5 Element 0/19
introduction & Preparation Tattwa Shuddhi Sadhana
photo:
The Anahata Tree
Dear Yogi,
Over the course of the next few passages I will be sharing the foundational level course of the 5 Element Purification Practice, Tattwa Shuddhi Sadhana of the Anahata Tradition.
Each passage will explain 1 moving meditation of the practice. I recommend learning one moving meditation each week. Read the passage and follow along with the video.
Though we will cover the qualities of ALL the elements, the foundational level focuses on establishing a real connection with the Earth element, Earth the living planet-teacher matrix (which means mother), Anamayakosha the physical body : body-memorizing the physical movements and creating the foundation for the energetic practices that will continue to evolve.
I invite you to experiment with the 5 Element Form, to play with it. And if you are truly committed, you may see this foundational level course as a first training and initiation into the beautiful Anahata Tradition.
the 5 element form
The 5 Element Form is a series of moving meditations designed to cleanse and purify your ‘pancha koshas’ or ‘5 layers of your being’ for balance, health, clearing karmic imprints and creating space for your true nature, Divine Spirit to integrate into your body.
The 5 pancha koshas are, your physical body, life-force energy body, mental body, subtle-energy astral body and Divine Spirit. Technically your divine Spirit is always in balance but it is your connection to it that you can grow and strengthen.
The elements are earth, air, fire, water and akasha (aether).
The 5 Element Form is seen as a philosophy. In the yogic paradigm your mind and body are intrinsically connected. Your brain has a tail, the spinal chord that descends into your body. Knowledge does not grow through thinking and mental activity alone, it comes through immersive, holistic experiencing. Therefor to learn the 5 Element philosophy is to practice and realize (make-real) it. And to explain the philosophy is to show how it is practiced.
Anahata yoga is ‘peasant yoga’, by that I mean it is humble and accessible. The practices are designed to support and be doable in daily life by everyday working people. The 5 Element movements are adjustable to all abilities, all shapes and sizes of human. They are open to imperfection yet simple, efficient, effective and elegant. In that lies their power.
Within the tradition itself there are no priests, priestesses, gods or goddesses so these are not included in the teachings. But you are free to weave your personal form of devotion into the practices. My teacher Premananda trained together with Christians, Muslims and Hindus.
I don’t offer this course for free. I ask something in return. Whatever financial amount you feel this course is worth and that you are able to spare, invest it in supporting your local regenerative agriculture or food forest community. Do what is doable for you. If you’re a city apartment dweller with limited funds, treat yourself to some local fresh produce (not imported superfoods). If you are a homesteader or have a vegetable plot, invest is some helpful tools. Basically, seek out your local food community and find a way to support it economically. Please honor this request.
PREPARATION – space
” The breath begins with the exhalation, the space creation.”
The best way to learn the form is through practicing
1- Outdoors, barefoot in nature
2- Indoors, blindfolded
Keep this in mind and do the best you can. Follow along with the videos that will be shared, close your eyes when you can. So that you learn to do the movements through inner-reliance, from the inside out.
Once you learn the movements, experiment with practicing outdoors in nature.
Practicing the form outdoors is not always possible due to weather and finding a practical and accessable location. That’s ok. It is however important to connect with real nature and the natural elements on a regular basis.
To do
A patch of grass, a park, a garden, the wild.
It does not need to be secluded, or idyllic, or a place to practice the movements.
Just an efficient spot to connect with Earth and ground.
(If you do have a secluded place in nature nearby where you can do your practice, great!!)
If it’s in a park it might take some time before you are comfortable practicing in public. That’s ok too. It took me a while. Tip: close your eyes.
Introduce yourself to your nature spot. Use the palms of your hands to feel the sand/ grass/ tree/ rocks. Try to come here at least once a week to connect with the Earth and the elements represented in living nature. Plants communicate the way our cells communicate, through heat, light, vibration, water density, electric and magnetic pulses. If you are already very conversational with nature, chat away. Let her know your intention for learning the ancient 5 Element Form, ask for support and insights. Once you have introduced yourself, bring an offering to your nature spot. It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate, it is the action infused with intention that matters. A gift of a small rock or water infused with your energy and intention to connect, share and respect.
(Optional)
Read the passage : A Beginning
(Optional)
Collect the 5 Elements, make or place them in an altar.
A stone for earth
A small cup of water for water
A candle or tealight for fire
An incense stick for air
A piece of paper with the ‘AUM’ sign or ellipse (oval) for akasha
Here also, it is the action infused with intention (connecting with and awakening the 5 elements) that matters. Action is energy.
Once a day or once a week light the candle, burn the stick, refresh the water, hold the rock and be present in space.
