Yogic Flying Tips

This guide is for meditator-sidhas who as trained yogic flyers want to enhance their flying experience. With rare exception, today's yogic flying is in an initial stage- it appears less like flying and more like hopping. Yet, the two actions differ. The ensuing comparison will explain the differences and will clarify what happens when a sidha flies.

Imitators try to simulate yogic flying by hopping from a cross-legged position. Hopping, however, is a voluntary action that uses forceful muscular effort. The would-be-flyers find the attempts very physical and difficult. They end up scraping along the floor on their buttocks. Actual yogic flying is a voluntary action of the mind only. The yogic flyer sits in full lotus (or other preferred stance) as his mind, using the flying sutra, draws on the ceaseless, boundless, and omnipresent energy of the unmanifest. Then, across thick foam, he flies.

The yogic flyer's intent to fly combined with the universal energy activates the body's lift-off. The flyer lifts upward anywhere from a few inches to a few feet; he also moves forward. Before landing, he may travel a distance of just a few inches or several feet. He will lift off and land any number of times. This initial stage of yogic flying is essentially a short-distance flight. The informal record thus far for the highest number of 'leaps' traveled in one stint is seventy-three; the farthest distance traveled in-between 'leaps' is six feet; the highest 'leap' is three feet.

How flying energy feels. Flying impulses vary. For some flyers, the energy pounds as a soft hammer in the chest, similar to when the heart beats heavily and rapidly with emotional excitement. In the case of yogic flying, however, the heart beats regularly- only the energy vibrates powerfully, sometimes centering in the gut.

Acting as revving racing engine, its invisible force explodes into high gear. When the energy is this potent, the flyer gets a crackling liftoff that sends him higher, farther, and faster along the foam than usual.

The flying experience is a personal one. The yogic flyer knows how to meditate and use the sutras taught to him by a master yogi. He also knows what is best for himself. Thus, the ensuing tips should be used according to the flyer's own knowledge and experience.

Physical-Fitness Tips: Physical fitness is not essential to yogic flying but it is beneficial. Aerobic exercise improves muscle tone, heart rate, breathing, and overall health- all of which improve yogic flying. The energy flows more fully and freely throughout a healthy physique. Exercises such as brisk walks, low impact aerobics, dancing, or jogging effectively not only improve yogic flying but also the performance of asanas and pranayama.

Asansa Tips: A trained yogic flyer was given specific asanas to perform before beginning meditation and the practice of the sutras. Patanjali Maharishi's Hatha Yoga postures or asanas attune the body to the mind or consciousness. They align the body structure and set it up for transcendence. Good body alignment and flexibility allow the universal energy to flow through the physique (and help a sidha to achieve samadhi during meditation).

To best use the asanas to integrate mind, body, and consciousness, each posture should be held for at least fifteen seconds. This duration gives time for the mind and body to deeply connect. For each asana, a sidha should pay close attention to how his body feels, letting it join with the mind in fully experiencing the pose.

It is best to do few repetitions and hold the poses rather than to quickly run through several repetitions. The correctness of the posture is absolutely essential for its effectiveness and for the safety of the body. If necessary, take a refresher course with a Hatha Yoga master.

Although asanas are done prior to the onset of meditation, they are useful in-between flying stints and also after the last stint of the flying session, especially if there is any stiffness in the body- which can occur from the impact of landing.

Before-Yogic-Flying Tips: After the asanas, pranayama, meditation, and the sidhis program (the practice of the experiencing sutras), comes the flying sutra. Many flyers hit the foam at this point. However, it is often best to first empty the bladder and the bowels. And, occasionally, lie down for a minute or two- this brief but complete relaxation allows the flying energy to surge more strongly throughout the body.

Watch for body urges that occur, such as yawning, inhaling deeply, and/or stretching the limbs. Carrying out these urges excites the energy to intensify and flow, thus energizing the flying experience. Intentional abdominal breathing also does this.

