Introduction
Depicts a oval shaped picture showing Mother Earth and its vastness. Then we see a lotus in water and on it is seated the man (A human being who is a wonderful creation of God here on earth for a purpose ) in deep meditation in the ( Meditation pose ) padmasana (or Lotus Position ) posture. Meditation is a practical means for calming yourself, for letting go of your biases and seeing what is, openly and clearly.
It is a way of training the mind so that you are not distracted and caught up in its endless churning. Meditation teaches you to systematically explore your inner dimensions. It is a system of commitment, not commandment. You are committing to yourself, to your path, and to the goal of knowing yourself.
In the yogic context, in the Yoga Sutras of Sage Patanjali, the first four limbs-yama (ethics), niyama (self-discipline), asana (posture), and Pranayama (life-force extension)-are considered external disciplines towards calming the wandering of the mind.
Meditation, or dhyana, is defined more specifically as a state of pure consciousness. It is the seventh stage, or limb, of the yogic path and follows dharana, the art of concentration. Dhyana in turn precedes samadhi, the state of final liberation or enlightenment, the last step in Patanjali's eight-limbed system. These three limbs-dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (ecstasy)-are inextricably linked and collectively referred to as samyama, the inner practice, or subtle discipline, of the yogic path.
The second sutra in the first chapter of the yoga sutras of Patanjali, states that yoga (or union) happens when the mind becomes quiet. This mental stillness is created by bringing the body, mind, and senses into balance which, in turn, relaxes the nervous system. Patanjali goes on to explain that meditation begins when we discover that our never-ending quest to possess things and our continual craving for pleasure and security can never be satisfied. When we finally realize this, our external quest turns inward, and we have shifted into the realm of meditation.
Meditation pose is an established asana or a posture, commonly used for meditation in the Yoga, Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist contemplative traditions.The asana is said to resemble a Lotus, to encourage breathing properly through associated meditative practice, and to foster stability. Shiva, the meditating ascetic God of Hinduism, Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, and the Tirthankaras (Ford-Makers) in Jainism have been depicted in the lotus position.
Meditation pose helps the practitioner concentrate, calms and focuses the mind, and is an ideal pose for meditation. Meditation pose is a sitting yoga posture that opens the groin and hips and is usually practiced during meditation.
Meaning of the Lotus Flower in the SATYAYOGA Logo
Anybody who has ever observed a lotus flower emerging from a murky pond cannot fail to see the beauty of this exquisite plant.
The flower always looks so clean and pure against the background of the dirty pond.
Because of this the lotus flower has come to be associated with purity and beauty in the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism respectively; the ancient Egyptians scholars observed that in the night-time the lotus closed its petals and sank into the water, and came up with a different association with the flower related to rebirth and the Sun; in actual fact the Lotus slowly emerges from a pond over a three day period and then blooms in the morning until mid-afternoon.
Perhaps one of the strongest associations of the lotus flower with religion is that which is observed in Hinduism. In this religion the lotus flower meaning is associated with beauty, fertility, prosperity, spirituality, and eternity.
The lotus flower is regarded sacred and has religious connotations in Hinduism. It represents the energy centers of our body, known as chakras, and is associated with beauty, prosperity, knowledge, fertility, and above all, eternity and spirituality.
The delicate pink lotus holds a supreme and sacred place, and is highly revered. It is purely associated with the highest deities across cultures, and is the earthly symbol of Lord Buddha. This is also the reason, all the important Hindu gods and goddesses and also 'Buddha' are shown seated on a pink lotus. The pink lotus denotes the state of a person's mind. i.e. a closed bud represents the stage where he is transcending to the path of spirituality, whereas a full-bloom pink lotus means enlightenment or the stage where nirvana is attained.
Perhaps the most enchanting flower with its unblemished pure white beauty, the white lotus is the most revered in the world, and is known as the 'Womb of the world'. It is said to denote the purity of mind (Bodhi), the calmness and serenity of human nature, and spiritual perfection. The white lotus is associated with the female representation of Buddha, which is goddess White Tara, as it aptly describes her nature. In an ancient Indian text, the white lotus is described as: The white lotus, born in the water and grown in the water, rises beyond the water and remains unsoiled by the water. Thus, monks, the [Buddha], born in the world, grown up in the world, after having conquered the world, remains unsoiled by the world.
Many of the gods and goddesses of Hinduism are linked to the flower, for example, the Hindu goddess of prosperity, known as Lakshmi is always depicted to be seated on a fully blossomed lotus, showering her generosity upon mankind. She is said to be born of the pink lotus. Even the Hindu god of creation, Brahma is believed to emerge from a lotus that sprung from the navel of Lord Vishnu, the sustainer or the preserver of the world.
