Things You'll Need:
- Integral yoga guru
- Works of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother
- Works of Sri Swami Satchidananda
- Yoga practice supplies
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Step 1
Practice Raja Yoga, the "Royal Path" of meditation to transcend harmful thought, speech and other passions. The area of energy of the mental vital spans the throat to the heart. "When, through the practice of yoga, the mind ceases its restless movements, and becomes still, the aspirant realizes the Atman," says the Bhagavad Gita. Jnana Yoga, the Way of Knowledge discerns what is permanent and what is illusory and transient.
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Step 2
Cultivate pure love and compassion with Bhakti yoga. The emotional vital radiates from the heart. Bhakti yoga is devotion to the Lord. Chanting (Japa) the names of God or a personal mantra is a form of Bhakti yoga practice. Offering daily works to God helps you to recognize the true source of all doing. This is Karma yoga. Read the Bhagavad Gita.
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Step 3
Practice Hatha yoga asanas to purify your body of toxins. Shoulder stand and bow pose tone the thyroid and adrenal glands. The central vital is the area from the heart to the navel.
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Step 4
Rise above the lower vital, located below the navel, with things of the mind. Karma yoga, right deeds, promotes a sense of duty. Redirect smaller desires toward higher ideals. Meditation, Jnana practice and all integrated forms of yoga elevate and transform the lower vital. The lower vital is the seat of such daily passions as greed, physical desire, vanity and anger.
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Step 5
Attend satsang, formal worship. Participate in kirtan, chanting prayers and mantras. Partake in prasad, blessed foods, offered to the Gods. Surround yourself with goodness, light and like-minded people.
