Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga:Kriya Yoga:
Synthesis of a PersonalSynthesis of a Personal ExperienceExperience
EnnioEnnio Nimis Nimis
Illustrations by Lorenzo PentassugliaIllustrations by Lorenzo Pentassuglia
11

CONTENTSCONTENTS
ContentsContents
First partFirst part
MY SEARCH OF THE ORIGINAL KRIYAMY SEARCH OF THE ORIGINAL KRIYA
1. Yoga selftaug!t1. Yoga selftaug!t
". #riya Yoga from organizations". #riya Yoga from organizations
$. T!e pra%ti%e of &apa !elps to a%!ie'e t!e breat!less state$. T!e pra%ti%e of &apa !elps to a%!ie'e t!e breat!less state
(. Follo)ing some tea%!ers outsi*e t!e main organization(. Follo)ing some tea%!ers outsi*e t!e main organization
+. , !ar* *e%ision+. , !ar* *e%ision
Se%on* partSe%on* part
METHODOLOGY AND TECMETHODOLOGY AND TECHNIQUESHNIQUES OF KRIYAOF KRIYAYOGAYOGA
-. T!e basi%-. T!e basi% te%!niues of #rite%!niues of #riya Yya Yoga Firstoga First StepStep
/. 0o) to enoy at t!e best t!e First stage of #riya/. 0o) to enoy at t!e best t!e First stage of #riya
2. T!e 0ig!er #riyas2. T!e 0ig!er #riyas
3. Important tea%!ings to !elp t!e pra%ti%e of t!e 0ig!er #riyas 3. Important tea%!ings to !elp t!e pra%ti%e of t!e 0ig!er #riyas
T!ir* partT!ir* part
HOW TO AVOIND FAILURE ON THE SPIRITUAL PATHHOW TO AVOIND FAILURE ON THE SPIRITUAL PATH
14. T!e breat!less state14. T!e breat!less state
11. T11. T!e Prayer of t!e!e Prayer of t!e 0eart0eart
1". #riya Pranayama )it! internal breat!1". #riya Pranayama )it! internal breat!
,PPEN5ICES,PPEN5ICES
Appendix 1 Appendix 16 Some material to stu*y6 Some material to stu*y
Appendix 2 Appendix 26 7emar8s on t!e Trib!angamurari tea%!ings6 7emar8s on t!e Trib!angamurari tea%!ings
Appendix 3 Appendix 36 ,bout t!e6 ,bout t!e Ne),gepollute* #riya YoNe),gepollute* #riya Yogaga
Appendix 4 Appendix 46 Premature #un*alini a)a8ening6 Premature #un*alini a)a8ening
Appendix 5 Appendix 56 Information for 8riyabans )!o utilize P6 Information for 8riyabans )!o utilize P.Y.9s te%!niues.Y.9s te%!niues
GlossaryGlossary
Bibliography Bibliography
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PART I: MY SEARCH OF THE ORIGINAL KRIYAPART I: MY SEARCH OF THE ORIGINAL KRIYA
CC0,PTE7 0,PTE7 1 1
YYOGAOGA S SELF-TAUGHTELF-TAUGHT
:y spiritual sear%! began at age 1+ after I boug!t an intro*u%tory boo8 on:y spiritual sear%! began at age 1+ after I boug!t an intro*u%tory boo8 on
%lassi%al%lassi%al YogaYoga.. I *on9t remI *on9t remember t!ember t!e title of t!at fe title of t!at first boo8; buirst boo8; but boo8s oft boo8s of <.#.<.#.S.S.
Iyengar follo)e* an* t!en finally t!e autobiograp!y of an In*ian saint; )!ere IIyengar follo)e* an* t!en finally t!e autobiograp!y of an In*ian saint; )!ere I
fofoun* t!e terun* t!e termm Kriya Kriya YYogaoga. :y. :y intintereresestt inin YogaYoga !a* been fuele* by a %ertain !a* been fuele* by a %ertain
e=pe%tation of t!e effe%ti'eness of t!e oriental forms of me*itation t!at !a*e=pe%tation of t!e effe%ti'eness of t!e oriental forms of me*itation t!at !a*
slo)ly %oales%e* *uring my %!il*!oo* an* early a*oles%en%e. <ut first t!ingsslo)ly %oales%e* *uring my %!il*!oo* an* early a*oles%en%e. <ut first t!ings
first...first...
In primary s%!ool; unli8e my peers I borro)e* esoteri% boo8s from myIn primary s%!ool; unli8e my peers I borro)e* esoteri% boo8s from my
parents9 frien*s an* I lo'e* t!ose boo8s. I remember t!at t!e first o parents9 frien*s an* I lo'e* t!ose boo8s. I remember t!at t!e first one I rea* fromne I rea* from
en* to en* )as on o%%ultism. #no)ing t!e boo8 )as %onsi*ere* unsuitable foren* to en* )as on o%%ultism. #no)ing t!e boo8 )as %onsi*ere* unsuitable for
my age; I )as prou* to be able to rea* an* un*erstan* it. I turne* a *eaf ear tomy age; I )as prou* to be able to rea* an* un*erstan* it. I turne* a *eaf ear to
any persuasi'e a*'i%e to *e*i%ate myself to more formati'e rea*ings. I %ontinue*any persuasi'e a*'i%e to *e*i%ate myself to more formati'e rea*ings. I %ontinue*
t!ese rea*ings until I )as about 11. I )aste* a lot of time on )ort!less boo8s an*t!ese rea*ings until I )as about 11. I )aste* a lot of time on )ort!less boo8s an*
sta%8s of spe%ialize* esoteri% magazines )it! tantalizing titles an* i*le fan%iessta%8s of spe%ialize* esoteri% magazines )it! tantalizing titles an* i*le fan%ies
*esigne* essentially to impress; an* )!i%! )ere impossible to *istinguis! in*esigne* essentially to impress; an* )!i%! )ere impossible to *istinguis! in
a*'an%a*'an%e bet)een fa%t an* fi%tion. I alsoe bet)een fa%t an* fi%tion. I also %ame into %onta%t )it! t!e main t!emes%ame into %onta%t )it! t!e main t!emes
of o%%i*ental esoteri%ism )it! s!ort *igressions into p!enomena li8e !ypnosisof o%%i*ental esoteri%ism )it! s!ort *igressions into p!enomena li8e !ypnosis
an* spirituaan* spiritualism.lism. In t!e en*; I felt I !a* tra'ele* t!rIn t!e en*; I felt I !a* tra'ele* t!roug! an in*istin%oug! an in*istin%t %!aos an*t %!aos an*
t!oug!t t!at per!aps t!e most pre%ious se%rets )ere !i**en in ot!er boo8s )!i%!t!oug!t t!at per!aps t!e most pre%ious se%rets )ere !i**en in ot!er boo8s )!i%!
I !a* not been fortunate enoug! to fin*.I !a* not been fortunate enoug! to fin*.
5uring t!is perio*; )!en I )as per!aps 14 or 11; I sa) t!e )or* >5uring t!is perio*; )!en I )as per!aps 14 or 11; I sa) t!e )or* > YogaYoga>>
foforr t!e first!e firstt timtimee inin aa popostastall %a%atataloglog ofof esesototereri%i% boboo8so8s amamongong mymy fafat!t!erer9s9s
%or%orresrespon*pon*en%en%e.e. II )as)as ententranran%e*%e* an*an* ineine=pli=pli%ab%ablyly spespellbllboun*oun* byby t!et!e perpersonson
pi%ture* on t!e pi%ture* on t!e %o'er sitting in%o'er sitting in t!e >lotust!e >lotus position.> 0o)e'er; I %oul*n9t persua*eposition.> 0o)e'er; I %oul*n9t persua*e
my fat!er to buy t!e boo8 for me.my fat!er to buy t!e boo8 for me.
?!en I )as 1+?!en I )as 1+ an* in !ig! s%!ool; t!e esoteri% flame )as re8in*lean* in !ig! s%!ool; t!e esoteri% flame )as re8in*le* for a* for a
)!ile in a)!ile in a parti%parti%ular )ay6 a frien* tol* me !eular )ay6 a frien* tol* me !e !a* a *etaile* te=tboo8 %onta!a* a *etaile* te=tboo8 %ontainingining
*ifferent*ifferent Pranayama Pranayama te%!niues; an* a**e*6 >T!ese e=er%ise are use* to obtainte%!niues; an* a**e*6 >T!ese e=er%ise are use* to obtain
inner transformation....>inner transformation....>
I )as *eeply intrigue* by !is )or*s6 )!at internal transformation )as !eI )as *eeply intrigue* by !is )or*s6 )!at internal transformation )as !e
tal8ing about@ Surely my frien* *i*n9t mean t!e attainment of a parti%ular state oftal8ing about@ Surely my frien* *i*n9t mean t!e attainment of a parti%ular state of
rela=ation or %on%entration; or !o) to integrate t!e oriental 'ision of e=isten%erela=ation or %on%entration; or !o) to integrate t!e oriental 'ision of e=isten%e
)it! our lifestyle. 0e must be referring to some intense e=perien%e t!at left a)it! our lifestyle. 0e must be referring to some intense e=perien%e t!at left a
lasting psy%!ologi%al mar8.lasting psy%!ologi%al mar8. Pranayama Pranayama )as somet!ing I !a* to learn as soon as )as somet!ing I !a* to learn as soon as
possible. <ut my frien* )oul* not len* me t!e boo8. possible. <ut my frien* )oul* not len* me t!e boo8.
, fe) *ays later at t!e train station ne)sstan*; I spotte* a simple, fe) *ays later at t!e train station ne)sstan*; I spotte* a simple Hatha Hatha
YogaYoga manual an* boug!t it fort!)it! an* rea* it in its entirety. ,lt!oug! I manual an* boug!t it fort!)it! an* rea* it in its entirety. ,lt!oug! I
t!oug!t I )ast!oug!t I )as sear%sear%!ing for p!ysi%al an* mental %ontrol; my spiritual sear%! !a*!ing for p!ysi%al an* mental %ontrol; my spiritual sear%! !a*
in fa%t begun.in fa%t begun.
Anfortunately; t!is boo8 )as more of a p!ilosop!i%al intro*u%tion an* *i*Anfortunately; t!is boo8 )as more of a p!ilosop!i%al intro*u%tion an* *i*
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not stir up anyt!ing spiritual. It )as neit!er impressi'e nor t!oug!t pro'o8ingnot stir up anyt!ing spiritual. It )as neit!er impressi'e nor t!oug!t pro'o8ing
B&i'a; Pra8riti; Purus!a.... T!e aut!orDs goal seeme* to be solely to gi'e t!eB&i'a; Pra8riti; Purus!a.... T!e aut!orDs goal seeme* to be solely to gi'e t!e
rea*er t!e impression of serious aut!ority. E'en %on%epts li8e 7ein%arnation;rea*er t!e impression of serious aut!ority. E'en %on%epts li8e 7ein%arnation;
Karma Karma;; harma! harma! aann** "aya! "aya! t!e un*erstan*ing of )!i%! in t!e future )oul* t!e un*erstan*ing of )!i%! in t!e future )oul*
be%ome be%ome soso importantimportant inin mymy life;life; remaine*remaine* unfat!omable;unfat!omable; !i**en!i**en inin aa tangletangle ofof
SaSansns8r8ritit tetermrms.s. Pranayama Pranayama )as only !inte* at by e=plaining !o) to *o a )as only !inte* at by e=plaining !o) to *o a
%omplete breat!  *ilating t!e ab*omen; *iap!ragm; an* upper %!est *uring%omplete breat!  *ilating t!e ab*omen; *iap!ragm; an* upper %!est *uring
in!alation an* %ontra%ting t!e same in re'erse or*er for a %alm e=!alation. T!atin!alation an* %ontra%ting t!e same in re'erse or*er for a %alm e=!alation. T!at
)as %learly an intro*u%tion; not!ing else.)as %learly an intro*u%tion; not!ing else.
I )as sure t!at t!e an%ient art ofI )as sure t!at t!e an%ient art of Pranayama Pranayama )as not inten*e* simply to )as not inten*e* simply to
train t!e %!est mus%les; strengt!en t!e *iap!ragm or %reate pe%uliar %on*itions oftrain t!e %!est mus%les; strengt!en t!e *iap!ragm or %reate pe%uliar %on*itions of
bloo* bloo* o=ygenation;o=ygenation; butbut )as)as alsoalso meantmeant toto a%ta%t onon t!et!e energyenergy present present inin ourour
psy%!op!ysi%al psy%!op!ysi%al system.system. ItIt )as)as %ommon%ommon 8no)le*ge8no)le*ge t!att!at t!et!e in!armoniousin!armonious statestate
of t!at energy %oul* be relate* to %onfli%ts an* *is!armonies )it!in. I )asof t!at energy %oul* be relate* to %onfli%ts an* *is!armonies )it!in. I )as
frustrate* about t!e la%8 of in*ept! information aboutfrustrate* about t!e la%8 of in*ept! information about Pranayama Pranayama. T!e aut!or. T!e aut!or
%on%%on%lu*lu*e* bye* by saysaying t!ating t!at Pranayama Pranayama s!oul* be learne* from an e=perien%e* s!oul* be learne* from an e=perien%e*
tea%!er but instea* of a**ing a pre%ise in*i%ation Bt!e title of a boo8; t!e name oftea%!er but instea* of a**ing a pre%ise in*i%ation Bt!e title of a boo8; t!e name of
a s%!ool...; !e remaine* 'ague about e=a%tly !o) to fin* !im; maintaining t!ata s%!ool...; !e remaine* 'ague about e=a%tly !o) to fin* !im; maintaining t!at
)e fin* t!e Tea%!er )!en )e are rea*y to learn.)e fin* t!e Tea%!er )!en )e are rea*y to learn.
T!T!ee sese%o%on*n* Hatha Hatha YYogaoga boo8 boo8 II a%uire*a%uire* )as)as notnot aa me*io%reme*io%re one.one. ItIt
e=plaine* t!e name of ea%! posture Be=plaine* t!e name of ea%! posture B Asana Asana; ga'e a brief note on t!e best mental; ga'e a brief note on t!e best mental
attitu*e for pra%ti%ing it; an* e=plaine* !o) ea%! e=er%ise stimulate* %ertainattitu*e for pra%ti%ing it; an* e=plaine* !o) ea%! e=er%ise stimulate* %ertain
p!ysiologi%al p!ysiologi%al fun%tionsfun%tions BimportantBimportant en*o%rineen*o%rine glan*s;glan*s; et%..et%.. ItIt )as)as ta8enta8en forfor
grante* t!at t!ese positions )ere not to be seen as simple >stret%!ing )or8outs>grante* t!at t!ese positions )ere not to be seen as simple >stret%!ing )or8outs>
but but )ere)ere aa meansmeans ofof pro'i*ingpro'i*ing aa globalglobal stimulusstimulus toto allall t!et!e p!ysi%alp!ysi%al organsorgans toto
in%rease t!eir 'itality. T!e satisfa%tion I felt at t!e en* of a session spo8e to t!eirin%rease t!eir 'itality. T!e satisfa%tion I felt at t!e en* of a session spo8e to t!eir
effe%ti'eness.effe%ti'eness.
