Yoga and Tantra - Part 2

Asana means a position that is both firm and pleasant. The practice of Yoga postures, or asanas, helps in the development of a stable and healthy body, tuning its capacity to withstand powerful ecstatic experiences. Though hundreds of thousands of postures are said to exist, the authoritative texts state that if only a few of them are practiced correctly, more than adequate results will be attained.

My favortie pose for open my heart- king pigeon @primavera.yoga

A posture may prove easy for one person and difficult for another. One person will find the lotus posture perfectly natural, whereas another will find it difficult or near impossible. One should not, therefore, feel discouraged

if certain Yoga asanas seem out of reach. Practice those that come naturally and develop confidence. Leave the more difficult ones until later, when the muscles have become loosened and more flexible. Sometimes a new posture may be tried spontaneously. It's amazing how the body sometimes suddenly changes to accommodate a new form (even if it take sometimes years, it is a journey).

Many of the Yoga asanas were inspired by the flowers, animals, and other creatures whose names they bear, for example, the lotus posture, the lion posture, and the serpent posture. Yoga postures are a type of body language that communicates with the divinity within. There is a magical potency inherent in their form. Anyone who takes the trouble to practice Yoga asanas quickly becomes aware of this.

Many primitive tribes mimic the movements, postures, and sounds of animals, believing that in so doing, they create a magical contact with them. It may well be that Yoga asanas, which mimic other creatures, allow us to contact earlier forms in our evolutionary heritage. Numerous sexual are based on life forms other than our own.

When energies are exchanged and channeled through Tantric love-postures, they cause a resonance that travels beyond the dimensions of our world. Several Tantric texts refer to sexual postures as vehicles for supernormal or out-of-body travel.  (try to watch the film don't look down (2008))

The main purpose of the Yoga asana is to circulate subtle energies in a precise way. A well-balanced body, firmly positioned, does not encounter difficulty for staying in meditation or in conscious ecstasy. Postures create a particular form for the body that serves as a way for communication with the Self. In advanced Tantric practices precise body postures are used during rituals to evoke particular archetypes and familiarize the Yogi with them.

As I mentioned in Part 1, the early part of the morning (especially sunrise) or the early evening (especially sunset) are particularly good times to practice Yoga asanas. First thing upon rising in the morning, drink a little pure fresh water to tone up the organs. Then take a bath or shower and clean the nostrils and tongue (the techniques for this will be described in another post, meanwhile, you can look for Neti pot for the nostrils and tongue scraping are both from the Ayurveda) Stretch the body and do a few light exercises.

You can evolve your own order of practice or follow the instructions of a good Yoga manual. Generally, you should advance gradually to the more complex positions as you warm up during the session.

Breathing techniques are very much a part of Yoga asanas and should be practiced at the same time. But don't force them and always be sure to use your common sense. For example, don't move from an asana that requires

exertion to a breathing technique without first allowing the body to adjust.

The more complex asanas can be easily achieved by first meditating and visualizing the form and flow of energy through the posture. Then, when you physically attempt the posture, you will be surprised to find a new ease and ability. The body opens up and becomes flexible once the mind has understood and gained ascendancy over a posture.

Yoga is best practiced as a creative activity rather than a mere task. Let the positions "speak" to you and learn to flow naturally from one to the other (that’s why it is much better to practice alone and not in a class. My advice is to do some private classes, so you are sure you are doing the postures correctly and then practice on your own). The practice of Yoga asanas will deepen your insight into the meaning of life, enable your body to function effectively and harmoniously, and help you to develop a deep awareness of the Subtle Body and its energies.

In all transcendental sexual experiences, a healthy and relaxed body is an ally. A stiff torso is a real hindrance to sexual exploration; it reflects physicality, guilt, and psychological retentiveness rather than ecstasy or liberation. Hatha Yoga is the antithesis of heavy physical exercise. A good Yogi is not muscle-bound; rather, his strength lies within.

Generally, it is best to learn at least two sitting postures, several stretching positions, simple reclining positions, a squatting position, a reverse position (like the headstand), and at least one complex asana.

freshwaterYoga becomes a natural part of your life, you'll be amazed to find how much extra energy and spirit you have for day-today activities. For couples wishing to expand the parameters of their physical relationship, there is no greater preparation than shared participation in Yoga.

The posture known as head of a cow (gomukhasana) is created by linking the hands in turn, as shown. It creates a special energy circuit, opening up the heart and throat centers, effectively releasing tension. Several variations of this posture also involve the lower part of the body; in these the legs are either crossed in the lotus posture or directly over each other as in the heroic posture.

The serpent posture or cobra exercises the spine and tones up the internal organs. From a totally relaxed recumbent position, the body is stretched and tensed while the breath is held, causing an expansion of consciousness and heightened sensual awareness. It improves circulation and stimulates the sexual organs.

The fish posture (matsyasana) is ideal for total relaxation and meditation. First take up the full lotus posture and gradually lean back until the head rests on the floor. Practice arching up the back while keeping the head in position. This posture helps correct improper breathing, strengthens the lungs, and stimulates the circulation. It is also helpful in regaining involuntarily lost sexual energy.

This type of standing posture requires balance and should be used to focus the mind and channel vital energy to different subtle centers (Chakras) by the placement of hand or hands. The "bound" position of the body creates a special circuit that concentrates energy. Both these positions tone up the internal organs (liver, spleen, and intestines, especially) and aid the development of mental and spiritual intensity.

The bound lotus posture (bandha padmasana) creates flexibility in the neck, shoulders, and back. Once the position is achieved, the head should be thrown back and a number of deep breaths inhaled. Then bend forward while exhaling and touch the forehead to the ground. This helps awaken the latent Kundalini and should be accompanied by constriction of the anal sphincter muscles.

The camel posture (ushtrasana) evolves from a bow-like shape, linking hands and feet. The hands

are lifted up and brought together as illustrated. This posture is very beneficial to the back and stimulates the glandular system. It also helps one gain control of sexual energy.

The Yoga head stand (shirsasana) is one of the most effective postures for reversing the outward flow of sexual energy. When practicing it, one should visualize all energy flowing to the head.

The Yoga head stand helps reverse the involuntary outward flow of energy.

Taken Slowly the feet should be brought up close to the elbows, lifted up and straightened. The Yoga head stand shouldnot be rushed; the "base" of interlocked hands and the two elbows should be carefully held, and breathing focused at the navel region. Practiced with care, the Yoga head stand ensures a proper blood supply to the pituitary, pineal, and thyroid glands and tones up the whole body. It is particularly helpful in overcoming loss of memory, aging, and sexual problems.

The supported complete body posture (salamba sarvangasana) or shoulder stand is an inverted position that has a direct beneficial effect on the whole glandular system, especially the thyroid. This posture aids the balance of hormonal levels in the body, tones up the organs, and helps relieve asthma, bronchitis, colds, and headaches. It invigorates the whole being and improves overall health and beauty. Here I am doing another variation of it.

The plow posture (halasana) should be practiced as slowly as possible. It is helpful to the muscles of the back and neck, increases the flow of blood to the legs and effectively reduces fatigue.

Place the hands level and equipoised below the navel center. While thus sitting in the lotus posture, straighten the spinal column, throw out the diaphragm and bend the neck to the shape of a hook, pressing the chin near to the throat. Place the tongue against the roof of the mouth, just behind the teeth. All these factors help the practitioner of Yoga to experience true meditation. - SECRET DOCTRINES OF MAHAMUDRA

For part 1 : https://mynameisaviv.blogspot.com/2019/12/yoga-and-tantra-part-1.html

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Namaste