Self-realization is the main goal of
human life; viz. The
realization that we are eternal Being and awareness (Atman or Brahman). Our
true Self or Atman* is eternal Existence and consciousness or awareness;
It is Satchitananda*, nondual (Advaita*) and beyond form, time, space and
causality.
Realizing that we are the Atman our
deepest aspirations of freedom, expansion, immortality, wisdom, unconditional love,
peace and happiness without limits are fulfilled; we are free from all
suffering and we live effortlessly an without a break the peace, bliss and
freedom eternal.
Advaita Atma Yoga - The double
approach
Advaita Atma Yoga is an integral approach based on
the principles of Advaita Vedanta and the main paths of yoga*. It gives a
fresh approach to the traditional spiritual paths, recommends a sattvic way of
living and provides all necessary knowledge, practices and methods to
facilitate the transformation of our lower nature and the realization of our true nature.
Advaita Atma Yoga as an integral
method also aims to the holistic, harmonious and balanced development of the
human being at all levels: physical, vital, emotional, mental, intellectual and
spiritual level.
In the classical yoga there is the eight
limb's process of development which is a ladder of eight steps (known as Raja
Yoga or Astangha Yoga*).
The eight limbs or steps are: Yama,
Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, concentration, meditation, Samadhi. This
model applies with some differences to all paths of yoga.
Advaita Atma Yoga also takes account of this eight step
process but approaches this model with a new fresh way, which I call it
‘The double approach’, because from the very beginning of the journey we
begin to explore and work with both; the lower self and the higher or true
Self.
From the beginning we apply both,
techniques and methods for the exploration, purification, transformation and
development of the lower self (body, prana, mind, intellect) and methods and
techniques to rediscover, recognize and live aware of our essence or true Self.
In relation with the lower self the goal
is to know and understand how function the body, the energy, the emotions, the
thinking mind, the senses and the intellect, to purify them from the egoic
energies and tendencies, to create balance at all levels and develop the higher
capacities of energy, mind and heart.
In relation with our true Self the goal
is to study, reflect, contemplate, observe, discern (between the SELF and the
non-self), enquire and meditate in order to recognize our essence or Slef
(Atman), to develop self-awareness and finally rest as awareness. The
development of Self-awareness from the beginning is a crucial part of our
sadhana because enables us to disidentify from the emotional and thinking mind
and develop detached and objective self-observation which together with discrimination
enables us to discover and eliminate the egoic tendencies and energies.
Three levels of
purification and equilibration
The whole process of
yoga is a preparation of the internal instrument - named Antahkarana -
which is fourfold: manas (mind), buddhi (intellect), ahamkara (ego) and chitta
(subconscious mind), in order to be able practice effectively Self-enquiry,
meditation and samadhi. Only a pure sattvic, dispassionate, discriminative,
detached, introverted, one-pointed, serene mind, can be an effective
instrument to do meditation, self-enquiry and reflect clearly our true Self or
Atman.
Since the most difficult part of the
spiritual process is the purification of the lower self, Advaita Atma Yoga
considers as the most effective way or method of purification "the three
level purification". This is an holistic process to purify our Antahkarana
working 'simultaneously' from three levels.
1. On the body-vital energy level
(which includes the physical prana and the psychic prana which is related with
the emotions and desire)
2. On the mind -intellect level
3. On the awareness level which is
at the center of all practices.
To succeed in this purificatory process I
suggest a variety of techniques and methods that make this process very
effective and accelerating. Of course the most important factor in the
spiritual journey is the aspirant himself. Νo practice by itself can give
significant results. Ιt is the aspiration, the motivation, the intention, the
faith and self-confidence, the attitude, the sincere constant and intense practice
of the practitioner, with patience, tenacity and perseverance that brings great
results.
Αll levels of human existence are
interrelated and interact between each other; thus the work we do with each one
of them has also impact to all others. The purification of the body and vital
energy for example facilitate the purification of the emotions and mind and the
opposite. Only awareness is unaffected by the other levels of our existence but
is the One that influence all others and facilitate decisively the purification and the development of
mind and heart.
Some of the important practices are: Self-enquiry, discrimination
(viveka), detached observation, reflection, meditation, auto-analysis,
introspection, Japa nama, prayer, kirtan, devotion, study, transformation of
sexual energy. By these practices the mind is purified, and the higher
capacities of heart and mind are developed. A purified mind by constant
contemplation, discrimination, self-enquiry and meditation can be awakened and
realize fully its identity with Atman (Consciousness) as well as can express
the divine qualities in the world, (peace, love, harmony, wisdom, creativity
and beauty).
Considering health as an important factor
of well being and
spiritual growth are indicated also ayurvedic principles and applications as
well as methods of natural healing, aiming the maintenance of good physical
health and vitality and the reestablishment of psychological harmony and
balance. Good health and psychological harmony are the foundations for the
individual and social well being as well as for the realization of Truth.
READ MORE ABOUT PPRACTICES:
Glossary
Advaita: Not two. This idea indicates the nondual nature of our
true Self (Atman), and its identity with the universal Self (Brahman). Does not
exist two Beings or Selves, the Universal Self and the individual Self. There
is only one Self undivided and universal and appears to be individual due to
its conjunction with the human mind and the veil of ignorance that covers his
true nature.
Atman: Atman is called our true Self which is identical with the
Universal Self which is named Brahman. ‘Ayam Atma Brahma’ , (The individual
Self-Atman is one and the same with the absolute –Brahman), is one of the great
mahavaykas of Upanishads that establish the identity of Atman with Brahman.
Yoga: Means union with the true Self or God. We call Yoga the
realization that we are one with God but we call also yoga the process to
achieve this realization of unity or identity with God. The main paths of Yoga
are: Karma, Raja, Bhakti and Jnana Yoga.
Sat-chit-ananda:
Sat is the Truth Existence absolute, Exist in eternity, never
cesases to be.
Chit is Consciousnesso or Awareness absolute. Atman is
self-luminous therefore does not any other factor to know Itself.
Ananda is Bliss Absolute. The very nature of Atman is Bliss without
limits.
Raja Yoga or Astangha Yoga*: Read here about RAJA YOGA
Peace, Love, Harmony