Journey Into Self: Unveiling the Layers of Awareness and Body Consciousness in Kriya Yoga (MEDITATION)

Frederic Edwin Church - The Andes of Ecuador 1855

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"Consciousness, perception and awareness of every object or idea create vibrations in the mind. These vibrations are the mind waves, and this mind wave itself is consciousness."
​~ Swami Satyananda Saraswati

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Greetings, dear reader, and welcome back to The Kriya Yoga Blog. Today, we are delving deep into two fascinating topics from the seminal text "A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya" by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. As we turn the pages to Lessons 3: Topics 5 and 6, we unravel the intricate realms of awareness and body-centered meditation, weaving together ancient insights and contemporary applications. Join me as we explore the rich tapestry of Awareness and Body Consciousness, crucial building blocks for your Kriya Yoga practice. 

In this edition of our Yoga Odyssey into the teachings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati, I'll share with you:

• Guided Audio Meditation - Exploring Body Awareness: Immerse yourself in a transformative experience as you follow a guided meditation that leads you through the enchanting realm of body awareness. Discover the profound connection between your physical vessel and the art of meditation. Tune in to the voice recording that gently directs your awareness, helping you cultivate mindfulness and presence in every fiber of your being.

• Topic 5: Awareness - An Introduction: Journey with us through the pages of Lesson 3, Book 1, Topic 5, where Swami Satyananda Saraswati introduces us to the multidimensional nature of awareness. Delve into the practice of cultivating witness consciousness, where the mind becomes a silent observer. Explore how awareness transcends the boundaries of thought, emotion, and sensation, opening doors to clarity and equanimity. This section is divided into four parts: (1) Unveiling the Inner Essence: Exploring Awareness in Depth, (2) Cultivating Witness Consciousness: The Art of Becoming the Silent Observer, (3) Practical Invitation: Embarking on Your Journey of Witness Consciousness, and (4) Invitation to the Journey. 

• Enhancing Insight with Visuals: The Human Skeletal System: Visualize the very structure that supports your physical form - the human skeletal system. An image of this intricate framework accompanies the blog, enriching your understanding of body awareness. Witness how awareness intersects with your anatomy, offering insights into both your physical and spiritual dimensions.

• Recommended Daily Practice Program: As a practitioner, you're encouraged to take these teachings into your daily life. Dive into the recommended Daily Practice Program, which presents three distinct routines of varying lengths. This flexibility allows you to choose or customize the practice that aligns with your schedule, ensuring you reap the maximum benefits of awareness and meditation.

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• A Special Offer for Blog Subscribers: Elevate your practice with 30% off private yoga classes, both online and in person. Discover personalized guidance, tailored sessions, and a transformative journey towards holistic well-being. Book Your Yoga Session Today!

As you immerse yourself in this blog post, allow these elements to guide your exploration of awareness and body-centered meditation. Each component invites you to embark on a transformative journey, unveiling layers of self-discovery and union. Share your reflections and experiences in the comments section, enriching our collective journey of growth and realization.

If you resonate with the teachings presented here, consider sharing this blog post with fellow seekers who might also find value in these transformative practices. Your engagement is a vital part of the vibrant community that The Kriya Yoga Blog fosters.

Furthermore, your support helps keep the flame of wisdom burning. If you feel inclined to contribute, your DONATION directly fuels the continuation of these (ad-free) enriching discussions.

Let's embark on this journey of awareness and body-centered meditation together, embracing the inner landscapes that await our exploration and discovering the depths of our being that have long yearned for our attention.

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​Unveiling the Inner Essence:
​Exploring Awareness in Depth

Sir Frederic Leighton's "Flaming June" (1895).

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"Within the depths of awareness, we discover the vast tapestry of our existence, woven from the threads of physical sensations, mental musings, emotional currents, and the silent whispers of the spirit. The practice of witness consciousness unveils this multidimensional realm, where we become observers of our own symphony, detached yet engaged. As we traverse the landscape of our being, we bridge the gap between conditioned reactions and authentic responses, empowering ourselves to navigate life's dance with unwavering clarity and profound equanimity." ~ Ashley Cruz

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In this chapter, the canvas of our exploration widens as we delve into the depths of awareness. Saraswati beckons us to journey beyond the veils of the external world and to turn our gaze inwards. It is in this realm of inner observation that the true essence of awareness is discovered.

Understanding Awareness as a Multidimensional State
Embarking on the journey of Kriya Yoga leads us to unravel the depths of awareness, a concept that Swami Satyananda Saraswati masterfully guides us through in "A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya." Awareness, within the framework of Kriya Yoga, isn't confined to the surface-level understanding we commonly hold. Instead, Saraswati introduces us to the expansiveness of awareness as a multidimensional state that encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms of our being.

Imagine awareness as a vast canvas, stretching far beyond the boundaries of our mundane perceptions. Saraswati likens our consciousness to radio signals that are continuously being broadcasted. Just as we tune in to specific frequencies to hear particular stations, our awareness can be directed to various dimensions of existence. Through profound practices, we're invited to disentangle from the incessant chatter of the mind, much like switching between radio stations, and immerse ourselves in the pure, serene essence of awareness.

