Defining a Yogic Artist
At their philosophical core, there is a common thread that runs throughout the ancient spiritual, bio-energetic systems referred to as the martial, yogic or healing arts. This is the acknowledgment that we, at every level of our existence, are an intricate complex of energetic pathways and pressure points vibrating at different frequencies. These phenomena are referred to as koshas, meridians, tsubos, nadis or sen lines depending on the geographical origin of the practice. These bio-energy fields serve as conduits of universal source power, which manifests within and sustains every living entity. This force is referred to as ki, chi, prana, and reiki, which is accessed and cultivated through the ancient yogic breathing system, known as pranayama; the expansion and contraction of life-force. There are bio-energetic central reservoirs anatomically located below and deep of the navel, and between the sit bones, known as bandhas, which are internal power points where primordial data, or innate wisdom, is stored in the core musculature of our subtle and physical bodies. This pure energy is then refined and balanced throughout our system, which is then timed with the cadence, or internal measurement of our conscious breathing, accessing and stimulating the pranic pulsation of our natural rhythmic movement;also known as Vinyasa. This intuitive scientific knowledge underscores the essential wholeness, continuity and non-separation of the spiritual, psychic and physical levels of human existence that permeates all metaphysical and experiential methodologies. Yogic Arts, in its compassionate embrace of the empowering Buddhist martial arts, the purifying Vinyasa Yoga, and the therapeutic Thai massage, dissolves any illusory divisions between these ancient practices, which share common ground that dates back to prehistory. Yogic Arts is the unified field theory, alchemy and practice of science, spirit and art. It recognizes the sacred roots and crazy wisdom of the Buddhist and Vedic warrior priest mystery schools; positioning itself at the confluence of these powerful streams of light. By tuning into the cognitive resonance, or alignment of mind frequencies, and kinetic dialogue, or communicating through the energy of motion, the yogic artist articulates new pathways of selfless service through inter-connectivity and inter-being. It is with this inner-standing that I came to name this system Yogic Arts: Yogic referring to the techniques which deliver us to the ecstatic experience of yoga, or dynamic inner harmony, and Arts, defining the creative healing aspect of martial arts, and also the artistic form of true self expression; hence the defining philosophy of Yogic Arts, ‘Inner harmony through pure self expression.’ Music is integral to the Yogic Arts experience. The healing and transformative power of sound vibration is not lost on the practitioner, neither is its ability to create a joyful heart within oneself. The polyphonic rhythms, melodies, and melismatic chants of world music are interwoven in the expression of this practice. At the heart of the practice is the warrior consciousness, the healer-warrior, the Jangalikayamaney, or jungle doctor, who possesses the courage to stand for peace and love, journeying through time and space, breathing with the rhythm of the universe, transmuting prana into photons of light, and thus, elevating the human spirit. With each expansion and contraction of the breath, the yogic artist subsumes the ego into the cosmic wave within the ocean of bliss, merging with the greater Self.
