Personal programming of our brain and thought is possible and includes the technique of Mantra. As well as the fine well known classical forms of yogic mantra we can find real value in devising our own. These can be comprised of sacred words and prayers from religious and philosophical teachings that we repeat for confirmation or identification with spiritual principles and qualities. The simplest of course are the affirmations we use to help ourselves strengthen the virtues to which we aspire in our Sadhana.

The ancient teachings remind us of the several forms of mantric expression – these being strong, vocalized word or words often chanted in group meditation; the gentle whispered mantra applied in our private meditations; and the one considered to have most potent direct effect upon the individual being the unbroken silent cyclic mental repetition that encourages us to link with the greater Universal Consciousness through our breath as in the sacred “Om” or “Aum”.

Many singers unconsciously or consciously use the science of sound to help voice skills or to stimulate moods and feelings that when magnified in a group emit considerable power and influence. They undertake specific exercising of the vocal chords and apply unique dedication to their art beyond the average understanding. Most of us who could be described as ‘shower time singers’ are not as self disciplined. So for the majority of us the simple guidelines we learn in improving breath control to help formulate and extend the power of our voice and our chanting through pranayama are satisfactory.

The principle of 3 word mantra is simple but helps us isolate and focus upon our individual purpose or values that gives us a wide range of more mundane application  e.g. Strength, truth,  harmony.  The more profound impersonal spiritual chanting of the sacred “AUM” recognizes the triune principles of divinity when intoning.

The 5 fold focus upon the Natural Elements of fire, earth, air, water and ether requires concentration and some imagination to harness one’s mind to an aspiration to understand all the natural spheres of life both outside and within our own nature from the solid physical to the subtlest and invisible realms of the soul.

Seven is a popular choice for artists and those who are attracted to the use of natural light and the symbolism of Light itself.  Perceived by us split through the natural spectrum of the beautiful rainbow colours the study of colour itself allows a 7- fold mantra technique that giving a single word to each colour that represents one quality of light itself – red, orange, gold, green, blue, indigo and purple.

Twelve fold mantra is often the choice of astrology students who wish to cultivate each of the human virtues exemplified in the zodiacal signs. Christians find it easy to attune to the mystical symbolism of the 12 disciples or the saints’ calendar as others associate particular powers to the 12 rays used to reflect the radiance of Divine Light. Yogis combine appropriate chants with the traditional physical exercise of Surya Namaskar. Others choose to exercise blending in the Lord’s Prayer as their Mantra.

Find the words that comfortably suit your understanding and your aspiration.

All affirmations and mantra when combined with our powers of visualization and concentration become potentially powerful tools in helping ourselves and indirectly, contribute a positive influence upon those who share our environment.

The aspirant undertakes certain self disciplines when following the spiritual path of Yoga. These are essential for everyone who wishes to apply themselves to the art of living with spiritual values replacing the material ones that dominate at present.

Classical yogic disciplines have remained unchanged for centuries. Although they can be adopted and also adapted by people of any culture or religion, the fundamental principles do not alter. Many aspects are incorporated in the lives of people of every nation and culture.

Indians and Hindus in particular, are fortunate to have the essentials imbued in the home life from infancy and their earliest education. Individuals in western countries must seek out information about this method that is most importantly a universal teaching outside any religion.

The spiritual quest in exploring and elevating individual consciousness and expanding it to full potential of human intelligence, culminates in the state of awareness known as Samadhi.

It begins with our familiarity with the 3^rd dimensional world around us that gradually extends to the unseen and less known spheres of life including human consciousness.

Following integration of our personality to the extent there is no internal warring between our physical, emotional and mental nature allows us to experience more awareness of the subtler spheres both of human nature and of the total natural environment in which we play a part. We are only fully satisfied when we are aware of our own small role in the universal scheme. This can only be experienced directly as we discover ourselves to exist as sparks of the Creative Essence or great Life Source we call God.

Such spiritual realization comes to us each differently and in degrees but the highest is a dramatic and intense consciousness that is of life changing quality and magnitude, that is called in Yoga terms, Samadhi.  The factor that is common to all who expand to embrace life and in so doing diminish the sense of personal ego are rewarded with a conscious identification with the greatness, the power, the beauty and the Oneness of all life – the great universal ocean of energy we understand as the Absolute Reality.

Here we lose our sense of importance as an individual by surrendering to the magnitude and yet receive encouragement of our own power and importance simultaneously.  Some describe themselves as a droplet in the universal ocean, others as a spark of the divine fire; others find perfect release in a freedom beyond material imagination. In whatever way we ultimately come to know the supreme spiritual truths it is certain that we must genuinely experience an expansion of our own consciousness that is rewarding and enriching. We can anticipate positive results to follow in our character, our health, our extended abilities, sensitivities, our understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of life.

