Yoga is the mastery of self-knowledge and Tantra is the mastery of power of Prana. Knowledge without power is ineffective. Power without knowledge is dangerous. So we study and practice both. Weaving Asana, PY, Mudra, Kriya, Mantra and Philosophy into a practice to have a desirable outcome of being empowered with self-knowledge and skill in loving awareness to do our lives well and fulfil our purpose of embodiment.
We all know Yoga is more than just flexibility or strength in postures; it is the management of prana, the vital life force that animates all levels of being. Prana enables the body to move, regenerate, heal as well as enables the mind to think. Prana is said to be the intelligence that coordinates our senses, help digest information and release that which doesn’t serve us any longer. Prana is the life force energy that enlivens and animates the subtle body and sustains life.
We are going to be focusing on the subtle body in these coming sessions. Yoga texts and practices, particularly those from traditions like Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Tantra Yoga, define the subtle body as the energetic counterpart of the physical body. The subtle body is a concept central to understanding the flow of energy (prana) and the workings of the mind and consciousness embodied as you. This is an intricate system of energy channels (nadis), energy centres (chakras), and psychic pathways. The subtle body serves as the bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. It is also known as the Sukshma Sharira in Sanskrit, where “Sukshma” means subtle or fine, and “Sharira” means body. Remembering back when we studied the Koshas – Annamaya (physical sheath), the subtle body consists of Pranamaya (vital energy sheath), Manomaya (mental/emotional sheath), Vijnanamaya (intellectual sheath), and bridges the Anandamaya (bliss sheath) with the causal body.
In this series we will explore the sacred geometry of each chakra, the elements and corresponding bija mantra as well as so much more to increase your self-understanding and empower you to have agency over your own well-being through practice.
I look forward to hearing how this practice affects and supports you in deepening your studies.
