Brahmacharya

Take a step with me onto Patañjali’s Eight-Limb Path of Yoga.

In this blog we continue to visit the First Limb known as Yamas (ethical principles that guide how we treat others and self).

The fourth principle underneath the Yamas is known as Brahmacharya.

You’ll discover when researching the word Brahmacharya that it has been defined as non-excessiveness, abstinence and moving closer to Brahman. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman

In my lifetime I have been overly excessive many times on all levels. When I find myself overly abundant in one area of my life such as; eating, working, spending, worrying, socializing or engaging in sex I feel out of touch with my Spirit (my Highest Truth).

It’s important for me to recognize when I’m out of balance in my spiritual practice.

My yogic tools include; pausing and practicing Patañjali’s ancient teachings of the Eight-Limb Path of Yoga.

Beginning with the foundation of the Eight-Limbs;

First and Second Limbs - Yamas and Niyamas.

Next I become aware of my seat or posture. Seat or Posture is known as the Third Limb - Asana.

If my schedule allows for it I will move through a complete physical yoga practice. But if my time is limited I can at least awaken my posture by turning on my smooth breath.

The Fourth Limb is exactly that - the breath. Pranayama - the practice of breath control.

The Fifth Limb helps me to withdraw from all my surroundings - Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses.

The Sixth Limb - Dharana - to focus the mind on a single point of concentration.

The Seventh Limb - Dhyana- a state of meditation.

The Eight Limb - Samadhi - Union with the Divine resulting from deep meditation.

Yoga and the Eight-Limbs are a Practice. Some days I might only get to practice a few of the limbs. When I can practice all Eight-Limbs I may feel a connection to my highest Self (Brahman, God, Spirit).

Together my spiritual partner George and I want to make better life choices. On March 9th, 2020 we honored the Full Moon by making ghee. We can feel the benefits of spending time creating this Ayurvedic wonder.

This is a new tradition for us and we are noticing several benefits.

One benefit is setting an Intention while making the ghee. Our intention was two fold. Besides inviting in the Full Moon energy, into our ghee, we set the intention of ‘Svadhyaya’ or study of Self.

After adding sticks of quality grade butter to the pot and turning the heat up we became ‘Silent.’ We took turns over the next 25 minutes tending to the ghee. For me I was focusing on my smooth steady slow breath and the stirring. Asking my Spirit to keep us healthy and grateful.

Though we were focusing on Svadhyaya - the study of self we stirred the hot butter as ONE. We watched as the milk solids formed leaving a golden liquid. We ended up with a golden warm pot of bliss.

This act of making ghee was a choice that brought us closer to our highest Self our Spirit.

George and I noticed that when we sit down to be ‘present’ with our meal, that contains ghee, we feel our pure bliss infused into the food.

I have a question for you, yes You (the reader). Do you ever stop and pray to ask your spirit for guidance before you make the next step on your life path - spiritual path?

I’d love to hear from you about your own experiences with moving closer to your Spirit (Highest Truth).

Be a Flower,

Share your Beauty.

Namaste.

Alicia

@lishvalentyn (instagram)