II bebegganan *o*oiningg yoyogaga popoststurureses BB Asanas Asanas inin aa %%orornenerr ofof ouourr ss%%!o!oooll
gymgymnasinasiumum *ur*uringing p!ysp!ysi%ai%all e*ue*u%at%ationion %la%lassesses.s. II )as)asn9tn9t 'er'eryy goo* ingoo* in sposportsrts
any)ay *espite being )ell%on*itione* by long )al8s. :oreo'er; being able toany)ay *espite being )ell%on*itione* by long )al8s. :oreo'er; being able to
*o*o somsometet!in!ingg sigsigninififi%a%antnt )i)it!ot!outut !a'!a'iningg toto momo'e'e 'e'eryry fafarr anan** )i)it!ot!outut t!t!ee
in!erent ris8s of s%!ool sports attra%te* me.in!erent ris8s of s%!ool sports attra%te* me.
,fter t!e preliminary group )armup e=er%ises; )!en t!e tea%!er ga'e me,fter t!e preliminary group )armup e=er%ises; )!en t!e tea%!er ga'e me
permission to )or8 out on my o permission to )or8 out on my o)n; I *e'ote* myself to mastering)n; I *e'ote* myself to mastering YogaYoga positions positions
or mo'ing t!e ab*ominal mus%les )it! t!eor mo'ing t!e ab*ominal mus%les )it! t!e #a$li #a$li te%!niue. To my amazement te%!niue. To my amazement
one *ay t!e tea%!er B)!om I !a* assume* !a* an opinion of me %lose to zeroone *ay t!e tea%!er B)!om I !a* assume* !a* an opinion of me %lose to zero
%ame o'er an* inuire* as to t!e se%ret of su%%ee*ing in mo'ing t!e ab*ominal%ame o'er an* inuire* as to t!e se%ret of su%%ee*ing in mo'ing t!e ab*ominal
mus%les in su%!mus%les in su%! %urious )ay.%urious )ay.
T!ere )as an entire %!apter *e'ote* to t!e >Corpse Pose> BT!ere )as an entire %!apter *e'ote* to t!e >Corpse Pose> B%a&asana%a&asana;; t!e lastt!e last
one to be pra%ti%e* in t!e *ailyone to be pra%ti%e* in t!e *aily Asana Asana routine. T!e instru%tion )as 'ery %learly routine. T!e instru%tion )as 'ery %learly
gigi'e'enn aan*n* t!t!ee auaut!t!oror *i*i** nonott lolosese !i!iss fofo%u%uss inin ususelelesesss p!p!ililososopop!i!i%a%all
embellis!ments. 0e e=plaine* t!at t!e purpose of t!e e=er%ise )as to uiet t!eembellis!ments. 0e e=plaine* t!at t!e purpose of t!e e=er%ise )as to uiet t!e
mental fa%ulties in or*er to re%!arge t!e )!ole psy%!o p!ysi%al system )it! fres!mental fa%ulties in or*er to re%!arge t!e )!ole psy%!o p!ysi%al system )it! fres!
energy. I )as attra%te* by t!e gran*iose promise t!at by stopping all mentalenergy. I )as attra%te* by t!e gran*iose promise t!at by stopping all mental
fun%tions  )it!out falling into a state of sleep  an* remaining for some time infun%tions  )it!out falling into a state of sleep  an* remaining for some time in
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a state of pure a)areness; one %oul* obtain )it!in one !our t!e eui'alent of fi'ea state of pure a)areness; one %oul* obtain )it!in one !our t!e eui'alent of fi'e
!ours sleep. I regret not !a'ing t!e boo8 anymore; but I )ill *es%ribe t!e!ours sleep. I regret not !a'ing t!e boo8 anymore; but I )ill *es%ribe t!e
e=er%ise base* upon )!at I remember6e=er%ise base* upon )!at I remember6
>Lie in t!e supine position )it! arms e=ten*e* alongsi*e t!e bo*y an* )it! eyes>Lie in t!e supine position )it! arms e=ten*e* alongsi*e t!e bo*y an* )it! eyes
%o'ere* to 8eep t!e lig!t out. ,fter staying still for t)o or t!ree minutes;%o'ere* to 8eep t!e lig!t out. ,fter staying still for t)o or t!ree minutes;
mentally repeat  GImentally repeat  GI am rela=e*; I am %aam rela=e*; I am %alm; I am not t!in8ing of anyt!ing.Dlm; I am not t!in8ing of anyt!ing.D T!en;T!en;
to enteto enter t!e state ofr t!e state of mental &oid mental &oid 'isualize your t!oug!ts in%lu*ing t!ose )it! 'isualize your t!oug!ts in%lu*ing t!ose )it!
abstra%t ualities an* pus! t!em a)ay one by one as if an internal !an* )ereabstra%t ualities an* pus! t!em a)ay one by one as if an internal !an* )ere
mo'ing t!em gently from t!e %enter of amo'ing t!em gently from t!e %enter of a mental s%reen to)ar* itsmental s%reen to)ar* its outer e*ge. ,llouter e*ge. ,ll
t!ot!oug!ug!ts;ts; )it)it!ou!outt e=%ee=%eptiption; muston; must bebe put asi*e e'enput asi*e e'en t!et!e t!ot!oug!ug!tt itseitselflf ofof
pra%ti%ing pra%ti%ing aa te%!niue.te%!niue. YYouou s!oul*s!oul* ne'erne'er be%omebe%ome annoye*annoye* byby %ontinuous%ontinuous ne)ne)
t!oug!ts but pi%ture t!em as obe%ts an* s!ift t!em asi*e in t!is )ay; ne)t!oug!ts but pi%ture t!em as obe%ts an* s!ift t!em asi*e in t!is )ay; ne)
%!ains of t!oug!t are pre'ente* from %oming out. ,fter pus!ing a t!oug!t a)ay;%!ains of t!oug!t are pre'ente* from %oming out. ,fter pus!ing a t!oug!t a)ay;
return your a)areness to t!e small spot bet)een t!e eyebro)s Breturn your a)areness to t!e small spot bet)een t!e eyebro)s B K$tastha K$tastha )!i%! )!i%!
resembles a pon* of pea%e;resembles a pon* of pea%e; an* rela= t!erein. T!e ability to %ontinuously pus!an* rela= t!erein. T!e ability to %ontinuously pus!
a)ay t!oug!ts t!at 8no%8 at t!e *oor of your attention )ill be%ome almosta)ay t!oug!ts t!at 8no%8 at t!e *oor of your attention )ill be%ome almost
automati%.automati%.
?!en; on some o%%asions  su%! as pra%ti%ing imme*iately after a strong?!en; on some o%%asions  su%! as pra%ti%ing imme*iately after a strong
emotional in%i*ent  t!e me%!anism *oes not seem to )or8; %on'ert youremotional in%i*ent  t!e me%!anism *oes not seem to )or8; %on'ert your
%on%entration into a small%on%entration into a small needleneedle )!i%! %onstantly tou%!es t!e area bet)een t!e )!i%! %onstantly tou%!es t!e area bet)een t!e
eyebro)s  ust tou%!ing; )it!out )orrying about s!ifting t!oug!ts asi*e. Youeyebro)s  ust tou%!ing; )it!out )orrying about s!ifting t!oug!ts asi*e. You
)ill noti%e t!at at a %ertain point t!ere is no more effort; an* any remaining)ill noti%e t!at at a %ertain point t!ere is no more effort; an* any remaining
restless emotion subsi*es. T!e t!oug!t see*s manifesting as in*efinite imagesrestless emotion subsi*es. T!e t!oug!t see*s manifesting as in*efinite images
ui'ering at t!e e*ge of a)areness %annot *isturb your mental rest. ?!i%!e'erui'ering at t!e e*ge of a)areness %annot *isturb your mental rest. ?!i%!e'er
of t!e t)o met!o*s you %!oose; t!e e=er%ise )or8s perfe%tly an* after (4of t!e t)o met!o*s you %!oose; t!e e=er%ise )or8s perfe%tly an* after (4
minutes you get up )ellrminutes you get up )ellreste* an* re%!arge* )it! ne)este* an* re%!arge* )it! ne) fres! energy.fres! energy.>>
In my e=perien%e; in spite of t!e (4 minutes promise* by t!e boo8; t!e final stateIn my e=perien%e; in spite of t!e (4 minutes promise* by t!e boo8; t!e final state
of rela=ation laste* no more t!an 1+ minutes an* t!e e=er%ise itself ne'er moreof rela=ation laste* no more t!an 1+ minutes an* t!e e=er%ise itself ne'er more
t!an "+$4 minutes altoget!er. T!e te%!niue ine'itably en*e* in a pe%uliar )ayt!an "+$4 minutes altoget!er. T!e te%!niue ine'itably en*e* in a pe%uliar )ay
t!e state of *eep %almness )as interrupte* by t!e t!oug!t t!at t!e e=er%ise !a*t!e state of *eep %almness )as interrupte* by t!e t!oug!t t!at t!e e=er%ise !a*
not yet begun my rea%tion )as al)ays a )in%e an* a faster !eartbeat. ,fter anot yet begun my rea%tion )as al)ays a )in%e an* a faster !eartbeat. ,fter a
fe) se%on*s !o)e'er; %onfi*en%e t!at t!e e=er%ise !a* been perfe%tly e=e%ute*fe) se%on*s !o)e'er; %onfi*en%e t!at t!e e=er%ise !a* been perfe%tly e=e%ute*
appearappeare*. T!an8s toe*. T!an8s to t!is te%!niuet!is te%!niue; )!i%!; )!i%! be%ambe%ame ae a *aily !abit;*aily !abit; I realize* on%eI realize* on%e
an* for all t!e *ifferen%e bet)een >min*> an* >a)areness>.an* for all t!e *ifferen%e bet)een >min*> an* >a)areness>.
?!?!enen t!t!ee mementantall prpro%o%esesss isis eaeasese** ofofff inintoto peperfrfe%e%tt sisilelen%n%e;e; pupurere a)a)ararenenesesss
)it!)it!outout %on%ontenttent ariarisesses.. Li8Li8ee aa lumluminouinouss poinpointt *upl*upli%ai%atingting itseitselflf anan unliunlimitemite**
amount of times; it remains un%!ange* for some minutes. You 8no) you e=istamount of times; it remains un%!ange* for some minutes. You 8no) you e=ist
an* t!at your e=isten%e is in*estru%tible  t!is !appens )it!out t!in8ing. Youan* t!at your e=isten%e is in*estru%tible  t!is !appens )it!out t!in8ing. You
!a'e t!e!a'e t!e in*iin*isputsputable e=perable e=perienien%e%e t!at!att t!out!oug!tsg!ts araree inin essessen%en%ee ep!ep!emeemeralral;; an*an*
instinstea* ofea* of re're'ealealinging t!et!e finfinalal trutrut!t! t!et!eyy %lou%lou** it.it. T!e CarteT!e Cartesian *e*u%sian *e*u%tiontion66 >I>I
t!in8; t!erefore I am> is in*efensible. It )oul* be more %orre%t to affirm6 >Onlyt!in8; t!erefore I am> is in*efensible. It )oul* be more %orre%t to affirm6 >Only
in t!e silen%e of no t!oug!t lies t!e proof an* t!e intimate %ertainty of e=isting.>in t!e silen%e of no t!oug!t lies t!e proof an* t!e intimate %ertainty of e=isting.>
<esi*es t!e *imension of esoteri% oriental me*itati'e pra%ti%es; I also !a* a<esi*es t!e *imension of esoteri% oriental me*itati'e pra%ti%es; I also !a* a
passion passion forfor poetrypoetry an*an* literatureliterature asas )ell)ell asas aa !abit!abit ofof *aily*aily see8ingsee8ing t!et!e
++

%ontemplation of beauty in Nature%ontemplation of beauty in Nature'' T!is interest began )!en I )as 3. I borro)e* T!is interest began )!en I )as 3. I borro)e*
a boo8 of poetry from t!e s%!ool library an* %opie* *ifferent s!ort poems )it!a boo8 of poetry from t!e s%!ool library an* %opie* *ifferent s!ort poems )it!
naturalisti% t!emes into a noteboo8. <y rea*ing t!em freuently; I soon 8ne)naturalisti% t!emes into a noteboo8. <y rea*ing t!em freuently; I soon 8ne)
t!em all byt!em all by !eart!eart. <y. <y re%alre%alling t!emling t!em )!ile %ontempl)!ile %ontemplating t!e !illyating t!e !illy surrounsurroun*ings*ings
beyon* t!e outs8irts of my 'illage; I %oul* intensify my emotions. beyon* t!e outs8irts of my 'illage; I %oul* intensify my emotions.
,s my !ig! s%!ool years )ere *ra)ing to a %lose; I *e'elope* a passion for,s my !ig! s%!ool years )ere *ra)ing to a %lose; I *e'elope* a passion for
%la%lassi%ssi%alal musimusi%% an*an* <ee<eet!o't!o'enen be%be%ame myame my i*oi*ol.l. 5es5espite t!epite t!e tratrage*ge*yy ofof !is!is
*eafness at !is %reati'e pea8; !e rea%te* in a most !onorable manner an* %arrie**eafness at !is %reati'e pea8; !e rea%te* in a most !onorable manner an* %arrie*
on %reating )or8s !e !a* alrea*y %ompose* in !is !eart. T!e 0eiligensta*ton %reating )or8s !e !a* alrea*y %ompose* in !is !eart. T!e 0eiligensta*t
Testament; )!ere !e re'eals !is %riti%al %on*ition an* states !is *e%ision )it!Testament; )!ere !e re'eals !is %riti%al %on*ition an* states !is *e%ision )it!
%alm an* total resolution; ma*e !im almost a !ero an* a saint in my eyes.%alm an* total resolution; ma*e !im almost a !ero an* a saint in my eyes.
0e )rote to a frien*6 >I !a'e not a single frien* I must li'e alone. <ut0e )rote to a frien*6 >I !a'e not a single frien* I must li'e alone. <ut
)ell I 8no) t!at Ho* is nearer to me t!an to ot!er artists I asso%iate )it! 0im)ell I 8no) t!at Ho* is nearer to me t!an to ot!er artists I asso%iate )it! 0im
)it!out fear I !a'e al)ays re%ognize)it!out fear I !a'e al)ays re%ognize* an** an* un*erstun*erstoo* !im an*oo* !im an* !a'e no fear for!a'e no fear for
my musi%  it %an meet no e'il fate. T!ose )!o un*erstan* it must be free* by itmy musi%  it %an meet no e'il fate. T!ose )!o un*erstan* it must be free* by it
from all t!e miseries )!i%! t!e ot!ers *rag about )it! t!emsel'es.> 0o) %oul* Ifrom all t!e miseries )!i%! t!e ot!ers *rag about )it! t!emsel'es.> 0o) %oul* I
remain in*ifferent@remain in*ifferent@ 0e )as *ra0e )as *ra)ing in%omparable musi%)ing in%omparable musi% out of t!eout of t!e *ept!s of !is*ept!s of !is
being; an* being; an* offering itoffering it to !umanity. T!e triuto !umanity. T!e triump! ofmp! of t!is frailt!is frail !uman %reature!uman %reature o'ero'er
a nonsensi%al fate !a* a tremen*ous impa%t on me. T!e *aily rite of retiring toa nonsensi%al fate !a* a tremen*ous impa%t on me. T!e *aily rite of retiring to
my room to listen to t!at musi% %onsoli*ate* my %onse%ration to t!e I*eal my room to listen to t!at musi% %onsoli*ate* my %onse%ration to t!e I*eal 
merging )it! ,bsolutemerging )it! ,bsolute <eauty<eauty..
