Philosophie Karmacircus

Adyashanti

Asana

From the beginning of my time on the mat, the effects of a physical practice on the mind and heart impressed me. Although in my experience the practice of Asana transforms itself continuously and in the past years it became less central in my life, I still experience the advantages of a connected and extended somatic consciousness. Like several single beads on a string form a necklace, in the practice of asana, the mind is strung to the present moment, movement by movement, breath by breath. For me it is never about reaching specific forms, neither about the precision of postures, but only about the present moment awareness throughout the practice and the heart qualities that are accessed through that. As a positive side effect for one’s health and vitality, bodily strength and mobility are enhanced and prevent diseases.

Svadhyaya

In my opinion, exploring one's own being (personality structure) with all its imprints, beliefs, values and opinions is one of the most essential components of inner development. It leads us through the dark valleys of our own neuroses, fears, control mechanisms and compulsions, through the many confusions to more clarity, lightness and inner peace. The integration of our own shadow parts makes us more understanding and compassionate with the entanglements and veils of the other person. Appreciating the uniqueness of one's own being, personal abilities and resources are just as essential in my view, as taking responsibility for healing/integrating injuries on the personality level. 

Meditation / Silence

Silence paves the way for me to gain insight.

It helps me become aware of self-centredness and the suffering that results from it.

In der Stille offenbart sich mir aber auch eine Dimension des unbegrenzten, nicht-identifizierten, offenen Gewahrseins.

My interest in non-conceptual experience was particularly awakened by the experience of prolonged silence. This personal experience gave rise to the desire to make this possible for yoga practitioners too, free from rigid monastic regimes and the Vipassana tradition with which I am familiar.

Some of my retreats take place entirely in silence, others only part time, to investigate how silence and a wholesome speech nourish each other.

Discovering the powers of the heart (all-encompassing love, compassion, joy and equanimity) forms the second wing alongside realising inseparable consciousness. Through the development of these two wings we find freedom where and how we are.

Daily life as a practice

We refer to most of our lives as ‘everyday life’, although in reality it does not actually exist. For when we awaken to the present moment, there is no identical repetition of a previous experience. If formal practice does not find its way into our being, our actions and our behaviour in this so-called everyday life, little will change in the way we treat ourselves and those around us.

We can make use of the many opportunities that arise in our relationships and in our actions to find a way of dealing with the situation that is healing and beneficial for everyone involved, and thereby continue to grow. Viewed in this way, life itself becomes a practice, and the distinction between ‘ordinary’ days and ‘special’ days disappears.