YOGA is becoming more and more recognized as an accompaniment to cancer treatment. Mostly viewed and experienced as a way to relax the mind and to tone and shape the body, Yoga is a very ancient science that is misunderstood in today’s society. While the benefits of Yoga surely can include a calm mind and fit body, Yoga is a way of building and maintaining healing energy while removing the more damaging patterns and behaviors that otherwise drain this precious, healing resource. To be a Yogi, one must master one’s mind.

Mental, emotional, and physical stress stem from a mind that has become destructive rather than constructive. While most people live their lives in search of creativity, success, abundance, and a sense of accomplishment, they often do so at the expense of their own well-being. Most of the time, this is unconscious. Some people live very successful and creative lives, and then there are people who intend to live very successful and creative lives yet do not know how to. At the end of the day these individuals feel mentally, emotionally, and physically drained and exhausted.

Exhaustion, stress, and lack of energy all stem from behaviors and patterns of living that are in disharmony with the first two laws of Yoga: Yamas and Niyamas. The Sanksrit word Yama means “death”. The Sanskrit word Niyama means “death inside”. We must ask ourselves, what is it that needs to die in our external environments and in our internal environments? Of what can we let go? What is no longer needed? In which ways are we damaging ourselves, allowing our minds to drain our energy, and leading destructive rather than constructive lives?

Patanjali, a great Master of Yoga, has shone his light on a path we all must follow. In his legendary Yoga Sutras, he tells us that the reason our minds, bodies, and spirits are not at rest is because our minds are violent. It is the mind that seeks to hurt its own system and the systems of others. We are not truthful with ourselves. It is the mind that deceives its own self and attempts to be deceptive with others. The mind is a thief. It steals, covets, hoards, and eventually drains our energy in patterns of which most of us are unaware. Yet, for the Master of Yoga who has reclaimed his or her own energy through Yamas and Niyamas and the practices of Yoga, the mind is no longer an enemy, but it is a great friend.

The question that then forms in the mind is, what does Yoga have to do with cancer? Cancer appears in a body that is destructive rather than constructive. The internal cells are in a state of attack, and the body is a battlefield.

Science has been able to prove that cancer cannot exist in an oxygenated environment. Dr. Robert O. Young, head of the pH Miracle Center in Valley Center, CA, has demonstrated that when the pH of urine drops below 5, on the scale of 1-14, the chances of an individual developing cancer increase dramatically. A low internal body pH deprives the body of oxygen, and the blood becomes dirty. Our internal cells are like fish in a fish tank. If the cells are not bathed in pH balanced water, and if our “fish tank” is not kept clean, the body begins to lose more energy than it gains because it is forced to clean up a dirty internal environment. In a dirty fish tank, bacteria grow. The bacteria morph into yeast. The yeast morph into fungus. The fungus morph into mold. These toxins deprive the body of oxygen. The internal pH of the blood begins to drop, and the body goes into survival mode. The pH of the blood will only drop when the tissues in the body have become so toxic that they have entered a state of latent tissue acidosis. The degree of latent tissue acidosis is most commonly measured by urinary pH. A urinary pH of 5 or below signals severe latent tissue acidosis and a body that is severely deprived of oxygen. The state of the blood can clearly be seen in a Live Blood Cell Analysis.

How does a body end up in a state of latent tissue acidosis, and how can Yoga return a body to health? The world of Yoga practices spans every bodily system. A Yogic diet is an alkaline diet centered around pure, fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and low-acid grains. Making the body more alkaline is the key to eliminating latent tissue acidosis. Cleansing the body and bringing fresh oxygen into the system also makes the body more alkaline. Pranayama (building healing energy in the body through breath) brings fresh oxygen into the lungs, the blood, and the cells. Both Pranayama and Yoga Asanas (postures) cleanse the body’s internal organs, remove acidic toxins from the body, and cleanse and heal energy pathways in the body (refered to as Nadis in the Sanskrit language). The practices of Yoga are designed to clean the blood.

