Corporeal and Inner Development
Self-Recognition and beyond
Perpetual & Vital Kiyana Exercises
Infinity respiration, eye
exercises, body discipline,
symmetric and asymmetric
movements
by the method of divided attention.
Description
Kiyana, a Farsi (Persian) word literally meaning “the
origin”, is a system of movement and inner work that traces its roots back
thousands of years. It arose within ancient Persia, a culture that was
concerned with the education and development of the complete human being, and
developed practices to address this need. Kiyana was previously called Yega, or
Yeganegi, which in Farsi means “unity”, in a sense of unity of body, mind and
spirit; recently it has been called “Kiyana”. It is thought that aspects of
this teaching made their way east and were eventually called Yoga and a
callisthenic portion of what remains in Persia was selected and is called
“Varzish baastaani” (ancient athletic).
The “Kiyana”-movements cause the unity
and oneness of body, mind and spirit and brings the state of body to
cleanliness, purity, equilibrium, power and health and quietness in the mind.
This method allows to observe and determine the level of self-being and beyond,
that the level might be recognized by using a universal sign map and guidance
which is called enneagon (enneagram), which has mystical origin and has been
long known in a coded form concealed as an octagram.
In modern Iran aspects of Kiyana are
still practiced in special places called Zurkaneh, literally “power house”.
These are places where men gather to practice Varzish Baastaani. But Kiyana as
it was passed to the teacher includes perpetual, disciplinal, vital exercises,
rhythmical, contemplative movements and the enchanting, euphoric Sama'a dance.
Though Kiyana is physically demanding, it primarily works with the development
of attention. It utilizes complex rhythmic and polyrhythmic exercises, which
require great concentration, not just to learn, but also to perform once the
patterns are understood.
Kiyana also includes symmetrical (both
sides of the body doing the same thing) and asymmetric movements. Adding an
independent head movement to a complex pattern of arm and leg movements
requires great concentration and what is called “divided attention”. In fact,
the result is closer to what is colloquially referred to as “undivided
attention” and produces a state that is collected and present. The process of
learning the movements is another application of the technique of divided
attention, in which the student attends separately to the teacher and his own
movements. This process is distinguished by three phases. They are “imitation”,
in which the student imitates the teacher as he performs the movements;
“following” in which the student stays one step or series behind the teacher;
and true divided attention, in which the student does only the movements he
knows, and simultaneously watches the movements of the teacher, only embarking
on a new movement once he has understood its pattern and is able to integrate
it into the larger sequence. In this sense work with Kiyana could be described
as “learning how to learn”.
All the exercises are conducted in a
circle, each student following the teacher’s lead. There are many mystical and
symbolic aspects of Kiyana, and the circular and other geometric forms of the
practice, including the enneagram, are an example. Those familiar with the
enneagram will know that its history, prior to its introduction in the west in
the early 20th century, is shrouded in mystery. It was thought to come from
some mysterious “esoteric brotherhoods”. But Kiyana’s practical treatment of
the enneagram gives a glimpse of its origins antiquity and it reveales a deeper
meaning and understanding than any book or theoretical elucidation can convey.
Another aspect of Kiyana is whirling or
Sama’a. In a sense all the physical and divided attention exercises are preparation
for this cosmic practice, which is modeled after the motion of celestial
bodies, galaxies, and the universe. It is a means of feeling one’s connection
to, and place within, the cosmic scheme. But it requires intensive training and
preparation to perform correctly. Sama’a literally means “hearing”. This refers
to the ability to become attuned to, and “hear” the sound which emanates from
the source of all. It also refers to the movement and practice of attunement
which leads to the ability to hear the sound. When a real sound is heard, a state
appears in the heart of the hearer that is called Wajd (rejoice) and the power
of this state of rejoice will manifest a perfect movement that is called Sama’a.
It is generally thought that the whirling of the dervishes originated with
Jelal-ad-Din Rumi in Turkey. In fact, Rumi was originally from the Persian city
of Balkh, and took refuge in Konya in his early life. The practice of whirling
is much more ancient, and predates the advent of Dervishism and Sufism by
thousands of years.
Kiyana practice is for people already
interested in movements and exercises, but also for anyone seeking a form of
moving contemplation, inner development and beyond. It is recommended that
participants prepare for this work by doing stretching and callisthenic,
cardiovascular work. In the way of this work, the book “Sama’a” written by the
teacher has been published and according to the invitation of holistic,
spiritual, cultural and art centers around the world, conferences,
presentations and theoretical experimental seminars will be given so that those
with interest will have a taste of the nectar of rejoicing.
For a
deeper comprehension studying
the
book is suggested.
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