When the practical yogic disciplines are sincerely practised as part of our spiritual Sadhana, it may be described that a more loving self begins to shine through the personality. As the great Law of Nature decrees that each of us grows through our own efforts, we are encouraged to apply ourselves to what we understand of the Yogic philosophy and practices that we may come to benefit as those exponents before us have done – having found that human consciousness can grow and experience new and exciting spheres of exploration.

Imagination is the fundamental tool for the individual when forming a self-image.

Unless one creates a self image the personality is apt to become pressured and influenced by what others think, and this may not be as you would wish.

Use your self image to become whatever or whoever you wish to be – to pattern your future, determine your habits and reactions and help you to succeed in your achievements.

Determine to be whatever you yearn to be.  Include love, truth, gladness and peace in your aim.

Seek to become your own ideal – expect no other person to fully represent your ideals or disappointment will ensue.

Pattern your life in reflection of those whom you most admire.

Maintain a sense of your own personal uniqueness and your worthiness not only as an experiencer of life but as a capable contributor to society.

Sally E. Janssen

Most spiritual teachers teach the value of balance and have indicated to us that any quality can be exaggerated to our detriment even those qualities we consider are virtues.

As reminders of the need for balance in your personal and private self discipline or Sadhana, the following offer a helpful guide for you when drawing up your own personality needs to avoid extremes……

Balanced – Not fanatical

Beautiful – Not vain

Courageous – Not rash

Devoted – Not enslaved

Flexible – Not weak

Helpful – Not intrusive

Humble – Not submissive

Impartial – Not indifferent

Independent – Not isolated

Keen intellect – Not cutting

Kind – Not condescending

Loyal – Not undeserving commitment

Passionate – Not aggressive

Patient – Not procrastinating

Perceptive  -  Not hypercritical

Persevering – Not stubbornly persistent

Sensitive –  Not to personal hurt

Strong – Not domineering

In any teaching situation there is a place for meditation.

It is a tool for the instructor as it is for the student.

A few quiet moments interspersed with learning can help us, as students, absorb information in a relaxed state that better allows its processing by our subconscious mind. It is surprising how this can be effective in selecting material that is particularly helpful to us as well as offering an appropriate time for any remnant questions to surface.

For the instructor, meditation minutes provide opportunity for their personal mental refreshment that helps sharpen perception focus upon the following aspect of teaching that is required.

Meditation time that includes class and teacher provides a silent period of general mental rapport that frequently proves economical with time well utilised and more satisfying for both the transmitter and the receptor of instruction.

Regarding the approach to a general tutoring class situation the following simple hints may serve as a guideline for the teacher. They will be familiar to any teacher of Yoga or those dealing with stress management……

Meditation is a state that looks toward achieving a state of stillness – of mind and body.

To assist this and encourage concentration, the eyes are closed to shut out distraction.

A regular rhythmic nasal breath is established at a gentle and comfortable rate.

Attention is then given to consciously release any mental effort.

Patiently allow some minutes for the body to become quite still and the mind to accept the peaceful, receptive state that is our reward and indicates our preparedness to advance.

Depending upon the subject material and the different tutoring situations, the same simple principles can be applied or modified to suit as appropriate.

The minimum time for beginners’ meditation is approximately ten minutes. Those who find the practice helpful will, in their private time, be inclined to extend the period to a half hour or hour long meditation.

It is in meditation that the Yoga student who regularly follows the Hatha Yoga health practices findsboth mental and spiritual rewards.

Each Yoga teacher through his or her own experience finds a way to offer a path and method of meditation that simplifies and makes successful, the practice.

The art of Meditation is universally used to aid spiritual realization.

The aspirant undertakes certain self disciplines when following any path towards improvement including the spiritual path of Yoga where classic disciplines have remained unchanged for centuries. These practices belong to a universal system, the principles of which can be adopted and also adapted by people of any nation, culture, or religion.

For this reason it has attracted many followers in the present era as people realise that both physical health and spiritual growth can only be effected through self responsibility and self effort. Physical health requires purification of the blood and body cells. Psychological health requires elimination of past problems and clear focus on positive self determination.

Our spiritual state has similar requirements. In matters of the soul, each much cleanse not only the heart and mind, but ensure that the deepest  realms of one’s consciousness does not harbour any negative feelings, resentments or unresolved problems or attitudes towards others or in relation to life itself. Only this way can we ensure that our aspirations and our chosen route towards excellence is not inhibited.

In the spiritual life, growth in heart, mind and our being brings us new spiritual experiences through self purification and a clear understanding and application of the simple rules and teachings that we feel are good.

It is the practical implementation of our spiritual aspirations and cherished ideals in daily life, that is known as our personal Sadhana.  It represents our personal spiritual aspiration and the self discipline that is entailed in order to becoming that ideal.

