• GOOD NEWS

     

    A NEW YOGA STUDIO HAS OPEN IN ANTALYA

     

    YOGA STUDYO ANTALYA

     

    YOGA PROGRAM in ANTALYA from SEPTEMBER 2013

     

     

    ALL INFORMATION ABOUT PROGRAMS PLACE SCHEDULE FEES ETC

    ARE AVAILABLE

    FROM

    THAT LINK

    YOGA STUDYO ANTALYA

    weblog

     

    YOGA PROGRAM in ANTALYA from SEPTEMBER 2013

     

     

    OM


  • ABOUT  MEDITATION 

    what is it ? -

    why practice meditation ?

     



    1. MEDITATION -  what is it ?

    If we have a look at a normal dictionnary, we might find as definition for the term « meditation » approximately this :
    “action of reflecting upon a specific subject, thinking about a chosen theme”

    Surprisingly according to yoga meditation is exactely the contrary:

    Firstly the term “meditation” does not mean an action, but a STATE.
    Second, the state of meditation is precisely a state where the mind is EMPTY of thoughts.

    So we can see that our modern definition of meditation is very far away from the real concept of meditation according to yoga.
    And of course this is under that very concept that we shall talk about meditation here.

    A state of mind where there are NO THOUGHTS.

    But then how can we reach that state ?

    Yoga answers :

    By learning how the mind functions

    Do you know how your mind funtions ?
    Have you been taught where you were a kid, how the mind functions ? just like you have been taught how to read and write ?

    Probably not, unless you grew up in a yogic environment ?

    So for 99% of us we live with a mind and use this mind everyday but we do not know how it works...
    That is maybe why we cannot find the answer to the question ... “how could i stop this mind thinking and thinking again and again and again ... ???? “

    And if you have ever tried to « stop » the mind... you might have seen that actually it is almost impossible ... actually the more we try to stop it the more it .. thinks .. and more and more thoughts come from a mysterious plane !!!!

    Isn’t it ?

    So how can we reach meditation with such an uncontrolled tool ???

    Precisely, by learning how to control it.
    And before that of course, by learning how it works.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This will be the aim of some of the most important practices in the Satyananda yoga like :

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------


    PRATYAHARA  -  ANTAR MOUNA  - AJAPA JAPA  - YOGA NIDRA  -

     

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All these practices will teach us how our entire being functions, entire being meaning our whole being made of different layers called kosha in yoga :
    Physical (annamaya kosha) Energetical (pranamaya kosha) Mental(manomaya kosha) Knowledge (vijnamaya kosha) and Spirit (anandamaya kosha).



    In short :

    Pratyahara :« to let the mind work more and more”
    Pratyahara is an introductory practice which consists in activating the mind and senses more and more so as to teach us how they work and to awaken in us the awareness.
    It then leads to the withdrawal of the senses, allowing us to be undisturbed by the senses.
    This practice will always be present in all other meditation practices for only when pratyahara is mastered can we go further into mind exploration.


    Antar Mouna : « inner silence »
    This extraordinary practice allow us to see and understand the functionning of the mind in all details, it allows ultimately to reach the inner silence, source of inner peace.
    Additionnaly Antar mouna is also a very powerful tool for self study, self discovery, self healing... Having a powerful effect of purification, it allows to clean most of our problems, be it at physical or psychological, emotional, or psychic level...


    Ajapa japa : « spontaneous repetition of a sound »
    In ajapa japa a mantra (sanscrit sound) is repeated, using also visualisation tools from the energetic body (prana)
    Ajapa japa is a very subtle practice which cleans gently our whole being allowing spontaneous transformation and peace...

    Yoga nidra : « psychic sleep »
    Yoga nidra is now worldly known,
    Yoga nidra is a very ancient tantric meditation technique which is practice while lying down. Thats why it is also often called relaxation; however it is far deeper than a simple relaxation..
    In yoga nidra, not only our physical body will be relaxed but also our mind and psyche.
    Thats why yoga nidra may also be considered as a powerful tool for self healing.


