Prayers for BKS Iyengar

My copy of Iyengar's, Light on Life

BKS Iyengar said, "Live happily and die majestically."

A fond farewell to him, as after 95 rich and vibrant years he ventures into the beyond, attains auspicious rebirth or release from samsara, the cycle of birth and death.

Iyengar led by example, inspiring countless yogis to go beyond their perceived limitations, to aspire to their full potential, and to honor and treasure the teachings of yoga without diluting the lineage, discipline and dedication that kept it alive for thousands of years.

His children, his students and his books, Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, and Light on Life, will continue to keep his teachings alive for countless more. 

For more inspiring quotes on life, yoga, and your body from this great modern master,  link to this article at Care2.

Noble Teacher, may your journey be a peaceful one.  Thank you.

Soham: I am That

Soham is an abstract or formless mantra, a mantra "without qualities".

Like the bija mantra Om, it doesn't invoke any particular deity.  Rather, it invites us to recognize our unity with the absolute or infinite nature of the universe.

The formless mantras are among the oldest, originating in the Vedic texts.  Yet we repeat this mantra naturally with each and every breath, "Soh" as we inhale, and "Hum" as we exhale.

As such, this universal mantra calms the body and mind, helping us to "Be Here Now".

Try concentrating on the sound of "Soh" as you inhale and feel the energy rising from the base of the spine along the sushumna nadi toward the crown.  As you exhale "Hum", feel the energy descending from the crown to the base of the spine. 

For a more detailed explanation of how to use this mantra in meditation, click here to visit swamij.com.

Although the vibration and the awareness are more important than the translation, the meaning is So-Aham, I am That or That I am.

Saraswati with Swans

This mantra helps the meditator realize that s/he is existence itself, timeless and without limitation of qualities or form. 

It is used mainly by experienced yogis and those who do not identify with a particular personification of the divine. 

It is sometimes referred to as the Hamsa mantra meaning "swan", a symbol of purity, prana, detachment, spiritual realization, escape from samsara, and identification with the Atman or Highest Self.