Akasha – space  

«In this very body, in the mind full of Sattva, in the secret chamber of the intellect, in the Akasha known as the Unmanifested, the Ātman, of charming splendour, shines like the sun aloft, manifesting this universe through Its own effulgence» (Vivekachudamani, 132).

Akasha is ether, space and refers both to a physical space as we find in Vedic architecture (vastushastra) and to a cosmic, infinite, spiritual space. In the infinite space that is within you beyond the physical body, mind and intellect, you can find the Ātman, that spirit which is one with the spirit of the universe.

It is a pleasant period that allows you to recover the more intimate side of you: space for relationships, space for your personal interests, space for reflections. Maybe you still don’t have a clear path for the near future and this is because there are some knots you still need to solve. So let that sense of discouragement that will arrive towards the end of the month pass, it is fleeting and you probably only need it as a further clue to understand what choices to make.

IN PRACTICE  

Akashi-mudrā, gesture of space (looking at the sky)

Close your eyes. Bend your tongue back against the roof of your mouth, at the same time tilt your head back about 45 °. Straighten your arms and lock your elbows, pressing your hands against your knees. Point your eyes to the point between the eyebrows. Breathe deeply in ujjayi for a couple of minutes. If you feel dizzy, stop immediately

Awareness exercise

When faced with any situation, do you look inside? Can you leave room for what happens and its consequences?

Mantra of the month

«Space within me»