Wk. 74 – Shakti – 5 Principles of
The Five Principles of Shakti
After studying Asana for a while, at some point (hopefully) there will be a strong inner urge (Iccha Shakti) to take up the study of yoga philosophy. As humans, we have intellect and curiosity, naturally there is a yearning to know more, to cultivate self- understanding/knowledge (Jnana Shakti) about our purpose of embodiment. Why we are here, how we can free ourselves more efficiently from that which causes pain and suffering and how to find more meaning to our lives. These are timeless questions we, uniquely as a species, battle with. Cit Shakti is the boundless field from which all things in the universe arise, that alight our eyes, mind and body. As we explore these ideas and find our own truths, as we use our practice Yoga (Kriya Shakti) to find discipline and explore a new consciousness we experience a dancing pattern of energy unfolding in our embodiment, this is that consciousness reflecting on herself and expressing herself through you (Ananda Shakti), a joyous bliss experience of the divine play.
To summarise the study of Shakti and what this series will focus on, the following ideas of Shakti must be emphasised. These are the Five Principle Powers of Shakti-
Jnana Shakti – Power of Knowledge: This is our capacity to know, understand, to discern, to be informed, to comprehend, to have direct experience of knowing our truth & the truth of all reality.
Iccha Shakti- Power of Will: power of effective intention, joyous self-expression, a bright fire of willpower, will to express, a divine urge to create, to move toward what is most valuable and life-affirming to us, the driving force that calls us to spiritual practice, that determination and commitment to keep going, being that unstoppable force.
Kriya Shakti – Power of Action: it is the force behind creative, dynamic activity, our ability to spontaneously manoeuvre without hesitation, to accomplish with effort, work and exertion, empowerment behind wise action
Cit Shakti- Power of Consciousness: aware of anything, the light of intelligence, wise wakefulness, light of our loving awareness, the mind that has expanded in the pure clarity of perception.
Ananda Shakti- Power of Unsurpassed Joy: It pulsates with the power of expansive bliss, this is an expression of unbounded freedom, of being full, whole, complete at one with the rapture of blissful ecstasy, supreme happiness and delight.
Through these powers of awareness, joy, intention, knowledge, and action, the infinite, limitless field of potential that we experience as Consciousness, takes form as the universe and all things in it. This is the expression of SHAKTI herself in play, on the macrocosm and microcosm of you and me.
Yoga is then ecstatic play of consciousness; a constant renewal of our sense of wonderment and curiosity for life. Our practice creates Tapas which is the heat for positive change that clarifies and creates a rich expression of the deep purpose to our practice. As we begin to refine the tools to practice, bespoking them to meet our needs of the day, we are able to manifest purposefully leading to lasting fulfilment, contentment and liberation.
Our intention for our study of Shakti is:
There is a light within meThat lights the whole universe (Cit Shakti)
That radiates absolute truth – Pure Joyous love (Ananda Shakti)
Boundless will and power to fulfil your heart’s desire, intention and purpose (Iccha Shakti)
It accesses skilful wise action (Kriya Shakti)
And is the source of all shared universal knowledge and wisdom (Jnana Shakti)
There is a light within me.
That lights the whole universe.
That radiates absolute truth.
Boundless will. Skill in action.
And is the source of all knowledge
Om Shakti, Om Shakti, Om Shakti Om Cit Shakti
Om Ananda Shakti, Om Iccha Shakti, Om Jnana Shakti, Om Kriya Shakti
Om Tat Sat – May it be so!
