Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
I was raised Catholic, then "agnostic". I do not consider myself religious, but spiritual. The life of Jesus and what I believe he meant for the world, and the Spirit of Christmas, is very much worth celebrating today.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thoughts on Aparigraha
Non-greed, non-hoarding. Simplicity.
I see many definitions of parigraha: to hoard or collect; to take or to seize. So adding "a" (non) means the antithesis of these definitions. Some extremeists see this as the renunciations of all things material. I hope they keep their robes on.
Many may see aparigraha as an aspect of asteya. Certainly, it can be interpreted this way. But it then goes beyond just what you have (static), to how you lead your life (flow). My example of yoga mats in Thoughts on Asteya also apply in aparigraha.
Have fewer things. Take what you need, leave the rest. What you do take, return when you are finished. Live simply. Yoga experts all agree that the fewer things you have, and the less you take, not only leaves more for others who need it, but allows you to live your life easier. By having fewer things to take care of and manage--like credit cards, material goods and possessions--you have more time to enjoy meditation, asana, your family.
I am reminded of a quote "he who dies with the most toys, wins." Really? He probably died young of stress-related afflictions due to the fact he had so many toys. This is how greed can become an illness. Fear seeps in, fear of people taking from your horde. Selfishness seeps in, and people stop being around someone who is always taking but never giving back.
Desikachar reminds us that aparigrapha is also restraining from receiving gifts and exploiting others. If you agree to certain terms and conditions of employment, and then you accept a gift beyond adequate compensation, that is a form of aparigraha. We don't need more. Besides, he adds, accepting unearned rewards can bring future obligations that cause problems.
So, what do you do when offered a bonus at work? Are you struggling to make ends meet? Then that is not aparigraha. But if you have purchased material goods beyond your means, then accepting the bonus to pay off debt is aparigraha.
If you love something, set it free.
If it comes back to you, it is yours
If it does not, it never was.
As with asteya, you can overcome the challenges that greed brings by disassociation and non-attachment of the body and mind and all objects they both enjoy. When you think "I need to purchase this or that." Go a week or two without it first to see how many times you really would have used it, or found another way to accomplish your goals without it. Then you will really understand NEED versus WANT.
I see many definitions of parigraha: to hoard or collect; to take or to seize. So adding "a" (non) means the antithesis of these definitions. Some extremeists see this as the renunciations of all things material. I hope they keep their robes on.
Many may see aparigraha as an aspect of asteya. Certainly, it can be interpreted this way. But it then goes beyond just what you have (static), to how you lead your life (flow). My example of yoga mats in Thoughts on Asteya also apply in aparigraha.
Have fewer things. Take what you need, leave the rest. What you do take, return when you are finished. Live simply. Yoga experts all agree that the fewer things you have, and the less you take, not only leaves more for others who need it, but allows you to live your life easier. By having fewer things to take care of and manage--like credit cards, material goods and possessions--you have more time to enjoy meditation, asana, your family.
I am reminded of a quote "he who dies with the most toys, wins." Really? He probably died young of stress-related afflictions due to the fact he had so many toys. This is how greed can become an illness. Fear seeps in, fear of people taking from your horde. Selfishness seeps in, and people stop being around someone who is always taking but never giving back.
Desikachar reminds us that aparigrapha is also restraining from receiving gifts and exploiting others. If you agree to certain terms and conditions of employment, and then you accept a gift beyond adequate compensation, that is a form of aparigraha. We don't need more. Besides, he adds, accepting unearned rewards can bring future obligations that cause problems.
So, what do you do when offered a bonus at work? Are you struggling to make ends meet? Then that is not aparigraha. But if you have purchased material goods beyond your means, then accepting the bonus to pay off debt is aparigraha.
If you love something, set it free.
If it comes back to you, it is yours
If it does not, it never was.
As with asteya, you can overcome the challenges that greed brings by disassociation and non-attachment of the body and mind and all objects they both enjoy. When you think "I need to purchase this or that." Go a week or two without it first to see how many times you really would have used it, or found another way to accomplish your goals without it. Then you will really understand NEED versus WANT.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
More thoughts on Brahmacharya
As I blogged in June, I have issue with the way we weigh violence and sex. In writing about ahimsa and brahmacharya, I thought about it again. In most religions and ancient or traditional cultures, sexual deviance is recognized as a sin. However, in the last 30 years or so, modern societies revel in sexual liberation. Killing and stealing are punishable, but promiscuity and lack of regard for your sexual partner is OK.
Ironically, it is the television and movie industry that squelches and dampens sexual activity over violence. It is widely accepted that commercials can show people hitting and using guns...but never can you see a couple in a loving or ecstatic embrace. Movies with violence are rated as "PG" but movies with implications of sex--not even the act of sex--get rated as "R". Sex is the only thing that gets the "X".
