The Handbook for the Curious Yogi

By Joseph Sengco

"Exploration is more important than belief." (Carmon Coutinho)
The Handbook of the Curious Yogi chronicles the tales of a curious yogi apprentice named Joseph Sengco. See the remarkable adventures of Joseph as he unravels the philosophy embedded in Yogic practices. Join Joseph as he discovers the depths of the soul while sharing his conversations and lessons with his Yoga Master Carmon Coutinho

This book is a guide that defines and breaks down daily ‘yogic’ practices. They begin with breathing, centring and observing. Building upon these three practices, an aspiring yogi begins to clarify functionality in the present moment. Afterwards the yogic practice deepens as the aspirant begins the explorations of the Five Paths of Yoga (Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Nada Yoga and Raja Yoga). Through the Five Paths, the aspirant will naturally move to studying the Chakras or Energy Vortices.
Finally see the special bond, which develops between Joseph and his master. Read and connect with Joseph’s experiences in Yoga as he shares his many adventures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joseph Sengco
• Release date: Jan 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310025457

Joseph Sengco

Born in Manila, Philippines, Joseph Sengco migrated to the United States during his teens. There he studied Music and Dance and received his Masters in Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy. Accomplished in the arts, Joseph continues his exploration of Yoga and creativity. He currently resides in Toronto, Canada teaching piano, voice, guitar and dance.

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THE HANDBOOK FOR THE CURIOUS YOGI

Joseph Sengco

Smashwords edition, copyright 2013

Cover image by Shmara, Fotolia.com

Cover design: ebookcovers4u.wordpress.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Introduction

What is Yoga?

THE ROLE OF A STUDENT

The Five Senses

BREATHING IN THE NAVEL, BALANCE AND FUNCTIONALITY

Balance

Now Become the Student

Illusion of Functionality

WHAT IS A YOGI?

TO BE A MANAGER

THE FIRST CHAKRA: MULADARA

An Implying Imposition

THE SECOND CHAKRA: SVADHISTHANA

Assumption

Literal

The Burden of Assumptions

THE THIRD CHAKRA: MANIPURA

Drive Away the Monsters

Let Go

Confidence

Preciousness

THE FOURTH CHAKRA: ANAHATA

The Heart Speaks

Arrogance

Jealousy

Imposition

Move On

Friend

Relationship

The Spiritual Family

THE FIFTH CHAKRA: VISUDHA

The Kisses of Realization

Getting a Job

Sing, Dance and Play

THE SIXTH CHAKRA: AJNA

Meet in the Middle

THE SEVENTH CHAKRA: SAHASRARA

Mediate

THE EIGHTH CHAKRA

Build and Discover, Rebuild to Recover

Grace

Happiness

Conclusion

The Love of a Master

Glossary of Terminology

Bibliography:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I want to thank my friends and editors: Claire A. Ferguson and Rebecca Bex Whittington. Without her keen eye to edit this text, I would be lost.

I want to personally thank Danièle Lepage, Christian Moisan, Bobby Mullan and Raquel Muñoz. Their comments allowed me to look at the words in this book in a different light.

My gratitude goes to the countless individuals who have contributed to this book.

INTRODUCTION

Stories end and begin. The life cycle of my yoga apprenticeship is winding down. The lingering nostalgia signals that another adventure is waiting to be discovered. The physical death of my yoga master marks the end of my Yoga apprenticeship. I face an important choice of how to finish this chapter of my life. I was uncertain what to do with my experiences. They are so wonderful. Many times I asked myself Should I share them? So I decided, yes I should share. One of the main purposes of this book is to share the many experiences I had with Carmon. As my master’s physical death progresses slowly into its second year, so does the body of work that cumulated in this handbook. I feel blessed that each small explorative writing piece is really part of a larger jigsaw puzzle. They fit neatly into the transitional ideas, stories and life lessons entailed in this collection.

It is my hope that my ardent choice of writing down, editing and proofreading these related stories brings forth a revolution. Most humans live in the husk of life. In their lifetime, they might never find their true calling. I am here to refute that conditional claim. Please be advised that what you are about to read will challenge you, not only to think, but also to be adventurous. Go beyond the known. You will find that you already have the knowledge to be. Lift up this book. Hold it in your hand and use the other to turn the page. Have enough light to read the words as you feel your own inner light illuminating the fact that we are all interconnected.

I insist that you take each present moment as an opportunity to grow. Imagine it being the last bit of food on Earth. Desire, crave and cherish as you discover the essence of Yoga.

THE FINAL ENCOUNTER

My heart was ready to burst with excitement. My beloved Yoga master Carmon Coutinho was about to arrive. My surroundings seemed so barren without him. Thirty minutes had passed and I felt his monstrous presence approaching. Pounding, my heart began to sing out joyfully. Even the eventual dwindling of the late Friday afternoon sun did not lessen my sight or my anxious vigil in waiting for Carmon. He was soon to arrive after a gruelling seven and a half hour drive from Montreal to Toronto.

There he was: turning at the corner, driving his silver two-door car south. I heard the distinct sound of his idle engine stopping. He got out of the car showing a hint of annoyance. Quickly slamming the car door, he hustled over as if preparing for a face-off. We met, as if through divine intervention, precisely in the middle of the busy Toronto Street. This embrace was eternity. The rush of blood slowly left his face as I felt his cuddling embrace tightening. Loosening his grip I felt the tensions of his travel slipping away. With quieted nerves and his hand in tow, I guided him into the house and up to his room.

For the previous three years, Carmon's physical body had been slowly weakening. In the three months preceding his visit, he took two showers a day (during the summer) reporting that he felt cold. It shocked me that he wanted to see me right after a grueling month-long trip to Taipei. I could have gone to see him but his insistence could not be denied. Once settled, I asked him what he wanted. Water, he said, and something to eat, and a beer. From the kitchen, I brought back a glass of water. He stayed in the room while I went out to purchase beer and Indian snacks. Little did I know, this would be our last evening together.

As I shopped, I reflected on how he was in high spirits, but looked very thin compared to the last time I saw him. When I returned, I had a look of concern as he said, I will gain weight, Joe. I took his order out of the bag and placed it on the floor. He got up off the bed and sat cross-legged next to the food. Then he picked up a beer can and wiped the opening. With careful ease, he opened and poured the golden liquid into a glass. After a couple of celebratory toasts, I picked up my guitar. I felt like singing his original composition called Love is a Dream. He replied by singing Fly me to the Moon. He burped, and laid down on the bed.

5:15 AM, excitement had awoken me. I slowly entered and turned on the light to Carmon's room. He was very quiet and very still. As I approached I saw his eyes were slightly opened and rolled. After a couple of aggressive shakes, it became clear that it was hopeless. The soul had left the body. I called the police and upon their arrival the inquisition began. Soon relief had flown over me. Why? It was determined that his death was not over a lover's quarrel. Absolved, I continued the sobering task of contacting his love-ones. Shock crept in. Life had changed. Never would I hear his voice. Never would I hear his laughter. Never would he offer his ear of guidance.

As the day progressed I breathed and centred to slowly take in the situation. These moments built up to minutes, hours and days. He had wanted to be with me when he passed. How did I know? I remembered his phone calls and his insistence to visit me. He had been healthy but his body could not contain his health. Carmon’s most senior student even commented: Carmon chose to die with his closest student. Appalled, I cried. Carmon left for another adventure and I was unable to follow.

A week later I got the meditative inspiration. Somehow he knew. It was time to move on, and I was ready to receive (and share) his final instructions and blessings. At first I found it difficult to accept that he was dead. However, from his passing, I discovered the strength to write this guide. I did not believe that I