This Week On The Mat – KALI YUGA

When Lord Krishna left his body and Earth we entered into a period called “The Dark Period, Kali Yug”. The Puranas and Srimad Bhagavatam (Indian Scriptures) clearly mark this era to come about with the death of Krishna. Kali means dark, Yug is the stage or period. Marriage of war and Iron weapons of war developed. The definitions of Kali are many and multi-layered.  Kali, depending on the context, can mean quarrel, conflict, strife, discord or contention.

So…we are at a time where more than ever spiritual progress is needed for the sake of humanity and our animal and natural kingdoms to strive and survive. It seems every time we switch on the news we hear of calamities around the world, some we created and some mother nature threw at us to remind us to CHANGE! Change what exactly? If we’re already in this so called dark period then what difference does it make! A Lot of difference actually! It all starts from the individual to global to universal scale. Human life is the highest reincarnation (that we shall save for another topic). What you reap is what you sow (karma, yoga of action), so, sow some good intentions for your community, the world and our  Universe and it can shift the inevitable to a calmer inevitable where the future of our children can flourish for a while longer.

Now of course I do not want to sound all doom and gloom because that will make me a pessimistic and I am far from that. I am actually optimistic and have always made each and every yoga class geared towards the benefit of all sentient beings and our environment. You will often hear most teachers and Gurus say “May this practice contribute to bringing joy, peace and happiness to all beings” or something of that nature at the beginning of a class. It adds to the spiritual practice. Every single mindful action you make goes towards a lighter more brighter future. It builds and adds on our piggy bank of Kali Yug karma. This is obviously going to go down to your belief system and we all have our own interpretations of Kali Yug or whether it even exists altogether. That’s ok. This is my understanding from reading, studying and doing and teaching Yoga. Buddhist and Hindu Monks chant Universal Prayers day and night 24/7 up in the Himalayas all for our betterment. They do the chanting with extreme tapas and dedication.

The Kali Yuga really does present an extraordinary opportunity for spiritual advancement and soul growth and it all starts with us.. The individual Soul. Even Shri K Pattabhi Jois reminded us “Practice Practice Practice and all will come”!

This week’s Asana Challenge

Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana
(Revolved Head to Knee)

This is a seated forward bend with a twist! Coming first to forehead to knee, we will work intelligently during the class/practice to open up the side body and the legs for us be prepared for this variation of Janu Sirsasana. The side in which the leg is extended that same arm goes beneath the pelvis to catch and hold the opposite leg which, in this variation will be in a super wide virasana position. Pressing the extended knee to the inside shoulder we will work with the breath to slowly revolve the heart towards the sky. This asana is both an energising pose as well as a calming relaxing one too! As always we shall keep in mind the Sthira Sukha principle and enjoy this remarkable head to knee variation for this week.

Mantra for the week

Om Namah Shivaya Gurave,
Saccidananda Murtaye,
Nisprapancaya Shantaya,
Niralambaya Tejase Om.

I offer myself to the light, the auspicious Lord, who is the true teacher within and without,
Who assumes the forms of reality, consciousness and bliss, who is never absent and is full of peace,
Independent in his existence, he is the vital essence of illumination.

Aum.