I digress.
Ironically, it is the television and movie industry that squelches and dampens sexual activity over violence. It is widely accepted that commercials can show people hitting and using guns...but never can you see a couple in a loving or ecstatic embrace. Movies with violence are rated as "PG" but movies with implications of sex--not even the act of sex--get rated as "R". Sex is the only thing that gets the "X".
I digress.
Thoughts on Brahmacharya
Celibacy. Abstinence. Moderation.
As translated by Feurstein, brahmacharya means "brahmic conduct". Feurstein explains that since brahman (the Supreme Being, all-encompassing spirit of the universe) transcends gender, the spiritual aspirant should emulate a genderless distinction to preserve life-creating fluids to cultivate great power from it.
Desikachar widens the definition. Literally, brahma (essential truth) and char (to move) means a movement toward the essential. He says that more specifically than just "abstinence", bramacharya suggests that we should foster relationships that move us to a higher understanding of truths. The abstinence occurs when we are lured to deviate from our goals.
In yoga, brahmacharya is recognized as a life of celibacy. Yoga Sutra 2.38 states that by establishing continence (or celibacy) one gains vitality. Satchidanada writes that the seminal fluid gives strength to the brain and nerves; Iyengar writes that the loss of semen leads to sickness and death. Ouch! Good thing I am a woman! Iyengar continues that by retaining fluid, the yogi's body develops a sweet smell.
One source (Agni-Purana, 372.9) defines brahmacharya as the renunciation of the eight degrees of sexual activity: fantasizing, glorifying sexual activity, dalliance, eying another with lust, love talk/talking in secret, longing, resolving to break celibacy, and consummating the sexual act.
Although this yama professes a life of celibacy, most yoga commentators agree that if everyone does this, then all life on Earth ends! And, contrary to complete celibacy, family life is precious. Desikachar explains that everything in life has a time. There is a time to procreate and raise a family, and after that time is over, one can devote his or her life to brahamacharya.
Furthermore, without experiencing love, one can not know divine love. Thus, sexual activity should be conducted in moderation (and for those who are bound by marriage, is it done only with one's partner). And the idea of moderation and responsible behavior should be practiced in all aspects of the yogi's life beyond sexual intercourse.
As a happily married woman raising a family, the purely celibate aspect of this yama is of little importance. My happiness with my husband depends on our acts of love whether they are spiritual, mental or physical. But moderation I can certainly apply to everything in my life. Too much sex is distracting; too little causes tension.
Too much of anything can be toxic and addictive: food, drink, and other activities. Thinking, or dwelling, on things too much causes anxiety or greed. Too little of many things in our life may not be enough, also. Not enough food and you starve. Not enough contact with others you become self-absorbed.
As Desikachar writes in his commentary of Yoga Sutra 2.38, "Nothing is wasted by us if we seek to develop moderation in all things."
As translated by Feurstein, brahmacharya means "brahmic conduct". Feurstein explains that since brahman (the Supreme Being, all-encompassing spirit of the universe) transcends gender, the spiritual aspirant should emulate a genderless distinction to preserve life-creating fluids to cultivate great power from it.
Desikachar widens the definition. Literally, brahma (essential truth) and char (to move) means a movement toward the essential. He says that more specifically than just "abstinence", bramacharya suggests that we should foster relationships that move us to a higher understanding of truths. The abstinence occurs when we are lured to deviate from our goals.
In yoga, brahmacharya is recognized as a life of celibacy. Yoga Sutra 2.38 states that by establishing continence (or celibacy) one gains vitality. Satchidanada writes that the seminal fluid gives strength to the brain and nerves; Iyengar writes that the loss of semen leads to sickness and death. Ouch! Good thing I am a woman! Iyengar continues that by retaining fluid, the yogi's body develops a sweet smell.
One source (Agni-Purana, 372.9) defines brahmacharya as the renunciation of the eight degrees of sexual activity: fantasizing, glorifying sexual activity, dalliance, eying another with lust, love talk/talking in secret, longing, resolving to break celibacy, and consummating the sexual act.
Although this yama professes a life of celibacy, most yoga commentators agree that if everyone does this, then all life on Earth ends! And, contrary to complete celibacy, family life is precious. Desikachar explains that everything in life has a time. There is a time to procreate and raise a family, and after that time is over, one can devote his or her life to brahamacharya.
Furthermore, without experiencing love, one can not know divine love. Thus, sexual activity should be conducted in moderation (and for those who are bound by marriage, is it done only with one's partner). And the idea of moderation and responsible behavior should be practiced in all aspects of the yogi's life beyond sexual intercourse.
