Self-Realization through Ashtanga Yoga

We measure everything according to a very simple scale: does it cause pleasure or pain? Pleasure is good and attractive, while pain is something we wish to avoid if possible.

When we desire something, we feel pleasure when we attain it. This pleasure leads us to experience a sense of satisfaction, relaxation or peace for a time. But as the pleasure subsides, it is soon replaced by a craving to have that pleasure again, by a discomfort, stress, pain... an itch that has to scratched: pleasure turns to pain.

Why is this? If the object or pleasure is the real cause of our peace and happiness, why can we not sustain these good feelings once we have attained our desire? Why do we soon crave for more?

Does sensual pleasure or the acquiring of desirable objects actually engender peace and happiness or are these derived from something else?

And since the happiness derived from objects is only short lived and quickly turns again to pain, we are compelled to ask if there is a better way to attain what we desire.

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According to yogis, pleasure is an inherent quality of our inner being. This bliss is obscured by pain/activity in the mind and body. Happiness or pleasure does not come from objects or experiences: attaining the object of our desire causes a temporary relaxation of stress - the result is to become aware of the inner nature, which IS of the nature of pure pleasure, or bliss.

So the source of pleasure, of happiness, of peace is internal. It cannot be found in objects or activities. When there is no pain or stress, we feel naturally happy and content.

According to yoga, the Self or essential nature is different from mind. While the Self is changeless, eternal, bliss-filled and conscious, the mind is generally in constant motion, full of stress, pain and unconscious.

Yoga is the abiding in the eternal changeless and blissful nature of the Self (consciousness) through the control or restriction of the mind's activity. Only when the mind stops its activities can the inner Self be experienced as it is.

This is the true source of happiness.

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In this workshop, we will discuss the meaning of Self Realization and introduce an artful application of Ashtanga Yoga as a means to its attainment.

Spring and Autumn are the perfect times to initiate or refresh practice - the Spring Equinox is particularly auspicious! Prana and Apana in perfect balance.

Self-Realization Through Ashtanga Yoga

Mar 21, 2021 02:00 PM London/10 AM EST

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19314308&appointmentType=19740729