Satsangs – Page 2 – Swami Nishchalananda

Webinar for invited guests, June 2020

A Guided meditation followed by Questions and answers, this Zoom based Webinar was hosted by Mandala Yoga Ashram and invited guests from the UK and around Europe.

The meditation was based on the Chakras, specifically, visualising the colour related to each Chakra.

Questions and Answers included the following topics:-

Q: When we meditate, is it advisable to have eyes closed, or is it also ok to have the eyes open, as in some Buddhist meditation.

Swami Nischalananda: It doesn’t matter. With the eyes open, it’s still possible to be aware of how the mind is working. It may be better for someone who is of an introverted nature, to meditate with eyes open sometimes. Conversely someone who is naturally extroverted may do better with eyes closed.

Further topics of Synchronicity and Predetermination……..

If we are sufficiently open, then we can see that everything is a miracle

…. led to Swamiji’s observation on a question about the ‘Akashic Records’ that the subtle space beyond physical space is actually the world of archetypes, and every thought, every feeling, has an archetype.

Please click HERE to enjoy this video of the event.

Satsang webinar from Sheffield, UK

A Web based event organised from Sheffield, Yorkshire, with questions and answers on such topics as:-

In Mantra Yoga, most of the chants and mantras are in the Sanskrit language. How important is correct pronunciation of the words, or is the efficacy of mantras more to do with our motivation?

If your intention is good, then the positive effect will be there
Swami Nishchalananda

What does Yoga have to do with the Hindu Religion? The images of Gods and Goddesses and associated mythology seem to permeate traditional Yogic practice.

Continue reading →

Feminine and Masculine Principles; Shiva Lingams; Chakras.

The feminine and masculine principles in existence. Symbolism of the different Shiva lingams (phallic symbols) in relation to the chakras.

Sensitivity

How does one deal with over-sensitivity which comes about through Yoga practice? Swamiji’s reply introduces the idea of ‘transparency’ or ‘fluidity’ as a way of adapting to this common challenge.

‘Transparency, or fluidity, means we’re not completely stuck in our ego identification. It comes down to ego actually. The less we are ego-identified, the more we can flow, moment to moment, with life as it arises.’

Questions and answers to trainee teachers, November 2019

Topics under discussion include:

Yoga Nidra, Yoga and Scientific findings, Bhakti Yoga, Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, ‘How I came to Yoga’, Yoga in the NHS, Teaching Yoga, Esoteric and Exoteric Yoga and finally a Meditation on the Heart space.

‘Nothing shifts in a Yoga class…. you just become more aware of more subtle aspects of your being and the fact that you are conscious. Nothing changes…. it’s like you’re creating a sense of spaciousness even when you are walking or even when you are working…. …. Awareness means you know, experientially, “I am conscious”. So that’s the challenge… to bring Yoga into our daily life so that there is magic in everything we do’

Swami Nishchalananda

Teacher Training – Q&A

Questions and Answers from student teachers

on the 2019-22 Teacher Training Course at Mandala Yoga Ashram, including:

How can we promote diversity in our Yoga classes?
What is the ‘virtuous path’ in a world of conflicting moral beliefs?
What is the difference between relaxation and meditation?
The different paths of Yoga.
The different traditions of Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Tantra, Ashtanga.