Yoga Strength

Question:

How is Siddha Yoga different from Kriya Yoga or are they? –Interested in TX – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Playing any instrument (wind) will help you breathe easier.  I used to have asthma as a child and I learned to play the oboe.  My asthma went away.  I could only imagine that yogic breath "pranayama,"  would certainly increase one’s ability to play. I’m also a devotee of Gurumayi.  And given the experience of my own divinity she has given me, I would say….I don’t care if anyone perceives Siddha Yoga as a cult.  For me it is not, but it doesn’t matter.  My experience is that my life is better after 12 years of practicing Siddha Yoga meditation. Be well – Phillip The subject of whether or not Siddha yoga, in particular, is a cult, is really a entirely different topic, and one I know nothing about. Regards, – Jeff Jetton

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Hari Om, We have to accept we all are individuals and different techniques suits different people….so search for a guru by heart only, not through mind at all….When it is suitable for you you will know asap…your inner self will alert you..Keep searching and do not think to much otherwise your ego will lead you…. Blessed be, Jazz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How is Siddha Yoga different from Kriya Yoga or are they? –Interested in TX Playing any instrument (wind) will help you breathe easier.  I used to have asthma as a child and I learned to play the oboe.  My asthma went away.  I could only imagine that yogic breath "pranayama,"  would certainly increase one’s ability to play. I’m also a devotee of Gurumayi.  And given the experience of my own divinity she has given me, I would say….I don’t care if anyone perceives Siddha Yoga as a cult.  For me it is not, but it doesn’t matter.  My experience is that my life is better after 12 years of practicing Siddha Yoga meditation. Be well – Phillip The subject of whether or not Siddha yoga, in particular, is a cult, is really a entirely different topic, and one I know nothing about. Regards, – Jeff Jetton

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How is Siddha Yoga different from Kriya Yoga or are they? –Interested in TX As a devotee of Siddha Yoga, I would say the two have a great deal in

common, though the lineages are different. I have tremendous respect for Yogananda and his tradition. Yogananda (and Vivekananda of Ramakrishna’s Tradition before him)  "paved the way"  for many yogic Masters to come to the west decades later, so I think we should all feel gratitude toward Yogananda. As far as differences, it would be difficult to discuss, since SRF(Yogananda) teaches through private lessons. I think differences can be misleading to focus on anyway. One path may emphasize certain practices more than the other. As far as choosing one "over" the other, I think one is naturally drawn to one path or the other. One path may appeal to the needs of a particular seeker more than the other, but in no way, do I want to imply I think one path is "better" than the other. Take care, James

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Playing any instrument (wind) will help you breathe easier.  I used to have asthma as a child and I learned to play the oboe.  My asthma went away.  I could only imagine that yogic breath "pranayama,"  would certainly increase one’s ability to play. I’m also a devotee of Gurumayi.  And given the experience of my own divinity she has given me, I would say….I don’t care if anyone perceives Siddha Yoga as a cult.  For me it is not, but it doesn’t matter.  My experience is that my life is better after 12 years of practicing Siddha Yoga meditation. Be well – Phillip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The subject of whether or not Siddha yoga, in particular, is a cult, is really a entirely different topic, and one I know nothing about. Regards, – Jeff Jetton

Response:

Is Siddha Yoga the answer to mastering your instrument?

Dear Bshoe, As a musician with a degree in Jazz Compositon from Berklee College of Music AND as a devotee of Gurumayi’s for 14 years (Siddha Yoga)….I can confidently  assure you practicing Siddha Yoga will NOT cause you to become a master of your instrument. Practice, transcibing, ear training, etc is the Way, the Truth and the Light….my child. Increase in one’s creativity is one of the many, many benefits of practicing yogic meditation of any "kind", though in my opinion, Self Realization is the supreme goal. Regarding the anti-Siddha yoga folks….well….IMO, without exception, you can find individuals who will speak negatively of every Master who has ever walked the planet. Best to judge based on your own DIRECT experience. Take care, James

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I have recently read an amazing book on becoming a better musician. This book had a great impact on me. In the book, the author mentions that the ideas in the book stem from Siddha yoga. The only thing i know about yoga is that the strawberry-bannana kind that Dannon makes is pretty tasty. I got on the internet to look into Siddha yoga, and found that it’s a religion, and some consider it a cult. I don’t want to join a cult, I just want to become a better musician. Are there any musicians here who have read the book or use yoga to become a better player? The book is called ‘Effortless Mastery’ by Kenny Werner (Jamie Aebersold publisher). It is an amazing book. I’ve seen many books on improving your playing, but none like this. Is Siddha Yoga the answer to mastering your instrument?

