, mental or emotional disturbances. As these disturbances subside, the result is seen as an extraordinary glow, inner and physical strength, and, needless to say, a heightened level of consciousness.
The rishis who understood every aspect of creation, nature, subtle and physical bodies and all of a being’s requirements, gave a lot of importance to the concept of ahimsa (non-violence). Non-violence does not mean holding back aggression. It translates as “not using force”, which also prohibits holding back anything forcefully, even if it is an emotion or a desire. There are too many misconceptions about yoga and spirituality, one of which is that one has to do away with a certain lifestyle and maintain a diet to get into yoga. Yoga does not bind one with anything, rather it sets you free. The practices suggested by our yogis go in tandem with nature. That’s why yoga is taught one-on-one following the guru-shishya parampara. Yoga is never taught en masse. A guru assesses the disciple’s capacity, his/her needs and limitations and then prescribes a kriya, because he knows if a desire is suppressed forcefully, it will surely resurface at a later stage and yoga will not be achieved. The beauty of yoga is that it elevates you to a level where the senses do not control you, you control the senses and command them at will. A yogi knows no bondages, and is not ruled by senses.
Yoga is a subject of consciousness, the higher you go, faster is the manifestation of your will. That’s why Divine Consciousness is all powerful, all pervasive. It manifests at will, instantaneously. When one holds the hand of a guru, one connects with a higher level of consciousness, and one is able to do things beyond one’s individual capacity. It seems like a miracle to the person but actually it is the guru’s thought which manifests for the disciple, who is now holding his hand.

— Yogi Ashwini is an authority on yoga, tantra and the Vedic sciences. He is the guiding light of Dhyan Foundation. He has recently written a book, Sanatan Kriya: 51 Miracles... And a Haunting.
Contact him at dhyan@dhyanfoundation.com [2]