"There can be many trips, but there is only one way to reach higher consciousness; that is the way of righteous living. There is no other way, every other way will be hanky panky. But the moment you decide, come what may, I am going to give myself to the way of righteousness within me, you will be surprised to see that everything else in theis whole world will fall into place for you"-Yogi Bhajan
Sat Nam Everyone,
In our Thursday night classes, we are now going to explore the TATTWAS for the next six classes which will take us to July 12th. During the month of June, I will be in New Mexico at the Summer Solstice and so there will not be classes on June 14th and 21st. Classes will resume on June 28th.
Regarding the Tattwas, first we'll approach them as a group by balancing the whole lot of them tonight and then one by one each subsequent week. This is also a good way to simultaneously delve into the chakra system because, as you will see, they are very much connected.
As explained in Yogic philosophy, all living matter is comprised of five elements: earth, air, fire, water and ether. These are known as the five tattvas. These five tattvas correspond with the first five chakras. The remaining three (because in Kundalini Yoga, we speak of eight chakras) are beyond the gross elements and therefore do not correspond with the earthly elements.
Each of these tattwas have projections: greed, lust, anger, attachment, and negative ego/pride. You can't ever get rid of these projections because they are as much a part of you as the tattwas but you can channel them so that they can work for you.
The Earth tattwa is greed so instead of being greedy to possess things, you can be greedy to become a more illumined soul, to spread the truth to all people and to become a great teacher or saint. It is related to the first chakra which all about security, survival and habit.
The Water tattwa is lust so instead of being lustful to exploit the human body, you could look upon others with dignity and respect. You could transform lust for exploitation to lust for service. This element is connected to the second chakra which is the center of creativity and passion.
The Fire tattwa is anger. Instead of directing anger at others , you could turn that anger on your own negativity and self-destructive tendencies. Fire is connected to the third chakra or the navel center, the will of the spiritual warrior, a center of personal power and commitment.
The Air tattwa is attachment and so instead of being attached to earthly possessions, try to be attached to the idea of a happier and healthier life for all so that no one has to suffer. You could be attached....but try being attached to the Whole Universe! Air is the fourth chakra, the heart; the location of love, compassion, service and kindness. Its the balance point between heaven and earth and an energetic location of great power.
The Ether tattwa is negative ego or pride. You could be an narcissistic egomaniac...or you could use that energy to identity with something greater than yourself. Have pride in the INFINITE and at how amazing it is that you are a human. Ether is connected to the fifth chakra which is the throat, the projective power of the word. This is the center for truth and effective communication. Authenticity.
Your personality comes from which one of these five tattwas predominates....and your well-being is dependent on the balance of all of them. As we go deeper into this subject matter week by week, tattwa by tattwa, you will gain a better understanding of "what you are made of" and learn how you can increase your awareness, your productivity, and your happiness by working with them.
So come tonight at 7 as we open the door to this fascinating and useful subject matter. The yoga sets and meditations are designed to give you the experience of each individual tattwa inside of your physical and spiritual body. Bring a mat, cushion, or whatever you need to practice Kundalini Yoga and meditation. Long gong meditation/relaxation follows. We enjoy tea and conversation afterwards...and classes are on a donation basis ($15 recommended) but no one will be turned away. For more info go to the website.
Sat Nam,
Raghubir Kaur
No comments:
Post a Comment