The Mind As Your Best Instrument 🧠

Hey there beautiful Souls,

Have you heard the word Mantra?

I remember during my Yoga’s Teachers Training when the Samadhi Yoga Institute director, mentioned that to me and I even got scared wondering about What is she talking about?

Well based on Deepak Chopra, (the New Age Wellness Guru), this word consists of two parts.

‘ Man’ means mind in Sanskrit

‘ tra’ means instrument

So mantra is no other that “the instrument of the mind.”

Very powerful words, sound or vibrations that can be used for meditation.

Meditation is a practice to train the mind as such to elevate our levels or dimension of consciousness. It promotes relaxation of mind and body, develops compassion, patience, love, concentration and generosity.

Meditation Benefits

Meditation many a times involves repeating a mantra with closed eyes. Mantras for meditation are chosen based on its suitability to the meditator. Some schools provide their students a personal mantra based on their time and birth date’s information.

Transcendental meditation is the purest form of meditation that creates a powerful state of awareness by thought process or mind control, having a personal mantra as a key.

Meditation has a calming effect on an individual and imparts peace and tranquility.

Mantras provide the mind something to focus on. Mantras resonate and create a sensation with the body.

The subtle vibrations in turn resonate a positive energy within self and the surrounding.

Repetitive chanting of mantras plays a major role in de-cluttering the mind.

Meditation with mantras is a powerful way to penetrate the silence of mind and create harmony. The mental vibrations allow the mind to experience deep awareness and lead to the field of pure consciousness.

Mantras help us disconnect from the thoughts and worries in our mind and slip them into the gaps between these thoughts.

Chanting of spiritual mantras holds the key to transforming an individual.

How mantras activate a sense of mindfulness:

They certainly bring us back into the present moment, silences mental turbulence, reduces anxiety and creates clarity of thoughts.

I recommend to choose a mantra that is easy to remember, that fits your belief system, and makes you feel at peace.

Also affirmations can work as mantras, if feeling discomfort with Sanskrit chanting.

However mantras are sacred prayers that can be chanted for inner peace and calmness all through the life.

As such can assist us while embracing any type of heartbreak or grieving process.

Each mantra induces some specific vibrations in the mind.

Which means that all mantras do not work equally well.

Keep in mind that there are different mantras used for the purpose of specific objectives.

Mantras for your choice:

I Am that I Am: 

This mantra has its place in the Hebrew Bible. The most famous lines in the Torah that was God’s answer to Moses, when the later asked what his name was.

Om or Aum: 

This mantra represents the most elemental sound of universal consciousness. This mantra has been used by people for thousands of years for expansion of their divine awareness.

Om Mani Padme Hum: 

O radiant jewel in the lotus of my heart, please shine brightly. May may my heart have the strength to feel compassion for all sentient beings.

This is a Tibetan Buddhist mantra. It is said that all the teachings of Buddha are incorporated in this mantra.

Heart of Perfect Wisdom:

Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha

May I be blessed to experience the beyond and have a taste of the state of enlightenment. In this state of emptiness may I find wisdom and compassion.

This is very helpful during transition, letting go and moving on.

Gayatri Mantra: 

Om bhur bhuvah svah tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo nah pracodayat.

I like and chant the Gayatri Mantra while my practitioners are laying down in relaxation mode during savasana supported by Tibetan or Crystal bowls healing sounds.

Actually, Gayatri is recited by a spiritual aspirant to remember the higher purpose of life, also as invocation or prayer to God to lift our consciousness upwards.

Shiva Mantra: 

Om namah shivaya.

is a love song, to ourselves. A love song we sing to our own deepest inner nature. In this mantra we recognize that we are the source, like a hologram, a piece of god that also represents the whole.

In the Siddha yoga lineage (from which this chant comes) it is considered to be the king of all mantras.

The intelligent field of conscious energy of which the universe is made, and concentrates into the dense form we know of as matter, is represented by the god Shiva. Shiva is the totality. To us in the western culture would be our Supreme source or God.

Ganesh Mantra: 

Om gam ganapataye namaha.

is a devotional chant believed to ensure success, especially when starting or seeking a new job or endeavor.

When needing inner peace and happiness:

Shanti Mantra: 

Om saha naavavatu saha nau bhunaktu saha veeryam karavaavahai tejasvi aavadheetamastu maa vidvishaavahai om.

