In classical Indian philosophy, "Buddhi" refers to the intellect, the higher aspect of the mind responsible for discernment, decision-making, and understanding. It helps us evaluate situations, make informed decisions, and discern between what is right and wrong. Buddhi aids in comprehension, analysis, and reasoning, allowing us to grasp abstract concepts and make sense of the world. It promotes wise judgment, guiding us toward decisions based on reason, values, and morals rather than egoic desires. Buddhi is associated with inner wisdom and clarity, aimed at self-realisation and spiritual growth. In yoga practice, Buddhi can be sharpened by setting clear intentions, engaging in conscious breath awareness, and making mindful choices in postures. It also involves non-judgmental observation of thoughts and emotions, cultivating self-awareness, and reflecting on the impact of practice. By integrating Buddhi into daily life, we enhance our ability to make conscious choices and align actions with our deeper values and insights.

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In classical Indian philosophy, "Ahamkara" refers to the ego or the "I"-sense, the part of the mind that creates individual identity and a sense of self. It bridges the internal and external worlds, influencing perceptions, thoughts, and actions. Ahamkara leads to self-identification and attachment to experiences, often creating a sense of separateness and reinforcing labels like "I am a mother" or "I am a yoga teacher." While essential for distinguishing the self from others, an unhealthy attachment to the ego breeds insecurity, comparison, and fear. It craves attention and validation, manifesting as narcissism or arrogance. A healthy ego, on the other hand, is content, secure, and compassionate. Yoga practice helps us recognize and release the ego's limitations, guiding us toward our true self—pure consciousness, joy, and love. Through practices like mantra repetition, self-reflection, and cultivating compassion, we dissolve the ego’s veil and connect with our deeper, unchanging nature.

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In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, "Citta" refers to the mind-stuff or consciousness, encompassing thoughts, emotions, memories, and habitual tendencies. Citta acts as a storehouse for mental impressions (Samskaras), which influence behavior, and latent desires (Vasanas), driving habitual actions. Vrittis, the mental fluctuations, move between these impressions, causing restlessness. Citta’s essential nature is pure, but impurities cloud it, leading to suffering (Dukkha). The Kleshas—ignorance (Avidya), ego (Asmita), attachment (Raga), aversion (Devas), and fear (Abhinivesha)—are mental afflictions that contribute to this disturbance. Through yoga practice, we aim to calm these fluctuations ("Citta Vritti Nirodha") and purify the mind. Techniques like Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (detachment) help still the mind. In asanas, we observe and release Samskaras, Vasanas, and Vrittis, breaking conditioned responses and fostering growth, inner peace, and alignment with intention. The practice brings clarity, guiding toward self-realisation and freedom from unconscious reactions.

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Manas, the thinking and analytical mind, plays a crucial role in perception, cognition, and decision-making. It processes sensory input and helps interpret both internal and external experiences, such as hunger, pain, or movement. In Yoga, the practice serves as an inquiry into the nature of the mind, consciousness, and human experience. The quality of Manas, likened to a computer screen, depends on how many mental "files" are open, influenced by memory (samskaras) and habits (vasanas). Restlessness arises from fluctuating thoughts (vrittis), creating challenges in stillness. Manas influences perception, cognition and decision-making, guiding actions like setting intentions, focusing, coordinating breath, maintaining mind-body connection, and regulating emotions during yoga practice. It helps you stay present, aware of bodily sensations, and balanced in each pose, ultimately fostering a mindful, intentional practice.

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Yoga is an inquiry into the nature of the mind, consciousness, and human experience. It offers tools to refine our perception and awareness through practices that develop skill in action with loving awareness. The Indriyas, our ten senses, serve as gateways between the mind, body, and external world. These include five sensory organs (ears, skin, eyes, tongue, nose) and five motor organs (speech, hands, feet, excretion, procreation).

By cultivating discernment (Viveka), diligent practice (Abhyasa), and letting go (Vairagya), we refine our attention and reclaim our inner resources. The Bhagavad Gita likens the senses to horses pulling the chariot of the body, requiring conscious control to stay on course. Yoga practices such as asana, pranayama, and meditation purify the senses, fostering clarity, presence, and deeper contentment. Ultimately, yoga guides us to rest in awareness, free from distractions and distortions, cultivating a harmonious relationship with the mind.

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The Sahasrara Chakra, or Crown Chakra, connects us to self-knowledge, divine wisdom, and spiritual awakening. It represents unity, oneness, and enlightenment, dissolving the separation between self and the cosmos. Depicted as a thousand-petaled lotus, it symbolises infinite consciousness and spiritual potential. The lotus's growth mirrors the spiritual journey, rising from challenges to transcendence.

Sahasrara is associated with silence or the mantra "Om," facilitating higher awareness. In yogic practice, clearing the Sushumna Nadi and balancing energies fosters equanimity and divine connection. Preparing for death through Sahasrara involves releasing material attachments and embracing the eternal self. Elements dissolve through the chakras in the dying process, guiding consciousness beyond the physical realm.

Meditation on Sahasrara leads to surrender, wisdom, and realisation of the cosmic truth...embracing life's mystery with openness and grace. "May my life force be linked to my heart, my heart to truth, and truth to the eternal." Namaste.

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The Ajna Chakra, or Third Eye Chakra, is the sixth energy center, representing intuition, perception, and wisdom. It connects us to inner awareness and deeper truths beyond ordinary sight. Symbolised by an indigo lotus with two petals, it represents the balance of dual energies, Ida and Pingala. The Om symbol at its centre signifies the unity of all states of consciousness, leading to self-realisation. The upward triangle represents the ascension of insight, while the crescent moon and bindu symbolise intuition and focus. Hakini Shakti, the divine feminine force, enhances inner perception and wisdom, holding symbols of knowledge, impermanence and meditation. The Rudra Granthi knot can distort perception, leading to spiritual arrogance or skepticism. When balanced, Ajna offers clarity and discernment. This practice integrates asana, pranayama, mudra, and mantra, invoking the divine energies of Hakini Shakti and Shiva to awaken the third eye.

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