Mystical Burnings
I’m a yogini, part-time writer and photographer living in London. I’m passionate about travel and my yoga path has led me to sacred places in India and Nepal in pursuit of yogic philosophy and Buddhist wisdom. The journey has been a search for authenticity on the spiritual path; one that reveals yoga’s true purpose – to control the mind, to diminish suffering and attain Moksha freedom (or perhaps just sanity).
These ‘Mystical Burnings’ are a selection of writing and photography of a spiritual nature. Just as being in a sacred place, or in the presence of a spiritual master, can purify or reveal one’s true nature, these essays symbolise a kind of mystical burning, or devotion, an inner self-discipline (tapas) that burns away impurities and kindles the sparks of divinity. They mark the journey inward and are a metaphor for the ‘inner limbs’ of yoga.
....I visit the ancient temple town of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh to explore the ghats, bathe in the sacred Narmada river, see the Ahilyabhai Fort and Palace, and some of the best hand-loomed textiles in India. And meet yogis.
...She is in an absolute rage. Eyes are red with intoxication. Hair is disheveled. Small fangs protrude out of her mouth, and her tongue is lolling, dripping with blood.
...The Navadurgas, or the nine manifested forms of Goddess Durga, are venerated during the festival of Navaratri. In the Chandi Path, the Navadurgas are known as the Relievers of Difficulty and each Devi is endowed with unique powers and characteristics.
...Devi Durga is usually depicted riding into battle on a lion, with ten arms, each hand holding a celestial weapon or assuming a mudra (symbolic hand gesture).
...Devi Durga is known as the Invincible One, the Mother of the Universe. Lord Shiva called Ma Durga by 108 names in order to please her. Each name represents a quality that she possesses.
...Shakti Peeth, or “Seat of Shakti”, is a sacred place of eternal power— a significant shrine or pilgrimage destination — where a part of Devi Sati’s body, or a piece of her jewellery, fell to earth. Shakti refers to the Goddess worshiped at each location, all being manifestations of Sati; later known as Parvati or Durga.
...Goddesses come in all forms and sizes from the fair-skinned and demure Gauri, with curvaceous hips and full breasts, to the ferocious emaciated crone, Chamundi, who lives in the cremation grounds with ghouls and predatory animals like jackals and vultures.
....Come to Bhutan and see the Cham Dance, a sacred masked dance to liberate all who watch from delusion and to pay homage to the sublime.
...The unique part of the Nepal TTC is the Philosophy on the Road module where students visit sacred sites, centuries of Buddhist viharas and Hindu temples, hang prayers flags, have darshan with a priest and visit the cremation grounds at Pashupati.
....How could we not be happy when the days were filled with yoga and meditation, hanging prayer flags at a 4,000m pass, wandering through ancient rhododendron forests to a cliff monastery, full moon glamping at a dakini cave, and the magical descent to Taksang (or the infamous Tiger's Nest), where Padmasambhava flew on the back of a pregnant tigress?
....Sara La Rocca shares her thoughts and experiences on the 2019 London Yoga Teacher Training program.
....Rina Modi shares her thoughts and experiences on the 2019 London Yoga Teacher Training program.
...Heather Elton sketches the main historical events of the charismatic tantric master, legendary slayer of demons, creator of terma texts and hidden lands.