Greetings Yogis and
Yoginis,
This week in class we are considering the process of witnessing the "mind stuff" and directing our attention.
This week in class we are considering the process of witnessing the "mind stuff" and directing our attention.
Thoughts of
themselves have no substance; let them arise and pass away unheeded. Thoughts
will not take form of themselves, unless they are grasped by the attention; if
they are ignored, there will be no appearing and no disappearing.
– Ashvaghosha
Life is a kind of
play in which we are called upon to play our part with skill. But in meditation
we are sometimes more like the audience, while our thoughts are the actors. If
we could go backstage, we could see all the actor-thoughts getting made up.
Anger is there putting on his long fangs. Fear is rattling his chains. Jealousy
is admiring herself in the mirror and smearing on green mascara.
Now, these
thought-actors are like actors and actresses everywhere: they thrive on a
responsive audience. When Jealousy comes out on stage and we sit forward on our
seats, she really puts on a show. But on the other hand, what happens if nobody
comes to see the performance?
No actor likes to
play to an empty house. If they're real professionals, they might give their
best for a couple of nights, but after that they're bound to get a little
slack. Jealousy doesn't bother with her makeup any more; who's going to admire
it? Anger throws away his fangs. Fear puts away his chains. Whom can they
impress? Finally, the whole cast gives it up as a bad job and goes home.
In other words,
when you can direct attention, your thinking will never be compulsive again.
Words to Live By:
Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is
to cultivate the practice of Pratyahara - the refinement or the withdrawal of
the senses and combine this practice with dharana - one pointed concentration
and learn to be a witness to the "mind stuff". These two limbs of Yoga prepare us for the
meditative state - Dhyana - that will guide us in directing our attention in
meaningful ways.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington
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