September 3rd, 2010
Goddess Kali: Raw Power of Transformation
I am delighted to have the opportunity to restart the “In Celebration of the Heart” series of classes. It’s been an incredible summer filled with learning, challenges, inspiration, changes, lots of growth and so much Grace!
I had the opportunity to travel and spend time with John Friend to Paris and London and we had an incredible culmination of his European Tour here in Ireland. I was yet again humbled and deeply moved as I was reminded of how blessed and fortunate I am. I am eternally grateful to my dear teacher t Gurumayi and the Siddha Yoga teachings for infusing my everyday with purpose and a deep longing to stay true to my Heart so that the experience of Highest form of Love is reflected in every aspect in my life. I am also very grateful to John and the Anusara Yoga System for making very profound teachings and Yoga practice accessible and relevant to all.
One of the highlights during the trainings with John was to learn to physically incorporate the energy of the Goddess, Supreme Shakhty, into my Yoga Practice. Shakhty is the power of creation, the divine cosmic energy that projects, maintains and dissolves the entire Universe. We specifically looked at the manifestations of Shakhty as the Goddess’ Kali, Saraswati and Lakshmi.
I wanted to start this series of classes with the Goddess KALI: The Raw Power of Transformation. She is known to be dark and fierce. Kali is the power of destruction and creation- She is known to be the one who is called upon by other gods and deities to destroy all demons. Kali is sometimes compared and described as a black hole and swallows entire galaxies into darkness and nothingness. She is the Power of Time that Devours All. Kanga, Himachal Pradesh, an 18th century scholar wrote the following.
Kali, annihilation aspect of Shakhty, standing on Rate and Kama,
who personify the primordial desire which gives rise to all creation.
The garland of human heads symbolizes wisdom and power. Her
blood-red tongue signifies the power of Raja-guna, the kinetic force
which gives impetus to all activities.
severed head are the symbols of dissolut The sacrificial sword and the ion and annihilation directing
the Sadhaka to shed his 'ego sense'. The girdle of severed hands signifies
one's Karma, action.
In my contemplation I have the experience and see that Kali is also the purest expression of Love. It is said that once Kali destroys your deepest fears she transforms a loving and nurturing Mother.
So, I as I was preparing for this class I realized that 90 minutes was never going to be enough. We could spend a lifetime studying and trying to understand and embody the virtues and qualities of Kali. So this is the 1st of four “In Celebration of the Heart” classes that focuses in Kali.
Love is the ultimate power of Transformation, Kali is Love. But in order to have the experience of deep Love in our lives, we need to slash our demons- address the negative tendencies and habits that keep us from experiencing freedom and bliss.
The Shiva Sutras Say:
YOGAS CITTA VRITTI NIRODHAH
The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga.
The energy of Kali, has the power to dissolve this so called “modifications of the mind-stuff”. When we align ourselves to this energy there is no room for the ego and its very many mood swings.
Before Yoga Practice:
Identify the power of Kali within yourself. It helps me when I think and feel the power of intention, will power, and passion for what is important for you in your life. Perhaps the primal instinct and desire to protect your loved ones at all cost.
Universal Principles of Alignment
- Open To Grace – Open to the experience of the Goddess Kali.
- Muscular Energy Foundation filled with intention and Purpose
- Raw Power in Hands and feet
- Shins In- Thighs out- engaging the inner edges of the legs