Aligning oneself with the Yamas and Niyamas destroys the damaging patterns and behaviors that make an individual more extrovert, stressed, and capable of draining the healing energy built through the Yogic practices of Pranayama and Asana. In fact, there is a Yama in Pranayama. It is therefore necessary to be mindful of one’s attitude towards oneself and others before the practices of Yoga can begin to heal the body. This is the reason Yamas and Niyamas are the first two steps in the eightfold path of Yoga.

It is exciting that Yoga has been recognized as a useful and helpful addition to cancer treatment. Yoga is currently being taught in conjunction to cancer treatment in Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, MC Anderson, and many other major cancer treatment centers. As a patient learns the ways his or her mind has become destructive rather than constructive, the practices of Yoga will naturally heal the body. The human body is remarkable by design. It contains everything it needs to heal itself, and the body is constantly amazing practitioners in the medical field. Unexplained miracles happen every day.

The practices of Yoga can bring a person who is out of balance into a state of balance. It can help an individual live a very long, happy, creative, and abundant life. It can assist a person to live free of sickness and disease, to move from a dark place into a place of love and healing light. This is my prayer for all of those who suffer with cancer or any dis-ease.

If you would like more information on how Yoga can help you with your internal battle for health, please contact Jennifer at the Saint Augustine Lakulish School of Yoga online at http://lakulishyogaschool.com or by phone at (904) 392-6588.

What Are Modifications Of Mind: Exploring The Vritti Cycle

w/ Jennifer Jacobsen of Lakulish Yoga

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2010

1:00pm – 3:30pm

AT CITY YOGA

125-B King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084

Cost is $30 per person. Please register online.

This workshop will explore the vritti cycle as explained by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. Students will learn:

* What “modifications of mind” are
* What the Sanskrit word vritti means
* Why the word vritti is THE key to Yoga
* What prana is and how to awaken it
* What the three gunas are and their significance

Please bring a comfertable cushion to sit on. You may also wish to bring a notebook and pen for taking notes. Food is not permitted in the workshop space. Bottled water only is allowed.

REGISTER ONLINE RIGHT NOW!

Registration Fee

1 Ticket $30.00

Attendee Name (Required):

~ Author Unknown

by Jennifer E. Jacobsen

(Information gathered from discussions with Swami Ashutosh Muni, Lineage Holder of Kripalu Muni Mundal)

Swami Sri Kripalvanandji (1913-1981) was born in a small town near Baroda in India. His parents gave him the name Saraswati Chandra. When he was only 7 years old, his father passed away, leaving the young boy with the enormous responsibility of supporting his family himself.

From the age of 7 until the time he was 19 years old, Saraswati Chandra agonized over his role in life. He was raised in the Brahmin tradition, an upbringing that created in him a deep love for God and a longing to merge with God. This longing to connect to his spiritual roots lead him to commit many a failed suicide attempt. At the age of 19, he tried to commit suicide once again in Bombay, yet he was saved by the being who would become his spiritual Father and Guru.

Unknown to the young boy, the being that saved him that day was not an ordinary person but was Lord Lakulish Himself, the 28th incarnation of Lord Shiva. For 15 months, however, Lakulish would be known to Saraswati Chandra as Swami Pranavanand, a 60 year old sannyasi. Swami Pranavanand took the 19 year old Saraswati Chandra to His mansion home in Bombay.

For the next 15 months, Swami Pranavanand taught this young boy everything he would need to know in order to become a sannyasi in the future. Swami Pranavanand taught his disciples sections of the Bhagavad-Gita for an hour every morning. After this period of study, the Swami and the Saraswati Chandra would walk the sea beaches for hours as Swami Pranavanand further taught the boy the Gita, a shloka at a time. Saraswati Chandra was encouraged to ask any questions that he had, as the lessons were very in-depth and far advanced.

At the end of 15 months, Swami Pranavanand tied other scriptures in the Sanatan Dharma lexicon into his teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita. He used Bhagavad-Gita as a foundation to further teach even more advanced principles to the young boy, principles which Saraswati Chandra would find very useful in his future Yoga sadhana. After making sure the boy had a thorough understanding of all Sanatan Dharma scriptures, Swami Pranavanand took the young boy on a trip to northern India. The two would go to remote, abandoned temples late in the night, and from 12:00am – 3:00am every night, Swami Pranavanand revealed the final and the most esoteric secrets of Yoga sadhana (keys which only God can reveal and are not recorded anywhere) to Saraswati Chandra, way ahead of the time when the boy would need these key secrets for his sadhana.

