Awareness of Light is the Light of Awareness
Spring is a beautiful time of renewal when we get a sense of the freshness of deep-down things. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, light spills from the heavens above, and we see everything more clearly. It is as if the external sun generates inner illumination also.
This article on the the awareness of inner light looks at how to work with Surya Namaskara, the Vedic solar mantras and the chakra focus for each posture.
The Whispered Wisdom of the Upanishads
The Upanishads are the essence of Yoga wisdom.
They are time capsules containing the deepest insights of rishis, yogis and seers in the period of the ‘Great Awakening’ some 500 years or more before the Christian Era.
They are epiphanies, lightning flashes that scorched hearts, and then solidified into engravings on birch bark and then onto the printed page.
We are looking forward to reading and discussing the Kena Upanishad in our final book club meeting of the season.
An Introduction to Mudra
The word Mudra means a “sign”; a symbol; an attitude; or a seal.
Mudras are said to balance the connections between the first three koshas in particular: physical, energetic (pranic), and mental.
Mudras also promote health, balance the brain hemispheres, and, as a seal, prevent dissipation of energy from the fingers. Mudras help to re-direct and channel prana, especially the fall of prana from higher to lower chakra levels.
Find out more in to Micahel’s one-day workshop entitled The sacred science of mantra and mudra on 28th March 2026.
Mantra Yoga
A mantra is mystical energy encased in a sound structure. In this article, Yogacharya Michael McCann explores the origins and purpose of mantra; the different types of mantra; and the various ways in which to practise mantra. Find out more in to his one-day workshop entitled The sacred science of mantra and mudra on 28th March 2026.
The Path of Karma Yoga
Karma yoga is known variously as meditation in action, spiritual action, non-doing, working with awareness and selfless service. It is nishkama karma (non-doing).
Karma yoga is more concerned with the means than the end. It encourages us to offer up the result or fruit of action in a spirit of sacrifice to God, the Supreme, or what represents the Highest for you. In so doing, the action becomes ritualised and spiritualised, because the true meaning of sacrifice is “to make sacred”.
Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward. Work not for a reward; but never cease to do thy work. (Bhagavad Gita)
Cultivating Spaciousness
Cultivating Spaciousness by Yogacharya Michael McCann
Let go of effort, step back, be in the moment, reflect on who is the real source of thought and action and become the knower of the field. “Abide in Me”. See the wood, not the trees, or at least the space between the trees. Remember to ask for Grace. And, of course, get out of your own way.
You will discover a space that vibrates with the light of a growing awareness, and realise that under every pebble, and in the centre of every atom, sits a Buddha.
BHAGAVAN SRI RAMANA MAHARSHI
Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
In our Yoga book club this week, we are discussing ‘Ramana Maharshi and the Path of Self-knowledge’ by Arthur Osborne.
We are indeed blessed that such a great Yogi was born in our age. His life was a reminder that the great paths (marga) of Yoga remain ever fresh. His shrine and ashram under the sacred hill of Arunachala remain a beacon light to all who continue to seek Arunachala in the heart.
In this journal post, Maharshi’s life and teachings are outlined by Yogacharya Michael McCann
Christmas, the Descent of Light
Christmas, the descent of light
In these cold, waning days of the winter, as we move into the season of Advent, it is worth reflecting on the meaning of Christmas in the light of the Yogic concept of the “Avatar”, “the One who descends”. This teaches that at low points in the cycles of history, when forces of darkness and ignorance gather, and Humanity has lost its way, then the Divine incarnates and descends to the world to restore righteousness (Dharma).