What does it mean to move from selfishness to selflessness?

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are considering what it mean to move from selfishness to selflessness.

Those who are selfless rejoice here and rejoice there; they rejoice wherever they go. They rejoice and delight in the good they have done.

-The Buddha

When we live for others, we'll find we are less oppressed by the natural changeability of life. Instead of wanting, even demanding, that everything go our way, we'll feel at peace when everything is going everybody else's way. In other words, we will be less likely to get discouraged or depressed by the normal ups and downs of life.

And when we are able to function freely in all the varied relationships and vicissitudes of life, we will gradually find an inner certitude that we are equal to every challenge. Then, just because somebody is agitated, we won't be afraid. Just because someone is unfavorably disposed towards us, we will not get diffident or annoyed. The Buddha says these outward changes of fortune can never affect our joy, which is permanent.

Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran

The homework is to witness the process you go through getting your own way. Then experiment with witnessing the process of letting go of getting your own way. Ask yourself where the balance is in-between the two. What does it mean to move from selfishness to selflessness?

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
417 NE Birch St., Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994

www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003