TANTRAS ROOTS IN THE VEDAS... 2 Mar-Apr Vol.1.2 2013 SADHANA... 4 Light of A D D R E S S I N G T H E N E E D S O F Y O G A S T U D E N T S A N D CACAO THEOBROMA... 5 I N D I V I D U A L S F O C U S E D O N S P I R I T U A L I T Y A N D G R O W T H. Yoga It is a joy to present this issue of Light of Yoga. Welcome!! Welcome to our second issue of Light of Yoga. In this issue, I examine the roots to Tantra within the Vedas. Durga from Florida examines lessons she has learned with sadhana. And Daya Mata from Canada shares with us an interesting recipe using the Food of the Gods. We also share one of my favorite recipes for vegetable stirfry; and, of course, we have the latest online events listed so you can expand and deepen your knowledge and understanding of what yoga truly is. In our second issue we are already expanding the newsletter. In upcoming issues, we hope to include more writers that have studied with me for many years and will provide powerful insight into yoga and its true essence. While there are numerous challenges facing humanity at the present, I am pleased that we can spend this sacred time immersed in the study of and ultimately the realization of our true selves. Yogi Baba Prem performing a yogic fire ceremony. Wisdom from the tradition. Karma is so fundamental to our world, cause and effect is even studied in most areas of science. It appears within chemistry, physical therapy, medicine etc. Think about your life, so often you will see a beautiful play of cause and effect, and when one considers additional lifetimes and the principle of cause and effect, the play becomes profound. Karma comes from the Sanskrit root Kri meaning to work. Karma is not our curse, it is not a devil, rather it an opportunity to resolve undigested experience within lifetimes.
Tantric roots in the Vedas By Yogi Baba Prem Yogi Baba Prem explores that Tantric concepts are actually based on the Vedic teachings.. PATANJALI AND GOD By Yogi Baba Prem While the Tantric system has often been viewed as a later development within the greater field of Hinduism; a deeper study reveals that the roots to Tantric teachings exists within the Vedas themselves. Tantric teachings are based in and as old as the Vedas itself, representing another side of the Vedic approach. It is not realistic to expect the Vedas to contain the entire teachings of the Vedic period, but rather as Samhitas they contain the Shrutti or revelations that were given during deep meditation. This point cannot be argued, but it is important to note that there were different schools of Vedic thought and teaching. According to Panini in the Mahabhasya, there were about 100 different schools of thought pertaining to the Yajur Veda. While this can be seen as a weakness, it is in reality the strength of Hinduism. By the acceptance of different schools of thought a comprehensive system of thought and teaching is pre- served. While very few schools of thought are preserved today, each one still retains its relevance, importance, and contribution. Many westerns scholars, made the mistake of assuming that Yaska and particularly Sayana were the final authorities on Vedic subjects. But in reality, Yaska and Sayana offered only one of many interpretations of the Vedas. Possibly all of the schools were correct in their Vedic approach and interpretation. This broader view makes the Vedas the most powerful and important teaching within humanity. While scholars have often viewed the Vedas as primarily masculine, the feminine is represented by the Sanskrit letters themselves. There are many Vedic Goddesses like Ila, Ushas, Aditi, and Sarasvati to name just a few. But most importantly and often overlooked is Apas. While apas is viewed as the primordial waters, it is often given a neuter position within the Sanskrit language. But within the Shatapatha Brahmana (II.1.1.13), it clearly states that [the] waters [apo] are female, Agni is male. This message is repeated in II.1.1.14. In this context the waters (apas) serve as the shakti of agni, or at a minimum the flow and movement of agni. Within the ritualistic teachings of the Yajur Veda, this relationship between the waters and Agni is very important. On the inner level, the same teaching is reflected within the Rig Veda as the destruction of Vrtra, and the releasing of the waters. Apas has a verbal root of ap, which means to obtain. The releasing of the waters is the obtaining or acquiring the realization or experience of Agni. This is reflected through the Tantric practice of merging the masculine and feminine principles together. Within the Shatapatha Brahmana (I.1), it is stated that svaha is the feminine form of Agni, or more correctly the opposite polarity in the Vedic ritual. This is why Vedic fire rituals often contain the word svaha as the offering is being made. This is certainly true with the Agnihotra ceremony. Svaha personified is the wife of Agni, the fire ritual cannot be complete without Yogi Baba Prem has just released a new book Patanjali and God. In this important book, he debunks numerous myths regarding Patanjali and the tradition he taught. He also reveals secret associations with Divinity that is hidden within the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This book is over 50 pages and is available as an ebook only. The cost is only $4.95 Order your copy at: www.vedicpath.com
