Impermanence
Grasping the significance of nitya and anitya is a transformative journey that leads to liberation from the cycles of suffering. During your practice this month you will discover how integrating yogic practices both on and off the mat, and in and out of class can create a harmonious existence for you in the here and now.
अनित्य Anitya
Our Divine Nature is both impermanent & eternal.
Hindu and yogic philosophy asserts that humans are trapped in a cycling of suffering, death and rebirth. To achieve liberation from this cycle, non dual shaiva tantra suggests the yogi must embrace all aspects of anitya (our impermanent selves) but also find the eternal (nitya) within oneself.
Everything outside of ourselves that can be named, seen, and heard by the physical senses is impermanent.
The only thing that is not impermanent is awareness, the power of consciousness itself of which we are all individual expressions.
When we forget the true nature of reality, we mistake the material world for true reality
We mistake it as something permanent and unchanging, this in yogic terms is known as avidya (ignorance or lack of wisdom of true self)
It is in actual fact not impermanence, Anitya, that causes our suffering, rather it’s our reaction to Anitya.
If we lose our identifiers that are the people, objects, possessions & story of our existence we get thrown into a sense of disembodied limbo. For example: sitting in the discomfort of winter whether that be seasonal, whether it be winter of a relationship, winter of a particular job, career or time of life… We constantly seek to move out of all of our winter phases but could remaining be a key to reducing our suffering, to let it be, to drop deeply back into the heart of awareness the Nitya & notice… notice the sensations in the body and notice the minds response to the sensations, can we get curious and via that curiosity & intrigue that begins to see the wonder of it all, even the mundane and the ordinary, the fear, the losses, the great sadness?
At the root of those, is it possible it’s because there’s a deeper knowing that things are falling away because they are no longer in alignment or perhaps it’s the beauty of the love felt or because I’m so passionate about something that fear rises?
And so this is why we yoga so that we begin our life again with an enhanced sense of curiosity that sits close to Nitya the eternal, to the great ocean of freedom but at the same time allows all the waves of its expression.
To embark on the journey of comprehending nitya and anitya, one must first recognise the impermanence inherent in the world around us
The ceaseless flux of life, the ever-changing circumstances, and the impermanence of all material possessions and beings serve as constant reminders of the anitya nature of our existence.
In Non Dual Tantric Shaivism there is a “let be” attitude that similarly allows individuals to disentangle themselves from the ephemeral pursuits that often lead to suffering without neglecting our humanness. Simultaneously, understanding nitya involves recognising the eternal and unchanging aspect of reality. Beneath the surface of the ever-shifting phenomena lies a deeper, unchanging essence, often described as the true self or consciousness.
Meditation, contemplation, and introspection are powerful tools for connecting with this eternal dimension
Through these practices, individuals can experience a sense of inner stability and tranquility that integrate the fluctuations of the external world. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and self-inquiry become essential tools on this transformative journey.
By cultivating a deep awareness of the present moment, individuals learn to navigate the impermanent aspects of life with equanimity. Simultaneously, connecting with the nitya within brings a profound sense of peace and liberation.
Furthermore, the wisdom traditions often emphasise the importance of ethical living as a means to align one’s actions with the understanding of nitya and anitya. By cultivating virtues such as compassion, selflessness, and non-possessiveness, individuals not only contribute to their own spiritual evolution but also create a positive ripple effect in the interconnected web of existence.
In essence, grasping the significance of nitya and anitya is a transformative journey that leads to liberation from the cycles of suffering. It requires a harmonious integration of wisdom, mindfulness, and ethical living, ultimately guiding individuals towards a state of profound peace and spiritual freedom.
Pose of the month
Pose – grasshopper
Sanskrit – Parsva Bhuja Dandasana
Pronounced – PARSH-vah BOO-jah DAHN-dah-sah-nah
Type – balance
Primarily by strengthening arms, shoulders, wrists, and core, while opening hips and hamstrings, boosting balance, focus, confidence, and stimulating internal organs for better digestion and reproductive health, making it a comprehensive pose for both physical and mental power.
Don’t worry!!
In Jivamukti the class is structured so that the body is prepared; stretched, strengthened and opened by visiting the requisite shape and effort in preparatory postures so that our destination posture each month begins to feel more and more accessible over the 4/5 weeks of practice.
Book your first discounted class now! Use the code AUM
Mantra of the month
Sachara Chara Para Purna Shivoham Shivoham 2x
Nityananda Swarupa Shivoham Shivoham 2x
Anandoham Anandoham Anandoham Anandoham 2x
Sachara Chara Para Purna Shivoham Shivoham 2x
Nityananda Swarupa Shivoham Shivoham 2x
Shivoham Shivoham Shivoham Shivoham 4x
Namah Shivay Om Namah Shivay Om
Namah Shivay Om Namah Shivay Om 4x
Om Namah Shivaya Om Namah Shivaya 4x
“Shivoham” means “I am Shiva” A mantra which reminds us of our oneness with the absolute, the transcendent, the ultimate reality – the truth. Also helps to strengthen one’s connection with the divine and aids in spiritual growth.
