sandeyePRACTICING TIBETAN HEART YOGA
November 26th 2008 14:38
Yoga, Buddhism, Tibet and Tonglen are all important pieces of my life, so after researching Heart Yoga for the original purpose of a written description, I decided to investigate further.
Obtaining a copy of the book 'The Tibetan Book Of Yoga' by Geshe Michael Roach, I attempted my first THY practice shortly after reading the book through for the first time.
Being spiritually minded, and well used to visualization and meditation techniques, the first three of ten exercises were more a case of learning what to do and then doing it than a difficulty. My problems started on the fourth procedure, which is a combination of Surya Namaskar and an affirmative statement and activity.
I have not yet mastered this Asana, primarily because there are so many stages that each have to be done whilst taking a half-breath, either in or out. I tend to do only the first 3 steps in repeated format either 3 or 5 times in my personal practice. Having to learn the entire range of poses and concentrate on the addition of the affirmation is still a little beyond me.
Whilst the remaining exercises all fall within my ability to practice, if not yet perfected, the fifth exercise also gives me extreme difficulty. The Tibetan conclusion and the affirmation prelude are both masterable, but the Asana referred to as 'Western Stretch' that is also known as 'Forward Bend' or “Paschimothanasana', is one I have never managed to do. I can get into the starting position, but when it comes to the actual bend, my body is unable to shift more than a single inch if I keep my back straight. Not wishing to bend my back, and not being able to reach my knees, let alone ankles or feet, I have previously ignored this Asana. For the purpose of THY, I shall have to continue to attempt it, even if I can only bend forward 1-2 inches in the body that I currently inhabit!
I aim to continue to practice THY 1-2 times a week, using my regular routine on the other days that I practice Yoga.
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