Our Sadhana is a totally private practice shared by no one and only perceived by one’s often unknown and unseen spiritual Guru or teacher of greater spiritual stature.

Our personal effort and our spiritual quest in time brings its rewards. We experience degrees of elevation and expansion of our consciousness that culminates in the supreme state of awareness known as Samadhi.

Aromatherapy and the science of perfumery can be used for assisting personal sadhana and personality control.

For instance …

Aries  temperament with strong sense of personal ego balances the development of his nature through deliberate expansion of the attitude of surrendering, of letting go – difficult for the personal ego but aide by using the following perfumes with pranayama

Lavender, Rose, Lotus, Neroli – generally likes spicy perfumes

Meditation using the Japa “ In myself I am nothing, In Thee I am I.”

……………………..

Taurus temperament with fixed and rigid attachments- needs more fluidic movement in the personality and emotions could inhale to help in letting go the strain of dependence upon possession.

Geranium, followed by spearmint or petitgrain – likes woody, strong perfumes

In Meditation “I am soft, free, pure…”

……………………..

Gemini  temperament needs quiet integration of the two aspects and could use

Petitgrain, followed by frankincense

Lavender followed by pine – likes cooling, citric perfume

Rose followed by sandalwood

Meditation upon the heavens, where the twin Powers of both Sun and Moon govern in harmony their two worlds of day and night.

……………………..

Cancer  temperament requires freedom from fear and greater strength and self confidence

to allow outgoing energies. – likes perfumes of cedarwood, cypress, sandalwood, cassia and pine – likes soft, powdery scent

Meditation “Let nothing disturb Thee, Nothing affright thee, All things are passing , God never changeth”…….

………………………

Leo      temperament needs sensitizing towards appreciation of the value in others and their different expressions and virtues – learn more respect for others and consider them outside one’s own self sphere.

Perfumes Bergamot, petitgrain, jasmine – likes warm, sweet perfume

Meditation “I am a child of the Universe- May I understand all others and know that we are all sons and daughters of Heaven”.

……………………….

Virgo    temperament strives too hard for perfection and becomes critical, discontented

Perfumes lemongrass, rose and neroli – likes clean antiseptic scents

Meditation“To work is to release the ‘imprisoned splendour’  “I gently release the powers of the soul”.

………………………

 Libra    Temperament needs determination and forward movement to avoid indecision. Seeing two sides the personality is faced with dilemmas and must learn to take decisive action and stand firm

Perfumes ginger, frankincense, lemon- enjoys floral perfumes

Meditation upon life’s mission “Man’s sense of justice is limited but a Greater Justice rules the World.”

……………………..

Scorpio temperament is too intense and severe – with others and with himself – needing quiet, reflective meditations using

Perfumes lavender, rosemary, geranium – likes strong cleansing and even harsh scents  Japa “Be gentle and kind towards yourself and others”

Meditation –be patient in seeking truth

………………..

Sagittarius temperament too excitable and needs anchorage before mental flight

Perfumes of cassia, rosemary, lavender, geranium – likes warm stimulating perfumes

Meditation “There is an inmost centre in us all, Where Truth abides in fullness…” Browning

…………………….

Capricorn temperament needs lighter touch – humour and attitudes which relieve responsibilities and care of others

Perfumes peppermint, lime, petitgrain, bergamot – likes resinous scents

Meditation “to thine own Self be true”

…………………….

Aquarius temperament needs personal confidence through solitude and identification with others in society – the balance between the individual and the whole

Perfumes rose, neroli, myrrh, styrax – enjoys pungent perfumes

Meditation “The dewdrop slips into the Shining Seas…” to be drawn again, towards heaven and return again to the sea.

…………………

Pisces   temperament too sensitive and poetic, vague and self sacrificing – too diffused and needs

Consolidation of personality virtues and character as a special tool of the spirit

Perfumes orange, cypress, cinnamon, ginger – only enjoyed refined, subtle perfumes

Meditation “I seek the Jewel of Becoming… Man made Perfect. “I am ,…..”

Yoga, being both a science and art, is applied to the lifestyle of those who sincerely embrace the principles philosophy that provides us with a fund of knowledge that is unique. The essence has been transmitted through the ages and in India, through the Vedic teachings that prescribe ethical conduct as the first step. All that remains is for us to have the wisdom how to apply the wealth of knowledge that we have accessed, in a manner that satisfies us completely as a personality, soul and spiritual being.

It is commonly understood that Yoga practices aim for physical and mental fitness. The physical disciplines that promise good health, vitality and freedom from disease are reasonable, yet more complete than the rules we were taught regarding body care. However, each is free to adopt any extra internal hygiene methods that seem to offer benefit, or to refine our body by rejecting any flesh foods, artificial chemicals and any other disciplines as we choose.

