Practice Video

Meditationtime Forum Post

Date:  Posted 5 years before Mar 24, 2018

 

Alfredo 5 years ago

 

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKhfXqSX_3I

Video Title: CLIP0002 (Published by Alfredo Delregato Mar 2, 2013)

 

Here is the practice video I had mentioned here before, with the Acharya instructing.

 

A few things: a) The person videotaping the video turned the video camera around a few times resulting in images that are seen along the screen of a computer monitor or laptop, a way to solve this is by using a tablet or i-Pad or I-phone or similar; b) This is a short practice compared to what we have been doing in the AMs, which sometimes goes on for almost one hour, with average of about 45 minutes, but there is still some basic principles being entertained for beginners like me, which I would be happy to answer if anyone has any questions. Because of this, I am now committed to recreate a one-hour summary practice of what I learned in a couple of weeks - after I affirm the practice myself - and make another video and post it for others' perusal and benefit.

 

I don't think that the Acharya likes being videotaped much, for long periods at least. As for that, now you catch him if you can!

 

Neo_Yogi 5 years ago

Hey, Alfredo, you have lost a lot of weight compared to your profile's photo!

 

Thank you very much to both of you, Alfredo and Michael, for this gift. I'll watch it carefully later on; I'll see if I can learn this series of movements. I already have some questions, but I'll keep them for later.

 

I bow to both of you in appreciation...

 

    _/\_

 

Namaste!

 

Pool 5 years ago

Great Video!!!

 

I noticed also in the other videos of Michael that in some postures after finishing a breathing sequence you INHALE - HOLD - EXHALE and doing the same over a few more times.. I do that too sometimes because I feel the need of doing that. but what's the reason behind that? is it more of caching your breath kind of thing? my second guess would be to raise some energy up the spine this way.

 

On another note there are some postures such as on 9:21, after a sequence of breath, and holding on a inhale, only the chin lock has been applied and not uddiyana for example.. how is the distribution of breathing done after such a posture?

 

When I finish a sequence of breathing after such posture (usually squatting postures) I just sit straight on my feet to get a straight spine and then apply the locks to distribute the air.. now I am unsure if this is correct anymore..

 

another posture can be the Cobra Posture.. after a sequence of breathing I sit straight and apply all the locks.. how does one apply the locks to distribute the air?

 

unless the locks are applied on a subtle level which is out of my reach right now..

 

neil 5 years ago

Wow!  This practice looks very invigorating.  Many of the older students I teach have difficulty going low in the squat like you are doing so I have them practice Uddiyana for about ten minutes putting emphasis on the three bandhas - perinium, belly, and diaphragm. Many of them can now do Navasana (boat pose), Uttanasana (forward fold), and Halasana (plow).  They soon discover that breath flow plays a very important role in all asanas.  Diet is often overlooked in many yoga classes and should be an integral part of every class.

 

Jettins 5 years ago

Hello Alfredo, Michael. Very nice!

 

Neo_Yogi 5 years ago

Hola again Michael and Alfredo,

 

Like Thomer Scheepens, I also have some questions about this interesting practice.

 

After watching carefully this video I've checked other videos in YouTube to find instructions on how to perform that breathing technique and I found this one which explains that this breath of fire must be done rapidly and lightly through the nose, but judging by the sound you two make in the video, it seems that you perform it in a deep & powerful fashion, is that right?

 

It seems that Michael checks your lower abdomen a couple of times. Does it mean that the movement of the breathing process must be done with the abdomen instead of with the chest or it's quite the opposite?

 

Also, I see how you two perform some locks when holding after the inhalation. Looks like Jalandhara Bhanda. If you do other bhandas, could you tell their names so I can google up some detailed instructions?

 

About the sequence of asanas, I will have to jot down one by one in order to know (and memorize) their exact realization and right order. Could you help with their names (if they have a name)?

 

I understand that explaining all this must take quite some time so, please, take your time.

 

Alfredo 5 years ago

Neo_Yogi wrote:

[After watching carefully this video I've checked other videos in YouTube to find instructions on how to perform that breathing technique and I found this one which explains that this breath of fire must be done rapidly and lightly through the nose, but judging by the sound you two make in the video, it seems that you perform it in a deep & powerful fashion, is that right?]

 

Alfredo's reply:

I watched the video and do not have any comments about it. Since I learned this technique from Michael, perhaps he would care to comment on it.

 

I never checked any other videos but the Acharya's as I was convinced that his was the one to follow.

 

And, yes, that is correct, deep and powerful can define this breathing infusion.

 

==================================

 

Neo_Yogi wrote:

[It seems that Michael checks your lower abdomen a couple of times. Does it mean that the movement of the breathing process must be done with the abdomen instead of with the chest or it's quite the opposite?]

 

Alfredo's reply:

Yes, the goal is to do the breathing with the lower abdomen. Chest is usually at the initiate level, upper abdomen at the intermediate level, and lower abdomen at the advanced level. I am now hovering around the intermediate level, with future emphasis in localizing all the breathing using the lower abdomen, that's why you noticed Michael's insistence when I started breathing with the chest. But at first, one just breathes because one does not want to involve the will and the mind too much, too consciously, but at the same time, one is looking for that automatic breathing from the lower abdomen.

 

==================================

 

Neo_Yogi wrote:

[Also, I see how you two perform some locks when holding after the inhalation. Looks like Jalandhara Bhanda. If you do other bhandas, could you tell their names so I can google up some detailed instructions?]

 

Alfredo's reply:

These bhandas or locks are used not only after the inhalation, but also during it. The main locks are as follows: anus, sex, belly, and throat.

