Greetings Sadhakas,
This week in class
we will be exploring the fifth Yama, Aparigraha - non-covetousness or
greedlessness.
O God! make me
busy with Thee, that they may not make me busy with them.
– Rabia
Let me continue
with the story of the woodpecker. Once our red-turbaned chap had checked out
possible areas for working, he settled down at what looked like a solid, unyielding
spot and started pecking away rhythmically. He didn't just give a peck or two
and then fly off in search of a worm, not to return for half an hour. He went
on pecking systematically, with sustained enthusiasm, until he was done. I was
amazed at his dexterity. When he had finished, he left such a large hole that
if he had gone on, I have no doubt the entire tree would have fallen.
That is the kind of
work required to transform personality. For a long time, all we are doing in meditation
is pecking away at what we want to change in ourselves. At best it is tedious;
often it is downright painful. The problem is that we identify ourselves with
the accumulation of habits and opinions, likes and dislikes, which we have
developed over the years. We think this is who we are, and are not prepared to
let it die.
Words to Live By:
Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is
to consider the fifth Yama, Aparigraha - non-covetousness or
greedlessness. Write down some of the habits and opinions, likes and dislikes that
you identify with. Apply the
practice of Aparigraha and pick one or two from each group and work to
"let them die".
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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