set & setting, portal to purusha

I believe it is easy, especially in the west, to ascertain the concept of eternal self or soul as still somewhat individualized or separate from the collective, universal consciousness. Throughout this entry I will refer to Purusha as source energy,, universal consciousness. That which pervades all life, eras, cycles and dimensions. Every layer of existence known and unknown. With that in mind, I humbly honor this diversity of understanding while also reflecting that perhaps the notion of the cosmic principle is unknowable, especially through the filter of the limited or conditioned mind. It is through spiritual practice, evolution and purification, that we return to this cosmic principle.

  Across a wide range of lineages most Yogis are informed at some point, that through the intentional practice of multi limbed Yoga there is potential to “unite” the temporary personality with the infinite, eternal self. Although this union is not commonly referred to as Purusha, it is nonetheless the universal, cosmic principle. A majority of practitioners I’ve come across, myself included, agree that at some point and to some extent, this otherworldly transcendent frequency was present or felt within a practice or as the result of consistent, devoted practice over time. In addition, this contact with Purusha for many, leads to transformation, healing, empowerment and a softening of rigidity and/or resistance to life’s fluctuation. Peaceful liberation from the confines of limitation and duality arise as the practitioner begins to taste the nectar of expanded consciousness. Once more I’ll highlight the diverse and far reaching spectrum of not only Purusha, but the filter through which we as individuals experience the subtle realms of Yoga. No one can tell you what you’re feeling or experiencing, no one knows better than you, and how we experience a deeper connection to self is by no means fixed. Trust your intuition, your instinct, and most of all the practice. It will guide you to exactly what serves your highest unfolding and evolution. 

  I first discovered Yoga and specifically the presence of Purusha within it, in led Vinyasa and Yin classes with indeed an emphasis on Asana. I noticed almost right away that I was drawn to the classes and teachers that had a certain vibe or way of creating a ripe container for me to drop in fully to the practice. And here the notion of set and setting within Yoga reveals itself. Before I go too far into this subject, I’d like to first clarify that Purusha is all pervasive, meaning everything is Purusha. Even that which could be perceived as counterproductive to accessing the higher self. Everything is a stepping stone towards union. That being said, for me Yoga is a sacred ritual. Every aspect that makes up the experience can support or hinder the invocation of Purusha. Lighting, music, smells, aesthetics, the way the teacher speaks as well as the words that are chosen. I’m certain many would debate this, but even the sequence, the choice of postures and the placement of them with the practice can impact the doorway to Purusha. 

  You may be thinking, ”well those are all external factors, and indeed highly subjective”. If that's the case, you are right. Let’s also be clear that for many, and more traditionally, Yoga is a solo journey, free from distraction and leading towards stillness and extended meditation. As a teacher and practitioner, I encourage a weaving of these “eight limbed” Yoga foundations into an individual’s practice. But let’s be honest, we live in a collective, modern world. There are hundreds of thousands of Yogis who love a led group experience in which space is held in an intentional fashion to inspire connection to Purusha within the practitioner and the whole. 

  Ancient and modern cultures from across the globe practice diverse sacred rituals through prayer, invocation, devotional offerings, music, movement and much more. These are often very specific practices which are humbly and respectfully adhered to with intention and carefully held within a lineage to be passed on to future generations. Although the purpose behind such work is far ranging, it is in essence magic and alchemy, a merging of the material world with the spirit world. A common thread I have found in my experience with some of these practices, is that there is a goal to achieve an ecstatic or altered state of consciousness, and it is through that clearing of the ego so to speak, that union with the cosmic principle can occur. Some cultures use powerful hallucinogenic plant medicines and herbs as a means to achieve this state within their rites, however for others the altered state can be achieved simply through the practice or ceremony itself. 

  Consistent across many sacred rituals and ceremonies is the notion of set and setting. Everything present within the container has purpose and significance. Colors, stones, flowers, animal totems, beadwork, adornments, elemental symbols, faced direction(s), altars and more. Each meaningful and symbolic archetype represents a metaphorical key which opens the doorway to the energies being invoked. What if a yoga class was procured to be the same? An alchemical container, not created, but facilitated by the teacher. The choice of lighting, music, language and Asana, all aligning with the energetic focal point of the class. Within the framework of this idea, once the intention is set and the intentional setting has been established, there is a letting go. A faithful trust that the practice will present exactly what serves the best interest of all present, including the teacher. To be invested in this concept supporting a deeper value and benefit to your Yoga practice requires initially that you view the practice as a living intelligence, an aspect of divinity, or in essence, Purusha. 

  The subjectivity of Yoga, especially in the West, is unavoidable and permeates even the most structured, traditional lineages. We all have numerous reasons why we practice Yoga, as well as specific teachers and styles that we gravitate towards. Your current “why” is indeed relative and likely highly varied from someone else’s. The point of this entry is to evoke curiosity in your Yoga experience and what makes it what it is. In addition, I believe it is absolutely possible to experience some degree of union with the divine in a practice that is without intention, mindful preparation, or even directly contrasting to your own ideals of what make up an impactful class. However I can not dismiss those cathartic, alchemical, breakthrough moments. You can feel it, a mystic current present in the Shala, an energy which compels refined awareness, conscious breath, and artistic embodiment. 

  Through devotion to the practice, transformation, healing, insight and realization are inevitable. Yoga is an infinite well and I continue to reflect on what insight the practice is offering and how best I can grow and remain aligned with Purusha as both student and teacher. Yoga is a living force, a gift that has presented itself full of purpose and potential, much like the human experience itself. My message to teachers, take the time to create a fertile container for the spirit to present itself to your students. Reflect on what it is to be in service of the practice and your community. Make every element of your offering rich with intention, a “why” effortlessly connected to the teaching/experience you want to conjure. Much more than just a Yoga class, approach it as if it is a ceremony, a ritual, based on that which truly speaks to you as a Yogi. Also, keep learning, attend regular teacher trainings with teachers that inspire and challenge you. There is no stopping point, within the seat of the student we discover the highest expression of humility and reverence to the practice, the beginner’s mind. My message to students, stay curious. Venture out of the patterned comfort zone of whatever styles/teachers you gravitate towards. Pay attention to the set and setting of your Yoga practice and ask yourself if it supports your continued growth and discovery of not only the practice, but of the higher self, the cosmic principle, Purusha.     - Namaste