During-Yogic-Flying Tips: The current favored posture for yogic flying is the full lotus. But some flyers use other postures equally as effective. It's a personal choice, whether sitting cross-legged, just sitting, or standing- or kneeling and thus flying on the shins.

Keep the body hydrated- drink plenty of water daily. A flyer should keep bottled water nearby to drink as needed in-between flying rounds. A flying hall that disallows water near the foam often has a designated water bottle area in the lobby as well as a drinking fountain. Staying hydrated improves flying.

Fly for as long as is comfortable- whether for a few minutes or for ninety. There is no comparison, no competition, and no goal. Let the bliss flow- laugh if the urge is there, or gasp orgasmically. The flying experience by nature is exhilarating. Just don't overdo it.

Specific thoughts can enhance yogic flying but they must come naturally. Mood-making is futile. If the flying sutra isn't working, relax and let thoughts come and go. Inspiration will find itself. Elation often arrives with the mere idea or sensation of soaring or of bounding along the foam. But if flying doesn't occur, simply enjoy the utterly-charming silence that is ever-present. As awareness soars, bliss fills the mind and body- making the yogic flyer ethereal like devas or, better yet, absorbed in the wholeness of Brahm consciousness.

Rest in-between flying rounds. Move to one side of the foam to allow active flyers to fly by. Relax completely. Lie down if the urge exists. Do some light stretches. Keep the limbs relaxed. Rotate the ankles. Always be practical and comfortable. The flying sutra is often deeply internalized and thus unnecessary to consciously think of. But if the urge to think it arises, then think it. Always fly at one's own pace. Only when ready, start the next flying round.

Yogic flying can accelerate the breathing rate. If after a flying stint, the breathing is ragged, just relax and let the breath slow down. Resume flying once the breath has become even. Resuming beforehand weakens the flying.

Stress can block the urge to fly. The best release of stress is often through meditation. Stress is also released by simply staying in the moment, which means not worrying about what has happened, might happen, or will happen. Don't bring the past or future into the present moment. If intending to fly again, a sidha will. However, if debilitating injuries have grounded him, then he can soar with the mind. That's just as real, just as powerful.

The flying energy is always available to us.This surging potent oomph can occur with or without meditation and with or without the flying sutra. The body is no longer bound by earthly physical properties and is in an altered state of buoyancy. The flying urge can especially occur when a sidha emerges from samadhi, whereby his physical senses have vanished, leaving only pure awareness.

If arousal of the flying energy is untimely, such as during group program in a flying hall, then a sidha turns the mind to his personal mantra and the surging energy will soon dissipate.

Post-Yogic-Flying Tips: Enjoy life. And, in the words of Max Ehrmann in his 'Desiderata', often quoted by Hatha Yoga teacher Gol Kanter, "Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself."

Sex and Yogic Flying: The numerous personal and social benefits of meditation and yogic flying are well-documented in books, documentaries, and on the Internet. But few if any mention that yogic flying can enhance the eroticism of sexual activity. And that yogic flying itself can be erotic, with physical erotic sensations. It also gives a spiritual climax- identical to the spiritual orgasm that often accompanies a sexual climax.

The inherent sexuality of yogic flying is the main unstated reason as to why flying halls are divided into male and female sections. But, if a man and woman are flying at home, there is no end to the possibilities- such as yogic flying in the nude together. And then who knows what will culminate...

Summation: Human beings have long been fascinated with flying, with an engine-powered machine- or without. Saint Francis of Assisi was said to fly with ease. But in the here and now, check out this exciting video on 'Flying Humans'. Although done with props (not hang glides, however) and the aid of altitude, the flying simulates what yogic flying could one day become for a modern-day sidha. To learn more about humans flying and to see a yogic flying demonstration at Maharishi University of Management, check out this National Geographic video "Yogic Flying'. To see a baby whose parents are yogic flyers attempt yogic flying, check out 'Andrew'. Namasté.