Ritualistic candlelight is used and has been used in every tradition, every religion and every practice since the dawn of time.
The act of lighting candles is used to augment the experience of prayer, purification, romance, passion, and to memorialize those who have gone before us. In other words, in those vulnerable, heart-driven times in our lives - we love candles.
Most people would agree that candles and the gentle illumination of candlelight, soften the space making it more conducive to quiet reflection, focus, and meditation.
We light candles for special meals that we want to be appreciated and savoured by our loved ones.
In yogic tradition, candles lit in the practice space do all of the above as well as help a yogi embrace Pratyahara, the fifth limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga; the withdrawal of the senses or sensory inputs. By being able to block out external stimulus of the senses, a yogi is better able to focus on the breath, thereby deepening his/her practice.
Yogis also view the candles as a representation of the inner flame; the divine light that exists in all beings.
My beloved Qi Gong instructor, Larry Wong, also taught me that lighting a candle in your practice space will help burn away fears and deepen any intention you set for your practice.
Join me on Friday nights from now until the Winter Solstice, at Yoga Marais,
20:15 - 21:45, for Candlelight Flow.
