The fifth yama Aparigraha......

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are aconsidering the fifth yama Aparigraha.

The best, like water,
Benefit all and do not compete.
They dwell in lowly spots that everyone else scorns.
Putting others before themselves,
They find themselves in the foremost place
And come very near to the Tao.

-Lao Tzu

In today's competitive climate, often those who are aggressive about imposing their will on others are labeled "successful." But the accomplishments of such people are often sadly short-lived, while the damage they do themselves and others can be far-reaching. When competitiveness is excessive, we end up offending others, feeling offended, and lashing back, and that undoes everything worthwhile we might achieve.

People who do not compete, on the other hand, seldom get upset when life goes against them. They do not try to impose their way on others, or get agitated or depressed or defensive when people hold different views.

Gandhi was an excellent example of this. It is said that he was at his best when he was criticized; it made him even more respectful and compassionate, and made him reach deeper into himself to find new ways of explaining his stand.

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

The homework is to consider the fifth yama Aparigraha. Aparigraha is found in verse II.39 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Aparigraha can be translated as non-covetousness and/or greedlessness. The challenge is to understand what motivates our greedy behavior. Whatever we hold on to - Yoga poses, possessions, attitudes - will one day all be lost and they will never satisfy your cravings. Consider Aparigraha in the light of the fact that we are already whole.

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