10 April 2014

Ishwarapranidhana-resonating a higher Intelligence

                        Rather than unravel the mystery of life, we then begin to embody it- Donna Farhi      
                                                           
I dedicate this post to the Yoga Spirit Studios, Adelaide and Rebecca Richards who led my yoga teacher's training and introduced me to so much fine tuning, Presence and Donna Farhi. Om Gurubhyo Namaha.

And to my friend Maureen Germain, with who I have had many a delightful chat about all things yoga and especially today's topic :)                                         

                                                     

                                                          Follow me on twitter @whitefielder
My I word is Ishwara-pra-ni-dhana, Ishwarapranidhana.
Patanjali gives us the Ashtanga- eight limbs of yoga.
The first five of the eight limbs are External, Bahiranga sadhana and they are-
1.Yama
2.Niyama
3.Asana
4.Pranayam
5.Pratyahaar

The last three are Internal, Antaranga sadhana and they are-
6.Dhyana
7.Dharana
8.Samadhi

Ishwarapranidhana is one of the five Niyamas.

It is simply celebrating the spiritual. By this I mean, the recognition of a force greater than us which runs, shapes, moves everything and moves, pulsates and vibrates THROUGH everything.

For our own sakes when we are able to identify this higher intelligence at work, we then are able to embody the mystery of life. We are then able to live one day at a time, completely engrossed in every minute, content with however life unfolds.

It is the letting go of that in us which seeks to control. It is the ability to allow ourselves to become like a hollow bamboo flute through which sounds of the universe and its intelligence resonate, filling our lives with sweet music, come what may.
                                                   JODHPUR, INDIA - FEBRUARY 11: An unidentified man plays flute in Mehrangarh Fort on February 11, 2011 in Jodhpur, India. Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. - stock photo
                                                   
  
                                                    The link below will take you to all the other blogs participating in the April blog challenge. There is a huge variety of theme and the bloggers have worked with great interest to bring you well written, interesting posts.

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/   
                                                        

13 comments:

Mina Menon said...

That compariiosn to flute was so apt

Sreeja Praveen said...

Your article educates me enough to learn that Yoga is not just another art, it is AN ART that needs your body n soul to go with it in complete submission !!

Sunila said...

Thanks Mina :)
Sreeja tks dear, u've gone to the crux of it:)

Beloo Mehra said...

This is so beautiful. There is something so calming and deeply peaceful about this post. It sort of embodies your peaceful approach to life, I can just feel it. Loved reading it and the comparison with flute was just so appropriate. O how glorious life could become if we can be like that hollow flute....

Nabanita said...

Such an apt juxtaposition...

Latest A2Z Challenge Post-Random Thoughts Naba

Dr Genevive Angela said...

Very interesting , glad to visit your page, and thanks for sharing !

Rajlakshmi said...

Wonderful topic for I . thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

This is the beauty, how physical world is connected to the spiritual world.....Lovely post

Sunila said...

Thanks a ton, Beloo, I know it would indeed be a glorious life and we can keep trying :)
Thanks Naba, Angela, Raj :)
True Shelleymona,tks dear :)

Unknown said...

That is the longest I word I have seen, I think:-) Another great post with good insight - my cup of tea exactly. So enjoy them:-)

maureen said...

So very touched by the dedication, but also by the simple beauty with which you have conveyed this important concept. Keep playing your sweet music my friend. Lots of love to you xx

Glenda said...

Great job.

Gail said...

Love the metaphor of the hollow bamboo flute. Lovely! Your writing is uplifting and informative. I recently read a book on Vipassana Meditation and your post on meditation confirm in my mind the need to give this more of my time and effort. Thank you!