One day, Swami Pranavanand disappeared, leaving Saraswati Chandra alone and very sad. Before the Swami left however, he had prophesized that within 10 years Saraswati Chandra would become a sannyasi and begin his Yoga sadhana. He predicted that this boy would become the finest Yoga teacher in the entire world. For the next 10 years, Saraswati Chandra studied the Sanatan Dharma scriptures very extensively.

At the age of 31, Saraswati Chandra awoke one day with an urge to give up everything and become a sannyasi. Thoughts and feelings within his mind and body guided the young man to board a random train from Bombay which eventually brought him to an ashram with a collection of several herds of cows/ There, he came upon a Swami by the name of Swami Shantanand. Swami Pranavanand had told Saraswati Chandra that the Swami who would initiate him into sannyas would be a very kind, wise, and cow-loving person. Saraswati Chandra asked for sannyas initiation from Swami Shantanand, and he was ordained a sannyasi in the sannyas order of the Muni Mundal Lineage. Saraswati Chandra was then given the name Swami Kripalvanand.

For the next 10 years, Swami Kripalvanand was a wandering sannyasi. He wandered from town to town, giving discourses on the Bhagavad-Gita. During this time, Swami Pranavanand appeared to Swami Kripalvanand, this time in his original, Divine Body, giving the young Kripalu further instructions. Also during this time, Swami Shantanand passed away. This broke Swami Kripalvanand’s heart. He had one Guru who was a Divine figure, and his only physical Guru was now gone. He went into depression, and he begged his Divine Guru to please let him begin his Yoga sadhana. His Guru agreed.

When Swami Kripalvanand was approximately 41 years old, he began his Yoga Sadhana and took a vow of silence. He began to realize that he needed a stable and comfertable place to reside, and he decided to settle in Malav. Over time, many people had chosen to follow the Swami, and one day, at the request of one of his female disciples, he visited the town of Kayavarohan. As he approached the outskrits of the town, he saw a statue of Lord Lakulish. Recognizing the statue to be the exact image of his Guru’s Divine form, he began slipping into unconscious meditation. He quickly asked to be taken to his meditation chamber, and during his meditation, Lord Lakulish and Lord Vishvamitra appeared to him. They showed him the history of Kayavarohan and its connection to the Muni Mundal lineage, and he discovered the true identiy of his Divine Guru, Lord Lakulish. These great Masters of Yoga asked Swami Kripalvanand to move from Malav to Kayavarohan, reestablish the Lakulish temple in Kayavarohan, and move the statue that he had found into the temple.

Swami Kripalvanand moved to Kayavarohan and completed the installation of the Lakulish statue into the temple. By 1974, his Yoga sadhana was demanding more of his time and energy. The atmosphere of Kayavarohan was no longer suitable for his sadhana, and he moved to America in search of more seclusion, silence, and love. During the first few months he was in America, he broke his silence to teach his disciples about the Yamas and Niyamas, which he said are the foremost secrets of Yoga. His teachings on the Yamas and Niyamas were later compiled into a series of books called the Premyatra darshans.

In 1981, Swami Kripalvanand attained samadhi. Before his transition, on January 14, 1981, Swami Kripalvanand ordained Swami Ashutosh Muni as his only sannyas disciple to carry on the spiritual Lineage. Swami Ashutosh Muni created the Mahasamadhi temple, Kripalu Samadhi Mandir in Malav, in loving memory of and devotion to his Guru. Swami Ashutosh Muni is the current Lineage holder of the Lakulish Yoga community and the Muni Mundal Lineage.

Satya (Truth) is much more than simply being an honest person. Maintaining honesty is an expected behavior in society, we’ve all been taught not to lie (for the most part) and I believe for the most part humans do try to achieve honesty. Non-truths do not feel right, I can’t imagine one desires to live an unauthentic life. The above to me; however, is not the meaning of satya.

