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THE HIMALAYAN TRADITION
Shavasana: The shavasana (corpse posture) practices serve as ways of entering one's own subtle body. The interior exercises are detailed and go far beyond mere relaxations in complexity. They may be practiced at the levels of annamaya kosha (physical body), pranamaya kosha (energy body), or manomaya kosha (mental body) in a logical progression. The last shavasana mentioned leads to yoga-nidra (yogic sleep) at several different levels.
Dharana: Concentrations and pra-vrttis or resultant experiences are practiced on the path of realization. The preceptor teaches various methods of concentrations such as, (a) on various focal points within the physical body, (b) at chakra (energy) points, and (c) in the tattvas (subtle elements).
Dhyana: Meditation proper is the chief practice in Himalayan Tradition. Components that lead one into practice of meditation begins at the level of manomaya kosha, and can be entered in many ways, including japa, breath awareness, concentrations and initiation
Transmission: From time immemorial, the Tradition has been passed on experientially in an unbroken chain of master-disciple relationships. A meditation guide in this tradition is required to be able to create a common mind-field when leading a class or a group in meditation. The guide must be able to induce a meditative state by his/her mere presence and voice. A guide may only do so to the degree to which s/he is qualified and authorized.
Swami Rama of the Himalayas has presented this tradition in its scientific format within his lectures and writings. He has initiated disciples to continue a degree of transmission.
May the reader receive the Grace of the Himalayan lineage and aspire one day to become a vehicle for such transmission.