Tantric roots continued. recognized for his work. this male/female polarity being present. She also represents the spoken offering as well as the ashes, the transformed matter at the end of the fire ceremony. Again she is the shakti of Agni on the inner and the outer level of our being. The word svaha comes from two words: 1) su meaning to move or go, to press out, but more correctly to enliven, impel, or generate. 2) aha meaning to say, speak. Together they enliven speech, generate through speech, or are using speech to impel. It can also mean to press out through speech. What is important is that the Tantric concept of male/ female energies is present. Within the Vedic Vedi, or fire pit, the same concept is present. We see the fire pit symbolically representing the female energy and the offering of ghee or other materials as the masculine principle. This foundational Vedic teaching is another example of the Vedic representation of Tantric principles. Some temples within India exhibit male and female deities in a physical (sexual) embrace, on the outer walls, while this does not literally refer to sexual Tantra as is often assumed, it again conveys the importance of the Vedic and Tantric teaching of male and female balancing principles. This principle manifests even on the grossest level of manifestation as the female genitalia forming the shape of a flame. Clearly it can be seen that numerous Tantric principles are rooted from the Vedic teachings. Even the left handed or sexual path of Tantra is rooted within Vedic principles. Regrettably the sexual aspect of the left-handed path receives the most focus and the deep spiritual principles often become obscured. But do the Tantras refer directly to any of the Vedic deities? The answer is YES! Paramananda Tantra 11.35 Surya, Agni and Soma are mentioned. Gautamiya Tantra mentioned Antar yajna. The Shaktisangamatantra mentioned Indra, Chandra, and Manu. The Agamas continue or contain the symbolism of the Vedas. The Mahanirvanatantra alludes that the agama approach is in harmony with the Vedas. The Tantras did teach Antar Yajna, a Vedic principle. Do more modern sages support this belief and link between Tantra and Vedic teachings, the answer is YES. Sri Aurobindo discussed the connection between the Tantras and Vedas. T.V. Kapali Shastry also believed that there was a connection between Tantric tradition and the Vedas. Though he acknowledged that they approached the teachings differently. He did believe that they supported the authority of the Vedas. Swami Vivekananda supported a connection between the Vedas and Tantras. Sri Ramana Maharshi referred to Brahman, terms such as tat tvam asi. He also mentioned that he the techniques of Tantra were good for purifying the mind. He actually agreed that most yoga techniques were good for purifying the mind. Ganapati Muni (Ramana s disciple) wrote on the connection between the Vedas and Tantra. In more modern times, this work has been continued by Pandit Vamadeva Shastri (David Frawley) especially in his book Tantra Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses. The change in deities within the Tantric system is not in conflict with Vedic teachings, but is more likely a later transition of teachings, just as the Puranas are a later modification and/or continuation of the original Vedic teachings. Looking within the Vedas as revelation, one can clearly see that most systems of India are rooted within the Vedic teachings and are included within the Tantric system. Sources, references and suggested reading: Rg Veda Yajur Veda Taittiriya Samhita of the Krishna Yajur Veda Shatapatha Brahmana (Kanva) Paamananda Tantra Gautamiya Tantra Shaktisangamatantra Tantra Yoga and the wisdom goddesses by David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) published by Passage Press 1994 AgamaKosha Vol. 5 Prof S.K. Ramachandra Rao
Sadhana!, Sadhana!, Sadhana! the teacher would say over and over. Doing your Sadhana every day is the most important thing that you can do. Sadhana is the only thing that is always there for you. From the words spoken and the tone of voice used to convey them, it was abundantly clear that Sadhana was of great importance in spiritual development. I heard the words spoken but I didn t understand how a yoga and meditation set could be so powerful and deserving of so much attention. Sadhana is a daily spiritual practice. It is probably true to say that when the average Westerner begins a Sadhana it is viewed much like a daily exercise routine. Something that they know is good for them, they are fairly consistent with in the beginning, then after a short time, they start to miss a day here and there, which then somehow turns into a month or longer lapse and oftentimes becomes a dim memory of a practice that they once did. This is the predicament of the beginner. The value of Sadhana and the Beginning Spiritual Aspirant By Durga Durga examines her personal journey with Sadhana.. Sadhana is not easily grasped by the beginning spiritual aspirant. The teacher s words are heard but not comprehended. Worldly desires (kama) often clash with the discipline needed to perform a daily practice. This is where trust (shraddah) comes in; trust in the teacher, trust in the process, taking a leap of faith and committing to a daily spiritual practice because despite the fact that there is not a tangible goal, you know that somehow this is bigger than you. In the beginning Sadhana feels like something that you are supposed to do. Your teacher said this is important, so you do it. The alarm goes off in the morning; more than anything