As a happily married woman raising a family, the purely celibate aspect of this yama is of little importance. My happiness with my husband depends on our acts of love whether they are spiritual, mental or physical. But moderation I can certainly apply to everything in my life. Too much sex is distracting; too little causes tension.
Too much of anything can be toxic and addictive: food, drink, and other activities. Thinking, or dwelling, on things too much causes anxiety or greed. Too little of many things in our life may not be enough, also. Not enough food and you starve. Not enough contact with others you become self-absorbed.
As Desikachar writes in his commentary of Yoga Sutra 2.38, "Nothing is wasted by us if we seek to develop moderation in all things."
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Thoughts on Asteya
Not stealing. Non-covetousness. Trustworthiness.
Easy, right? You may think, "oh, I am not a thief and I would never think about taking someone else's possessions. It is easy to practice asteya." Desire, greed, craving, lust--these are reasons that drive people to covet and steal. But it is not just about shoplifting or robbing a bank. Steya (stealing) has many levels of influence on people. It really boils down to usage and attachment of things.
If you make someone wait for you, isn't that stealing their time? If you plagiarize, that is stealing ideas. If you borrow a hammer from your neighbor, forget to return it, then he can not find it when he needs it you have stolen his opportunity to fix something. Once you begin to look at everything you do in terms of usage, you begin to understand exactly what it means to practice asteya.
I have three yoga mats. And I am coveting a fourth. Do I really need four mats to practice yoga? Absolutely not. One yoga mat is dirty from being used as a magic carpet outside by my son all summer (I suppose I can write that one off as a "toy" now). Another yoga mat I bought because it was cheap--but it smells bad and is too slippery to use even after trying to roughen it up. The third mat I use regularly and there is really nothing wrong with it. But I find myself coveting a yoga mat made from plant resin because it is environmentally friendly. By purchasing all of these mats away from other people that could have used them, the factories have to make more mats. I have created demand from my desire. The factories steal resources from Nature to make mats that I don't even use. So, in essence, I am stealing from Nature.
Satchidananda describes this sort of stealing from Nature in detail in his commentary of the yoga sutras. He says we breathe air from Nature, we eat food from Nature, we wear clothes made from Nature...we USE everything from Nature. We need to give back to Nature. It's not just about replanting. It's also about keeping the air we breathe or the water we drink clean; pumping waste into our resources is stealing from every living thing that needs to survive.
Satchidananda also describes stingy people as stealing money. They lock it away from other people who need it. The money sits there--eventually a thief will come along and free it. Necessity is another reason steal. Look at someone staving for food. He steals food because his body needs it. Is he the thief, or is the one who is hoarding the food the thief? By not sharing wealth, he is taking up usage that another requires to survive.
Yoga Sutra 2.37 states "to one established in non-stealing, all wealth comes." Of course! If you eliminate desires, reduce your needs and stop coveting what you don't have (which also helps establish santosha), then it is easy to be happy with what you have. And anything else that comes to you is wealth beyond your dreams.
Desikachar describes asteya also as trustworthiness. If people know they can trust you not to steal or covet, they put their confidence in you. They will want to share with you, no matter how precious the item.
To practice asteya, respect others, love Nature, and let go of attachment. Shift your attitude to let everything come and go as it will. Things will start to want to be with you--a reverse psychology.
For instance, I would like my son to sit and behave with us at the dinner table. Most evenings he protests. As I forced him to sit and eat, he would cry and throw a tantrum. Once I let go of my attachment to having everyone sit at the dinner table together, things changed. My son wiggled to get down. I said, "OK, but you must let us finish dinner. Go play." He did, but then he came back. He wanted to be with us. He crawled back into his seat, and started to eat. Peace.
Easy, right? You may think, "oh, I am not a thief and I would never think about taking someone else's possessions. It is easy to practice asteya." Desire, greed, craving, lust--these are reasons that drive people to covet and steal. But it is not just about shoplifting or robbing a bank. Steya (stealing) has many levels of influence on people. It really boils down to usage and attachment of things.
If you make someone wait for you, isn't that stealing their time? If you plagiarize, that is stealing ideas. If you borrow a hammer from your neighbor, forget to return it, then he can not find it when he needs it you have stolen his opportunity to fix something. Once you begin to look at everything you do in terms of usage, you begin to understand exactly what it means to practice asteya.
