3 4 S p i r i t ua l i t y S t u d i e s 3 - 1 S p r i n g 2 0 1 7 12 Obstacles in Experiencing Yoga Nidrā by Participants There is a number of obstacles preventing yoga nidrā to happen, that usually stem from an inner insecurity of the practitioner, fear of letting go, stress related tension, illness, etc. Below are some of behavioural patterns that have to be resolved before yoga nidrā (even though it may take some time): • Inability to close eyes (fear of loss of control of happening around the practitioner, curiosity regarding what do the others, etc.); • Inability to relax (too much bodily or mental stress); • Cramps (dehydration, fatigue, stress); • Inability to let the thoughts go (desire to control the process, too busy mind, etc.); • Falling always asleep (tiredness, lack of mental discipline or – the person is not yet ready for yoga nidrā). Also, one should go to yoga nidrā class only if one is sure that there is no recent emotional turmoil (negative of positive emotions) in one’s mind. As mentioned, these states leave traces in the energy system and during the yoga nidrā could get communicated to others, though without an intention to do so. What to do, if we are in such situation? • Have a short relaxation or meditation first; • Get tuned in and invite a higher help. 13 Additional Training for Making the Yoga Nidrā Experience Deeper For improving our ability to guide yoga nidrā one can apply a number of yogic techniques, some of which are listed below: • Prāṇāyāma (see, e.g., the Patañjali Yoga Sūtras; Bharati 2001, 2013, 2015, 2016; Gheraṇḍa-saṃhitā; Timčák 2007); • Trātak (one of the ṣaṭkarmas; see, e.g., Gheraṇḍa-saṃhitā); • Ajapa japa (see, e.g., Satyananda 1981; Gheraṇḍa-saṃhitā). Some of the mental kriyās of the Bihar School of Yoga (Satyananda 1981) are: • Chittákás dhāraṇā; • Antar mauna. Some of the applicable mental kriyās of swami Gitananda (Gitananda 1972) are: • Bhrūmadhya bindu dhāraṇā; • Ājñā bindu dhāraṇā. The Himalayan School of Yoga uses the 61 point relaxation (Rama 2016). The Vāsiṣṭha-saṃhitā (kuvalayananda et al. 1969) uses for pratyāhāra the practice using 18 vital points with a similar result. It is beneficial to leave some time for feedback after the yoga nidrā session. When the yoga nidrā is finished, it is good not to forget to thank the Absolute, that one have been able to try to help people in getting some peace of mind or to a state close to refreshed alertness. If you felt inspired during the yoga nidrā, never think that inspiration comes just out of your effort, as usually it comes from higher levels of existence. If one is sincere in one’s yoga, regardless the visible levels of success, one is always getting help. Only we are usually not aware who is helping us. 14 Conclusions Yoga nidrā as we know it now, is a tool that developed from the śavāsana practice and has many other dimensions that have been linked to it through yogic inspiration and homonyms. It enables intensive de-stressing and a preparation for meditation. Its positive influence on the function of brain and mind was proved by research. For the teachers – āchāryas– who teach the yoga nidrā it is important to master their mental processes, so that no subliminal mental suggestion flows from their mind to those of the participants.
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