By Andrey Lappa
Last fall we printed a
review of a workshop presented by Ukrainian yoga master,
Andrey Lappa. Andrey wrote the following article to clear up
misperceptions that students may have about his style of yoga
(Universal Yoga) or his methods of teaching, which are
somewhat different from those to which yoga students in the
U.S. are accustomed.
The
Universal style of yoga (USY) is based on the knowledge of the
structure of the human being and universal rules of
modifications of this structure. According to the traditional
idea of yoga, a human being consists of seven bodies, called
shells or maya koshas. These shells, or forms, are called
organic, power, psychic, mental, spiritual, causal and absence
of form--or Formlessness. The goal of the USY is to achieve
harmony and balance within each shell, between the shells, and
between the human being and the outer world. To develop and
refine these shells, USY uses a wide choice of practical
exercises. One may practice the exercises pertaining to each
shell separately; however, to speed up the process, USY
combines various elements of different exercises that create a
simultaneous impact on several shells.
Knowledge and deep understanding of the universal rules of
shell transformation offers us unlimited opportunities to
direct our practice toward a specific purpose. Striving for a
consciously targeted goal--whether it is therapeutic,
experimental or any specific other--practitioners can modify
their practice in accordance with their personal motivations,
and become healthy, strong and content while achieving their
goal.
In USY there is an understanding that each shell of a human
being consists of matter and has its own functions. One of the
main principles of USY is to consciously control and/or modify
the form of the matter and the quality of the functions.
Understanding of this process and widening the scope of all
practical possible fulfillment of the forms and qualities on
the level of each shell leads not only to the evolution and
expansion of consciousness, but also to the ability to
consciously change the regime and condition of the body, while
releasing oneself from stress or any other negative
influences.
In USY, special attention is paid to the schemes and
structures of the training sequences of asanas and vinyasas.
These schemes and structures facilitate balancing and special
consciousness modification. In this regard, any careless or
unconscious movements of the arms, legs, head or torso between
the asanas are not allowed. When only specific, conscious
movements are executed, a proper foundation for correct
practice is created, leading one toward consciousness in every
moment of one's life.
The most simple examples of USY schemes or sequences,
emphasizing the influence on joints and the spine are as
follows: from legs to head--"ascending flow," from head to
legs--"descending flow," by alternating legs, arms and spine
and working from the periphery inward--"centripetal star" and
from the center to the periphery --"centrifugal star." Other
directions within multi-dimensional space (such as in martial
arts) also constitute the structure of the sequencing. Most
styles of yoga usually use a linear (mat) approach to their
practice and the dimensional structure of the sequence is
confined to that space. The USY uses linear as well as other
dimensional structures, such as two-dimensional longitudinal
cross, three-dimensional cross, two-sided cube, four-sided
cube and others.
The structure of the training sequences in USY is not
limited to the anatomy of the physical body or its dimensional
positions. There are also some special series that are widely
used to produce an influence on certain chakras or elements.
These series are based on the core characteristics of the
asanas, which influence the certain zones of chakras or
elements. For example, it is possible to create a sequence of
asanas, vinyasas, pranayamas, mudras and bandhas that will
activate the chakras or elements of earth, then elements of
water, fire, air or ether.
In USY, the above-mentioned examples of structures and
sequences are given to the beginner level students. Later, the
individual develops new forms and movements using the already
introduced asanas, vinyasas and groups of asanas. As knowledge
and practical experience grow, one begins to experience a
great improvement in lifestyle.
USY training employs various modifications of the asanas
and vinyasas, but transformation of the organic body may take
longer than one might imagine. Therefore, it is critical to
practice the same problematic asanas and vinyasas
repetitiously. Due to the limited physical abilities of some
beginners, however, a smaller range of combinations may be
used.
The rhythms of breath have a direct connection with the
shape of the physical body and the character of each movement.
Special types of pranayamas are offered to further the
fulfillment of the exercises and correspond correctly to the
needs of the body at all times during the training. Pranayama
techniques can also be performed before or after the general
practice of asanas and vinyasas.
There are special psycho-energetic conditions and qualities
(rasas) that are closely connected with the functions of the
chakras. While doing certain yoga exercises, the practitioner
should hold a special psychic frame of mind to reinforce the
successful fulfillment of these exercises. Rasas can also be
performed separately from the main practice of asanas,
vinyasas and pranayamas. Developing rasas not only creates
more effective exercises, but also improves one's social
activity and brings general success in life.