I have three yoga mats. And I am coveting a fourth. Do I really need four mats to practice yoga? Absolutely not. One yoga mat is dirty from being used as a magic carpet outside by my son all summer (I suppose I can write that one off as a "toy" now). Another yoga mat I bought because it was cheap--but it smells bad and is too slippery to use even after trying to roughen it up. The third mat I use regularly and there is really nothing wrong with it. But I find myself coveting a yoga mat made from plant resin because it is environmentally friendly. By purchasing all of these mats away from other people that could have used them, the factories have to make more mats. I have created demand from my desire. The factories steal resources from Nature to make mats that I don't even use. So, in essence, I am stealing from Nature.
Satchidananda describes this sort of stealing from Nature in detail in his commentary of the yoga sutras. He says we breathe air from Nature, we eat food from Nature, we wear clothes made from Nature...we USE everything from Nature. We need to give back to Nature. It's not just about replanting. It's also about keeping the air we breathe or the water we drink clean; pumping waste into our resources is stealing from every living thing that needs to survive.
Satchidananda also describes stingy people as stealing money. They lock it away from other people who need it. The money sits there--eventually a thief will come along and free it. Necessity is another reason steal. Look at someone staving for food. He steals food because his body needs it. Is he the thief, or is the one who is hoarding the food the thief? By not sharing wealth, he is taking up usage that another requires to survive.
Yoga Sutra 2.37 states "to one established in non-stealing, all wealth comes." Of course! If you eliminate desires, reduce your needs and stop coveting what you don't have (which also helps establish santosha), then it is easy to be happy with what you have. And anything else that comes to you is wealth beyond your dreams.
Desikachar describes asteya also as trustworthiness. If people know they can trust you not to steal or covet, they put their confidence in you. They will want to share with you, no matter how precious the item.
To practice asteya, respect others, love Nature, and let go of attachment. Shift your attitude to let everything come and go as it will. Things will start to want to be with you--a reverse psychology.
For instance, I would like my son to sit and behave with us at the dinner table. Most evenings he protests. As I forced him to sit and eat, he would cry and throw a tantrum. Once I let go of my attachment to having everyone sit at the dinner table together, things changed. My son wiggled to get down. I said, "OK, but you must let us finish dinner. Go play." He did, but then he came back. He wanted to be with us. He crawled back into his seat, and started to eat. Peace.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thoughts on Satya
Truthfulness. Correct.
Many resources refer to "right speech" or "verbal truths." However, like all austerities, satya can be exist in any realm including mental, verbal and physical. If you practice ahimsa, then satya comes easily for you cannot lie without causing harm, inevitably.
Mental satya is truthful or correct thoughts. It means that what you think effects what you say. So be careful of how you remember events. As time passes, the memory fades. Recalling details of what happened yesterday is easier than years ago.
It also means to be careful what you think...for instance about a person. If you stew over an issue with an adversary, you may find yourself thinking of untrue things about that person. If you dwell long enough, you may begin to think those untrue thoughts are correct, and act upon your incorrect thoughts.
This does not mean you can not daydream! Daydreams can be creative thoughts that help you solve problems. Just be aware of the reality of daydreams and keep them true.
Once mental satya is pure, speaking truthfully should come easily. If you always speak the truth, you never have fear that what you said was not true. Even untruths that you think will not hurt anyone, can become larger problems. Think of a "little white lie” as a seed. From it sprouts fear, as the gardener must attend to the lie for fear of being found out.
If you are not sure that your conclusion or bit of advice is correct, seek the truth behind your thoughts. Gather facts and ask questions to ascertain the truth. Do not feel foolish if you say, "I'm not sure, I'll get back to you" rather than give false information to appease someone in the short-term. The long-term consequence may be that you are more foolish trying to explain later and people may not trust your opinion in the future.
Another aspect of satya is correct action. Even if you are doing good deeds, or working toward bettering humanity, if you act untruthfully, the virtue is negated.
Here is an interesting scenario: a couple summers ago, Jay Peak was putting in its new golf course. The resort has made strides in developing the area with respect to water run-off in concurrence with environmental regulations. However, the Summer that they were doing much of the work was a very wet, rainy season. Development of the course was delayed due to the heavy rains. After one very heavy storm, VPIRG sent someone up to test the silt in the brooks around the resort. VPIRG did not alert Jay Peak administration or other state officals and published the results of their tests directly to the media. Although VPIRG's objective is to blow whistles on environmental problems so to better humanity, ask yourself "did they act with satya"?
Yoga Sutra 2.36 states that by being established in truthfulness, the results of your actions will come to you. Some mystically believe that it means once you have become "all-truthful", that all things will come to you without having to seek them. That, of course, is easy for one who has also established themselves firmly in santosha, but I'll get to that later. What this Sutra is telling us is that if we follow an oath on honesty then the truth will follow us. Once the mind becomes true and absent of lies, and right speech and action occur from it, then the True Self is reflected.