    So this is a very short overview of the main meditation practices of the Satyananda yoga.
    I wont write more details about them for what happens during the meditation practices can only be understood once experienced.


    That is why i can only invite you to come and try !

    see yoga class and meditation programs in Yoga studyo Antalya Here

     



    2. WHY TO PRACTICE MEDITATION ?



    The outcomes of meditation practices are huge, and far far beyond what can be written by words ...
    Additionnaly each individual will experiment his- her own inner journey according to his-her own sensitivity and knowledges..
    So in this way each experience is unique.


    However there are some general benefits which can be seen under two aspects:



    First at individual level :

    Generally speaking we grow in life experiencing lots of events, some being pleasant, some being unpleasant, even painful.

    To face these times, specially the difficult ones, our mind has established a kind of program of reaction, and the older we get, the harder our reactions become.
    We cannot change them. Our program becomes more and more rigid.

    Have you ever noticed how similar situations, similar events come into our lives?
    And to each of these  similar situation we can only have similar response.
    We do not know how to change our responses.

    Is it satisfactory ? according to yoga : no.
    Because this is only a self defens system that ego has created so as to protect himself, so as to survive in life
    So that is fine because at least ego allowed you to be alive until now and to read these words..
    But are you satisfied of your functionning when you face difficult situations in life?
    Do you know how to handle emotional stresses ? professionnal conflicts ? relationship situations ?

    If yes ... then congratulations ! you might not really need meditation practices to help you dealing with your life ! but you might be interested in using them to explore the mind and discover the mind potentiel ?
    If no .. well maybe you will be happy to learn that yoga may help you and precisely meditation practices.

    Because by learning how the mind functions we become able to understand why and how we function, why we behave like this or like that in this or that situtation...
    And ultimately, with practice and determination, we might become able to change those programs which limit and bind us for more harmonious and appropriate behaviours...

    In short we cease to re-act, and we start to simply act.


    The re-action turns into action...
    Even into spontaneous creation,


    Because the behavious is not any more guided by a limited formated conditionned mind but by the heart, the soul, which simply guides in silence towards right thinking, right behaviour, right talking.

    The dormant true being in us is allowed to wake up and blossom.

    The meditative practices allow us to realise our full potential or human being.

    We can then become what we really are.

     



    Second aspect of the effects of the meditative practices : the collective aspect.

    The practice of meditation might be considered as a true ecology.
    Are you surprised ?


    FIRST-

    One of the consequences of the self-study is that by learning how we function, we understand thus how the others function, because we all function in the same manner, for we ALL have the SAME mind.

    Becoming aware of our own limitations, we may become aware of other’s limitations, and thus more TOLERANT towards others, for we are ALL limited beings.

    My first yoga teacher use to tell me:
    learn how you function and you will understand how the world function”
    How true this is !!

    The meditative practices allow us to learn how the world functions !

    SECOND-

    Bothyogis and sufis considere that the manifested world, this world in which we live, that we touch and smell, this world in which we interact with all kind of creatures, this world that in yoga we call “prakriti”, is a projection of our collective mind.

    What is in our mind takes shape and manifests itself in form and matter that we see in the everyday life.

    And this is also true in the other direction :
    That what we see outside is also inside.

    The world is our mirror.

    So then thinking of meditation as ecology become clear and obvious :

    The chaotic and egotic world in which we live is exactly the reflection of the chaotic and egotic mind that renders us nervous or irritated or jalous or be it day or night ..
    Because all these emotions are still in us, even if we do not like this idea, even if we are not conscious of these emotions

    The mind is huge, and just as the most important part of an iceberg is not the visible small part but the invisible huge immense part, the most important part of the mind is not the conscious mind but the unconscious and subconscious and even more than that.
    These unknown and invisible parts of the mind act without our knowledge and drive us into our behaviours and thoughts.

