Why Do We Celebrate Mahashivaratri?
Sadhana: The Work of Transformation
Atma Center Calendar of Coming Events
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THE YOGA CONNECTION
Yoga of Transformation
Why Do We Celebrate Mahashivaratri?
by Sannyasi Atmadarshan
According to legend, Shiva was the first practitioner of yoga. He is also associated with transformation, of getting rid of the old so that new growth can emerge. A festival named Shivaratri (“night of Shiva”) is said to be the most auspicious day of the year for undertaking new ventures, creating new habits, and making positive changes in our lives.
There are many stories surrounding Shivaratri. One of the most popular is the tale of Suswara, a poor hunter who went too deeply into the jungle in search of game and did not make it out before nightfall. He sought shelter in a tree and to keep himself awake, he plucked leaves and dropped them to the ground below. As the night wore on, Suswara shed many tears at the thought of his wife and children, who must be hungry and worried about him. Finally dawn came and, relieved, Suswara left the tree to return home. Only later did he learn that at the base of his sheltering tree was a statue of Shiva. Suswara’s tears had washed the statue and the leaves of the tree he dropped were sacred to Shiva. Shiva, pleased with Suswara’s devotion, transformed the poor hunter into a mighty king.
This tale is symbolic of the journey all of us undertake. The jungle represents our mind, and the animals we try to hunt down represent our instinctive urges. The climbing of the tree represents our climb to higher consciousness, and the dawn is the dawning of a new, happier state of mind. Suswara’s transformation represents the heights we all can reach if we persevere through difficult circumstances.
During Shivaratri, participants practice yoga techniques which are transformative at the deepest level: kirtans (call-and-response singing of mantra) release old emotional tensions; chanting distracts the mind from its habitual patterns and creates a newfound sense of peace. All ages are welcome to the Atma Center’s celebration of this festival. It is free; any donations you would like to make to the Yoga Academy of North America - a non-profit organization with a goal of promoting yoga as an instrument of social change in schools, prisons and hospitals - will be gratefully accepted.
Picture Credit: http://opensite.org/International/Italiano/Societ%C3%A0/Pensiero/Religione/Induismo/Divinit%C3%A0/Trimurti/Shiva
Please join us at the Atma Center for Mahashivaratri, Monday, February 23rd from 8:30 pm – 11:00. Feel free to come for the whole evening or just drop in and leave as you please.
Sadhana: The Work of Transformation
by Swami Atmarupa Saraswati
The method one adopts to obtain a specific goal in yoga is known as sadhana. This term commonly refers to the time spent on the mat doing asana, pranayama and meditation practices. I often hear students say, “I spent an hour doing sadhana this morning.” In their minds, sadhana has a starting and finishing time. There’s no doubt that a daily practice of asana, pranayama and meditation will ease the aches, improve immunity, and calm the mind. But is it enough to transform one’s self if we don’t practice yoga the other 23 hours in the day?
For me, yogic sadhana continues to evolve into something that will become so deeply in-grained, my every action will stem from a place of equanimity. Sadhana must become the force that carries me through my day and supports my interactions and relationships with those around me. Sadhana must be the work I’ve been given to do. This work will transform me if I can view it as part of my sadhana.
Most of us look at work as a necessity that allows us to be sustained in the material world. We work to have things. We work for mental stimulation and become wrapped up in our egos as we strive for recognition and a sense of self-worth. We may seek power over others through work. But how many of us look at work as an opportunity to achieve evenness of mind? How could work create equanimity?
In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna told Arjuna:
You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of rewards, nor should you long for inaction. Chapter 2, Verse 47
Perform work in this world, Arjuna, as a man established within himself—without selfish attachments, and alike in success and defeat. For yoga is perfect evenness of mind. Verse 48
Work gives me one opportunity after another to transform and evolve. It helps me transcend my little, petty self. The more I can look at work as a process through which I can grow, and leave behind the notion of reward, or even the daily expectation of completing certain projects, the smoother life flows. One day or one week or one year there is success and the next there is failure. One moment there is despair and the next there is elation. It all keeps changing, and by clinging to any one state of being I will miss the chance for transformation through my sadhana – to have perfect evenness of mind and to live in equanimity.
Atma Center Coming Events
Mar. 2 Monday: The new 8-week session of classes begins! Please view the new schedule on line or pick up a copy and note the new offerings and time changes. For example, “Yoga for Healing” (ideal for chronic conditions) will be offered Thursdays from 5:00 – 6:15 pm.
Mar. 7 The Anatomy of Yoga 1-3 pm This is the first of a series of Workshops on the 1st Saturday of every month. From her years of experience as a massage therapist and yoga instructor, Deb Smith will share important information about the way our bodies are structured and how we can use that knowledge to deepen our awareness in our practice. Deb will lead you through poses and practices to enhance your understanding of your body. $20 per person.
Mar. 15 Yoga for Carpal Tunnel 2-4:30 pm Join Lynda Robinson, yoga instructor and occupational therapist, for an afternoon of yoga and postural techniques to prevent and heal carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and other work-related injuries. This workshop will benefit you even if you don’t have CTS but suffer from the pain of arthritis or stiffness in the joints and muscles of the hands, wrists, arms, or shoulders. Sign up soon – space is limited. $25 per person.
Mar. 21 – 22 Yoga for Depression Weekend Saturday through Sunday afternoon. Join Atmadarshan and Atmarupa for a multifaceted workshop relating to yoga and depression. Although some principles are covered in the weekly class with Atmadarshan, this weekend allows for more in-depth and comprehensive treatment of the topics. Participants will learn how yoga views the mind through lectures in Yoga Psychology and experience a variety of techniques that demonstrate how yoga can enhance lifestyle choices and support overall wellness. Healthy food is on the agenda, of course! You may choose to make this a residential weekend to deepen your experience or you are welcome to commute from home. Call the Atma Center at 216-371-9760 for more details. $149 per person workshop only or $199 per person with overnight accommodations (private room).
This newsletter is provided to you by the Atma Center, 2319 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. [216-371-9760 www.atmacenter.com] The Atma Center is one of five places authorized worldwide to offer advanced training in Satyananda Yoga through Yogic Studies and Teacher Training courses.