Isha Kriya: A Guided Meditation For Health And Wellbeing | 15-Minutes

Summary

Isha Kriya is a simple yet powerful meditation practice that combines breath, thought, and awareness to enhance the body-mind connection. This practice helps individuals realize that being human is a superpower, rather than seeking to be superhuman. The Kriya is performed in three stages: focusing on the thoughts 'I am not the body' and 'I am not the mind', chanting the sound 'Aaa', and sitting in stillness with mild focus. Regular practice brings health, dynamism, prosperity, and a sense of well-being, empowering individuals to cope with the pressures of modern life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Isha Kriya is a simple yet powerful meditation practice involving three components: breath, thought, and awareness.
• 😀 The practice enhances your ability to control the mind and body, making you feel superhuman, though it's rooted in human potential.
• 😀 Realizing that 'Being human is super' is the key to understanding the benefits of Isha Kriya.
• 😀 The practice involves three stages: gentle breathing, chanting, and meditative focus.
• 😀 In Stage 1, focus on the thoughts 'I am not the body' during inhalation and 'I am not the mind' during exhalation.
• 😀 Stage 2 involves chanting the sound 'Aaa' seven times, with the sound originating below the navel, helping to feel the vibration.
• 😀 In Stage 3, maintain a mild focus between your eyebrows and a slightly upturned face for 5-6 minutes.
• 😀 The total duration of the Isha Kriya practice is between 12 to 18 minutes, with no breaks in between to maintain energy flow.
• 😀 To achieve maximum benefits, practice Isha Kriya twice a day for 48 days or once a day for 90 days.
• 😀 Anyone can practice Isha Kriya, and it's important to follow the instructions exactly for optimal results.

Q & A

What is Isha Kriya, and what makes it powerful?

Isha Kriya is a simple yet powerful meditation practice that uses three key ingredients: breath, thought, and awareness. When combined correctly, these elements enhance the ability to use the mind and body effectively, resulting in a sense of being superhuman. However, Sadhguru emphasizes that this is not about becoming superhuman, but realizing that being human itself is extraordinary.

What posture should one maintain during the Isha Kriya practice?

For Isha Kriya, sit in a crossed-legged posture with your spine comfortably erect. You can use a backrest if necessary, but avoid a headrest. The hands should rest on your thighs with palms facing upward. It is also recommended to face east for additional benefits.

What is the focus of Stage 1 of Isha Kriya?

In Stage 1, you begin by inhaling and exhaling gently and slowly. During each inhalation, mentally say 'I’m not the body' and during each exhalation, say 'I’m not even the mind.' The duration of your breath should match the duration of each thought. This stage is performed for 7 to 11 minutes.

How is the sound 'Aaa' used in Stage 2 of Isha Kriya?

In Stage 2, you utter the sound 'Aaa' seven times, with your mouth wide open and exhaling fully with each sound. The sound should originate from below the navel, and although it need not be loud, it should be loud enough to feel the vibration in the body.

What should one do during Stage 3 of Isha Kriya?

In Stage 3, sit with your face slightly upturned and maintain a mild focus between your eyebrows for 5 to 6 minutes. This stage completes the practice, and the total time for the kriya is usually between 12 to 18 minutes.

What is the importance of not paying attention to the mind and body during Isha Kriya?

During Isha Kriya, it is important not to focus on the activity of the mind or body. Whether sensations or thoughts arise, they should be ignored in order to allow the energy reorganization process to take place without disruption.

How often should Isha Kriya be practiced for maximum benefit?

For maximum benefit, Isha Kriya should be practiced for a minimum of 12 minutes per session, twice a day for 48 days (a full mandala or cycle). Alternatively, you can practice once a day for 90 days. Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits.

Can I practice Isha Kriya without using the voice support from the video?

Yes, you can practice Isha Kriya without the voice support from the video. However, it is recommended to use the voice as a guide during the practice, especially when you're beginning, to help maintain the correct rhythm and focus.

What does Sadhguru mean when he says, 'I am not the body, I am not even the mind'?

Sadhguru uses the phrase 'I am not the body, I am not even the mind' to encourage practitioners to disconnect from their identification with the body and mind. This is a reminder that the true self is beyond physical and mental limitations.

What are the benefits of practicing Isha Kriya daily?

Daily practice of Isha Kriya brings numerous benefits, including improved health, increased dynamism, enhanced prosperity, and overall well-being. It helps people cope with the stress of modern life and empowers them to experience life to its fullest potential.