Ea%! *ay for t!e first t!ree mont!s after !ig! s%!ool gra*uation; )!en IEa%! *ay for t!e first t!ree mont!s after !ig! s%!ool gra*uation; )!en I
e=perien%e* a strong romanti% %rus! )!ose fulfillment seeme* impossible; Ie=perien%e* a strong romanti% %rus! )!ose fulfillment seeme* impossible; I
listenelistene* to <eet!o'en9* to <eet!o'en9ss "issa "issa %olemnis%olemnis. T!e more my emotionalism prompte*. T!e more my emotionalism prompte*
me to a%t ras!ly; )!i%! pro'e* to be *estru%ti'e to my lo'e affair; t!e more myme to a%t ras!ly; )!i%! pro'e* to be *estru%ti'e to my lo'e affair; t!e more my
*esperate !eart foun* refuge in t!e massD pure beauty. 5uring a )al8 in t!e*esperate !eart foun* refuge in t!e massD pure beauty. 5uring a )al8 in t!e
%ountry; sitting on a !ill %ontemplating a far lan*s%ape bat!e* in t!e )armt! of%ountry; sitting on a !ill %ontemplating a far lan*s%ape bat!e* in t!e )armt! of
t!e summet!e summer e'ening; !is musir e'ening; !is musi% rang out again in my memor% rang out again in my memoryy.. ?!at my !ear?!at my !eartt
%ra'e* )as before me; perfe%t an* untarnis!e* neit!er by fears nor by a sense of%ra'e* )as before me; perfe%t an* untarnis!e* neit!er by fears nor by a sense of
guilt.guilt. T!at )asT!at )as my firstmy first religious e=perien%e.religious e=perien%e.
I %!ose to stu*y mat! at uni'ersity. ?!ile atten*ing t!e first %lasses; I un*erstoo*I %!ose to stu*y mat! at uni'ersity. ?!ile atten*ing t!e first %lasses; I un*erstoo*
t!at a !appy %!apter of my life )as %on%lu*e* an* t!ere )oul* be no time fort!at a !appy %!apter of my life )as %on%lu*e* an* t!ere )oul* be no time for
*ist*istra%ra%tiontionss li8eli8e enoenoyingying %la%lassi%ssi% liteliteratratureure. ,ll. ,ll mymy atteattentintionon )as)as fo%fo%useuse** onon
fin*ing an effe%ti'e met!o* of stu*y an* a )ay to a'oi* )asting my energies.fin*ing an effe%ti'e met!o* of stu*y an* a )ay to a'oi* )asting my energies.
T!is meant fo%using in a *is%ipline* )ay bot! *uring stu*y time an* *uring myT!is meant fo%using in a *is%ipline* )ay bot! *uring stu*y time an* *uring my
i*le moments. For t!is purpose; I *e%i*e* to utilize t!e *ynami% of t!e yogi%i*le moments. For t!is purpose; I *e%i*e* to utilize t!e *ynami% of t!e yogi%
99mental 'oi*99 te%!niue.99mental 'oi*99 te%!niue.
One ba* !abit IOne ba* !abit I !a* to!a* to %on%onueuerr )as a)as a tenten*en*en%y to%y to *ay**ay*reareamm an* umpan* ump
from one memory to anot!er to e=tra%t moments of pleasure. I !a* forme* t!efrom one memory to anot!er to e=tra%t moments of pleasure. I !a* forme* t!e
uns!a8euns!a8eable %on'i%tion t!at )!enable %on'i%tion t!at )!en t!oug!t be%omet!oug!t be%omess an un%ontrollaan un%ontrollable 'i%eble 'i%e  for for
many it is anmany it is an utter a**i%utter a**i%tion  ittion  it %onstitu%onstitutes not only ates not only a )aste of ener)aste of energy but isgy but is t!et!e
main %ause of almost all failures in our life. T!e frenzie* )!irl of t!e t!oug!tmain %ause of almost all failures in our life. T!e frenzie* )!irl of t!e t!oug!t
pro%ess; a%%ompanie* by alternating moo*s an* s pro%ess; a%%ompanie* by alternating moo*s an* strong emotions; %reates at timestrong emotions; %reates at times
unreasonable fears t!at !in*er t!e *e%isi'e a%tion t!at life reuires. On ot!erunreasonable fears t!at !in*er t!e *e%isi'e a%tion t!at life reuires. On ot!er
--

o%%o%%asioasionsns itit fosfosterterss anan optioptimistmisti%i% imaimaginaginationtion t!at!att unfunfortortunatunatelyely pus!pus!eses t!et!e
person to)ar* inappropriate a%tions. person to)ar* inappropriate a%tions.
I )as %on'in%e* t!at *is%ipline* t!oug!t )as t!e most 'aluable trait II )as %on'in%e* t!at *is%ipline* t!oug!t )as t!e most 'aluable trait I
%oul* *e'elop; an* )oul* open t!e *oors to fruitful a%!ie'ements. :y *e%ision%oul* *e'elop; an* )oul* open t!e *oors to fruitful a%!ie'ements. :y *e%ision
fifillelle** meme )i)it!t! eueup!op!oriri%% enent!t!ususiasiasm.m. 0o0o)e)e'e'err;; afafteterr brbreaeat!it!ingng t!t!ee lilimpmpi*;i*;
spar8ling; %elestial state of t!oug!t restraint for a fe) !ours I en%ountere* aspar8ling; %elestial state of t!oug!t restraint for a fe) !ours I en%ountere* a
signifi%signifi%ant mental resistaant mental resistan%e. In t!en%e. In t!e mirror of my introspe%tionmirror of my introspe%tion; I; I sa) !o)sa) !o) ot!erot!er
!abits )ere )asting my mental energy. One of t!ese; )rappe* an* une=pe%te*ly!abits )ere )asting my mental energy. One of t!ese; )rappe* an* une=pe%te*ly
*ignifie* by t!e %on%ept of so%ialization; )as t!at of falling *aily into ner'e*ignifie* by t!e %on%ept of so%ialization; )as t!at of falling *aily into ner'e
)ra%8ing *is%ussions )it! frien*s.)ra%8ing *is%ussions )it! frien*s. It )as timeIt )as time to renoun%e it.to renoun%e it. I abruptly a'oi*e*I abruptly a'oi*e*
t!eir %ompany. Certainly mine )as not an impossible sa%rifi%e  t!eirs )as nott!eir %ompany. Certainly mine )as not an impossible sa%rifi%e  t!eirs )as not
my )orl*.my )orl*.
One *ay *uring a s!ort afternoon )al8; I sa) t!em from afar sitting lazilyOne *ay *uring a s!ort afternoon )al8; I sa) t!em from afar sitting lazily
an* %!atting in t!e usual bar. :y !eart ga'e a lur%!. T!ey )ere my frien*s an* Ian* %!atting in t!e usual bar. :y !eart ga'e a lur%!. T!ey )ere my frien*s an* I
lo'e* ea%! of t!em; yet seeing t!em toget!er t!at *ay t!ey appeare* to me li8elo'e* ea%! of t!em; yet seeing t!em toget!er t!at *ay t!ey appeare* to me li8e
%!%!i%i%8e8ensns %o%oopope*e* upup inin aa narnarroro)) spspa%a%e.e. :e:er%r%ileilesssslyly II asassumsume*e* t!et!eyy )e)erere
%ompletely go'erne* by t!e instin%ts of eating; partying; se=; an* generally%ompletely go'erne* by t!e instin%ts of eating; partying; se=; an* generally
o'erin*o'erin*ulging. ?!ulging. ?!ate'er traate'er trage*y !appenge*y !appene* to t!eir frien*e* to t!eir frien* *i*n9t %on%*i*n9t %on%ern t!em;ern t!em;
t!ey )oul* !a'e 8ept ont!ey )oul* !a'e 8ept on sipping t!e *aily pleasure of *a)*ling until misfortunsipping t!e *aily pleasure of *a)*ling until misfortunee
!it t!em personally!it t!em personally. I. I foun* it 'ery sa*foun* it 'ery sa* an* *istressan* *istressing. T!e in%i*ent put me ining. T!e in%i*ent put me in aa
gloomy moo*; but a senten%e from <eet!o'en9s 0eiligensta*t testament %amegloomy moo*; but a senten%e from <eet!o'en9s 0eiligensta*t testament %ame
spontaneously to min* an* e'o8e* t!e bliss I !a* enoye* *uring my !ig! s%!oolspontaneously to min* an* e'o8e* t!e bliss I !a* enoye* *uring my !ig! s%!ool
years6years6
O Pro'i*en%e  grant me at least butO Pro'i*en%e  grant me at least but one day o( p$re )oyone day o( p$re )oy  it !as been so long  it !as been so long
sin%sin%e real oy e%!oee real oy e%!oe* in* in my !eart  Omy !eart  O )!e)!en n  O )!en; O 5i'inO )!en; O 5i'inee One  s!all IOne  s!all I
fin* it again in t!e temple of nature an* of men@  Ne'er@ No fin* it again in t!e temple of nature an* of men@  Ne'er@ No  O t!at )oul* beO t!at )oul* be
too !ar*.too !ar*.
,t t!at moment I again resol'e* to %on%entrate on my stu*ies; an* passing my,t t!at moment I again resol'e* to %on%entrate on my stu*ies; an* passing my
e=ams be%ame my sole fo%us. I per%ei'e* t!at perio* of my life as a *es%ent intoe=ams be%ame my sole fo%us. I per%ei'e* t!at perio* of my life as a *es%ent into
an unfat!omable nig!t but I 8ne) t!at in or*er to s!ape my future t!e )ay Ian unfat!omable nig!t but I 8ne) t!at in or*er to s!ape my future t!e )ay I
*esire*; toug! sa%rifi%es )ere ne%essary. To see t!e *a)n of a >*ay of pure oy>;*esire*; toug! sa%rifi%es )ere ne%essary. To see t!e *a)n of a >*ay of pure oy>;
I )oul* !a'e to en*ure momentarily a *ar8 emptiness6 I )oul* sa'or it )it!outI )oul* !a'e to en*ure momentarily a *ar8 emptiness6 I )oul* sa'or it )it!out
lament an* )it!out being tempte* to turn on a lig!t for momentary sola%e.lament an* )it!out being tempte* to turn on a lig!t for momentary sola%e.
* + * +ill ie %o * Can ,i&e-ill ie %o * Can ,i&e-
,n,n e'e'enentt illillumumininatate*e* mymy liflife6e6 aa frfrieien*n* intintroro*u*u%e%e** meme toto HuHustasta'' :a:a!le!ler9r9ss
Symp!ony No." >Symp!ony No." > .es$rre/tion .es$rre/tion>> an* in'ite* me to a li'e %on%ert of t!is )or8. Ian* in'ite* me to a li'e %on%ert of t!is )or8. I
rea* t!e information leaflet. Ea%! part of t!e symp!ony !a* a pre%ise meaningrea* t!e information leaflet. Ea%! part of t!e symp!ony !a* a pre%ise meaning
)!i%! :a!ler !imself !a* e=plaine* in a letter to t!e %on*u%tor; <runo ?alter. It)!i%! :a!ler !imself !a* e=plaine* in a letter to t!e %on*u%tor; <runo ?alter. It
)a)ass :a:a!l!lerer9s9s inintetentntioionn toto trtreaeatt *e*eatat!! asas t!t!ee inine'e'ititabablele enen** toto alalll !u!umamann
enterprise.enterprise.
T!e musi% itself %on'eye* a sense of *esolation )!i%! )as s)eet; as ifT!e musi% itself %on'eye* a sense of *esolation )!i%! )as s)eet; as if
*eat! meant *rifting off into a pea%eful sleep. In a sorro)ful 'oi%e of en*less*eat! meant *rifting off into a pea%eful sleep. In a sorro)ful 'oi%e of en*less
//

*ignity; t!e )or*s of t!e %ontralto %ommuni%ate* a %!il*li8e inno%ent 'ision6*ignity; t!e )or*s of t!e %ontralto %ommuni%ate* a %!il*li8e inno%ent 'ision6
0 .s/hen roth-0 .s/hen roth-
er "ens/h liegt in grter #oth- er "ens/h liegt in grter #oth-
er "ens/h liegt in grter Pein- er "ens/h liegt in grter Pein-
e lieber m/ht i/h im Himmel sein' e lieber m/ht i/h im Himmel sein'
O re* roseO re* rose
:an lies in *irest nee*:an lies in *irest nee*
:an lies in *eepest pain:an lies in *eepest pain
O!; !o) I )oul* rat!er be in !ea'en.O!; !o) I )oul* rat!er be in !ea'en.
?!ile listen?!ile listening; I fan%ie* I )as in t!eing; I fan%ie* I )as in t!e %ountr%ountrysi*e *uring a lig!t rain. <ut itysi*e *uring a lig!t rain. <ut it )as)as
spring an* a ray of sun pier%e* t!e %lou*s. ,mi* t!e 'egetation t!ere )as aspring an* a ray of sun pier%e* t!e %lou*s. ,mi* t!e 'egetation t!ere )as a
beautiful re* rose. T!at simple 'ision broug!t so beautiful re* rose. T!at simple 'ision broug!t sola%e to my !eart9s inner a%!e an*la%e to my !eart9s inner a%!e an*
)arme)arme* me to* me to a !ig! pit%! of ent!usiasm )it! t!e t!oug!t t!at <eauty )oul* bea !ig! pit%! of ent!usiasm )it! t!e t!oug!t t!at <eauty )oul* be
)it! me fore'er; in all t!e pla%es of my solitary )an*erings.)it! me fore'er; in all t!e pla%es of my solitary )an*erings.
T!en t!e %!oir sang some 'erses from #lopsto%89s !ymn6T!en t!e %!oir sang some 'erses from #lopsto%89s !ymn6
A$(erstehn! )a a$(erstehn A$(erstehn! )a a$(erstehn
++irst d$!irst d$! "ein %ta$b!"ein %ta$b!
#a/h $r6er .$h- #a/h $r6er .$h-
7nsterbli/h ,eben- 7nsterbli/h ,eben7nsterbli/h ,eben- 7nsterbli/h ,eben
8ird der di/h rie( dir geben-8ird der di/h rie( dir geben-
7ise again; yes; rise again;7ise again; yes; rise again;
?ill you; my *ust;?ill you; my *ust;
,fter a brief rest,fter a brief rest
Immortal life Immortal lifeImmortal life Immortal life
?ill 0e )!o %alle* you; gi'e you.?ill 0e )!o %alle* you; gi'e you.
Ne=t :a!ler9s o)n 'erses )ere %!ante*. T!e Ne=t :a!ler9s o)n 'erses )ere %!ante*. T!ese en*e* )it!6se en*e* )it!6
"it 9l:geln! die i/h mir err$ngen! "it 9l:geln! die i/h mir err$ngen!
*n heiem ,iebesstreben! *n heiem ,iebesstreben!