In the Bhagavad Gita, the quality of the lotus flower to remain untouched by the water and mud of the pond, where it grows, is compared with the quality of a wise and spiritually enlightened person, who performs his duty without any material or emotional desires. This quality of detachment enables one to remain unaffected by all worldly pleasures and gain, and achieve spiritual perfection. The lotus bud is compared with a folded heart or soul, which has the ability to blossom or awaken to realize the divine truth. This symbolizes the journey from the darkness of ignorance to the light or spiritual illumination.
In Buddhism the lotus is known to be associated with purity, spiritual awakening and faithfulness. The flower is considered pure as it is able to emerge from murky waters in the morning and be perfectly clean. It is associated with purity. The breaking of the surface every morning is also suggestive of desire, this leads to it being associated with spiritual enlightenment.
The lotus flower also bears symbolism in Chinese culture. People in China love the flower for its purity and dignity. The beauty of this flower inspires artworks, poems, architecture, and design in Chinese culture. The lotus grows elegantly out of the muddy waters, unaffected and untouched by dirt and impurities, so it is considered supreme among all flowers.
The lotus flower is revered by the Taoists as well. In the Taoist culture, the flower signifies a way of life based on morality, purity, wisdom, and harmony.
In the central, spinal area of the picture of the Yogi seated in Meditative pose, in the logo are shown various energy chakras from the muladhara chakra at the base of the spine to the sahasrara chakra at the top of the head.
A chakra (pronounced "cha"-"kra" with a resounding "ch") is a center of energy. Originating from Sanskrit, it literally means "wheel" by association with its function as a vortex of spinning energy interacting with various physiological and neurological systems in the body.
Chakras are those energy centres through which the Cosmic energy flows into the human body. The practice of "Yoga in Daily Life" can awaken these centres, which are manifest in each and every person. The Chakras have a significant influence on several levels of our being.
The first level is the physical. At the site in the body where a Chakra is located there are glands, organs and nerves, which can be activated through Breath exercises, Meditation, Asanas and Mantras.
The second level is the astral level. The vibration and energy flow of the Chakras influence our consciousness and also our physical health. Incorrect food, bad company and negative thoughts reduce or block the energy of the Chakras, which may lead to disorders of consciousness and illness of the body. In its natural state, the energy of the Chakras moves in a clockwise direction.
The third level of significance is the spiritual level from which intuition, wisdom and knowledge is received. The energy that awakens all the Chakras is called Kundalini. "Kundal" means serpent, therefore this energy is also known as "serpent power". The rising of the Kundalini is a process of awakening in consciousness. As the consciousness expands, awareness and clarity are heightened and life energy is increased. Awakening of the Kundalini means liberation from ignorance, illusion and fluctuating thought, and the development of wisdom, self-discipline and self-control.
Chakra are energy centers within the human body that help to regulate all its processes, from organ function to the immune system and emotions. We can commonly count 7 chakras positioned throughout your body, from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, that is depicted through a specific chakra color, and governs specific functions that helps make you well, human. The five Chakras associated with normal human existence, are situated along the spine. The three Divine Chakras are situated in the head. Their vibration and energy guide us along the path of spiritual development.
As humans, we have the unique opportunity in life to rise to Supreme Consciousness and attain knowledge of the Divine. "Yoga in Daily Life" and "Self-Inquiry Meditation" shows us the way.
The Jivatma (the individual soul) strives lifelong for reunion with its source, the Supreme Self, either consciously or unconsciously. Or, expressed another way, our lifelong striving for happiness and fulfilment is, at its deepest level, the union of Jivatma and Parmatma, which, translated in the symbolism of the Chakras, is the union of Shiva and Shakti ( in Hindu philosophy ).
Shakti is located in the Muladhara Chakra and Shiva in the Sahasrara Chakra. Between the two exists an irresistible attraction, and we experience the distance between them as a dark zone of unclarity and ignorance. The trench that separates Shiva and Shakti (otherwise known as Purusha and Prakriti - consciousness and nature) is "not-knowing", and the consequence of "not-knowing" are emotions full of suffering, such as loneliness, sadness, bitterness, fear, doubt, etc., that accompany us through life. The bridge across this gap of ignorance is blocked by barriers and the rocks of numerous Karmas and restrictive qualities.
Iccha Shakti (willpower) with the help of self-awareness and self-knowledge achieved through the holistic path of Yoga is the force that finally provides the impulse for the removal of the rocks of Karmas and cumbersome qualities once and for all. Once this Sacred Will arises within the Jivatma, it leads inexorably to union with the Divine Self. In line with the Karma and personality structure of the aspirant, this process can either continue in tumultuous and intense circles or unfold gradually and calmly.
