What is the significance of Full moon days and New moon days and why the Ashtanga Yoga is not practiced during those days?
It is the tradition of ancient wisdom of India that they are not taught during the moon days. They are termed as “Anadhyapana” (days with absence of lessons from the Master). As these moon days will have their influence on human system, it will not be a balanced perspective as it will be otherwise. It does not mean, negative / positive. The students will not be able to digest the new lessons during these days. Hence, new lessons are not taught and besides, there are a special rituals (mainly fire ceremonies) performed by the teachers and students during these days. You need to have a balanced inner system for any knowledge intake.
 |
| Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Practice |
Moon days and their influence on human system
Like all things of a watery nature (human beings are about 70% water), we are affected by the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are determined by the moon’s relative position to the sun. Full moons occur when they are in opposition and new moons when they are in conjunction. Both sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on the earth. Their relative positions create different energetic experiences that can be compared to the breath cycle.
The full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest. This is an expansive, upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded. The Upanishads state that the main prana lives in the head. During the full moon we tend to be more headstrong.
The new moon energy corresponds to the end of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting, downward moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded, but dense and disinclined towards physical exertion.
Practicing Ashtanga Yoga over time makes us more attuned to natural cycles. Observing moon days is one way to recognize and honor the rhythms of nature so we can live in greater harmony with it."
What should I do instead of Ashtanga Practice?
Do not keep your Ashtanga Practice limited only for physical asana practice. A yoga practitioner should have a balance in all the actions performed. Hence to keep your practice balanced, you can intensify your Svadhyaya (self study) by taking up a selected section of yoga philosophy/yogasutras/hathayogapradeepika/gheranda samhita etc.
You can also utilize this time specially for "introspection". This introspection can also be on your ashtanga practice too. You can make a video of your Ashtanga Practice prior to the moon day, observe and analyze the progress of your practice.
You can also consider to be remain completely silent so that you can work on keeping your thoughts still for a day. This can enhance your Ashtanga on the mat significantly.
No comments:
Post a Comment