APRIL
निष्ठा — NIṢṬHĀ
Cultivating unwavering devotion
NIṢṬHĀ: Unwavering devotion
All of our activities should invoke the Divine within us, so that all that we do is drenched with divinity.
Last month we cultivated Tejas, the body becoming full of light as awareness brightened through the assimilation of energy and mastering over Samana, our inner brilliance. April is where that light becomes devotion. Niṣṭhā is the steady establishment of the heart in the Divine, remaining connected through all moments and allowing devotion to move through how you live, act, and relate. A life of practice becomes a life lived in relationship with God.
The goal is to offer our day, and all of our activities to God. To live in constant remembrance and always be anchored in our heart, remain connected to the Divine in every moment!
Niṣṭhā is a continuous return of the heart toward the Divine through repetition and remembrance. Devotion becomes the way in which you live, the heart always stays connected, and the Divine is present in all that you do.
Practice expands into the whole of life. Life is sādhanā and sādhanā is life!!
Yoga sutra 3.41- Samāna-jayāt jvalanam
”By mastery of the balancing current, one becomes radiant {the yogi radiates brilliance”
In this sutra, Patanjali speaks directly about the mastery of Samana vayu, the force that gathers and balances energy at the navel centre. Samana, as we know, is the to the equalizing, assimillating, balancing forceof prana at the navel, the energy that integrates and harmonizes what is within. Jayāt means mastery or complete command. Jvalanam means shining, glowing, or blazing with light.
When Samāna is mastered, energy no longer moves in scattered directions. It is drawn inward, organiseed, and unified. As the energy comes into balance, a natural radiance appears. It is the result of prana becoming evenly distributed and consciously held within the body.
When Samana becomes steady, awareness brightens and the body begins to feel full of light. Perception becomes clear, presence becomes luminous, and Tejas becomes strong. The yogi’s glow is the light of awareness shining through a body brought into harmony.
A yogi’s glow is the natural radiance that appears when awareness is stable and the body is full of light ~
Body Full of Light Practice
This practice gathers energy at the navel and awakens the luminous quality of awareness within the body.
As energy integrates, presence becomes brighter and more steady. The body begins to feel alive, clear, and illuminated from within. This practice cultivates Tejas, the inner brilliance that reveals itself when awareness and energy move as one.
Practice everyday throughout the month. Use the sadhana checklist as your guide.
Supporting Practice
Viparita Karani
Viparita Karani supports the cultivation of Tejas by helping clear heaviness from the body and allowing energy to circulate more freely. With the legs elevated the body feels lighter and more luminous.
I do this every morning and every even for 15 minutes each time
Your Monthly Oracle Message
The Ananda card represents the pure, blissful state of being that arises when we align with our true nature. It invites you to experience divine fulfillment, transcending worldly desires, and tapping into the eternal joy within. Ananda is a deep, unshakeable joy from realizing your connection to the divine. This card calls you to cultivate joy as your way of being, remembering that bliss resides within you, not outside.
Reflective Practice:
Where am I seeking external fulfillment, and how can I cultivate deeper inner joy?
Practical Exercise:
Take a moment to sit in stillness and connect with your breath. Feel the sensation of joy rising from your heart, envisioning it as a radiant light. Imagine this light spreading throughout your body, filling every cell with vitality and divine fulfillment. Allow this moment of joy as light to deepen your connection with yourself and the present moment.