Another key role in the practice of USY is control over the
thoughts by means of strong will power. The ability of such
control totally depends on the Power of Spirit, which usually
grows during the process of regular and intentional practice
of USY. Overcoming the personal self (ego) and closing the
connection with the higher realm of existence takes place in
the process of deep meditation and sincere prayer. Advancement
in this direction brings feelings of satisfaction, joy, inner
peace, consciousness, inspiration and transformation.
Questions and misinterpretations arise due to a lack of
theoretical foundation, thorough understanding of the goals of
USY and regular attendance of classes.
1. Modern yoga technology, even after thousands of
years of development, is still not perfect. Based on the main
yoga principles developed through the centuries, USY has
absorbed all the universal knowledge and the best qualities
provided by all other styles. Striving for the development of
methodic exercises of yoga is the foundation of USY. Yoga is a
never-ending process, which will continue for thousands of
years more.
2. Some yoga practitioners create excuses for their
habits, weaknesses and patterns, but others are finding the
Power of Spirit in themselves and a means of attaining their
goals.
3. Occasionally, the self (ego) of some students
reacts badly toward the use of psychic techniques in USY.
Somewhere on the subliminal level of their mind their ego
tries to defend itself, bringing slamming thoughts and
unpleasant emotions, resulting in unconscious negative
reactions. Only those students who are able to realize and
understand the ongoing process of these transformations with
an air of detachment can overcome these reactions. In the long
run this psychic training is nothing else but a performance--a
play on the level of one of the shells--and one should develop
a certain positive attitude towards it.
4. The effectiveness and beauty of these techniques
will never come to those who don't feel and pierce deeply into
their essence before judging them. The suggested techniques
offered are not anything that one could not practice in the
back of one's own mind.
5. Liberation (moksha) is one of the main goals in
yoga, but how many people can feel released, while being
restricted by the threshold of their material shells? True
liberation can only be achieved through refinement and
perfection of these material shells, as well as transcendental
resurrection above them. And the task of overcoming the
physical, psychic and mental blocks is not so easy as one
might think. That is why moksha doesn't come easy. It is
useless to look for something easy and pleasant on the Way of
Yoga. If one can practice without any serious efforts or
challenges, this means one's evolution is descending or has
already stopped.
6. Adjustments from the teacher are not typically
recommended for this style of yoga, as assistance is
contradictory to the essence of conscious evolution. One of
the main goals of yoga is to develop personal realization of
any act in our life; however, the student doesn't get a chance
to experience personal realization if he/she receives help
from the instructor. It is much more useful to not wait for
answers or assistance from the teacher, but to strive to
realize everything yourself. This process of realization is
called Samyama, in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. An
individual's spiritual growth on the Way of Yoga cannot be
achieved by the efforts of other people.
7. The instructors of USY are responsible for
providing accurate teaching of the techniques. The instructors
are further obligated to explain the basic principles of the
exercise modifications so that students are able to simplify
or complicate the suggested program in accordance with their
own physical abilities. When the students don't take the
teachings seriously, inaccurate and unconscious exercising
results. It is the students who should be aware that they are
the ones to gain the final outcome of the exercising. This
self-awareness is very important as it makes everybody bear
the responsibility for the quality of the practice as well as
realize any possible mistakes that might occur in the
future.
8. Practical effectiveness is one of the main
criteria in USY. Life is short. That is why any sentimental
emotions, idle chatter and numerous doubts that come to our
mind should be put off immediately. It is impossible to
overcome spiritual downfall without overcoming these habits
and negative qualities. The Spirit is favored above the
Matter, not vice versa. This principal approach startles only
those people who cherish negative habits and qualities and are
not willing to make changes, who prefer to adjust the main
yoga principles to their own lifestyle. All this explains
fairly well why the majority of people prefer only aspects of
yoga, such as easy-yoga, yoga-fitness, yoga-therapy or
yoga-business, thus identifying themselves with certain shells
that are nothing more than the tools for their total spiritual
development. This majority is quite satisfied playing this
game of practicing fashionable yoga for an hour twice a week
and then getting back to their daily habits and patterns.
There are usually only a minority of people on this earth
who are born strong in Spirit and who have enough Power of
Will to face the challenge of striving toward the essence of
yoga. That is why throughout history the true yoga precepts
were reserved for the minority of spiritual elite. Yoga has
been known for thousands of years, but where are those strong
in Spirit Souls, who are ready to follow this Tradition as it
is?
Andrey Lappa returns to Moksha Yoga in Chicago, May 11-22. For
information, call 312.942.9642, or log on to http://www.mokshayoga.com/.
Andrey may be contacted through his website at http://www.yoga.com.ua/