A wise person once told me, before you act or speak, ask yourself…
Is it true?
Is it kind (not harmful)?
Is it necessary?
If you answer "no" to any of these questions, you may want to rethink your words or actions.
Many resources refer to "right speech" or "verbal truths." However, like all austerities, satya can be exist in any realm including mental, verbal and physical. If you practice ahimsa, then satya comes easily for you cannot lie without causing harm, inevitably.
Mental satya is truthful or correct thoughts. It means that what you think effects what you say. So be careful of how you remember events. As time passes, the memory fades. Recalling details of what happened yesterday is easier than years ago.
It also means to be careful what you think...for instance about a person. If you stew over an issue with an adversary, you may find yourself thinking of untrue things about that person. If you dwell long enough, you may begin to think those untrue thoughts are correct, and act upon your incorrect thoughts.
This does not mean you can not daydream! Daydreams can be creative thoughts that help you solve problems. Just be aware of the reality of daydreams and keep them true.
Once mental satya is pure, speaking truthfully should come easily. If you always speak the truth, you never have fear that what you said was not true. Even untruths that you think will not hurt anyone, can become larger problems. Think of a "little white lie” as a seed. From it sprouts fear, as the gardener must attend to the lie for fear of being found out.
If you are not sure that your conclusion or bit of advice is correct, seek the truth behind your thoughts. Gather facts and ask questions to ascertain the truth. Do not feel foolish if you say, "I'm not sure, I'll get back to you" rather than give false information to appease someone in the short-term. The long-term consequence may be that you are more foolish trying to explain later and people may not trust your opinion in the future.
Another aspect of satya is correct action. Even if you are doing good deeds, or working toward bettering humanity, if you act untruthfully, the virtue is negated.
Here is an interesting scenario: a couple summers ago, Jay Peak was putting in its new golf course. The resort has made strides in developing the area with respect to water run-off in concurrence with environmental regulations. However, the Summer that they were doing much of the work was a very wet, rainy season. Development of the course was delayed due to the heavy rains. After one very heavy storm, VPIRG sent someone up to test the silt in the brooks around the resort. VPIRG did not alert Jay Peak administration or other state officals and published the results of their tests directly to the media. Although VPIRG's objective is to blow whistles on environmental problems so to better humanity, ask yourself "did they act with satya"?
Yoga Sutra 2.36 states that by being established in truthfulness, the results of your actions will come to you. Some mystically believe that it means once you have become "all-truthful", that all things will come to you without having to seek them. That, of course, is easy for one who has also established themselves firmly in santosha, but I'll get to that later. What this Sutra is telling us is that if we follow an oath on honesty then the truth will follow us. Once the mind becomes true and absent of lies, and right speech and action occur from it, then the True Self is reflected.
A wise person once told me, before you act or speak, ask yourself…
Is it true?
Is it kind (not harmful)?
Is it necessary?
If you answer "no" to any of these questions, you may want to rethink your words or actions.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Thoughts on Ahimsa
Non-harming, not causing pain. Kindness. Thoughtful consideration of others.
Ahimsa is sometimes referred to as non-violence or not killing, but the meaning is deeper and more fundamental than just an act of violence or to end someone’s life. To understand ahimsa (a- “not”, himsa = “harming”) one should first understand himsa.
Ahimsa is sometimes referred to as non-violence or not killing, but the meaning is deeper and more fundamental than just an act of violence or to end someone’s life. To understand ahimsa (a- “not”, himsa = “harming”) one should first understand himsa.
Just as we know there are many types of love, there are many types of himsa. Himsa can be inflicted physically, mentally or verbally and can be direct, indirect or even “approved”. An example of approved himsa could be a political leader ordering an assassination, or a mob encouraging a fight with cheers. There are degrees of himsa from mild to moderate to severe. Sources of himsa can stem from anger, greed, delusion, or misunderstanding.
No matter the source, infliction or severity, the general principle to defining himsa is understanding that the intention to harm another being is wrong and harmful, not just to the intended being, but to the one causing or intending harm. Violence breeds violence. Just as a parent abuses, so the child will abuse. A great analogy of this is the ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. They have fought so long that the generation of young people growing up today only know violence.
This leads to the yoga ideal of ahimsa. By not encouraging or participating in acts of harm, it lessens the amount of harm done in the world. The Yoga Sutra (2.35) states that in the presence of one established in ahimsa, all hostilities cease. Meaning that when a hostile person encounters someone who is firmly rooted in the practice of non-harming, the intention to harm falls away.