    So .. let us imagine... let us imagine that instead of these violent emotions generated by the egos,  like hate, anger, jalousy... let us imagine that there is only the emotions generate by the heart, the soul: compassion, love, brotherhood, help...
    Then these very emotions - attitude would be projected into the world...
    And the world would take this shape of love and compassion.

    And this is not utopia or illusion...
    This is what yogis, buddhists, sufis, spiritual masters experience and live
    These beings live in pure love, pure compassion for all without any distinction or preference because they are pure.

    « Change yourself and the world will change » said Platon.

    This is what allows the meditation practices of the Satyananda yoga.

    The state of meditation allows us to find inner peace.
    This inner peace reflects then outside.


    Hari om tat sat.





  • Hari Om,

    Hello to all of you friends of the Yunus Emre farm!

     

    NEWS are ultimately coming.. you will have now all information about how things are going on the farm regarding the consequences of the fire which took place on the 12 september 2012.

    Different themes will be evoked

     

    -- List of everything GIVEN to the farm by YOU and of everything that has been purchased or realised thanks to YOUR DONATIONS.

    -- Present situation in the  farm 

    -- Situation of the legal process

    -- New Yoga program: when, where, how it does continue

    -- Plans reflexions et attempts !

     

     

     

    LIST OF THE GIVEN OBJECTS AND THINGS REALISED THANKS TO YOUR DONATIONS

     

    CLOTHES- HOUSEHOLD LINEN:

     

    You have been giving so much, be it winter or summer clothes, bed sheets or towels, clothes and curtains, underwears and sportswear .... that i could even share with 3 neighbor families who rejoiced gratifully.

     

    KITCHEN:

     

    Now we have everything to cook, dishes of all kind, tea pots, pans etc.. Yet i am still searching for the rare bird... a stove with an oven working with GAZ... well if you know something like this please let me know!!

    Although it is absolutely not vital, it would be a must for home bread and cakes !!

     

    FURNITURES:

    Sideboard, wardrobe, beds, mats, tables, chairs, armchairs, even decoration objects, carpets, cushions ... made Saraswati become like a real house !

     

    COMMUNICATION:

    A computeur and a tablet have been generously given to me. Thanks to them i can be in touch again with you and the world and write presently these texts...

     

    WHAT HAS BEEN PURCHASED - REALISED WITH YOUR DONATIONS :

    Isolation material for Saraswati: carpet aluminium folio - probably not the best, but neither too expensive nor too difficult to install, it proves to be yet efficient

    Basic tools to work.

    Material for water system: pipes,taps, watering pipes (it was still very hot in september thus although burnt i continued to water the trees... and they seem to have loved it because they now flourish again ;o))))))))

    Material for electricity: an invertor that i plug onto the car"s battery and provides 220 V from the 12 V battery. Like this i can work on the computeur in the farm, yet sparingly soas not to empty the cars battery.

     

    LEGAL PROCESS FEES: I am very grateful to all of you for your donations mainly allowed to pay the totality of the legal process fees : 5000 Turkish liras - around 2300 Euros; Huge amount that i could not have paid otherwise...

     

    Let me add also that we spent a very nice day with Antalya friends working on the isolation of Saraswati.

    Hopefully other days like this will take place !

     

     

     

     

    PRESENT SITUATION in the FARM

     

    THE BIG TRANSFORMATION...

     

    The farm's appearance is definitely changing, drastically i should say...

    And now is more like a battlefield than a yogic farm !

    Everywhere bulldozer, trucks, tractors, and other big machines ...

    Noise, trees cut, trees falling everywhere, motor oil leaking on the field, village and forest people putting often garbage everywhere ....

    Well enough to sometimes become crazy and shout on everyone with pain and anger !!!

    Just cultures clash !!

    Different visions about things ...

    So because the yogi should be equanime in any situation, content whatever happens, this is what i try to cultivate however difficult it may be...

