Back to Earth, Down to Earth!
In Hindu cosmology, the turtle Akupara supports the world on her back. She is steadfast and the foundation of life. Her hard shell signifies protection and endurance, while her slow, deliberate movements symbolise patience and the importance of a strong, steady pace in both spiritual and physical endeavors.
Strength and Endurance (Asanas)
So, just as Akupara’s shell represents strength and resilience, we build our own physiology, strength, and endurance through the practice of asanas.
this opens our bodies to be more flexible and let energy flow, so that we are strong and able to recover fast
This prepares us to support both body and mind through more challenging, advanced practices as we continue on our journey.
Ethics, Discipline, and Reflection
Yama and Niyama – The turtle has to keep the balance, for she is in constant, slow, deliberate movement, reflective of herself and responsible towards the world at the same time. The difference, the turtle itself is liminal, inter mundos, a traveler between her own inner world and the world at large. Her reflection is Niyama, reflection of the self, and Yama, sharing and applying her ethical discipline to support all others. (?)
Akupara is deeply mindful and intentional, attentive and, at last, one with the world. It is a conscious, vastly powerful, and yet unassuming unity in the most literal sense – down to earth.
This is what our Yoga practice is about. A resting, calm power directed inwards just as much as towards our fellow practitioners and those whom we encounter out in the world. Steadfast and yet moving, slow but unshakable, protective and supportive.
Building the Shell!
Our physical yoga practice (Asana) strengthens the shell and builds a strong foundation for movement and exploration. A supportive body enables us to face everyday challenges and take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to us. And it gives us the opportunity to concentrate on the other aspects of yoga, because we have a body that lets energy flow and does not distract from work that happens in the quiet.
The turtle’s strong shell can withstand and weather while at the same time provide our very own place of retreat, an inner Ashram.
Plates and Progess
With each session, we add plates to our shell, and they become more sturdy over time. Slow but deliberate personal and physical growth is what we strive for, without haste or hurry (like the concept of abhyasa and vairagya – discipline and letting go). Like the turtle we move and strive, slow, but with precision and intent as strong as the foundations of the earth.
Shields and Solidarity!
The turtle lives in harmony with both herself and the world. Her shells, many plates, are also shields, able to withstand anything! With each of you becoming stronger, building the strength of our group is just as important to me as the individual foundation! We grow together, and we stand together. The strength and support we build enable us to move.
Pretty Patient
The steady progress we make through the practice of Pranayama (breath control) and Pratyahara (deprivation/withdrawal of senses) is like the slow, deliberate movements of Akupara, reflecting the turtle’s steady journey.
Retreat(s)!
Inner Focus and Concentration (Dharana and Dhyana)
We harness the power of turning inward through Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation) practices. Just as the turtle retreats into her shell for protection and focus, these meditation practices help withdraw from external distractions (the Pratyahara Sutra (deprivation of or withdrawal from the senses)!
Away from external distractions, we foster a deep sense of awareness and inner peace, create tranquility within ourselves before we come “back out,” and carry this serenity into the group and then the world. And before we practice to also access that space of inner calmness when around us, there are high waves and winds blowing.
Union and Support (Samadhi)
The turtle supporting the world works like Samadhi, the ultimate goal in Yoga practice, where the individual merges with universal consciousness. Like Akupara provides a foundation for the world, Samadhi seeks a state of being where our existence supports and interconnects with the universe.
A Universal Icon (just a couple more facts about turtles)
The turtle is a rich icon not just in Indian mythology in the form of Akupara but in many other cultures as well. Through histories, mythologies, and great works of art, the turtle wanders. She masters distance, acquires knowledge, becomes wise, and even masters time itself!