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Maria
I have always loved gliding between Chekov and the Cha Cha. In other words, inhabiting the splendors of mind and then body so fully there seemed to be nothing else. This was true on so many levels. I simply accepted the fact that one inhabited one or the other, each containing their beauty, creativity and lessons. To bridge these worlds was a dream.
Then in 1976 I found yoga. It seemed to hold the promise of both; there are the physical poses, asana and there is the attention to breath and the deep study necessary to know and ultimately sit in the seat of the teacher. This I have done, and for decades it has brought me much joy and continues to do so. But still, something was missing.
Why am I here; what is my purpose? What is the driving force behind the yearning for life? What is the source of creative expression? How does one feel truly at home?
I came to realize that the bridge I sought was really one to my heart for that is the pivot point, the source, sanctuary and unifier. I had an inkling that there was a way to unite all the loves of my life, and in the bargain, know myself more fully, express myself in a more potent yet expansive manner. To feel at home no matter where I stood. To be what I could only imagine, whole.
Who could teach me how to enter that space? How to reach the the recesses of my deepest heart? How does consciousness move? What is the source of me?
I have tried many many practices: contemplation, visualization, various forms of meditation, religious teachings, and much more. Though beautiful, none answered the prayer of my heart.
My Path To Neelakantha Meditation
I met Paul in 2008 and was immediately drawn to the powerful teachings of knowledge and experience that flow through the Shaiva-Tantra tradition, also referred to as Kashmir-Shaivism. As a scholar directly translating these ancient texts, and as a practitioner of mediation, he spoke to both my intellect and heart. His clear and powerful articulation of the essence of yoga and its core practice of deep meditation struck a cord and a message arose: ‘Build Home Behind Your Eyes.’ There was the way I felt, broken and up-rooted, and the way I wanted to be, whole and grounded. This is the practice that could bridge that divide. Here was the architect who would guide me.
I learned the practice and immediately began formal study in his meditation school, Blue Throat Yoga. I began with the wish of simply becoming more accepting and grounded, less harsh with myself. What I’ve been given is a truly transformational gift. I am less reactive with increased equanimity. I find myself letting go of things I have long tried to release and naturally embracing what supports my life. I experience increased creativity and much more patience, even as I am more steady in my determination.
Simply put, it has afforded me the tools to live a more skillful, engaged, self sufficient life, and one that reflects my heart. It was a natural progression to become a teacher, an architect in my own right, so that I too may share this awakening with others.
Neelakantha Meditation is rooted in the evolution, over millennia, in India of the experiential study of the science of consciousness, which is the deeper understanding of yoga. It can be called a “technology” of consciousness which works through the natural and automatic operation of the mind and body.
It is profoundly experiential on a personal level. This practice is not based on belief. It is not about taking someone’s word for it, it’s about finding out for yourself. Don’t take my word, practice it and see what happens in your life!
I have always loved gliding between Chekov and the Cha Cha. In other words, inhabiting the splendors of mind and then body so fully there seemed to be nothing else. This was true on so many levels. I simply accepted the fact that one inhabited one or the other, each containing their beauty, creativity and lessons. To bridge these worlds was a dream.
Then in 1976 I found yoga. It seemed to hold the promise of both; there are the physical poses, asana and there is the attention to breath and the deep study necessary to know and ultimately sit in the seat of the teacher. This I have done, and for decades it has brought me much joy and continues to do so. But still, something was missing.
Why am I here; what is my purpose? What is the driving force behind the yearning for life? What is the source of creative expression? How does one feel truly at home?
I came to realize that the bridge I sought was really one to my heart for that is the pivot point, the source, sanctuary and unifier. I had an inkling that there was a way to unite all the loves of my life, and in the bargain, know myself more fully, express myself in a more potent yet expansive manner. To feel at home no matter where I stood. To be what I could only imagine, whole.
Who could teach me how to enter that space? How to reach the the recesses of my deepest heart? How does consciousness move? What is the source of me?
I have tried many many practices: contemplation, visualization, various forms of meditation, religious teachings, and much more. Though beautiful, none answered the prayer of my heart.
My Path To Neelakantha Meditation
I met Paul in 2008 and was immediately drawn to the powerful teachings of knowledge and experience that flow through the Shaiva-Tantra tradition, also referred to as Kashmir-Shaivism. As a scholar directly translating these ancient texts, and as a practitioner of mediation, he spoke to both my intellect and heart. His clear and powerful articulation of the essence of yoga and its core practice of deep meditation struck a cord and a message arose: ‘Build Home Behind Your Eyes.’ There was the way I felt, broken and up-rooted, and the way I wanted to be, whole and grounded. This is the practice that could bridge that divide. Here was the architect who would guide me.
I learned the practice and immediately began formal study in his meditation school, Blue Throat Yoga. I began with the wish of simply becoming more accepting and grounded, less harsh with myself. What I’ve been given is a truly transformational gift. I am less reactive with increased equanimity. I find myself letting go of things I have long tried to release and naturally embracing what supports my life. I experience increased creativity and much more patience, even as I am more steady in my determination.
Simply put, it has afforded me the tools to live a more skillful, engaged, self sufficient life, and one that reflects my heart. It was a natural progression to become a teacher, an architect in my own right, so that I too may share this awakening with others.
Neelakantha Meditation is rooted in the evolution, over millennia, in India of the experiential study of the science of consciousness, which is the deeper understanding of yoga. It can be called a “technology” of consciousness which works through the natural and automatic operation of the mind and body.
It is profoundly experiential on a personal level. This practice is not based on belief. It is not about taking someone’s word for it, it’s about finding out for yourself. Don’t take my word, practice it and see what happens in your life!