Laya Yoga: Mind over body

Laya Yoga

This ancient art of Laya Yoga focuses on energy centers or chakras. Sage Gorakshnatha, the disciple of Matsyendranath of Nepal, is the pioneer of this technique. He first located several energy centers in the human body that can help in attaining Turiya, the higher state of consciousness. According to him, the quest to attain higher state of consciousness and self-awareness, Laya Yoga serves as catalyst. Laya Yoga’s distinct higher form is known as Hatha Yoga, which uses fingers and hands for exercising your body and soul.

According to Laya Yoga, there are five centers of the Yoga, roughly present near the spinal region-

  1. Tailbone
  2. Sacrum
  3. Back of the navel
  4. Heart center
  5. Neck

Two more centers located in the head are-

  1. Third eye: First head center, located half an inch above the union of the eyebrows
  2. Crown of your head: Considered main source of spiritual energy of the body

It is impossible to reach higher states of sanctity and awareness without guidance from a teacher and when it comes to Laya Yoga, a teacher shall not only be a guide, but also a motivator and a knowledgeable human. Improper guidance can lead to overstimulation, leading to pain, confusion, or extreme desires. It is to be noted that most of the people deal with only three level of consciousness – the material, sensual, and egoic, without ever touching upon the higher awareness of the formerly mentioned seven centers. Therefore, a calm and aware guide is required to reach the utmost state of Laya Yoga.

Laya Yoga considers that there is coiled energy near the tailbone known as serpent power. Therefore, its prime endeavor is to perceive the energy-known as Kundalini in Sanskrit. Practices of asanas and pranayama, along with channeling the energy to crown chakra enables the Kundalini and allows you to gain better understanding of your conscience and mind.

It focuses on listening to the internal sounds and by focusing on different sounds of the environment, the mind relaxes itself. Pranayama is essential to garner the focus by nullifying external disturbances. Tantrika Laya Yoga and Vaidika Laya Yoga are the two forms of this yoga. Mantras, yantras and mandalas are essential part of performance of this Yoga. Sitting, standing, acrobatic postures, along with prayers and breathing techniques are the key elements. Other moves include Sthulla-karira ritual moves.

The term “laya” refers to suspension from the material world. It lets you submerge in bliss and creativity of consciousness without losing on the awareness. The process of performing this Yoga is described below:

  1. Sit in the posture of Siddhasana mudra.
  2. Close the eyelids and lean upwards without opening the eyes.
  3. Focus on the region between eyebrows, the point of third eye.
  4. Using your hand, block the nose and left ear.
  5. The right ear has to be used as only perceivable medium. The sound will become prominent, clear and seem like pounding. Gradually, the sound will soften.
  6. This elevated concentration helps the mind to keep track of any sound and in turn it will pacify the soul.
  7. The process has to be continued at stretch until the body comes at peace.
  8. For best benefits, practice daily.

 

Recent Articles:

Scroll to Top