Advanced Yoga

‘Advanced’ yoga constitutes both the practice of more difficult physical postures, as well as delving deep into the philosophical existence ‘of being’, searching the ‘meaning of life’, so to speak. Most students don’t get into the intricacies of highly developed asana workouts, as this involves rigorous training with many, many hours of regular daily practice.

Serious study is also needed in the pursuit of the philosophical and metaphysical exploration of esoteric or spiritual worlds – like any field of knowledge one need to commit tremendous energy and dedication in order do more than ‘scratch the surface’.

In many ways the type of recreational yoga that we practice is, however authentic, an amateur version of what can be achieved by making yoga ones’ exclusive central focus. For this a conducive lifestyle has to be appropriated - this could involve withdrawal to an ashram or retreat for an extended period, or very disciplined study at home. Either way this kind of ‘advancement’ requires a dedicated effort, and a willingness to give up at least a major part of our normal way of life.

For those who simply wish to increase the depth of their personal practice there are compromised advanced studies available. This can include doing teachers training courses, and regular retreats. Courses and retreats can be found on the internet, and are readily available everywhere.

The points of techniques, attitude and time available will ultimately determine the depth of practice achieved. The ability to grow, physically and spiritually, will be influenced by a desire to know more, to learn to invest life itself.

The advanced student need not be a fanatic, nor does the study have to be confined to yoga. To learn we need books, teachers / guru’s, and not many or famous books and teachers, we can learn something form everyone. Occasional, or a single study period with a true master will however be vital to personal mastery.

Life experience – it comes with age, with travel, hardship, relationships etc., and regular ‘time out’ to process what has been learned remains the most reliable method to personal growth.

Yoga may be a gateway to something else that helps you more, or it may serve as a center point to all your endeavours. You may even find as much pleasure, and more benefit from the simple practices as the ‘advanced’ work. Some people learn all the techniques and master nothing inwards, some know little fact and form, but are natural masters.

Achieving ‘enlightenment’ may be as simple as watching the trees come alive (poem below) or as hard and impossible as watching trees, expecting something visible to happen.

Yoga and enlightenment

Traditionally spiritual practices have been invented with enlightenment as aim.
The practical benefits derived along the way can, of course both useful, and extraordinary. Poet Gus Ferguson describes the journey’s end with an adaptation of a Zen masters interpretation of the 10 steps of enlightenment and beyond. After finding and transcendence of the self, after reaching 'the source', one has to make peace with life ‘In the world’:

I rise and mingle, simply dressed,
Amongst the world where all are blessed.
I use no magic, never strive.
Before me trees become alive.

Taken from The herding of the snail (Production with music, including mp3 also).