 

In reality, applying the anus, sex, and navel to lock is called Mulabhanda or root lock. The anus sphincter muscle is contracted as well as the sex organ, then pushed back by the navel.

 

The belly lock is called Uddiyana Bhanda. You see Michael often making me pull up the belly, this is it.

 

The neck lock or chin lock is Jalandhara Bhanda.

 

Why are these locks applied? So that Kundalini, after being innervated by the breath infusion into the navel and Muladhara Chakra, does not explode in every direction but is canalized, hopefully, up Sushumna Nadi (spinal cord).

 

==================================

 

Neo_Yogi wrote:

[About the sequence of asanas, I will have to jot down one by one in order to know (and memorize) their exact realization and right order. Could you help with their names (if they have a name)?]

 

Alfredo's reply:

Do not worry about names. The asanas are innumerable. It is the principle that one needs to learn. For if you start with these in the video, others will soon insinuate to you. What about if I tell you that every single day in the practice Michael introduces new asanas and postures I have never seen before?  Also the sequence changes constantly. That's why I am committed to do a one-hour version in a couple of weeks, so that others can see the tremendous variety. If you are convinced that this practice is for you, you can start with the positions in the video and we can discuss further. Notice that one with the fingers bent while kneeling, that's critical for beginners. We can expand on it later on.

 

==================================

 

Neo_Yogi wrote:

[I understand that explaining all this must take quite some time so, please, take your time.]

 

Alfredo's reply:

It is a pleasure for me to explain the little I know, we are lucky to have the Acharya to review it. It took me a while as I was driving from Miami to Tampa (4.5 hours), and just settled down here in a hotel for a week.

 

==================================

 

Thomer,

 

You are  a keen observer.

 

Pool wrote:

[I noticed also in the other videos of Michael that in some postures after finishing a breathing sequence you INHALE - HOLD - EXHALE and doing the same over a few more times.. I do that too sometimes because I feel the need of doing that. but what's the reason behind that? is it more of caching your breath kind of thing? my second guess would be to raise some energy up the spine this way.]

 

Alfredo's reply:

So, it goes that an important thing like that you figured out all by yourself, meaning these things become obvious with the practice. Most of the times the exhales are through the nose, but in certain postures are through the mouth. I have not asked, sincerely, the reason for this, but it does not seem to me to be catching the breath as no one is out of breath at the time, my take is a redistribution, realigning, of energies and an opportunity to extract as much stale air from the lungs, even the bottom of them.

 

==================================

 

Pool wrote:

On another note there are some postures such as on 9:21, after a sequence of breath, and holding on a inhale, only the chin lock has been applied and not uddiyana for example.. how is the distribution of breathing done after such a posture?

 

Alfredo's reply:

Uddiyana or belly lock should also been applied, and if the video shows I did not it is because these locks are yet to be automatic in my practice, with time they will, and that's one of the goals.

 

==================================

 

Pool wrote:

[When I finish a sequence of breathing after such posture (usually squatting postures) I just sit straight on my feet to get a straight spine and then apply the locks to distribute the air.. now I am unsure if this is correct anymore..]

 

Alfredo's reply:

I think this is correct. But the locks are also applied while the breathing infusion is being done.

 

Pool 5 years ago

Thanks for the explanation Alfredo!

 

I guess doing the 3 important locks in different postures is possible and very important too, because by the time you try to sit erect you might lose some of the air which have been absorbed.

the reason I never did it this way is because I always read in different sources that locks are mostly done when having an erect spine. And I felt it feels less "right" to do it in squatting postures or when the front body is bend in someway.. but I guess I will experiment with this.

 

Alfredo wrote:

"I think this is correct. But the locks are also applied while the breathing infusion is being done."

 

Pool's reply:

This sounds like quite a challenge. If I might ask, how is the navel lock done while breathing? on exhale you forcefully stroke the abdomen not just to the back of the spine but also upward the same time?

 

==================================

 

Alfredo wrote:

"Notice that one with the fingers bent while kneeling, that's critical for beginners. We can expand on it later on."

 

Pool's reply:

Lately I have put more emphases on this one because I feel that my lungs aren't absorbing in all the air I am breathing in.. but I can definitely feel that some air is being absorbed, just not sufficient enough to create a strong enough charge and I am working on to change this attitude.

 

Good Luck with your next practices!!!

You sure advance very fast!

 

Alfredo 5 years ago

My pleasure Thomer!

 

May the Mother always gives you quiet in the mind, purity, calm, and peace!

 

Pool wrote:

[I guess doing the 3 important locks in different postures is possible and very important too, because by the time you try to sit erect you might lose some of the air which have been absorbed. The reason I never did it this way is because I always read in different sources that locks are mostly done when having an erect spine. and I felt it feel less "right" to do it in squatting postures or when the front body is bend in someway.. but I guess I will experiment with this.]

 

Alfredo's reply:

I have highlighted a sentence above. This is basically correct, and it depends on the person. Notice from the video that in many of these postures, even though while breathing rapidly, the spine is erect. So your intuition is correct. Is it important to rattle about locks in every and all postures? Perhaps not. Play it by ear. However, those where you are in a steady position, breathing rapidly into the navel, then yes. Standing after one cycle, definitely.

 

==================================

 

Pool wrote:

[Lately I have put more emphases on this one because I feel that my lungs aren't absorbing in all the air I am breathing in]

 

Alfredo's reply:

Once more this confirms to me that your conclusions are correct and derive from application, for Acharya Ji explained that the main purpose of this posture, and specifically of the bending of the fingers, is to provoke the brain into allowing a greater air absorption by the lungs, by confounding the brain into thinking that the practice is more strenuous than it really is, as if you were jogging, for example.