Stories of Buddha say that in Buddha’s presence, animals ceased to kill one another. However, as is pointed out by Satchidananda in his translation of the yoga sutras, even a life consumed by the doctrine of ahimsa cannot cure all himsa. Mahtma Ghandi, Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King, Jr--these are some of the most well known, and this Earth’s strongest examples of, peaceful leaders. Even as they encouraged and preached a discipline of non-violence, each was felled by a harmful and violent act.
While we strive to learn and control the complexities of himsa, it must also be understood that it is difficult for people to disengage from himsa. Himsa is a constant, difficult human struggle. Ahimsa thus is an ideal for which to strive for a better life. Desikachar points out that ahimsa is kindness and friendliness. Ahimsa is the thoughtful consideration and attention to other people and things.
It is our karmic duty to lead our lives in a quest for ahimsa. Be aware of your actions and how they inflict harm on others. Be mindful of your thoughts and how they weave a thread of unpleasant ideas in your mind. Choose your words carefully and with the intention of love always, no matter if you encounter a friend or an enemy.
Ahimsa is also acting in kindness to ourselves. We have a responsibility to our Self to eat. Do we abstain from food because our food comes from plants and animals of which we had to kill to consume? We have a responsibility to our Self and our loved ones to protect ourselves. Do we not defend our home if we are in danger? Each situation should have thoughtful consideration.
Practicing ahimsa may not be obvious or acknowledged by those around you, but it will have a quiet, yet profound, impact on your world. If you cultivate a harmful attitude, people will always be ready for a fight and antagonistic when they approach you. But, if people know that you are easy to get along with and will not harm them, they will come to you in friendliness and harmlessness. On this level, the translation of Patanjali's sutra is apparent.
By practicing ahimsa, you offer a non-harmful environment for those around you to enter. It may also help put at ease those who are constantly ready for a fight. If you do not react to their himsa stance, they will become more at ease and thus, hostilities cease.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Yoga Mala
I am finally reading Yoga Mala by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. It gives a brief history of Jois, and an overview of the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga. While reading them, I realized that I have finally memorized the Yamas and NiYamas! So much that I am dreaming about them. :) I've already gone into my thoughts on tapas. I'm going to blog my thoughts about the other sub-limbs over the next few weeks.Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Bramacharya, Aparigraha, Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, Isvara pranidhana.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Barking at the moon
I heard a song on my kid's radio station the other day. I instantly loved it. "Barking at the Moon" by Jenny Lewis on the BOLT soundtrack. It made me want to go see the movie. Today, I took the kids and the song is featured a couple times and it is prominent in the "montage" when the dog's transcendence occurs. It made me cry, not in a sad way, but a good-feeling way. I love the singer's voice, I love the tune. I love the lyrics. It has a powerful message of pure being and happiness.
Barking at the Moon - Jenny Lewis
I have got so much to give, I swear I do.
I may not have nine lives, this one feels brand new.
Yes I've lived a good one. I have tried to be true.
There are some things I never realized, till I met you.
How the wind feels on my cheeks, when I'm barking at the moon.
[Chorus]
There is no home like the one you've got, 'cause that home belongs to you.
Woo Woo! Here I come. Woo Woo! Back to you.
There is no home like the one you've got, 'cause that home belongs to you.
Well I was in trouble, bad. I was so confused.
I may not see in color babe, but I sure can feel blue.
I have been a lot of things, they may not all be true.
My experience was so mysterious, till I met you.
Now the sun may rise in the east, but I'm barking at the moon.
[Chorus]
Barking at the Moon - Jenny Lewis
I have got so much to give, I swear I do.
I may not have nine lives, this one feels brand new.
Yes I've lived a good one. I have tried to be true.
There are some things I never realized, till I met you.
How the wind feels on my cheeks, when I'm barking at the moon.
[Chorus]
There is no home like the one you've got, 'cause that home belongs to you.
Woo Woo! Here I come. Woo Woo! Back to you.
There is no home like the one you've got, 'cause that home belongs to you.
Well I was in trouble, bad. I was so confused.
I may not see in color babe, but I sure can feel blue.
I have been a lot of things, they may not all be true.
My experience was so mysterious, till I met you.
Now the sun may rise in the east, but I'm barking at the moon.
[Chorus]
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Impatience
With the holidays coming, and the bad weather, I feel like everyone is being very impatient. Driving around, people are in a hurry--should not be with the bad weather. Trying to get in and out of shops with two kids, people have no patience for us. I feel like I have more patience than everyone else today.
Sometimes, with my kids, I am most impatient. Esp trying to get them up in time for school, or get all of their winter gear on. They are the ones with whom I should have the most patience. But I seem to give everyone else the benefit of the doubt, instead of them. I need to have MORE patience with everyone.
