The Thai Yoga Center

The Thai Yoga Center Labyrinth Project

The labyrinth is available for individual and group use. Guided programs are also available. Access is granted seven days a week and in the evenings with special permission. The standard day fee of a minimum $7.00 donation is required for admittance. The Labyrinth may also be used in conjunction with one of our regular programs such as the When most of us here the word labyrinth we think of ancient Minotaurs of Crete or, if you are a Stephen King fan, the menacing maze of shrubs outside the hotel in the Shining. In truth, labyrinths have a more spiritual and uplifting meaning both then and now. It seemed appropriate to find myself researching this subject as May approached, a time when the labyrinth played an important role in May Eve games and celebrations in ancient times. See this example of an ancient Thai labyrinth! The illustration shows the four Ayurvedic elements of Wind, Fire, Water and Earth joining in the center. This could also be symbolic of the labyrinth as the path of reconciliation of the disparate qualities of ego coming to a state of equilibrium. The use of labyrinths is no longer just a mythical and ancient tradition. It is enjoying a new renaissance as modern day worshipers are finding the spiritual journey through the labyrinth enlightening and satisfying. The word labyrinth is believed to come from the ancient Cretan word labrys which was a double head axe most often depicted in the hands of a woman in ancient Cretan art. There is evidence of labyrinths in pre-Christian times in Northern Europe. Ancient Greeks told stories of Minotaurs and labyrinths. Germanic and Nordic people used labyrinths to mark sacred places. They were used for spring rites, weather-magic, ceremonies of the dead and dancing places, in celebrations. Spiral carvings resembling these mazes were found on prehistoric burial chambers and a 3-D labyrinth was found in Glastonbury Town in Somerset is believed to have been used in initiation rites. There are two main types of labyrinths. Those that have no false ends or turns but a clear path from outside to center are called unicursal, while those that have dead-ends or multiple routes to the center are called multicursal. Some were carved in stone, others designed in turf, and still others woven into fabrics. There are many interpretations as to the meaning of the spiral labyrinth. Some say it is a symbol of Mother Earth's insides, the earth's entrails. Others see it as a symbol for water. The spiral of life or return to Mother Earth after death is a common theme. Female idols often had carvings of the spiral on them to represent lunar fertility. Despite these ancient and pagan representations, labyrinths have now found their way into modern day Christianity. A recent article in USA Weekend profiled ST Cross of the Sea Episcopal Church in Hermosa Beach, CA. Worshipers ring a brass bell as the enter, or begin their journey, on a purple and white canvas as the sound of chanting monks helps guide them to the center where amidst a small fountain and bell chimes, they sit in a yoga like pose with eyes closed and palms out, silently praying andreflecting. It seems a return to the ancient ways is a common theme and rediscovering ancient techniques a path to greater understanding and growth. Could the physical action of spiraling toward a center point actually put you into a more receptive state of understanding or is it merely a form of removing outside stimuli allowing one to journey inward toward one's own center of being. However it works, those who have experienced the labyrinth find it an emotional and uplifting experience and highly recommend it to others. It transcends individual tradition and sect and is a tool that anyone can use.

Check This schedule frequently for regular additions and updates. We try our best to do this at least once a month or more. If there is a specific location near you which is not represented let us know. We are always looking for new sites and sponsors to host various trainings. Copyright. 2006, This schedule was last updated on 07/31/2006