My perception of this yama is the belief that the real satya comes from a relinquished sense of fear and an exposure to all the layers of the self. Truth is equal to purity and the rawness of the person or object. Without the ability to seek out and accept ones personal truths, I do not see how it is possible to live in truth… meaning; if you don’t know who you are and accept everything about your own self, how can you emit honesty and truthfulness to the outside world? Your perception of truth until found would be skewed. In fact, your entire life could become a lie – a constant state of seeking and dissatisfaction. I believe many people in our world suffer from unawareness of their personal truths. Finding personal truth is a large component of self-realization.

Eliminating the fear of self is not easy. We may not always like the truths we find… this is usually only because of what we’ve been programmed to believe is good and bad, dark and light. We must begin to understand that all truths are beautiful no matter how devastating they may be or seem. When we begin to embrace our truths both light and dark, we begin to see that polarity is a part of existence and it is indeed a necessary component of our being. It is only when we begin to understand this, that we can understand the yama satya and begin to actually live in satya.

It is important to note that not living in satya is a large block on the path to both self and god realization; moreover, it becomes a substantial block in ones energy; thus, halting the ability for one to progress. Instead we are sent into the same repetitive cycle over and over until these truths are discovered.

If we want to obtain contentment and realization we must begin to work on peeling back our layers of pre-programmed non-truths and expectations which were never meant to be in our personal truth stories. These expectations and non-truths may have been imprinted into our brain by our parents, friends, relatives, media– anywhere, at any point in time. I believe we may also be carrying some remnants of past life karmic type non-truths as well– or even ancestral belief systems we aren’t aware of.

Most of us must do hard work to begin the process of discovering our raw, true authentic selves and remove any fears attached to our discoveries. When this process of discovering truth has begun… one begins to see how naturally satya evolves into everything. When truth becomes a part of who you are it begins to bring joy, wisdom and purpose. Once satya is incorporated into each second of ones life then this person can say and feel that they are genuinely authentic. This will become visible not only in ones progressive actions but also in ones physical presence. Ultimately, the hope is that finding and living in satya will become contagious to others.

Now you can purchase books, cds, yoga apparel, mats, cushions, malas and more.

“Food is a dynamic force which interacts with the human on the physical body level, the mind emotional level, and also the energetic and spiritual level. The study of nutrition is the study of the interaction with and assimilation of the dynamic forces of food by the dynamic forces of our total being.” ~ Gabriel Cousens, M.D., Spiritual Nutrition and The Rainbow Diet

WHAT IS A SATTVIC DIET?

In Ayurveda the emphasize is on a Sattvic diet for healthy living, particularly for keeping our minds clear, happy and at peace. The original Sattvic diet was devised for the development of higher consciousness.

Sattvic foods are foods that are abundant in Prana- the universal life-force that gives life to all sentient beings in both plant and animal kingdoms. a Sattvic diet means not only vegetarian food, but food rich in Prana ‘life-force like organic fresh fruits and vegetables. it requires avoiding canned and processed food, and foods prepared with chemical fertilizers or sprays. It also means properly prepared fresh foods. Foods prepared with lots of love will add to their Sattvic quality.

The ancient Ayurvedic criteria for foods to be considered Sattvic were quite simple: foods were grown organically on good rich fertile soil; foods were to be of attractive appearance, and be harvested at the correct time of year. Foods should be whole foods full of life-force and enzymes and be as close as possible as they are in their natural fresh state.

Today, we need to add to these criteria for Sattva several other modern concerns. Sattvi foods should be grown without pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, hormones, irradiation or anything unnatural. Modern use of refinement processes and chemical additives, besides actually adding substances to our foods, depletes foods of their Prana ‘life-force’ and hence renders them heavy, impotent and lifeless.

Sattic foods are nutritive vegetarian foods like organic nuts, seeds, whole grains and oily fruits and vegetables that help build the brain tissue and develop Ojas.

