Greetings Yogis and
Yoginis,
This week in class
we will be exploring Pratyahara.
When thoughts
arise, then do all things arise. When thoughts vanish, then do all things
vanish.
– Huang Po
When meditation
deepens, and the thinking process slows down, we will find that we don't have
to think all the time. It sounds simple, even scary, but it is a mighty
achievement that yields unimaginable peace. Thoughts are no longer compulsive.
Just as we turn the
key in the ignition of our car when we want to go somewhere, we should be able
to find the ignition switch in our own mind. When we want to think
constructively we switch the mind on and drive all the way to Los Angeles without any detours or
breakdowns. Anger is a breakdown. Resentment is a protracted detour that often
makes us forget our original travel plan entirely and then leaves us out of gas
in the middle of nowhere. But when we know where to find the ignition switch,
we can start the mind out in Seattle on
Interstate 5 and drive straight through to Los Angeles . We have a wonderful trip, and
when we arrive and our project is completed, we switch the mind off and let it
rest. There may be a certain pleasure in
letting the mind wander, but for how long? What the spiritual teacher asks us
is simple: Don't you want to decide your destination? And don't you want to get
there with your body still healthy and your mind at peace?
Words to Live By:
Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is
to consider the fifth stage of Yoga, Pratyahara, or the withdrawal and
emancipation from the senses. Pratyahara
is the transition from the external world to the internal world, to turn the
senses inward toward the soul. In the
words of BKS Iyengar, “Here lies the true role of Pratyahara… It is the friend
who releases you from the snares of the external world, and leads you towards
happiness in the delight of the soul.
Observe how the practice of Pratyahara can direct you away from thinking
all of the time and help encourage a meditative state.
References:
Light on Yoga and Light on the Yoga Sutras, by BKS
Iyengar, Yoga: A Gem for Women, by
Geeta Iyengar
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
info@rushingwateryoga.com
Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal,
and Vancouver Washington
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