tradition.

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Whichever form of meditation you practice it has a lineage and it’s important to acknowledge both the roots and the adaptations of those meditation practices to appreciate their depth and relevance in modern life.

Understanding the lineage and philosophical underpinnings can enrich one's work, even if the terminology and methods have been contemporised.

Cheswick Consultants traces its lineage back to Matsyendranath, who was famously "swallowed by the king of fishes."

  • Many modern meditation practices can trace their origins back to ancient traditions. For instance, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, is heavily influenced by traditional Buddhist mindfulness practices, albeit adapted to suit a secular, therapeutic context suitable for Western audiences.

  • Cheswick Mind Yoga practices find their roots in the Nath tradition, a significant spiritual lineage in India, particularly influential in the Maharashtra region. This tradition emphasizes yoga, meditation, and spiritual disciplines aimed at self-realization. It is through this synthesis of spiritual and philosophical systems within the Nath tradition that Cheswick has developed its unique approach to meditation.

  • As these ancient practices have been introduced to Western audiences, they often undergo adaptation to align with cultural contexts and needs. This could involve simplifying practices, reducing religious or cultural elements, or focusing on the health and wellness benefits of meditation.

  • The fact that these practices have been around for over 900 years speaks to their resilience and adaptability. They have evolved in different cultural and historical contexts, morphing into new forms while maintaining core principles.

  • Most contemporarily well-known of this lineage is Swami Prakashananda of Sapta Shring, known as the Agaram Bagaram Baba or the Light of Love. He lived atop Sapta Shring mountain near Nasik for 27yrs, firstly under a large rock overhang and then in a small ashram that developed around him.

    A book by Titus Foster and a documentary by Dean Das have been made about his life and teachings.

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A black-and-white photo of a man with a beard and long hair, wearing traditional clothing and a bead necklace, seated with legs crossed.