Other Satyananda Yoga Practices
In the Satyananda Yoga tradition, the following yoga practices are not given in a typical Satyananda Yoga class, but may be taught as a part of specific courses, retreats and yogic studies modules.
Shatkarma (cleansing practices)
The six shatkarma techniques comprise the original hatha yoga practices of cleansing and purifying the body internally. They are designed to detoxify, remove pranic blockages and re-channel the pranas in the subtle energy system. The shatkarmas are strong practices and to be learnt only under the guidance of a competent yoga teacher. 1. Neti: cleansing the nasal passages using salty water in a neti lota (pot). 2. Dhauti: washing of the entire alimentary canal using the techniques of kunjal (drinking and vomiting salty water) and shakhaprakshalana (intestinal wash). 3. Basti: natural enema (not commonly done). 4. Nauli: moving or churning of the abdomen (only for experienced practitioners). 5. Kapalbhati: dynamic breathing practice which purifies the frontal region of the brain. 6. Trataka: concentration practice focusing the eyes on a flame or other steady object; this practice purifies and refines the mental awareness.
Note: The Satyananda Yoga tradition teaches neti, dhauti, kapalbhati and trataka during specific types of courses and yogic studies modules. The more advanced shatkarmas are not generally taught in this system.
Further reading: Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Mantra Yoga
Mantra yoga is the chanting, whispering or silent repetition of a special combination of sounds that vibrate at a subtle frequency, aiming to bring about a positive transformation in the mind of the practitioner. Mantras are not ordinary words; they are made up of seed syllables (beeja) contained in the Sanskrit alphabet. A mantra is said to create a bridge between normal states of consciousness and more subtle, higher states.
There are different types of mantras used in the Satyananda Yoga tradition; the most important are: Mahamrityunjaya mantra for healing purposes, Gayatri mantra for awakening intuition and wisdom, and Aum (Om) mantra for spiritual awakening and self-realisation. There are various other mantras that may be given to an aspirant by a guru or master upon initiation. These are called personal mantras and can be an important aid to spiritual development when chanted regularly.
Further reading: Mantra Yoga, Meditations from the Tantras, Dharana Darshan
Kirtan, Bhajan and Stotra
Kirtan means ‘singing the names of the divine’. It is most effective when practiced in a group along with accompanying music; this group energy can uplift the aspirant to a higher state of meditative absorption (bhava samadhi). The bhava (intense feeling) of a kirtan can be felt when the mind begins to swing with the rhythm of the kirtan. One of the great benefits of this practice is that of releasing emotional tensions and bringing about tranquility and relaxation. Kirtan is said to easily bypass the mind, and is therefore very useful to practice just prior to sitting for meditation.
Kirtan is widely held to been a practice of bhakti yoga, as it transforms raw emotional energy and channels it for a higher purpose, however it is also part of mantra yoga (chanting) and nada yoga (the yoga of sound vibration). The masters of our lineage have said of kirtan that it is the surest, quickest way in this Kali Yuga (material age) to reach the highest state of yoga, union with the divine.
Bhajans and stotra are longer songs than kirtans written and composed by inspired yogis and their tunes are often more complex. Bhajans are usually composed in the Hindi language and stotra are in Sanskrit. The Satyananda Yoga tradition includes many bhajans and stotra that are chanted regularly at special events. In most centres in Australasia, a short daily or weekly session of bhajan/stotra chanting is often included in the normal routine for residents and visitors.
Further reading: Siddha Stotra Mala, Bhakti Yoga Sagar series, Practice of Bhakti Yoga
Havan
A havan is a fire ceremony dating back to the Vedic period, where havans and yajnas were very much a part of daily life. Havans are conducted frequently in Satyananda Yoga centres in India (especially during spiritual events). Australasian centres often conduct havan in conjunction with the weekly group chanting of Mahamrityunjaya mantra (healing mantra). The masters of our tradition advocate the regular practice of havan to bring about purification and transformation to the individual and the environment (in this way, havan also becomes part of yoga ecology, caring for the environment using yogic principles). Havans are conducted in special fire pits called kunds. These may be installed in the ground or in a temple structure, or can also be small and portable (made of copper or stainless steel).
Different offerings are made into the havan fire including: wood, ghee, samagri (a crushed mixture of woods, spices and aromatic substances), flowers, fruits, rice etc. Decorations of coloured rice patterns and flower designs create a visually beautiful and spiritual environment around the havan kund. A colourful rice yantra (yogic geometrical design) may be placed under a portable havan to increase the focus and power of the ceremony. Incense is always used during a havan to maintain the spiritual atmosphere. Prasad (sweets blessed by the mantras) are offered at the havan and shared afterwards. Ash (bhasma) from the remains of the havan fire is often collected and distributed. It is thought to have healing properties.
Further reading: Yajna: A Comprehensive Survey