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Cultivating Witness Consciousness: The Art of Becoming the Silent Observer

Caspar David Friedrich, Monk by the Sea (1808-10)

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"Amidst the ebb and flow of thoughts, emotions, and sensations, the silent observer within us remains unchanged. It is in this space of pure awareness that we find refuge, clarity, and the unending wellspring of our true nature." ~ Ashley Cruz

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At the heart of this exploration lies the practice of cultivating "witness consciousness." In our everyday lives, our thoughts, emotions, and sensations play out like a movie on the screen of our mind. Often, we're entangled in this movie, reacting to its twists and turns without a sense of detachment. Yet, within the realm of awareness, we're called to become the silent observer, akin to the audience watching a film.

Saraswati's analogies guide us further. He likens this process to a scientist observing different facets of an object, an artist capturing the play of light on a canvas, or even a referee overseeing a match. In each analogy, the common thread is the element of detached observation. As we traverse the landscape of our thoughts and emotions, we begin to discern the inherent wisdom in witnessing without attachment. It's this practice that bridges the gap between our conditioned reactions and our authentic responses, allowing us to navigate life's ebb and flow with a newfound clarity and equanimity.

In the realm of awareness, we awaken to the subtle nuances that underlie our experiences. This multidimensional awareness transcends the surface, revealing the interconnectedness of our physical sensations, mental fluctuations, emotional tides, and the silent realm of the spirit. The practice of witness consciousness empowers us to choose our responses consciously, unswayed by the fluctuations of the mind, and in doing so, connect with our true selves.

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Practical Invitation: Embarking on Your Journey of Witness Consciousness

Vincent van Gogh's "Wheatfield Under Thunderclouds" (1890)

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On the Synergy of Awareness and Meditation: "As we weave together the tapestry of awareness and body-centered meditation, we unearth treasures of insight and liberation. Awareness becomes the lantern that illuminates the path of meditation, while meditation serves as the crucible where awareness is refined. This synergy guides us towards the heart of Kriya Yoga - a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and union." ~ Ashley Cruz

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As we journey through this exploration of awareness, I invite you to engage in a practice. Find a quiet space, settle into a comfortable seat, and close your eyes. With each inhale, imagine yourself stepping into the role of the silent observer. As thoughts arise, visualize them as passing clouds in the sky of your consciousness – present yet impermanent. Embrace the ebb and flow of emotions without getting swept away. As you practice this, contemplate the various dimensions of your being that you've witnessed – the physical sensations, the thoughts, the feelings. By anchoring your awareness in this multidimensional space, you lay the foundation for greater clarity and self-understanding.

Stay tuned for the next part of this exploration, where we'll dive even deeper into the practice of body-centered meditation, as guided by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. In the meantime, reflect on how witness consciousness might transform your interactions with the world around you. Your comments and reflections are treasures I would love to hear – share them below and let's engage in this transformative dialogue together. Remember, your support through sharing and commenting helps nourish the growth of The Kriya Yoga Blog and spread the light of ancient wisdom far and wide.

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Invitation to the Journey Into Self: Unveiling the Layers of Awareness and Body Consciousness in Kriya Yoga

"Galaxy" by Jackson Pollock (1947)

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"Embrace the dance of awareness and meditation, for in this rhythm, you discover the symphony of your soul. With each breath, with each mindful step, you journey closer to the heart of your being. Let the light of wisdom guide you, and let your practice be the map that leads you to the sacred shores of self-discovery. As you walk this path, remember, you are not alone. Your fellow seekers, your guides, and the universe itself dance with you. So, step boldly, breathe deeply, and become the embodiment of awareness and meditation. The journey is yours to unfold." ~ Ashley Cruz

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As you absorb these insights and teachings, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. How does awareness weave its threads through your experiences? How does body-centered meditation unfold its mysteries within you?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Your reflections add depth to our shared exploration. And if you find resonance in these teachings, consider sharing this blog post with fellow seekers who might also be embarking on their own paths of inner discovery.

Your support fuels the light of this blog, allowing us to continue delving into the realms of wisdom and practice. If you're moved to contribute, your donation supports the continuation of these enriching discussions.

As we partake in this journey of awareness and meditation, let us remember that each step is a testament to our commitment to transformation, a celebration of our inherent potential, and a dance of consciousness that unites us with the eternal rhythm of existence.

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Guided Meditation: Embodied Awareness

As a gift to enhance your practice, I have prepared a guided meditation. Listen and experience the embrace of embodied awareness. Before listening to it, you may wish to view the following image of the skeletal and muscle system, as we focus our awareness on it throughout our meditation together. 

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* YOUTUBE *
* AUDIO RECORDING *

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BOOK YOUR PRIVATE YOGA SESSION!

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Book 1, Lesson 3, Topic 4-5: Pages From the Text

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DOWNLOAD PROGRAM