Recognition of the samāveśas
As the natural world begins to awaken with the increasing light of spring, we turn our attention inward to explore how immersing ourselves in the light of consciousness can reflect and permeate our individual lives, physically, energetically, and emotionally. Just as nature undergoes a transformation, so too can our consciousness awaken in various stages.
The Three Samāveśas
This month, we delve into the teachings of the Three Samāveśas from the Mālinīvijayottaratantra, which illuminate the ongoing journey of awakening.
Each stage reveals the different ways divine power (Śakti) moves through us, guiding us towards deeper recognition and integration of our true nature. Each stage, explained below, encapsulates a unique aspect of how consciousness can unfold, allowing practitioners to navigate their journey with greater awareness.
First Samāveśa: Initial Recognition
This stage often represents the first glimpse of our true nature, a moment of clarity where the divine essence is felt. It can be sudden, like a flash of insight. Practitioners may encounter this during meditation, a yoga practice, in everyday moments of beauty & connection or even tragedy. It can be a moment that awakens us to the vastness within and around us which can be a wonderful experience but it is also worth noting for many initial awakenings can be frightening and so being able to talk about these experiences with someone is vital with sudden awakenings.
Second Samāveśa: Gradual Unfolding
Unlike the first stage, this is characterised by a more gradual integration of awareness into daily life. It’s an evolving process where understanding deepens over time. This might manifest as shifts in perception, emotional healing, or changes in how one interacts with the world. It’s about cultivating patience and presence in every moment.
Third Samāveśa: Profound Immersion
The final stage involves a deep, abiding state of awareness where one is fully immersed in their divine nature. This is less about achieving and more about surrendering to the flow of life.
Here, practitioners may experience a profound sense of peace and connection to all beings. It’s a recognition that they are part of a larger tapestry of existence.
Awakening – transformation through a series of waves
Each of these stages highlights that awakening is not a linear path but rather a series of waves that ebb and flow. The sacredness of each phase invites practitioners to embrace experiences without judgment.
Awakening is to trust life’s intelligence, to remember that the same energy that drives the universe is at work in our lives. Surrendering to this process can relieve the pressure to achieve a “big moment.”
Awakening through challenges can be transformative. If you find yourself or someone you know having an experience like this, it may be a time to cease any energy body practices & revert to embodiment practices instead, such as heavy, physical, load-bearing activity, barefoot walking, eating heavy foods, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, and sugar.
This is also a time to take activities that calm the nervous system, take extra rest & allow more sleep. Connecting with an experienced teacher who has a grounded understanding of energy related symptoms can offer specific tools for stabilisation. Utilising journaling, art, or quiet reflection can also help in processing the influx of emotions or past memories that may arise during this time.
With careful integration moments of uncertainty and fear can hopefully be seen as integral to one’s life journey, offering us lessons and opportunities for growth.
Pose of the month
Pose – Upward Facing Bow
Sanskrit – Urdhva Dhanurasana (ऊर्ध्वधनुरासन)
Pronounced – OORD-vah don-your-AHS-anna
Type – Backbend
As this pose requires a disciplined step-by-step approach it can be seen as a physical manifestation of the awakening and transformation we find in the Three Samāveśas.
Firstly, we have the activation of the full body as we come into the pose, reflecting the initial recognition of our potential; then we have the opening and expansion of our physicality (as well as our perception) as we push up into the pose, reflecting gradual unfolding; and finally in the full expression, we have a release where we surrender to the pose, a point where we stop “doing” and start “being”, allowing ourselves to become fully immersed in the divine.
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
Namah Shivaya
Samhara Tirodhana Anugraha Om
Paying reverence to Lord Shiva, this mantra is a tool for transformation and purification. Om Namah Shivaya helps release negative energy, cleanse our thoughts, and awaken our divine potential. It’s especially beneficial when we are looking to cultivate personal growth & spiritual empowerment.
Samhara reminds us of challenges, tirodhana is the period of concealment that is vital in the process and Anugraha is the revelation and remembrance gained from pausing and integrating.
