Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Philosophy: The 5 elements in spiritual practices

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Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Philosophy:
The 5 elements in spiritual practices

HIYC
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Nov 11, 2002, 12:23 AM

Post #1 of 2 (3427 views)
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The 5 elements in spiritual practices	Can't Post

Dear friend,
Evolution of consciousness according to Hatha Yoga is represented by the rise of energy up the spine from the element of earth to the element of ether. Seeing that we are made up of the 5 elements it is interesting to explore how we can become aware of them in our practice - not only according to the different sciences but on the experiential level.

We would like to share and compare this path with others so as to be able to deepen this knowledge. This, we feel, will bring different paths to appreciate each others work and perhaps give a better understanding of their own path. We at the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre want to explore the similarities in each others practices rather than the differences.

For this reason we have a seminar on "The 5 elements in spiritual practices" on May 24th/25th 2003. We would be very grateful if you could participate by presenting a paper or make some comments either on the forum or by email.

Thanking you for your contribution,
Sharat Arora, HIYC

(This post was edited by HIYC on Nov 11, 2002, 12:27 AM)

jot1
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Nov 8, 2004, 6:36 AM

Post #2 of 2 (1642 views)
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Re: The 5 elements in spiritual practices [In reply to]	Can't Post

Here is something very elemental to think about: There is no spiritual practice. The Spirit/Soul does not need any! What needs practice is the body, mind and emotions which is religious practices. For example, the many Yogas of the Hindu religion.

Since "spirit" means incorpeal or without out body, "no one" does spiritual practice--it is all religious practice in the basic sense of "linking-back" ("religio") to the Spirit/Soul. Of course, when we do very specific religious practices such as Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, etc., we are then doing the practices of a specific religion (in this case Hinduism).

How many so-called "yoga teachers" are first and foremost members of the Hindu religion? These most basic elements are, for the most part, not even considered in one's so-called "spiritual practice."

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