Greetings Sadhakas,
This week in class
we are exploring the fifth Niyama, Isvara Pranidhana. Translated as dedication
to humanity or surrender to God.
No man is an
island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the
main.
- John
Donne
The unity
underlying life is so complete and pervasive that when we inflict suffering on
the smallest creature, we injure the whole. When we refrain from habits that
harm others, when we take up jobs that relieve suffering, when we work to put
an end to anger and separateness, we strengthen the whole.
There is nothing
more important in life than learning to express this unity in all our
relationships. Violence, war, and insensitivity to our fellow creatures are
external manifestations of the disunity in our consciousness. When we begin to
practice spiritual disciplines, right from the first day, however slowly, we
begin to transform our character, conduct, and consciousness. When the
divisiveness which has been agitating us and making life difficult begins to
mend, we get immediate evidence in our daily life. Our health improves,
long-standing personal conflicts subside, our mind becomes clearer, and a sense
of security and well-being follows us wherever we go.
Words to Live By:
Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to review the fifth Niyama,
Isvara Pranidhana. Translated as dedication to humanity or surrender to God. To
practice Isvara Pranidhana is to dedicate all that you do in life towards
humanity. It is an act of surrender whereby we allow the universe to unfold as
it is without our judgment or interference. When we surrender to the path of
yoga, we leave behind our earthly desires and attachments. Learn for yourself
if dedicating all your actions to humanity allows for the reflection of your
own divinity and to bringing more healing, health and growth to our world.
References:
Light on Yoga and Light on the Yoga Sutras, by BKS Iyengar ,
The Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali, by Chip
Hartranft, The Yoga Sutras of
Patanjali, by Sri Swami Satchidananda, and The Essence of Yoga, Bernard Bouanchaud
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
360.834.5994
www.rushingwateryoga.com
Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington
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