BACKGROUND
Naked yoga, also knon as "nagna" yoga, can be traced back to ancient times when a sect in India, caled the Naga Sadhus chose nudity as a form of breaking free from the material side of human life and the demands of the outer workd.
The Naga Sadhus still honor this tradition today, along with many Westerners who choose being naked as a way of breaking free from physical, material, and emotional attachments.
Our Tantric practice is not based on sex alone, It is based on the guiding principles on Non-dual Saiva Tantra:
1. We honor our erogenous energy ~ the highest form of energy known to man
2. We recognize the fact that as human beings we are all one and the same ~ we experience the same emotions of suffering and happiness (dukkha and sukkah)
3. We accept the fact that the best way to be happy is to make others happy.
4. We know that we have but one physical life to live, so we make “being happy and making others happy” the most important priority in life. As Marian Wright said: “We were created to help each other, to be of service to each other. It is the purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.”
As to its physical aspects, the yoga we practice is “Mindfulness Yoga” (Raja Yoga) where we are mindful of:
1. The breath,
2. The somatic, visceral, and kinesthetic sensations we experience in the body as we hold the postures or perform the movements,
3. Ehere our mind is focused on in the present moment, and
4. The impermanence of dharma (all phenomena).
To practice this form of yoga you don’t have to have a perfect body. No one does! But, you do need to be in good health, since these classes may be somewhat challenging at times.
Men who are new to yoga and those wishing to continue their practice are welcome to attend.
Whether you are straight, gay or bisexual, transgender, new to yoga, or a longtime yogi, you are welcome.
THE ROUTINE
The class starts with a centering meditation either in a sitting or supine position focusing on the breath, noticing the sensations in the body (somatic, visceral, and kinesthetic), and an awareness of where the mind is in the present moment, and recognition of the impermanence of life.
This is generally followed by a sequential practice of solo yoga and partner yoga. You’ll find that each class is different in that the asanas and vinyasas (postures and flows) that we practice differ from class to class.
The important thing is to listen to your body. If the body tells you that you should not perform a specific posture, you don’t. And, if you start performing a posture and the body signals you to stop, you stop.
The ritual ends with a supine meditation and the recitation of the final Tantrica.
FINAL TANTRICA
May we care for ourselves, our loved ones, friends and strangers.
May we not forget the sameness between us, our enemies, adversaries, those who cause us difficulties, those against whom we may discriminate.
May we be free from danger.
May we enjoy mental happiness, physical happiness, and ease of well-being.
May we deal with the obstacles in our lives and our suffering with love, compassion, understanding, and acceptance.
May we remember that we are integral, members of the universe that we live in, so let our lives resonate with that of all sentient beings.
Let us not forget that alone we can do nothing, that alone we are nothing, and that what is we may not see.
~ © 2008 Jaime Carlo-Casellas
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