Shanti mantra is often recited before and after Hindu religious rituals. In yoga, a simple “om shanti” or “om shanti, shanti, shanti” may be recited as a greeting or parting salutation and for the purpose of removing distractions and focusing the mind.

Shanti mantra is also a prayer or chant for peace, particularly as found in the ancient scriptures known as the Upanishads. The term comes from the Sanskrit, shanti, meaning “peace”; and mantra, meaning “incantation,” “prayer” or “song of praise.”

Mantra for Happiness:

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu.

May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.

A Ho’oponopono, ancient Hawaiian mantra.

I love you, I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you: 

Mantra tips:

• Chanting the selected mantra minimum of 108 times.

• Find a mala beads 📿 to count your mantras, very similar to praying the rosary within the catholic religion.

There are many others you can try too.

Indeed, a mantra should resonate within your mind and soul.

The above list are just a few but are the most popular.

Try them and soon you’ll be able to find the one mantra that will become a part of your life.

Also the practice of Pranayamas ( breathing exercises) at the beginning of your meditation, help you prepare your mind for the mantra chanting. Click at below link for further information.

BREATH IS LIFE

Last but not least;

“Quiet the mind and the Soul will speak.”

Namaste 🙏🏼

Author:

Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; CAI; CAHP; CCR; CCHP; CACR; SGC; MRT.

All Cruelty Springs From Weakness…

There is a natural law of justice and an universal law of Brotherhood.

Greatest good comes from wisdom virtue of what cannot be controlled.

When playing the role or roles we are allotted serenely without complaining; our attitudes are under our control even if destiny is not.

Self control and fortitude is an effective way of mastering destructive emotions; for that encourages inner resilience skills to overcome adversity in life.

Learn to connect with your breath, if you give a try to the practice of different types of breath you will learn how to master the autonomous sympathetic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system functions to regulate the body’s unconscious actions.

The sympathetic nervous system’s primary process is to stimulate the body’s fight or flight response.

It is, however, constantly active at a basic level to maintain homeostasis homeodynamics.

The sympathetic nervous system is described as being complementary to the parasympathetic nervous system which stimulates relaxation reflex responses.

Such as;

• Feed and breed”

• To rest and digest”

The above two are just a few examples, but there are more that would extremely extend the purpose of this writing.

There are several articles about the importance of the quality during breath connection and synchronization to our daily flow of physical and emotional tasks.

I encourage you to search through the menu and refer to the Breath is Life area where are provided different types of breath, benefits and instructions to their practice.

Last but not least;

God is a rational substance existing in all of nature…

“When you inhale you are taking the strength from God… When you exhale it represents the service you are giving to the world.”-Iyengar

Author:

Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; CAI; CCR; CACR; SGC.

“In the darkness you are light.”

“I offer you peace.” I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the highest source. I salute that source in you let us work together for unity and love. – Gandhi

Inhale God approaches you. Hold the inhalation and God remains with you. Exhale and you approach God. Hold the exhalation and surrender to God.

The best thing you can do when you wake up in the morning is to focus on gratitude. That breath you are taking could be the last of someone in any part of the world.

Ask yourself;

Who am I?

What do I want during this life?

What is my life purpose?

Who am I grateful to?

I assure you that will have your attention concerned, because as simple as those questions sounds; our attention is mainly focused on what the world is doing right or wrong.

If we spend time knowing ourselves more, and what can we do to make this world better, we would not have enough energy and time to focus on those who are missing the mark.

Last but not least;

Be at least as interested in what goes on inside you as what happens outside. If you get the insight right, the outside will fall into place.

-Eckhart Tolle

 

With love and always from the light 🙏🏻

‎

 

Author:

Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; CAI; CCR; CACR; SGC.