+erdi/h ents/h8eben+erdi/h ents/h8eben
;$m ,i/ht! 6$ dem ein A ;$m ,i/ht! 6$ dem ein A$ggedr$ngen-$ggedr$ngen-
%terben 8erdi/h! $m 6$ leben-%terben 8erdi/h! $m 6$ leben-
A$(erstehn! )a a$(erstehn A$(erstehn! )a a$(erstehn
8irst d$! mein Her6! in einem #$-8irst d$! mein Her6! in einem #$-
+as d$ ges/hlagen+as d$ ges/hlagen
6$ Gott 8ird es di/h 6$ Gott 8ird es di/h tragen-tragen-
?it! )ings I !a'e gaine*;?it! )ings I !a'e gaine*;
in lo'e9s fier%e stri'ing;in lo'e9s fier%e stri'ing;
I s!all soar aloftI s!all soar aloft
TTo t!e lig!t no eo t!e lig!t no eye !as pier%e*ye !as pier%e*
I )ill *ie so I %an li'eI )ill *ie so I %an li'e
7ise again; yes; rise again;7ise again; yes; rise again;
?ill you; my !eart; in an instant?ill you; my !eart; in an instant
?!at you !a'e earne* yourself;?!at you !a'e earne* yourself;
S!all lea* you to Ho*S!all lea* you to Ho*
In t!e follo)ing *ays; I trie* to penetrate t!e meaning by rea*ing e'eryt!ing IIn t!e follo)ing *ays; I trie* to penetrate t!e meaning by rea*ing e'eryt!ing I
%oul* on t!e symp!ony an* listening to it entran%e* in t!e uietu*e of my o)n%oul* on t!e symp!ony an* listening to it entran%e* in t!e uietu*e of my o)n
roroomom.. ,f,fteterr mamanyny intintegegrarall anan** enent!ut!usiasiastisti%% lislisteteniningng sesessssionions;s; t!et!e )or)or*s6*s6
>Sterb>Sterben )er*e i%!; um zuen )er*e i%!; um zu lebenleben> B>I )ill> B>I )ill *ie so I*ie so I %an li'e> resou%an li'e> resoun*e* all *ayn*e* all *ay
long in my min* li8e a t!rea* aroun* )!i%! my t!oug!ts %rystallize*. ?oul* Ilong in my min* li8e a t!rea* aroun* )!i%! my t!oug!ts %rystallize*. ?oul* I
e'er; before ol* age; be ablee'er; before ol* age; be able to die toto die to mysel( mysel(  namely  namely to die to my egoismto die to my egoism@ ?as@ ?as
it possible to %ross t!e foggy %urtain of t!oug!ts; superfi%ial emotions; sensationsit possible to %ross t!e foggy %urtain of t!oug!ts; superfi%ial emotions; sensations
an* instin%t; an* emerge into t!at pure 5imension for )!i%! I !a* yearne* manyan* instin%t; an* emerge into t!at pure 5imension for )!i%! I !a* yearne* many
years an* )!i%! I felt )as my 0ig!est Hoo*@years an* )!i%! I felt )as my 0ig!est Hoo*@
T!ere )as no *oubt I )as )illing to perfe%t my selfimpose* *is%ipline toT!ere )as no *oubt I )as )illing to perfe%t my selfimpose* *is%ipline to
t!e e=treme; but by no means *i* I )ant to spen* t!e rest of my life staring at t!et!e e=treme; but by no means *i* I )ant to spen* t!e rest of my life staring at t!e
)all of my silen%e* min* an* )aiting for somet!ing to !appen. >I )ill seize Fate)all of my silen%e* min* an* )aiting for somet!ing to !appen. >I )ill seize Fate
by by t!et!e throat throat >;>; sai* <eet!o'en6 so I too )as prepare* to a%t in a strong an*sai* <eet!o'en6 so I too )as prepare* to a%t in a strong an*
*e%isi'e )ay.*e%isi'e )ay.
22

?!at I misse* )as t!e art of?!at I misse* )as t!e art of Pranayama Pranayama  t!at  t!at Pranayama Pranayama )!i%! I !a* *reame* )!i%! I !a* *reame*
so mu%! about but !a* ne'er a%tually pra%ti%e*. , fe) )ee8s before; I !a*so mu%! about but !a* ne'er a%tually pra%ti%e*. , fe) )ee8s before; I !a*
pur%!ase* <.#.S. pur%!ase* <.#.S. Iyengar9sIyengar9s <he *ll$strated ,ight on Yoga!<he *ll$strated ,ight on Yoga! an* an* !is *es%ript!is *es%ription ofion of
Pranayama Pranayama !a* a)a8ene* in me an uns!a8eable *esire to pra%ti%e it intensi'ely. !a* a)a8ene* in me an uns!a8eable *esire to pra%ti%e it intensi'ely.
In t!e last part of t!e boo8 t!ere )as a pru*ent )arning6In t!e last part of t!e boo8 t!ere )as a pru*ent )arning6
>Pneumati% tools %an %ut t!roug! t!e !ar*est ro%8. In>Pneumati% tools %an %ut t!roug! t!e !ar*est ro%8. In Pranayama! Pranayama! t!e t!e yogi yogi uses uses
!is lungs as pneumati% tools.!is lungs as pneumati% tools. If t!ey are not use* properlyIf t!ey are not use* properly; t!ey *estroy bot! t!e; t!ey *estroy bot! t!e
tool an* t!e persotool an* t!e person using it.n using it. Faulty pFaulty pra%ti%e puts unra%ti%e puts un*ue stress on t!e lun*ue stress on t!e lungs an*gs an*
*iap!*iap!ragm. T!e respiratory system sufferagm. T!e respiratory system suffersrs an* t!ean* t!e ner'oner'ous system isus system is a*'ersa*'erselyely
affe%te*. T!e 'ery foun*ation of a !ealt!y bo*y an* a soun* min* is s!a8en baffe%te*. T!e 'ery foun*ation of a !ealt!y bo*y an* a soun* min* is s!a8en by ay a
faulty pra%ti%e offaulty pra%ti%e of Pranayama' Pranayama'>>
T!is senten%e ignite* my immo*erate )ill to e=perien%e all its po)er; to t!eT!is senten%e ignite* my immo*erate )ill to e=perien%e all its po)er; to t!e
point point ofof >*ying>>*ying> inin it;it; figurati'elyfigurati'ely spea8ing. ?!atspea8ing. ?!at )oul*)oul* !a'e!a'e frig!tene*frig!tene* ot!ersot!ers
embol*ene* me. If it pro'o8e* an aut!enti% psy%!ologi%al eart!ua8e; I )as onembol*ene* me. If it pro'o8e* an aut!enti% psy%!ologi%al eart!ua8e; I )as on
t!e rig!t tra%8. Yes; some pru*en%e )as ne%essary an intensi'e pra%ti%e !a* tot!e rig!t tra%8. Yes; some pru*en%e )as ne%essary an intensi'e pra%ti%e !a* to
be rea%!e* gra*ually an* ea%! session !a* to be %arrie* out )it! e=treme % be rea%!e* gra*ually an* ea%! session !a* to be %arrie* out )it! e=treme %are.are.
TT!!ee Pranayama Pranayama rerefeferrrre* to )ae* to )ass #adi #adi %odhana%odhana a ann** 7)7))a)ayyii Bbreat!ingBbreat!ing
e=er%ises )it!e=er%ises )it! Bandha Bandha Bmus%le %ontra%tion an* Bmus%le %ontra%tion an* K$mbhaa K$mbhaa Bbreat!Bbreat! retention.retention.
5ay after *ay5ay after *ay;; II %ou%oul*l* perper%ei%ei'e'e Pranayamas Pranayamas potential a%ting on my psy%!e. I potential a%ting on my psy%!e. I
)as %ertain my ol* s%!ool frien* !a* tol* t!e trut!  >t!ese e=er%ises %an %!ange)as %ertain my ol* s%!ool frien* !a* tol* t!e trut!  >t!ese e=er%ises %an %!ange
a person insi*e>. It !a* to be truea person insi*e>. It !a* to be true
Pranayama Pranayama appeare* to me t!e most perfe%t of all arts; )it! no intrinsi% appeare* to me t!e most perfe%t of all arts; )it! no intrinsi%
limits. To *e'ote myself to it )oul* %ost not!ing. I )oul* not be oblige* to spen*limits. To *e'ote myself to it )oul* %ost not!ing. I )oul* not be oblige* to spen*
money on t!e pur%!ase of a musi%al instrument; %an'as an* %olors; or )!ate'er.money on t!e pur%!ase of a musi%al instrument; %an'as an* %olors; or )!ate'er.
T!e instrument )as al)ays )it! me. I %oul*n9t un*erstan* !o) I !a* )aste* soT!e instrument )as al)ays )it! me. I %oul*n9t un*erstan* !o) I !a* )aste* so
mu%! time not ta8ing on t!is %ommitment seriously.mu%! time not ta8ing on t!is %ommitment seriously.
To abi*e by it )as T!e 5e%ision of :y Life. I pra%ti%e* morning an*To abi*e by it )as T!e 5e%ision of :y Life. I pra%ti%e* morning an*
e'ening in an >absolute> )ay; )it! fero%ious %on%entration; as if t!ere )ere noe'ening in an >absolute> )ay; )it! fero%ious %on%entration; as if t!ere )ere no
tomtomorrorro)o).. II )oul)oul** stastartrt )it! stret)it! stret%!in%!ingg e=ee=er%ir%ises ses  an* some simplean* some simple Asanas Asanas
)!en I !a* more time.)!en I !a* more time. 11
I pra%ti%e* in t!e !alflotus position; sitting on t!e e*ge of a pillo) )it! my ba%8I pra%ti%e* in t!e !alflotus position; sitting on t!e e*ge of a pillo) )it! my ba%8
straig!t. I fo%use* )it! zeal on applying t!e instru%tions fla)lessly but )it! astraig!t. I fo%use* )it! zeal on applying t!e instru%tions fla)lessly but )it! a
%reati'e spirit. I %on%entrate* 8eenly on t!e alternate feelings of %oolness an*%reati'e spirit. I %on%entrate* 8eenly on t!e alternate feelings of %oolness an*
)armt! pro*u%e* by t!e air on t!e fingers an* on t!e palm of t!e rig!t !an* use*)armt! pro*u%e* by t!e air on t!e fingers an* on t!e palm of t!e rig!t !an* use*
to open an* %lose t!e nostrito open an* %lose t!e nostrils.ls. T!e pressT!e pressure; t!e smooture; t!e smoot! flo)ing of t!e breat!.! flo)ing of t!e breat!.....
e'ery *ete'ery *etail )as pleasaail )as pleasant.nt. <e%om<e%oming a)are of eaing a)are of ea%! pe%ulia%! pe%uliarity of t!e e=errity of t!e e=er%ise%ise
!elpe* me maintain 'igilant attention )it!out be%oming stresse*.!elpe* me maintain 'igilant attention )it!out be%oming stresse*.
5uring t!e *ay; I foun* my per%eption of t!ings !a* %!ange*. :y eyes sear%!e*5uring t!e *ay; I foun* my per%eption of t!ings !a* %!ange*. :y eyes sear%!e*
for t!e most intense %olors; fas%for t!e most intense %olors; fas%inate* by t!em as ifinate* by t!em as if t!ey )ere %lose to re'ealit!ey )ere %lose to re'ealingng
an un8no)n reality lying beyon* t!e material. Sometimes in t!e first sunny *aysan un8no)n reality lying beyon* t!e material. Sometimes in t!e first sunny *ays
11
T!is routine BNa*i So*!ana Aayi <an*!a an* final %on%entration in #utast!a is *es%ribe* in t!e T!is routine BNa*i So*!ana Aayi <an*!a an* final %on%entration in #utast!a is *es%ribe* in t!e
se%on* part of %!apter -.se%on* part of %!apter -.
33

after )inteafter )inter; )!en t!e s8ies )ere %rystar; )!en t!e s8ies )ere %rystalline an* as blue aslline an* as blue as t!ey !a* e'er been; It!ey !a* e'er been; I
)oul* sit in t!e open air an* %ontemplate my surroun*ings. In a bus!y *it%!)oul* sit in t!e open air an* %ontemplate my surroun*ings. In a bus!y *it%!
%o'ere* )it! i'y t!e sun s!e* its lig!t upon flo)ers t!at a fe) )ee8s before%o'ere* )it! i'y t!e sun s!e* its lig!t upon flo)ers t!at a fe) )ee8s before
)ere blooming *uring t!e %ol* an* no); !ee*less of t!e mil*est *ays; still)ere blooming *uring t!e %ol* an* no); !ee*less of t!e mil*est *ays; still
linglingereere** inin t!eit!eirr spespellbllbin*iin*ingng glorgloryy.. II )as *eepl)as *eeplyy inspinspireire*.*. II )oul)oul** %lo%losese mymy
eyes an* rely on an inner ra*ian%e a%%ompanie* by a sensation of pressure on myeyes an* rely on an inner ra*ian%e a%%ompanie* by a sensation of pressure on my
!eart.!eart.
,t t!at time; my internal life )as still split bet)een t)o interests )!i%! I,t t!at time; my internal life )as still split bet)een t)o interests )!i%! I
per%ei'e* per%ei'e* asas t)ot)o *imensions*imensions !a'ing!a'ing not!ingnot!ing inin %ommon.%ommon. OnOn oneone si*esi*e )ere)ere
esotesoterieri%% matmatterterss )!i)!i%!%! !a* gui*e* my!a* gui*e* my seasear%! to)arr%! to)ar** YogaYoga *is%ipline; )!i%! I *is%ipline; )!i%! I
%on%ei'e* to be an%on%ei'e* to be an e((i/a/io$s tool e((i/a/io$s tool for purifying an* for purifying an* /ontrolling the mind /ontrolling the mind . On t!e. On t!e
ot!er si*e )as t!e aspiration to)ar* t!e i*eal )orl* of <eauty )!i%! I trie* toot!er si*e )as t!e aspiration to)ar* t!e i*eal )orl* of <eauty )!i%! I trie* to
e'o8e t!roug! t!e stu*y of literary )or8s; an* listening to %lassi%al musi%. Ie'o8e t!roug! t!e stu*y of literary )or8s; an* listening to %lassi%al musi%. I
ne'ene'er imagir imagine* t!at t!e firne* t!at t!e first *imenst *imension %ousion %oul* lea* me tol* lea* me to t!e se%t!e se%on*on* It )asIt )as
reasonable to !ope t!atreasonable to !ope t!at Pranayama Pranayama %oul* gi'e me a permanent base of mental %oul* gi'e me a permanent base of mental
%larity; !elping me to not spoil t!e fragile mira%le of an en%ounter )it! <eauty%larity; !elping me to not spoil t!e fragile mira%le of an en%ounter )it! <eauty
)it! a umble of)it! a umble of t!oug!tst!oug!ts; but; but I %oul* ne'er !a'e imagine* t!atI %oul* ne'er !a'e imagine* t!at Pranayama Pranayama !a* !a*
t!e po)er of multiplying t!e e=perien%e of t!e Sublime or e'en ma8e it spring upt!e po)er of multiplying t!e e=perien%e of t!e Sublime or e'en ma8e it spring up
from not!ing I often repeate* insi*e myself an* sometimes uote* to my frien*sfrom not!ing I often repeate* insi*e myself an* sometimes uote* to my frien*s
t!is 'erse from t!et!is 'erse from t!e Bhaga&ad Gita Bhaga&ad Gita66
>BT!e>BT!e yogi yogi 8no)s t!e oy eternal beyon* t!e pale of t!e senses )!i%! !is reason 8no)s t!e oy eternal beyon* t!e pale of t!e senses )!i%! !is reason
%annot grasp.%annot grasp. 0e abi*es0e abi*es in t!isin t!is reality an*reality an* mo'es notmo'es not t!en%e.t!en%e. 0e !as fo0e !as foun* t!eun* t!e
treatreasursure aboe abo'e al'e all ot!l ot!ers.ers. T!eT!ere is nore is not!int!ing !igg !ig!er t!er t!an t!an t!is!is.. 0e t!0e t!at !aat !ass
a%!ie'e* it s!all not ba%!ie'e* it s!all not be mo'e* bye mo'e* by t!e greatest sorro)t!e greatest sorro).. T!is is t!e real mT!is is t!e real meaningeaning
ofof YogaYoga  a *eli'eran%e from %onta%t )it! pain an* sorro)>.  a *eli'eran%e from %onta%t )it! pain an* sorro)>.