Sometimes, with my kids, I am most impatient. Esp trying to get them up in time for school, or get all of their winter gear on. They are the ones with whom I should have the most patience. But I seem to give everyone else the benefit of the doubt, instead of them. I need to have MORE patience with everyone.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Passing of Elmo
My son received a TMX Elmo a couple years ago. My younger son is afraid of it. No matter how we try, he fears Elmo to the point that Elmo was put away for ever. My husband said to sell it.
Last week, I saw a man and woman with their toddler son at Wal-Mart. They were showing their toddler an Elmo doll and talking about getting it, but it was too costly. I overheard, and went over. "We have one if you want it," I said. They looked at me funny, then I explained the situation. I repeated, "It is used, but if you want it, you can have it." I gave her my card.
The next day, an email from her. Yes, they would love to have it. We arranged it, and today I passed the giddy, rolling, annoying Elmo off to family that could give him a wonderful home.
Only after did I realize that was fulfilling an "assignment" from Kathy, to donate something.
Last week, I saw a man and woman with their toddler son at Wal-Mart. They were showing their toddler an Elmo doll and talking about getting it, but it was too costly. I overheard, and went over. "We have one if you want it," I said. They looked at me funny, then I explained the situation. I repeated, "It is used, but if you want it, you can have it." I gave her my card.
The next day, an email from her. Yes, they would love to have it. We arranged it, and today I passed the giddy, rolling, annoying Elmo off to family that could give him a wonderful home.
Only after did I realize that was fulfilling an "assignment" from Kathy, to donate something.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Samadhi Saturday Session
The last of the eight limbs of yoga: Samadhi. Bliss. Contemplation. Nirvana? Enlightenment? It may be described as, "a state of spiritual ecstasy in which the mental consciousness leaves the physical body."
When I arrived at our session, Kathy was explaining the koshas (more notes on koshas from August). When you experience the anandamayakosha, it is pure bliss.
More than half of the people in the room were furiously scribbling notes. Another third had notebooks open, some words written. The rest were listening, a few with eyes closed. I quietly listened. I thought about how far I had come in my training. In eight months, the terms were becoming familiar enough so that I knew I had notes and research on the topics already.
There are several schools of thought on samadhi.
After lunch we broke up into groups and discussed moments in our lives where we felt samadhi or recognized a blissful moment. Here are a few that I mentioned:
We closed today's session with a few assists of Downdog, Uttkatasana, and Virabadrasana I and II. And OMing 12 times (using finger joints to count.)
When I arrived at our session, Kathy was explaining the koshas (more notes on koshas from August). When you experience the anandamayakosha, it is pure bliss.
More than half of the people in the room were furiously scribbling notes. Another third had notebooks open, some words written. The rest were listening, a few with eyes closed. I quietly listened. I thought about how far I had come in my training. In eight months, the terms were becoming familiar enough so that I knew I had notes and research on the topics already.
There are several schools of thought on samadhi.
- There is the idea that it takes many lifetimes of good deeds and spiritual dedication to experience samadhi-as in Buddhist thought.
- Then there is the idea that anyone, anywhere, can experience samadhi. It can be spontaneous.
- A level of samadhi the removes all koshas that which a saint will go into for a very long time, several days or weeks, even. They can not function, therefore rely on others to take care of them.
- A level of "walking samadhi" where a person in a state of enlightenment is still aware of other koshas, and using them.
- Circadian samadhi is the level where everyone experiences a few minutes of thought cessation, IE "blank out" and can't remember what just happened. You weren't really taking in any new info, just your physical body was existing.
- Yamas (moral codes)
- Ahimsa (non-harming)
- Asteya (non-stealing)
- Aparigraha (non-hoarding, non-greediness)
- Satya (truthfulness)
- Brahmacharya (celibacy) - Niyamas (self-discipline)
- Saucha (purity, cleanliness)
- Santosha (contentment)
- Svadyaya (self-study)
- Tapas (heat, endurance of extremes)
- Isvara pranidana (devotion to the divine) - Asana (postures)
- Pranayama (breath/life-force control)
- Pratyahara (sense withdrawl)
- Dharana (concentration)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (mental bliss)
After lunch we broke up into groups and discussed moments in our lives where we felt samadhi or recognized a blissful moment. Here are a few that I mentioned:
- Driving for several hours, "blanking out" in the sense that you think "huh, I know I was driving, but not sure what I was just thinking about and now I am further down the road than I thought."
- Once, while getting a massage, I tried meditating during it, focusing on my meditation image (a flame on a white candle in the dark) and realizing that I lost moments while the masseuse went from my feet to my head.