‎

Living Proof: Your Life Is A Witness Of God’s Presence…

Dear warrior of life, 
Fear is only an illusion, nurtured by a wandering ego and take note, because obstacles are great opportunities for us to demonstrate that coming from a place of love ❤️ will conquer all fear’s disguises. 
It is from adversity that we grow and realize a previous lack of grounding.
Our soul;
Part of the challenge of being a soul is learning to honor our own power.
By listening to our inner voice and following its advice, we acknowledge the perfection of our intuition.
Keep in mind that balance in the mind is essential and imperative. When there is fear, there is imbalance and we (ourselves) challenge our soul from living its own nature of love.
When facing a storm our soul becomes threatened and as such our fate.
Our fate is something which exists outside ourselves, and which once revealed expresses the meaning of our lives. Our fate is a gift and cannot be taken from us, hence do not be afraid. 
However it is our call to allow it empower or make us vulnerable to accomplish with our goals and even our life’s purpose.
Only then can the meaning of that life be understood.
Example; 
a) If  you are a teacher do not dim your own inner light, because your students at school won’t become the outcome you decided to be there.
b) If you are a parent do not dim your own inner light, because your children will grow up into the shadows.
Our fate is shaped from within ourselves outward, never from without inward.
After any devastating storm we cannot let ourselves get drown into a water, that probably came to cleanse through reminders such as humbleness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness and love.
During life, sometimes moments of energy’s transmutation becomes required so we can look to ourselves into a mirror and rise like a phoenix 🦅
Now stop 🛑 
Whatever that you’re doing make a brief pause.
Reach for a chair and seat, grounded ( not legs crossing please).
Close your eyes, and soften your face while letting your shoulder blades melt, let your heart open for abundance and love.
Keep your mouth closed and reach the roof of your mouth with your tongue. 
Search into your mind for a green light, staring internally to your forehead area ( where your mind’s eye is located) do not force anything keep your forehead soften and see that light which represents the green color of a nurtured Mother Earth full of hope.
A Mother Earth with the skill to transmute from dry to wet and from brown to green in order to bloom.
Imagine yourself through that process and repeat loudly like a mantra:
“Storms make trees grow stronger… I Am a being of love and I release all negative energy”.

Inhale deeply the peaceful sensation of a nurturing green light covering with protection your whole body from head to toes.
Exhale any dryness within, any fear or sensation which make you carry the world on your shoulders…slowly in order to make sure that you will be able to let it go.
Repeat this exercise 3 times and you will feel a current of rejuvenating life-force energy that will change your day and will reset you for a new week.

Namaste 🙏🏻 

Author:

Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; CAI; CCR; CACR; SGC.

COURAGE DOES NOT ROAR.

OM is the encompassing cosmic vibration, consciousness and sound of the entire Universe. 

Namaste 🙏🏻

How Does Pranayama Exercises Improve Our Life.

When you breathe you can live, because in order to keep our blood circulating (efficiently) the process of waste gas, carbon dioxide ( produced by our body cells) is also happening.

Our bone marrow contains stem cells, which produce the body’s red blood cells and platelets, and some types of white blood cells.

Inside our bones there is the soft bone marrow, (which besides of sheltering our steam cells, its function is to produce our red and some white blood cells), our red blood cells have the task of carrying OXYGEN to our body’s tissues and platelets (helping with blood clotting when there is a cut or wound) and that our white blood cells have the task to fight against infectious external attacks. 

That’s why the quality of our oxygen is so important.

Our immune system depends of the quality of the OXYGEN within our bodies.

When we synchronized breath with movement or learning various breathing exercises, we also learn to use the breath as a tool to relax our body and mind by manipulating the nervous system.

Restraining or controlling our Life Force through the practice of Pranayama or Breathing exercises is an important action for us to improve our quality of Life and embrace any unexpected blockage to the above internal anatomical dynamic within our bodies.

So without breathing our brain would not be able to transmit electrical signals through our body taking us to an imminent energy shut down.

If we breathe we can live as well as perform many other activities such as Yoga.

Below are some of the benefits of practicing Pranayama or Life-Force (Breathing) exercises  which are available able to learn about their benefits and how to be performed on this blog at the menu, through the search of Breath is Life.

1.  Alleviates asthma symptoms.

2.  Improves our perception.

3.  Increases our mental strength.

4.  Gives us a strong will power.

5.  Increases our capability of having a sound judgement.

6.  Helps in living a long and healthy life.

7.  Improves our autonomic functions.

Last but not least;

JUST BREATHE!

with light and oxygen 💨

Author:
Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; CAI; CCR; CACR; SGC.

Courtesy of Semperlee Yoga Corp.

How to restore mental distress from overdrive mode…

An overactive third eye chakra can be disorienting and cause of much psychological and psychic distress. When this energy center is on overdrive, you may feel like you are getting lost in an endless stream of phantasmagoric visions or being bombarded by nonsensical pieces of information. 