?!ile repeating it; I )as a%tually sa'oring t!at &oy.?!ile repeating it; I )as a%tually sa'oring t!at &oy.
On a uiet afternoon )al8 among trees ust before sunset; I ui%8ly glan%e* no)On a uiet afternoon )al8 among trees ust before sunset; I ui%8ly glan%e* no)
an* t!en at te=t from one of t!ean* t!en at te=t from one of t!e 7panishads7panishads Jan%ient Sans8rit sa%re* te=tsK t!at I Jan%ient Sans8rit sa%re* te=tsK t!at I
!a* )it! me. One parti%ular senten%e a)a8ene* an instantaneous realization6!a* )it! me. One parti%ular senten%e a)a8ene* an instantaneous realization6
>T!ou art T!at>>T!ou art T!at>
I %lose* t!e boo8 an* repeate* t!e )or*s as if in a tran%e. :y rationalI %lose* t!e boo8 an* repeate* t!e )or*s as if in a tran%e. :y rational
min* )as able tomin* )as able to grasp but notgrasp but not fully a%%epfully a%%ept t!et t!e in%omin%ommensurmensurable impli%aable impli%ation oftion of
t!e statement. It meant t!at it )as I t!at )as t!e unbelie'ably *eli%ate green lig!tt!e statement. It meant t!at it )as I t!at )as t!e unbelie'ably *eli%ate green lig!t
filtering t!roug! t!e lea'es; bearing )itness to t!e spring t!at broug!t ne) life.filtering t!roug! t!e lea'es; bearing )itness to t!e spring t!at broug!t ne) life.
<a%8 !ome; I *i* not e'en try to put *o)n on paper t!e numerous >moments of<a%8 !ome; I *i* not e'en try to put *o)n on paper t!e numerous >moments of
gra%e> I e=perien%e* from t!is realization; nor %oul* I !a'e. :y only )is! )as togra%e> I e=perien%e* from t!is realization; nor %oul* I !a'e. :y only )is! )as to
*e*el'el'e fufurtrt!e!err anan** fufurtrt!e!err intintoo t!it!iss nene)) inninnerer sosourur%e%e ofof un*un*ererstastan*in*ingng anan**
enlig!tenment.enlig!tenment.
1414

K$ndalini experien/e K$ndalini experien/e
,fter !a'ing boug!t t!e )or8s of 7ama8ris!na; i'e8anan*a; Hopi #ris!na an*,fter !a'ing boug!t t!e )or8s of 7ama8ris!na; i'e8anan*a; Hopi #ris!na an*
Patanali9sPatanali9s Yoga %$trasYoga %$tras Ba big 'olume )it! %omments by I.#. Taimni; I finally Ba big 'olume )it! %omments by I.#. Taimni; I finally
*e%i*e* to buy*e%i*e* to buy t!e autobiograp!yt!e autobiograp!y of an In*ianof an In*ian saint; )!om I )ilsaint; )!om I )ill in*i%ate byl in*i%ate by PP.Y.Y..
""
. . It )as a boo8 I !a* seen some yeIt )as a boo8 I !a* seen some years bears beforfore but !a* not boug!e but !a* not boug!t be%aut be%ause itse it
*i*n9t %ont*i*n9t %ontain pra%tain pra%ti%al instri%al instru%tionsu%tions.. :y !ope no) )as t!at I )oul* be ab:y !ope no) )as t!at I )oul* be able tole to
fin* useful information su%! as t!e a**resses of some goo* Yoga s%!ools. T!isfin* useful information su%! as t!e a**resses of some goo* Yoga s%!ools. T!is
autobiograp!y ent!ralle* me an* %reate* a strong aspiration to)ar* t!e mysti%alautobiograp!y ent!ralle* me an* %reate* a strong aspiration to)ar* t!e mysti%al
pat!. pat!. InIn %ertain%ertain momentsmoments II foun*foun* myselfmyself almostalmost burningburning fromfrom anan internalinternal fe'erfe'er..
T!is pro'i*e* fertile groun* for t!e %oming of an e'ent )!i%! )as ra*i%allyT!is pro'i*e* fertile groun* for t!e %oming of an e'ent )!i%! )as ra*i%ally
*if*iffefererentnt frfromom ananyy II !a!a** e=e=peperirienen%e%e** bebefoforere.. ItIt )a)ass aa 8in8in** ofof >i>intintimamate>te>
e=perie=perien%e. Nonet!een%e. Nonet!eless; sin%e Iless; sin%e I !a'e listene* to!a'e listene* to similasimilarr *es%r*es%riptions fromiptions from YogaYoga
pra%titioners; I !a'e *e%i*e* to s!are it. pra%titioners; I !a'e *e%i*e* to s!are it.
One nig!t )!ile rea*ing POne nig!t )!ile rea*ing P.Y.Y.9s autobiograp!y;.9s autobiograp!y; I felt a s!i'er similar to an ele%tri%I felt a s!i'er similar to an ele%tri%
%urrent sprea* itself%urrent sprea* itself t!roug!out my )!ole bo*yt!roug!out my )!ole bo*y.. ,, 99s!i'er99 )as insignifi%ant99s!i'er99 )as insignifi%ant inin
itself; but ititself; but it frig!tfrig!tene* me. :yene* me. :y rea%rea%tion )as rat!er strange sin%etion )as rat!er strange sin%e I !a*I !a* al)aysal)ays
belie'e* belie'e* II )as)as immuneimmune fromfrom fearfear ofof allall t!ingst!ings relate*relate* toto trans%en*en%e.trans%en*en%e. T!eT!e
t!oug!t flas!et!oug!t flas!e* t!roug! my min** t!roug! my min* t!at a *eeper e'ent )as going tot!at a *eeper e'ent )as going to !appen soon!appen soon
t!at it )as going to be strong; 'ery strong an* I )oul* not be able to stop it int!at it )as going to be strong; 'ery strong an* I )oul* not be able to stop it in
any )ay. It )as as if my memory !a* some ine=pli%able familiarity )it! it an*any )ay. It )as as if my memory !a* some ine=pli%able familiarity )it! it an*
my instin%t 8ne) its ines%apable po)er. I ma*e up my min* to let t!ings !appenmy instin%t 8ne) its ines%apable po)er. I ma*e up my min* to let t!ings !appen
unimpe*unimpe*e* an* go a!ea* )it! t!ee* an* go a!ea* )it! t!e rea*inrea*ing. :inutes passeg. :inutes passe* an* I* an* I )as not able to)as not able to
%ontinue rea*ing my restlessness turne* into an=iety. T!en it again be%ame fear;%ontinue rea*ing my restlessness turne* into an=iety. T!en it again be%ame fear;
an intense fan intense fear of somear of somet!ing un8net!ing un8no)n )!i%! )ao)n )!i%! )as t!reates t!reatening my e=isning my e=isten%e.ten%e. II
!a* %ertainly ne'er e=perien%e* a similar state. In past moments of *anger; I use*!a* %ertainly ne'er e=perien%e* a similar state. In past moments of *anger; I use*
to remain paralyze*; unable to t!in8. No) my t!oug!ts )ere stirring franti%ally;to remain paralyze*; unable to t!in8. No) my t!oug!ts )ere stirring franti%ally;
pi%turing pi%turing t!e )orstt!e )orst results6 losresults6 loss ofs of psy%!ologi%alpsy%!ologi%al balan%e; en%ounterbalan%e; en%ounter )it! an)it! an e'ile'il
entity; per!aps e'en *eat!.entity; per!aps e'en *eat!.
I felt t!e urgen%I felt t!e urgen%y toy to *o somet!ing*o somet!ing; e'en t!oug! I *i* not; e'en t!oug! I *i* not 8no) )!at. I set8no) )!at. I set
myself into positionmyself into position for me*itation an*for me*itation an* )aite)aite*.*. T!e anguis! in%rease*. , paT!e anguis! in%rease*. , part ofrt of
me; maybe t!e totality of t!at entity I %all >myself>; seeme* at t!e point ofme; maybe t!e totality of t!at entity I %all >myself>; seeme* at t!e point of
melting a)ay. T!e )orst t!oug!ts !ung o'er me )it!out a %lear reason.melting a)ay. T!e )orst t!oug!ts !ung o'er me )it!out a %lear reason.
II !!aa** uustst ffiinnisis!!ee** rreeaa*i*inngg HoHoppii ##rriiss!n!naa99ss K$ndalini= K$ndalini= PathPath toto HigherHigher
Cons/io$snessCons/io$sness in )!i%! t!e aut!or *es%ribe* t!e splen*i* a)a8ening e=perien%ein )!i%! t!e aut!or *es%ribe* t!e splen*i* a)a8ening e=perien%e
""
T!e rea*er )ill un*erstan* )!y I am not T!e rea*er )ill un*erstan* )!y I am not mentioning t!e full name of P.Ymentioning t!e full name of P.Y.  it.  it is not *iffi%ult !o)e'eris not *iffi%ult !o)e'er
to figure out !isto figure out !is i*enti*entityity. T!ere are many s%!ools of. T!ere are many s%!ools of YogaYoga sprea*ing !is tea%!ings a%%or*ing to a sprea*ing !is tea%!ings a%%or*ing to a
Gspe%ifi% legitima%y9. One of t!ese; t!roug! its representati'es; ma*e me realize t!at not only )on9tGspe%ifi% legitima%y9. One of t!ese; t!roug! its representati'es; ma*e me realize t!at not only )on9t
t!ey tolerate t!e smallest of t!e Copyrig!t 'iolations; but t!ey )on9t e'en appre%iate t!eir belo'e*t!ey tolerate t!e smallest of t!e Copyrig!t 'iolations; but t!ey )on9t e'en appre%iate t!eir belo'e*
TTea%!er9s name being mi=e* intoea%!er9s name being mi=e* into *is%ussions about*is%ussions about Kriya Kriya on t!e Internet. T!e reason is t!at in t!e past on t!e Internet. T!e reason is t!at in t!e past
some people use* 0is name to mislea* a !ig! number of pra%titioners )!o )ere trying to re%ei'e 0issome people use* 0is name to mislea* a !ig! number of pra%titioners )!o )ere trying to re%ei'e 0is
original tea%!ings. :oreo'er; my *esire is to inform t!e rea*er t!at in t!e follo)ing pages I )ill onlyoriginal tea%!ings. :oreo'er; my *esire is to inform t!e rea*er t!at in t!e follo)ing pages I )ill only
summarily linger upon my un*erstan*ing of 0is lega%ysummarily linger upon my un*erstan*ing of 0is lega%y; )it!out any pretension of gi'ing; )it!out any pretension of gi'ing an obe%ti'ean obe%ti'e
a%%ount of it. ,n intereste* rea*er s!oul* not renoun%e t!e pri'ilege of turning toa%%ount of it. ,n intereste* rea*er s!oul* not renoun%e t!e pri'ilege of turning to t!e original te=tst!e original te=ts
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!e!e !a* follo)!a* follo)ing aning an inteintense pra%tnse pra%ti%e ofi%e of %on%on%en%entratration ontion on t!e se'ent!e se'ent!t! CharaChara..
0o)e'er  be%ause !is bo*y )as probably unprepare*  !e later met serious0o)e'er  be%ause !is bo*y )as probably unprepare*  !e later met serious
p!ysi%al an*; p!ysi%al an*; as a refle=; psy%!i%as a refle=; psy%!i% problems as )ell. ,%%or*ing toproblems as )ell. ,%%or*ing to !is *es%ription;!is *es%ription;
insi*e !is bo*y t!e energy )as for%e* into %onstant motion from t!e base of t!einsi*e !is bo*y t!e energy )as for%e* into %onstant motion from t!e base of t!e
ba%8bone ba%8bone to)ar* t!to)ar* t!e brain.e brain. SoSo strongstrong )as t!)as t!e energye energy t!att!at !e )as!e )as be*ri**en anbe*ri**en an**
%oul* not a%%omplis! normal bo*ily fun%tions. 0e literally felt as if !e )as being%oul* not a%%omplis! normal bo*ily fun%tions. 0e literally felt as if !e )as being
burne* by an inner fire )!i%! !e %oul* not put out. burne* by an inner fire )!i%! !e %oul* not put out.
?ee8s later; !e intuiti'ely *is%o'ere* t!e )ay to %ontrol t!e p!enomenon?ee8s later; !e intuiti'ely *is%o'ere* t!e )ay to %ontrol t!e p!enomenon
 t!e up  t!e up)ar* flo) of)ar* flo) of energy t!roug! t!eenergy t!roug! t!e spine be%ame a persisspine be%ame a persistent e=perien%e oftent e=perien%e of
internal realization. I )as afrai* I too !a* %ome to t!e t!res!ol* of t!at sameinternal realization. I )as afrai* I too !a* %ome to t!e t!res!ol* of t!at same
e=perien%e but; sin%e I *i* not li'e in In*ia; per!aps people aroun* me mig!t note=perien%e but; sin%e I *i* not li'e in In*ia; per!aps people aroun* me mig!t not
un*erstan*. T!e e=perien%e )oul* !a'e been terrible No one %oul* !elp insureun*erstan*. T!e e=perien%e )oul* !a'e been terrible No one %oul* !elp insure
t!at my e=perien%e )oul* be %!annele* to)ar* a positi'e %on%lusiot!at my e=perien%e )oul* be %!annele* to)ar* a positi'e %on%lusion li8en li8e it )asit )as
for Hopi #ris!na.for Hopi #ris!na.
T!T!ee spspiriritituauall )o)orlrl** apappepearare*e* toto meme toto bebe aa sosorrrro)o)fufull anan** !o!orrrribiblele
nig!tmanig!tmare; ablere; able toto anni!ilaanni!ilate an*te an* *estroy )!oe'er )oul* impru*ently approa%!*estroy )!oe'er )oul* impru*ently approa%!
it. Or*inary life; on t!e %ontrary; seeme* t!e *earest an* !ealt!iest reality. I )asit. Or*inary life; on t!e %ontrary; seeme* t!e *earest an* !ealt!iest reality. I )as
afrai* I mig!t not be able to get ba%8 to t!at %on*ition again. I )as %on'in%e* Iafrai* I mig!t not be able to get ba%8 to t!at %on*ition again. I )as %on'in%e* I
!a* opene* a *oor I )as not suppose* to open; so I *e%i*e* to stop t!e!a* opene* a *oor I )as not suppose* to open; so I *e%i*e* to stop t!e
e=perien%e an* put off t!e fatal moment.e=perien%e an* put off t!e fatal moment.
