The Sutras
I am reading a book called True Yoga by a fellow yoga therapist, Jennie Lee. It’s great and has gotten me to thinking about the roots of yoga and the yoga sutras, so while I study the sutras once again, I thought I’d bring some of what I am learning and considering to my readers.
I have read many books on the sutras (my first for 200 hour training was The Sutras of Patanjali) but so far I am really enjoying this one. It breaks it down into little pieces and is very relatable and understandable and much of the original sutras are a little hard to grasp. It’s one of the reasons yogi’s continue to read and study the sutras for a lifetime. It’s kind of like reading the bible, no matter how many times you have read it, you always find something new that stands out, that slaps you in the face and says “pay attention!”
The sutras, like the bible are Holy texts of Buddhism that are written of the Buddhas teachings. Like the bible the Buddhas teachings were handed down to disciples who gathered in council to organize the teachings into a book that outline the eight limbs of yoga. And guess what, it’s more than just physical postures and breath, it is a way of life and encases the guidance and wisdom of living a purposeful life. (Just like the bible). And in my opinion, there are extreme similarities, which I love. My always questioning mind, loves to compare faith’s and find these similarities and the different ways humans choose to decipher the wisdom.
The eight limbs of yoga teach the path to purifying the body and mind that leads to bliss, or oneness with God, you guessed it, much like the bible!
The 8 limbs are:
Yamas- ethical guidelines
Niyamas- disciplines
Asana- postures/movement
Pranayam- breath/lifeforce
Pratayahara- withdrawal of the senses
Dharana-concentration
Dhyana-contemplation
Samadhi-enlightenment/oneness with Divine
I encourage you to pick up a book of the Sutras and give it a try. READERS NOTE: If you are of a certain faith (and have an open mind) you will find as I did, the similarities and not feel like reading this material will smote you to hell nor convert you to Buddhism. It is simply knowledge and education on living your best life. The first of the Yamas or ethical standards we should all live by for consideration. Here is my take on Ahimsa, the first yama.
AHIMSA
Ahimsa means peace or non-violence. It is the intention to practice finding peace among or despite chaos and frustration and conflict. And don’t we all, as humans, have some experience daily with that? So how do we keep the peace despite differences? First it is to practice mindfulness. To sit quietly, without reaction, and watch our own emotional reactions rise and CHOOSE not to react. Yes, reaction is a choice. Most of us live in compulsiveness. We react without thinking. We speak without thinking. And believe me, I am guilty! This is, and will be a lifelong practice for me. Our thoughts determine our actions. What you think in your mind, often leads to words on the tongue, to pointing fingers, to expressing blame.
I challenge you this day, week, or even month, to practice mindfulness that leads to peace in your heart and peace on this earth. And it is SIMPLE!
-Smile at someone who is rude to you with a peaceful thought in your mind and send it their way.
-Express genuine gratitude towards all things, even the things that are bullshit and you wish you didn’t have to deal with. I promise with some mindfulness, there is a lesson in there that you are to learn.
-Forgive someone, especially yourself.
-Practice patience with someone who is driving you batshit.
-Put down your phone, computer, the remote and really frickin listen to someone. (Even if it’s your 12 year old who only wants to talk about video games).
