Yogis of Tibet pt 2

I finally finished watching the Yogis of Tibet. The second half of the film shed some light on the secluded yogis and offered more interviews with monks and nuns and even The Dalai Lama. Several were shown offering their interpretation of the meaning of "what is a yogi?" Answers varied, but all loosely came back to being one who follows a path toward finding his or her true self.

I did not get the impression that Tibetan yogis practiced mush asana...more that they retreated to the mountains and did a lot of meditation. Many participated in some elaborate types of kriya or other posturing rituals to show devotion to the Divine. The film showed yogis talking about the health benefits of certain posture and rites; the narrorator always said something about the fact that the yogi has very reluctant and cautioned people not to copy the actions without a true guide or they might cause themselves harm.

The other message of the film focussed on how the Tibetan monks and nuns were able to keep their compassion knowing how the Chinese brutally destroyed their home and their people. It just seems so unfair for this invasion to have occured to the most peaceful people in the world. I have thought about this, too. Esp when I learn more about The Dalai Lama. He says your enemy is your greatest teacher...you learn patience and compassion from finding your way to work with your enemy. A young Monk in the film said that it might be because he is young, but he still can not fogive the Chinese, and he is too young and did not witness the atrocities.

Another nun (Western) said that if it weren't for the Chinese going to Tibet and driving people from their homes, the rest of the world may never have had the chance to participate in the religion and culture. The Chinese went to Tibet to eradicate their culture and Religion, but instead, drove the issue to the highest levels of visibility throughout the world and brought a great amount of attention to Tibet and its people.