    Anger may come out, tears and shout may come out ... like a storm .. but inside the witness is calm and observes ...

     

     

    Because however difficult those times are, they are for sure the opportunity to evolve thanks to the Yogic and Sufi vision.

    The transformation that occurs outside, is for sure also happening inside... Mirrors

    So the main thing is to stay CENTERED, whatever the tsunamis or volcanos of emotions emerging suddently with overwhelming energy obscuring the clear  vision ...

    VIVEKA .. VAIRAGYA

    So keep contact with Clear Vision and Non Attachement whatever happens and be faithful in that ....

    EVERYTHING that HAPPENS, happens for our GOOD and that of the UNIVERSE;

    EVERYTHING

    without any exception

     

    Thanks to this very strong certitude rooted in me, i  can go through those events without becoming (too much !!!) crazy !!!

     

     

    However once these terrible works will be finished, the same forest people, villagers and workers will look after the farm:

    The field will be cleaned up, and ploughth according to my choices, the way i want.

    And then the forest people will give to the farm lots of TREES and PLANT THEM for us.

    So there is an interesting work going on with the Chief of the Forest Emin who is really helpfull at all levels whatever the difficulties that arise...

    So hopefully these works will be finished before winter.. inshallah !

    Next step in the next e-gazet with pictures :o)

     

    LEGAL PROCESS

     

     

    The farms lawyer has sent all the papers to the Court and now we wait for the first hearing, which should take place around January February.

    Yet nothing very important will take place there. Every participant will only expose his case and requests.

    So more to be known much much later, for it should take long time, at least one year, probably more.

    Why so long if the responsible people have confessed their guilt?

    Because there are so many people and companies involved that the big problem will be to find WHICH of them will accept fully the responsability and pay....

    So ... more about this much much later in 2013 ...

     

     

    NEW YOGA PROGRAM- WHEN WHERE HOW DOES IT CONTINUE

     

     

     

    The Yoga program in Antalya broadens :o)

    There will be two days HATHA YOGA  classes, on wednesdays and thursdays, and in addition one evening with MEDITATION practices and MAHA MRITYUN JAYA MANTRA chanting followed by KIRTANS on the tuesdays.

    You may see all details from HERE

    And deep thanks to ALL of you who make this possible by spreading the word, letting people know, by helping, and or participating .... thus taking also part in the life of the Yunus Emre farm who continues to fly like the Phoenix :o)))

     

     

    PLANS

     

    Yogi's work is to live the present moment.

    Yet having plans, project, ideas allow to focus our energy (sankalpa) and build the future.

    The main thing is to try to align our plans- desires with the ones of the Universe.

    When our own individual plans projects are not that of the Universe, then Life shows us the lesson and it is often painful, and can only be painful if we do not accept to align with the Universe"s wishes...

    For this, only SURRENDER can help.

    Surrender or total FAITH in Life, in the Universe, giving up all desires to That which is Above and Superior to us...

    SURRENDER only can help us to slowly slowly find the way to align our individual plans-desires with the Universe's one...

    Then, and only then, pain and suffering dissappear

     

     Karma Dharma are in tune with eachother.

     

     

    So with huge humility we can try to plan some ideas ... and letting their realisation in the hands of the Universe ...

     

    WINTER :

    Thanks to Mr the Kaymakam (Prefect), I may stay for free, in a warm and dry place for winter, in a kind of hotel in Bucak.I am writing these lines from there.

    And hopefully using the daily shuttles (not always reliable though) i can come and go from Bucak to the farm, look after the dear animals (missing them already !!!) and come back in a warm place.

    This may take place until spring /or until a house is built for me.

    ANd there we come to the second plan suggested by Mr Kaymakam: we have made application for Help towards the Emergency Help Department of the Turkish Gouvernement, which looks after people after earthquakes, floods or fire events ...

    So the application has gone and is now in the hands of the Governement and .. the Universe !

