Lifeforce + Lifestyle – Workbook
by His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda
Language and Medium: English
First released in 2014, this comprehensive workbook inspires seekers to lead a lifestyle of vitality, conducive to mindful living and harmonious with the natural principles of life. The workbook was first introduced as reading material to supplement the direct instructions in a retreat. All the relevant details for a daily discipline towards a meditative lifestyle are captured in a structure that resonates with the four pillars of the Hansavedas gateway. Life Principles, Life Energy, Life Resource and Life Fellowship constitute the four major chapters of this workbook. Furthermore, the section on Life Energy about prāna is further delineated into four pillars: Biorhythms, Balancing Breath, Balancing Drinkables and Balancing Edibles.
Teachings in this workbook draw upon careful interpretation and practical experience from translating the Sanskrit scriptures on Atharvaveda and Ayurveda. Subtle concepts and practical applications of agni (positive ion or fire principle) and soma (negative ion or the principle of subtle nectar in moonlight, mist or micro-hydrated water) are recurrent themes, and thereby embedded as hints in the presentation on prānic replenishment. The sections develop the contents in alignment with the innate urge (ājihirshabodha) for breath, thirst and hunger. This division is due to nourishment in the three forms of air, drinks and edibles; and the desire for breathing, quenching thirst and satiating hunger, which is the main function of prāna. Furthermore, the prāna calendar is readily embraced by understanding the biorhythms that help us maintain balance. The presentation style is based on the curriculum teachings by His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda through the fellowship classes of Self Enquiry Life Fellowship and the Hansavedas sangha. The intention is to articulate a lifestyle of vitality rooted in mindfulness and compassion as rendered by the classical teachings from ancient lineages of meditation.
The Workbook is now in its Second Edition and the goal is to expand and refine the teachings and style of presentation.