However, with the yogic philosophy that teaches the unity of all life and offers a methodology to prepare our minds and senses to experience this as a spiritual reality, comes some personal effort. We must improve ourselves by exercising our bodies, emotions and our minds in readiness to embrace universal life – the Allness that has many names, but none that are grand enough.

Having put the stretching and extensions principle into practice with our bodies that have become freer, more supple, stronger, and our emotions similarly free of petty strife, fears and antipathies, we are well on the way to our psychological preparedness for expansion of our consciousness.

We must however, learn to take enough control of our minds so that our thoughts are also supple, free and generous, free of anxieties, prejudice and of ideas that burden us and inhibit us from realization of truthful new state of mental awareness as fitting companion to our expanded feelings of the heart.

The yogi applies self culture as well as taking an interest and respecting the wisdom and culture of his country and its knowledge of natural sciences, both past and present. These include many subjects often considered in the western world as ‘fringe’ or ‘alternative’ studies.  In India however, we find them advanced in what we call palmistry, psychic studies of the aura and chakras, astrology, subtle value of gemstones, physiognomy, homoeopathy, oxygen therapy, aromatherapy, and the deeper psychology that includes the soul. In these studies and sciences they are far ahead of us and have much to offer to complement western science.

In spite of the encouragement to be as expansive as possible in our lives we are reminded to seek our intuitive centre at the heart of our being to help us determine our way of life and find our balance and the inner wisdom and can anticipate new excitement in completing our relationship with Nature and natural law.

Sadhana means one’s personal spiritual discipline.  This is based upon the moral/ethical precepts of Ashtanga Yoga that outline the general principles shared by all aspirants.  However, one’s own personal self discipline is essentially a private matter.

The purpose of Sadhana however is constant. It represents both our desire to grow to become a better human and our aspiration to become capable of expanding our own conscious experiences of the spiritual reality of the great Universal Consciousness that presides over all.

We are all able to think about Universal Consciousness or God Consciousness, but there are fewer who actually experience the subtler, wider spheres of awareness. These entries into the spiritual realms usually develop gradually and can be compared to the natural processes of our physical birth and entry into the world of matter.  Entry into the spiritual world also takes time.

Of course we all have experiences that are wonderful and seem to happen spontaneously according to the stimulus of the time, when our senses touch a vibrant new level of feeling or consciousness. But Sadhana relates to our enduring interest in making conscious endeavour to expand our hearts and minds to embrace the universe in which we live.

In recognition of the power of free will, independent choice becomes an important responsibility and a determining factor in subsequent events and circumstances in our lives. Consideration of both the matter of self determination and acceptance of its limitations is an exercise for us all in wisdom, until we can be guided by our inner intuition that makes clear the way ahead.

Certainly it is generally understood that whatever we achieve in life and whatever we become, involves self effort.  Always, effort is rewarded and we experience wonderful reward for our personal efforts in self culture and spiritual awareness.

It is our own choice whether we learn the value of discipline as a step towards our objectives early in life so that at maturity, we can apply self discipline not only in material things but in spiritual discipline or Sadhana, when we choose to obey the dictates our own soul.

We are referring to the emotional states of feeling contentment, happiness, joy, pain, suffering, sympathy, kindness, anger, envy, jealousy, compassion, irritation, fear, faith, anxiety, hatred, love, yearning, desire, pride, and many others in our emotional range. We all find the seeds of every possible human emotion inherent in our nature. It is a case of what emotions we have chosen to cultivate as to their expression in our personality.

There are less attractive or basic emotions that must be pulled out like we do weeds in the garden. Others that are more attractive, and help us to feel good inside take more careful nurturing but the rewards are obvious. As each of us makes different choices in selection and in methods of cultivation, our emotional nature develops accordingly. We have emotional energies that are uniquely available for our expression according to our character and purposes.

The composite ingredients make up our emotional recipe or pattern that is essentially our own and separates us from other emotional bodies of people around us. The various ingredients may be blended in a harmonious, stable and positively polarized personality or can be thrown together in a recipe which results in a chaotic and violent emotional composition. This is determined by the many factors including past experiences, age, culture, self image, self determination, free will, and how much we aspire towards self control, fulfillment of our ideals and vision of our ultimate purpose.

Untrained emotions are usually a hotch potch of feelings resulting from one’s life feeling experiences without having had any sorting or cleansing to eliminate the negative which usually predominate. That is, until the person grows discomforted to be always in anger, depression, fear or other unpleasant emotional states – and uses his will to alter his mood.

One of the keys is to make a practice of curbing our instant emotional reactions and to consciously elect to become free of outside people and things that trigger our negative responses. The individual who consciously feeds on violence and ugliness, on horror and degraded emotions will develop an emotional body accordingly and will in turn seek to express these violent emotions. Just so the person who chooses to nourish himself on beauty and harmony, on love and idealism will develop emotions which are more ordered and refined. It is a matter of choice.