you would like to go back to sleep but this is the time you have committed for your daily spiritual practice so you drag your body out of bed and go through the mechanizations of your Sadhana. During this time, it is easy to become distracted, the bond with Sadhana has not formed and it is more of a duty (dharma) than an act of devotion (bhakti). This is the testing ground for the aspirant. Do they have the will (iccha), discipline, and desire to be able to move Sadhana is a daily beyond their current level of spiritual practice. consciousness? Somewhere along the way, I m not sure when it happened, I don t know if it was at 6 months, or 9 months, or a year, my Sadhana became a part of who I am. I can t imagine beginning my day without first doing my Sadhana. Each day is planned around allowing time for my spiritual practice. There have been occasions when I have gotten up at 3am to accomplish this, it is no longer a chore but a vital part of my life, it connects me with my greater Self. It has taught me trust and devotion (bhakti). The sound of my teacher s voice still echoes in my head, Sadhana!, Sadhana!, Sadhana! Who knew how important a word could be? YOGI BABA PREM recognized for his work. Yogi Baba Prem was recognized for his defense of Dharma and Hinduism in the book, A Tribute to Hinduism published in India. Many of Yogi Baba Prems student s do not realize that he spends considerable time writing about events that affect India and Hinduism in general. In India, he is much more known for these writings and his writings on the Vedas. Most notably were his writings against aggressive conversions in India and for the preservation of yoga within the traditions of Hinduism. In the book, A Tribute to Hinduism He was included with modern scholars, saints and scholars over the past hundred years that have worked for the preservation of the teachings.
Cacao Theobroma, Give yourself a love offering By Daya Mata DAYA MATA PROGRAM Daya Mata examines the Food of the Gods! Often referred to as The Food of the Gods or Heart Blood, cacao is considered extremely high in antioxidants, a premier source of magnesium, high in vitamin C, an excellent hormone balancer, mood stabilizer, laxative, bone building, muscle relaxing, calms menstruation, decreases appetite, increases energy. Allow your rasa to explore the exotic taste of raw, organic medicinal handmade chocolate! Chocolate comes from the seeds/nuts of the cacao bean, from an indigenous jungle fruit tree. In history, cacao beans were used instead of gold as money by the Mayans and Aztecs. This jungle tree is in season all the time, so if you follow eating with the seasons, you can eat chocolate all the time! In it s natural habitat, the fruit pod can take 5-6 months to ripen and can be 7-8 inches in length. Our present condition on earth contributes to low magnesium, some researchers report a chronic deficiency in magnesium. Our brain needs magnesium to build the protective myelin sheaths that insulate the nerve fibers that network our nervous system. Chocolate is mineral rich. Our heart requires 2 minerals more than any other, magnesium and potassium. Cacao is heart supporting due to the high levels of magnesium. Heart problems can be looked at from a mineral viewpoint, and when the primary mineral is missing (magnesium) the heart will pump less effectively. Magnesium is concentrated 18 times greater in the heart muscle than in the blood stream, it increases the vitality of the heart. Chocolate an anupana? Chocolate dilates the capillaries, absorbing deeper into the tissues whatever you eat or drink with chocolate. Considered one of the highest deliverers of medicine through food in the world. For the love of your brain and heart, consume raw chocolate. One can get very creative in offering a yoga class paired with chocolate tasting based on deeper experience of asanas, meditations and mantras combined with knowledge of the nutritional value of chocolate and the alchemy of superfoods and herbs. A Simple Recipe for Handmade Raw Chocolate (melted in double broiler) 1 cup Cacao butter and or Coconut oil 1/2-1 cup or more Cacao Powder 1/4 cup sweetener like agave, honey or maple syrup 1 t rose powder 1/2-1 vanilla bean, scraped out, or 1t vanilla powder Mix together. Pour into molds or cookie sheet. Set in fridge or freezer. May 4-11, 2012 Bliss In Bimini 49 nautical miles from Miami, Bimini is perched at the edge of the Great Bahama Bank, overlooking the aqua blue abyss rich in tropical fish. Discover the clarity in the relationship of love and fear through Wild Dolphin Swims on a glass bottom boat. Feel freedom to initiate visions and dreams, a progression of harmony anchored in breath through an intense yoga practice. Nourish your connection to the great sea of awareness. Snorkel shallow waters in the fabled Lost City of Atlantis. Bathe in the rich minerals of The Healing Hole. An abundance of vortexes at the edge of the To inquire or register visit www.harmonyhealthalb erta.ca or contact Lacie@harmonyhealthal berta.ca