Signs Of An Overactive Third Eye Chakra

A common sign of hyperactivity in the third eye chakra is over indulging in a fantasy world while losing touch with reality. 

Another symptomatic manifestation is being overly concerned or fearful about the phantasmagorical visions passing before your mind’s eye. 

When the Third Eye is balanced you see everything clearly. 

You function and make decisions with a sense of neutrality; meaning you are concerned, but not attached, to any single outcome. 

Highly focused, you can make the distinction between reality and dreams (or imagination)
Overactive or Overdrive mode
When the third eye is in overactive mode the constant flow of thoughts can be mentally exhausting.
You may feel intimidated by having to make decisions that would normally be quite simple. 

That indecisiveness is often times influenced by clouded judgement, lack of focus, and an inability to distinguish what is real. Which is a clear alert of multiple signs your sixth chakra needs to be balanced.

Color associated with the Sixth Chakra– Indigo

Indigo is a combination of colors deepest blue and violet. 

Organs and functions depending on the Third Eye Chakra:

Eyes

Nose
Ears 
Brain
Nervous System 
Pituitary and Pineal glands

Physical manifestations of an overactive third eye chakra include:
Headaches 

Vision problems
Seizures 
Insomnia 
Nauseous symptoms 
Sinus issues

Additional non-physical signs of an overactive third eye chakra include:
Hallucinations 

Being judgmental
Anxiousness 
Mental fog
Feeling overwhelmed
Paranoia and/or delusions

When Your Third Eye Chakra Is Hyperactive…
If you feel the visions are too much for you to handle or the pieces of information are coming too fast, you can always ask for them to slow down. Work with your self and activate your inner warrior.

If you feel the visions and energies you experience are going out of control, firmly anchor yourself in your body and root yourself into the Earth as much as possible. 

Example;

Go to the Beach and Walk for at least 30 minutes barefooted.

Go to your backyard (if closer) and do the same.

This will activate the required grounding immediately.
You can also ask for protection and guidance to make your experience more comfortable. 

Cutting Emotional Cords Meditation with Archangel Michael helps a lot. 
Remember, Archangel Michael is the Commander assigned by our Creator to assist and protect us from anything negative. 

You can make affirmations activating his support or angelic realm through affirmations such as:
Ask to receive information in a way you can process or understand more easily.

Are we ready to engage?

“Operation Enduring Ajna”

Important Tip: 

Use Other Chakras To Balance A Third Eye Chakra On Overdrive

More than just the third eye chakra being over-activated, the issue may arise from:

Lack of overall balance in your energy system.

Moreover your ability to apply discernment towards the information you receive through this energy center. 

You can use other chakras and their qualities, such as 

Your second (sacral) can help filter your intuitive hits and anchor them in your emotional and physical field

Your fourth chakra (heart). 
The heart chakra might bring a balanced and compassionate perspective to navigate through what may otherwise appear disincarnate or threatening.

Keep grounding as the goal:

Strengthening the energy of your root chakra is the key for grounding while allowing the qualities of the third eye chakra to develop more fully. 

Also, although recommended for emotional cleansing and evolution.

Be mindful regards the following ethereal energy activation work.

Hypnosis  

Past Lives Regression sections 

First,

Would be mindful to receive evaluation of the current status of your chakras prior to any treatment.
Second,

is important to receive or search for grounding while opening  and closing the third eye chakra. 
Leaving this vortex of energy overactive could affect the nervous system, heading the person to a worsening mental state than before treatment submission.

Post Meditation recommendations after any Hypnosis or Past Lives Treatment.

Grounding and cleansing meditation will provide fast mental restoration.

You can try the following exercise with the affirmation.

Sit down comfortably with your back straight resting on a wall, keep your shoulder blades together for better breathing, play slow calming music.

You can search at the menu for a Semperlee Yoga playlist under Semper Savasana where you will have options.

Light a White Candle ( any as long as white)

Please God and Archangel Michael 
I humbly direct my petition for your assistance through interception of any energy cord or negative energy block within my chakras.

 I accept shielding from my Guardian angel, and your heavenly team of Archangels.
Dear God please allow transmutation of any overwhelming energy towards the light. 
I repel any uncomfortable sensation, by embracing your shield of nurturing love and protection.

