Yoga Nidra of Satyananda
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Yoga Nidra
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| Learn to make use of lying flat on your back and relaxing. |
Yoga nidra, may be rendered in English as "yogic sleep". Recently the term 'yoga nidra' has been tied to a practice of yogic relaxation and guided visualisation techniques. Satyananda's yoga nidra is a pratyahara (inward-turning) technique in which the distractions of the mind are contained and the mind is allowed to relax. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal, as when falling asleep, withdrawal of awareness from sensory perception) is a key step in Patanjali Yoga system, its fifth step [Yn 28]
The yogic tale and imagery of a sleeping lord refers to potentially in a more inward state of mind. It is a state of deeper awareness. In some traditions, Yoga Nidra is made use of for making and sticking to commitments known as sankalpas.
During the practice of yoga nidra, one appears to be asleep, but is aware. Hence, yoga nidra is also called a state of dynamic sleep. Normally when we sleep, we cannot make good use of this mental capacity. Yoga nidra enables the person to be conscious in this state so as to activate good things in life.
Yoga nidra, a guided visualisation technique, is a useful tool in getting the relaxation to the mind and body. It has been used to help soldiers from war cope with PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome).
There are different variations of yoga nidra around. Swami Sivananda of Divine Light Mission conveyed the technique of yoga nidra to several yogis and swamis, including Satyananda, who began popularizing the practice about 40 years ago. Through Satyananda's efforts yoga nidra gradually spread. The form of yoga nidra practice Satyananda devised is versatile, and induces relaxation and a peacefully focused mind.
The book Yoga Nidra [Yn] by Satyananda is made up of a series of extended visualisations that one practices in yoga nidra. He explains yoga nidra as a state of relaxation reached by turning inwards and trying to maintain awareness while doing it [Yn 1, 31]. The practice of yoga nidra enables one to receive intuitions and inspirations from the deeper recesses of mind [6]. Yoga nidra enables a peaceful mind, even "your own true nature", the Self, it is said [7].
Sankalpa, or neat intents (desire-determinations) you form at the depth of each relaxed session, serve as positive directions. You sow those seeds in the mind and water them by sustained attention for a while, and that may help them to sprout in your life. The awareness is allowed to go much deeper into the mind than usual, and may as a result have wonderful experiences at times too. [20, 21, 24]
The yoga method may work against many diseases that are wholly or partly psychosomatic, by the rejuvenating effects that deep rest and peace of mind bring. It has been made use of in stress management and therapy, to enhance the learning process in education, to harmonize and awaken potential, and as a meditative technique. It is said to have no dangerous effects - at worst you fall asleep during the practice.
Recollections of former experiences may be activated during deep relaxation, and symbols might likewise come to mind [44-46]. Practice may assist a real life.
The book contains an illustration of five subtle fields (koshas, sheats) a human is said to be encased in [54 ff].
The book brings research evidence that the method works. Research: [Link]
Audio casettes for guiding the visualisations are available.
Also:
Literature
Amb: Satyananda Saraswati, Swami. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. 4th ed. Munger, Bihar: Yoga Publications Trust, 2008.
Yn: Satyananda Saraswati, Swami. Yoga Nidra. 6th ed. Munger: Yoga Publications Trust, 2001.
Zq: Janakananda, swami. Yoga, Tantra och Meditation i min vardag. (Yoga, Tantra and Meditation in Daily Life) Stockholm: Bonniers, 1975, p. 101. - English translation: Newburyport: Weiser Books, 1992. -- A practical, comprehensive introductory manual, more or less.
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