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musician with a degree in Jazz Compositon from Berklee College of Music AND as a devotee of Gurumayi’s for 14 years (Siddha Yoga)

You are exactly the kind of person to best answer my questions. I would love to know your opinion of the book. Siddha Yoga will NOT cause you to become a master of your instrument. Practice, transcibing, ear training, etc is the Way, the Truth and the Light….my child.

The book talks about who you are as a person and how that effects your practice habits, minimizing expended energy, mastering one thing at a time to the point where it is effortless to play it, etc. Many things that i’ve never seen in an instructional book before. This book has already had a big impact on my playing. The book does not imply that Siddha Yoga will make you play better. This is my misinterpretation. Does Yoga effect your ability to practice, transcribe, train your ear? Excuse my ignorance. This book was my first exposure to yoga of any kind. You are most qualified to answer these questions. What were your practice routines like? How did you master your instrument? What do you mean by Self Realization?

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Are there any musicians here who have read the book or use yoga to become a better player?

I’m a yoga newbie. But since I’m a working musician, and also another Berklee alum (well, drop out) I couldn’t pass up replying to this one. Hatha yoga can certainly improve musicianship. In fact, my first exposure to yoga was through a voice coach that used some standing postures for warm-up. There is much in common between the way one breathes in yoga and proper breath technique in singing/playing a wind instrument (and Tai Chi, from what I understand). You didn’t mention what you played (I’m primarily a pianist, myself), but even if it’s not voice or wind, the physical "centering" promoted by yoga aids in any type of performance. Really, any sort of relaxation therapy, yoga or not, combats performance anxiety and helps concentration, allowing focus while freeing creativity. And while I’m a complete greenhorn in the non-hatha aspects of yoga, the principles of balance between high/low, hard/soft, tension/release, awareness/"letting go", etc., seem to apply just as easily to yoga as they do to improvisation. I would also hazard a guess that one’s growing discipline to yoga spills over into a loving discipline to other aspects of life, including one’s practice schedule. The subject of whether or not Siddha yoga, in particular, is a cult, is really a entirely different topic, and one I know nothing about. Regards,  - Jeff Jetton

Response:

Siddha Yoga will NOT cause you to become a master of your instrument. Practice, transcibing, ear training, etc is the Way, the Truth and the Light….my child. The book talks about who you are as a person and how that effects your practice habits, minimizing expended energy, mastering one thing at a time to the point where it is effortless to play it, etc. In my opinion (IMO), this sounds like a very holistic (yogic) approach to

music. Seeing musical expression as an expression of your state of consciousness.  Many things that i’ve never seen in an instructional book before. This book has already had a big impact on my playing. I’m sure Kenny will be glad to hear that.

 The book does not imply that Siddha Yoga will make you play better. I’m glad to hear that!  :)

.. Does Yoga effect your ability to practice, transcribe, train your ear? IMO, yes, but indirectly, in that… the practice of meditation, etc,

gives one greater clarity, power of concentration.etc,etc. I feel my ability of retention was improved dramatically from the practice of meditation. Please note I am not saying Siddha Yoga specifically! It is the path I have chosen, but by no means is it the only beneficial method of meditation. What were your practice routines like? Of course, as my level of play changed, so did my practice routines,

but….In the beginning, I focused a great deal on scales, arpeggios, technique,etc. Keep in mind I’m speaking from a jazz perspective. Also, I’m a big proponent of being an "educated musician", at least to some degree. IMO, SOLID understanding of harmony is a must. Anyway…. depending on your ability to notate and how  well trained your ear is at this point, I can’t recommend transcribing enough. It will do wonders for all aspects of your musicality. I used to transcribe at least one Bill Evans tune a week. I didn’t just transcribe the piano part, but the bass player as well. I wouldn’t just focus on pianists either. I learned a ton about soloing from transcribing horn players.  How did you master your instrument? I can’t say I ever did     From a rock perspective, I’m a monster

player, but from a jazz perspective….mediocre. To me, masters, are people like Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Coltrane, Parker,etc. What do you mean by Self Realization? I will have to refer you to others for the answer to that! If you like or

are curious about the Yogic traditions, you could read the teachings of a variety of Masters, such as Ramana Maharshi, Muktananda, Yogananda, etc,etc,etc. If you would prefer a Christian tradition based view…..maybe check out Meister Eckhart or Jakob Boehme. Muktananda has a book called, "Where are you going?" that is an introduction to Siddha Yoga, but is also an excellent intro to Yogic Philosophy and practice in general. Also, Yogananda’s book, "Autobiography of a Yogi" would be an excellent choice. For a quick response though, I would say Self Realization is the direct experience that who and what you truly are is Infinite, Eternal and Perfect…..and to see That reality in everyone….to see all of creation as the play of That one reality. Take care, James

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