Thank you Father and the rest of the team for your immediate support and love. So it is

Amen

Next step:

Set your timer for 15 to 30 minutes (not less than 15 ) and close your eyes. repeating;

Keep your mouth close try to keep the tip of your tongue in contact with the roof of your mouth. Inhaling and Exhaling cleansing air. 

You will hear the sound of the ocean within, which will help you distribute your energy flow evenly, hence will calm your nervous system.

Whenever your mind begins to spin with multiple thoughts, then repeat below affirmation:

(Inhale) I am light
(Exhale) I repel negative energy
(Inhale) I am cleansed
(Exhale) I repel blocks
(Inhale) I am loved
(Exhale) I release any judgement.
When done with this exercise, be grateful again to your heavenly team.
Remember that when there is lack of grounding, our visions might sweep us off our feet. 

Although sounds contradictory, the influence of the root chakra energy supports the activity of the third eye chakra. Always remember this.

Other Cleansing and Balancing Recommendations For The Third Eye Chakra.

Exercise or workout:

To restore balance to the sixth chakra, incorporate subtle, positive lifestyle changes, healthfood into your diet, and getting regular exercise, such as yoga postures recommended for the type of imbalance of your affected chakra.

Yoga Postures:

* Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) — This standing, forward bend calms the mind (and sixth chakra), stretches the calves, arms, and spine and energizes the rest of the body.
* Child’s Pose (Balasana) — A pose of respite, this position allows you to rest and focus inward to open and balance the sixth chakra.
* Supported Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana) — As you stretch your shoulders and neck in this inverted pose, the shoulderstand helps to calm the mind while opening and balancing the Third Eye. ( Place a blanket under your shoulders, to protect the cervical area)

* Standing Half Forward Bend (Ardha Uttanasana) — This asana strengthens the back to improve posture and stimulates energy flow through the sixth energy center.

* Big Toe (Padangusthasana) — Considered a deep forward bend, this position stretches the calves and hamstrings while stimulating and balancing the Third Eye.

* Hero (Virasana) — This seated asana helps stretch and strengthen the ankles and knees, but it’s also perfect for meditation — the ultimate workout to cleanse, open, and balance the Third Eye chakra.

Reiki:

is an energy work which targets restoration and blocks.

Essential Oils application:

      1 drop of Dô Terra Lavender every 6 hours, under your tongue will low anxiety levels and help focus on your daily tasks. 

It will immediate calm your amygdala gland, which is our inner scanning towards boosting anxiety and fear feelings. Taking us to a “Flight and Fight Response” generating blockage to our Root Chakra.

Also you might like to try the following (Dô Terra Essential Oils) which you can find through this blog at the page of Essential Oils.

Bergamot (uplifting, improved focus )
Balance ( grounding)
Frankincense (grounding, calming)

Sound therapy; 

Listening to it can also help to restore chakra balance. As mentioned above, the Semper Savasana playlist from this blog will help you relax.

Crystals or Stones assistance:
When the flow of energy through the sixth chakra is blocked, you may experience a range of signs, listed above and nearly all affect the head. 

Whether you wear the crystal as jewelry or simply lay it on the area of your Third Eye while resting or meditating, it can help you achieve chakra balance.

Below there is a list of recommendations:

* Amethyst — Purple (varying shades from light to dark) — Precious — Used to open, stimulate, and balance. Amethyst is a healing stone that offers wisdom, healing, and protection from harm.

* Moldavite — Dark green — Semi-precious — Used to cleanse, stimulate, and balance. Not only can Moldavite clear negativity it can restore balance to the entire chakra system. It is good for promoting a new perspective and enhancing dreams and dream recall.

* Purple Fluorite — Purple — Semi-precious — Used to stimulate and balance. This stone dispels negativity while promoting intuition and mental clarity and focus.
* Black Obsidian — Black — Semi-precious — Used to stimulate and balance. Obsidian is good for expelling negativity and chakra blockages while helping enhance emotional control.
Any high vibrational practice will be particularly suitable to balance the third eye chakra. 
Make sure you focus on the intention of soothing and balancing this energy center. 

Note;
If the imbalance is significantly affecting your life, visit a trusted energy healer may be considered, furthermore if your physical health shows irregular symptoms as described above, visit immediately a Physician.
Always recommendation prior to anything. Specially before submission to any type of energy work, when currently undergoing any medical treatment.
Addressing your Primary Physician for clearance and risk assessment regards complementary holistic treatment to your current routine, should always be step 1.