The Three Gunas

In the unmanifested Universe, energy has three qualities, known as Gunas, that exist together in equilibrium: Sattva (purity); Rajas (activity, passion, the process of change); and Tamas (darkness, inertia). Once energy takes form, one quality of the three predominates. Thus on an apple tree, some of the fruit is ripe (Sattvic), some ripening (rajasic) and some overripe (tamasic). But no matter which quality prevails, an Element of each of the other two will always be present as well. Most of an individual apple will be ripe, but part will be rotten, even if the naked eye cannot see it, and part will be in the process of changing from one state to the other. The three Gunas encompass all existence, all actions. If a man commits a robbery, the action is basically rajasic but the decision to rob and the motive may be predominantly tamasic, rajasic or Sattvic, according to the situation. In all people one of the three Gunas has superior strength and is reflected in all they do and think. Only in enlightenment are the Gunas completely transcended.

Ancient Rishis have said you take on the karma of the animal you eat.

When you eat meat you are ingesting all the stress hormones released when that animal was killed. The hormones released at death are present in the flesh when you eat it. At a cellular level, your body is getting the message that you are dying.

One goal and effect of Ayurveda and following a spiritual path is to raise our vibrational levels

Meat has a very low vibration. On a continuum of lower vibrations, fish, chicken, lamb, beef, and finally pork have increasingly lower vibrations and their energy is very dark, dense and congested. Through the centuries it has been observed that vegetarians have a more refined etheric body and brighter aura. A vegetarian whose etheric body is brighter and healthier will generally heal at much faster rate than those who are not vegetarian.
Ayurvedic Principles

Everything on Earth has a primary quality (Guna). Anything we hear, smell, see, taste or touch may be classified into the categories of Sattvic, Rajasic or Tamasic.

BALANCING THE EMOTIONAL BODY WITH FOOD

In Ayurveda a dietary system was developed by the ancient Masters and Sages thousands of years in working with the mind to help support an individual on a spiritual path that perfected the ancient forms of Yoga and Meditation. It is also the foundation of many healing arts. It has a rich tradition that has been taught, practiced and passed onto many cultures over the world.

Ayurveda or Sattvic foods all have one thing in common: they are high in Prana (the universal life force). More specifically, Sattvic foods are natural, organically grown, and as unrefined as possible. Modern food processing takes the Prana out of many foods and makes them heavy, impotent, and lifeless- or simply “dead food.”

Mind balance in Ayurveda means modifying the mind from Tamasic or Rajasic to Sattvic state. Choosing those foods and activities that are Sattvic in nature in preference to those that are Rajasic or Tamasic does that. With consistent and dedicated attention to diet, environment and sensory experiences, total mind balance can be achieved.

It often takes discipline and effort to become Sattvic, but the peace of mind, health, strength and immunity that is obtained from this state of mind makes it worthwhile. However, some rajas and tamas qualities are still required for action and motivation to achieve our goals and inaction, sleep or relaxation (tamas).

There are three types of foods categorized by their primal essence or nature:

Tamasic Foods

Dark, and dull. A tamasic diet benefits neither the mind nor the body. Prana, or energy, is withdrawn, powers of reasoning become clouded and a sense of inertia sets in. The body’s resistance to disease is destroyed and the mind filled with dark emotions, such as anger, jealousy and greed.

Tamasic foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, alcohol and other intoxicants including drugs. Foods that are over-processed, no longer fresh, and/or difficult to digest are Tamasic. Foods that are prepared unconsciously or while the preparer is angry or in a negative mood are also considered Tamasic. If you are interested in vital health and spiritual growth it is best to avoid these foods. Tamasic items include meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, garlic, fermented foods, such as vinegar, and stale left over food, contaminated or overripe substances. Overeating is also regarded as tamasic. Tamasic is the unhealthiest food of all.

Rajasic Foods

Rajas signifies the “can do” kind of energy. It is the energy, which we need to accomplish, create, and achieve. It represents worldly power and the sex drive. A Rajasic diet is good for “householders” who aspire to maintain a meditative mind but need to live and work in the world as well. It has been recommended by the ancient Rishis teachers that a combination of Sattvic and Rajasic foods for those who practice demanding disciplines such as endurance athletics, martial arts and Kundalini Yoga. They destroy the mind-body equilibrium, feeding the body at the expense of the mind.

Foods that are very hot, bitter, sour, dry, or salty are rajasic. Too much rajasic food will over stimulate the body and excite strong emotional qualities and passions, making the mind restless and uncontrollable. Rajasic foods include hot substances, such as sharp spices or strong herbs, stimulants, like coffee and tea, meat of animals and fish, eggs, salt and chocolate. Many of the ground foods are Rajasic. Eating in a hurry is also considered rajasic.