I stoo* up an* left t!e room; out to t!e open air. It )as nig!t an* t!ere )asI stoo* up an* left t!e room; out to t!e open air. It )as nig!t an* t!ere )as
nobo*y to )!om I %oul* %ommuni%atnobo*y to )!om I %oul* %ommuni%ate my pani% ,t t!e %enter of t!e yar* I )ase my pani% ,t t!e %enter of t!e yar* I )as
bur*ene*; bur*ene*; %!o8e*;%!o8e*; almostalmost %rus!e* by%rus!e* by aa feeling ofeeling off *esperation;*esperation; en'yingen'ying allall t!oset!ose
people people )!o)!o !a* ne'!a* ne'er pra%ti%e*er pra%ti%e* Yoga'Yoga' I su**enly felt guilty an* as!ame* of t!eI su**enly felt guilty an* as!ame* of t!e
!ars! )or*s I !a* use* against a frien* )!o !a* been in'ol'e* in part of my!ars! )or*s I !a* use* against a frien* )!o !a* been in'ol'e* in part of my
sear%!. Li8e so many ot!ers; !e !a* s!unne* any pra%ti%e; ignore* lofty rea*ings;sear%!. Li8e so many ot!ers; !e !a* s!unne* any pra%ti%e; ignore* lofty rea*ings;
an* *e%i*e* instea* to enoy life. Euippe* )it! a u'enile bol*ness; I !a*an* *e%i*e* instea* to enoy life. Euippe* )it! a u'enile bol*ness; I !a*
a**resse* !im )it! a tone far from affe%tionate; )!i%! no) starte* to t!un*era**resse* !im )it! a tone far from affe%tionate; )!i%! no) starte* to t!un*er
insi*e my !ea*. I )as sorry I !a* t!ro)n unustifie* %ruelty at !im )it!out reallyinsi*e my !ea*. I )as sorry I !a* t!ro)n unustifie* %ruelty at !im )it!out really
8no)ing )!at )as in !is min* an* soul. I )oul* !a'e li8e* to tell !im !o) sorry8no)ing )!at )as in !is min* an* soul. I )oul* !a'e li8e* to tell !im !o) sorry
I )as to !a'e brutally 'iolate* !is rig!t to li'e t!e )ay !e t!oug!t )as best.I )as to !a'e brutally 'iolate* !is rig!t to li'e t!e )ay !e t!oug!t )as best.
Per!aps !e !a* preferre* to prote%t !is mental !ealt! rat!er t!an be%ome unstablePer!aps !e !a* preferre* to prote%t !is mental !ealt! rat!er t!an be%ome unstable
or insane t!roug! pra%ti%es !e )as unsure of.or insane t!roug! pra%ti%es !e )as unsure of.
<e%ause of my great passion for %lassi%al musi%; I !ope* t!at listening to<e%ause of my great passion for %lassi%al musi%; I !ope* t!at listening to
it mig!t yiel* t!e positi'e effe%t of prote%ting me from anguis! an* !elp me getit mig!t yiel* t!e positi'e effe%t of prote%ting me from anguis! an* !elp me get
ba%8 ba%8 mymy usualusual moo*.moo*. ItIt )as)as <eet!o'en9s<eet!o'en9s Con/ert (or >iolin and 0r/hestra!Con/ert (or >iolin and 0r/hestra!
)!i%! I)!i%! I listenelistene* to* to in my room )it!in my room )it! !ea*p!o!ea*p!ones; t!at soot!e* my soul an* afternes; t!at soot!e* my soul an* after
!alf an !our ease* my sleep. <ut t!e follo)ing morning I a)o8e )it! t!e same!alf an !our ease* my sleep. <ut t!e follo)ing morning I a)o8e )it! t!e same
fear. Strange as it may seem; t!e t)o pi'otal fa%ts t!at to*ay stir my most intensefear. Strange as it may seem; t!e t)o pi'otal fa%ts t!at to*ay stir my most intense
emotions  t!at 5i'ine Intelligen%e is t!e 'ery basis of e'eryt!ing t!at e=ists; an*emotions  t!at 5i'ine Intelligen%e is t!e 'ery basis of e'eryt!ing t!at e=ists; an*
t!at man %an pra%ti%e a *efinite *is%ipline in or*er to attune to it  %on'eye* tot!at man %an pra%ti%e a *efinite *is%ipline in or*er to attune to it  %on'eye* to
me a feeling of !orrorme a feeling of !orror
Sunlig!t poure* into t!e room t!roug! t!e gaps in t!e s!utters. I !a* aSunlig!t poure* into t!e room t!roug! t!e gaps in t!e s!utters. I !a* a
)!ole *ay be)!ole *ay before mefore me.. I )ent out to try an* aI )ent out to try an* amuse mysmuse myself by being )itelf by being )it! ot!er! ot!er
people. I people. I met smet some frien*some frien*s an*an* spentspent t!e afternoont!e afternoon %ra%8ing o%ra%8ing o8es an*8es an* be!a'ingbe!a'ing
1"1"

li8e t!e people I !a* al)ays %onsi*ere* lazy an* *ull. In t!is )ay; I su%%ee*e* inli8e t!e people I !a* al)ays %onsi*ere* lazy an* *ull. In t!is )ay; I su%%ee*e* in
!i*ing my angui!i*ing my anguis!. T!e firs!. T!e first *ay )ent by my min* )as totallst *ay )ent by my min* )as totally )orn out.y )orn out. ,fter,fter
t)o *ays; t!e fear !a* *iminis!e* an* I finally felt safe. Somet!ing felt %!ange*t)o *ays; t!e fear !a* *iminis!e* an* I finally felt safe. Somet!ing felt %!ange*
any)ay I !a*nDt t!oug!t aboutany)ay I !a*nDt t!oug!t about Yoga!Yoga! I only t!oug!t aroun* it. I only t!oug!t aroun* it.
One )ee8 later IOne )ee8 later I beganbegan; %almly an*; %almly an* *eta%*eta%!e*ly!e*ly; to; to pon*er t!e meaning ofpon*er t!e meaning of
)!at !a* !appene*. I un*erstoo* t!e nature of my rea%tion to t!at episo*e6 I !a*)!at !a* !appene*. I un*erstoo* t!e nature of my rea%tion to t!at episo*e6 I !a*
%o)ar*ly run a)ay from t!e e=perien%e I !a* pursue* for su%! a long time In%o)ar*ly run a)ay from t!e e=perien%e I !a* pursue* for su%! a long time In
t!e *ept! of my soul my *ignity urge* me to %ontinue )it! my sear%! e=a%tlyt!e *ept! of my soul my *ignity urge* me to %ontinue )it! my sear%! e=a%tly
from t!e point )!ere I !a* uit. I )as rea*y to a%%ept all t!at )as to !appen an*from t!e point )!ere I !a* uit. I )as rea*y to a%%ept all t!at )as to !appen an*
lelett t!it!ingngss fofollollo)) t!t!eieirr %o%ourursese;; e'ee'enn ifif t!it!iss prpro%o%esesss imimpliplie*e* t!e losst!e loss ofof mymy
)!olesomeness. I began t!e pra%ti%e of)!olesomeness. I began t!e pra%ti%e of Pranayama Pranayama again; as intensely as before. again; as intensely as before.
, fe) *ays )ent by )it!out *ete%ting any form of fear. T!en; I e=perien%e*, fe) *ays )ent by )it!out *ete%ting any form of fear. T!en; I e=perien%e*
somet!ing 'ery beautiful.somet!ing 'ery beautiful.
ItIt )a)ass ninig!tg!t.. II )a)ass lyilyingng inin aa rerelala=e=e** >%>%ororpspsee poposese>;>; )!)!enen II !a!a** aa plpleaeasasantnt
sensation; as if an ele%tri% )in* )as blo)ing in t!e e=ternal part of my bo*y;sensation; as if an ele%tri% )in* )as blo)ing in t!e e=ternal part of my bo*y;
propagating propagating itself uitself ui%8ly an*i%8ly an* )it!)it! a )a'ya )a'y motionmotion from myfrom my feet upfeet up toto my !ea*.my !ea*.
:y bo*y )as so tire:y bo*y )as so tire* I %oul* not mo'e  e'* I %oul* not mo'e  e'en if my min* !a* oren if my min* !a* or*ere* it to.*ere* it to. II
felt t!e familifelt t!e familiar sensatiar sensation but !a* no fearon but !a* no fear.. :y %omposu:y %omposure )as serenere )as serene. T!en t!e. T!en t!e
ele%tri% )in* )as repla%e* by anot!er feeling; %omparable to an enormous po)erele%tri% )in* )as repla%e* by anot!er feeling; %omparable to an enormous po)er
pouring pouring intointo t!et!e ba%8boneba%8bone an*an* ui%8lyui%8ly %limbing%limbing upup toto t!e bt!e brain. T!erain. T!e e=perien%ee=perien%e
)as a%%ompanie* by an in*es%ribable; an* so far un8no)n; sense of bliss. T!e)as a%%ompanie* by an in*es%ribable; an* so far un8no)n; sense of bliss. T!e
per%eption of an intense brig!tness a%%ompanie* e'eryt!ing per%eption of an intense brig!tness a%%ompanie* e'eryt!ing.. :y memory of t!at:y memory of t!at
moment is %on*ense* into a single e=pression; >a %lear an* eup!ori% %ertainty ofmoment is %on*ense* into a single e=pression; >a %lear an* eup!ori% %ertainty of
e=isting; li8e an unlimite* o%ean of a)areness an* bliss>. T!e strangest t!ing )ase=isting; li8e an unlimite* o%ean of a)areness an* bliss>. T!e strangest t!ing )as
t!at in t!e 'ery instant I !a* it; I foun* it familiar.t!at in t!e 'ery instant I !a* it; I foun* it familiar.
InIn God ?xists= * Ha&e "et HimGod ?xists= * Ha&e "et Him; ,. Frossar* tries to gi'e an i*ea of !is spiritual; ,. Frossar* tries to gi'e an i*ea of !is spiritual
e=perie=perien%e. Ten%e. Too t!at en*;t!at en*; !e %reates t!e!e %reates t!e %on%e%on%ept ofpt of an >in'erse a'alan%!ean >in'erse a'alan%!e>. ,n>. ,n
a'alan%!e %ollapses; runs *o)n!ill; first slo)ly t!en faster an* 'iolently at t!ea'alan%!e %ollapses; runs *o)n!ill; first slo)ly t!en faster an* 'iolently at t!e
same time. Frossar* suggests )e s!oul* imagine an >upsi*e*o)n a'alan%!e>same time. Frossar* suggests )e s!oul* imagine an >upsi*e*o)n a'alan%!e>
)!i%! begins strengt)!i%! begins strengt!ening at t!e foot!ening at t!e foot of t!e mountain an* %limbs upof t!e mountain an* %limbs up pus!e* bypus!e* by
an in%rean in%reasing po)easing po)er t!en su**r t!en su**enly it leapenly it leaps up to)ar* t!e s8s up to)ar* t!e s8yy.. I *o not 8no)I *o not 8no)
!o) long t!is e=perien%e laste*. It *efinitely pea8e* out at only a fe) se%on*s.!o) long t!is e=perien%e laste*. It *efinitely pea8e* out at only a fe) se%on*s.
?!en it en*e*; I turne* on my si*e an* fell into a %alm; uninterrupte* sleep.?!en it en*e*; I turne* on my si*e an* fell into a %alm; uninterrupte* sleep.
T!e follo)inT!e follo)ing *ayg *ay )!en I a)o8e I)!en I a)o8e I !a* forgo!a* forgotten it. It onlytten it. It only %ame up some%ame up some
!ou!oursrs lalateterr;; *ur*uringing aa )a)al8l8.. LeLeananiningg agagainainstst t!t!ee trtrunun88 ofof aa trtreeee;; II reremamainine*e*
immobile for a %ouple minutes; ent!ralle* by t!e re'erberation of t!e memory. Iimmobile for a %ouple minutes; ent!ralle* by t!e re'erberation of t!e memory. I
)as floo*e* )it! great oy)as floo*e* )it! great oy. It )as. It )as as if Ias if I !a* )o8en up after a tormente* *ream!a* )o8en up after a tormente* *ream
!ea'y limitations !a* been )eig!ing my !eart *o)n for a long time an* no)!ea'y limitations !a* been )eig!ing my !eart *o)n for a long time an* no)
t!ey !a* *issol't!ey !a* *issol'e*.e*. ,n elate* %on,n elate* %on*ition stret*ition stret%!ing out far past t!e limi%!ing out far past t!e limits of myts of my
a)areness  a sort of memory !i*ing in t!e re%esses of my sub%ons%ious  begana)areness  a sort of memory !i*ing in t!e re%esses of my sub%ons%ious  began
to be re'eale*; as if a ne) area of my brain !a* been stirre* to a full a)a8ening.to be re'eale*; as if a ne) area of my brain !a* been stirre* to a full a)a8ening.
I foun* myself %ontemplating a *reamli8e reality; still obe%ti'ely in*isputable itI foun* myself %ontemplating a *reamli8e reality; still obe%ti'ely in*isputable it
!a* arisen in me )it! t!e naturalness of a primor*ial instin%t alt!oug! it !a*!a* arisen in me )it! t!e naturalness of a primor*ial instin%t alt!oug! it !a*
not!ing to *o )it! t!e )orl* surroun*ing me in )!i%! I li'e*.not!ing to *o )it! t!e )orl* surroun*ing me in )!i%! I li'e*.
1$1$

CC0,PTE7 0,PTE7 " "
K K RIYARIYA YYOGAOGA FFROMROM OORGANIZATIONSRGANIZATIONS
An*erta8ing t!e pra%ti%e ofAn*erta8ing t!e pra%ti%e of Pranayama Pranayama )as li8e planting t!e see* of a mig!ty )as li8e planting t!e see* of a mig!ty
tree in t!e fe'eris! season of my yout! an* %ontemplating its safe gro)t! at ot!ertree in t!e fe'eris! season of my yout! an* %ontemplating its safe gro)t! at ot!er
titimemess of myof my lilifefe.. Pranayama Pranayama be%ame my safe refuge )!en t!e trials of life be%ame my safe refuge )!en t!e trials of life
%o%onspnspirire*e* toto )e)earar a)a)ayay t!et!e babasi%si% ooyy )!)!i%i%!! )a)ass mymy inin!er!erenentt natnaturure.e. <y<y
s!ars!arpenpeninging aesaest!et!eti% enoymti% enoymentent;; itit filfille*le* mymy *ay*ayss )it! t!e)it! t!e frufruitioitionn ofof i*ei*ealal
<eauty; reinfor%ing my *etermination to see8 only insi*e it t!e tra%es of t!e<eauty; reinfor%ing my *etermination to see8 only insi*e it t!e tra%es of t!e
ineffable >ineffable > Prime&al Ca$se@ Prime&al Ca$se@ of all t!ings.of all t!ings.
I !a* no *oubts t!at t!e 7eality to)ar*s )!i%! I )as *ire%ting my life )asI !a* no *oubts t!at t!e 7eality to)ar*s )!i%! I )as *ire%ting my life )as
t!e 99Self99 as %on%ei'e* by C.H. &ung. I belie'e* t!att!e 99Self99 as %on%ei'e* by C.H. &ung. I belie'e* t!at Pranayama Pranayama )oul* initiate a)oul* initiate a
%l%leaeansnsiningg ofof t!t!ee susub%b%onons%s%ioiousus papartrt ofof mymy pspsy%y%!e!e;; gugui*i*iningg meme alalonongg t!t!ee
>> *ndi&id$ation *ndi&id$ation Pro/essPro/ess> *es%ribe* by &ung. In my *reamerDs !eart; I fan%ie* I> *es%ribe* by &ung. In my *reamerDs !eart; I fan%ie* I
)oul* fa%e t!e ar%!etypes of t!e)oul* fa%e t!e ar%!etypes of t!e ColleColle%ti'e An%ons%i%ti'e An%ons%ious...ous..... I 8ne)I 8ne) t!at not!at no manman
s!s!ououl*l* unun*e*ertrta8a8ee susu%!%! aa peperirilolousus 'e'entntururee )i)it!t!ououtt t!t!ee gugui*i*ee ofof aa trtraiainene**
psy%!ologist psy%!ologist butbut II !a*!a* nono fearfear asas II relie*relie* uponupon mymy o)no)n ent!usiasm;ent!usiasm; 'igilan%e;'igilan%e;
anan** inin*om*omititabablele )i)illll toto peperfrfe%e%tt mymy Pranayama' Pranayama' ,not,not!er!er t!int!ingg !a*!a* be%be%omeome
a*amaa*amantly %lear6 I )oul* !a'e tontly %lear6 I )oul* !a'e to %!oose a professi%!oose a profession t!at )oul* noton t!at )oul* not o%%upo%%upy myy my
entire *ay nor all my energy. I !a* to li'e a life t!at *i* not betray my inner Selfentire *ay nor all my energy. I !a* to li'e a life t!at *i* not betray my inner Self
TT!!ee K$ndalini K$ndalini e=pe=perierien%en%ee !ap!appenpene*e* se'se'eraerall timtimeses butbut ne'ne'erer be%be%ameame
%onstant. It too8 pla%e espe%ially )!en I *e'ote* myself to stu*y late at nig!t an*%onstant. It too8 pla%e espe%ially )!en I *e'ote* myself to stu*y late at nig!t an*
t!en lay e=!auste* on my be*. ?!ene'er it appeare* my !eart bubble* )it!t!en lay e=!auste* on my be*. ?!ene'er it appeare* my !eart bubble* )it!
ininffininititee grgratatefefululnenessss toto sosommetet!i!ingng !i!ig!g!eerr;; bebeyoyon*n* mmyy %%apapababililititieiess ofof
un*erstan*ing an* 'isualizing.un*erstan*ing an* 'isualizing.
