Happy Equinox, everyone!
A student just emailed me with this question:
Do you have a suggestion for a guided meditation during the full moon? I am asking for one in the Shambhava yoga tradition.
This is my answer:
The Lunar energy is cooling, so it’s good for Pitta types. If you’re not so Pitta, do watch during this time how much you expose yourself to the direct moonlight. In the Shambhava tradition it’s been observed that exposure to the Lunar energy for too long may disturb the mind and/or cause sleeplessness.
Since the moon is a feminine energy, I would say that a nice chant to the Divine Mother would be sweet, or a mala to any or all of the goddesses, followed by a few rounds of circular breathing and then sitting quietly to absorb the energy.
Here are some mantras:
Durga – Om Hrim Shrim Dum Durgayai Namaha
Laxmi – Om Hrim Shrim Maha Laxmyai Namaha
SaraSwati – Om Aim Sara Swatyai Namaha
Tara – Om Tara Tu Tara Tare Swaha
The goddesses nourish and protect us, like a perfect mother would. Be open to the nourishment as you chant, and chant with love and devotion in your heart!
With this being said, I would like to give thanks to my teacher, Sri Shambhavananda, Faith Stone, and Acharya Mukti Miller for teaching me these practices and how to connect to the Divine Feminine.
Love,
Satya
Hi!
This post is an interesting teaser. Where do you recommend turning for more info about the Shambhava yoga tradition? I want to learn more about all of what you wrote in your post — mantras, Pitta types, Divine Feminine, Lunar energy, circular breathing… I’ve been reading “Light on Life” by B.K.S. Iyengar and am becoming very interested in yoga philosophy.
Hi!
Shambhava Yoga is the tradition of all the Yoga taught at Whole Yoga. It’s what brings the meditative aspect to the yoga classes we teach. Eldorado Mt. Yoga Ashram in Eldorado Springs, CO just south of Boulderis the place you want to go! Go on a Monday Night Community Night from 6:30-8:30pm. There is a whole community of Yogi’s there that have been practicing for a long time along with people just like yourself who are newer and curious about chanting, meditation, mantra, puja, ayurveda, pranayama, Gods and Goddesses etc. It’s very beautiful there, you will love it. The program starts with a chant from 6:30-7pm and then is followed with a meditation from 7-7:30pm. 7:30-8:30pm is Sat Sang. Sat Sang means questions and answers. There is a teacher there and the students can ask questions about spiritual practice if they have any or listen to the questions that others have. It’s informative and supportive. After Sat Sang, they have cookies and tea and everyone gets a chance to mingle. Here is their website. Let us know if you go and what you think! http://www.eldoradoyoga.com
very nice post. thanks for providing such a great information.