Sattvic Foods

Sattvic means pure essence. This is the purest diet for a consciously spiritual and healthy life. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful state. According to Ayurveda, this is the best diet for physical strength, a good mind, good health, and longevity. And it calms and purifies the mind, enabling it to function at its maximum potential. A Sattvic diet thus leads to true health: a peaceful mind in control of a fit body, with a balanced flow of energy between them. They are known to have a very cleansing effect on the body. A Sattvic diet is excellent for those individuals who desire to live a quiet, peaceful and meditative life. Sattvic foods comprise the diet of many sages, yogis and spiritual teachers. These foods are supposed to produce calmness and nobility among men. Eating fruits and vegetables increases one’s magnetism. From what we understand today about diets we are sure that ancient Essenes and Rishis masters saints had a very good idea about food in general and their effect on the body and thinking pattern of man. Expression of the soul is dependent on the body, and the body is dependant on food.

The Sattvic diet consists of light, soothing, easily digested food. Sattvic signifies the etheric qualities and includes foods such as fruits and vegetables, especially sun foods and ground foods. Many Sattvic foods are sun foods are those that grow one meter or more above the ground. They have a quickening and lightening effect on the body’s nervous and digestive systems. Ground foods are those foods that grow within one meter of the ground. They draw energy from the earth and are high in nutrients. Sattvic foods include sprouted whole grains, fresh fruit, land and sea vegetables, pure fruit juices, nut and seed milk and cheese, legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouted seeds, honey, and herb teas. Sattvic foods are those foods which do not agitate your stomach at all. According to the diet, the best foods are those that are fresh, which have a balance of all the six tastes and are consumed in moderate portions.

Becoming Sattvic

One should focus on work, self-improvement and intellectual or spiritual pursuits. Maintaining a positive nature, demonstrating generosity, kindness, openness, fairness (equality) and forgiveness also increases Sattva Guna. In addition spiritual inclination, faith and belief in the Great Spirit or God, engaging in selfless service or charitable activities help to become Sattvic.

Nature’s Sattvic Foods

Fruits

Apples, Kiwi, Prunes, Apricots, Loquat, Tangerines, Bananas, Lychee, Pomegranate, Cantaloupe, Mango, Papaya, Cherries, Melons, Nectarines, Cranberry, Honeydew, Oranges, Grapefruits, Watermelon, Pineapples, Grapes, Peaches, Plums, Guava, Pears, Persimmon

Vegetables

Artichokes, Eggplant, Lettuce, Beets, Mustard, Greens, Asparagus, Daikon, Onions, Endive, Fennel, Maitake, Parsnips, Bok Choy, Peas, Broccoli, Green Beans, Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Radishes, Cabbage, Leeks, Lima Beans, Shallots, Carrots, Celery, Spinach, Cauliflower, Chard, Chanterelles, Sprouts, Corn, Squash, Shitake, Mushrooms, Watercress, Turnips, Yams

Sprouted Whole Grains

Amaranth, Barley, Buckwheat, Bulgur, Millet, Quinoa, Rice: Basmati, Brown and Wild Rice.

Oils

Olive, Safflower, Sesame, Sunflower, Garbanzo, Lentils, Mung.

Spices

Asafoetida (hing), Coriander, Basil, Cumin, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Fennel seed, Parsley, Cardamom, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger

Nut/Seed

Brazil nuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Walnuts

Milks & Cheese

Seed milk, Hemp milk, Almond or other nut milk

Sweetners

Cane juice, Raw honey, Stevia, Fruit Juices, Maple Syrup

It takes time for the effects of dietary changes to manifest on the mind. Changing our diet may not impact our psychology overnight, but in a period of months can affect it significantly.

Shantree is an Ayurvedic Live-Food Nutritionist, Therapeutic & Shamanic Herbalist, and Constitutional Iridology Educator with 35 years experience in the Natural Healing Arts. He is the founder and co-director of The Living Centre (1983), and Living Arts Institute.