The root of the Lotus represents Adi Shakti, the original, divine power, which is located in the Muladhara Chakra. The Blossom in the Sahasrara Chakra is Adi Shiva, the Divine Consciousness and Supreme Self.
The development of the consciousness progresses step-by-step; just like the seed of a Lotus when dropped into the soil first produces a delicate bud, then continues to grow upwards towards the light. The journey leads from the root of the Lotus (Mula Prakriti) through the water (the World, which is Maya), upwards along the stem of the Lotus (the different Chakras and levels of consciousness) until it finally reaches the blossom, the Sahasrara Chakra (A stage of Liberation or Moksha in Hindu Philosophy)
The path of development through the Chakras, the process of change in the consciousness and the investigation of our own thoughts and feelings, is not an easy undertaking. Many old habits must be given up, and much must be overcome. Unfortunately we continue to perform ill-considered actions, speech and thoughts. But for all the errors that we committed in ignorance we can ask for forgiveness and pray: "Oh Lord, lead me from ignorance to wisdom, from darkness to the light of knowledge. May Your Divine Light always enlighten my heart and my consciousness".
Samadhi is the highest state of consciousness that a human can reach in life. It is the goal of our spiritual journey on earth. Samadhi is the blissful return to our Divine origin. When the thousand-petalled Lotus of the Sahasrara Chakra opens and the Jivatma dissolves within it, the goal of its long, experience-rich journey is reached. When, with this knowledge, our Self unites with the Divine Self it is like a radiant sunrise, like the beginning of a day after a long, dark night. It is the union of the drops with the ocean, the rays with the sun. All sorrow, all fear, all types of adversities (DUHKHA) ends now. These only exist while Karmas exist, and all Karmas burn in the fire of the Divine Knowledge.
This is the process of MOKSHA, liberation, the goal of Yoga.
On the background of the logo, is depicted the 'Brahmanda' or the Universe with its vast endless no of galaxies and planets ( visible as stars and also nonvisible).
On both sides are shown various Yoga postures and the way they are shown in air, means that Yoga in it's real sense is performed with awareness of the body and the universe or the Divine consciousness.
Description: of SATYAYOGA
Satya
Satya or satyam (Sanskrit: "unchangeable; that which has no distortion; that which is beyond distinctions of time, space, and person; that which pervades the universe in all its constancy") from the root sat (Truth) - is truthfulness in accordance with one's words, thoughts and deeds. Satya is also defined in Sanskrit as "sate hitam satyam" which translates to "The path to Ultimate Truth or sat is satya (i.e. the real truth)". Satya is a Sanskrit word that describes a virtue present in many different Indian religions. When translated to English, it means "truth." Satya is used in a religious context to denote being honest and truthful in actions, speech and thought. This is one of the five yamas, or rules for living in an ethical manner, according to the yogic philosophy outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Speaking truth is the most important qualification of a Yogin. Truth constitutes the essence of the Vedas. Control over passions constitutes the essence of truth. Self-denial or refraining from worldly enjoyments forms the essence of self-control. These attributes are always present in a virtuous man. Truth is righteousness. Righteousness is light, and light is bliss. Ahimsa, Brahmacharya, purity, justice, harmony, forgiveness, peace are forms of truth. Impartiality, self-control, modesty, endurance, goodness, renunciation, meditation, dignity, fortitude, compassion, and abstention from injury are the various forms of truth. All the above virtues, though seemingly different, have but one and the same form, namely, truth. All these hold up truth and strengthen it. When the path of truth is trodden, everything else also is done. When the root is watered, all the branches are automatically watered. Scriptures emphatically declare:
"Speak the truth. Truth alone triumphs, falsehood never".
God is Truth and Truth must be realized by speaking truth. A truthful man is absolutely free from worries and anxieties. He has a calm mind. If one observes speaking truth for twelve years, one will get 'Perfection of Speech'. Then, whatever one speaks will come to pass. There will be power in the speech of such a person.
Yoga
The Sanskrit noun yoga translates to (and is cognate with) English "yoke". It is derived from the root yuj "to attach, join, harness, yoke". The spiritual sense of the word yoga is associated with the philosophical system presented in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which says that the chief aim of yoga is "uniting" the human spirit with the Divine. Yoga also means "practical" aspects of the philosophy, i.e. the "union with the supreme" due to performance of duties in everyday life ( ''Karma'' in Indian perspective).
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