Yoga
Gentle Yoga for Manomaya Kosha with Purna Hridaya Mudra
Gentle Yoga with Purna Hridaya Mudra for Manomaya Kosha. Dive into a deeply enriching experience with Mary Platt’s gentle yoga video lesson, designed to nurture the Manomaya Kosha, the mental sheath central to your emotional well-being. Through a series of accessible yoga postures, Mary invites practitioners of all levels to explore the profound connection between body and mind.
Throughout the session, Mary skillfully guides you through a harmonious flow of asanas, carefully curated to soothe the mind, release tension, and foster a sense of mental clarity and serenity. Each posture is awakens the subtle energy channels within the body, promoting a profound sense of inner balance.
Adding an extra layer of depth to the practice, Mary incorporates the transformative power of the Heart Mudra, also known as Hridaya Mudra. This ancient hand gesture serves as a conduit for accessing the heart’s innate wisdom and compassion, facilitating a deeper connection with oneself and others.
Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this gentle yoga lesson offers a sacred space to explore the intricate interplay between body, mind, and spirit. Join Mary Platt on the mat for a soulful exploration of the Manomaya Kosha, where tranquility and inner harmony await.
What are the five koshas?
In yogic philosophy, koshas are often described as sheaths or layers that encapsulate the individual being, encompassing various aspects of existence, from the physical to the spiritual. There are five koshas, each representing a different dimension of human existence:
- Annamaya Kosha (Physical Sheath):
- Pranamaya Kosha (Vital Energy Sheath):
- Pranamaya Kosha refers to the energy or life force that animates the physical body. It includes the breath, vital energy, and the flow of prana (life force) throughout the body. This sheath is associated with vitality, breath, and the subtle movements of energy within the body. Members can watch Mary’s lesson on Pranamaya Kosha here.
- Manomaya Kosha (Mental Sheath):
- This kosha represents the mind and the mental processes. It includes thoughts, emotions, desires, and the various mental fluctuations experienced by an individual. Manomaya Kosha is associated with the realm of thoughts and feelings, encompassing the conscious and subconscious mind.
- Vijnanamaya Kosha (Intellectual Sheath):
- Vijnanamaya Kosha refers to the intellect or wisdom aspect of the individual. It encompasses discernment, intuition, and higher cognitive functions. This sheath is associated with knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to discriminate between right and wrong, truth and falsehood.
- Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Sheath):
- Anandamaya Kosha represents the innermost layer and is often described as the blissful or spiritual core of the being. It transcends the limitations of the individual ego and is associated with pure consciousness, inner peace, and divine bliss. It is said that by transcending the other koshas, one can experience the true nature of the self, which is blissful and eternal.
These koshas form layers of existence that connect the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of your life. The practice of yoga and meditation often aims at nurturing these koshas, leading to self-realization and spiritual enlightenment.
What is the heart mudra?
The Heart Mudra, also known as “Purna Hridaya Mudra” in Sanskrit, is a hand gesture used in yoga and meditation practices to cultivate feelings of openness, compassion, and love.
Mary guides you in the video lesson on how to perform the Hridaya Mudra througout the yoga flow. You can also do it on your own anytime.
- Sit comfortably in a meditation posture, such as cross-legged or in a chair with your spine erect and shoulders relaxed.
- Bring your palms together in front of your heart center, with your fingers pointing upward.
- Allow the base of your palms to touch, creating a gentle pressure between them.
- Extend your thumbs outward, touching the base of your thumbs together.
- Keep your fingers extended and gently open, creating a heart shape with your hands.
- Close your eyes and focus on your heart center, breathing deeply and rhythmically.
- Visualize feelings of love, compassion, and openness flowing into and out of your heart center as you hold the mudra.
The Heart Mudra activates the energy associated with the heart chakra (Anahata Chakra) and can help to balance emotions, promote self-love, and foster connection with others. It is often practiced during meditation, pranayama (breath control), or as part of a yoga sequence to deepen the experience of heart-centered awareness and presence. You can link to a research article on the benefits of Hridaya Mudra here.
