The Pancamaya model in yoga represents the 5 dimensions of our human system. This holistic model is why yoga works -- because when you change one of these dimensions, all of the others change as well. This is one of the reasons that I get a bit huffy when people shortchange yoga by calling it exercise. As you can see from the following listing of the mayas, they are ordered from gross to subtle. I've noted in parenthesis what practice works on each dimension. It just goes to show you -- it's not all about asana.
anamaya – physical body (asana)
pranamaya – breath/energy (pranayama, asana)
manomaya – intellect/mind (education/learning, meditation and asana [both focus mind])
vijnanamaya – personality (meditation, chanting)
anandamaya – emotions (meditation, chanting)
If you want to make changes on the subtle levels, don't scrimp on the meditation and chanting. Yes, asana makes us feel good but the quieter practices of meditation and chanting can take us deeper and make deep, long-lasting changes in us.
If you're wanting to work the subtle with chanting, I suggest the following:- Incorporate chanting into your yoga practice. Let out an "om" while holding Warrior. Or chant So Hum while you're coming down into forward fold. Add Bija sounds to your practice not only feels good, but it's fun. Click here for more Bija sounds.
- Join a chanting group. MeetUp.com is a great place to find local chanting groups. If you're looking for kirtans in your area, check out your local yoga studios or Spirit Voyage for a schedule of live kirtans.
- Chant at home with CDs. There are a variety of excellent CDs out there so you can start your own chanting practice at home.
This morning I did a Kundalini chant that I fully enjoyed. And speaking of enjoyment, I can't think of a better way to spend a snowy evening than to watch an installment of The Story of India on PBS. This fabulous series premiered on PBS earlier in the week but will be rebroadcast after the 6 installments are complete. Click here to see a schedule for your area. I've got my DV-R set for the series, as I don't want to miss a minute of this orgy for the mind. A big thank you to my friend Hannah for letting me know about this -- I wouldn't have know about it had she not sent me the link to the Web site. Now I'd like to share it with all of you. Enjoy!
Namaste!
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In NYC, Lululemon has set up a similar event to chant in the new prez!
http://elephantbeans.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/lululemon-ommmm-bama-event/
Posted by: ebean | January 16, 2009 at 07:19 PM
KL -- I love your attitude! BRING IT ON!!!!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | January 16, 2009 at 02:13 PM
You're very welcome Katie! Thank you for your lovely compliment. I'm so glad that you're finding the blog posts to be useful. Namaste!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | January 16, 2009 at 02:13 PM
Oh Linda, it's so nice to hear that this series is bringing back good memories. I know that India's pull is strong. You'll be back soon enough.
Posted by: insideoutweightloss | January 16, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Yeah for chanting and kirtan! After years of asana, meditation and pranayama... I've only recently begun to seriously chant and I've been blown away by how powerful the practice is.
Bring it on I say.
Posted by: KL- Prana Flow NZ | January 14, 2009 at 01:07 AM
I've been watching the story of yoga and have my DVR set for the rest of the episodes. It's been great.
Thanks for always sharing such amazing resources!
Posted by: Katie | January 12, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Hi All, thank you for providing such a detail information. Please visit www.yogagururamdev.com which also gives you information about Yoga. Our goal is to serve every one with their needs and make every one aware of Yoga.
Posted by: believe in yoga | January 12, 2009 at 02:19 PM
you have no idea how the Story of India makes me feel, as someone who has been there every year for the last 3 years and will return next time this December for 6 months....when I saw the South Indian temples and remembered the shakti that I felt, I began to weep.
Posted by: Linda | January 10, 2009 at 08:18 PM