    So .. you may wish to help too by sending your good wishes and energies so that this help might be granted ... and thus a house built for me  ???      :o)))

     

    2013 SPRING AND FORTH

     

    Again under many many conditions ... so only if ... if ... if actually the Universe agrees,

    maybe the building of my house could take place

    and maybe the building of other places like common house, kitchen, showers and toilets, all according to a new design which is under study with the KKY team whom i thank deeply !

    So although all these constructions are planned to be made with local natural thus cheap material,

    Although these constructions are planned to be realised by organising eco building camps with volunteers and karma yogis

    there will still be need of money...even little ... so that they might become realised.

    SO

    Inshallah ... hopefully the Universe will help, and you can also help by sending your good energies and wishes and vibrations .. :o))

    Donations are also always welcome of course:o) (Paypal : email :yunusemrefarm@yahoo.com  )

    So specific news will be published when camps may take shape ...

     

    And whatever the future will bring

    my only wish is

    to put my wishes

    in TUNE

    with those of the Universe.

    Surrender

     

    Om shanti

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


  • HELLO TO ALL

     

    For purely practical reasons i could not post any news since quite a long time, so this message is to give you, friends of the Yunus Emre farm shortly some informations, before i can write more.

    Firstly now i am writing from the Saraswati tent in which a nice camp has been installed.

    Yet as winter is coming, the local Kaymakam (Prefect) offered me stay in a hotel room during the hard times of winter which i accepted right away with great gratitude.

    So thanks to our Kaymakam i will soon have a warm and dry place provided with electricity where i will thus be able to write more into details what has happened in the farm so far and what are the aims at present for a near future (very near for basically now living in the present moment only.)

    Know that everything is OK.

    Soon more news with pictures and a detailed list of all that has been done and realised thanks to YOU will be published.

    In the meantime, be all well...

    Hari Om

     


  • AFTER THE FIRE

    I often thought like "maybe i did wrong.. that s why the farm burnt ?"

    People even told me often "probably the farm was on a wrong path thats why it has burnt ?"

    Even things like "The farm was badly made that s probably why it has burnt"

     

    Well these thoughts not only were quite painful but most of all filled me with trouble and doubt..

    There was something wrong in this way of thinking.

    And after a while

    The answer came, CLEAR BRIGHT and with no doubt:

      

    It is useless to try to explain what cannot be explained

    İt is useless to try to comprehend what is beyond our understanding

      

    The farm did not burn "because" this or that NO !

    The fire devored the farm ... simple like this .. This is an event like other events which happen in our manifested world and like ALL events, being guided by the Divine Hand, there is no explanation to search for.

      

    Only our dual mind- ego want to find a "dual" explanation following the rules of our conditionnings and education..

    like something coming to us and so called "pleasant" will be coloured as "positive" and generate pride happiness likewise feelings..

    on the other hand another event appearing "unpleasant" because painful will be coloured as "negative" and generate some feelings like having done something wrong leading to some kind of "punishement".. blame or even guilt of having done something bad ..

    so powerful are our conditionnings...

    BUT

    Events like Fire come to us in a NEUTRAL manner

    and to comprehend their FULL DIMENSION we have to stay NEUTRAL while crossing them

    NEUTRAL meaning being not identified with ego-mind dual vision no, but being identified with our TRUE BEING : ATMA the SPIRIT

    And this is the very priceless present that brought this event to me:

      

    Allowing a deeper connection with SPIRIT thus allowing the NEUTRAL vision of the event - neither good nor bad - neither pleasant nor unpleasant - an event-

    Allowing thus to touch the untouchable world and to feel the unvisible world ... the world of SPIRIT ...

      

    The farm did not burn because it was bad or on a wrong way or wrongly made no

    The farm burnt without reason.

    And i just have to pass through the event CENTERED and full of FAITH

    Identified only with SPIRIT

    Because

    I AM SPIRIT

    The rest is illusion

    Hari Om Tat Sat