Starseed Yoga and Wellness of Montclair, NJ
A guru is a spiritual teacher or guide. It is a Sanskrit word that has two syllables: gu = darkness, ru = remover; making the guru the one who removes darkness. The Sage Shankaracharya said, "a guru is one whose mind is steadfast in the highest reality; who has a pure tranquil mind; and who has directly experienced identity with Brahman." Let it be understood that God is the true and only guru, the human guru acts as a conduit for the Divine teachings, grace, and guidance. In a guru/disciple relationship, the disciple sees the Divine light in the guru that he/she wishes to cultivate and bring forth for themself. Entering into this sacred relationship is slowly letting go of the ego and admitting that one cannot achieve enlightenment alone. In November of 2010, I made a commitment to my guru to share peace and joy, love and light as I entered into a guru/disciple relationship with Guruji Reverend Jaganath Carrera, who is the spiritual head and founder of Yoga Life Society. Guruji is a disciple to H.H. Sri Swami Satchidananda who is the spiritual head and founder of Integral Yoga and has set up ashrams worldwide. It is truly an honor to be under such guidance and I am so grateful that I found my teacher. "Only a lit candle can light an unlit one."
Guruji
Yoga has traditionally been passed on from teacher to student, guru to disciple, mentor to apprentice. It wasn't until a couple thousand years ago that we started writing down the teachings, so we honestly don't know when yoga originated. It is believed that the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (the first text to systemize yoga) was written 2-5,000 years ago. The same spark of knowledge has been passed down for thousands of years, and continues to be passed from teacher to student. Having a teacher who has walked the path before you is more powerful and helpful than any book. Dedicating your service and commitment to this teacher is the deepest way to experience the truth. We should embrace and prostrate those who have traveled the road before us, as they can help correct our mistakes and help us avoid wrong turns.
In a guru/disciple relationship there is receptivity based on humility. It is humble because we accept that we do not have all the answers, we don't know everything, and there is much to learn that would benefit us. It is going to the teacher with an empty cup so that his/her teachings can fill our cup with wisdom and knowledge. Perhaps the best characteristic in an apprecticeship is the ability to emulate. Emulation is natural, simple, and incredibly powerful. It is a way to learn more than words can convey. If you look to animals, it is how babies learn, right? Remember the saying, monkey see, monkey do?
"Wisdom passing from one human being to another is like being kissed by the Truth. It is beautiful and powerful." - Sri Guruji Reverend Jaganath Carrera
Sequence: Restorative backbend over a rolled blanket. Tune into the breath. Become the witness as the breath flows in and out of your body. Rest. Who is the guru dharma talk. Sitting up in Sukhasana (easy seat) or Virasana (hero's pose) 3 OM's and a call/response chant of OM Shanti. Urdhva Baddhanguliyasana (upward bound palms pose), tabletop, cat/cow, Balasana (child's pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog), Vinyasa of child - table -dog 3x. Vinyasa Balasana - Ashtangasana (eight pointed pose) 3x. Vinyasana of Balasana - Bhujangasana (cobra pose) Adho Mukha Svanasana at ropewall resting forehead on block at all three levels. Uttanasana (standing forward bend) at ropewall. Surya Namaskara (sun salutations): Tadasana, Urdhva Hastasana, Uttanasana, lunge, Adho Mukha Svanasana, table, Ustrasana (camel pose), and reverse to Tadasana 3x. Uttitha Hasta Padasana, Virabhadrasana II (warrior II), Trikonasana (triangle pose), Vira II, Parsarita Padottanasana (wide legged forward bend), Virabhadrasana I (warrior I), Ardha Parsvottanasana (halfway intense bend), Parsvottanasana. Bhujanasana (cobra pose), Bekasana (frog pose), Dhanurasana (bow pose), Salamba Setubhandha Sarvangasana (supported bridge pose) with a block on all three levels. Apanasana (yogahug), Jathara Parvrittanasana (spinal twist), rock and roll on the spine to a seated postition, Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose), Janu Sirsasana (head to knee pose), Savasana (corpse pose) with guided relaxation. Played the Mulandara Chakra crystal singing bowl coming out of Savasasna.
"Wisdom passing from one human being to another is like being kissed by the Truth. It is beautiful and powerful." - Sri Guruji Reverend Jaganath Carrera
Ending Peace Chants
Asaato Maa Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya
Lead us from unreal to Real.
Lead us from darkness to the Light.
Lead us from the fear of death, to the knowledge of Immortality.
OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Lokaah Samastaah Sukhino Bhavantu
May the entire universe be filled with Peace and Joy, Love and Light.
Namaste.
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