Prasāda – serenity

«Clarification of the mind (citta-prasādanam) results from the cultivation of friendliness, compassion, happiness, and equanimity in conditions of pleasure, dissatisfaction, merit, and absence of merit, respectively».  (Yoga-sūtra, 1.33)

Prasāda is an important word, which is found in many cultural contexts of India, from architecture to theatre, from medicine to religion. In the hindū tradition, prasāda is the offering of food, which, after being dedicated to the gods, is distributed among the faithful. In general, the term can be translated as “calm”, “serenity”, “limpidity” too, which is the meaning taken from this Yoga-sūtra verse. The citta-prasādanam is a state of inner serenity indispensable for attaining samadhi, enlightenment.

Did you implement my advice last month, Capricorn? The suggested verse last month was just the one prior to this. So did you focus on one small thing? If yes, you should be able to pass through this August with a good energy, that will take you to a more positive climate in the last ten days of the month than in recent times. Summer ends peacefully, Capricorn, lets you understand that light is ready for you, you just need a little patience.

IN PRACTICE  

Ujjāyī prānāyāma, breath giving victory or victorious breath.

Sitting in a comfortable meditative position, breathe, listen to the sound of the breath. In ujjāyī the breath is loud and heavy. Stay focused on breathing. Do it for at least 3 minutes every day. If possible once a week, perform this breath concentration for 15 minutes.

Awareness exercise:

Watch how you feel when you see a happy person, an unhappy one and a vicious one. At that moment, in addition to your emotion, observe your breath and take two breaths in ujjāyī.

Mantra of the month:

“Serenity and light”