Spiritual Satsang with Vanessa da Silva

‘Satsang’, derived from Sanskrit ‘sat’ (truth, reality) and ‘sangha’ (assembly, company, community), refers to a gathering of like-minded seekers engaging in discourse to deepen spiritual understanding and awaken to our true being.  We will sit in a circle, and everyone will be encouraged to participate and speak to the themes and questions we explore.  As we form our circle each person may place an item on a center altar to imbue the space with our intentions and energies, and also so that the item may be charged with the field of consciousness we create as a group.  Vanessa will open introducing the theme and speaking to how the concepts are described and approached in yogic philosophy.  For those unfamiliar with yoga, these themes are universal spiritual teachings and can be applied with any faith or non-secular life.  Then Vanessa will guide the discussion, at times posing questions to the group, and also responding to the thoughts and uncertainties that arise, from her perspective rooted in the wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga.  In the Yoga Sutras written in the third century BC, Patanjali explains the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga—in Sanskrit ‘astan’  (eight) and ‘anga’ (limb)—as a practical and holistic guide to spiritual growth.  The eight limbs are: Yama (ethics), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss or union).  Our first satsang will explore the idea, “Love is the most powerful force in the Universe,“ and will examine how this relates to Ahimsa, one of the five Yamas.  Each month we will consider another Yama or Niyama, how these principles guide our everyday life in a broad and comprehensive way such that our practice is present in every experience.  In satsang we aim to clarify our own comprehension, and also to create a field of awareness in our group, which will ripple out into the community generating waves of rising vibration. 

Some mats, cushions, and chairs are available in the space; please bring what you need to sit comfortably in our circle.  Remember to bring water, a pen and journal if you like, and a small personal item to energize the center altar. 

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