I belie'e*I belie'e* Pranayama Pranayama %oul* !elp anyone to li'e in a better )ay. In my beginner9s %oul* !elp anyone to li'e in a better )ay. In my beginner9s
zeazeal;l; II %ou%oul*l* not refranot refrainin frofromm tryitryingng toto %on'%on'in%in%ee ot!eot!err peoppeoplele ofof itsits benbenefiefits.ts.
Sin%e my frien*s *i* not s!are my ent!usiasm but )ere polite )!ile listening; ISin%e my frien*s *i* not s!are my ent!usiasm but )ere polite )!ile listening; I
insiste* on emp!asizing some aspe%ts of t!eir be!a'ior )!i%! I *e%i*e* nee*e*insiste* on emp!asizing some aspe%ts of t!eir be!a'ior )!i%! I *e%i*e* nee*e*
impro'ement. In my opinion t!ey )ere e=%essi'e in t!eir *esire to al)ays appearimpro'ement. In my opinion t!ey )ere e=%essi'e in t!eir *esire to al)ays appear
%!eerful an* )illing to !elp out. :y point )as t!at t!e great amount of energy%!eerful an* )illing to !elp out. :y point )as t!at t!e great amount of energy
t!ey suan*ere* in t!is *ebilitating pra%ti%e )as %ounterbalan%e* by perio*s int!ey suan*ere* in t!is *ebilitating pra%ti%e )as %ounterbalan%e* by perio*s in
)!i)!i%!%! t!et!eyy gaga'e'e t!t!ee imimprpresessiosionn ofof >im>imploplo*in*ing>g>.. T!T!eyey )o)oul*ul* in*in*i'ii'i*ua*uallllyy
*isappear for some time an*; strange in*ee*; t!ey %oul* no longer put up )it!*isappear for some time an*; strange in*ee*; t!ey %oul* no longer put up )it!
anyone.anyone.
In s!ort; I )as telling t!em t!at t!eir so%ial life )as a far%e; )!ile t!ey !a*In s!ort; I )as telling t!em t!at t!eir so%ial life )as a far%e; )!ile t!ey !a*
labele* me antiso%ial. I *e%lare* t!atlabele* me antiso%ial. I *e%lare* t!at Pranayama Pranayama )oul* !arness t!eir energies )oul* !arness t!eir energies
to)ar*s a more balan%e*to)ar*s a more balan%e* psy%!e. T!is generate*psy%!e. T!is generate* a 'iolent rea%tion. T!eya 'iolent rea%tion. T!ey replie*replie*
t!at my )or*s )ere *epri'e* of a genuine sense of respe%t an* lo'e an* t!at It!at my )or*s )ere *epri'e* of a genuine sense of respe%t an* lo'e an* t!at I
)as unable to s!o) sympat!y to)ar* ot!ers. T!e essen%e of )!at I !a* foun* in)as unable to s!o) sympat!y to)ar* ot!ers. T!e essen%e of )!at I !a* foun* in
Pranayama Pranayama; )!i%! I )ent on e=tolling unflin%!ingly; appeare* to t!em as t!e; )!i%! I )ent on e=tolling unflin%!ingly; appeare* to t!em as t!e
pinna%le of egoism; lea*ing to insulation an* un!ealt!y *eta%!ment from reality. pinna%le of egoism; lea*ing to insulation an* un!ealt!y *eta%!ment from reality.
Huiltri**en; I sa) I !a* pro'o8e* only bitterness. Furt!ermore; I !a*Huiltri**en; I sa) I !a* pro'o8e* only bitterness. Furt!ermore; I !a*
1(1(

been been terriblyterribly %ruel;%ruel; !a'ing;!a'ing; forfor purposespurposes ofof mymy *isuisition;*isuisition; ta8enta8en a*'antagea*'antage ofof
my frien*9s past %onfi*ential a*missions.my frien*9s past %onfi*ential a*missions.
Only one frien*; a >0ippie>; un*erstoo* perfe%tly )!at I )as saying an*Only one frien*; a >0ippie>; un*erstoo* perfe%tly )!at I )as saying an*
s!o)s!o)e* mee* me somsomee empempat!at!yy to !im;to !im; t!e only realt!e only real proproblem )as myblem )as my e=%e=%essessi'ei'e
ent!usiasm about t!e automati% benefits ofent!usiasm about t!e automati% benefits of Pranayama Pranayama. 0e !a* no *oubts t!at. 0e !a* no *oubts t!at
my su%%ess in t!is pra%ti%e *epen*e* )!olly on me. In !is opinion;my su%%ess in t!is pra%ti%e *epen*e* )!olly on me. In !is opinion; Pranayama Pranayama
)as not an art bringing its o)n re)ar*; but an >amplifier> of )!at you !a'e)as not an art bringing its o)n re)ar*; but an >amplifier> of )!at you !a'e
insi*e; en!aninsi*e; en!an%ing )!at you%ing )!at you !a'e alrea*y a%!ie'!a'e alrea*y a%!ie'e*.e*. Pranayama Pranayama; !e sai*; %oul*; !e sai*; %oul*
not %reatnot %reatee anyanyt!int!ingg ne)ne). ,t. ,t t!it!iss poinpointt II agragree* t!atee* t!at Pranayama Pranayama %oul* also be %oul* also be
regar*e* as an internal %leaning pro%ess but I argue* it )as also an a%tion ofregar*e* as an internal %leaning pro%ess but I argue* it )as also an a%tion of
9999%l%limimbibing9ng999 to)to)arar** aa lofloftyty ststateate ofof %o%ons%ns%iouiousnesnessss )!)!ererebebyy yoyouu a%a%!i!ie'e'e*e*
somet!ing ra*i%ally ne). ,t t!at moment I felt *isoriente* I )asn9t able to seesomet!ing ra*i%ally ne). ,t t!at moment I felt *isoriente* I )asn9t able to see
t!at t!e t)o 'isions %oul* %oe=ist  I )as young an* It!at t!e t)o 'isions %oul* %oe=ist  I )as young an* I %atego%ategorize* e'errize* e'eryt!ing asyt!ing as
bla%8 or )!ite. bla%8 or )!ite.
T!e imme*iate problem )as to fin* ot!er te=ts; nay; all t!e e=isting te=ts aboutT!e imme*iate problem )as to fin* ot!er te=ts; nay; all t!e e=isting te=ts about
Pranayama Pranayama. In. In !i!iss auautotobibiogograrap!p!yy PP.Y.Y.. !i!intntss atat Kriya Kriya YYoga!oga! aa ttypypee ooff
Pranayama! Pranayama! )!i%! )as first taug!t by La!iri :a!asaya an* !a* to be mastere* )!i%! )as first taug!t by La!iri :a!asaya an* !a* to be mastere*
t!roug!t!roug! (o$r le&els (o$r le&els. La!iri :a!asaya !imself )as *epi%te* as t!e embo*iment of. La!iri :a!asaya !imself )as *epi%te* as t!e embo*iment of
YYogoga a  surely t!ere must !a'e been somet!ing uniue in !is >)ay> I lo'e*surely t!ere must !a'e been somet!ing uniue in !is >)ay> I lo'e*
Pranayama Pranayama;; anan** t!et!e i*i*eaea ofof imimprpro'io'ingng itit t!rt!rougoug!! *i*iffffererenentt stestepsps sousoun*n*e*e*
)on*erful. If t!e breat!ing e=er%ises I !a* alrea*y pra%ti%e* !a* gi'en me su%!)on*erful. If t!e breat!ing e=er%ises I !a* alrea*y pra%ti%e* !a* gi'en me su%!
in%oin%ompamparabrablele reresultsults; its; it )as ob'iou)as ob'iouss t!at!att t!et!e Kriya Kriya fourstage system )oul* fourstage system )oul*
ma8e t!em greater an* greater :yma8e t!em greater an* greater :y imagination ran )ilimagination ran )il* an* my fer'or g* an* my fer'or gre)re)..
I )ent on rea*ing boo8s by PI )ent on rea*ing boo8s by P.Y.Y.. I )as amaze* by !is personaI )as amaze* by !is personalitylity; )it!; )it!
uneuale* )ill an* an une=pe%te* pra%ti%al spirit. 0e *i* not e=%ite me )!en !euneuale* )ill an* an une=pe%te* pra%ti%al spirit. 0e *i* not e=%ite me )!en !e
spospo8e8e onon aa pupurerelyly *e'*e'ototionionalal totonene;; bubutt *i*i** )!)!enene'e'erer !e!e asassumsume*e* aa momorere
te%!ni%al one; ma8ing it possible for me to fantasize about t!e glory ofte%!ni%al one; ma8ing it possible for me to fantasize about t!e glory of Kriya Kriya..
?!at I %oul* surmise )as t!at?!at I %oul* surmise )as t!at Kriya Yoga Kriya Yoga %onsist%onsiste* ofe* of slo) an* *eepslo) an* *eep breat!breat!inging
)it! t!e a)areness fo%use* on t!e spine; ma8ing t!e inner energy rotate aroun*)it! t!e a)areness fo%use* on t!e spine; ma8ing t!e inner energy rotate aroun*
tt!!ee CharasCharas.. PP.Y.Y.. !i!ig!g!lilig!g!tete** t!t!ee e'e'ololututioionanaryry 'a'aluluee ofof Pranayama Pranayama.. 00ee
e=e=plaplainine*e* t!t!atat ifif )e)e %o%ompmpararee t!t!ee !u!umamann spispinanall %o%olumlumnn toto aa feferrrromomagagneneti%ti%
substan%e %onstitute* of elementary magnets t!at turn to)ar*s t!e same *ire%tionsubstan%e %onstitute* of elementary magnets t!at turn to)ar*s t!e same *ire%tion
)!en t!ey are o'erlappe* by a magneti% fiel*; as taug!t by p!ysi%s; t!en t!e)!en t!ey are o'erlappe* by a magneti% fiel*; as taug!t by p!ysi%s; t!en t!e
a%a%tition ofon of Pranayama Pranayama is a8in to t!is pro%ess of magnetization. <y uniformly is a8in to t!is pro%ess of magnetization. <y uniformly
re*irere*ire%ting all t!e%ting all t!e >subtle> parts of our>subtle> parts of our spinal %or*9s p!ysi%spinal %or*9s p!ysi%al an*al an* astraastrall essenessen%e;%e;
t!et!e Kriya Pranayama Kriya Pranayama burns off t!e so%alle* >ba* see*s> of burns off t!e so%alle* >ba* see*s> of Karma Karma.. $$
No) No) mymy uestionuestion )as)as )!et!er)!et!er oror notnot II !a*!a* toto gogo toto In*iaIn*ia toto loo8loo8 forfor aa
$$
??ee allu*allu*e te too Karma Karma )!ene'er )e sti%8 to t!e %ommon belief t!at a person in!erits a baggage of )!ene'er )e sti%8 to t!e %ommon belief t!at a person in!erits a baggage of
latent ten*en%ies from !is pre'ious li'es an* t!at; sooner or later; t!ese ten*en%ies )ill %ome out inlatent ten*en%ies from !is pre'ious li'es an* t!at; sooner or later; t!ese ten*en%ies )ill %ome out in
a%tual life. Of %oursea%tual life. Of %ourse Kriya Kriya is a pra%ti%e )!i%! one %an e=perimentally use )it!out ne%essarily !a'ing is a pra%ti%e )!i%! one %an e=perimentally use )it!out ne%essarily !a'ing
to a%%ept any %ree*s. 0o)e'er; sin%e t!e %on%ept ofto a%%ept any %ree*s. 0o)e'er; sin%e t!e %on%ept of Karma Karma lies at t!e basis of In*ian t!oug!t; it is lies at t!e basis of In*ian t!oug!t; it is
)ort!)!ile to un*erstan* an* spea8 freely of it. ,%%or*ing to t!is belief;)ort!)!ile to un*erstan* an* spea8 freely of it. ,%%or*ing to t!is belief; Pranayama Pranayama burns out t!e burns out t!e
effe%ts of t!e >ba* see*s> ust before t!ey manifest in our li'es. It is furt!er e=plaine* t!at t!oseeffe%ts of t!e >ba* see*s> ust before t!ey manifest in our li'es. It is furt!er e=plaine* t!at t!ose
people people )!o)!o areare instin%ti'elyinstin%ti'ely attra%te*attra%te* byby met!o*smet!o*s ofof spiritualspiritual *e'elopment*e'elopment su%!su%! asas Kriya Kriya; !a'e; !a'e
alrea*y pra%ti%e* somet!ing similar in a >pre%e*ent in%arnation>. T!is is be%ause su%! an a%tion isalrea*y pra%ti%e* somet!ing similar in a >pre%e*ent in%arnation>. T!is is be%ause su%! an a%tion is
ne'er in 'ain an* in a%tual life t!ey get ba%8 to it e=a%tly )!ere; in a remote past; t!ey !a* uit it.ne'er in 'ain an* in a%tual life t!ey get ba%8 to it e=a%tly )!ere; in a remote past; t!ey !a* uit it.
1+1+

tea%!er to gui*e me. Sin%e I planne* to get t!roug! my uni'ersity stu*ies astea%!er to gui*e me. Sin%e I planne* to get t!roug! my uni'ersity stu*ies as
ui%8ly as possible; I ree%te* t!e i*ea of a ourney to In*ia for t!e near future.ui%8ly as possible; I ree%te* t!e i*ea of a ourney to In*ia for t!e near future.
One *ay )!ile again rea*ing a te=t of P.Y.; I realize* t!at !e !a* )ritten a )!oleOne *ay )!ile again rea*ing a te=t of P.Y.; I realize* t!at !e !a* )ritten a )!ole
set of leset of lessossons onns on Kriya Kriya; an* t!at t!ese %oul* be re%ei'e* by %orrespon*en%e.; an* t!at t!ese %oul* be re%ei'e* by %orrespon*en%e.
?it! great oy?it! great oy; I ui%8ly; I ui%8ly applie* for t!eapplie* for t!e %ourse.%ourse.
T!e )ritten material tra'ele* by s!ip an* t!e *elay times )ere enormous.T!e )ritten material tra'ele* by s!ip an* t!e *elay times )ere enormous.
((
?!en after four mont!s I re%ei'e* t!e first lesson; I %ame to 8no) t!at t!e ?!en after four mont!s I re%ei'e* t!e first lesson; I %ame to 8no) t!at t!e
/orresponden/e/orresponden/e %ourse !a* to %ourse !a* to be %ontinue* for at leastbe %ontinue* for at least one year one year before applying before applying
for t!efor t!e Kriya Kriya lessons. lessons.
