Monday, April 23, 2012

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

Monday, April 9, 2012

Tapas again....

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are again considering Tapas.

We are not holier or higher for the outward works that we do. Truly God that is the beholder of the heart rewards the will more than the deed. The deeds truly hang on the will, not the will on the deeds.

- Richard Rolle

It is because we don't have any real challenge in life that we do not grow to our real height. We need a challenge that is worthy of our capacities, and making money, if I may say so, is not much of a challenge. Neither is becoming famous or achieving power; and as for pleasure, challenge is conspicuous by its absence.

But becoming rich in personal relationships, learning to return love for hatred, being always aware of the unity of life, these things are the most difficult achievements on the face of the earth. Only when we see a person who has accomplished such feats do we begin to glimpse the heights a human being can attain. This is our real stature, and no matter what our problems or liabilities, every one of us can attain these heights through regular, enthusiastic spiritual practice.

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

The homework is to consider the third Niyama or Tapas. Tapas is defined as austerity and discipline. Some mystics write that anything that you stay disciplined with leads to spirituality. See if you can bring Tapas to something you consider good and focus on this goodness until it becomes a habit.

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

Monday, April 2, 2012

Love, eagerness and enthusiasm towards your practices.....

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are considering the practice of Tapas.

As butter lies hidden within milk,
The Self is hidden in the hearts of all.
Churn the mind through meditation on it;
Light your fire through meditation on it:
The Self, all whole, all peace, all certitude.

- Amritabindu Upanishad

Meditation enables us to understand the teachings of the scriptures and apply them in our daily life. It is meditation that reveals the inner Self dwelling in all things.

But the practice of meditation is like a long journey: some days we make wonderful progress, and others we seem barely able to go one step. Like a veteran traveler who knows the road, when we gain a little experience of the benefits, we'll look forward to our meditation period. We'll sit down for meditation with eagerness and enthusiasm each day.

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

The homework is to consider the third Niyama or Tapas. Tapas is defined as austerity and discipline. Consider how you can apply Tapas to your own Yoga practices. Find out through your own experiences if you can bring a commitment born of Love to your practice of Yoga. When you have been consistent in your Love, eagerness and enthusiasm towards your practices then you are indeed practicing tapas.

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