Upcoming Online Events. TECHNIQUES Wellness in the Kitchen For the latest information on workshops visit www.vedicpath.com Spring Equinox Wednesday, March 20th the Goddess to transform ones consciousness. To elevate and expand ones awareness over the course of their life. March Online Sangha Thursdays, March 7th, 13th and 21st 7:00 pm (GMT -5:00) to 8:00 pm Yogi Baba Prem continues his online Sanghas for 2013. These programs will include a brief lecture and a variety of meditation techniques. Investment: $90.00 You do not have to attend these live. Shukla Panchami Saturday March 16th 7:00 pm (GMT -5:00) to 8:00 pm This will be the first time Yogi Baba Prem has offered a public Shukla Panchami program to the public. This program will focus on the gentle form of the Goddess and specific planets associated with this auspicious date. This is an excellent time to project and connect with the energies of spiritual prosperity, knowledge and inspiration. This program will primarily focus on mantra and meditation. Investment: $30.00 7:00 pm (GMT -5:00) to 8:00 pm Equinox is a special event that happens only twice a year. It is an excellent time to immerse oneself in the spiritual energies of the cosmos. Yogi Baba Prem will also teach the specific Vedic deities associated with cycle. In addition, as this is occurring under a difficult lunar mansion, Yogi Baba Prem will include a mantra to try and reduce the challenging energies associated with this lunar mansion. This program will focus on mantra and meditation. It is best to attend this program live, but if necessary a recorded program may be available Investment: $30.00 Navaratri April 11th -19th Join us for our special Navartri program. This program will be different from our Fall Navaratri Program, and will include a Navaratri program that Yogi Baba Prem has not taught in several years. Navaratri is an excellent time to access Divine energies of Due to student's taking this program around the world, the exact dates will vary slightly due to lunar calendar. Likewise, this program will be recorded and a link sent to watch the specific recording on the specific day for your personal schedule. This program will also include a package mailed to you that will include items beneficial for your Navaratri program. This will be available to all student's that register early, as the date for the event comes closer it is not possible to mail the items in time for their arrival. A schedule for your area will also be sent to you as well. Investment: $350.00 (includes items and mailing) Cost is estimated and will be confirmed soon. To Register for programs, please visit www.vedicpath.com and click on workshops. One of Yogi Baba Prem s personal Stir Fry recipes. Ingredients: 1 Portobello mushroom. 6-9 Stalks of Asparagus. ¼ - ½ inch slice from a medium to large onion. 3 thin slices of ginger. 1 clove of garlic. 1 tablespoon of ghee. 1 Cup of Bhasmati Rice. (prepare rice as normal) Heat pan for stir fry to about 425. Have all ingredients chopped and mixed together. The garlic and ginger should be chopped into very small pieces. The onion can be chopped to the desired size, but should be rather small as well. Note that the larger the onion, ginger and garlic pieces are the stronger their taste. Put one tablespoon of ghee into wok, once hot, pour in all the other items and stir frequently for 1-2 minutes, cover and regularly stir for approximately 5 minutes. Serve as is or over a serving of Bhasmati rice. Take a teaspoon of ghee and drip over the vegetables and rice. Serve hot!
During the winter months, it is Within the Vedic traditions, understanding ones karmas is an important area of study. It is important for all students of spirituality. A powerful tool for understanding ones karmas can be as simple as looking at cycles that repeat over and over within ones life. For those that wish to understand these cycles more deeply, understanding their Vedic Jyotish: Vedic Astrology Vedic astrology is an important part of living a yogic lifestyle. astrological chart is quite important. As the stars and heavens are a snapshot of the karmic energies and their flow at your birth. This snapshot can provide powerful insight into the lessons, opportunities and challenges that may try and manifest within ones life. Our fate and destiny is written in the stars. But one of the most powerful tools are mapping strategies to try and modify these karmas, after all, this is the reason we incarnate in the first place. Many students do not realize that this requires going beyond the initial chart. astrological reading; in fact it can take several readings to cover the basics of ones If spirituality is important to you, then at some point one should explore the astrological information from the Vedic tradition. ASTROLOGY: Fundamentals are important to yoga. The Vedic chart provides important insight into one s karmas and lessons in this lifetime. It can be used as a map and to create strategies to address ones lessons and karmas. If you have not had your initial reading, for a limited time Yogi Baba Prem is offering a discount for initial readings. Good only for March. Contact us today for information: universalyoga@cfl.rr.com Light of Yoga is a bimonthly publication provided by The Universal Yoga Inc. www.vedicpath.com Yogi Baba Prem, Founder and Director. All articles are the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of the Universal Yoga or its editors. This publication is to share the teachings of Yogi Baba Prem and the greater tradition of Vedic Yoga. No information in this newsletter is intended to diagnose or suggest treatment for any illness. Consult with your doctor before beginning anything discussed in this newsletter. This newsletter is for educational purposes only pertaining to Vedic tradition. Not all programs are affiliated with Universal Yoga or endorsed by Universal Yoga Inc. Copyright 2013. All Rights reserved.