:ean)!ile I *e%i*e* to impro'e t!e e=er%ises I alrea*y pra%ti%e*; using:ean)!ile I *e%i*e* to impro'e t!e e=er%ises I alrea*y pra%ti%e*; using
all t!e boo8s I %oul* fin*  regar*less of t!e language in )!i%! t!ey )ereall t!e boo8s I %oul* fin*  regar*less of t!e language in )!i%! t!ey )ere
)ritten. ,t least no) I 8ne) )!at to sear%! for  no more t!e %lassi% e=er%ises)ritten. ,t least no) I 8ne) )!at to sear%! for  no more t!e %lassi% e=er%ises
BB Kapalabhati! Kapalabhati! BhastriaBhastria... but a 8in* of... but a 8in* of Pranayama Pranayama in )!i%! t!e energy !a* to in )!i%! t!e energy !a* to
be 'isuali be 'isualize* rotating;ze* rotating; in somein some )ay; aroun* t!e)ay; aroun* t!e Charas'Charas' If t!is is  as state* byIf t!is is  as state* by
P.Y.  a uni'ersal pro%ess; I !a* a goo* %!an%e of tra%ing it t!roug! ot!er sour%esP.Y.  a uni'ersal pro%ess; I !a* a goo* %!an%e of tra%ing it t!roug! ot!er sour%es
an* tra*itions.an* tra*itions.
Somet!ing *ormant in t!e %orner of my memory a)a8ene*. I 'aguelySomet!ing *ormant in t!e %orner of my memory a)a8ene*. I 'aguely
rerememembmberere*e* !a!a'in'ingg seseenen somsomee *r*ra)a)iningsgs inin aa booboo88 ababououtt o%o%%ul%ultistismm )!)!i%i%!!
s8et%!s8et%!e* out t!e *iffere* out t!e *ifferent %ir%uitent %ir%uits of energy t!rous of energy t!roug!out t!e !uman bo*yg!out t!e !uman bo*y.. T!eT!e
i*ea %ame to me to see8 t!e essential information ini*ea %ame to me to see8 t!e essential information in esoteri/esoteri/ boo8s rat!er t!an in boo8s rat!er t!an in
t!e %lassi% boo8s ont!e %lassi% boo8s on YogaYoga..
I starte* going to a use* boo8s store )!i%! )as 'ery )ell sto%8e*;I starte* going to a use* boo8s store )!i%! )as 'ery )ell sto%8e*;
probably probably be%ausebe%ause itit !a*!a* on%eon%e beenbeen t!et!e T!eosop!i%alT!eosop!i%al So%iety9sSo%iety9s referen%ereferen%e
boo8store. boo8store. I tuI turne* *o)nrne* *o)n t!ose te=tt!ose te=ts )!i%!s )!i%! *ealt onl*ealt only )ity )it! p!! p!ilosop!i%alilosop!i%al topi%s;topi%s;
)!ile; in e%stasy an* not %on%erne* by time; I 8ept on s8imming t!roug! t!ose)!ile; in e%stasy an* not %on%erne* by time; I 8ept on s8imming t!roug! t!ose
)!i%! illustrate* pra%ti%al e=er%ises )it! %larity. <efore pur%!asing a boo8 I)!i%! illustrate* pra%ti%al e=er%ises )it! %larity. <efore pur%!asing a boo8 I
ma*e sure it !inte* at t!e possibility of %!anneling t!e energy along %ertainma*e sure it !inte* at t!e possibility of %!anneling t!e energy along %ertain
internal passages; t!us %reating t!e prereuisite for a)a8ening t!einternal passages; t!us %reating t!e prereuisite for a)a8ening t!e K$ndalini K$ndalini..
?!ile rea*ing t!e in*e= of a te=t )!i%! )as in t!ree 'olumes; intro*u%ing t!e?!ile rea*ing t!e in*e= of a te=t )!i%! )as in t!ree 'olumes; intro*u%ing t!e
esoteri% t!oug!t of t!e 7osi%ru%ian <rot!er!oo*; I )as attra%te* by t!e entry;esoteri% t!oug!t of t!e 7osi%ru%ian <rot!er!oo*; I )as attra%te* by t!e entry;
9999 Breathing exer/ise Breathing exer/ise (or(or thethe a8aeninga8aening o(o( K$ndaliniK$ndalini.99 It )as a 'ariation of.99 It )as a 'ariation of #adi #adi
%odhana'%odhana' Some notes )arne* not to e=aggerate t!e e=er%ise be%ause of t!e ris8 Some notes )arne* not to e=aggerate t!e e=er%ise be%ause of t!e ris8
of aof a prpremematatururee K$ndalini K$ndalini a)a8ening; )!i%! )as to be a'oi*e* by all means. a)a8ening; )!i%! )as to be a'oi*e* by all means.
T!isT!is )as)as *efini*efinitelytely notnot PP.Y.Y.9s.9s Kriya Kriya be%ause; a%%or be%ause; a%%or*ing to se'eral %lues;*ing to se'eral %lues; Kriya Kriya
)as not to be *one )it! alternatenostril breat!ing.)as not to be *one )it! alternatenostril breat!ing.
So I )ent on !aunting t!e boo8store. T!e o)ner )as 'ery ni%e an* ISo I )ent on !aunting t!e boo8store. T!e o)ner )as 'ery ni%e an* I
almost felt oblige*; %onsi*ering t!e %!eap pri%e an* t!e perfe%t %on*itions ofalmost felt oblige*; %onsi*ering t!e %!eap pri%e an* t!e perfe%t %on*itions of
t!ose se%on*!an* boo8s; to buy at least one boo8 per ea%! 'isit. Often a lot oft!ose se%on*!an* boo8s; to buy at least one boo8 per ea%! 'isit. Often a lot of
spa%e )as *e*i%ate* to t!eories alien to %on%rete life; )!i%! trie* to *es%ribespa%e )as *e*i%ate* to t!eories alien to %on%rete life; )!i%! trie* to *es%ribe
)!at %annot be seen or be)!at %annot be seen or be e=pere=perien%e*  su%! as t!eien%e*  su%! as t!e astral )orl*astral )orl*s an* t!es an* t!e subtlesubtle
%o'erings of energy )rapping%o'erings of energy )rapping our bo*y.our bo*y.
One *ay; after bro)sing t!roug! a tiresome sele%tion of boo8s; I )ent toOne *ay; after bro)sing t!roug! a tiresome sele%tion of boo8s; I )ent to
t!e store8eeper )it! a boo8 )it! )!i%! !e must !a'e realize* I )as not satisfie*.t!e store8eeper )it! a boo8 )it! )!i%! !e must !a'e realize* I )as not satisfie*.
?!ile *e%i*ing t!e pri%e; !e t!oug!t of somet!ing t!at mig!t interest me. 0e le*?!ile *e%i*ing t!e pri%e; !e t!oug!t of somet!ing t!at mig!t interest me. 0e le*
((
I %an still %onsi*er myself as fortunate. I li'e* in Nort! East Italy not far from t!e bor*er )it! t!eI %an still %onsi*er myself as fortunate. I li'e* in Nort! East Italy not far from t!e bor*er )it! t!e
former Yformer Yugosla'ia. T!ose people )!o li'e*ugosla'ia. T!ose people )!o li'e* beyon* t!e Iron Curtainbeyon* t!e Iron Curtain %oul* not re%ei'e%oul* not re%ei'e su%! material.su%! material.
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me to t!e ba%8 ofme to t!e ba%8 of t!e store an* in'ite* me to rummage t!roug! a %ar*boat!e store an* in'ite* me to rummage t!roug! a %ar*boar* bo=r* bo=
fille* )it! afille* )it! a messy !eap of papers. ,monmessy !eap of papers. ,mong ag a uantituantityy of mis%ellaof mis%ellaneous materianeous materiall
B%omplete series of t!e t!eosop!i%al magazine issues; s%attere* notes from ol*B%omplete series of t!e t!eosop!i%al magazine issues; s%attere* notes from ol*
%ourse on !ypnosis et%.; I %ame upon a boo8let )ritten in Herman by a %ertain%ourse on !ypnosis et%.; I %ame upon a boo8let )ritten in Herman by a %ertain
#.#. SpieSpiesbesbergergerr )!i)!i%!%! %on%ontaintaine*e* 'ar'ariousious esoesoterteri%i% te%te%!ni!niuesues;; amoamongng t!emt!em
K$ndalinibreathing K$ndalinibreathing . I. I *i* not*i* not !a'e mu%! familia!a'e mu%! familiarity )it! t!erity )it! t!e HermaHerman language;n language;
but but II imme*iatelyimme*iately realize*realize* t!et!e e=traor*inarye=traor*inary importan%eimportan%e ofof t!att!at te%!niue.te%!niue. II
)oul* *oubtlessly be able to *e%ip!er all of it at !ome )it! t!e !elp of a)oul* *oubtlessly be able to *e%ip!er all of it at !ome )it! t!e !elp of a
*i%tionary.*i%tionary. ++
T!e *eT!e *es%riptis%ription ofon of t!is tet!is te%!niue%!niue still astill amazemazes me.s me. 5uring5uring a *eea *eepp
breat!; breat!; t!et!e airair )as)as toto bebe imagine*imagine* flo)ingflo)ing insi*einsi*e t!et!e spinalspinal %olumn.%olumn. ?!ile?!ile
in!aling; t!e air )as rising )!en e=!aling; t!e air )as flo)ing *o)n. T!ere )asin!aling; t!e air )as rising )!en e=!aling; t!e air )as flo)ing *o)n. T!ere )as
also t!e *es%ription of t)o parti%ular soun*s %reate* by air originating in t!ealso t!e *es%ription of t)o parti%ular soun*s %reate* by air originating in t!e
t!roat.t!roat.
In anot!er boo8 )ritten in Englis! t!ere )asIn anot!er boo8 )ritten in Englis! t!ere )as an e=!austi'an e=!austi'e *es%riptioe *es%ription ofn of
t!et!e "agi/ breath "agi/ breath  )!i%! %onsiste* of 'isualizing t!e energy flo)ing  )!i%! %onsiste* of 'isualizing t!e energy flo)ing aro$nd aro$nd t!e t!e
ba%8bone; ba%8bone; notnot insideinside it. T!roug! t!e in!alation; t!e energy !a* to go up be!in* it. T!roug! t!e in!alation; t!e energy !a* to go up be!in*
t!e spinal %olumn; to t!e %enter of t!e !ea* e=!aling; it !a* to go *o)n alongt!e spinal %olumn; to t!e %enter of t!e !ea* e=!aling; it !a* to go *o)n along
t!et!e frofrontnt parpartt ofof t!et!e bo*bo*yy.. II %om%omplepleteltelyy forforgotgot aboaboutut t!et!e ot!eot!err mamaterterialial.. T!eT!e
smir8 of satisfa%smir8 of satisfa%tion I )ore before t!e store8eepetion I )ore before t!e store8eeper !ol*ing t!e t)or !ol*ing t!e t)o boo8s; as if Iboo8s; as if I
!a* foun* a treasure of unfat!omable 'alue; *efinitely %ause* an in%rease in t!eir!a* foun* a treasure of unfat!omable 'alue; *efinitely %ause* an in%rease in t!eir
pri%e. ? pri%e. ?al8ing !ome; I %oul* not !elp s8imming t!roug! t!e pages. I )as %uriousal8ing !ome; I %oul* not !elp s8imming t!roug! t!e pages. I )as %urious
about some roug! *ra)ings illustrating te%!niues )!i%! )ere base* on t!eabout some roug! *ra)ings illustrating te%!niues )!i%! )ere base* on t!e
mo'ement ofmo'ement of energyenergy..
I rea* t!at t!eI rea* t!at t!e "agi/ "agi/ breathbreath )as one of t!e most 'aluable se%rets of all)as one of t!e most 'aluable se%rets of all
times; an* iftimes; an* if pra%tpra%ti%e* %onstantlyi%e* %onstantly;; a%%oma%%ompanie* bypanie* by t!e strengt! oft!e strengt! of 'isuali'isualizationzation;;
it )oul* open t!e spiritual eye. I %on'in%e* myself t!at t!is te%!niue !a* to beit )oul* open t!e spiritual eye. I %on'in%e* myself t!at t!is te%!niue !a* to be
La!iri :a!asaya9sLa!iri :a!asaya9s Kriya Kriya an* an* in%orpoin%orporate* it into myrate* it into my *aily routine; repl*aily routine; repla%ing t!ea%ing t!e
pra%ti%e of pra%ti%e of 7))ayi Pranayama'7))ayi Pranayama'
* meet other riyabans * meet other riyabans
, letter from t!e, letter from t!e organization sen*ingorganization sen*ing me Pme P.Y.Y.D.Ds lessonss lessons informe* me aboutinforme* me about ot!erot!er
people people li'ingli'ing notnot farfar fromfrom mymy area;area; )!o)!o )ere)ere alsoalso pra%ti%ingpra%ti%ing Kriya Kriya YYogaoga. T!ey. T!ey
!a!a** foformrme*e* aa grgrououpp inin oror*e*err toto prpra%a%titi%e%e t!t!atat *i*is%s%ipiplilinene totogeget!t!erer.. II )a)ass
ent!usiasti% an* ui'ere* )it! %!eerful anti%ipation to meet t!em. T!at nig!t Ient!usiasti% an* ui'ere* )it! %!eerful anti%ipation to meet t!em. T!at nig!t I
%oul* !ar*ly fall asleep.%oul* !ar*ly fall asleep.
>Too brig!t )ere our !ea'ens; too far a)ay; too frail t!eir et!ereal stuff>;>Too brig!t )ere our !ea'ens; too far a)ay; too frail t!eir et!ereal stuff>;
)r)rototee %ri A$robindo%ri A$robindo. I )oul* ne'er !a'e t!oug!t t!at t!ose )or*s %oul* be. I )oul* ne'er !a'e t!oug!t t!at t!ose )or*s %oul* be
applie* to my meeting t!oseapplie* to my meeting t!ose peoplepeople ?it! a?it! a sort of sour ironysort of sour irony; I )oul* *ar; I )oul* *are saye say
t!at t!at p!ase of my life %!ara%terize* by e=treme ent!usiasm fort!at t!at p!ase of my life %!ara%terize* by e=treme ent!usiasm for Pranayama Pranayama
++
I %annot !elp smiling )!en some !alf!earte* people insist t!at t!ey are fon* of I %annot !elp smiling )!en some !alf!earte* people insist t!at t!ey are fon* of Kriya Kriya; yet t!ey )ill; yet t!ey )ill
not stu*y some %ru%ial te=ts in Englis! be%ause t!ey are afrai* to misinterpret t!em. I am %on'in%e*not stu*y some %ru%ial te=ts in Englis! be%ause t!ey are afrai* to misinterpret t!em. I am %on'in%e*
t!at t!eir interests are superfi%ial an* rat!er emoti'e. Su%! )as my ent!usiasm t!at I )oul* !a'et!at t!eir interests are superfi%ial an* rat!er emoti'e. Su%! )as my ent!usiasm t!at I )oul* !a'e
stu*ie* Sans8rit or C!inese or any ot!er language; if t!at !a* gi'en me t!e %!an%e to un*erstan* anstu*ie* Sans8rit or C!inese or any ot!er language; if t!at !a* gi'en me t!e %!an%e to un*erstan* an
essential te=t onessential te=t on Pranayama Pranayama
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