Building a relationship with the self – # 1

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This article consists of 4 parts. This is part 1. Written by Sophie Nusselder

Building a relationship with the self

Building a relationship with the self. Manjeet Manthur; one of the teachers of Parimukti is exploring this in meditations done by 2 persons.

The Shiva and the Shakti

The last week I have joined wonderfull meditation workshops with one of the teachers of Parimukti: Manjeet Manthur. Manjeet is studying with Swami Hariprem, tantra teacher from the heart, since 2011. Hariprem embodies the traditional (secret) white tantra and teaches in OshoLeelaLoveMysterie School – India since 1999.

In the tantric cosmology, the whole universe is perceived as being created, penetrated and sustained by two fundamental forces, which are permanently in a perfect, indestructible union. These forces or universal aspects are called Shiva and Shakti. Shiva symbolizes consciousness, the masculine principle. Shakti symbolises the feminine principle, the activating power and energy. Whenever a power becomes active, and wherever energy exists, Shakti is working. Other terms for these primal principles are “purusha” (consciousness)  and “prakriti” (nature).

I would like to give you a brief review of one of the meditations I practised under guidance of Manjeet. There were about six woman (Shaktis) an about fourteen man (Shiva’s) present in the yoga hall. Manjeet asked us to start with an introduction of ourselves, telling our name and share a personal good quality and a weak quality. Also we were asked to share which meditation opened us the most in the past.

After this exercise, the man had to stand in a circle, with their front on the outside. The woman had to pass all the man, connect with them through eye contact and find the quality in the other. After this exercise we did a similar exercise; this time the breath and movement of the body was included. All woman were sitting down and were doing a breathing exercise. On their inhale they were asked to engage mula bandha (space between anus and genitals) and bring their arms up. Then they had to hold the breath for a few seconds and exhale. One by one the Shiva’s were visiting the Shaktis and were asked to breath together. Manjit guided us by giving us the indication to connect with the other and remember we are doing this exercise for ourselves. Shakti iniates the pace and Shiva adjusts the exercise on the pace of Shakti. This heart opening exercise made me feel enormously energized and full of love.

Having eye contact for a longer period with people, who are mostly strangers, going deeper with them through breath, eyes, touch and heart, made me think of Marina Abramoviz’s performance at Moma New York in 2010.  In part 2 of this article I dived into this topic!

 

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Acknowledgement picture Shiva/Shakti: www.kayarevee.wordpress.com

Acknowledgement picture Manjeet Mathur and students in heart opening exercise: Uma Kaveesha Dhanwatey

 

 

 

Address: Parimukti Yoga Center, Kanira Homes,
Girkarwaddo, End of Magic Park Road,
Arambol, 403524,
Goa, India
Phone: +919637521278
Email: info@parimukti.com
Website: http://parimukti.com/

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