Illuminating the dynamic nature of reality
The subtle creative pulse of the universe, embodying the inherent vibration of universal consciousness as it manifests into and out of form.
Understanding Spanda enriches our perspective on life. By embracing its principles intellectually and through an embodied practice, we can navigate life’s currents with awareness, compassion, and deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.
Throughout October the focus in class will be on the cyclic, rhythmical flow associated with Spanda while we work towards our pose, a salute to the sage Galava, son of Vishmitra the pose we visited in September.
What is Spanda?
Spanda is a Sanskrit term derived from “spadi,” meaning “to move a little.” It represents the subtle creative pulse of the universe, embodying the inherent vibration of universal consciousness as it manifests into and out of form. In essence, Spanda is the dynamic interplay between the unmanifest and the manifest, a concept deeply rooted in the Shaiva Tantra tradition.
In the context of Spanda, we explore the relationship between purusha (Shiva) and prakriti (Shakti).
Purusha represents the source, cosmic energy, and consciousness, the unmanifest aspect of existence. In contrast, prakriti is the manifest world, encompassing everything that exists.
This duality reflects our true nature and serves as the vehicles that carry this essence through life.
The timeless rhythm of Spanda
Spanda can be likened to the heart: a pulsation that embodies contraction and expansion. This rhythmic movement signifies the transformation from unmanifest to manifest and back, akin to the breath’s cyclical nature. In classical Tantric Yoga philosophy, this is expressed through the concepts of prakasha (light) and vimarsha (reflection), representing the two essential aspects of the divine.
Shiva (purusha/prakasha) represents a centripetal force, drawing energy toward the centre, while Shakti (prakriti/vimarsha) represents a centrifugal force, radiating energy outward.
These forces interplay to create the timeless rhythm of Spanda, forming the foundation of hatha yoga, where solar (masculine) energy and lunar (feminine) energy coexist and collaborate.
Where can we witness Spanda?
Spanda’s influence can be observed in various natural phenomena, such as the cyclic transition between:
- day and night
- the continuous rhythm of inhalation and exhalation
- the opening of a lotus flower at dawn and its closing at dusk
- Life cycles, birth and death of beings
Also the birth & death of relationships, ideas & experiences throughout life, illustrate the universal patterns of expansion and contraction that resonate with the essence of Spanda.
While Spanda may seem esoteric, it holds practical significance in our daily lives. The ebb and flow of emotions:
- joy & sorrow
- excitement & calm
These are part of life’s natural rhythm. Recognising this rhythm allows us to handle challenges with equanimity and embrace change, fostering resilience and patience. Spanda encourages self-awareness, prompting us to observe our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. This heightened awareness leads to greater clarity and reduced reactivity, enabling us to navigate life’s complexities with grace.
“Sometimes, the practice involves doing, while at other times, it is simply about being. Sometimes it is intellectual study other times it is more about embodied practice… All aspects of our practice are the rhythmical flow of Spanda.”
You and the interconnected nature of all existence
Spanda emphasises the interconnected nature of all existence. Just as the universe pulsates with energy, so do our relationships. Understanding this interconnectedness fosters empathy, reminding us that everyone experiences their own rhythm of Spanda & that difficult situations that make us pull back & contract, like the tides, and eventually return to flow and expansion.
Incorporating the philosophy of Spanda into our lives means finding balance amidst fluctuations. It encourages us to embrace change, savour joy without clinging, and endure challenges with resilience. Ultimately, Spanda teaches us to live mindfully, appreciating the beauty in life’s inherent vibrancy and the harmonious pulse that connects us all.
The essence of Spanda in the Sutras
This understanding is encapsulated in Yoga Sutra 1.21, which states, “तिव्रसंवेगानामासन्नः” (tīvra-saṁvegānām-āsannaḥ) This sutra highlights that the rate of our progress is relative to our practice’s intensity, devotion, and enthusiasm.
Sometimes, the practice involves doing, while at other times, it is simply about being. Sometimes it is intellectual study other times it is more about embodied practice. Often our practice can bring up shadow and darkness until there is a burning willingness that enables the light. All aspects of our practice are the rhythmical flow of Spanda.
Understanding Spanda enriches our perspective on life, illuminating the dynamic nature of reality. By embracing its principles, we can navigate life’s currents with awareness, compassion, and deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.
Pose of the month
Pose – Pose of the sage Galavasana
Sanskrit – Eka Pada Galavasana एक पाद गवासन
Pronounced – eh-kah pah-dah gah-lah-VAHS-anna
Type – Arm balance
I chose this pose to go with our theme as I felt it was a pose that very much embodied equal amounts of samana vayu energy flow from periphery to centre and vyana vayu energy from centre to periphery.
This pose is also a salute to the sage Galava, son of Vishmitra the pose we visited in September. Another difficult pose that should be approached with equal effort and non attachment, playfulness & curiosity
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
Verse 1 from the Spanda Karika – The Stanzas on Pulsation. A foundational text in the Non Dual Shaiva Tantra tradition.
yasyonmeṣanimeṣābhyāṃ
jagataḥ pralayodayau |
Taṃśakticakravibhava
prabhavaṃ śankaraṃ stumaḥ || 1 ||
We praise the Source of the all-pervasive activity of the Wheel of the Powers of Consciousness, the expansion of which is the arising of the world of one’s experience and the contraction of which is its dissolution.