Remember…
Last but not least;

The mind is like a parachute, it doesn’t work unless is open…

Namaste 🙏🏻 

Author:
Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; CAI; CCR; CACR; SGC.

Courtesy of Semperlee Yoga Corp.

When you Breathe…

You can live…

Just Breathe!

 Activate your Life-force 

Feel the Energy

Be Grateful

Namaste

Your Life-Force

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as much as you live.” 

#breathislife💨💨💨

How to Calm the Mind quickly…

When you feel overwhelmed, or stressed out, take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply and relax, take a time out & breathe. Connect with your breath( welcoming breath is life as a mantra). Be present in your body, leaving everything else behind. With simple mindful moments like this, you will make a different in your life…
Just Breathe!

#lettinggoofstress

#lettinggoofthepast 

Courtesy of Semperlee Yoga Corp.

Mantra and the 108 beads in a mala.

Have you ever wondered, why are there 108 beads in a mala?
Below you will read some points of information that might catch your attention regards their relation to the mystical 108, although none is being promoted to be more or less interesting than other;

Some believe there are 108 stages on the journey of the human soul, while others associate the possibility of enlightenment with taking only 108 breaths a day, while in deep meditation.

Breath:  Tantra estimates the average number of breaths per day at 21,600, of which 10,800 are solar energy, and 10,800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108 by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2 x 10,800 equals 21,600.

As mala beads were traditionally created to be used as a tool in meditation, we like to associate it with the meditation practice and as such ideals.

Meditations:  Some say there are 108 styles of meditation.

Mala beads are also effective to set intentions, manifest, and generally feel good during meditation.

Pranayama:  If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.
Sun and Earth:  The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.

Moon and Earth:  The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.
Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines within our bodies and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.
Astrology:  I’m not an astrologer but there are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.

Silver and the moon:  In astrology, the metal silver is said to represent the moon. The atomic weight of silver is 108.

Planets and Houses:  In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.
Mantras:  When using a mala beads in meditation and chanting your mantra, some have said you are complete once you have done it 100 times. The 8 extra beads are to account for errors. Or to be an offering to your guru (Rolf Sovik defined this, as the living light that dispels the darkness of spiritual ignorance, the light is no other than the self withing us).

River Ganges:  The sacred River Ganges spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to 91), and a latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31). 12 times 9 equals 108.

Dance:  There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian traditions.

Sanskrit alphabet:  Many choose to recite their mantra in sanskrit, the ancient script of India. Within the Sanskrit alphabet there are 54 letters. Each letter has a feminine and masculine version (totaling 108).

First man in space:  The first manned space flight lasted 108 minutes, and was on April 12, 1961 by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut.

Religion:

Paths to God:  Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God.

Smaller divisions:  The number 108 is divided, such as in half, third, quarter, or twelfth, so that some malas have 54, 36, 27, or 9 beads.

Hinduism:  108 is said to refer to the number of Hindu deities. Some say that each of the deities has 108 names.

Islam:  The number 108 is used in Islam to refer to God.

Jain:  In the Jain religion, 108 are the combined virtues of five categories of holy ones, including 12, 8, 36, 25, and 27 virtues respectively.

Sikh:  The Sikh tradition has a mala of 108 knots tied in a string of wool, rather than beads.

Buddhism:  Some Buddhists carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut for good luck. Some ring a bell 108 times to celebrate a new year. There are said to be 108 virtues to cultivate and 108 defilements to avoid.

Chinese:  The Chinese Buddhists and Taoists use a 108 bead mala, which is called su-chu, and has three dividing beads, so the mala is divided into three parts of 36 each. Chinese astrology says that there are 108 sacred stars.

Last but not least;

“The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts is to stop letting them control you.”

Namaste  

Author:
Glenda Lee Santos; Humble Military and Yoga Warrior; RYT-200 hrs; Criminal Justice, BA; Holistic Practitioner with Foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda.

References:

http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/

http://www.swamij.com/index.htm

Courtesy of Semperlee Yoga Corp.

Breathing brings resiliency

Little notes of Love…

Life-force Energy

#pranayamas
#lifeforceenergy 

#pranaliving

Breathe Deep💨