- Being caught on a boat in a storm and focusing totally on getting to safety. The adrenaline rush after was blissful or a sort.
- Being ina high-intensity sport like climbing.
- Imagine water, or floating in water
- A running mantra
- Airline takeoff mantra (to overcome fear of flying)
- Name 5 people who you think may have experienced samadhi
- Name 5 people who influenced your spiritual path
- Read a book (as mentioned before like an autobiography, an ancient text)
- Eat in the dark
- Find out the name of someone that does a service for you (like the mailman, garbage collector)
- Donate food, clothing or something to the needy
We closed today's session with a few assists of Downdog, Uttkatasana, and Virabadrasana I and II. And OMing 12 times (using finger joints to count.)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thoughts on Tapas
I've been trying to understand the concept of tapas since I started learning the eight limbs of yoga. Tapas seems to have many definitions from "asceticism" to "heat". But the meaning is more about accepting extreme discomfort to purify the body, mind and spirit.
When things such as metals are heated, they are purified. We say that heating the body causes sweat which helps expel toxins from the body. This is a form of physical tapas.
People generally do things that are pleasant or want things that make them feel good. These can become addictions when it begins to cause cravings or you begin to let them control your actions. When a person has an addiction (for me it is chocolate, but for sake of discussion let use cigarettes), they must use tapas to control the addiction. You must control your lust--don't pick up the cigarette--which brings you discomfort of the mind. It can be very difficult for some people who are "weak-minded" to control. Sometimes, they use shortcuts to control the lust, like a nicotine patch. But this is not a true form of tapas because the pleasure is still existing through the drug. To truly "burn" the craving, one must overcome the addition by enduring mental anguish.
A spiritual form of tapas--I have a harder time defining this one. I think an example of spiritual tapas would be the story of the Jews' Exodus from Egypt. Being persecuted for your spiritual beliefs, enduring the painful journey to find a home and live peacefully. For me, a spiritual tapas is just finding the time to devote to divine things, or even find a spiritual teacher! It is easy for me to just forget or do other things. I must force myself to focus on the aspect of spirituality. I wrote earlier that I am having a hard time defining God. I can not put it into succinct words, but I think I have a clear feeling of God. However, because I disagree with rules of most organized religions, it is very hard to find a spiritual leader.
I've wandered a bit from defining tapas. But, it's good to think on these things.
When things such as metals are heated, they are purified. We say that heating the body causes sweat which helps expel toxins from the body. This is a form of physical tapas.
People generally do things that are pleasant or want things that make them feel good. These can become addictions when it begins to cause cravings or you begin to let them control your actions. When a person has an addiction (for me it is chocolate, but for sake of discussion let use cigarettes), they must use tapas to control the addiction. You must control your lust--don't pick up the cigarette--which brings you discomfort of the mind. It can be very difficult for some people who are "weak-minded" to control. Sometimes, they use shortcuts to control the lust, like a nicotine patch. But this is not a true form of tapas because the pleasure is still existing through the drug. To truly "burn" the craving, one must overcome the addition by enduring mental anguish.
A spiritual form of tapas--I have a harder time defining this one. I think an example of spiritual tapas would be the story of the Jews' Exodus from Egypt. Being persecuted for your spiritual beliefs, enduring the painful journey to find a home and live peacefully. For me, a spiritual tapas is just finding the time to devote to divine things, or even find a spiritual teacher! It is easy for me to just forget or do other things. I must force myself to focus on the aspect of spirituality. I wrote earlier that I am having a hard time defining God. I can not put it into succinct words, but I think I have a clear feeling of God. However, because I disagree with rules of most organized religions, it is very hard to find a spiritual leader.
I've wandered a bit from defining tapas. But, it's good to think on these things.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thankful
Today, and every day,
I am Thankful for my health.
I am Thankful for my two sons--I am Thankful that they are happy and healthy.
I am Thankful for my husband. I am Thankful for his love, attention to me and the boys and him being vigilant in our life and well-being.
I am Thankful for a home and food.
I am Thankful for all those who Lived before me and the divine of the universe that has brought me time experiencing Life.
I am Thankful for my health.
I am Thankful for my two sons--I am Thankful that they are happy and healthy.
I am Thankful for my husband. I am Thankful for his love, attention to me and the boys and him being vigilant in our life and well-being.
I am Thankful for a home and food.
I am Thankful for all those who Lived before me and the divine of the universe that has brought me time experiencing Life.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Dhyana Saturday Session
I am on vacation. I am missing today's Saturday session, but will make it up next year! I hope everyone enjoyed learning about Dhyana, the limb of yoga covering meditation. Om Shanti.
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